for dotting...
Magnimar. City of Monuments.
Long known for its impressive collection of Thassilon relics and monuments, the City of Secrets is also a growing economic powerhouse.
Rich trade from the north flows into the city. Amber, ivory and whale oil from the Linnorm Kingdoms, magic items and live animals from Irrisen, exotic Tian Xia goods from the Crown of the World. More and more the wild nrothern nations are realizing power can come from coin and trade.
From the south comes the wealthy traders from Absalom, Chelix, Androan hawking everything from grain, lumber to holy relics and alchemical reagents. Every nation in the Inner Sea from Osirion to Rahadoum have merchants here, eagerly buying and selling.
Not to mention the local Varsian trade, consisting of loot from tombs, local good such as rope, steel and fish. The inscrutable monuments of Magnimar themselves are trade as the heavy stone blocks carved from the forgotten monuments (even the mighty Irespan itself) are highly sought after my the makers of golems and constructs, sold all over Golarion.
Lastly there is the illegal trade of the endless gangs of Varsisa. Slaves, drugs, weapons all are trafficked in growing amounts to great profits by those willing to smuggle them.
This bustling trade has even attracted the infamous Aspis Consortium, and the House of Bronze is the center of their northern power. Home to a gold agent, the highest rank, the House of Bronze represents the pinnacle of commercial power with the ability to crown and uncrown kings in the north, control entire caravan routes, and demolish rival trade companies with the stroke of a pen.
It is this ravenous, rapacious hive of trade and commerce that Rileng finds himself thrown into.
It is high noon on the docks, and crowds of merchants, porters and sailors surge around him. The stench of dead fish, sweating men and the salt sea fill his nostrils. The terrible, miserable, stinking smell of every port on earth.
It smelled like sweet opportunity to Rileng.
A tall man in strange but fine and functional clothes stands alone among the docks. Left mostly alone by those that work around him, though their are those that look over the stranger with greed in their eyes. That is until they lock gazes with the exotic windows that pass for his eyes, catching them and promising only consequences.
Rileng glances over to where the Indigo Imperium was being built, he had come to check on her and speak with the representative of the Shipmaker's Guild in Beacon Point today. He had contracted them to build what could be the largest ship to come out of Magnimar. Still he had nearly bankrupted himself in the processes and only managed to get half way there. He needed to find a fresh supply of coin to complete his precious ship. Part of the reason he remained in the docks and strolled around the place was just that. His keen senses that captured pickpockets before they approached, not that they would get a single coin thanks to his magical pouch, were just as useful for picking up information.
So he thought not to waste his trip to Beacon Point but turn it into a gamble for profit while he was at it. One never knew when Desna would grace him, even if his preference was Abadar. At his core he was not a picky man when it came to coin.
Beacon's Point had a bad reputation in Magnimar. The home of the lower sailors and laborers that made the maritime business run, it was dirtier, more cramped and less well-kept then the other parts of the city. Houses needed paint, streets were gritty mud, and buildings leaned drunkely.
But it wasn't a total hive of scum and villainy. Only Rag's End, which housed a literal warren of crime and debauchery, truly lived up the reputation. Here at the water's edge, where Rileng walked, it was more just a hardscrabble district of town and people trying to stay out of trouble.
That said, a richly dressed strange walking along was just asking for trouble. It was only a matter of time that he ran into someone that saw him a business transaction.
From behind a pile of nets and fish traps, a young woman suddenly appears. Wearing a short hemp dress and little else, she blocks Rileng's way and cocks her hip.
'Hey, good looking." She purrs, "Want a good time?" She is dirty, dreadfully skinny and has hard gray eyes. Still, she is moderately attractive, with blond hair and a warm voice.
As she says this a young man bumps into Rileng from behind. 'Hey, I'm walking here!" he says angrily, as he dusts off his shirt.
Rileng feels the man's hand in his pocket, swiping one of his vials. It is a good pull and Rileng almost misses it, even while being on guard for it.
At one time his instinct would be to jump back at any sudden movements, more so someone blocking his path. Yet that was almost another life half way across the world, almost. No, instead his honed mind moved faster then his impressive reflexes taking things in. A woman down or her luck or knowing little else was hardly strange, yet the timing was to good. Sure enough he felt the young fool, a lesson was in order to the pair.
