"Something that would help all of us would probably be a better first step than those scary tentacles." His shrug and nonverbal behavior are lost behind shadows.
"So, who is Strathix Constantine?"
Rutai casts a sidelong glance to Argor at Hrim's question.
Argor takes a sip of wine, before answering, "He was my Master, the man who taught me my first, fledgling steps into the arcane."
Imrizade reaches out and squeezes Argor's hand, knowing that this can be a painful subject for him, even though he might not show it. "Strathix recently passed away. You didn't tell your friends, dear?" she asks, sounding genuinely concerned.
He smiles politely, "I had mentioned it to Cladissa, but...well, that is another matter. But given the end result of that conversation, I felt it unwise to mention it further."
Imrizade quirks one of her eyebrows. "Maybe you aren't aware Mettera, but devils are inherently lawful beings. They cannot willingly break laws or contracts. Perhaps you are making the mistake Argor mentioned of taking them for demons. In any case, I think Rutai's own self interest is to help your team. If he gets sent back to hell, his life will be much worse."
Cladissa nods in Imrizade's direction, conceding her point. "True enough, but he is also evil, and prospers greatly by consigning souls to Hell." She fixes Rutai with a challenging stare. "Call me intolerant, prejudiced or close-minded all you wish. Play the role of the poor, misunderstood being who's only trying to help. I don't care. You're a fiend. I've heard the tale of the frog and the scorpion, and I'm not about to forget it."
|
"Exceptions exist. I've met hobgoblin paladins, golden kobolds and charitable among the Kalistrade. As of now, I don't consider the imp to be ally, but I will go as far as asset, albeit a risky one. I will trust my own eyes, although I won't speak for the lady." He motioned his head toward Cladissa. "She's entitled to her opinion."
"I'd suggest to give the imp magic that can only benefit allies, so as to ease tensions. Having someone you completely mistrust among your allies is one thing, giving them the ability to accidentally harm you would only further the mistrust. I've been hasted before, and it is a rather useful magic, but I'll leave the direct choice to those who know magic best.
"Oh, Argor, I'm sorry. It sounds like you two were close. You have my deepest sympathies for your loss."
After a short pause, the small thin voice continues, "Were you blood related? Please excuse me if you don't want to talk about it."
"For a time. No, we were not blood, though I had taken his family name, to honor him, with his permission, of course."
He waves a hand, as if dismissing the conversational topic. "But the past is the past. Before I can determine how,potent of a spell to have enchanted into a wand, I need to know what amount of coin each of you are willing to contribute. Then, if no one else has any input or suggestions, I will research exactly what would be our best option."
"Well, with the reward from our last mission and my savings, I've several expensive investments that I would like to do. I've heard of a magical device called a Bane Baldric that would enable me to channel more of my divine patron's blessing each day. I ordered one from your store, and it is not cheap. Then, the shrine to my Patron within Absalom has been ravaged by badgers requiring significant outlay for structural repairs. After that, I can see what I have left for contribution to the team," says the small, thin voice from the shadows.
Cladissa stays silent during the talk about Argor's late master, wondering if she had erred in not sharing that piece of gossip with the rest of the group after she had learned of it. Ultimately, she dismissed that concern, since either way could be held against her.
After a pause, she speaks up. "I have the ability to cast haste, Mettera, though I certainly understand placing the magic within a wand for use. Its combat utility is unmatched, and can best be used after Argor has summoned his combat servants. However, since it's a spell I can cast, there might be better spells available. Anything to bolster our resistances may be a better choice. I can't help but think of the blinding effect that nearly spelled disaster when we faced that alien plant."
Imrizade sighs. Of course he cites fickle mortals as his examples of going against type. Ignorant martials. Devils are always the same, they are literally made of the stuff of law and evil. No matter, he will see that Rutai keeps his word.
"I have seen a spell cast before by a bard I traveled with once. He called it good hope. It was able to enhance our whole group in many useful ways, including making us more resistant to enemy magics."
"I was unaware you had an interest in establishing a shrine in the city. If there is anything regarding the legalities of your establishment you need assistance with, do let me know, these are grounds I have significant experience in handling," Argor replies to Hrimnagel. "Also, given that, thanks to a rather interesting law, killing or export a badger in Absalom is illegal, other means would have to be pursued. I might be able to provide you options in that front, if you are in need of advice or assistance there as well."
"Regarding the wand, I will see what I can come up with, and have missives sent to you regarding costs and service fees for our options, and see what is a feasible route for us to pursue on that front."
