Muwhahaha... *rubs grubby, but we'll manicured hands together*
Cameron sighs gently and replies to Hans, "A little over two weeks ago Milon told me he was going to investigate some caves. He didn't say exactly which hill they're under but I think it was about a days walk from here. He's never been away this long before, I fear for him. Went looking for him the other day, and just found bandits instead."
Following Hal's advice Cameron and Hans carry the body to the stables. He then asks, Hans "Unless you're needed elsewhere can you keep prying eyes away? Once things are darker we'll borrow a cart and find some place proper to bury him."
Unfortunatly, I got to go back to my duties with my brother, and keep guard at the Goblin's door.
Hans thinks a little and say
Last time I saw Milon, more than a week away, I meet him in the streets near a wreck of a pub... The Hornless Unicorn. Never went in that bar myself, but the name stuck to me as odd, cause an Hornless Unicorn is nothin" but a plain horse, I guess.
Desna must smile upon Cameron.
.......................................................................
Inside the Gold Goblin
People get drunk. Then they play some more.One more hour and the customers left the Goblin, with more alcohol in their bodies than money in their pockets.
Dolgrin looks at the imp and it's surroundings for a time before deciding that the elf wasn't playing some trick. "You have some kind of problem with me?" he mutters darkly at it.
Around this time as well, the workers, now without the noise of the crowds to hide it, can hear screams of pain, pleasure, and they likely don't want to know what else, coming from the direction of Saul's rooms.
There's no other answer from the imp than a malevolent grin
Before he goes, Cameron asks Hans, "Thanks for the tip about Milon. I'll check it out. Can you please ask Hal and Borgmunch to come back here?"
Cameron waits nervously wondering what to do, when they turn up he tells them, "We need to bury Martigan. Do you think we can get out of the city with a cart? We'd cover him with hay for now. If we head out of town a bit, we can find a peaceful spot to bury him.
Alternatively I wonder if there are any churches in town or nearby that won't ask questions... Consecrated ground would be best."
Hans walks back to the Golden Goblin, and delivers the information to Hal and Borgmurch.
Cameron knows that, even if there's no temple of Pharasma in Riddleport (only traveling priests), you have to bury your deed.
Burial are either done at the City Mortuary, for the well to do or, for the poorest (as Martigan) in the common graves at the Burying Grounds. Both place are outside the town, and the Burying Grounds are not guarded, unlike the Mortuary
Of course, corpses are sometimes just dropped into the harbor, or left in the darkest cornesr of the meanest streets for the rats and wild dogs to eat.
Dolgrin gives the imp another glare before grunting in disgust and returning to his post.
As he talks Cameron realizes that there are two options but the Mortuary will involve awkward questions.
Cameron adds to Hal, "Thinking about it the Grounds are best, they're just outside town and unguarded. In theory they should be fine, but considering what this town is like it's probably best to go as a group... Hal can you see if the others can come too?"
Assuming they agree, Cameron will borrow a spade from the stables and cover Martigan with straw before taking the cart the short distance to the Burial Grounds.
With some help, Cameron buries Martigan at the Grounds during the night.
You meet, on your way to the Burying Grounds, a squad of Gendarmes, who ask why you are carrying a body in a creaking old cart through the night.
Cameron manages to defuse the situation, proving he's a priest of Desna on holy business, and not part of a group of murderous thugs, all too common in this town.
Still, a 10 GP "fine"- or to call things with plain honesty, a bribe- is issued for "troubling the peace of the night (the creaking cart, probably, better not to ask), driving a cart without a license,and waste disposal".
You come back to the Gold Goblin without any other incident, quite tired, and awake late in the morning the following day.
Larur Feldin, the manager, bumps into Nessa in the morning. He's not in one of his better mood.
Could you believe it? The two girls who went into a fight yesterday over some tips didn't show up this morning. I got to recruit new girls for the staff. That's not too hard, but it's time consuming, and I got better things to do...Just one girl would do, perhaps. We're not doing that well, even if I hope the customers will come back, and more of them, after the other girl, what's her name, Alayna, bought drinks for most of the crowd yesterday? What do you have with whips, by the way? Is she in the same kind of "trade" than you? Do you think she would be open to bets? I mean, tricks with your whips to entertain the customers, who can snatch a hat from a distance, stuff like that? Could you talk to her about that, when you meet her?
