In the Lion's Shadow- A Criminal Solo Game (Inactive)

Game Master Mowque

A game of rising to the top of the criminal pile in Cassomir.


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This is the last time I will control and/or move your character…Enjoy.

The night streets of Cassomir were quiet, empty of the busy daytime traffic. All the porters, shipwrights, peddlers and merchants had long since gone to bed. The already drab streets look positively colorless in the darkness.

Fetch enters the small, abandoned house, following the directions he was given. He opens a small wooden door, peeling paint flaking off at his light touch. Darkness looms beyond, but down a flight of dizzying, winding stairs is a torch. As the enchanter makes his way he feels the clingy humidity of Cassomir’s swamps grow, turning the stone steps slick with damp. He also smells the vague stench of the sewers. Still following his directions, he finds another door, stout and made of iron.

He taps the door and says the password, "Lion’s Shadow". A small grate opens, and an eye is visible for a bare moment. The silence at the base of the stairs is overwhelming, only broken by the distant plink of water dripping, somewhere far away. Then a long rasping sliding noise as a bar is drawn back and the iron door opens. Fetch moves through a small room, with a grimy muddy floor and lit by a cheap lamp. A dark figure points to another door, across the tiny space. The thief crosses it quickly, eager to move on. He opens the door...and enters another world.

The Undermarket. The hidden, pulsating heart of Cassomir’s underworld. It was said that every crime left a mark here, every heist staged, murder planned, blackmail attempted had left a trace. Every stolen item, from the most esoteric magical items to the lowest pit-pocket’s penny passed through sticky fingers here. It was a legend , a half-hidden stain that citizens pretended not to notice. But it was also the engine that drove most of Cassomir. It was the Undermarket that sold the goods Taldan privateers captured, the Undermarket that arranged for slaves to be bought and sold to fuel the shipyards, and it was the Undermarket that kept the nobility in check, providing a place for tit-for-tat violence to be planned, arranged and executed. It was a kingdom in miniature and like any kingdom it had its hierarchy from almighty ruler to humble peasant.

Even visually, it was impressive as Fetch looked on it. It was a swarm of tunnels, ruins and caverns, twisting away out of sight. Water dripped everywhere, oozing in from the ever-present Cassomir mud.

Every square inch of the squalid, underground network was crammed full of shops, tents, stalls and booths. It was as if someone had taken an entire country bazaar and shoved it underground. It was wild contrast of colors from brightly hanging silken curtains of the brothels to the shimmering fires of the illegal alchemists. Peddlers and con-men vied with loan sharks and hustlers for attention. The sound was incredible and so was the stench. An overpowering aroma of incense was on the air to try and cover the reeking stench of the sewers.

But Fetch was more interested in the ‘action’, the criminal activity, then the physical layout of the filthy, grimy sewers and corridors. What he could see from this one spot was enough to make even the most hardened, cynical criminal reel in confusion.

He saw gaming tables, with pock-marked men counting cards or throwing dice. Knock-up bars serving illegal (and probably flammable) liquors to drunk patrons. Disreputable wizards selling reagents, spell components and scrolls to any buyer, no questions asked. Several booths Fetch instantly marked as fences for stolen goods, with everything from swords and shields to perfumes and wines being bartered and sold. In one distant corner, a bare-knuckle fighting pit had been arranged, and two burly men hammered each other to raucous applause and cursing.

It was a criminal’s dream and Fetch was engross for a bit. Finally he shook his head clear. His directions had been clear. He was to meet his contact, the man with so much valuable information, at ‘Hirlade’s’ booth, which apparently sold food and drink down here. It sounded mundane but even criminal masterminds needed to eat. He had no idea where this booth was however, or how to get there.


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

As an aside, this is totally something I'm going to end up stealing for games I run for my irl group. So cool. Sorry if I'm tossing this out a little late.

After ten years of solitude the streets of Cassomir were intimidating. This though. This was overwhelming. For a brief moment Fetch felt his eyes widen and his jaw loosen from it's usual clenched position.

No. Remember who you are Julius. Remember what you are.

He started walking through the great Undermarket, his eyes casually drifting left to right, scanning the area for the proper tool to guide him to Hirlade. There were so many people here, so many minds to sway and convince. The Undermarket was obviously a place of danger, but eventually Fetch knew this could be a haven.

His eyes drifted to the various stalls selling scrolls and other arcane baubles. The open access to arcane implements was comforting but the people there would be wise to his schemes. Still though, a tempting prospect.

He glanced at the other areas. Gambling tables were filled with the desperate and the opportunistic. Those manipulated by avarice are predictable but expensive tools, something to consider in the future but not today.

The taverns were great for simple labor. Even back in his early days of studying the basics of arcana Julius knew this. Liquor makes the mind weak and malleable, practically magic all on its own. He was in the market for a good alcoholic. No need to look further. Lets go find the token drunk.

Feeling almost whimsical at this point he turned heel and walked toward the nearest bar. Upon entering he scanned the room, looking for a sallow meaningless drunk. The kind of person someone would pay no mind to, perhaps even actively avoid. It didn't take long, of course. ah... there you are friend

Julius approached his new mark, "Hello my friend. I'd like to buy you a drink."


The bar is not so much a room as...

The 'bar' is a thick plank set on two slimy stones, backed with a few shelves balanced in the same way. A small curtain hides it a bit from the hurly-burly of the main walkway, as well as covering some of the green-slimed stones.

A dirty woman covered with red-black tattoos is serving tankards of thick rotgut, probably strong enough to blister paint. An evil-eyed half-orc leans nearby, keeping an eye on the proceedings.

The drunk Fetch has picked out has been hitting the rotgut hard. Thin, ragged, and missing most of his teeth he looks blearily at Fetch and say,"Good, because I need one.".

The bartender holds out a long-nailed hand to accept payment from Fetch.


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

Reaching into the lining of his shirt, Fetch produces five gold coins and gently places it in the woman's hand all while giving a knowing glance. He quickly darts his eyes down to the drunken patron and back up to her with a quick nod. That's right madam, I'm buying your customer here.

