Vados casts a glance towards the group.
"Perhaps we should meet with the bureaucrats first. Best not to rankle those stuffed shirts if they're waiting on us."
"Very well, I will send a messenger for them right away." Raseb leaves you in his office to arrange for the meeting and to get several people out and about the city to inquire into possible spice thefts.
It is about a 45 minute wait for the two bureaucrats to arrive. An old man dressed in the black robes of a magistrate, and a halfing servant or page who accompanies him.
The old magistrate offers his hand to shake before speaking, "I am Ozzu Nev. I've been tasked with investigating a disturbance at the shop of one Mr Jumai the other night and was told you are also investigating this incident. I thought it might be prudent to share notes."
Vados picks up the piece of cloth again and rubs it between his fingers.
"Master Raseb mentioned this could be from an errand boy employed by the merchants. Could these robberies have been inside jobs? At the shop I investigated, there was no sign of forced entry. If that were true, we could try and discover what servants regularly make deliveries to the shops that were robbed."
Aria gets out her spellbook and sits down to study it, finally taking the offered chair. She also remains to share what information she knows with the bureaucrats as she waits for information about cinnamon theft.
It is about a 45 minute wait for the two bureaucrats to arrive. An old man dressed in the black robes of a magistrate, and a halfing servant or page who accompanies him.
The old magistrate offers his hand to shake before speaking, "I am Ozzu Nev. I've been tasked with investigating a disturbance at the shop of one Mr Jumai the other night and was told you are also investigating this incident. I thought it might be prudent to share notes."
Raseb makes arrangements for one of the meeting rooms at the guild hall to be used. A large oak table rests in the center of the room underneath a chandelier lit by magical means. A dozen chairs surround the table, and a dozen more line the outside edge of the room.
Several large paintings hang on the walls, and a window looking south lets in more light from outside.
Each of you takes a seat around the room before the tower representatives are escorted in.
The first is a halfing, dressed in blue robes with the symbol of the tower, a crescent moon, clearly present on the right breast. A matching blue cap with a tassel covers his head. A pair of glasses adorns his face.
Upon entering the room and seeing six men and woman who are more than mere bueracrats he is taken aback for a moment. This was not was he was expecting.
The second looks to be a rank and file member of the city guard, a human male. He wears a chain shirt and a waraxe swings from his waist.
His looks says city guard, but his mannerisms don't quite match what you'd expect from the typical city guard.
The third is a human male. His hair is cut short and contains a tint of red to it. His armor is unusual, studded leather made of darkleaf. Twin short swords hang from his waist. He wears a dull uninterested expression on his face. Despite that though he eyes constantly move about the room, looking over those gathered here.
The halfling speaks up, his voice nasally, "Well, you all appear to be quite capable! It certainly looks like the Merchant Guild finds the very best when problems arise." He fiddles with his robes a bit before suddenly looking up wide-eyed with a start. "Oh heavens! I've forgotten to introduce myself! My name is Gavin Grinnder, and we are looking into the recent unpleasantness that has impacted our dear city. I understand from Master Raseb that you fellows are looking into the rascals that harassed poor Mr. Jumai the other day. Mr. Raseb also mentioned that you have some information about these ne'r-do-wells, and that you can share that with us. Also, he mentioned you have a black crows feather that was left at Mr. Jumai's. We can help the investigation by getting the Tower's best diviners to take a look at it, and then of course we can share that information with you!" He ends his introduction and proposal with an enthusiastic smile.
Aria stands up from reading her spellbook, her familiar Skyfire woken up from the sudden movement. The pterosaur yawns, agitatedly, then looks at the group, while Aria looks over the three representatives with an appraising eye.
"Greetings" She finally says, having worked with the Tower directly before in her past, and no stranger to the town guard, though she is curious about the one whose mannerisms are off-kilter."I'm Aria Stellar."
Before the meeting began, Vados took the opportunity to return to his quarters at the Myrmidos hall, and change into his dress clothes. He returns wearing a frogged, navy blue dress tunic and jodphurs with gold accents and piping.