With a flick of his wrist one hand conjures a wickedly foreign blade while the other grabs the boy, pulling him with his prize towards him. The deadly dagger stops short of his throat, all this happened in a single fluid movement. He spoke in a calm smooth voice, one that rolled quickly yet not sharply. At least not yet.
"Both of you would be wise not to move. Now I am understand one must do what they need to, in order to survive. But you should pick your targets a bit better. As well as what you seek. That vial's contents are useless to you and it's worth less then a handful of coppers. Hardly worth being dragged to the guard over or spilled blood. Your own of course, not mine."
With that he releases the boy without his prize. Replacing it where it belongs on his person. If the two have not bolted, he smiles. His fangs in full view, he reaches into a seemingly empty pouch and produces a pair of gold coins. He tosses one to each.
"Do remember this little lesson well. Oh and be sure not to cross me again, I am not always so forgiving the first time and never the second. But I am be inclined to pay those that approach me for work or with work."
He leaves it at that, as long as they do.
The rest of Rileng's walk is uneventful. The streets become more and more full, the busy maritime world of Magnimar throwing itself in his face (and nostrils).
He passes the Outcast Fishery, the part guildhall part repair shop, on his way. As usual the place is full of men talking, working and socializing. It was a minor center of power in Magnimar, one of the little people in the city, not dominated by any of the noble families.
The investigator soon finds himself at the Shipmaker's Guild, the huge set of slips, drydocks and wharves that build the ships the city needs to survive. It is a swarm of work, men hanging from great ribs of ships, others breaking up ancient sailing vessels for salvage, others simply planing out whole tree trunks.
Rising above it all is the skeletal structure of the Indigo Imperium. Only partially built, already the huge keel and ribs rise above nearly every ship in the yard. Nearly an army of men, half-elves and half-orcs labor at her, carving wood, joining planks, sanding beams. It is a long way from done, but it is slowly, starting to make shape.
As he enters the yard, the master craftsmen, a dwarf Rileng has met before appears at his shoulder. Master Shipwright, Korlos Undershale. A stout, well-muscled dwarf, he had apparently run this yard for years and the grumpy dwarf had taken a personal interest in the massive ship Rileng had commissioned.
"Come to finish your payment, sir?" Korlos asked, as he always did when seeing the investigator.
"Not today, anyways as I see it. You have not delivered on what I have already paid. I don't see even half a ship yet."
He bumps into the dwarf in good nature, not moving the ball of muscle one bit.
"Anyways just checking in on the big girl. You'll be the first one I come to when I want to improve her too. Any problems or details I should know about?"
He looks over at the dwarf, catching him should he attempt to bring up the lack of full payment.
"Besides the bill."
Giving him a slight glare to keep him from pressing.
'She is as big as she is ugly." he looks at the ship with obvious pride. Despite his gruff words, he is obviously in love with the ship, and it will probably be his masterwork. Rileng knows for a fact that merely have that thing in his yard has boosted the dwarf's business.
'Have you found anyone to crew her yet?" the dwarf asks, still gazing at the wooden monstrosity. "She'll need a fine crew to keep her afloat, the ugly beast."
"Sadly not yet, another task on my list. I am not inclined to take just anyone. As you said, she'll need a fine crew and deserves no less."
He had not missed the dwarf's reaction, he better make some coin quick. If she was finished before his bill was paid the dwarf may try to keep her.
The dwarf nods, "I looked into it, a few days ago. Your Imperium will be the biggest ship Magnimar has ever built, as far as I can tell. " he clasps his hands behind his back sternly, "In the hands of a foreigner.." he sighs, but Rileng knows it isn't nothing personal. The Dwarf just thinks out loud sometimes. He'd complain if it was a local too.
"Speaking of crews, I hear Arazella is back in town." the dwarf adds, eyes squinting at some aspect of the work. "She is the best navigator around, or so the rumor claims. Bit of an odd fish, but what gnome isn't?" He lean forward obviously worried, "Excuse me, someone is screwing things up."
He marches down toward the ship, then start yelling and cursing at a man for carving the rudder incorrectly. Rileng notice the men seem to almost run in fear before the fuming Dwarf.
He watches for a moment longer, satisfied that if nothing else his ship was in good hands as far as craftsmanship. Then he makes his way out of the shipyard and back into the docks. Thinking of this Arazella, as well as on the rumors of her skill.
