Xisco bangs his gloved fist on the front of the conspicuously large and reflectively polished wooden door of Magnus’ Manor, as those in his employ are wont to call the place. The building is of a seemingly random collection of stones of varying color and size; Magnus likes to jest that its like his fleet. In fact, the stones are quite carefully selected so that the building stands free without mortar, held in place by the hundreds of interconnecting pressures exerted by the stones. Xisco resists the urge to pull a stone out, just to see what would happen long enough for the door to open. “Oy, Dragan, its too damn early to be poundin’ about out here!” Andreas, Magnus’ batman and servitor, is dressed in his usual uniform, and holding a cup of steaming tea.
Dragan proceeds to inform Andreas of the happenings at the warehouse. As he speaks, Magnus arrives at the door, and listens to the remainder of the tale in relative silence, only breaking it to spit on his polished tile floor.
When Xisco finishes his tale, he hears a voice behind him. “Bad business. I liked the little bastard.” He remembers the elf crewman and now captain of the Swoose, but he does not recall his ridiculous cummerbund, stuffed full with a collection of weapons that would make a smithy blush, or the half-meter-wide tricorn hat, both the purple of a fresh plum. Magnus looks at Jay, carefully, and points a finger for effect, “No. You don’t have permission to shell the guildhall on your way out of town, or whatever the fuck it is you’re thinking to do. We handle this smart.” He turns to Andreas, “Clothes, send for the car. And pay the girls, I don’t want them here when I get back.” He turns to Xisco. “I can’t fix what’s been done here, but that dwarf saved my life as sure as shit in the arena. So I can pay the debt. You say you captured one of the assassins?”
Jay smiles.
The woman screams in agony as the steam device is inserted into her back. The screams turn to chokes as steam billows from her lips and nose, and the healing magic takes effect. She continues to hack and wheeze while Harmony tends to the dog. He makes less noise, but licks the short woman’s cheek, which everyone takes as a good sign. Gardner then says his piece and makes his likely not idle threats.
Medicus enters the room, looks baffled from the short bloody woman with a smoking gun, a woman hacking in a pile of blood, a dog sprawled on the floor, and the red-faced captain. “Too late, then.” He curses and pulls out a flask to take a long drink.
The assassin has finished her coughing, and rolls over, attempting to stand. She stumbles and collapses back onto the floor, sliding in her own blood. “No, I think I’ll sit awhile.” She studies the knitting whole in her chest for a moment, then looks up at the Captain as he levels his crossbow on her.
“First, thanks to you, girl. I’d pay you, but it seems the captain has ‘liberated’ what coin I have. Perhaps he’d be willing to see to it for me after I’m dead.
“Captain, you’ll do what you want to me. Nothing will convince you otherwise. But if you mean to avenge your friend, it wasn’t me. Don’t get me wrong. I would have if it was required, but my blows were papercuts, not even worthy of a stitch. Ask the nurse. She saw the dwarf’s body; his killing wound was from a leaf-bladed dagger, 3 fingers wide with two razor edges,” she holds her bloody hand up for effect, “I carry a half-inch thick single-edged sabre, “she gestures to the blade where it skittered near the corner. “And that pen knife in your hand.”
“But let’s say you do go after my associate. You’ll get to him I’m sure. He likes to gamble and drink. Should be an easy ambush if you’re patient. Then what? You killed the messenger, Captain.” She hacks for a few moments to punctuate her thoughts, or clear the blood still in her lungs. “You and I are in much the same business: we make deliveries. Blaming me for this is like blaming you for bad stitching in a cargo of cloth. So if you mean to take the life of those at fault instead of those who were the instrument, you’d best kill someone else.” She sits back, resigned to hearing the soon to come thrumming of a bowstring.
Blendin enters just in time to hear the woman’s words and survey the scene.
ooc: benny for gardner for going apeshit – I like that in a captain.
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"Then how about you tell us who hired you." Blendin demanded as he pressed the pointy end of his ironwood knife against the recently healed wound. "The captain talks big, but I actually lived the life you lead, so have no worry, I will follow through."
ReplyDeleteIntimidation = 7
Xisco will take his leave of Magnus to see to the Olic; he'll work with Taz and Roland to start getting the ship sky-worthy again, gathering supplies, et c.
ReplyDelete----
He'll use personal funds if necessary until the Captain is no longer occupied with other business.
"I'm not stupid, woman. I know it wasn't you who made the fatal wound or ordered the attack. Not that it matters as far as I'm concerned. As an accomplice to murder you're just as guilty. And as a hired assasin you're a worse human being than whoever did order it. Was it the Engineers?" Gardner will pause for a moment, if she is silent or answers negatively he will proceed, "Must have been that Trade Council ass Cogsworth, then." Gardner will scan her face carefully for any sign of recognition [Notice 8].