He stands as the members of the mageocracy enter the room. After Gavin makes his introduction, and Aria says her piece, Vados brings his hands stiffly to his sides and makes a formal bow, though perhaps not quite as deep as he would make to guild members of similar standing.
"We are pleased to have you here, Master Grinnder, you and your guests. We are, of course, very interested in pooling our efforts to protect our great city, perhaps even on other matters. We have, in fact, been tasked to look into several cases of robbery and even murder in the past few days. Normally I would expect the city guard to also be investigating such matters, but I'm sure they must be spread thin at this harrying time."
That halfing gives an excited, if awkward, bow to each of Vados and Aria. "Oh, it is very good to make your acquaintance Lady Stellar and, uh, and, um...I did not catch your name good sir." He looks around the rest of the room to see if any others will introduce themselves.
"My yes is the guard stretched thin! Why with the murders and the usual range of crimes to investigate they have so much to do. We are hoping to assist in our small way by getting the black crow's feather to the diviners for a close look. It may be too much to hope for, but it would be just wonderful if the diviners could provide some insights into the nature and whereabouts of these rapscallions. Do you have the feather with you? I'm sure you would agree that we should not waste time in the investigation. Of course I'm also very interested to here what you have uncovered so far. Crimes like this shouldn't be allowed to go on willy-nilly."
While waiting for the group to arrive Cindy will cast and maintain Detect Magic. She will study all auras on the three as they come in, taking 10 in spellcraft, and getting a total of 20 for each aura she notes. While she is interested in everything she finds, please let me know if she detects any illusion magics and specifically from a piece of headgear.
Cindy stands and introduces herself. She looks a bit irritated and does not possess the social skills to hide it. It is a pleasure to meet you, Gavin is it? Of it would be a pleasure if I knew that was your real name. We do not trust each other, yet, that is obvious. She looks hard for a moment at the man dressed as a city guard. But I propose we should, at least in regard to these criminal activities we both wish to solve. So with that you shall have my real name and the truth from my lips. I am Cindy Lu, a child of this city, and an employee of the guild of merchants. We have been investigating multiple crimes and have good evidence we would share with you if you will reciprocate. We can be strong allies but require you deal with us honestly and fairly. Are you willing to do so? If so, you shall have that feather and more. If not, this meeting is over.
Aria chews on her lower lip thoughtfully. "I don't see any reason why we can't help each other out. We've been trying to investigate the murders but the town guard won't let us question their suspect. They say it has something to do with the Magocracy. Perhaps if you could pressure your superiors to let us question the drow they've found, it would certainly grease the cogs for relinquishing the feather."
Taking your time you study each of the three in turn you discern the following -
On the halfing:
A magical belt with a medium aura of transmutation.
A cloak with a faint aura of abjuration.
A large pouch with an aura of moderate strength transmutation aura.
On the guardsman:
His axe shows a strong aura, undetermined type of magic.
A headband with a moderate transmutation aura.
A hat with a faint aura of illusion.
His gloves have a faint aura of transmutation.
A large pouch with an aura of moderate strength transmutation aura.
His chain mail shirt has a faint aura of abjuration.
On the dull looking man with the darkleaf leather armor:
His twin blades have identical auras of enchantment.
A ring with a faint conjuration aura.
A ring with a faint transmutation aura.
The guardsman offers a faint smile, his image shimmers for a moment and becomes that of a dwarf around five feet in height - almost abnormally large for one of that race, with broad shoulders and eyes the color of green copper ore. A laurel green scholars cap on his head, covers what little is left of his blonde hair. A thick five braided beard starting just above his ears only partially covering up the scars and burns that decorate his otherwise ordinary face. It is unclear what caused the wounds, but in some places it looked almost as if the skin was warped rather then torn or burned. A rich cloak of the same green as his cap hangs from off his shoulders.
"As a show of trust, I shall drop my illusion and reveal to you that I am in fact a special agent of the Mageocracy charged with investigating these disturbances to the peace. You must understand the deception is standard protocol to protect privacy, family, and curtail retribution from criminal elements. Having just returned to the city after slaying a troublesome dragon in the countryside, I was most displeased to come back to a brutal series of murders and thefts." The dwarf said with a bow of his head. "I hope we can cooperate, as both our interests are in grave danger with these murders, as well as the threat of instability and the clear flouting of law."