Soon after, the waiters and waitresses bring out a small selection of intricate desserts, allowing each person to select the one of their choosing. As the meal winds down, Argor looks to Mettera, "Mr. Black, now that things are winding down, would you like to join Imrizade and myself in our carriage to discuss business?"
Cladissa selects a velvety custard with a crisp sugar crust and fresh berries, and eats quietly while eyeing Argor as he alludes to this business with Mettera. Her wings twitch with unease, hoping that their new teammate will pick up on her discomfort at the proposition.
At the close of the meal, Cladissa politely thanks Argor for the meal and brightens considerably when bidding her farewell to Imrizade. She waves off the carriage ride back to the estate, however, saying to Nyug and Hrim, "You two go on ahead. I'll see you there. I think I'm going to watch one of Grommuk's matches. It's been too long, and I kind of miss the big lug."
She scoops Cole up and perches him on her shoulder as she unfurls her wings and with a few steps is aloft, soaring over the streets of the Foreign District.
"Thank you for the offer, Argor. I will accept and come see you later. Actually, the shrine has been here in Absalom since before I arrived. And I found out about that fool badger law the hard way. My friend Madame Batbongle exterminated the rodents when they invaded the shrine. I just paid her fine to get her released from prison where she has been while I could not find her. Now, we just need to restore the shrine to its former self. Well, maybe make some improvements..." the small, thin voice replies from the shadows.
After dessert and saying good night to folks in the carriage, Hrim replies to Cladissa, "You know where Gromm is? If you don't mind, I would very much like to see him again."
The deep gnome follows her on his shadowy wings whether the flying witch invites him or not.
Grommuk is not hard to find, he has been reigning champion in the Irorium for the past several months. Cladissa and Hrimnagel are able to see him thrash a pair of twin dwarven wrestlers from Vudra in the large arena.
Nyugusk thanks Argor for the dinner, and then excuses himself. Before he is even back to Jabberwocky lane his mind is lost again in the intricacies of his alchemical musings.
The next several days fly by in their usual blur, with each of the Pathfinders falling into their downtime routines. Their various side ventures keep them well occupied until a messenger from the Grand Lodge comes to summon them to Venture Captain Hestram's office very very early one morning. They have not seen the captain since he sent them into the Kortos Mountains to stop the drow and their demonic allies months ago. The older Ulfen looks well, but just as gruff and serious as ever.
When the Freaks gather he stands behind his desk with his eyes locked in a gaze of professional appraisal, his hairy arms folded tightly over his powerful chest. "Agent Black. The Society has come to rely on this team. As the newest member, the eyes of the Venture Captains are on you now. Don't let us down." He looks to the other Agents who have served him well in the past. Hestram looks almost as if he might smile, but then he launches straight into the assignment instead. "I need you to go to the Lusty Mermaid in the Docks. One of our Pathfinders, an aging man by the name of Airk Jarigan, hasn't reported in for two weeks. He's supposedly close to finding a priceless Andoren artifact called The Sniper lost right here in Absalom, or so he's been claiming. As the sun isn't even up yet, he’s probably still asleep. I need you to go down to the Mermaid, drag Airk out of bed, and find out why he hasn’t been reporting in. More importantly, I need you to get that artifact. You’ll recognize Airk by a gold amulet he always wears around his neck. It’s of an owlbear clutching an amethyst. He should also be with his protégé, a whelp by the name of Dargo Mar. That’s all. What are you waiting for?”
Hestram is as impatient as they come, and he doesn’t take kindly to questions. He doesn’t know what the artifact is, only that it’s valuable. He insists that the agents leave immediately, and any hesitation on their part is met with furious commands to go. "If you fail to return with The Sniper then it'll be a black mark on all of you, not just on Airk!"
The darkness has melted away, leaving Absalom in the gray grip of dawn. Rolling in off the sea, a chilling fog hangs thick in the air like a cold, pale wraith seeking to steal warmth from the living. Cries of seagulls pierce the otherwise dull stillness of the Docks. A dim yellow light spills from the stained windows of the Lusty Mermaid. The front door opens with a moan, and inside sits a scattering of fisherman, returned from a predawn haul. The overwhelming stench of raw fish clings to these men, and it mingles with the savory aroma from the pot of stew hanging above a snapping fire in the hearth. The proprietor, a greasy-looking human with thick arms and an even thicker belly, looks up from behind the bar and speaks with a Shackles accent, “A little early for customers, idn’t it? I have stew cooking, but that’s it. If yer lookin’ fer enthin’ else, ya best shove off.” The fishermen look at the group of Freaks with cold indifference, continuing their crass and loud conversations.