ReplyDelete"For killing my friend, I'm going to hate you till you die and long past that. But I need information. I need to know how much danger the rest of my crew was in and to know that I need to know who ordered the attack. Now obviously you just wanted him tonight, but maybe that was just this contract. And you don't want to tell me either because you fear retaliation or because of some stupid professional code. If you fear retaliation, I can put aside my desire to gut you and take you to another island. We obviously don't plan to stay here long. If its the latter, I wish to hire you for a job. The target is whoever took out the contract on Clovis Oresmith. I want a small discount because I plan to pay in cash and will perform some of the labor myself." [Persuasion 8]
"What? Dead Engineer or no, we still have a meeting, my boy. You're a damn talented man at acquiring information and I may have need of you. Plus, I still need to take a look at the cargo you brought in later, those blasted bugs, cloth and whatnot, and you're a partner. As a business man, I should keep quiet. But as a man who owes you his life and is feeling overly generous what with current events, I'm telling you not to leave me alone to negotiate with your friends. It'd be like leaving you alone in a bridal shop dressing room. Your ship will be looked after. Andreas!" Magnus calls back into the manor. "Send for the crew of the Randy Trollop, they should still be over near the Choirhall. I need them to send a detail to guard the Olic. And the Swoose!”
ReplyDeleteJay shrugs.
Blendin is almost on eye level with the woman as he pokes her still tender flesh with his knife. Perhaps she believes the little scaly fellow is more capable of carrying out his threats, or maybe it’s her new lease on life (7 v 3 pre-mods. Raise). “Hey, hey! Alright! Listen, I carry the grain,” a phrase common in her Guild, to indicate she has completed solo kills “but on this I was junior. They don’t really get into why. Probably didn’t tell you why either, right? ‘Cause when they tell you why, you’ll have a conflict.”
Gardner watches her face carefully, and as best he can tell, she’s more surprised by the groups than by the name Cogsworth. “Engineers and Trade Council? What in the Burning Depths have you been up to? I figured jealous husband; when we get ‘rough him up first’ orders, that’s usually it. ‘Course, no genital mutilation, so maybe just personal. You’d be surprised how often that’s requested.” She rolls her eyes dramatically. “TC contracts would probably want it natural. I don’t have a clue what engineers request.”
She considers for a moment, before continuing, “Like I say, I’m junior and don’t know the contracts, but I’ve been baking long enough to pick up a few things. Like, we trap the room, right?” She gestures with one hand at the tripwire in front of Blendin’s room, and also uses it as an opportunity to drag herself a few inches away from his knife. “Don’t do that if there’s a contract on that occupant. You just take them in their sleep. Hey, all of you gathered in one place? I’d have gassed you or maybe barricade the doors and burn the place down. Think you’re in the clear, Captain. Only here for the dwarf.”
“Oh, I don’t worry about the Guild; no point. If Piemakers want me dead, it’s over. As for my professionalism, there’s another reason we don’t get told why. I get paid to kill without questions. If I knew who tapped your friend, I’d gut him to save my skin. For half price, even. As for hiring me, I just bake. You’ll need to talk to a chef if you have a question about contracts.” She sits back, trying her damnedest to look blasé . “So, free to go? Can show myself out.”
"Stick around for a while. We've got more friends coming and we'll sort all this out. We may need you for an introduction to the chef. I'm reasonably certain I'm not going to shoot youin the near future though. Can't speak for him, though," Gardner says as he gestures over at Blendin. "Make sure she stays around," he says to Blendin and then goes to check on Fang.
ReplyDelete"With pleasure." Blendin rotates his musket, takes a knee and takes aim at the woman's leg. "My trigger finger is faster than your feet, so you best stay seated, or the doc here may have to fix you up again."
ReplyDeleteDreading what he will find upon returning to the warehouse, Xisco sighs and follows along.
ReplyDeleteHarmony emerges from Tooly's room, looking stricken. "I...I think I know who killed your friend. Well, his name. The person who hired her." She gestures at the assassin.
ReplyDelete"When I was about to close up last night--tonight..." she pauses, flustered. "Anyway, as I was closing up, a man came in with a stab wound. I don't as questions--he might have been robbed, or in a bar fight, you know? Anyway, I had a charge left in the healer, it was a slow day, so I healed him and he left with the friend who helped him in. I followed them out, but I guess they didn't notice, because as I was locking the door, one man asked if the other wanted a drink, and the other said...he said, 'Nah, we gotta take care of a one-eyed dwarf for Platt.'"
She looks around, possibly paler than she was to begin with. "I didn't know that's what they meant! They might have been bodyguards, or servants, or...or anything! I didn't know!"
Magnus, for all his size, is quick to leap out onto the cobbles as the car slows outside the warehouse. The orcs carrying the sedan chair set it down on its retracting legs, while Jay and Xisco follow Magnus into the building.
ReplyDeleteThere is the young woman from the rubble, still covered in soot, and now with a fresh sheen of blood on her hands, babbling something a man named Platt, and not knowing what was going to occur.
Jay starts forward as soon as he realizes who the assassin is, unlimbering both of his ironwood swords. He shakes the one in his left hand at Gardner in a sort of ‘thank-you’ as he approaches the wounded woman.
“Jay, dammit man, I said leave it alone!” To everyone’s surprise, Jay stays his assault, for now. Magnus steers Jay into the room with Tooly, and they come out pale and icy.
“Sorry I didn’t have a guard here last night, gentlemen. A costly oversight. You’ll have one tonight. Alright, let’s have it, bring me up to date.” Gardner and Blendin take turns filling in their erstwhile employer, and Harmony adds a few key points as is needed.
