Unfortunately, when you arrive at the Bank of Abadar you find that the gates are closed in response to the outbreak of violence. A contingent of The Coin's Faithful line the walls, armed with crossbows, and warning away any who approach, telling them that the Bank will be open for business as soon as the emergency is contained.
Aerel sighs inwardly at the dread of the Coin's Faithful, but waves his hand mildly, apparently dismissive of them for the time being. It is not likely to take too long for the faltering society to either collapse entirely or be renewed to some semblance of peace.
"Shall we continue south, now, or head eastwards?" Aerel asks softly, tilting his head slightly at his companions.
I look from the threatening guards to Aerel, "Well the Toymaker's the only one left, ain't he? So might as well go see 'im 'n' find out about these goods."
"I say we toss their damn thing over the wall to them and have done with it."
Aerel chuckles softly. "Not that I disagree entirely, but I imagine that they might not take well to such a choice, Shaeda." He looks to Jamir, shrugging. "So it would seem..." His expression grows grave. "Though current difficulties might make for an equally poor reception."
"They will open back up later once the city has calmed down. It will be good to have the Church of Abadar looking kindly on us."
Crossing her arms, "I would vote for the toymaker first."
Pillar Hill is a bit of a trip, but relieved of the burden of escorting a dozen small children and three trussed up criminals, you make decent time.
As before you see many signs of destruction, but also many guards now keeping the peace, or what's left of it. It almost feels as if Korvosa is nursing a hangover after a wild night.
Pestico's Dolls and Toys looks to be in somewhat of a state of disrepair, but how much of that is recent, and how much is pre-existing damage is hard to say. It looks like a once fancy establishment, with the building as a whole painted to look like an elaborate dollhouse, and the wares visible in the windows look like expensive toys for rich children.
However, there are also indications that the place has fallen on hard times. A few signs have been nailed up, promising sales fifty, then sixty, then eighty percent off, with each price cut being hastily added to the sign while the previous one is crossed out.
A knock on the door summons Mr. Pestico, an older man in spectacles, whose clothing is worn and shabby. He first opens the door a crack, as if expecting trouble, but then beams and invites you all in before you can say a word, speaking at a mile a minute!.
"Come in, come in! We're having a lovely sale, everything must go! We have dolls of all shapes and sizes, spinning tops, music boxes, puzzles! Wonderful deals on all of it! You two!" Here he indicates Shaeda and Jamir. "If you are looking for new clothing, I can easily provide it! At practically cost! The tailors in town are rubbish, they barely offer a discount for halfling and gnome sized outfits, even though they use a fraction of the material. You won't be the first to consider altered doll clothing, it may not be quite as fine, but most people don't look close enough to tell."
I look up at the man and thrn to the clothes that the dolls are sporting, "Err, no thanks. These were given ta me by ma dad 'n' I don't wanna change 'em for better lookin' ones."
Shaeda narrowly avoids telling the man her actual opinions on being offered doll clothes!
"Hmm, yes, me too. No new clothes for me please."
A sale... curious. That is not something I would expect to happen now of all times. Perhaps it is better than facing angry crowds? Aerel contemplates for a few moments. Perhaps not. He takes a moment to look around the shop, wondering whether anyone else is present at the moment.
"I believe that we actually have a question for you Master Pestico." The elf says gently. "You see, we happen to have found a gold crown sized for a doll, which we believe to have been stolen. We would like to return it to its rightful owner, if at all possible."
Suppressing a grin while staring at the ground. Once in control of herself, "Actually Mr. Pestico we found something you had made and we were hoping you could help us find who you sold it to. We would like to return it to the owner."
Gesturing to whoever had the tiny crown to show it. Once they have done so, "It has your makers mark and is a beautiful piece. Whomever it belonged to is surly wanting it back."
"A...crown? A gold crown? You found it?!"
He stares at the crown in disbelief.
"I can't believe it! I was commissioned to make that crown weeks ago by a very important client. The materials cost a fortune, and I had to turn away I don't know how much other business while I devoted my time to crafting it. And then, just as I had finished, the shop was broken into and it was stolen from me. Naturally I wasn't paid, and it near beggared me. That the reason for all-" he gestures toward the signs and general state of the shop. "-this. Had to pay back the money I borrowed for materials by pawning anything I could and selling everything else at a loss. And even that wasn't enough, I was at the end of my rope. And then you walk in with the answer to my prayers! A thousand blessings be upon you!"