"Two of your finest for me and my associate"

With that turned to the drunk man and extended a hand with every intention of weaving a beguiling touch (DC15) upon contact.

"My name is Jim. What's yours my friend?"


The bartender simply shrugs and thumps two chipped pewter mugs on the rickety plank. It wobbles a bit from the impact. The bartender swiftly ignores them, knowing discretion is worth quite a bit.

The dirty man takes the drink gladly and drains it down, with some of running onto his patched and filthy shirtfront. Julius can smell the harsh burning rotgut even over the stench of the sewers and the clinging aroma of incense.

"Name is Finn. Nice to meet you." He offers a grimy hand. "You seem like a nice guy, what you doing in a place like this"? His eyes try to track Fetch's face but he is pretty far gone.


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

"Greetings Finn' Ceasing the opportunity Julius grabs Finn's hand, channeling the slightest bet of mental manipulation through the contact. "I suppose you could say I'm down here to make friends.".

At this point our friend Finn can make his DC 15 will save against the Beguiling Touch I will use my one round of friendly attitude to cast an actual charm person on him

Confident that Finn was already caught in his trap, Julius pondered whether it was worth it to expend actual magical energy on the man, but good pawns require a guarantee of sorts. After all, he wasn't sure just how safe he would be wondering around the Undercity alone, someone he could push in front of the end of a knife was an invaluable asset. Drunks, after all, are notoriously easy to push. "And how about yourself? Do you frequent the Undercity often?"

Hardly listening for a reply, Mr. Fetch positioned his free hand, ready to utter his incantation and scribe the writ of charming in the air, only waiting for that satisfying tick letting him know that the beguiling was successful.


He is all yours, Fetch. He failed the save. Being a drunk didn't help him.

Finn nods at Fetch and says, "Friends are nice.." he trails off, and tries to drink some more, but sees it is empty and makes a face. "Sometimes. Where else to go? No job, no woman, just me and street. At least here I can tag along with people..." he mumbles off, his eyes reeling dangerously. "And the drink is good..."


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

Of course you can tag along Finn. Julius' smile quickly left him, the magic doing the impressing for him for the next three hours. He was never one to smile and laugh and it got tiring to put up the facade for long. In his opinion conversation and comrade of that sort was really just a low form of enchantment. Useful at times, but a lesser form of "The Art".

Fetch stood straight, his smile slowly down turning into his usual unamused countenance "Finn. I am looking for Hirlade's. They sell food. Take me there now. I will buy you something you want on the way there. Walk in front of me..."

"Please"


Finn nods agreeably then frowns in concentration. Thinking isn't easy for the soused man but eventually he smiles and stands up, bracing himself.

"Right this way, Jim. Just follow old Finn." The thin man staggers off away from the bar deeper into the pressing throng. Despite a persistent wobble in his gait, Finn walks like a man with practice at being drunk.

He dodges past two illegal moneychangers, a cart selling drugs, and passes by the fighting pit. The twisting, curving tunnels of sewer and caverns spread out, seeming to stretch forever, with bright lights and flames lighting them.

Finally Finn stops, swaying, in front of an abscess cut into the molding, crumbling bricks. There is a rough threshold with a wooden sign above it marked 'Hirlade's'. The interior is dark and smoky, with no way to really see inside.

'There you are, friend. Might if I tag along, never been inside before." Finn asks hopefully.


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

now that I think of it, Julius lies a lot. Would you prefer me to roll a buff right after I do so or would rather just roll with my bonus in secret? Might be fun not knowing what I actually got and I have this sinking suspicion I might get elaborate at some point and you may find the need to call for multiple checks.

"Ah, I had no idea. Perhaps we could have something to eat here in an hour or so.

You my friend need an errand... Julius looked back and forth for a moment. He despised wasting the limited time one of his spells was in effect and he knew the thought of the wasted arcana would gnaw at him. But what? Finn was certainly an adapt drunk and navigated the Undercity like second nature. He was friendly enough to have made other friends as well. Networking is never a lost cause I suppose.

His demeanor remaining unchanged, allowing the charm to create the smile and wink that would normally be required. Julius simply placed his hands behind his back and arched a brow, speaking in calm monotone, "I have a wonderful idea. You should find a couple of other friends and have them join us.".

Reading their thoughts may prove productive. Must remember to prepare prestidigitation next time I venture down.


Finn grimaces and kicks the dirty, muddy floor of the twisting corridor. I don't have many friends, Jim. Why I was alone, drinking in the Undermarket." his face is crestfallen then he says, hopefully, "Do you have any other friends you want me to get for you? Or, if you give me a few bits, I can go find some 'friends'." he adds with a knowing look. Even soused and charmed, no one is naive in the Undermarket.

Poor Finn.


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

I know right?

Julius couldn't help but feel a minor tinge of sympathy for Finn, it was a difficult thing to help. The moment, as per usual, was fleeting however. "Finn. I have a date. It will not take long however."
He paused for a moment, then forced a smile, "I had to bring you along you see because I need someone I trust to watch to see who goes in and out."

"So wait here until I come and get you." Then with a pat on Finn's shoulder coupled with a stern gaze, he turned around and headed darted into the haze.


Finn nods agreeably. ”I'll keep a close watch.” and he wobbles over to a pile of crumbling bricks, and makes a rude seat. It might not be comfortable but it does give him a good view of the threshold of Hirlade's.

Julius crosses the worn stone step, and enters into a small alcove cut into the rock. Jagged, pockmarked walls rise around him, damp with moisture. Above, a canvas tarp is strung from wall to cut wall, providing an impromptu roof. A few rude tables sit inside, with unvarnished, splintery wood. Various ill-favored men are sitting at them, talking quietly to each other. Some of the tables have candles, casting a warm ruddy light in contrast to a few orbs of dancing lights above, shining with a pale blue shade. A high-end establishment for the Undermarket, Julius sees a small fie for cooking behind a flimsy counter, and even an old, gaunt man sawing on a fiddle. The music is rough but fitting enough for the cold, grimy room.

Julius only had scant information to find his contact but his fears are unfounded. In a corner, his back to the wet stone wall, sits a man with a yellow handkerchief in one pocket, the signal. Julius approaches sizing the man up.