“Fine, I’ve heard enough. Girl, you have a name?”
“Maddy, sir.”
“Maddy, who’s your chef?”
“Rodrigo.”
“Fuck. Well, tell Rodrigo I’m going to need a moment of his time. Today. A business proposal he’ll want to hear. I imagine he doesn’t ever leave the hall?” She shakes her head. “Well then, I guess we’ll have to go to him.” He favors the crew with a sour expression. “I’ve worked with Rodrigo before; he’s a snaky bastard even by their standards. Being a chef, he knows too much about the business, and its pretty rare to see them outside the walls. If we send Maddy here back relatively unmolested, he’ll probably meet with us. I wouldn’t trust much he says, but it may be the best source we’ve got.
“Girl, Harmony is it? What happened to Coyne? And this person you saw, you think you’d recognize them again? Well, I know a Platt. He’s an accountant with the Roofer’s Guild, but I hear he has connections in Linart Street. If it’s the same Platt, he’s probably not our boy directly, but he handled the money, as sure as shit.”
“Captain, we have other business to discuss, but this takes precedence, so I’ll be brief. I want your cloth and your silkworms. I’ll pay fair market for the cloth, plus 10%.
“I’ll give you a choice on the eggs. You can sell them to me outright, and I’ll hire on Pierre here to look after them. Or, I’ll rent you a building I have on the underisles for half the profit and I’ll cover basic operating expenses.
“I also have a cargo that needs to move and I heard you were planning on going down to the dwarven territories soon. I have few crates of medicines, tonics, and potions that should turn a fair profit. Plus, it’s only right to return his body to his kin.”
ooc: Benny to Bphage for making a David Drake reference.
Yeah, couldn't resist.
ReplyDelete----------------------------
Harmony nods at her name and says to Greenbottom, "Coyne's...gone." Her accent is native Shadowhaven with a hint of Dwarvish. "Some men tried to abduct me and got caught in one of his traps in his shop and it burned down. I got out, but no one else did. I don't know who the men were, but I plan to leave Shadowhaven soon to avoid them. I trust you can help with that? I can fix most anything, including people, so I can work for it, though I don't know the first thing about ships."
She looks around at the various crew. "I'm sorry about your friend. From what I saw of his gadgets, he seemed to be almost as skilled as Coyne. I'd like to help you bring his killer to justice, if I can." She gives Greenbottom a shy smile. "And maybe have a place to stay until I can get a berth."
"Captain, you can vote my share with regard to the eggs. I bow to your wisdom on this."
ReplyDelete"Despite my age I still believe in the value of long term profits over lump sum payment. We'll take the split on the eggs. The price for the cloth is fine and we'll take your cargo of course. We appreciate your able assistance in this . . . other . . . matter. As for Ms. Harmony, I have no problem with her continued involvement. She'll be a big help in settling this and she saved Fang, so as far as I'm concerned she can stay on the Olic as long as she wants."
ReplyDelete"She has a point. Very well, Captain, I'll leave this in your capable hands while I see if my contacts can get a location for Platt. Send someone by later, and maybe we'll be able to chat more directly. I suspect you need equipment and provisions after that long haul in from Bridgeways. That competent first mate of yours knows what you're after, I'm sure. I'll have Andreas and he meet to offload your cargo, load the medicinals and make sure the ship is ready when you need it." Magnus pauses for a moment, then adds, "There's an herbalist at the alchemist guild who specializes in embalming. You might want to speak with him, or we can just contact the Grower's..." He shakes his head.
ReplyDeleteXisco tries to make no assumptions about what has happened in his absence, but nonetheless appears a bit relieved to see the assassin living and in similar condition to what he left. He gives Harmony a somewhat awkward, encouraging smile.
ReplyDelete---------
"The little bugs are a bit creepy; I'd rather be done with the business completely. That's my vote, at least."
---------
Just backfilling some. Xisco will want to recharge his windcharm, but isn't much interested in staying around long enough to shop for other items of interest. He will help out with Operation: Merovingian Vengeance as much as he can, but he won't take any violent actions himself, and he doesn't want to know any details of how his actions are facilitating others' violent actions.
Harmony clears her throat. "I believe the Growers would be best. Engineers use technology, but they don't believe in waste. Especially Gadgeteers, as your friend seems to be. Like Coyne. I...have experience with this sort of thing. I'll tidy up the room if the Growers can take care of the body."
ReplyDeleteShe gives Xisco another of her shy smiles and gestures at her clothing. "My clothing hides blood well, but it won't hide the smell. All my other clothes went up in flames tonight. Would you please get me a change of clothes so I can wash these?"
She focuses on Gardner. "You're the captain." It's not a question. "We can discuss terms of my employment in the morning. The treatments tonight, I ask nothing for, but someone of my skills does rate a decent salary. We'll go over that at a better time.
"May I have your names, please?"
Also backfilling:
After introductions, Harmony will, with permission, set about organizing Tooly's things and stripping his body for the Growers to dispose of. She'll then bundle the bedclothes up--with her own clothing, if Xisco's found replacements--for cleaning tomorrow, and sleep in any available bed, or on the floor if necessary. She's had a hard night, too.
In the morning, she'll take her clothing and the bedclothes to her usual laundry and clean them, if nothing else occurs.