"Sure, Hrim! I'm sure he'll be glad to see you. Well, I mean, you know, glad knowing you're watching him."
She and Hrim (and Nyug, if he's interested) fly to the pit-fighting arena where Grommuk has become a massive star. Cladissa is amused that the betting on his matches is solely based on how long someone can last in the ring with him, rather than giving any odds on someone else being able to beat him.
Cladissa herself isn't interested in laying down any coin on the match, but cheers him on when he steps out from below and waves to him to catch his attention once the match ends. It's a brutal spectacle, but she enjoys watching her old teammate in his element: shrugging off hits and delivering crushing blows.
As the night winds down, she returns to the air and glides back to the manor. Her room feels quiet and empty now that Jannicke had left. She gives Cole a bit of a snuggle, then marvels as he fades into mist in her arms and then rematerializes on his favorite spot on the bookshelf. She finally drifts off to a fitful sleep.
Cladissa feels slightly uncomfortable walking into a place called the Lusty Mermaid, but smell of fresh fish eases her doubts and has her mouth watering.
"Hello, sir," she says when the proprietor speaks to them. "I would welcome some stew, but I'd dearly love some fresh fish -- and it doesn't have to be cooked." She gives him a smile that she hopes is well-taken. "In the meantime, could you help us find Airk Jarigan? He wears a gold chain with an owlbear on it?"
As soon as Cladissa mentions Airk's name, the mood in the room drops noticeably. It becomes eerily silent, almost to the point of a simmering hostility.
"Aye, we got fresh fish. Squid, eel or red snapper?" the proprietor growls, slopping a ladle full of soup into a cracked bowl. He plunks the bowl down in front of her. "Ain't know any Yarrregan."
The tavern keeper is lying about Airk.
Many years ago the pirate vessel Iron Tide prowled the coast of eastern Garund. Her crew stole countless loads of cargo from Qadiran ships before they were hunted down and slaughtered. While these treasures rightfully belong to the Padishah Empire of Kelesh, we have no way of recovering them without first knowing to whom they were sold. Retrieve the captain’s logbook from the Iron Tide, and you will be handsomely rewarded.
Another mystery that plagues us is the disappearance of one of our smuggling ships; a small vessel disguised as a fishing boat that docks at the Lusty Mermaid. The vessel is called the Scimitar’s Breach and we believe some of the fishing folk there know of its location. Make them tell you without hurting them and you will do the Exchange a great service.
Cladissa looks crestfallen. She leans forward and lowers her voice a bit. "That's odd, since there's a fellow sitting right over there with a pendant that looks just like Airk's. So if he's not Jarigan, then perhaps there's something more you'd like to tell me? The truth this time?"
She flashes a smile again as her tail twitches. "And when you're done with that, I'll go for the red snapper."
Larro reaches below the bar, as he pulls out a two handed sword, he whistles.
Initiative:
Larro 19
Thugs 19
Party 16.4
Larro the tavern keeper hops up onto the bar and whirls his sword about in an intimidating display of expert swordsmanship.
His two thugs rush in, rapiers drawn to flank Claidssa and Argor against the bar.
__________________________________________
As the trio climb into the fancy carriage, Argor takes a seat beside Imrizade and across from Mettera.
"I trust that the serum's effects on you, for the moment, is subsided? I would not want you distracted during a discussion regarding a business arrangement," Argor says bluntly.
He settles back into the velvet seat of the carriage as it pulls out and Mettera gives his answer before continuing, "In the interests of fair, quick, and honest discussion, Mr. Black, I am going to refrain from the more intricate methods of negotiation, the deceptions and mind games involved, instead opting for clarity and bluntness," he says before folding his arms across his lap.
"I have never made it any secret regarding my feelings towards those of a more...physical nature. It is an opinion I am certain you have either already gleaned, or would learn rather quickly. I have little respect for those who choose not to use their minds to their fullest potentials, and this is all too common for most individuals who rely on brute force to survive. However," Argor adds with an arched eyebrow, "my research and information gathering on you has led me to an interesting conclusion. You, unlike other warriors, have a reputation for having a business savvy and a comparatively keen intellect among your peers. This is the trait I find most appealing."