He looks quite out of place in the squalid establishment. He has a fine, strong face and careful, refined movements. His posture is perfect, ramrod straight and full attention. Every time his hands move or legs, it is a full bodied, controlled motion. Even his eye blinks seem to be studied and purposeful. His clothes are of an old-fashioned cut, but very well made and well-tended.

Julius does notice however, that his skin seems a little haggard, face more lined then it should, and the left hand has a slight but persistent tremor. There is no drink or food on the table, but a small candle burns fitfully.

The man, quite bit older then Fetch, with his temples going gray says 'Good Evening, Mr. Fetch. I hope this night finds you well?”. His voice has a quiet, subservient tone to it, but the dictation instantly marks him as educated.

All you know is that one day you were given a note that said a man with 'information about The Horse and Crow' wanted to meet you. He arranged a time and place, but you do not know his name or anything else about him.


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

"It certainly does." Julius grabbed a nearby stool and sat down across from his contact, but not before inspecting it for any unfavorable debris. "I must admit, this is my first time in the Undermarket, certainly an exciting place. Full of interesting people I might add."

Julius Fetch, not unlike the man sitting across from him, was a man who paid special attention to his posture and mannerisms. He sat as still as he could muster, folding his hands in front of him with a calm and seemingly bored expression. He was better at imparting emotions than he ever was at being graceful in his actions, however. The solution to this, of course, was almost always to remain perfectly still.

You and I will need to meet again when I unlock the secrets of arcane sight... It was a habit if Julius', as it is with most wizards, to size up any possible arcane competition, eventually devolving into petty inner monologues about the superiority of a focus in Enchantment over other schools which eventually trails off into theoretical ways to end said wizard. The other sources of arcane magic though blood or song were, of course, immediately dismissed as inferior. ...then we'll know what I'm truly dealing with.

"So. I understand you had some business you would like to discuss. I have..." How to say it without letting him know what circles of magic I wield? "...Methods of maintaining a more private form of conversation if you would prefer. I'd be more than happy to implement them if you would not be alarmed by spell casting."


The man inclines his head and mentions, ”This is my first time in it proper. I have dealt with a few…brokers before but never in their…den, as it were.”A barely disguised sniff follows this judgment on the Undermarket.

The older man eyes Fetch steadily, with no qualms or wavering. After Fetch mentions magic, the man looks around and says, ’I think we are quite safe here. No need for any trickery..”. And indeed, the others in the room are a few tables away, muttering quietly. No one seems to even glance their way.

The man nods and says, ”On to business. My name is Devin Micall. I am a butler in service to Ricard Reiliux. You may have heard of him?” You vaguely have heard of him as a rich merchant who makes a killing in the maritime insurance trade. Which is a big one in naval based Cassomir

Micall goes on, ’I have heard you have a way of…acquiring items of value and turning into them gold. I think we can work together, and with your skills and my inside knowledge we can both come into quite a bit of money.” Micall says the last part in a rush, as if he was blurting out a practiced speech.


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

A slight smile formed across Julius' face as he placed the tips of his finger tips together in front of his face, leaning on his elbows. He stayed quiet for a brief moment, weighing his options.

"I see then. I would certainly like to know what it is I would acquire.

He inhales deeply and looked up at one of the dancing lights Ricard Reiliux. Can't imagine he wouldn't own all sorts of interesting pieces. All of them likely insured. Mr. Reiliux isn't the only one with a vested interest in keeping the object in place. 3rd parties. Dangerous yet full of opportunity.

He gently placed his hands back down on the table, "As such, I'm interested in assisting you. Details please."


”It is an art piece. The famous The Horse and the crow. Have you heard of it?” The butler looks inquisitively, testing his new-found, potential partner.

Feel free to respond, and I’ll time slice it in.

Micall goes on, looking around the dismal little eatery with distaste. ”Before I give you my information, do you think you can convert such an article into gold? A work of art is not an easy thing to sell, without one’s previous owner knowing of it. That is one of the reasons I have not done it myself.” The butler seems honestly curious about the subject of fences and the black market.

”Also, what exactly do you need to know? I have never orchestrated a theft before, always prevented them and kept my master’s house inviolate. You will need to instruct me on how best to help you.” there is a note of distaste in the man’s voice as he talks of crime.


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

"The Horse and Crow? Well of course I've heard of it, I think most people have at one point or another. Wouldn't quite call it, art." Julius learned a little heavier on his elbows, curiosity overtaking his unending need for money for the moment. "I take it that this is a special version?"

and moving forward

If he was stealing something from a man as rich as Reiliux, this particular Horse and Crow must be valuable, perhaps a specific painting of the story or a rare copy. Either way Juluis has never fenced anything that valuable before. Still, Golorian was a large world and what once was in Taldor could end up anywhere else. He was, after all, a genius so the details could be thought up later. "Worry not, you've come to the right place. There is always a buyer for something like that. Some buyers don't care to show off their prizes." He leaned in, looking side to side. "Some buyers don't worry about their own mortality anymore.".

Julius leaned back again, looking up at one of the dancing lights That should give him some things to think about. "In any case, I'll just need a way to access the house and what kind of security you've put in place so I can bypass them. The size and weight of the book in question are going to be important should it need to be hidden or disguised in some way." Julius stopped for a moment to think, "Most importantly I think though, is who else works in the manor. I'll need information on everyone."


The man’s eyes light up a bit when Julius asks about the copy. ”It is...an original. My master bought it at an auction in Absalom several months ago. Its pedigree is beyond reproach, totally out of the question. The sum it would fetch on the open market….” He trails off, glancing to the shadowy men at the other tables.

The sound of sizzling meat breaks the silence, and the small kitchen fire flares into greasy life. The scent of charred beef mingles with the incense, sweat, smoke and underlying stench of sewage. Fetch does his best to ignore it as he listens to Micall speak. The butler’s eyes flash with avarice when Fetch mentions unscrupulous art buyers, and the tremor in his hands become more pronounced.