He takes the chance to gather information in the area. You never knew what opportunities you would hear about, even if at times they were not meant to be heard.
Rileng turns over the name in his mind. Arazella. He didn't know many gnomes, not well anyway. But he did know Arazella was supposed to be the best, rumored to have grown up in the Shackles, just outside the Eye. The never-ending storm either broke sailors or made them strong. Arazella apparently, had flourished and soon became famous for being nearly unerring in her navigation. No matter the weather, time of year, or location she never seemed to get lost.
She was an odd fish though, so rumor held. She never ate meat, never touched liquor of any type, collected seashells (and odd one that for sailors), and never accepted payment. Ever. She only took jobs 'she believed in'. It befuddled every ship's master in the Inner Sea but they still lined up to hire her. Most failed, she was notoriously picky. She was probably in some Magnimar library, researching ancient charts or ledgers.
As for money making opportunities...Magnimar was an active city. The Church of Erastil is always looking for bright people to help them 'police' the city. The vigilantes were one of the few forces or order and law in the city, and they paid well, often for odd jobs against the criminal elements in the city.
Rileng also hears that the Aspis Consortium is looking for translators. While ostensibly legal, infamous Consortium has a long reputation for shady and illicit dealings. Details are scant but rumors has it some unusual traders have entered the city and are looking to sell...
For those wishing for more...active work, the Golemworks are hiring. The Golemworks are the home of the most talented construct makers in the Inner Sea Region, working with the precious stone gathered from the ancient monuments of the city. The stone itself is incredibly rare and valuable. It is so rare, the Golemworks are hiring men to go into the Underbridge to find blocks fallen over the centuries from the Irespan, high above. The pay is good but very dangerous.
Rileng was a fair combatant yet not a professional. He did not like the idea of any lethal encounter alone if it could be avoided. While the Aspis Consortium had a reputation for a number of things, among that was one for paying well and earning profit. He was proficient in over a dozen languages and had his elixirs for those that he was not. More so it never hurt to associate with fellow merchants. If only to keep tabs on rivals he supposed.
With that he would seek out the Aspis Consortium at their Bronze House in Dockway. At least he knew where to find them unlike the gnome Arazella. He would seek her out later, he needed to have a ship before a navigator after all. With some income lined up he could feel better about assembling a crew. Still that the gnome did not take payment put him a bit off, his cause was largely self serving after all. Then again she was odd.
Rileng finds the Bronze house easily enough, it being a local landmark in Dockway. Itonly takes a few minutes until he is standing front of the imposing building.
The large, wooden building was made of teak and mahogany, imported at fabulous expense from the Mwangi Expanse. Oiled and lacquered, the wood gave off a deep, dark shine in the bright Magnimar sun. Every window, door frame, and railing was sheathed in gleaming, shining bronze, giving the place it's name. Between the wood, bronze and bright white stones used for foundation and porch, the entire structure gleamed like a lighthouse for commerce.
A few guards stand around, faces impassive and well-trained. A number of merchants, captains and brokers are going to and fro from the house. Rileng is merely one of many seeking opportunity here.
A well-dressed steward stands just inside the grand teak doors and nods to Rileng. 'Do you have an appointment, sir?" he says in smooth Common.
Rileng kept his disdain at the display of wealth well hidden. Seeing the structure he instantly felt the need to walk up to it's walls and relieve himself with his liquid gold on their pretentious bronze. While he did not begrudge the wealthy, he did their pointless displays. He would seem well dressed even rich by the standards of some, yet everything about him was function first. Quality won out over appearance in his mind. After all no matter the wood, it will burn. With such resources he would have chosen stone, granted being learned in alchemy he knew stone could burn as well but it would be alot harder.
He shoved these thoughts aside and kept his neutral expression as he was addressed. It was time for business after all. He gives a slight bow and wide closed smile, no need to show off his impressive teeth to these people. For some unknown reason many found it off putting, seeing as he has never bitten anyone in his life he could never understand why.
"Unfortunately I do not. Yet it has come to my attention that your employers are looking for a translator. I am learned in over a dozen languages. If I am mistaken and your masters are not hiring translators. You have my apologies for the inconvenience and my lack of manners. I am Rileng Sulfach."
He delivered all this in flawless common as well, no hint of his distant origins. He also kept a careful eye on the steward, such people often knew more then they should due to their position. Servants were often ignored or over looked by the reckless, arrogant, and foolish. He strives to be none of these things.