A little later, Cameron is summoned into Saul's office, for some business. Hopefully, not the same kind of "business" than Nessa the night before. Saul seems unhappy again.
Dolgrin and Hal Dorel seems to have new "friends" in the two guards at the door, Hans and Beyar. The brothers know the dwarf and the elf can take care of most of the trouble, and are a little more relaxed, knowing they have efficient back up.
Flushing in a bit of anger at the two girls actions, she tells Larur, "They shouldn't have done that. I warned them of the consequences should they be so stupid, I believe I will need to prove to them that I was serious." Thinking a moment over finding replacements, "I might be able to get a couple of my sisters from the temple to help today, maybe they would even be interested in staying on. It would at least buy us some time to find a couple of replacements." Thinking further over the question about Alayna Nessa replies, "I rather doubt we do the same things for a living, but if I see her soon I will ask her for you, I would recommend you ask her as well in case you see her first. Either way it couldn't hurt to try it."
Thank you, that would be helpful, if you managed to get some of your.. err...sisters to come working here. as for the girls who dropped out, it's their loss. It's only an inconvenience to me.
THat said, the dwarf goes back to his managerial duties, smiling a little more
Nessa searches for Alayna to ask her about Larur's request. Once she finds her, "Hey, Alayna, Larur wanted me to ask you a question. He wanted to see if you thought doing a show with your whip might help draw in more customers, something about taking wagers on whether you could do different stunts. He thought it might help bring in more business. You might talk to him about his ideas." Hearing the bells ringing the hour, Nessa realizes she is running very late, "Oh no, Zith! I have to get her, I've been here all night and she'll be starving and irritable, I know better than this." She tells Alayna, I've got to go to the temple and get Zith, if anyone asks, that's where I went."[/b]
Cameron wonders Saul wants this time, 'More money and a quiet life I suppose... Too bad he chose this career, doubt he'll get either. Perhaps this is about using magic, he did chew Nessa out over that. No. Unless life has thrown me a curve ball, this is about Martigan...'
Wanting to get what might be an unpleasant conversation over, Cameron reports to Saul's office and asks, "You called sir?"
Alayna laughs at the suggestion of being on stage. "I'da though' you'd be the lass performin' with all the tools o'yer trade!" Her humor stops mid swell as she realizes Nessa is serious. "I dun'ae, got this lash for quelling unruly lads on tha decks a' nefarious nautical navigations. Wha', precisely, would ya hav' me do?" Nessa directs her to see Larur and get the details. When Nessa explains she has to go Alayna thinks, What's a Zith? And why is it kept at her temple... Oh, Nevermind!
Meeting with Larur, Alayna is willing to give his ideas a try, but is reluctant to be her own stage show... Nae, dunnae wan' ta be tied to port too long here.
You realise that Saul is not truly happy, but not too deep in anger either.
After you close the door, Saul speaks, without even bothering to invite you to seat.
Heard there was some trouble yesternight and someone died, but you took care of it? I'm glad to see you can take some initiative... But coins are two sided, and while you took some responsabilities on your own, something else happened.A guy was perhaps emboldened by the first man attempt at stealing the money on the tables, and as Hans wasn't at his post-cause he was already helping you with some..dead weight
Saul eyes flash with anger
The second thief managed to escape, nearly unnoticed, slithering his way intot the night... The staff told me he stole nearly a hundred gold worth in chips.I want you to track him down, get back my money, and make sure he understand he's not welcome into the Gold Goblin anymore. Word on the street is that the thief's name is Kreun, or Krung, something like that, living nearby Splithog Alley. Raise the gang, take the day off, and bring me my money back. Show them no one is to cheat me of my gold. Use anything you think necessary, but make your point. Any question?
Cameron is silent while Saul rants and tries to keep his face respectful. When it comes to it, Cameron find he does have some questions and asks, "Sir can you tell me who saw this Krung? I want them to ID this thief, gotta make sure we turn over the right cutter. Would be bad for business otherwise."
