OOC<br/>@Folks, everyone has not posted, but I have gotten enough grist that I'm going to post now.  Would you mind letting me know OOC if I'm rushing things?<br/>IMO, the PC posts so far have opened up several interesting issues - the simple one is tea or coffee (and where it comes from).  The more complex and nuanced one is rewards and or slavery.<br/><br/>What I had intended as merely a transition scene brings up some interesting issues.<br/><br/>Maslov hierarchy.  From the bottom of the hierarchy upwards, the needs are: physiological (food and clothing), safety (job security), love and belonging needs (friendship), esteem, and self-actualization.<br/><br/><hr/><div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/01/2f/92/012f92557e0fcb39b7eebd212ab149a8.jpg)</div>"Ah yes, Tea or Coffee.  I had forgotten what drives mortals." Prime raised their metal hand and snapped their fingers twice, the imperious act consistent with metallic hand.  "Coffee and Tea for my Champions."  A pair of urns and crude pottery cups come floating out of an alcove.  On closer examination, two unseen servants carry the pots and mugs.  The unseen servants pause in front of Prime as she heats the pots and infuses them with magic. With a final flourish of magic, she inscribed T on one pot and C on the other.<br/><br/>She tells the group,<strong>"Partake of your beverage of choice."</strong>The unseen servants stand waiting for the party members to partake of their beverage of choice.<br/><br/>Prime gave Korha a long look,<strong>"Your former master, the Wizard, abused you. The scar on your face is merely a shadow of the deeper scars on your soul.  Should you so desire it, I can heal the scar on your face.  However, it will take more to heal the scars of your soul.  I suspect you think as poorly of me as you do of him. I have kidnapped you, at least from your perspective.  Now, I am about to coerce you into helping me."</strong><br/><br/><strong>"Now you are a sellsword.  For now, think of me as your employer - hopefully a kind and generous one.  However,  I could be more."</strong>Prime's voice trailed off a bit,<strong>"So much more."</strong><br/><br/>Prime shifted to take in the whole group, although her gaze fell on Drip.  She laughed, and her voice got low and rumbling,<strong>"Hatred.  How delicious.  It's been so long since I have had anyone who would openly hate me.  I think you are going to be fun."</strong>I think you are going to be delicious.  Prime licked her lips.<br/><br/><strong>"But back to business.  Everyone, slave or not," </strong>She glanced at Korha,<strong>"is motivated by a combination of rewards and consequences. For now, I will leave aside the consequences.  The great sage Masolv defined the holy pyramid of needs - at the base are food/shelter.  I can provide all of those here, as well as security.  As to love and belonging, you will have my friendship." </strong>She looked at Drip,<strong>"Or hatred if you so desire it."</strong><br/><br/>"But what I offer is what most jobs will not provide - Esteem and Self-Actualization.  You will be the founders of a new community.  What is more, you will be able to fulfill your true potential here with me."<br/><br/>"As to material wealth, my treasure vault, contains enough riches and magic to reward you all amply. I need hands - willing hands - reach where I cannot."