He looks to Imrizade and reaches out for her hand. "With our upcoming nuptials, I have decided it wise to increase the private security for my new family and our interests. I have already acquired a group Ulfen brutes who, at times, take part in such a task, but they are untrained in the intricate art of proper bodyguard work, and are truly only fit to hire out as a mercenary band. I am willing to pay you three platinum spinxes a week for your services, as well as cover your room and board by allowing you to take up residence in a guest room of Verde Heights. The services I would expect for such a price include protection of myself and my fiance when the two of us are not actively on a mission for the Society, as well as employ your services as barrister to review any future business contracts and arrangements for errors, loopholes, etc. so that I can focus my own talents back into my research."
Argor sighs before rising from bed, wiping the sleep from his eyes as he rises and floats across the room to don his blue and silver outfit, as well as acquire his spellbook and other accouterments from his things. He then sends a frustrated signal through his link to Rutai to wake him up.
"Well," Rutai asks with a yawn, "what sort of nonsense are we being summoned for now?"
Argor tucks his scroll cases into their appropriate loops on his belt, replying "I don't know, but it better be of the utmost importance."
__________
Argor visibly seethes as Hestram describes the mission that was so important that it forced him to wake them at this hour and rush them to the Lodge. His hands clench into fists, and his teeth audibly grind against each other. When the old fool finishes, he floats out of the office without a word, and heads straight for the Lodge's library.
"The ignoramic brute! He knows that a man of my talents requires preparation. And how dare he summon us to play messengers! We are not his private errand runners any longer. If he has the audacity to expect us to jump at a moment's notice, then he will just have to wait as I prepare my spells for this oh so important task!"
He finds himself a private desk, and sits with his spellbook for a while to prepare his arcana for the day, making suitable adjustments to his preparations in hopes of having a proper allotment for this social task. Rutai actively plays the role of adjutant, preventing any others from disturbing him as he prepares his spells.
__________
Argor notes the presence of the pendant, but says nothing at this time, as they approach the bar. Cladissa's new-found backbone guides her to take the initiative, and Argor stands quietly in reserve to see how well she handles the situation.
However, as he expected, things devolved quickly to combat, but a bit faster than he would have liked, which actually takes him by surprise.
He takes a step away from the swordsman and his lackeys, and quickly reaches to his component pouch. He removes a snake's tongue and bit of honeycomb, draping the serpent's appendage across the bit of waxy substance and quickly hides it in his hand behind his back as he looks to the barkeep and says in a commanding tone, "It would be wise if you drop your weapons and command your lackeys to do the same, Barkeep. As Varlokkur of Absalom, I order you to cease these hostilities and regard those of my company in a civil manner, lest you have an appointment with either the city jail or the Boneyard this morning."
__________
Hrim received the disappointing news that his desired magical artifact would not work for his bow when he received the Pathfinder summons. He stayed silent through Hestram's foul mood.
========================================================================
At the Lusty Mermaid, Hrim is the first inside looking around. Before he can report what he has found, the team arrives itching to complete the mission as soon as possible.
Hrim wished Gromm was still with them when the swordsman jumped on the bar. He had a bad feeling about this mission. But he recognized Argor's spell and the opportunity to end the conflict, so he just moved out of the way making room for his archery.
Larro looks dazed for a moment, and then drops his sword. "Drop your swords boys," he drones. A moment later he shakes his head and growls, saying "Kill the wizard!" and pointing at Argor. His men looked confused for a moment, but they are back on target now.
Argor furrows his brow and scowls at the man, "Very well. Try to take the barkeep alive, he is clearly the brains of this little group, though giving him that much credit is taxing, to say the least,"
He looks to the lackeys, adding, "If these two are too foolish to drop their weapons, they are expendable."
Cladissa picks up the sword the bartender dropped and scoots out of the way of the combatants.
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Mattera sits across from the loving couple and listens intently to Argor's whole monologue before answering. "I am feeling well enough. I appreciate your candor, although my own opinion concerning the matter differs from yours. But I'm not here for debate, rather business. It is enough for me that you understand the worth of my talents. I will prepare a contract that you should know what to expect from my services, and iron out particular details.
"I am versed in both the martial disciplines as well as the intricacies of contract law, as you well know. You have researched the base pay that my profession affords, and I will only require as much from you, unless someone else is willing and capable of buying out said contract. The going rate is one month worth of wages, to give you time and opportunity to find a replacement. There are such things as inconvenience fees and early termination and determination clauses, but I will go over such things in detail if the situation should arise as well as give you a full listing of them upon the beginning of my employment. It is also common courtesy to allow you to match any incoming offer, if you are able. The only one who might do this is my first employer, Mademoiselle Icethorn, but I don't expect that to happen anytime soon.
