Jaku looks around, trying to determine if there's something he missed.
"We are planning to raid some of the ruins for wealth?" he asks, a frown of confusion darkening his brow, "Exactly where are we going? What are we looking for? How long will we be gone? We have spent so much time in pleasantries and in watching other peoples' drama that no concrete plans have been put forth. Without something more definite than 'There is wealth. Oh yes! Great wealth,' I cannot be party to this plan. Remember the parable of the camel and the monkey. The jaguar was the only one to benefit in that story."

"Yes, I think you are right Jaku. A plan and a good one at that. But our new friend Indo is obviously a man in a hurry. Perhaps we should sleep on this idea. After all Pindara and I have businesses to run... or sell. Although your monkey Jaku is worth more than my barber shop."

Bedu looks over to Indo.

"You can stay for free in the shop on the couch for a few days. It would be free since I would have a night guard for nothing and my guess is one not to be messed with."

I'm going to take the liberty of moving forward a bit...

The dancer leaves with a small pout. The discussion continues: go into the jungle and find a treasure trove, or stay in the city, make a plan, find a place to stay.

The evening passes, and nothing much is decided. Through the haze of hookah smoke, you notice a man come into the tavern. After a few words with the bartender, he comes over to your table.

"I am looking for Bedu the barber. I was told I could find him here."

He is well-groomed, wears dark fashionable clothes, and the jeweled hilt of a curved dagger is visible in his sash.

You can take anything, but don't take my ... liberty!

Bedu smiles and casually waves a hand to the man. The hand comes to rest on his scimitar.

"I hope you don't mind if I interrupt your social gathering with business, but I am informed that you have many contacts and friends that may possess certain skills that I require. May I sit down?"

Without waiting for a response, the man sits down at your table. The barmaid appears with another small bowl of scented water and a cup of steaming liquid. The man daintily dips his hands and the fingerbowl and accepts the cup. He takes a sip of his drink and looks at Bedu.

"My name is Amik Shah. I am here as an agent of the Khemair district council. You've heard the rumors of nobles and merchants being burned alive by magical flame, no doubt? I’m afraid the stories are all too real. Suddenly, and without cause, members of Khemair’s elite have been struck down by eldritch fire. I have been tasked with finding those that can put an end to these immolations. Perhaps you know of some persons of an...adventurous...disposition that might be inclined to help?"

"Please Amik Shah, master of my attention, do not stop before you tell these adventurous souls everything." Bedu's hand, palm up slowly waves across the table including the entire group.

Indo's eyes narrow with concentration. He studies the newcomer's clothes and manners before he speaks.

Please tell us first, you were tasked specifically by whom? We would know whether we are to be deputized, or must act discreetly. The difference in authority would certainly change any strategy we might agree on.

He turns away and speaks briefly to the men at the table behind him. Bowing to them, he returns with another chair, which he straddles and leans heavily on.

Bedu, I accept your previous offer. I am your guard in this and other manners if you choose. I am not rushed into this or another endeavor, but supplies are best purchased late in the day, when shopkeeps are worn down and have dinner to focus on. When we hear this man, I will go in search of the things you require.

He waits to see if the others have anything to say before inviting the stranger to continue.

“There are scant leads, so what I’m about to tell you is all I know. The common classes, the dregs of our society-" here he sweeps the table with appraising eyes, but bravely presses on "-have long been swayed by the dark demoness Lamashtu, the Mother of Monsters. Her wicked mark can be seen in the hunched back, the twisted limb, and other deformities common among the peasantry. Thus far, the elite of Khemair have avoided her wrath by secretly leaving their first born children upon a hidden jungle altar dedicated to her. It’s cruel, true enough, but playing upon the demoness’ fondness for infant flesh was seen as their only recourse.”

“When the fiery assassinations began, agents were dispatched into the jungle to investigate. Their hearts were sent back in a box – they had
been turned to stone! A message was attached, by someone named Lady Medus, warning against sending further agents into the jungles.”