Beyond that, she'll await further developments.
---------------------
OOC: Someone will have to divide up Tooly's money and belongings, and someone might want to discuss what happens with his share with Greenbottom. I assume it gets distributed among the shareholders, but that does create a potential shareholder vote deadlock, with four active shares on board.
I'd recommend Xisco take the armor, or take the coin shirt and let Gardner have it. The breastplate is good protection, and the jack chains work like plate against swinging attacks, though they do nothing against thrusts or ranged attacks, and it's all very light.
The musket takes little training to use, and essentially grants the Musketeer edge to the user (one action to cock it) for as long as the twelve shots last--assuming it doesn't explode. Maybe want to save a benny back when using it to avoid critical failures. His dagger fits to the barrel to turn it into a spear, but without the parry bonus.
BR or I can catalogue the other gear once the room's cleaned out.
ooc: as a legal matter, since Tooly had not created a will or other executable document, TC law would dictate that the significant portion of his holdings revert to next of kin, less their 5% 'estate' tax, any documented debts and the cost of executing this transfer of goods. This precedent was mentioned previously with Olic, who had no next of kin. Tooly, being a dwarf, has a well-documented lineage in the Dwarven Kingdom. While dividing up his share and belongings in the way you describe would be convenient, it would also be rather blatantly illegal.
ReplyDeleteContact with either the family or the dwarven kingdom must be attempted via the Couriers if not directly. If the family chooses, they can of course sell you the goods.
I would assume that there would be a clause in the shareholder contract that would stipulate that the share(s) revert to the other shareholders, though. If Greenbottom's as crafty as I'd expect.
ReplyDeleteAs for the rest, that makes sense. Since the crew is going to Mt. Ore anyway (I assume), then they can take it down there with them rather than have Greeny hold it and send word or something.
Probably we'd be able to "buy out" Tooly's share, at current value.
ReplyDeleteXisco will offer up one of his own shirts until he's able to find something more suitable for Harmony.
Generally, [pardon the law student] partnerships like this delineate what is to occur upon the death of a shareholder. Was this not set forth within the partnership agreement? If not, let me know and Blendin will be putting together a will. =)
ReplyDeleteooc: Yeah, I'll agree it seems likely Magnus would build in a buyout clause so that a shareholder could, with the majority approval of the other shareholders, purchase Clovis' share at fair market value, determined by the TC. A clause that has it simply revert to the crew directly would be legally suspect, as it incentivizes killing one another and would be at odds with existing law for payment of debts. A buyout takes care of any pesky debtors that Tooly might owe.
ReplyDeleteFor the time being, Harmony is now garbed in a knee-length 'dress' courtesy of dashing Xisco's satine shirt. The sleeves are long, but she is able to fold the cuffs back. I rolled a 7, so it's the color of daffodil pollen - I love making silly charts.
The salvagable clothes and bedclothes are bundled to be taken to be cleaned and mended. Laundry is expensive, but previous experience indicates Magnus will cover the cost as well as the expense of cleaning up the room.
Bphage, while I agree its been a long night, I'm gonna say that Harmony is able to grab a catnap and catch up with her fatigue by early afternoon, which is when everyone else will be ready after cleaning up, and the growers will arrive around then to take the body, if that's the consensus decision.
What are we doing with the bound prisoner? Who's going where?
How's that for rapid response!
ReplyDeleteUnless he is allowed to accompany the assassin on her return to the chef, Blendin will accompany the captain in his attempt to find the money man. (He will be sure to bring along his roofer's cloak.)
ReplyDeleteI thought Greeny was taking the prisoner to deliver her to her Chef.
ReplyDeleteooc: Ha! Just saw the problem.
ReplyDeleteApparently when I posted a few days ago I didn't copy the 1st paragraph.
In that paragraph, Maddy informs everyone that Rodrigo, as a rule, will only meet with one person at a time to limit danger to himself. This is doubly likely in a case like this where you just had a friend assassinated.
Magnus hrrmphs "the girl has a point" and then moves to go find platt. He leaves the girl and rodrigo for you guys to sort out, however you see fit.
See, it helps when you have information. Sorry about that.
After the growers have taken Tooly's broken shell, promising they will return in two days time with his skull for the final pilgrimage to Mt. Ore (Grower Urich informs you this is a common practice among the dwarves), the emotional weight hangs heavy. Fang appears to be mending well, still limping dramatically but he eats happily at some scraps from the lunch delivered by one of Andreas' men. Maddy appears to also be mending quickly, sitting in the corner eating a bit of cold pie that was thrown at her by Xisco.
ReplyDeleteHarmony returns from her nap upstairs to eat with the crew, and the topic of what to do next comes up. Blendin offers to go with the captain to find the accountant Platt, leaving Xisco or Harmony with the duty of going to see Rodrigo.
As they finish lunch, Maddy pulls herself up to her feet, hands unbound after some careful and quite twisting over the last few hours. "Best be off. Show myself out. I'll let Rodrigo know you'll be seeing him today." She begins to stumble toward the alley door, still wavering on her feet.
"Xisco, why don't you go with Maddy to see Rodrigo. I think you're of calmer mind for such a meeting."
