What is it that a delver seeks? Many don't devote enough thought to this question, because there are several answers, not all of them financial. Of course, the main fiscal return of any delve is cores and valuable monster components, that goes without saying. By defeating monsters and harvesting these rare and desirable items, a delver is able to sell these back to their mercenary company or guild and earn their pay, through which they support themselves, this much is obvious.
What many fail to consider, is the other, less tangible objectives of delvers. Experience is a massive motivator and goal for all mercenaries who delve. Improving their Skills, gaining levels, upgrading their Class. Despite not being of direct financial benefit, they are absolutely crucial for the success and prosperity of mercenaries in the future. With more power, they are safer, able to deliver more reliably, and crucially, able to operate in smaller crews, which means a larger share of the profits.
Lower levelled mercenaries will sign onto expeditions and volunteer for a lower cut if they can negotiate a higher share of the experience. This means they'll do the bulk of the fighting, for a smaller reward, but in doing so, they are attempting to set themselves up for the future.
The other intangible, and possibly even more rewarding, sought after benefit is reputation. The most dangerous, and therefore the most profitable jobs, are only open to those who have proved they can deliver.
These are the contracts that delvers hunger for. Delivering on even one such job can allow them to retire in luxury. One big monster kill, even divided over a crew of fifty to a hundred, can deliver such rare and valuable rewards that the mercenary is effectively set for life.
When a big contract comes up, there is never a shortage of brave hands willing to take the risk.
- Excerpt from "Society and the Dungeon" by Antuar
Rillik took a long, slow pull on his pipe as he beheld his crew. The three were young, but surprisingly seasoned for their age. Elly, Lacos and Drake had worked exceptionally hard over the past few years, enough to build a solid rep that got their foot in the door.
Being able to take on the big jobs. It was a first for them, a heady experience, being able to sit at the grown-up table. Rillik was an old hand, he'd been here many times before, which was exactly why he was so wary.
"This contract has a tricky odour," the golgari rumbled.
Drake rolled his eyes, while Elly stood a bit straighter.
"Exactly!" she declared. "The whole thing stinks all the way to the surface. I said it, Rillik agrees, let's abandon it and move on with our lives."
"He didn't say that," Lacos noted patiently. "Let the man finish his thought."
Rillik nodded.
"It's too good a job to pass up," he said, "but we will need to be cautious."
A piece of paper with the extended details sat on the table between them and he reached out to tap it with one thick, ore-covered finger.
"There's a lot here that wasn't in the initial listing, which likely means information is still coming in. Last minute additions aren't welcome to folks like us. Once we get out there, there's not many crews that would turn around and go back after learning that the situation's shifted. That's a trap that too many mercs fall into."
He took another slow pull before he puffed the smoke out again.
"Most crews are going to give up any intention of hunting the big one from the beginning, which is smart. Despite that, I still anticipate a group of thirty or forty will assemble to take a swipe at the prize. I want to make it clear to everyone here and now that we aren't going to be part of it. No matter how good it looks, we aren't going. Clear?"
"Are you sure about that?" Drake said. "If we confirm the monster is still asleep when we arrive…."
The young human tried to hide his frustration, but it leaked through in his voice. He wanted this job, he wanted the big kill. Rillik cut him off harshly.
"No," he rumbled, glaring. "Anyone who tries to assault that beast is off my crew immediately. I don't even care if you succeed. I'll gladly give up a fortune to have an idiot off of my team. There's not enough information to justify the risk, end of story."
He stared down the other two, just to make sure they understood how serious he was, then eyeballed Drake until the man settled.
"Good. Now, my contacts in the Guild are saying that an expedition is going to ship out soon. There'll be almost five hundred mercs in the train, and we are going to be part of it."
Drake balled his hands into fists as excitement washed over his face. Elly looked grumpy, but nodded her acceptance. Lacos' face barely changed.
"Our aim is to hang back and pick off what we can after assessing the situation. We have a big enough cash reserve that we can afford to return empty handed if I decide the job is too risky. It'll mean taking on scut-work for a couple weeks to keep us in the black, but I'd rather be alive grinding trash than dead."
He eyed the others one more time before he pounded the table once with his massive fist.
"Good. It's decided. Get your things together and meet me back here in two hours. We will set out to the union building, sign up officially for the expedition and secure our place. It leaves in roughly five hours, so there isn't much time. No dawdling. That means you, Elly."
"Fine…."