”The manor house is large and impressive but, in truth, poorly guarded. It has many windows close to the ground, and many are prone to sticking open. The book itself is kept in a safe, on the second floor in the Master’s study. I sadly do not know the combination, he is most secretive with his auction pieces. I can, however, arrange for the study door to be unlocked and ajar.”

He pauses, thinking, ”Before anything else…how can I trust you?” he asks suddenly, in the smoky shadowy light. His refined, cultured voice cracking under the sudden strain.


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

You can't Julius simply shook his head, then looked behind him at the other people in the Undercity. "I'm making a career of this you know. The person that gave you my contact information wouldn't send you here with a mystery request to someone that would only turn you in."

In truth, Julius had the same concerns. The gentleman sitting across from him could have far more connections than he did at the moment. He knew the Undercity fairly well. It was one of the reasons he wanted to jump into a detect thoughts right away, though it's a difficult thing to convince someone to willingly allow their mind to be read, even if it is the outer most thoughts. "On top of that, were I to alert the authorities there are at least one hundred people in the Undercity at this very moment that would end me. Were I to steal the book and run away, I'd never be able to work in Cossiomir again and selling the work would become that much harder."

Feel free to divert if we need to have more of a back and forth on the issue of trust.

"Now. Down to business. I need to know exactly what this particular book looks like. I'll also need to know how much time we have before we need to get to work. I may wish to acquire some special equipment to ensure everything goes off perfectly." He was trying not to be overconfident but it sounded like a fairly easy job. Go in, take what he needed, get out. As long as he didn't get greedy it would be like picking up free money. Speaking of money...

"Most importantly, though. How much do we both stand to make?"


Micall nods at the talk about business and reputation. He seems to understand it well and doesn’t remark on it.

His face falls when Julius asks him to describe the book. ”Sadly, I do not know what it looks like. My master does not even know I am aware of his possession of it. He has tried to hide it, but I do monitor all of his spending and manage his books…” he pauses, thinking, ”It cannot be overlarge, for when he returned from his visit to Absalom, he had no extra luggage. As to money…I do not know, but I know the sum would be outrageous on the honest market. I have not dared enquire too closely, in case word floated back to my master.”

He stops and glances around the eatery, listening to the fiddle. he makes a face at the clumsy awing then goes on ”Time is essential. It took longer then I hoped to find someone like you. My master will be moving the book to his safe deposit box the day after tomorrow, early in the morning. I fear that it will be beyond reach at that point. We will have to move quickly.” he says tersely, looking to see if Julius was angry.


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

Julius muttered to himself quietly, obviously deep in thought "The day after tomorrow... it's cutting it a bit short but that should be enough time."

what time of day is it now? Also, would I be able to roll appraise on how much I think this is worth? If so... Appraise: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Although genuinely happy at the opportunity, Julius did his best to conceal the satisfaction with the deal. Instead he frowned slightly and shook his head slowly. "Although I am afraid I wouldn't be able to go an even 50/50 with you. Your information is invaluable, yes, but not quite as valuable as my head which I think we both know is at far greater risk than yours. Normally I ask for around three fourths of the value, but I am a man that trades in favors and knowledge as well."

A mischievous half-cocked smile graced his face for a moment, it was one of his worst tells. "We should also discuss any rules you might have about this as well. I tend to be... opportunistic? When it comes to possessions that is" He folded his arms and leaned back slightly, "I'll have you know I'm no murderer" Not with my own hands anyway

It's odd, he's 3rd level but I'm pretty sure Julius has never killed anyone, or won a fair fight for that matter


It is the middle of the night. So you have one full day and night.

Without seeing the piece, the condition and other markings Julius has no idea. An expert might have a better guess however at the value of such an article, doubly so the black market price.

The butler’s eyes harden, ”You don’t even offer 50/50? Who do you think is taking the risk? It is I who will be under the Master’s eye all day, while I quietly set things up for you. It is I who will have to hope you bring me some of the money. It is I that will have to wait while the Master rages and investigates his lost treasure, and it is I that will be close at hand if he finds out the truth while you could be in Cheliax by then. No, I take just as much risk as you. I will not settle for anything less then half of the sale.” he says stiffly, but one of his hands shakes on the table.

’As for other goods…whatever you see that may be worth money, of course. But again, I should get half the reward. Every item you take will increase scrutiny on myself.”


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

"Devin" He arched a brow again, knowing this man was not going to budge, "50/50 is fine by me. I was just proposing what could be more of a long term venture. It may be too early to talk about, but I think we could be even richer men if you were willing to share information about who and what is being insured."

Julius crossed his leg over his knee, "Like I said, I usually ask for a little more on my side. You're a special case though. Half the sale is fine. In fact, you'll find this to be relatively painless, I assure you."

He extended his hand, "50/50 of everything taken and you agree to speak to me further when we meet to hand over your cut. Do we have a deal?


The man relaxes in his chair, nearly sagging with relief. ”Excellent, excellent.” he reaches his hand then stops short. ’Now, no tricks. I heard you have special skills when it comes to manipulating others…” he laughs a bit, trying to pass it off as a joke. Then he shakes Julius’s hand, firmly.

’So you also wished to know the staff. The house has a fairly small staff considering it’s size. There is me, the Master, a chef who lives on an attached wing near the kitchen. He is a slob and will not factor into our plans. There is a gardener, but he will not be on the grounds if you come after dark. There is his mistress, of course, but she does not live nearby. Not a concern.” he adds, with a judging tone in his voice. ’Anything else you need? I must make my way back, so I will not be missed.”


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

"Not at all Devin. Please, attend to your affairs. Make sure you have everything in place tomorrow night. Forgive me if I don't walk out with you, I'm actually going to stay and see what else this place has to offer."

Julius kept watch of his new associate out of the corner of his eye, waiting for just a minute to get up himself and head outside, keeping an eye out for Finn. Upon spotting his 'companion' assuming he's there Julius walked his way to where he was hidden.

"Finn. I need a favor. Afterward we will have dinner here." He leaned in close, taking a second look to make sure Micall was nowhere in sight. "I assume you saw the well dressed man that just left here? Yes? Good."