"The drow captive has already been questioned. He has confirmed information we have already collected that points to signs that either a new or previously small time criminal organization is carving out territory within Coran. Four individuals were partially identified as being involved. They have already threatened Mr. Jumai's life and extorted him for his monthly earnings. They will likely return next month. It seems they are also behind the murders, some of which are of their rivals and some of which are merchants... some possibly crooked." He says the last part partially under his breath, clearly not wishing to offend those present here. He gives a nod to Vados. "Of course we do not accuse such noble mercantile houses as House Baelson and the like, but not all members of the Merchant guild are so upstanding."
He holds out his hands, palms up, and gives a nod to the assembled special task force of the merchant's guild, expectant for whatever information you can provide to him.
Aria nods her head to the dwarf, considering his words carefully. If he spoke truthfully, it was a fair amount of information, worthy of reimbursement.
"Do you know anything about the origins of the group, or why they have chosen this particular time to act?"
Nothing in the dwarves speech or manner suggests he is attempting any deception.
The halflings expression changes as the dwarf speaks, his eyes narrowing, searching each face. He is not so quick to come to trust as his dwarven friend.
"We are still trying to determine that information, which is one of the reasons we have sought this meeting with the guild. If we had all the information we would have acted decisively to enforce the law and bring these criminal elements to justice. The motive on timing may be merely opportunity or a weakness in a rival." The dwarf said simply.
"The feather they left may be a clue the Tower's diviners can utilize. We would return that to the tower as soon as possible. Have you found out anything of note which can be helpful to this investigation?"
Aria looks at her comrades and waits for the others to respond before butting in. She did not want to look like she was speaking for the whole group, particularly when there was a more eloquent undine in the room.
Vados relaxes a bit as the mageocracy representatives begin to drop some of their facades.
"It would be wise to have the feather examined by magical experts. In addition, here is what we know of the events at Master Jumai's, and the murder at the Duresu's."
After sharing what they know, Vados speaks up again.
"Seeing as the Mageocracy is better equipped to understand magical happenings, have you run into any reports of thieves stealing magical components lately?"
Good dwarf, your trust in us as demonstrated by the dropping of the illusion is appreciated. I would still know your name and the name of your companions before you lay out the clues we have and my opinion on them. She will pause and, assuming this reasonable request is granted will continue.
You have some of the details of the harassment of Mister Jumai two nights ago. Several men and a gnome came into the shop after closing. While only three were spotted, the owner believes there were more outside. They extorted two thousand gold that night and say they will be back for 2000 more each month. They will return next month to collect. Our description of the 4 individuals are, a gnome with a bronze headband. - A human that walked with a limp. - A loud mouthed human with black hair. - A spell caster of some kind that left the guards unable to protect Jumai's interests, though they were not harmed physically. And do keep in mind that the black crows feather left at Mr Jumai's shop was left intentionally as some sort of calling card. It may have been left to throw us off the trail.
Cindy continues. In addition to Mister Jumai's incident we have investigated two other robberies. A local bakery was robbed of a dozen loaves of bread and some pastries. A window was broken and we found a steak of grime on it, and under a shelf some muddy prints of several toes from a humanoid foot - on the small side for a human. Also a page from the business ledger was taken - the one totaling the end of the week's income and expenses.
She takes a deep breath and looks at the faces she is talking to before continuing. Lady Yisa's fruit shop has been robbed twice; once before our investigation, and again after. We found a piece of cloth, simple tan in color and covered with grime and dirt, hooked on one of the old boards when we investigated after the night of the first robbery. We also noted a space on a shelf that could have contained a box of approximately 8” X 6” in size. This turned out to be a stolen change box that contained only enough coin to make change for a day. The second night the shop was roughly search but the only thing that seems to have been taken was all the owner's cinnamon.