Rileng looks hard at the steward, a younger man wearing the red/black uniform of the Aspis. He has that general contempt such agents often hold and Rileng can see a bronze pin, the symbol of the lowest level of official agent, on his chest.
His eyes light up when Rileng says he is here for the translation job. 'Ah, excellent. We were worried no one would show up. A few others have applied but have been found...unreliable." The man coughs and Rileng has a feeling this guy has an over-full view of himself. 'Please follow me." he says, leading into the Bronze House. Rileng detects not threat or danger from the steward.
Rileng is led into a small, spartan room. It only has a table, a few chairs, and a window looking into the street. All is made of the same heavy teak wood, polished to a dull shine.
The steward bows and says, "Master Sloan will be right with you." and leaves.
Maiveer Sloan, Rileng knows, is the top level (gold) Aspis Agent in Magnimar. He holds incredible power and influence in the city, nearly a force upon himself. Also has an intense rivalry with the new Pathfinder Lodge in the city.
Soon the door swings open an a blocky half-orc steps through. Armed with a thick metal cudgel he takes up a spot in a corner, quiet and reserved. He looks quite sharp and aware of trouble though.
Behind him strides a gaunt man with Taldan features. Black hair, hollow cheeks and piercing dark eyes make him a forbidding figure, if one ignores the skinny frame and receding hairline. It is Maniveer Sloan
The man sits down without preamble and says, in unreadable tones, "Your aura is blocked. I suppose you have a good reason?" the half-orc tightens the grip on his club, just perceptibly.
Rileng doesn't miss a beat and smiles, full teeth this time, taking a slight bow.
"I enjoy my privacy and respect it in those that I deal with. So I make it a point of making myself approachable to all. Some may find my honor or in a harsher light, lack their of in their view offensive. I try not to offend those I deal with. It is good business in my mind."
Maiveer Sloan had shown himself to be offensive, or at least arrogant. Aura's were a fluid concept, they gave a hint to one's nature. They did not define it, something so complex could not be read so easily. He knew for a fact his own aura was rather bland, with only a hint of order. Still that was nether their nor here, he had tipped his hand about the knowledge. No god would come of it, pointless and provoking. He would not engage in that game. Perhaps Sloan even hoped he would lie, lying was for those that lacked creativity. Truth as well was not so simple.
He carefully observed both Sloan and his supposed bodyguard, while he knew of one quickly. The other he thought on, unlike others he did not make assumptions or ignore those around them. He had not missed the threat, genuine or rehearsed. What made this half orc special or trusted by a man that could summon a small army.
The man is hard to read, a hard face with years of experience behind it. But it seems clear to Rileng that the man was wary of someone just waltzing in, hiding information. The Bronze House thrives on knowing information. A blank face coming in tended to rattle some people.
The half-orc gives nothing away. He is obviously well-trained, and eyes harp. Not the dull look you often get from cheap guards. This one was ready for action instantly, constantly judging the situation, analyzing. And he looked very strong.
'Perhaps." Sloan says, smoothly. 'We also enjoy our privacy, as well. Consider yourself under bound oath to keep silent about anything you here in this house. If you fail to do so....consequences." he nods to muscular guard in the room.
Then he goes on, voice mroe normal "It is not anything serious, however. Some traders from a distant land are here to negotiate a possible sale. They only speak Infernal and we have no one, presently, on staff who can handle it. We need a fluent speaker. Are you up to handling Infernal in a commercial, professional environment?"
He holds up a hand, adding, "Do not worry. It is strictly legal merchandise, of course."
Rileng's smile does not falter at all.
"As I said, I keep the privacy of others as my own."
He let's the meaning of that play for a moment before he quickly continues.
"Infernal happens to be one of my first learned languages and comes quiet naturally to me in fact."
He had no illusions that his race was known, he did little to hide it. Granted he was blessed with less pronounced features by they were their none the less. Not that he dwelled on such nonsense. He does give them a sample of his proficiency.
"I have just realized that I have not introduced myself, your steward failed to inform me if he given you my name. I am Rileng Sulfach, at your service if I am found acceptable."
The words are spoken flawlessly, otherwise the meaning was lost considering the language, but more so smoothly and sharp as native would speak it.