"The only real condition I put on my acceptance is that you continue to not play games with me. The saying is true, 'do not lie to your lawyer'. No good will come from it. I need to be aware of the dangers you suspect, and the more I am with you, the better I will get at protecting you as I will learn about your proclivities and tastes, and be able to deal with your own particular dangers. If you fail to be candid with me and I am unable to protect you from something you refused to tell me about, I hold no culpability for your loss."
Mattera settled back into the velvet in a similar way to how Argor just did so. "Other than that, we simply need to deal with the paperwork. I assume that it shouldn't be a problem. I look forward to dealing with you."
Brandishing his metal bar, the tian gets a little excited to have a real fight with his new abilities. "I'm not fond of people who lie."
Larro the tavern keeper hops up onto the bar and whirls his sword about in an intimidating display of expert swordsmanship.
His two thugs rush in, rapiers drawn to flank Claidssa and Argor against the bar.
Argor takes a step away from the swordsman and his lackeys, and quickly reaches to his component pouch. He removes a snake's tongue and bit of honeycomb, draping the serpent's appendage across the bit of waxy substance and quickly hides it in his hand behind his back as he looks to the barkeep and says in a commanding tone, "It would be wise if you drop your weapons and command your lackeys to do the same, Barkeep. As Varlokkur of Absalom, I order you to cease these hostilities and regard those of my company in a civil manner, lest you have an appointment with either the city jail or the Boneyard this morning."
Larro looks dazed for a moment, and then drops his sword. "Drop your swords boys," he drones. A moment later he shakes his head and growls, saying "Kill the wizard!" and pointing at Argor. His men looked confused for a moment, but they are back on target now.
Hrim wished Gromm was still with them when the swordsman jumped on the bar. He had a bad feeling about this mission. But he recognized Argor's spell and the opportunity to end the conflict, so he just moved out of the way making room for his archery.
Brandishing his metal bar, the tian gets a little excited to have a real fight with his new abilities. "I'm not fond of people who lie." He steps towards the two thugs, swinging his metal pole at one. The fencer dodges the first swing, but the second shatters his left leg.
Cladissa picks up the sword the bartender dropped and scoots out of the way of the combatants.
Nyugusk tries to grab the innkeeper in one of his claws. "You wanna die, chump? We just want to talk...hold still!" He gets a grab on the cantankerous bartender, and drags him close.
The dozen fishermen who were drinking in the Lusty Mermaid grab their things and sprint from the tavern, wanting nothing to do with the violence which has erupted.
================================
Larro struggles in Nyug's claw. He easily slips free, and jumps down next to Cladissa. "Gimme back Mayhem, you fuzzy b!@~+!"
The two thugs attempt to perforate Argor as commanded. They tumble into position, leaping past the Pathfinders and furniture in the bar. Mettera somehow manages to hit the one he previously wounded again, despite the thug's acrobatic efforts. He grunts in pain and looks close to passing out. Both the thugs' rapiers thrust at Argor, but their tips slide off of the magical shielding surrouding the arcanist.
________________________________
Fail
Fail
Hrim shrugs and shoots any of the thugs not dropped without tapping any of his divine resources.
The two thugs throw down their swords. "F+@& this, he ain't paying us enough!" one says.
The other holds up his hands as well. "Yeah, we surrender. Larro's on his own!"
"Surrender is for the weak! You faithless curs, I'll gut you when I'm done with this lot!" Larro roars.
Cladissa tsks and steps away from the barkeep. "Ah, you named your sword? 'Mayhem.' What a wonderful name for a weapon. How delightfully chaotic." She pitches it over the railing into the hole in the floor dropping into the bay below to sink beneath the waves. "Oops."
Getting serious, she narrows her eyes and bares her claws. "Your men have surrendered. You have lost your weapon. But we still have ours. You won't be gutting anyone this day."
Argor spots the man wearing the described pendant bolt from the room, and looks to Rutai. "On it, boss!" the imp says before fading from sight as he flies off after the man.
Argor hovers over to Cladissa, scowling as she tosses the man's blade into the water.
He calls on his magics to summon forth a water elemental and says, "Retrieve that blade and bring it back to me."
"Seriously? You are unarmed, outnumbered, and most certainly outwitted. Just surrender and you may live."