Not bothering to explain himself further, Julius began to wave his hand in succinct and mesmerizing circles, quietly uttering the verbal component to Hypnotism. He knew the charm would not last long enough on it's own to accomplish his task, but a simple hypnotic suggestion would stick around for as long as he needed it.

Presuming everything works out the way I've written above. My hypnotism is a DC 16 and he'll take a -2 penalty for being the only target. If he fails he'll be fascinated and I can make one request that he will perform as if he were two steps up the attitude chart (shooting for helpful here) but only in regards to that request. He won't remember that I made it should I succeed.

Assuming he fails...

Once in his grasp, Fetch leaned in closely almost face to face with Finn, "You secretly will follow that man and remember everyone he talks to and every building he enters. Do not follow him inside anywhere you know you shouldn't be. Meet me here tomorrow at noon so we can talk" And with that, Julius snapped his fingers, awaiting for Finn to follow his orders.


Devin Micall vanishes into the swirling mass of vice and debauchery, walking with a fluid, well-practiced grace (and disdain for all of these people).

Finn grins at Julius, who notices for the first time, that the man has two golden teeth, and says, ”Sure thing. I'll keep an eye on the old man, a close eye. See you tomorrow!” he moves after the butler, his movements not so graceful or sure, and with a rolling drunken stride.

Around Fetch roars the Undermarket, in full swing. Everything from drugs to jewelery to live animals are being sold in stands nearby. The gobbling of a turkey before being cut by the swish of a hatchet comes to the enchanter's ears.

Happy Thanksgiving! Anything in particular you are looking for in the Undermarket?


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

Holy crap, sorry for the delay. Trying to get things wrapped up at work before I run off to get married, haha. Anyhoo...

Now the planning begins. I shouldn't need more than what my raw talent and standard tools should accomplish, but no need to risk it... Julius made his way back over to the first few stalls where he saw the various sales of illegal arcana. Noticing the first stand that was selling the potent magical inks and velum required to scribe scrolls, "Pardon me, I need materials necessary to scribe two of the second circle. What are your rates?"

After any possible negotiation I'll need 150gp worth of crafting components for scrolls. After that I'll be heading someplace quiet to spend the next 1d4+12 hours gathering information on a potential buyer, resting and scribing scrolls.


A squint eyed man, wearing dirty clothes sells Julius everything for a fair enough price, after a good bit of haggling. The man seems eager to get rid of the items off his slap-dash cart. Julius notes that some of the scrolls and inkpots seem to be marked with various official emblems and letterheads. The quality is good though and Julius leaves with his goods.

subtract 150 gold. Want to be more specific on how you are spending those hours?


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

Not a problem

It was hard for Julius to think of anything else but his current project. One scroll of Knock, one scroll of Invisibility. Hopefully they'll go completely unused. He made his way back to the small modest inn room up top where he had decided to stay for the week. It was a pain to carry the small amount of belongings with him night to night, although he did like to move to somewhere else every so often.

Sitting down he began to spend the two first hours scribing his scroll of Knock. I'll prepare one for sure, but you never know what I'll need to get into... or out of Writing the long arcane texts were a dull task for most, but Julius had a habit of becoming obsessed with the process. Loosing himself in it. It was already well after midnight when he started on his invisibility scroll. Toward the end of that he started to resent the need to sleep, has he had many times before.

It was at these times he would look down at this ring. He already knew the proper enchantments to upgrade his personal object. "Sustenance... should only be a little over a thousand with resources like the Underground. Then soon I'll-" His muttering was broken by a yawn, "I'll be able to convince people in that disgusting place that I never sleep... or eat...".

The time passed quickly and he finished his second scroll, then lumbered into bed. In the morning he would skulk back down into the Underground to begin asking around about a potential buyer. If one was to be found, it would be there. There was a brief moment where he mused about keeping the book for himself, it was a treasure after all, but that would inevitably be awful for business.

let me know if I need to roll anything.


Excellent

The night passes uneventfully in the little inn, and Julius gets a few hours of sleep with interruption. The morning dawns, cool and clear, and the streets are full of honest men going to labor, mostly in the shipyards.

Juilius sneaks down to the Undermarket, being careful not to be seen.

Want to roll a Stealth (or other check, if you can think of a reason) to avoid being seen or anything? The Undermarket is a secret, after all.

The place is subdued by day, with many of the men either sleeping off last night's carousing and deals or on the streets above ripping off, good honest, hard working citizens. The twisting caverns are rather more roomy, and the press is much, much less. Indeed, Julius only spots a few dozen souls, moving around, many of them dead drunk. A bit of minor discussion about fences does let him hear about 'Cagor', a dwarf who apparently is one of the best fences in Cassomir. He usually operates out of a pawnshop near the Docks, but as luck would have it, he is in the Undermarket today, coming by later to oversee some deals.

You have a few hours to hang around in the Undermarket, any plans or just take in the scenery? Feel free to explore if you like. Place heats up by sundown, of course. You can, of course, hunt up more fences, but Cagor is mentioned as one of the best.


LE Enchanter (Manipulator) 3 | HP: 15/15 | AC: 11 (11 Tch, 10 Ff) | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | F: +2, R: +2, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +0, SM: +7 | Speed 30ft | 7/7 Beguiling Touch | Active conditions: N/A

Julius knows he sucks at sneaking around and is too proud to use invisibility to worm his way into the sewer. Instead he uses his sleeves of many garments to dress up like a homeless person, then uses bluff to pretend he's a sad drunk, crawling in the sewer as if he belongs there. If he's stopped by a good samaritan he's prone to gathering basic information on such a person to later use. Being the manipulative person he is, he tends to see people with wonton concerns for others as very suitable tools for the future

The name Cagor, coming up more often than not, is almost a necessary evil. Dwarves however were something to be respected, if not feared, in negotiations. They tended to have a practical sensibility that rivaled his perception of his own and to make matters worse, they could reliably shrug off magical manipulation. However, this was his best lead and it never hurt to talk.