Cameron waits for his answer and assuming he's dismissed he adds, "Sir in a town like this, distractions and the occasional dead weight are something of occupational hazard. It may be cheaper to hire some more muscle at least till the words out that the Gold Goblin isn't an easy score."
Sauls answers Cameron, studying his face closely
Ya should ask Beyar, he nearly catched him, and should give ya all the info you can get. Without being a regular, that Krung was seen a few times here in the last months.Now, off ya go. A lucky guy like ya should have no problem to find my thief. That would send the right kind of message, without spending anymore of my money. Be back for tonight, it's all I ask. Heard the elf was a good hunter, like most of his kin, so he could help you tracking that scum.
Larur explains to Alayna that her skills with the whip might rise some interests in the male customers, and asks her if she know any special tricks. Nothing too kinky, just catching a bottle with her whip, things like that. And by the way, would she object to wear something more..revealing? Nessa could probably help her with that.
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Hal is waiting outside Saul's office when Cameron emerges. Next to him Inceku sits with a tilted head watching the human priest. The elf glances down at the dog and then back up to Cameron. "Inceku wonders if there is trouble."
Cameron flashes Inceku a grin, and tells Hal in elvish "Inceku is a smart dog." The smile fades from Cameron's face as he continues in the common tongue, "Pass the word, while our backs where turned yesterday, a thief known as Kreun or Krung slipped through Beyar's hands made off with nearly one hundred gold in chips. Saul wants his money back and an example made. We have the 'day off' to sort this out. Apparently Kreun lives in Splithog Alley. I think we should talk to Beyar first, make sure of what happened."
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"Are we to kill this man? 100 gold does not warrant death, even by this...city's laws." Hal falls in next to Cameron, Inceku trotting alongside. "From safeguarding to thuggery? Or perhaps vengeance for the dead pensioner?"
Cameron can tell by the elf's tone that he feels the connotation beneath him.
He gestures with a look to the dwarf, Alayna and the tiefling, then nods to the side of the casino where they can gather to talk.
You get the distinct impression that Cameron isn't relishing being an enforcer. With a heavy heart he replies, "Saul mostly wants his money back, and also for us to send a message. Face means everything in this town. If we humiliate this thief that's worse than killing him in their twisted eyes."
Hal manages to catch Nessa as she is about to bolt for the door. She seems somewhat undecided on what she will do but finally comes with Hal as asked. "What do you need Hal? I'm in kind of a hurry."
"Oi, wot's this? A job or summat?"
Cameron nods to Alayna, "Yes, seems being an enforcer is part of the job description. Lets go find Beyar and get his version of events."
Cameron tracks Beyar down and asks him politely, "Hey there Beyar, so the boss man told me we've got a problem. If you don't mind I'd like to hear the story from your lips, and then we can go do what needs to be done. Gonna need your help to ID the perp, that OK?"
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He nods to Cameron in response to Nessa's question. "He says we're to hunt down a thief..." He waves a hand about the folds his arms. "...in a town of thieves."
As the group gathers he tells Nessa, "A man named Kreung..Krung...something human. He eluded the guard Beyar and escaped with gold. We hunt him, get the gold, and make sure it doesn't happen again."
Later, as they question Beyar, Hal'dorel studies the guard the guard thoroughly. His first thought is that he's involved. Humans collaborate on their evils...unable to do things well on their own. Like insects...like a hive. By my father why am I still here, mixing with these thieving animals? Hal unconsciously curls his lip in disgust at the thought, his gaze upon Beyar turning to a glare of veiled hatred.
Next to him, Inceku picks up on Hal'dorel's shifting mood and emits a low warning growl in Beyar's direction.
》 (+2 vs humans)
》 (aid Cameron)
Beyar answers Cameron, as truthfully as possible
Well, the guy had brown hair, a small beard with some kind of little pearls in it.Couldn't see his eyes, sorry. He was a bit smaller than you, and he had a tatoo of dog or wolf's head on his left wrist. He was quick and slimy, couldn't get a good grasp of him.