ReplyDeleteHarmony's eyes go from Maddy to Gardner to Xisco, but she says nothing, since this is only her business as far as the others want it to be. After a second, though, she gets up and walks toward Maddy. "Now, hold on, there. If you pull yourself wrong, you'll tear open your lungs again and it'll be a toss-up whether you bleed to death or drown in your own blood. And you won't notice until it's too late, either.
ReplyDelete"Now hold still while I check you."
Harmony makes a show of listening to Maddy's chest or back and telling her to breathe deeply, though she's pretty certain the assassin is unlikely to reinjure herself. She just figures this is a good way to keep the fool woman from trying to run away.
"I'll hit up my contacts in the roofer's guild and see if I can't find this Platt, unless you have another idea, captain."
ReplyDelete"Why, exactly, am I meeting with Rodrigo?" Xisco asks.
ReplyDeleteFine. Gardner will go with Maddy now to meet with Rodrigo.
ReplyDeleteooc: So, where are Xisco and Harmony off to, by the by. If you don't tell me, I'll just send you somewhere.
ReplyDeleteHarmony's got no major plans, though if left alone, she'll head down to the harbor district to do some freelance healing for tips. If anyone suggests something more useful, she's game.
ReplyDeleteXisco will help Harmony re-provision. He'll also look for any additional cargo/supercargo destined for Deepsky Citadel. Maybe pay Cecilia a visit.
ReplyDeleteThe crew decides to divide and conquer. Fang is not well enough for the journey, so Roland offers to stay at the warehouse, tidy up a bit, and look after the dog. Jay grumbles about how things would go if it were up to him, in a word - violently, and then takes his leave to see to his business with Magnus.
ReplyDeleteXisco and Harmony make their way to the pier by way of the Broken Mast near Choirhall. The usual pair of elves loiters outside the entrance, arms crossed and exuding menace in their blue livery uniforms. As Xisco and the small woman approach, one of them gives a lift of his chin to Xisco in greeting, and opens the door.
The inside is well lit, and even though its early in the afternoon, a fair number of Voidfarer’s have gathered. You get the impression most of the people here are crewmembers or captains that have only been in Shadowhaven a day or two, but there are a few regulars, probably Linart Street men, at a booth in the corner.
Celicia is at her post near the bar, not waiting on customers so much as chatting amiably with her many admirers while her servants see to the real work. She is wearing a bright blue shift that is tantalizingly sheer, and quite eye-catching.
Rather than take 2 days to trek to the Piemaker’s Hall, Captain Drawlight helps Maddy walk, until he sees a merchant selling a bent bone cane for 12 cogs. Using her funds, he buys the cane for her, and speeds their trip to the guildhall. Maddy is her usual chatty self, but quiets when she realizes that Gardner doesn’t want to speak with her.
After arriving at the hall, Drawlight smells the famliar scent of baking bread, and sees the rows of glowing hot stone ovens. A variety of more ‘traditional’ bakers tend the ovens, piling loaves into long open baskets, that are scooped to be delivered as soon as they are full. Maddy leads him past all these, up a flight of stairs, and knocks on a door. The eyeslight opens, inspecting them both careful, before a bolt unlocks, and it swings open. Gardner follows Maddy inside to a long hallway lined with portraits of other bakers, by the look of them the less traditional kind, and sees a familiar face; one of the men from the table yesterday, and from the warehouse a few hours ago. “Oy, Maddy, we thought for sure you were…” the perplexed look on his face tells Gardner he is unsure whether to run, or attempt to attack the old man.
Blendin makes his way along the rooftops, his orange cloak billowing behind him. He knows that by entering the hall from its tower entrances he won’t be scrutinized by onlookers below. He greets a few familiar faces that he does not know the names for as he goes through the series of switchbacks to enter the building. There are many roofers loading a pair of wheeled carts with tiles to be taken out. A few flights down are the administration offices, and the barracks in between.
"You must be Chef Rodrigo. My compliments to the chef on your careful preparation. Your knife skills are also excellent. Were I a younger man I would be more rash today, but as you can see I am old and I have learned to prefer long-term results and finality to personal indulgence and immediate gratification. I have done you a favor in returning your friend. I only ask a small one in return on behalf of my friend, may he rest in peace. An easier favor than what I have done to be sure, merely a question. Who?"
ReplyDelete-----------------------
Persuasion 13
Gardner turns when he hears a chuckle and wheeze to his left. An elderly man with wispy eyebrows, wearing a white doublet with a twin row of smooth bone buttons, is seated behind a spindly table. “I must apologize, Captain Drawlight, it appears I have you at a disadvantage.” He rises from his seat wobbling on the arms of his rickety chair, and sweeps his hand in a flippant chop to drive away a baker who moves to help him up. “Out! The Captain and I have business. Madison, bring tea. That we can both drink, if you please.” The other bakers in the room depart, leaving the captain with the chef. He holds his hand out for a moment, realizes Gardner will likely not shake it, then nods toward a chair facing his desk. “Come now, Captain, do take a seat.”
ReplyDeleteMaddy returns with a small burner, pair of thick glass bowls and bronze kettle as well as a few sliced delicate morsels, bits of pie and other confections. The old man reseats himself, again slowly and with a pained grimace. “Gout, you know,” he hisses, raising an eyebrow at Gardner and ignoring the baker as she sets up the service. She departs without being told.