Sloan nods, surprisingly and replies, in Common, 'Excellent. I won't have to test you now. Magic can, of course, give one the ability to understand languages.But that is all, and crudely, at that. I need a real speaker to have a prayer of successful commercial talks." he nods again to himself and stands up.
"Present yourself tomorrow at 8 AM, here. A driver will take you and the negotiator to the private dock for the talks. You will be paid well, I promise you. As for how much...that will depend on your service. We reward our friends and punish our enemies." he says, risking a chilly smile.
'Any other questions?" he looks down his long nose at Rileng.
"Just one thing, I don't waste my time, ever. So I will be paid regardless of the outcome. I leave the amount to your discretion granted. But their is a minimum, if this is disagreeable then I will take my leave."
He said all this in the exact same manner as he had been speaking all along, yet their was a finality that no businessman could mistake. Like his god, he did not play with dice. If some measure of profit was not guaranteed then what was the point.
"With that settled I will be here at the appointed hour as agreed. Good day."
With that he leaves and calls it a day. He would get up early and be there a half hour early, one never knew how fate would act after all.
As Rileng heads back to his rooms to enjoy some peace and quiet, a carriage pulls up next to him. It is elegantly well-made, with burnished wood, painted a dark black. One the side is painted an unfamiliar crest, but it is done richly and in style.
It stops and a door opens. Rileng can make out two figures inside, dim and hard to see. Both are clearly humanoid however. 'Master Sulfach. " one of them says in a reedy voice, 'May we have the pleasure of your presence?" A strong, beefy hand leans out of the carriage to help him up. 'I have a business opportunity that may interest you."
Rileng ran the crest through his mind as he replied.
"Pardon me, sadly I do not make it a habit of getting into strange carriages with unknown parties. If I may be so bold it's bad form not to introduce yourself at the very least."
He makes no move to enter, greed was a weakness with nothing but destruction for a reward. So he believed it was wise not to be a slave to it as many were. Still he made no move to leave or back away, he was not one to miss an opportunity ether just because he did not blindly jump at it.
Granted he trusted the timing of it all not one bit. This could be an enemy of the Aspis or a rival. Thinking to use him in some way, he was not one to be used. It did not mean he was above giving the illusion of such mind you.
It isn't a noble crest that he recognizes, it appears to be some sort of commercial ensign.
The hand stays extended and the reedy voice goes on, 'Of course, of course. These are dangerous times, sir. My name is Howell Beaucham. I am the head of the Guild of Spicers. I also have a seat on the Council of Ushers. My friend here is my bodyguard. Does that set your fears at rest, Master Sulfach."
The voice sounds honest enough and you detect no lies or hidden meanings yet.
"Not at all, but I will join you."
He said happily as he entered the carriage. Truth be told close quarters were more to his advantage should things go bad. Not that he expected them to.
"As it seems I have no need to introduce myself, what can I do for you Mr. Beaucham. I don't currently deal in any sort of spice much less enough to warrant your attention."
He doubted very much that the guildmaster had any interest in him at all.
Rileng knows that the Coucil of Ushers run the city and have great power, both financial and political. There are just over a hundred of them, some ancient nobles, some upstart merchants with overdue influence. Howell seems to be the latter type.
Inside he can easily make out the two other figures. One is an old man, in fine gray robes that hang on him loosely. He is balding badly, and has a thin, arching neck covered with wrinkles and liverspots.
The other is a heavy-set man built like a boulder. Muscles bulge from every part of his body and even his well-made suit looks like it is about to burst. Clearly a serious bruiser.
"Of course not." the older man says, his voice high and thin, "Of course. But you are about to deal in spices. I know you have been contracted by the Aspis Consortium to help translate an upcoming business deal. Don't deny it, I have my sources." he says, holding up a hand.
"I would greatly like the deal to fall through. I can pay you handsomely for this to happen. I am quite wealthy and can make it worth your time. What do you say to...triple whatever the Aspis end up paying you?" The man says, getting to the point quickly.
Ah the predictability of it all. Sadly this man did not seem to be well informed about him. If he was, he would not have wasted both their time.
"Mr. Beaucham, I think you misunderstand. You are clearly wealthy, powerful, and influential in Magnimar. This is no praise or empty boast but a simple fact. Yet you ask me to not only betray my newly acquired clients, you ask me to risk my reputation, risk my future business dealings, and risk my life. In Magnimar you are a powerful man, but what of outside it? The Aspis Consortium's collective power and wealth extends across the continents. They are legion of powerful and wealthy men, with a reputation for being bitter enemies. Are you prepared to protect my life and my business. Truthfully I doubt it and do not blame you at all. In short I must refuse, it is in my best interest not to betray the Aspis Consortium. Not to mention, that is not how I do business with people. At least not until they give me a reason to do otherwise."