The rest of his time, before or after locating Cagor, was best spent getting a lay of the land. Charming and hypnotizing the lowest common denominator was useful, but this was the heartbeat of his business. Of course, every wary of those sharing his talents, his eyes were ever open for the more magically inclined. Although he would never admit such a thing, Julius Fetch was the stereotypical wizard in many ways. Jealous, petty, greedy, overconfident were all words used to describe him back when he went to the academy. This, of course, didn't stop him from using those same terms in regards to his peers amongst the aquantances he once called friends. Spoiled ingratful fools. I have learned more from sitting in a dark room than they probably have from sitting in that library, reading the same rendition of Dr. Fink's work. He chuckled a bit, remembering the text Doctor Fink's theory of energy transference. Evocation is so... dull.

"...why is it that every evoker thinks they developed the theory of energy admixture? He muttered to himself, almost unknowingly stumbling on Cagor himself, "Ah, um... pardon me. I'm looking for a talented Dwarven merchant. You wouldn't he him, would you?"


The Dwarf Julius stumbles over is well dressed, in finely embroidered robes and bright colors. His thick dark hair is braided into glossy braids running down his face, and his beard hangs below his belt. A fashionable hat sits on his head, a dull red in the dim lights of the Undermarket. Shiny, well-polished boots seem to reject the clinging filth of the corridor. He carries no weapon Julius can see.

A pair of heavily armed men stand behind him, both carrying half-full sacks.

His dark, bright eyes examine Julius for a moment before answering. ’I may be, depending on what type of merchant you need? Go to a ironmonger for iron and a fisherman for fish, as the saying goes. What type of merchant do you need, master…?” the dwarf leaves the question hanging. His voice is surprisingly high-pitched for such a dark, squat figure. The guards behind him wait silently, sizing up the enchanter.


Ok, this is where we start, Ludvic! This is the last time I will control and/or move your character…Enjoy.

The night streets of Cassomir were quiet, empty of the busy daytime traffic. All the porters, shipwrights, peddlers and merchants had long since gone to bed. The already drab streets look positively colorless in the darkness.

Ludvic enters the small, abandoned house, following the directions he was given. He opens a small wooden door, peeling paint flaking off at his light touch. Darkness looms beyond, but down a flight of dizzying, winding stairs is a torch. As the necromancer makes his way he feels the clingy humidity of Cassomir’s swamps grow, turning the stone steps slick with damp. He also smells the vague stench of the sewers. Still following his directions, he finds another door, stout and made of iron.

He taps the door and says the password, "Lion’s Shadow". A small grate opens, and an eye is visible for a bare moment. The silence at the base of the stairs is overwhelming, only broken by the distant plink of water dripping, somewhere far away. Then a long rasping sliding noise as a bar is drawn back and the iron door opens. Ludvic moves through a small room, with a grimy muddy floor and lit by a cheap lamp. A dark figure points to another door, across the tiny space. The thief crosses it quickly, eager to move on. He opens the door...and enters another world.

The Undermarket. The hidden, pulsating heart of Cassomir’s underworld. It was said that every crime left a mark here, every heist staged, murder planned, blackmail attempted had left a trace. Every stolen item, from the most esoteric magical items to the lowest pit-pocket’s penny passed through sticky fingers here. It was a legend , a half-hidden stain that citizens pretended not to notice. But it was also the engine that drove most of Cassomir. It was the Undermarket that sold the goods Taldan privateers captured, the Undermarket that arranged for slaves to be bought and sold to fuel the shipyards, and it was the Undermarket that kept the nobility in check, providing a place for tit-for-tat violence to be planned, arranged and executed. It was a kingdom in miniature and like any kingdom it had its hierarchy from almighty ruler to humble peasant.

Even visually, it was impressive as Ludvic looked on it. It was a swarm of tunnels, ruins and caverns, twisting away out of sight in all directions. Water dripped everywhere, oozing in from the ever-present Cassomir mud.

Every square inch of the squalid, underground network was crammed full of shops, tents, stalls and booths. It was as if someone had taken an entire country bazaar and shoved it underground. It was wild contrast of colors from brightly hanging silken curtains of the brothels to the shimmering fires of the illegal alchemists. Peddlers and con-men vied with loan sharks and hustlers for attention. The sound was incredible and so was the stench. An overpowering aroma of incense was on the air to try and cover the reeking stench of the sewers.

But Ludvic was more interested in the ‘action’, the criminal activity, then the physical layout of the filthy, grimy sewers and corridors. What he could see from this one spot was enough to make even the most hardened, cynical criminal reel in confusion.

He saw gaming tables, with pock-marked men counting cards or throwing dice. Knock-up bars serving illegal (and probably flammable) liquors to drunk patrons. Disreputable wizards selling reagents, spell components and scrolls to any buyer, no questions asked. Several booths Fetch instantly marked as fences for stolen goods, with everything from swords and shields to perfumes and wines being bartered and sold. In one distant corner, a bare-knuckle fighting pit had been arranged, and two burly men hammered each other to raucous applause and cursing.

It was a criminal’s dream and Ludvic was engrossed for a bit. Finally he shook his head clear. His directions had been clear. He was to meet his contact, the man with a (hopefully) valuable job, at ‘Hirlade’s’ booth, which apparently sold food and drink down here. It sounded mundane but even criminal masterminds needed to eat, the Galtish man mused. He had no idea where this booth was however, or how to get there.


HP (12) AC (17/13/14) CMD (15) Saves (1/6/0) Initiative (+4) Panache 2/2

Ludvic will have arrived wearing his best for the occasion. His recently polished boots matched his black pants. Over a white shirt he wore a matching black jacket that to the naked eye seemed more fashion then of use. Only Ludvic knew of the hidden pockets inside of it. Clutched in his hand left hand was a slender cane carved from the bone of a large creature, the handle of which carved to resemble a grinning skull. Finally sitting on his head was a large top hat. Every now and again the head of a emerald green snake would poke out from his sleeve to taste the air before slipping back in. Ludvic would make a quick mental map of what he has seen so far. Ludvic would first approach the booth holding many spell components. Heven would browse around the area and even stock up on supplies he was running short on before asking his questions of the owner. "I appreciate the supply that you have my good man. To many wizards are fearful to carry supplies for the darker aspects of the craft. I would like to ask two questions though. What is your stock of onyx like and where could I find Hirlade's booth at? I'm a bit peeking at the moment and heard mention of it in the crowd."