“A week ago, a man stumbled out of the jungle. He was treated by priests at the Hospice of Sarenrae for frightful burns that covered his entire body. The knave has since disappeared from the Hospice, but he is believed to be somehow connected to the murders. Find the man, a tomb robber named Samir Kharsus, and the Council is convinced you’ll likely find the source of what ails the district.”

"Rather than trust this...delicate...matter to the hands of the city guard, it was thought that a more independent solution might be found. I've been authorized to promise payment of up to 100 gold ranis if this matter is taken care of promptly, decisively, and quietly."

"I say some time away from the primping of hair is a good thing. Pindara how say you, do you wish to make pots or hunt adventure for 100 ranis?"

Bedu rubs his hands together in apparent glee.

"However Muiu Thrall is not a small place. Do you have any idea where Samir the Recoverable may be found, master?"

"As the last place he was seen, I would suggest the Hospice of Sarenrae, if you can think of nowhere else to begin your search," Amik Shah replies.

"Sarenrae? One of those foreign gods, yes?"

"Covered with burns all over his body, you say? How hard could it be to find a man covered with burns? Count me in, Bedu," Skittle says. "This shouldn't be too difficult and it may lead us into the jungle, which we were talking about anyway."

Indo folds his bronze arms and considers for a moment. I know little of this city, Bedu. But I will act as your bodygurad if you must venture into dangerous places. Among my people, to protect those who show us kindness is very important.

He cracks a thin smile, Plus, it seems following you around the city is the path to a quick education.

"This seems interesting," Jaku murmurs. He looks at the stranger, "I will look into this, with whomever also wishes to do so."

"Yes, Sarenrae is one of the 'new gods,' as you put it," Amik Shah replies to Liet. "The goddess of healing, I believe, among other things."

He finishes his drink. "Well, it was fortunate to find you all here with Master Bedu. My work is done for the night. When you are successful, you may inform Jamlit, behind the bar, and he will pass the word to me."

"Any other questions before I go?"

BTW, I posted a question on the discussion thread. Take a look and let me know what you think.

"Well with Pindara's blessing, let us meet outside my shop tomorrow morning and go to the House of this "New God". I doubt tonight would be a good time to start our investigation. Amik before you go could I trouble you to know if we are the only ones chosen to perform this mission?"

Bedu lets the man answer and then he seems to visibly change from soft friendly barber as he continues.

"Ah, master Amik, I think we can help you. The Khemair are wise in sending you to us. However it would be sensible to say that 100 ranis for such a task seems a little small. Should we face the servants of Lamashtu and our bodyguard here has to decide whether or not he wants to put his life on the line for the Khemair, then perhaps 100 ranis will not be sufficient.

"Now 200 rani, that is a sum to make a man fight for you, do you not agree?" Bedu finishes with a flourish and looks to the rest of the group for agreement.

Bluff check=19

"As far as I know, you are the only ones addressing this problem," Amik Shah replies. "I was tasked with finding you, which I have. I cannot say whether the Council has other agents looking into this matter."

Amik Shah listens to Bedu's proposal, and then gives a small chuckle. "You do have a silver tongue, Master Bedu. Sadly, it is out of my hands. I was only authorized to offer payment of 100 ranis for this job. But if you do an exceptional job, who can say what might happen?"

"In any case, I'm sure no one would begrudge you any valuables you happen to...acquire...during your investigations."

Pindara looks oddly at Bedu, "Well, fine, yes; I'll meet you all. I don't know how I can help, but anything for a friend."

Pindara/DM

Indo looks sheepishly at his clothing and absently thumbs the blade behind his back. If we are to track the wilderness for this missing agent of yours, we will need perishable supplies. I carry only a single coin into town. If you cannot raise your offer, perhaps you can deliver the payment to us now and we can fit ourselves properly. No one here will betray his employer over such a stipend. We will see our mission through.

diplomacy roll at the Manticore (1d20=17)

Sargon:

Jaku nods to Bedu. "Tomorrow, then."
He stands, and quietly heads for home.

Amik Shah smiles. "My friend, I would dearly love to help you, but my employers only authorized payment, they did not give me the payment in advance. The best I can do is offer you 20 ranis as a retainer. And that is from me personally, as my own payment will wait until you have completed your mission, as well."