“Ah, well, the tea will take a few minutes, so we have time to talk. Usually I would tell you that the Guild has no involvement in this matter. But we are old enough men to ignore the subsequent ripostes, and move forward.
“Madison is a skilled student; mouthy and free-spirited, but skilled. Her safe return has value to us. Of course you will be compensated for your unlikely generosity.” He begins to pour a cup for each of you, and then takes a piece of pie, dips it in his steaming bowl and eats noisily, speaking between bites. “Now, I cannot give you a name; not that I would if I could, but alas this contract was handled through an intermediary and the origin is unknown to me. I dare not involve this ‘middleman’ in your, albeit pleasantly bridled, lust for vengeance. He has been quite profitable over the years and has no love of bloodshed, particularly his own.” He raises his hand to stay Gardner’s visible anger. “Calm yourself, I am not done speaking.
“I am known for being many terrible things; cruel is not one of them. As a young man, I was brash and foolish as most young men are. But as I aged, I realized that I no longer relished in unnecessary aspects of my work. A poison in sleep became my favorite; why not allow them a peaceful journey to the Mother’s embrace?
“This contract specifically requested a gruesome death; painful and slow. I refused. That is, until the coin was tripled, and then doubled again. I was required to accept this contract by the Maestro. And I carried out my duty.
“Requests such as these are always personal. Your friend had enemies, no doubt; few men do not. But only a handful can bring coin to meet our price particularly when its increased six fold. Perhaps his enemy is that merchant friend of yours? Perhaps not. If not, there are only a few people who would make such a loan. I can give you names, but something tells me a man such as yourself knows where to look.
“As to your compensation for the safe return of our baker, I will give you this.” He hands you a rolled parchment. “We gather our intelligence before accepting an order. It seems that one Phineas MacIntire used the 1st Trade Council Bank of Shadowhaven to put a lien on your friend, some three months ago. Sixteen thousand cogs. We received the contract two weeks after this took effect. Interestingly, as best we can tell, no such man exists in Shadowhaven.
“Even so, as soon as word reaches the Council Bank of his death, they will come seeking the share for Mr. MacIntire, whomever he may be. Now then, try these, they are made with marmalade.”
"Blendin, is that you? It's me, Frankie!" A burly fellow comes lumbering over, carrying a stack of tiles on his shoulder, "What's it been, 2 years? Ya know, I was telling Supervisor Mengsk just the other day that I never seen a harder working wildling, and now here you are! Wow, so what brings you back to the orange cloak?"
ReplyDeleteCecilia looks up from her perch behind the bar, spotting Xisco and Harmony. She saunters over. "Good evening, and welcome back. Can I get you a drink, or are you two after other diversions?"
"As beautiful as I remember," Xisco says with a roguish grin, "Do you still have any of that Rusthaven vintage I was rather fond of the last time I was here?"
ReplyDeleteAfter buying some wine for Harmony and himself, Xisco will engage Cecilia in smalltalk about events on Shadowhaven since the crew was last here.
"By the way, what have you heard of this money-lender Plaz? Or was it Plack..."
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Using a benny if first roll of any check isn't 4+ before modifier. Max 1 benny per check.
"Hey! Frankie! It has been a long time. I must say I miss working in the glow. I'm looking for an orange cloak brother of ours, Platt. Have you seen him recently or know how I can find him? I hear he is a wonder with cogs."
ReplyDeleteCecilia pours the wine from its skin into slender wooden flutes, seating herself on the edge of your table. “I’d watch out for this one, Miss. He’s quite the charmer.” She looks at Harmony with a wry smile as she takes the offered coin (Investigate 5 before mods). “Ah, Platt. Reliable, good head for numbers, but strictly small time. By the weight of your purse, there, I imagine you could offer him more than he could you.
ReplyDelete“What he is good for is a go between. I’ve used him myself… long ago when I was involved in more disreputable activities, of course. He’s discrete, tactful, and tends to get the desired result. I can set up a meeting, if you’d like? Or if you actually are interested in a lender, I can give you some names.” Cecilia’s smile indicates she likely knows more than she’s letting on.
“Platt, eh?” Frankie sets down the tiles, so he can stroke his chin. “Oh yeah, one-handed fella, right? Over in admin? Yeah, he’s around, I imagine. Dunno him too well. What you need him for?”
benny for xisco.
"Quite good. Sweet enough, but still with the bitter aftertaste from the peel that comes with marmalade. One that I've never been fond of. I appreciate your candor, Chef Rodrigo, and the parchment. I feel you may overestimate, or perhaps underestimate me, in terms of where to look. Any names would be helpful." [Persuasion 5]
ReplyDeleteXisco makes sure to buy Cecilia a drink of her choice as well.
ReplyDelete"Yes. Well, one of my business partners heard something about how, Platt you say?, could get ahold of some information we're after. Setting up a meeting with him would be good. Unless you know someone else who would be a better, more reliable source for this information?"
Harmony's eyes flick back and forth between Xisco and the elf as they talk. She smiles and drinks her wine when the woman speaks to her, but says nothing yet.