As Inceku growls, and Hal Dorel makes his presence felt
Hey, keep your dog in control, bowman. We are all in the same boat. No need to try to get on my nerves.I'm telling you all I know, and that's not much.Saul is pissed the Goblin was targeted for a theft, however small it might be. You wanna be in the boss good graces, you get his gold back.
Nessa thinks to herself, Hmmm, he is kinda mad at me still, it might be a good idea. "I think we should, it certainly won't hurt any...well, at least I doubt it...I need to go to the temple first though, I have to take care of Zith before I do much of anything else." She thinks a moment and then says, "It would also be a good place to ask for information about the thief, my sisters and brothers are avid collectors of information, though it usually comes with a price."
Cameron nods and grins, "Thank you Bayar. Seems its a good day for a nice leisurely stroll down Splithog Alley..."
Cameron absentmindedly shuffles his deck of cards as he speaks and draws three cards face up. He inspects the cards frowns, disturbed by what he sees.
=> The Idiot
=> The Liar
=> The Joke
Mind racing Cameron wonders, 'Well ain't that a singular reading! Are we being played for fools? What are we walking into?'
Under his breath, Cameron mutters, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
"A bad feelin'? Mayb' we should pay a tip to the Dreamer and then be 'bout our business?" Alayna smiles, trying to push back the contagious feeling of dread from Cameron.
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Hmm..the scum could be a member of a local gang... Hal's mind moves on to the hunt, considering the new information about their quarry.
》Local gangs w/wolf's head tattoos
》Locals in practice of beard adornment
As he considers his local knowledge, the elf begins plotting the best approach to Splithog Alley. Perhaps even a way to enter via the roof tops.
On the periphery, he eyes Cameron's draw, and grunts at his assessment. "This whole city is a bad feeling, Clan Hawkwinter. Let us get this menial task over with..."
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Hal considers their options and doesn't like them one bit. "Splithog Alley is an infested slag-pile. We will need to tread carefully to retrieve this thief." His eyes narrow as he thinks on the scum that frequent the area of town. "If I didn't know any better, this seems a test of some sort by Saul. Seeking the toughest of us to keep on at the Goblin... Or a way to rid himself of expensive employees." The last he mutters to himself more than anything.
The elf grumbles but shifts topics. "This Krung, his description is of little note. None of the criminal enterprises in this city have wolf or dog markings as their calling cards...nor use pearls or other decorations in their beards."
"Perhaps we find out if your brood know of other information?" Hal asks Nessa, curious as to what information could be gleened.
Cameron watches Hal and replies carefully, "This will be a trial for certain, although whether it's one of Saul's devising I couldn't rightly say. The real challenge will be exiting with our hides and our honor intact..."
Cameron wonders if it's even possible to achieve both, and tells the group that, "I once heard a story about a cunning watch commander who wanted to arrest a notorious gang member. This fellow was pure scum, violent, with no regard anything except his own enrichment. Of course that was his downfall. You see the watch commander arranged for the rumor of a lottery to be circulated in town. One with a rich purse. All you had to do was send in 5 silver and you'd have a chance at winning 500 gold. They wrote to this gang member, told him he'd won the lottery and that he needed to report to the town square to claim his winnings. And guess what happened, the credulous fool turned up and went to the booth to claim his reward. He was promptly arrested and hanged the next day." Cameron flashes a smile and tells everyone, "My point is, maybe we should use guile instead of brawn... The dumb way to do this is rock up as Saul's Enforcers and kick the hive. I'm not quite sure what the smart way to do this is, but there must be something. Just gotta think latterly."
Giving Hal a strange look when he says something about "her brood" Nessa replies, "That is fine with me, I can't guarantee that we'll find out anything more, but it's worth a try. Well, that, and I need to take care of Zith."
Alayna laughs a bit when Hal say something about honor, "Oi, wot's a pirate lass ta know 'bout honor? Oh, yer nae jokin'. Many heaven'ly apologies to ye." She listens intently thinking as she can about something rightful clever to draw this thief out. She looks at lustful Nessa and is inspired. Thank Desna for timely dreams. Her face flushes red for no apparent reason, Oh, nae! Not kind of dream!