He had spoken plainly, true, and respectful. His small closed mouth smile was one of a wise man talking to another, even if he had not expected him to be one.
"I hope that I can be more helpful in the future, if not in this particular matter."
The man doesn't look angry, just disappointed.
"It is a shame," he says, 'I was told you were clever." Beaucham shakes his head, "I understand your fears, of course. The Consortium is a powerful force. But do you really wish to trust them? Do you think they will bargain in good faith with you? That you will be paid for your efforts and not just dumped overboard?" he says mildly.
'Such things happen more then not, with them. I would be careful before one would hoist the Aspis banner so proudly." he pauses then goes on, "At the least, consider my offer. In any case, I will still pay handsomely for any details you can offer, after the fact. My sources are good but a report from an actual player would be valuable. Surely you cannot object to that?"
Rileng smiles simply.
"We will see concerning the Aspis. As for your offer. My contract is for services rendered and their privacy. Not those I deal with in their employ. Anyways I do not respond well to implied threats."
The man shakes his head slowly, "Hardly a threat, my friend. Simply a statement of fact. A facet of business in this city."
'In any case, remember my request. You could make a fair bit of coin, out of it. That ship of yours could use it." He nods and his bodyguard taps the top of the carriage. It comes to a rolling halt and the door opens.
'Have a nice evening, Master Sulfach." the Usher says before rolling away.
They have dropped you off right in front of your inn,the White Eagle a high class inn in the fancy Capital District. The place is warming up for the night as the varied patrons, mostly rich merchants or government types, filter in.
Rileng enters the inn, hoping to get to his (quite excellent) room and rest the night. Before he can make it to the back stairs, he has to thread through the Common Room.
While walking through, he sees an older woman, sitting alone catch his eye and wave a hand to him. She in unfamiliar to Rileng, although she has that air of refined wealth. She is dressed in adventurer clothes although she is of quite advanced age to be plundering tombs or fighting dragons. The clothes look real and she sits with comfortable ease in the opulent surroundings.
While his face remains neutral, in his mind he ask a question. Where the hell was all this attention this morning. Abadar spare me, I asked for one easy job to gain a fresh infusion of coin for the imperium. Now it seems everyone in Magnimar wants something from me. Would it at least kill them to offer an advance for spouting their hot air of desires in my face.
Still he knew better to ignore things, they only came back to bite you in the tail. And he was so rather found of his sleek and dexterous one at that. He walked over and gave a slight bow before speaking.
"Pardon miss, but were you attempting to gain my attention?"
The woman nods and says, "That is what a wave still means, isn't it?" She flashes a grin, 'Let me buy you a drink." She orders Rileng a beer before he can say anything.
"Master Rileng Sulfach, isn't it?" she says conversationally, "I've seen that ship of yours in the yard. Beauty. Wish I was younger, I'd love to sail on her." She sighs and then goes on.
She nods knowing, "Well, let me introduce myself. I am Shelia Hiedmarch, Venture-Captain of the Pathfinder Society here in Magnimar. I mostly stay at home these days of course, I leave the actual fieldwork to the new folks." She laughs.
"Well, I'll get down to business. I hear you are going to be an important man tomorrow. Helping to navigate an Aspis business deal, eh?" She pauses, gauging the tiefling, "I have some interest in the whole affair. You, as a outsider, may be useful to me." Rileng ale arrives, foaming in front of him.
Preserving his charm but finding it consuming more effort then usual he replies as he takes a seat but touches nothing.
"It seems everyone is interested in my business or at least that of the Consortium. You would think they could manage keeping their affairs private. I do when I feel the need. It is rather a simple task, do not speak of it. Unless you get to the point of it, I may be forced to demonstrate."
Important man and useful to her, please. Did it ever cross such people's mind the backlash for him. If he ended up with a knife in his back or floating in the sea face down. This is why he stayed out of such things, let them play among themselves as he made his profit. Not that he was a push over, the only wisdom they had shown was in that.