ReplyDelete“Of course, Captain.” Rodrigo draws a quill from the inkwell, dabs it on a sponge, and begins writing a list of names, and associations. “Here you are; these are the folk I know who would likely have the disposable cogs for our inflated price of 3000. Perhaps it will jog your memory.” He dusts and blots the paper, then passes it to Drawlight.
ReplyDeleteMagnus Greenbottom
Winslow Grimaldi, Jr., Amalgamated Importers of Shadowhaven.
Burser Filgree, Athenaeum
Captain Finch, Retired.
Sigurd Copperhugh, Artificer’s Brotherhood
Council members of the Linart Street Cartel
“I’ve taken the liberty of including only names that I suspect might be familiar to you, given what my men have gathered over the past few months. There are of course others if none of these gives you the vengeance you desire. And if, perchance, there comes the need for a discrete action to be taken, I’m sure we can come to terms. Now then, if that is all Captain, I’m sure you recall the way out.” The chef sits quietly watching the captain, not unlike when Fang watches the dinner table waiting for scraps.
“Xisco, darling, your charms are undeniable, but I grow concerned. I worry that Mr. Platt might not care to speak with you, perhaps? I know the look, and your female friend here does not have your poker face.” She seats herself and speaks more quietly. “I begin to fear for Mr. Platt’s safety, and he is still indebted to me for a sizable sum. But, there are of course other considerations. If I were to arrange this meeting, and sully my reputation as a heartless criminal by helping you, I would of course need coin, ample coin. And, oh, now that we are talking business, I have a cargo which I’d like to have make its way to Freedom. Don’t worry, nothing that would offend your wildling friend. In fact quite legal within the Elven Empire, I assure you, although the Council is somewhat more strict. But, if we could come to terms, I would feel so much better about any harm that were to come to Mr. Platt. In that unfortunate event, I can claim my traitorous act against a loyal and hardworking associate was, in fact, too fine to refuse.” Cecelia sips delicately from her cup, batting her eyes at Xisco. She looks askance at the diminutive woman, “Tell me, you are new to Xisco’s circle of friends, are you not? What business have you with Mr. Platt?”
Totally OOC: I went back to reread the trial upon seeing Finch's name, and it was really entertaining, especially the part with the rocks. I was also once again amused that I was the one who made the "innocent until proven guilty" argument with two lawyers in the house. I also realized how long ago that was. Wow.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking that the one thing this game lacks compared to in-person gaming is the OOC crosstalk. Sometimes we'll plan OOC, but we don't comment OOC much. Why is that?
What does everyone think, should we comment on each others' posts to be more personable? Or would it clutter things up, ruin the immersion, or something? Just a sort of informal poll.
Maybe I'm just looking for something to do while my new character rides along for a bit.
Harmony shrugs. "I heard his name mentioned in such a way that it aroused suspicion after the fact for a crime against my new friends." The elf woman is too perceptive for Harmony to reveal more, so she leaves it at that and takes a drink of wine, probably too big a gulp for what is probably a fine vintage. Perhaps she's nervous, or maybe she's used to drinking in harborside pubs.
ReplyDelete"Well, like I said, Platt has the information about what we're after; a middleman, if you will. If you happen to know a more direct distributor, or the source, we'd be glad to spend a little more upfront to save some cogs downwind; you might not even need to make an introduction at that point, if you feel such a thing might be hurtful to your business here.
ReplyDelete"If you could, jot down what details you care to disclose about your shipment so I can present them to my partners; there is a good chance they will agree, given your proposed payment."
Xisco will finish his flute, order a refill, then hit the tables. If Harmony is willing, he'll have her deliver the note from Cecilia to the others at the warehouse.
"I've heard he has some useful information, and I am always in the mood to increase my cogs. Thanks for the info. We should try to get together for drinks later and catch up."
ReplyDeleteBlendin makes his way to the admin offices in hopes of finding Platt.
Harmony seems uncomfortable in the tavern, and gladly agrees to return to the flophouse with the info.
ReplyDelete"A crime, you say? Platt? Surely not." She smirks and adjusts her collar. "If you are looking for the source of Platt's funding, look no further. Linart Street has often given loans to those in need. As I say, he's indebted for a sizable sum, which he assured me just days ago would be along shortly." She fills your glasses, and waves for another bottle.
ReplyDelete"If, instead, you are interested in how this money was to be spent, well I make it a policy not to ask. And, as you say, Platt is undoubtedly a Raental, excuse me, ‘middleman’, in some other’s scheme. My suspicion is that it was not Platt's to spend.
"But it seems you want a price for Mr. Platt. I can acquire him for you tonight, but I feel I must guarantee his safety, or at least the return of my investment. Let's say a finders fee of one thousand cogs, and I’ll hold another four thousand as insurance for his safety. If my hearing is correct of your successes these past few voyages, you have the coin. And if you don’t mind me keeping it, then do with him as you please." She smiles calmly, before adding, "And that price is contingent on the transport of my cargo. I fear its best to not divulge the nature of the container, for all involved. Do not worry, only the most diligent of searches would find anything unusual."