__________
Nyugusk claws him a few more times for good measure, grabbing him with the last swipe. The alchemist's assault leaves Larro extremely bloodied, and with one limb gripped in each of the half-orc's claws.
The tenacious bartender manages to scramble free from the claws once again, he tries to dive into the sea after his sword. Mettera kneecaps him.
Larro stumbles, but manages to dive into the soup below.
Argor furrows his brow at the man's persistence, and sends a frigid beam at him that strikes the water. The elemental notes another pursuer, and turns to engage.
Cladissa shakes her head at the man, then leans over the railing to watch him swim. She taps her nails against the wood impatiently as she waits for the inevitable.
Argor hovers over to Cladissa, scowling as she tosses the man's blade into the water.
He calls on his magics to summon forth a water elemental and says, "Retrieve that blade and bring it back to me."
"Seriously? You are unarmed, outnumbered, and most certainly outwitted. Just surrender and you may live."
__________
Summon a Water Elemental and send it after the sword.'
When Larro dives into the water, Nyug dives right after him, trying to snare him in his extended pincer and reel him in.
Nyugusk's attack both knocks out Larro, and grabs him. A moment later the water elemental swims down and gets Larro's sword. Rutai calls from outside. "Got that guy, boss!"
"Excellent work, Rutai. You," Argor points to the man wearing the pendant, then to the lackeys, "and you two, sit in those chairs and do not move until I instruct it. Nyugusk, bind that barkeeper to the fourth one, and see if you can get him to come around."
Argor uses his magic to line up four chairs in the middle of the room, and waits as the prisoners take their seats.
"Now. I want answers. Not just any answers, though. I want the truth. I am certain you all have accepted by now that we will not tolerate falsehoods. I will make certain to note who of you was the most cooperative and helpful when I make my report," Argor says candidly as he floats in front of the three conscious prisoners.
Hrim starts searching the building while they have their conversation. He even searches under the bar, because his shadows enable him to fly through the water, too.
Nyugusk nods, tying up Larro tightly and then attempting to revive him.
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Having confidence in the ability of the rest of the group to gather the information needed, Mettera slid out the front door to the scattered fishermen out the door. If the imp could find one of them nearby, then perhaps some of the other fishermen had some of the information he was looking for. "The violence is over, and there's no more reason for your meals and drinks to lay unattended. It would be a shame for them to simply go to waste. We only came for information after all, and they started it."
Noting that he still had his weapon out, he stuck it in his belt and continued to talk to the fishermen. "I'm also looking for something a friend of mine was looking for. It's a boat called the Scimitar's breach. If anyone knows where it is, there's a free meal in it for you." He pulls out a couple silver coins as proof of his sincerity.
"I'm probably not going to get my red snapper, am I?" Cladissa pouts in an effort to lighten the mood. She's actually quite pleased no one died in this skirmish.
"Oh, and about Airk Jerigan? Let's start over, shall we?"
One of the thugs asks Argor, "What exactly do you want to know?"
Larro will need a lot of time, or magical healing, to wake up.
There is nothing under the bar except the normal things you would find in shallow dock water. Inside the Lusty Mermaid, Hrimnagel is able to find several rooms. One looks like it was probably the Pathfinder's. Inside there are papers scattered across the small table next to the bed.
The man gladly tells Mettera where the Scimitar's Breach is, giving him the number of a nearby dock slip.
The thug who was waiting for Argor to ask a question turns to her. "He's dead. We killed him and hid his body in nearby cave. That skinny guy with him hired us for the job...nothing personal. He left a few hours ago, headed for the Flotsam Graveyard if I ain't mistaken."
The other thug speaks up, pointing at the terrified fisherman being watched over by Rutai. "Lars had nothing to do with this, Larro just gave him the stiff's amulet as payment of a debt. He ain't done nothing wrong, you should let him go."
Lars nods repeatedly. "Yessirs! I don't want any trouble. Please don't kill me! I've got a family to feed."
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The Tian walked back over to the questioning, terribly pleased that he was able to find something about the boat so quickly and without unnecessary trouble. He arrived just in time to hear Lars defend himself. He hoped the fisherman really didn't have anything to do with it. He eyed him suspiciously, looking for tells in his face and mannerisms to reveal his true motivations.
Argor listens to the men's statements as he scans them and their gear for magic auras.
"Which room was his?"
Cladissa narrows her eyes when the thug says that the Pathfinder is dead. She steps closer and pointedly asks, "The skinny guy wouldn't go by the name of Dargo Mar, would he?"