She lets the details of these facts sink in before adding. I believe the initial robberies are simply hungry poorer citizens forced to feed themselves. I am not so sure about the theft from the second night. Something about it seems different. No food was taken, a lock must have been picked, and no clues left behind. This could have been another group investigating on their own but we are at a loss as to why the cinnamon was taken. I could not have been worth much more than a gold.
"The cinnamon is a continuing mystery for us, as we have discovered it stolen in several locations. We've begun further research to see if cinnamon has been stolen from other merchants, though I have no idea why they are taking so much of the spice (other than its trade value)." Aria paces back and forth as she speaks, in a fashion similar to military.
The halfling nods as he listens. "My name is Tomlin", he says evenly. "My companions can name themselves, and frankly I think no part of this arrangement should hinge upon anyone providing anyone else their name. I tell you mine for two reason. One, I am simply a loyal Tower servant. No more, no less. Those not committed to ridding filth from this city aren't worth knowing the name of those committed to the Tower at any level, but by the information you've provided I believe you do want the best for the people of this city. That is the second reason I tell you my name. Your intentions seem true, and I believe we have common interest in this matter."
The dwarf in turn says, "My name is Valdr." His eyes dart about the chamber, particularly to those who have not yet spoken.
"Pesh is illegal and could be part of the answer to these crimes. If a new guild were trying to establish themselves, taking over the drug trade could be a cause for the murders and thefts... " He muses aloud. "If you would turn over the Pesh and the list of names we can have the tower cross reference them and make the necessary arrests. Our description of the assailents matches what you have received, though we have been told that the Gnome may in fact be a dwarf. It seems possible illusions are at work. Furthermore, these descriptions match those reported by the guard and the captive drow himself of his assailents. I would not be surprised if the drow's name turns up on your list."
"Are you certain it was Cinnamon that was taken and not Pesh mixed in with other spices?"
The third man continues to look about the room, picking at his nose, scratching at his ears. He offers no comment and looks to be uncomfortable during the conversation, as though he has no business being here.
The man is certainly more aware of his surroundings then he puts on, but he truly does not seem to be a part of what is going in, a decided indifference one way or another.
Thinking of her father only for a moment, she answers the question about the pesh. We do not need the drug, except to maybe try to apprehend the person it was meant for. If you are going to do that then it is yours, along with the list of customers. We wish the merchants cleared of illegal dealings in general and the apprehending of all those involved will send a strong message about what is allowed within the merchants guild. I suspect that someone close to the Duresu family has a supply of pesh and is receiving regular shipments. I understand that Drail, who ran warehouses near the docks was one of the recently killed. We hear that Drail had connections with a number of merchants as he stored goods for many of them. Perhaps a search of his warehouses would be in order?
She pauses to think before continuing. We did not know that this group of thugs had attacked the drow. Rumor has it that he was running from demons. What was he doing in the city anyway? I think it likely that he knows more than he has told you. If that is true then he is a threat and those rogues may try to go after him again. I recommend you get what information from you that you can immediately. Maybe strike some deal with him?
If you intend to confront this group of thugs we would offer our help. We will not allow them to continue to harass Mister Jumai in any case and would ask for your help in arranging some surprise for them when they come back to receive their second payment. We do ask that you use your influence to have divination magic performed on this scrap of cloth. It may only lead to a street urchin, but if so, we need to know that.
She waits for others of her team to speak and for questions or comments from the Mages before she adds. Well, Tomlin, Valdr, and you who watches everything while pretending to care about nothing, we are pleased we have made this alliance and hope we can aid one another many times in the future. Perhaps we should arrange for an easy way for use to communicate with each other?
At the last, Aria scowls. "I do not think we need the magocracy constantly scrying on us."
As though to punctuate her sentence, Skyfire releases an angry chirp.
At the last, Aria scowls. "I do not think we need the magocracy constantly scrying on us."
As though to punctuate her sentence, Skyfire releases an angry chirp.
Garion introduces himself. "We have nothing to hide, still one cherishes one's privacy. How do we contact you, Master Tomlin, when we have more to share?"
