Kavel Gets Help - Introducing Lawyer, Martin T. Meretoric

Questions at the City Watch

“And it was a large fella. Goliath by the name of Kavel ‘Smashy Hands’ Castiron that broke in the door?” Asked the half-elf in the shiny suit.

The City Watch member on duty clarified to the well-dressed, but flamboyant looking half-elf, “he pulverised it. Big man, he is.”

The suited man opened his briefcase and took out a notebook and quill, “You have an address for him? And the owner of the property?”

“Yeah, Kavel currently stays at the Dragon. He has previously mentioned he can be found at Fort Ettin, too. Is Kavel in any trouble, Mr. Meretoric?” The duty watch member had seen Kavel cleaning up trouble for the City Watch. Not causing it. “And the owner of the property is a couple, the Northums. They own a lot of house rentals in the city.”

“No. Mr. Castiron is not in trouble as such. I just have a few questions for him. The City Council is taking greater interest in how adventurers go about their business within the city. That’s all. Although, if Mr. Castiron knew any; window makers, cleaning services or doormakers then that would be good for him.”

“Well actually, I think Detective Derthaad, who has adventured with him a number of times, did mention Kavel’s been learning how to use woodcarving tools,” the duty officer helpfully remembered.

“You don’t say? Thank you for your time officier. Good day.”

“Goodbye Mr. Meretoric.”


Meeting at the Town Hall

Kavel had received a note that he was expected at the Town Hall at noon. The City Council apparently wanted to talk to him about his recent adventure within the city, which involved him smashing someone’s front door. Not to mention the business in the cellar.

Kavel was making his way to the Town Hall. He was on route to get there early, as he usually does. Before he got within reach of the Town Hall’s entrance, a smartly dressed, male half-elf with a briefcase shouted his name from in front of the door:

“Mr. Castiron?!”

Martin walked to meet Kavel where he was.

“Yes.” Kavel confirmed.

Martin looked up at the goliath, who stood about a foot and a half taller than him, and gave him a polite smile.

“Mr. Castiron, I take it you got my message. I’m Martin Terrence Meretoric. Have you heard of the Northums?

“No.”

“Well. They are property owners here in the city, and I understand from speaking to the City Watch that you were responsible for breaking down the front door to one of their properties. Is that correct?”

“Yes. That was me,” Kavel was about to leave his answer at that, but he continued, “ I am sorry I had to break the door to gain entrance. I understand that maybe the City Council provides compensation for adventuring collateral.”

Kavel, surprisingly anticipated where Mr. Meretoric was going.

“I’m afraid the situation’s a little more complicated than that Mr. Castiron. You see, the landlords have engaged the services of a civil law advocate. But, I’m here to represent you as your law advocate, and I’m gonna make sure their advocate doesn’t try and extort you. How about I get you a tea or coffee over there,” Martin pointed out the nearest cafe, “and I’ll see what I can do for you?”


Conversation at the Cafe

Sat outside, Martin was coming to the end of explaining the situation to Kavel, “And so you see Kavel, because it wasn't an official adventuring hire, you kinda acted like you were a member of the City Watch. The dead elf in the cellar? It looks like it’s all your fault there’s a big mess in the Northum’s property. Now, the Northum’s have building insurance, and it covers theft, so that’s good for the Northum’s but the insurance company is gonna try and compensate themselves by charging you for the bill. And let me tell you - they like to inflate their prices. Believe me, I’ve seen this happen a lot.”

“I see.” Kavel replied in his stoic way.

But, Kavel didn’t quite see. What’s more, he wasn’t sure why only he was here, and not Glint and also Kelne. More importantly, where was Tayz? Tayz was responsible for breaking the upstairs window. But, Martin had an answer for this:

“Well, though I’m sure your adventuring allies would confirm they were there too, as I was saying about the dead moon-elf, the wounds on his body look like strong fingers tore him apart. Now you say the metal sculpture did that, and I believe you; I’m on your side, but anyone can claim a metal sculpture came to life and tore someone apart. But, when it's known that there was an impressively strong goliath like you at the scene who’s already admitted to pulverising the front door; you look culpable for the mess in the basement too - not your ‘comrades’, as you put it, just you.”