"But I strongly doubt the fugitive has fled back into the jungle. It is my understanding that his condition was delicate. I'm sure he's still in the city."

Pindara:

"Bedu," Pindara says urgently, "This burned man; there was a man just now who came into the inn. None of you saw him but he was burned on his face. Could this be the man?"

"And that is why I value you. Do you mean the man that argued with the blonde haired woman and disappeared into the back room? What a fate for a man such as this."

Bedu looks around at the others. "Perhaps someone pleasant on the eye and talented in the tongue should have a word with the girl. If she is still here?"

Do we know what is in the back area?

"Perhaps, the girl would be more inclined to confide in someone who is of the same gender." Liet looks in the direction of Pindara.

"Me? Well, I can try," Pindara says grudgingly.

Do we know what is in the back area?

Pindara goes back to find the girl who had the encounter with the man with the burnt face. Casual-like.

Indo stands and waits to see if snyone will join him. While Pindara does that, I will seek him in the back of the tavern. Was he accompanied? What is back there?

He starts off, slowly at first to allow you to catch up, but then he moves with urgency.

I go with Indo.

"Pindara, wait. I think I would accompany you. This girl might need some calming down."

Bedu moves to stand near the entrance to the back. As he moves he says, "I shall watch our backs. I hope to be able to see you both and will call Indo aid, if necessary."

Patting one of the pockets of his tunic for reassurance, Indo picks his way among the tables. When he reaches the exit for the room, he reaches behind his head and pulls at a thin leather thong. The peacebond holding his sword in checks uncoils from the worn scabbard and falls behind his back. Turning to his companion, he nods and steps through the doorway.

Skittle turns his eyes from the dancing girls and notices everyone splitting up. Walking up to Bedu, chicken leg in hand, he says, "Well then, I guess I'll stay with you, and might I say, Bedu , those are some interesting friends you have."

Indo and Jaku

Pindara and Liet

Pindara smiles sweetly and says, "Oh, sorry, I didn't know! I guess I was sort of curious. I've always wondered what it would be like to be a dancer here. Do you think I could talk to the one who just went in? Y'know, girl talk?"

The contrast between her normal manner and the one she adopts is somewhat startling; she makes an attempt at appearing ditzy. Whether it wins over the barman is another matter...

Deception (1d20+9=16)

{{OOC}} As confidently as I can, I walk across the room to the curtain as if I know what's on the other side. I am careful to keep Jaku near me, or let him take the lead if he appears comfortable beyind the common room.

Pindara & Liet

Indo & Jaku

Bedu & Skittle

For SargonX and Pindara

SargonX/Skittle

Pervert thinks Pindara as Liet lays his money down.

"Oh thanks," she says, "That's awful nice of you," and flashing a grin.

She makes her way to "chat" to some of the girls.

{{OOC}} Indo looks for other exits before inviting Jaku to continue into the kitchen. Is this the only way? Is our quarry being detained out of sight? Perhaps the kitchen leads somewhere else...Jaku?

Pindara & Liet

Indo & Jaku

Bedu & Skittle

BTW, for out of character comments, you can use the [ ooc ] tag, like this.

Jaku backs hastily out of the kitchen, and scans the crowd a bit more carefully, as well as scanning the walls, hoping for a door concealed behind a hidden tapestry.
"It seems," he comments, "that unless our cloaked friend is known to the cook, he did not go out that way. We may have to wait until later, when things are not so busy, to question said cook. I think if we tried now, there would be too great a chance of violence."

Pindara's attitude changes yet again to one of almost motherly concern, despite not being very far apart in age from the girl, "It's ok, honey, the guy out there said I could come back here. Are you alright?"

She flicks her eyes to the door and raises her eyebrows to indicate to Liet that he should leave.

Indo holds up his hand and steps backwards. My apologies, Master Chef. It is my first day in your city. I will learn my way around soon enough.

Turning to Jaku as they retreat, he murmurs, I agree. In the meantime, can this room tell us anything?

Skittle, realizing how serious everyone is taking this, gives Bedu a wink and heads out the door, hoping to circle around behind the building to check for any back door.

"I'll be outside."