Hiedmarch smiles, "I bet you have. The Aspis have many enemies. Dealing with them always invites the vultures to wing in." she shakes her head, 'I am not one of them. I am only interested in one thing, int his matter. Fairness before the law. The Consotrituim is breaking it, and I'd like your help."
She pauses, taking in the investigator. "I have reason to believe the trader you'll be dealing with is smuggling. Illegal magical items. You'll be paid handsomely by me, and the city, if you help bring him in." She smiles, her face honest enough but judging Rileng.
Rileng shakes his head at it all. Unbelievable.
"It seems you and these rivals can not be trusted. All of you ask the same thing, to make me a sacrificial pawn for own agenda. Ether your lying to me or have inaccurate information. Nether is reason for me to risk my life or interest in your games. Promises are empty words, you say you are different yet I received the same offer with different reasons and information not a bell ago by one of these so called vultures. So which is it? Are you misinformed, lying, or grasping? It is common knowledge their is no love lost between the pathfinders and the aspis. At least the vulture had good sense to keep me out of it once I refused being a lamb to the slaughter."
He takes a breath to relieve his annoyance at the whole thing.
"I will speak simply. The Aspis Consortium offered me a job, I accepted this job. I will do my job, nothing more nothing less. Whatever happens after my job is done is of no concern to me. If you have need of my services then, clearly you know where to find me."
Unless she has some reason to keep him he bids her good night and leaves to his room. He almost hoped the Aspis would sour their deal, profit aplenty if they did. Still betrayal was not something he did without reason or on a whim, certainly not because someone asked him and promised gold. He could promise a kingdom, it meant nothing.
The night passes quietly enough and Rileng finally gets some sleep. he awakes early in the morning, with enough time for his meeting. The scents of eggs and bacon waft up from the inn's kitchen, obviously getting ready for the main rush of late-rising merchants and government types.
Rileng had slept well yet his mind never wondered much. He had thought on the offers and options. In the worst case he would be paid once, in the best case he would be paid four times. If he had more wealth he could do more, yet he was never one to rely on gold or having what was best. He would do a little shopping before his meeting, good thing he had gotten up so early. Early to bed early to rise, good habits for a merchant.
He makes his way to the bronze house, having stopped at a few shops to gather some things. His gold a little spent, yet it would not be in vain if things went well. Oddly enough if the Aspis kept their word and all was a simple transaction with a translator needed, he would have wasted his gold. Then again, Rileng do not begrudge good simple business.
He stands before the bronze house, ready for the day. Whatever it may bring.
A few blocks away, in the early morning Dockway streets Rileng is stopped as three bulky men come out of the shadows. Two hold heavy clubs, and the third some lengths of rope (his cudgel is hung on his belt).
'You've turned down a good offer, friend." The one with the rope says lightly, "We are here because you didn't h ave the good sense to take it." he shakes his head as if in despair at this foolishness.
'We can do this the easy way or the hard way. the easy way is, you let us tie you up and keep you out of the game for awhile. The hard way, you fight, we break some bones, you lose some teeth, then we tie you up and take you out of the game. What is it going to be?"
Rileng smiles.
"Gentlemen please, I rather avoid being manhandled in any way. Is their perhaps a third option where I come willingly and their is no need to tie me up?"
He studies the apparent leader. He did not expect them to take him up on his proposal, that did not mean he could not use the time to his advantage.
The man spits in the gutter, "Sorry, friend. We were told you were a tricky bugger. Still, you can hold still if you want. Frei, hold him." One of the club wielding men moves forward, hand outstretched to grab Rileng's arm.
The leader stands 15 feet away, watching. The other club thug is closer, only ten feet off, ready for action.
Rileng sighed as if making no move, he did not want to eat up his resources. He had lost one paymaster, greed was such a well known and fatal weakness. An old man should know better, or maybe he has only dealt with fools in this little pond of a city. To pretty with but a single little district of dirt. He was raised in Goka, a massive old city built atop an underworld with mawing pits of corruption and crime in every corner just shy of the light.
"Poor fello...."
His smile drops and he side steps outside the reach of the minor thug coming his way, then dashes at the leader. His wrist flicks and extoic blade appears in his hand. Having found the man's weak spot moments before he targets them.
Moving quickly, Rileng dodges the incoming thug and rushes the leader. His face turns to confusion to fear to pain very quickly. Rilenmg has the ground covered too quick for the man to react.