Now Kavel got it.

“This is not fair. How much does the insurer want?” Kavel asked Martin.

Martin retrieved his notebook from his briefcase, “here, I wrote the figure here. No invoice yet.”

Martin showed Kavel where in his notebook he had earlier written, ‘60gp compensation to pay for the structural repairs and cleaning, pertaining to 1x front door, 1x upstairs window, 1x basement’.

“I know buddy. It really sucks when it’s not on your employer’s bill. You gotta be careful going on self-made adventures. That’s why people like me sometimes join adventurers as adventuring advocates. It’s not unusual when the employer is loaded; they like to make sure any damage claims against the adventurers do not exceed what actually took place.”

“So, you are an adventurer, too?” Kavel’s interest was piqued.

“In a manner of speaking. I recently came to Kantas. I’ve got a room in Fort Ettin, much like yourself, or so I’ve heard,” Martin told Kavel.

“Good. I guess I can trust you now, knowing that I may run into you at the Fort and maybe on adventures.”

Kavel was indeed pleased with what Martin had told him. “Okay. 60gp. Can something be done about this?”

“Well. I think I can get it down to 30gp, if you agree, as a gesture of goodwill, you replace the door yourself, which for anyone else might be 15gp, but I understand you are a burgeoning woodcarver, am I correct?”

“I am,” Kavel responded. Pleased that Mr. Meretoric knew.

“So for you it will cost your time - sure - but only what, 2gp in material cost? That’s if you make the door - oh and frame, you did a number to the frame too, big guy. Would you be happy with this deal, Mr Castiron? A little of your time and labour, but half the cost the insurer is asking? And no more legal nonsense. What do you say? Can I make this happen for you?”

Kavel considered it for a second, “sure. It sounds best. To put a positive spin on things, I can put my woodcarving talent to good use. Good practice too. Thank you Mr. Meretoric. Yes, please, make this happen.”

“Done,” Martin assured Kavel.

“And please, call me Kavel.”

“Sure thing Kavel,” and Martin extended his comparatively small hand towards Kavel as they reached out to shake hands.

Kavel was not impressed with the grip strength he felt on the other side of the handshake, but he could recognise it was firm for a more regular sized humanoid. Kavel was impressed with the effort.

“Some grip you got there big guy! And you can call me Martin, Marty or MT. My middle name is Terrence.”

“Thank you, comrade MT. When you get me the invoice for 30gp, I’ll pay you straight away. Thank you very much.”

“Don’t mention it, big fella. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go get this sorted with the advocate for the Northums and the insurer, too.”


The Day Before at the Northum’s Residence…

“Do you really think it’s necessary to see what compensation can be sought from the goliath? The building insurer will cover the costs. And, it seems like this Kavel person may have stopped something that could have gotten very out of control. Don’t you think, Mr. Meretoric?” asked Mrs. Northum, showing some concern for the adventurer.

“Absolutely Mrs Northum. Now I appreciate very much your concern for Mr. Castiron. He sounds like an upstanding citizen and a helluva adventurer. But, if you don’t let me intervene, I guarantee you the insurer will try and mug him for all he’s worth. By hiring me, you’re doing Mr. Castiron a big favour.” Or so Martin pitched.

“Mr. Meretoric makes a good point, my dear. Don’t you think we should allow him to represent us? As he’s said, he’ll help reduce Mr. Castiron’s liability, and have his own payment come out of the insurer’s costs,” Mr Northum asked his wife.

“Yes, I suppose this is best. Very well Mr. Meretoric. Please represent us as our advocate. I do so hope Mr. Castiron can get himself an advocate though.” Mrs Northum said to Martin.

Martin looked from Mrs. Northum and back to Mr. Northum, “I wouldn’t worry. I’m sure he’ll have a good advocate from Fort Etin. I’m sure his advocate and I will be able to sort things out. Now, if you could show me the insurer’s estimate, I can bring this to Mr. Castiron.”

Mr. Northum brought the insurer’s estimate to show Martin. Martin scanned to the bottom of the page until he found the total estimate.

Martin traced his finger along the total estimate, and said, “Oh. 15gp. Very good.”