The man running the booth, a wrinkled one man with a dirty white beard bows and says in an oily voice, ”Of course, sir. I carry many fine onyx pieces, fresh from distant shores. Only 75 gold per jewel because you are obviously a man of quality.”

Insert any bargaining or bartering. I shall timesplice that in before this next bit

After the debate, the supplier points down a nearby tunnel, dripping with green slime. ”Hirlade's is that way, good sir. Only a short way down that tunnel, past the reagent stand.” A few other men walk past, everyone nearly shoulder to shoulder in the crowded tunnels. Even a few children run about, weaving among the adults with effortless ease.


HP (12) AC (17/13/14) CMD (15) Saves (1/6/0) Initiative (+4) Panache 2/2

Ludvic will raise a eye brow at the salesman. "I appreciate the compliment but I must say that seems to be a bit high for my needs. No I think the most that I can possibly pay for one of those gems would be fifty gold pieces at the most. They simply need to be good enough for my needs, no more or less."

diplomacy=: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

If he can get them for fifty gold he will buy two of them. If not he will bid the man good day and start heading down the tunnel. He will do his best to keep from bumping into any of the strangers as he is crowded into the tunnel. Ludvic made sure to keep his eye on the children as well. Down here their was most likely no such thing as innocence. Small hands were unseen hands in such close quarters and he enjoyed his money where it was hidden.


After some haggling Ludvic wears down the merchant to fifty gold coins per gem. After buying two of the dark gems, he makes his way down the tunnel.

Subtract 100 gold from your funds

Ludvic passes past a collection of interesting booths and stalls selling many illegal or immoral items. The press of people is tight, and some of the tunnels are so narrow he is nearly shoulder to shoulder against the greasy, slimy walls. Just after pushing through such a narrow place he enters a small widening and sees a curtained off area with a sign reading 'Hirlade's'. A surly bouncer sits outside with a shaven head covered with tattoos.

As Ludvic makes his way a small child stumbles out from a tiny alcove, clutching his stomach and moaning. The boy comes right up to Ludvic and says, ”Help me, mister.” then proceeds to vomit all over Ludvic's boots.


HP (12) AC (17/13/14) CMD (15) Saves (1/6/0) Initiative (+4) Panache 2/2

Ludvic will slip the gems into a inner pocket of his shirt as he makes his way through the crowd. He had to admit this place seemed to have it all. Back in Galt he had to develop quit a few connections simply yo get research on necromancy. Here he had been able to simply walk up to a man and buy supplies to create undead! Things seemed to be looking up for him. That was until the boy wandered out in front of him.

Ludvic had time to raise a eye brow just as the boy vomited all over his shoes. He jumped back and swore under his breath. His eyes looked angrily at the boy before he took a deep breath, visibly forcing himself to calm. "Stupid beggar. Your lucky I didn't bash your skull in. Use that rag you call a shirt and clean my boots and I might consider helping you out." Bashing the kids head in would not fix his shoes after all. He looked at this as a test of his composure. If he could learn a bit more from the boy about this place before heading into Hirlade's he would consider this distraction a win. Far as he knew he still had a few minutes to spare before he had to meet with his new contact.


The young boy looks up, strings of yellow goo dripping. He is dressed in mere rags, and is barefoot in this sewage coated tunnels. ”Sorry sir I just...”.

He is interrupted by a scream from behind Ludvic, very close. Whirling, he sees a slightly older boy (also dressed in rags) clutching his hand. A pile of sunrods falls to the ground. The boy grips his hand and shouts, ”His pocket..it bit me!” The hand turns a dark purple as he squeezes it in pain.

From Ludvic's coat pocket he hears the familiar hiss of his viper, sounding quite discontented. The tiny green head pokes up, eyeing the boy steadily. The boy blubbers, 'Am..am I going to die? Is it poison?”

A few passerby’s slow down and note the scene, eyeing man and boys curiously.


HP (12) AC (17/13/14) CMD (15) Saves (1/6/0) Initiative (+4) Panache 2/2

Ludvic reached down and gave his snake a pet on the head. Judging from the dress of the boys they did not have any pockets but still, they could have some sort of money on them. "Yes, he is poisonous. You may or may not die. It all depends on how healthy you are. Then again, a dose of antitoxin would also make sure you do not have a early encounter with the grave. It just so happens that I keep a bit of it on me just in case of an emergency such as this. Still, I can't be expected to give it away for free to some filthy pick pocket now can I? Now I'm going to have a nice meal. In the mean time, I suggest you two get to work scrapping enough money together before I get done. I don't care what you bring, long as it's valuable." Ludvic will snatch his sun rods from the ground and slip them back into their pouch before he pulled a cloth from his other pocket and did his best to clean off his shoes. He would simply throw the stained rag towards one of the boys once he was done. Ludvic didn't actually have any antitoxin. The snake's venom was really only dangerous to some one very unhealthy, or a child. This would be a good lesson if he survived to pick his marks out better. After cleaning his shoes off he would walk up to the bouncer, giving a curt smile. "Always a treat when a pick pocket gets more then what he bargained for. I'm meeting a friend inside if you would be so kind as to let me pass." Ludvic seemed to brush off the idea that he may have just killed a child very curtly as he spoke to the guard.
If I need a roll for bluff for the boy its bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
and the diplomacy for the bouncer is diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17


The boy’s stare at him with wide eyes, and the bit one massages his purple hand. ’Uh, yes sir!” they shout in unison they run off into the twisting tunnels, obviously intent on buying the antidote.

The tattooed bouncer eyes Ludvic gravely then says, ”Serves the little brats right. Trying to rob the underworld! Only a matter of time until they end up dead. “ he lifts the curtain for Ludvic saying, ”No trouble in here mister. Keep it quiet or I’ll have to take steps.”