Blendin trucks downstairs and into the accounting offices. There are neat rows of stone tables here, each unique bits acquired from ruined buildings that litter the uncharted islands of the skies. Blendin walks the tables for some time, trying to hide his unusual visage from onlookers and generally succeeding. When he arrives at the desk of Mr. Geribaldi Platt, a hook-nosed man is bent over the table diligently tending to a ledger. “I’m busy with this. Be quick, what’s your question?” The man looks up, and his eyes go wide with panic. He knocks over his chair as he attempts to escape.
Harmony returns to the warehouse to find the captain. They fill each other in on their findings, and consider their next plan of action.
ooc: Blendin, really nice rolls behind the screen, dude. But now I’m going to need an agility test and a strength test, if you please, unless you have something else In mind.
Xisco is gambling until word is sent back from the crew whether they want to engage in the proposed transaction. Persuasion, Streetwise, et c., to get a few stories of local news.
ReplyDelete"I'm not planning to hurt you Platt. I just have a question or two." Blendin says in as soothing a voice as possible. (Persuasion = 5)
ReplyDelete------------------------------------------------
If that doesn't work: Ag = 9; Str = 6
Blendin's conversation skills lack the desired effect, and Platt attempts to run. Blendin quickly trips him, dazing him briefly, and giving the wildling time to gain the upper hand. A group of onlookers hear the scuffle, and Blendin knows his time is likely short before 'help' arrives.
ReplyDelete"What do you want? I don't know anything!" Platt is wild eyed, and clearly knows something.
ooc: Sam, give me 2 streetwise rolls and a gambling roll.
Bphage, you've got control of Gardner until next tuesday - JWW is out of pocket. feel free to act in his stead.
"Platt. Listen to me. I have no interest in harming a brother of the orange cloak, but there are others out there just waiting to make you a head shorter. I need the information you have regarding the one eyed dwarf and his demise so that I may appease those others who are currently trying to find you."
ReplyDeleteGambling roll: 7; Streetwise roll: 2; Streetwise roll: 3
ReplyDeleteNo modifiers added.
Platt seems a bit shocked by his continued breathing. "How do I know if I talk you won't just kill me? Or he'll kill me! I just handled the money. Take it from one place to another. Nothing against your friend. Look, I have to go. He may only be a lt. commander now, but he's still got connections ya know. Just leave me alone!" Platt attempt to crawl away from Blendin.
ReplyDeleteXisco has made a bit of headyway at the tables, and his natural charm is making up for his more rough behavior; perhaps he's been spending too much time with Roland. So far, he's up a heavy brown wool scarf, not his usual color, but warm, and a coarse tunic with a woven belt. The man who's clothing he's been taking is having a bit too much to drink, and is telling stories of a tiny island that his crew found, covered in fruit bearing trees, not far from the shattered city. He eats a leathery bit of dried fruit which he claims came from there. Cecelia's waitress informs Xisco that there's been some talk of a new gang in town, cultists of some sort, who have been buying up vacant buildings near the Athenaeum.
Benny for Blendin
Blendin lets him get up and before Platt scurries from the room states, "Just give me a name and I swear on my orange cloak I will do what I can to guarantee your safety. I have the means to get you off this island if that is what it takes. And besides, if things go right, you won't have to worry about retribution from the other side."
ReplyDelete--------
Whether Blendin gets a name or Platt runs, Blendin will return to the captain with his new information asap.
Platt runs from the room without another word.
ReplyDeleteooc: I'll say that Blendin is back with the captain when the information sharing is happening. so everyone is on the same page back at the warehouse, and Xisco is gambling and listening for additional intel at the linart street bar
Bar? High Class Casino is more like.
ReplyDeleteOf course, the guy stripping while we play cards isn't all that classy...
ReplyDeleteooc: high class casino was the last joint. This is more atlantic city than monte carlo.
ReplyDeleteHarmony delivers the message about Cecilia's offer, but since the wildling already "met" with Platt, everyone doubts how useful it would be.
ReplyDelete"Lieutenant Commander, eh?" Gardner muses. "Well, it's more evidence, but it's still not conclusive. Still, long odds it's Cogsworth behind this. I'd thought he was a full Commander, though..."
At Harmony's lost expression, Gardner fills her in on Tooly's failed musket and the trial. She seems aware of the trial, though did not know the names of anyone involved. "I suppose people have killed over less," she comments with a tone of utter disdain.
The captain muses. "I hate to jump to conclusions on something as grave as this, but none of the other leads I got are as compelling as Cogsworth. The Chef did not think he could pay their price, inflated as it was, though, so it's likely he had to get a loan. Maybe Xisco's elf friend can point us in the right direction, there. Harmony, would you mind leading me back to the pub?"
AT her nod, the old man and the petite woman set out to find Xisco--and Cecilia.
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OOC: Blendin probably shouldn't come to that particular bar.
I was tempted to go right after Cogsy, but Gardner's a cautious guy, even though he's upset. Plus, I didn't want to make any major decisions with JWW's character without good reason.
Blendin isn't scared of elves. Unless, the captain orders him to remain, Blendin will accompany the group to the bar.
ReplyDeleteYeah, plus blendin has a special relationship with this group of elves, seeing as they're likely to not want to kill one of magnus' friends - he's too good a customer, or too bad an enemy or something.
ReplyDeleteclosing this thread for length, new one opening shortly.
ReplyDelete