He heads over to a workbench and starts pawing through boxes.
"Ah, but your good deed must be rewarded. I haven't got much at the moment, certainly not enough to pay you back fully, but consider this a down payment. As soon as I'm back on my feet I'll make good on what I owe you, you have my word."
He comes back with a small wooden box, and opens it to reveal a set of antique silverware, very finely crafted, and probably quite valuable.
"I was just about to melt it down to pawn the silver, but now I won't have to. Please take it."
Aerel tenses slightly as he catches sight of the doll's eyes move. ... that is ominous. And likely related to his nerves. He considers quickly what sort of creature might fit this sort of circumstance, his mind going back to his earliest lessons with his mother.
I do not know these people well yet, the elf reflects, and I do not know how to convey to them to beware the doll without making the good man aware of my suspicions. Troubling.
"Master Pestico, would you be willing to share the name of your client with us?" Aerel inquires politely, debating the merits of casting the charm to detect magic and examining the doll as he stalls for time.
"Oh, er, I don't see the harm. It was done for a Mr. Benabak. A fine gentleman, very polite. And, er, forgiving, so hopefully when he receives his crown he will excuse its tardiness. Then I should have plenty of funds to reward you all properly."
Aerel's arcane knowledge doesn't suggest anything to him about the doll, but there are other avenues of reasoning he can try.
Aerel nods sociably, his expression distant as he considers this new avenue of approach, filing away the name for later analysis, but he allows his companions to speak, if they so wish.
Smiling at Pestico, "I am thrilled to be able to help you." I certainly did not assume we would get anything out of it.
I stand as close to the door as possible, my gaze flitting over the dolls in the store, "They're creepy, why'd the little full-growns like 'em so much?" I keep my thoughts to myself, as well as my hands.
Ugh. The fools at the Acadamae have no respect for the art of magic. Yuelral protect me against ever embracing such idiocy. The elf's ears flick backwards in exasperation, and his lips twist in the briefest of grimaces before he masters himself.
Aerel turns his eyes to the silverware, and speaks in a very low voice to Emma. "Budite oprezni, Emma. Vjerujem da je zvekan lutka je možda i vrag. Imajte mu govori, ako možete." He gestures minutely towards the doll in question.
"Be careful, Emma. I believe that the jester doll is possibly an imp. Please keep him talking, if you can."
He pulls away, and looks to his smaller companions. When he thinks he has caught their gazes, he lets one hand drop to his sword's hilt. Hopefully, they will understand with this.
Peering down at the silverwear, "Are you sure you wish to part with it?" Looking back up at Mr. Pestico, "May I inquire where you got that beautiful set at?"
Putting a grin on, "I have family that would love something like that."
Tapping her chin and waiting for an answer before speaking again. "The mention of family reminded me of something. The will be visiting me, oh it is still months off, but I would love to get them a gift and your dolls are stunning. Will you show me some of what you have?"
"Had this for many years, it's an heirloom. Shame to part with it, but you just saved my entire business, and it's not like I have children of my own to pass it on to one day."
"Why of course I'd be delighted to show you my wares! Was planning to do that in the first place. We have dolls of all shapes and sizes here."
He begins to gesture around the shop, pointing out various examples of his craftsmanship.
"We have dolls that cry, talk, walk, blink and run a temperature. Fancy ceramic ones that are mainly for decoration, but also hard-wearing wooden and tin ones that can stand up to punishment at the hands of active children. Here is a dragon that exhales smoke, extra pellets available by the dozen, here are rubber goblins that can set themselves on fire (good for up to 20 immolations before they wear out), here's a line I call My Little Flumph..."
[ooc]He's wandering around the shop now, lost in his sales pitch, and distracted if you want to have a quiet chat.[ooc]
Happily following the man around his shop with a smile on her lips. His enthusiasm is rather contagious. "Oh no to the talking. My father always said that was the worst thing he ever taught me. Something about the word 'no'. Though having a doll that just says no over and over again would be a wonderful thing to give him."
"The dragon is fascinating! Can I see how the smoke works? Do you do different types of Dragons?"
"Twenty times that goblin can be lit on fire! That is brilliant and a fun idea.
She makes little comments and keeps asking him questions not only to distract him but out of genuine curiosity.
I am still looking at the dolls in a grim fascination when I notice Aerel looking at me strangely, "Maybe he knows I don't like 'em?" Then I see him place his hand on his sword, "Ya telling me because I don't like 'em, he wants ta fight me for it? That can't be right 'n' why's she wantin' ta buy one o' the creepy things?" I notice Aerel eyes again and it doesn't seem like a personal warning so I shrug, nod and also get ready to draw my blades.