"Mayhaps we could offer him a treasure no man'd refuse? A lady's eager company?" Alayna grins as Nessa's tail sashays and her wings unfurl just a bit, "Nae, no you, you scrumptious lil' sex-pot. Someone tha' aint so well known as'a queen o'flesh." She winks at the demon (or is it a devil?) girl and continues. "We could set jaw boxes ta sqwakin' about some rich hoity-toity lass needin' his services, and willin' ta pay as he could demand? He'd jes hav' ta meet her in'a place we like."
Looking Flattered at Alayna's compliment, Nessa swu\ishes over to her and gently trails a knuckle along her cheek and down her neck to her chest as she says, "Flattery will get you everything Alayna." She gives Alayna a quick little squeeze before she turns to the others and waits for their decision.
The small party of adventurers walks to the temple of Calistria, a few streets north of the Gold Goblin.
It seems that the closer you get, the more clothes seems optional, or at least, when they exist, are more for revealing and enhancing than for covering. Many ladies of negotiable affection, and some gigolos, are seen in the streets, with or without pimps keeping an eye on them.
Every kind of pleasure seems at hand's reach, as long as you got some money to spend.
Still, it's nothing compared to the atmosphere of vibrant lust when you reach the House of the Silken Veil, official temple of Calistria and home to Nessa. It's an octogonal pyramid, topped by a blood red steeple. The walls, once pure white marble, are now marred by years of exposure to the salty air, and the fumes of the Gas Forge, where most of the dwarves of Riddleport live and work.
Even with the doors closed, you hear moans of pleasure as you climb the few steps.
The "guards"- two human in good physical condition, wearing nothing much besides a loin cloth and a stylized halberd, smile when they see Nessa. One of them casually winks at the sorcerer, playfully asking
Bringing some work at home, Ness?
before kissing her cleavage
The other guard seems more interested by Dolgrin, and dreamily says
Ummmm.. a dwarf... been a long time. Lovely and soft beard...
Nessa moans suggestively at the guard and holds his heaad close for a moment as her tail slides up under his loincloth annd tweaks him before she replies, "Sadly no, they're with me to find some information, and I came to feed Zith. She's going to be ever so cranky as I didn't make her feeding time today." Letting her admirer go when the group is ready to enter, she walks through the door, untying her dress at her neck and letting it fall off. She is clad in only the briefest of undergarments now, and her tail brings the dress up to her hand to carry. She heads towards her small room and looks back over her shoulder, her wings completely unfurled making her one of the more striking figures in the temple, "If you wish, I'll show you my quarters, and you can meet Zith. Otherwise, ask my brothers and sisters in lust about the man we seek, someone surely knows something, if they don't I will see if Mistress Pamodae will see us."
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For a moment he considers other items of note regarding Splithog. "Subterfuge is a better option, agreed. Entry into the alley is dangerous, we could pass unmolested for a time but the more we intrude with presence and question, the more likely we will be seen as a threat to the gangs within."
The elf wrinkles his nose at the display of lust between Nessa and Alayna and gives himself a shake. Instead of grumbling he looks to Cameron and adds to the line of thinking. "Your proposal is sound, Clan Hawkwinter." He casts a glance to Alayna as acknowledgement of her idea and then back to the priest. "...and the leverage of baser animal instincts can be added to the trap. We put word out that an exceptional thief is being sought for this...uhm, hoity-toity lady. She is in need of an expert...but the message should be one that lures the right catch." Hal'dorel works his shoulder, shrugging. "We do this want to end up with 20 scum when the one will do...We could put out word for the 'slippery eel who blinded the goblin'?"
When they arrive at the temple, Hal'dorel makes no illusions as to his utter disgust. Ugh, these detestable beings...filthy, rutting animals. If the gods are kind, this Blot above will see to it Riddleport is burned from existence. Then we can reclaim these lands once the purge is complete. He gestures for the others to proceed. "I will consider our strategy from here. Perhaps I should see to planting the seeds of our plan with my local contacts?"