The wakizashi stabs deep into his chest, sliding in. The man staggers back, red blooming on his clothes. He curses weakly, holding his wound, but he keeps his feet.
Seeing this the, man Rileng dodges charges towards the investigator. His raises his club high, obviously intending to do real damage, now that Rileng has drawn live steel.
The high blow catches Rileng on the head, making it ring like a bell. He sees bright stars for a moment before focusing on his enraged foe.
From behind the other thug, the one who had been guarding, falls in behind. He doesn't run but comes carefully, flanking the investigator.
This blow also lands, badly hurting the investigator, making his ribs creak.
Rileng is bloodied but far from done. He would remember their faces and take care of them later if not today. With skilled grace and speed he backs out from between the brutes and puts some distance before they notice he is even gone. With a great deal of distance between them now he speaks if only to catch his breath for the moment.
"How far do you want to take this business. In case it is not already clear, I am not someone to be trifled with. Is it worth your lives, that may be the price I take from you for interfering in my affairs. Is your pay that high?"
He brings the deadly blade up to drive his point, it's edge still wet with blood. Meanwhile his tail removes a vial from his person. If they came, they would have to cross a good deal of distance and no surprises would be had.
The leader holds his chest wound tightly, blood oozing from between his fingers. He looks hard at Rileng then nods to his men. "Boys, take care of him. Don't worry if he gets killed."
The two men, still unwounded (and having got in good hits on Rileng) nod and run forward narrowing the gap. They get close and Rileng can smell gin breath and unwashed bodies.
Rileng memorizes their faces, race, and other details. His tail brings the vial to his lips. The liquid seems to jump down into his throat and instantly his body feels not only lighter but more responsive.
"Bad choice."
With that he retreats once more, yet unlike before he was under the effects of the substance he had just consumed. His speed is blurring and he is long gone from the thugs. Without similar effects they had no hope of catching him before he made it to the bronze house, his speed could out pace a horse now. Along the way he empties another vial into his mouth. This one as well seems to have no foreseeable effect, yet he can feel the effects as well. A sense of something just above his flesh yet unseen.
Rileng easily outdistances his pursuers, and in a few blocks is running free. Bystanders stop and stare as the tielfing hurtles past them, fluidly jumping potholes and dodging wagons. It is poetry in motion.
In front of the Bronze House stands a carriage, unmarked and unadorned. Leaning against it is a young man Rileng has never seen. He is wearing fine clothes, cut in modern fashion. He has a mop of black hair, cut short. A rapier hangs from his side and as Rileng runs up, his hand goes to it, gripping it tightly. A bright silver Aspis pin gleams on his chest.
"Master...Sulfach?" the man says, obviously unsure.'Rileng Sulfach? What is going on?"
Rileng had composed himself along the way and merely offered a slight smile.
"You know how it is, even when early you feel the need to rush. That and fickle luck tends to get in your way with the simplest of things."
He was going to charge the Aspis a hazard fee no doubt. As for Howell Beaucham, he would have to teach him and his men a lesson after all was said and done. These Magnimar people did not seem to know how proper business was handled. Even among criminals, their was an order to things. Dabblers in realms they know not suffered for their ignorance.
"I think I'll wait in the carriage. I have a few preparations to make and must present myself accordingly if you don't mind."
Unless held up he enters and starts mixing extracts. Cursing slightly at having to use up resources on such nonsense.
The man nods as Rileng gets in the carriage. After a few moments he climbs in as well, saying 'We are set." The thumps the carriage and it starts off into the busy streets of Dockway.
"My name is Korlt, I'm the negotiator on this job." He says , his eyes flashing, "I'm in charge and you listen to me. You are to translate my words, faithfully and totally, all right? If I get a whiff of you doing a side deal, we'll rip your legs off and swim how you swim." With that 'tough' talk out of the way, the rest of the trip passes in silence. Rileng can hear the sounds and smells of Dockway the entire way there though.
The carriage comes to a halt and Korlt jumps out quickly. Through the open door Rileng can see they are parked at a large, stone quay, reaching out into the water. They are close to the Irespan and the huge shadow covers the whole area. The rank, sick smell of the Underbridge wafts in.
A ship is tied up at the quay, a large, luxury affair. Silk sails, brightly colored rails and made of fine exotic wood. Two vishkanya guards stand watch at the ships's gangwayn blades in hand.