Inside there is a decent sized room, hacked out of the crumbling walls of the tunnel. Jagged, pockmarked walls rise around him, damp with moisture. Above, a canvas tarp is strung from wall to cut wall, providing an impromptu roof. A few rude tables sit inside, with unvarnished, splintery wood. Various ill-favored men are sitting at them, talking quietly to each other. Some of the tables have candles, casting a warm ruddy light in contrast to a few orbs of dancing lights above, shining with a pale blue shade. A high-end establishment for the Undermarket, Ludvic sees a small fire for cooking behind a flimsy counter, and even an old, gaunt man sawing on a fiddle. The music is rough but fitting enough for the cold, grimy room.

Near the back is a man fitting the description Ludivc is looking for. A small, wiry man hunching over a bowl of soup. He is middle-aged man with sandy brown hair sticking out from his head. His clothes are dirty and stained from hard-use, and a large knife hangs from his belt. he is tapping the table nervously while eyeing the other patrons of the little restaurant.


HP (12) AC (17/13/14) CMD (15) Saves (1/6/0) Initiative (+4) Panache 2/2

He can't help but smile as the boys make a run. Would the boys really believe him and come back? He would have to see. "Yes what can you do about those little pick pockets. Mort here showed them up though. Always had a thing against strangers. I won't make any trouble for you or your establishment I promise. He had to admit that this place seemed pretty nice for it's location. He would have to keep this place in memory if he ever got hungry while in the area. He will begin to hum softly to the tune of the music until he finally spotted the man. Ludvic will order a quick drink from the counter before walking over to sit across from the middle aged man. "Good afternoon. Hope I did not keep you waiting to long. I got held up dealing with a few pick pockets outside. We do not need to worry about being over heard here correct?" He assumed the man would have picked a spot where it would be safe to talk about their dealings.


The wiry man looks around once before nodding, ”Yeah, we will be fine. Hirlade's is known for keeping quiet about such stuff. Besides, I can deal with any nosy folks.” he rests a hand on his knife suggestively.

As Ludvic sits down the man speaks again, ”My name is Solvor. I hear that you have certain talents that could me and a friend out? You are new the city, do you have any proof? I hate to trust someone who turns out to be..something other then what they claim.”

The other patrons ignore them, intent on their own (probably illicit) conversations. Solvor taps the table nervously, eyeing Ludvic harshly, looking for any clues to the necromancer.

”I will say, you dress flashy enough. I wouldn't have figured a man in your...line of work would like to be noticed?”


HP (12) AC (17/13/14) CMD (15) Saves (1/6/0) Initiative (+4) Panache 2/2

"Would you like to know the both the bet and worst part of being a necromancer? Many wizards of other school will employ the arts to blind their foes or simply weaken them. The main school involves raising the dead as tools. Even with the nature of this undercity I do not believe that I would be welcome to strolling through the streets followed by a line of zombies. I can promise you that I can help you out with my skills. If it is that important to you then I could demonstrate. We simply need a body. I think I know where we could get two of them if you don't mind getting your hands slightly dirty as well." Ludvic grins as he sips from his drink and then places it down. "As for my dress most people do not know of my skills. As long as I do my job right, people will never know if I played the role in anything or not. It does not matter who recognizes me, I know how to cover my tracks when it comes to a job. I come from a place where your head reaming on your shoulders depends on that fact.


At the mention of demonstrating necromancy, the man pales a bit and says, ”That…that won’t be necessary. I’ve heard that you are good. “ he takes a sip of cold soup and goes on. ’This job will require a good deal of discretion but I heard you can do that too. In any case, I have a friend who needs to vanish. He made enemies with the wrong gang and he needs to flee. To make it look good we want everyone to think he is dead. Preferably in a public way and someone else can take the blame? Is that something you think you can manage?” he still seems nervous and Ludvic notices he has mentioned no names yet, very vague.


HP (12) AC (17/13/14) CMD (15) Saves (1/6/0) Initiative (+4) Panache 2/2

Ludvic will listen intently to the man. From one pocket he will produce a copper coin and lazily roll it between his fingers as he listens. "Nothing that can not be pulled off with out a bit of planning. However, I'm going to need some more details then that. In public can be arranged easily to. I'll just need to set something up in advance. I don't need a name. Names are unimportant. I will have to meet the man though. The extent of my deception relies on knowing exactly what he looks like. Next, he is going to have to go through his wardrobe and find a matching pair of clothes. We need some for the body so people don't wonder what happened when the corpse suddenly changed clothing. I think I can produce a body easily enough as well. I'll take the job, but only if I can meet the man who needs to disappear first. In the mean time did this man allow you to discuss payment as well?"


Solvor eases considerably when Ludvic says he can do the job.”Good,good.”. He nods then goes on, ”Yeah, we can meet. My friend is holed up right now, but perhaps tomorrow night? I'll send a note to you on where to meet. Where can my messenger reach you? As for clothes, I'll take care of it. He may have some other personal affect's we'd like to include in the charade.”

Then he smiles coldly, ”And yes, I can discuss money. How much do you think this will cost, all expenses, including finding a body and all that? I'd rather not hear the details, but how much gold will it take for you to solve my problems, and my friend's? I hear you are just starting out so I hope your price will not be too...exorbitant.”

A fat man from behind the bar brings Ludvic his drink, setting in on the rough table between Ludvic and Solvor.


HP (12) AC (17/13/14) CMD (15) Saves (1/6/0) Initiative (+4) Panache 2/2

"Tomorrow night would be perfect. Gives me some time to prepare some things for the job. Right now I am staying in a local inn by the name of FishHead's until I can earn enough to buy myself a home. Land is surprisingly expensive here and I am looking to build one up from scratch. Now for what I have in mind it will require a potion to help disguise him when everything goes down. The amount of effort and spell casting couple with personal risk, 1,500 gold pieces should be fair I think.
Ludvic will take a small sip from his drink as he waits for a reply.


Solvr puts his soup down, loudly banging it. "1,500 gold coins? Piss on that!" he shouts and a few heads turn their way for an idle moment before going back to their own business.

Blushing slightly a sheepish Solvor goes on, in a lower voice, "I got 900 for you. That is plenty for a day's work, don't you think? Even that much is highway robbery."

He keeps a sharp eye on Ludvic, looking for something in the necromancer's cold eyes.

Just to be clear he is negotiating/bargaining .

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