Jamir Can't tell what's got Aerel so riled, but he's clearly trying to communicate something.
Clever child. Aerel smiles at Emma's quickness and willingness to play the distraction, then leans down to speak with the halflings in a very soft voice. "I believe that we may have one of the Acadamae's failures watching over this shop. Master Pestico seems a tad too nervous, and I believe I saw one of the dolls move. If either of you would care to come with me to examine it...
He rises, tucking an errant strand of hair behind an ear, and allows his eyes to slowly sweep over the store. While most non-elves have trouble telling where one of us is looking, it seems likely that an imp might not have the limits of such mortal creatures. With a careful absentmindedness, he meanders towards the doll in question.
I nod at Aerel's suggestion and follow him, looking around the store. I am obviously a bit freaked out being surrounded by so many dolls, "It's like their cold eyes are following us."
Shaeda nods and joins Aerel.
The doll sits completely still, not reacting to your approach.
I look at the dolls again, leaning in at some of them slightly, "They're the ugliest 'n' creepiest things I've ever seen!"
Aerel inclines his head mildly at Jamir. "Hm... do you think?" He gestures mildly at the jester doll. "I admit, while it is hardly pleasant to look upon, it does not arouse murderous intent in me..."
Shaeda watches intently to see what the plan is.
Aerel pauses, thoughtfully examining the doll for a few moments. Glancing over his shoulder, he takes note of the two humans' position across the room from them. Hm, I could probably get away with a spell... or... His lips quirk slowly in a smile, and he silently draws his wand from where he has stowed it. After giving the two halflings a moment to prepare themselves, he levels the wand at the doll and utters the command word, unleashing a blast of magical energy at it.
My mouth hangs agape, eyes wide with surprise! "Wha ... I thought ya said it don't 'arouse murderous' intent in ya?! I ain't complainin' creepy thing deserved it, but didn' expect that!"
The bolt of light from Aerel's wand strikes the jester doll, which is knocked back against the wall. With a curse, it jumps up, shifting forms as it does so into one of Korvosa's most infamous pests, a diabolical imp.
Mr. Pestico spins around in shock at the crackle of the spell, and vile oaths of the devil. "You mustn't-! I didn't mean-! I had nothing to do with this, I swear!"
Initiative rolls for all
Turing towards Pestico and snapping at him, "What in the hell's is that? And what did you not have anything to do with?"
"He-I-I owe him money. The crown is for him. But now he's exposed he'll kill all of...gods have mercy, I can't do this anymore. Here! This can pierce him!"
Pestico flings down the box of silverware, scattering its contents in the middle of the room. Among the spoons and forks are several sharp dinner knives.
The imp glowers at the toymaker with eyes like burning embers. "We WILL have words about this later, you traitor, though yours will mostly be screams."
He draws a dart from a pouch at his belt and throws it at Aerel, before flying through the swinging doors into the toy shop's back room.
The dart strikes Aerel in the arm, leaving barely a scratch, but he finds that the arm swiftly goes numb.
I move to the silverware on the floor and pick up a fancy knife before attempting to jump over the counter towards the back room.
Darting forward to grab a silver knife. Turning back to Pestico, "What in the world was that?"
Aerel grins at Jamir, then focuses, his mind clearing as he draws his blade. As the dart strikes him, he blinks at the numbness, and tears the dart from his arm, shaking it briefly to free himself from the poison's influence.
Even as he does so, however, he scrambles swiftly over the counter, then pauses and glances at Jamir. "Together?" He suggests, gesturing at the back room, though he, too prepares for anything that comes through the doors.
I nod to Aerel and get ready to move in.
Aerel manages to shrug off whatever toxin the dart was coated in. He and Jamir ready their attacks to strike at anything emerging from behind the door, on the other side of which you can hear a thud of something hitting the floor.
Shaeda moves up to Aerel and touches the elf, "let milady's blessings enhance you."
Flinching at the noise and glancing over at Pestico, "Is there a way out from that room?"
"Yes, there is a back door. But I don't think he'll run, he has his wealth hidden here. He said he could summon backup if he needed to, he has a scroll!"
"We will take care of this but we are going to have some questions after this." Looking back at the others, "I am going to try the same thing. Arele get out of the doorway."
Turning back to Pestico, "Do not go anywhere."