"Greetings to you Garion", Tomlin replies. "It seems we are of like minds on privacy. If you leave word at the Tower, it will get to us."
The halfling gave Aria a flat look. "You will have to trust me Ms. Stellar, when I say that the Mageocracy has far more pressing matters than to spend its resources scrying on the likes of you."
Tomlin initially listened to Cindy with nods of agreement, but his expression took on a thoughtful, considering look as she mentioned first the possibility of assisting in confronting the 4 and then as she requested to be present for the scrying. "If a confrontation with the vermin that accosted Mr. Jumai were to come up, we could certainly consider joining forces. There is indeed strength in numbers. As for your presence for the scrying, we can promise nothing but we could ask the diviners." Again introspective for a brief moment he adds, "To re-contact yourselves, should a message be left at the Merchant's Guild or would you prefer some other way?"
With an agreement struck the tower representatives lead the way back to a building near the Tower of the Heavens. It is only a short wait before one of the mages arrive, a middle aged half-elf with white hair. His hands are ink stained and his thin body is clothed in dark red robes. A single plain looking ring adorns one of his fingers.
He introduces himself, getting straight down to business, ”I am Dason Per'ald. The casting of a scrying spell is a long process, I ask that you remain quiet while I proceed.”
He retrieves a large bowl from a back room and fills it from a waterskin. ”I've already been briefed on what scant information you have, but I will see what I can see.” He picks up the crows feather where it was resting on a table next to the piece of cloth, ”Ha, I'm as likely to see the crow this feather came from as anything else.” he chuckles, regardless he begins the incantation.
It is indeed a long process, an hour passes before we waves you over. The water in the bowl swirls and spins with blurred colors. The image sharpens and a human male can be seen walking the streets of the docks area. Neatly trimmed black hair, clean shaven, well dressed. He wears a smirk on his face and ignores those he is passing by. Minutes pass as he leaves the docks district, heading towards the center of town before the image finally fades.
The man with the twin blades who was silent the entire meeting at the merchant's guild hall reacts when he sees the main in the pool, his bored expression showing just the faintest interest now. He recognizes the man.
Dason looks a little pale from the long exertion. ”Well I didn't give that one much chance of success. Even so I'm not sure we've learned much here. Bad timing.”
Taking a deep breath, ”Well let's see about this other one.” Again he begins the ritual. As before a blurred image takes shape inside the bowl.
A half-elven girl, perhaps in her mid teens, appears in the image. She is small of build. A dirty woolen dress covers her, it is covered with dirt and grime. Her face and hands likewise show smudges of dirt. The place is easy to pick out – the western end of the beggar's road. She is whispering something in the ears of two street urchins, who momentarily run off and disappear from the viewing bowl. She leans against a building casually, her eyes watching the crowds around her. Occasionally taking bites from an apple she has fetched from within the folds of her dress.
Our bakery thief seems to be just what I suspected; a poor street urchin. I am not even sure she is worth picking up. The city would be better served helping her than arresting her. Cindy comments. But she might have seen something so we will go and find her. She seems smart. I doubt if she visited the same places the second night. If not, we still have a missing thief.
The man bears a resemblance to someone you met once before working for the guild... Drail Banden.
"Hmmm," Aria hums to herself, but is otherwise quiet. Skyfire also looks in the bowl, but he seems merely interested in what everyone else is looking at.
As you head towards the beggar's road to follow up on the street urchin two messengers find the group. The first is from a Raseb.
While you were busy with the tower servant's I managed to work out an arrangement with the tower to allow for more freedom in protecting the interests of the guild. While we have always been allowed to defend lives and protect property we have been granted more leeway in actively pursuing such protections. The tower has permitted the use of deadly force in aggressively hunting down the perpetrators of the murder of the Duresu's and the racket being set up regarding Mr Jumai.
Enclosed you will find the appropriate documentation should you run into problems with the city guard in these efforts.
The second messenger hands a note to Aria.
Come and speak with me tonight. Someone's taken a keen interest in the captive drow.
Silvers
Reaching the west end of the beggar's road and peering over the heads of the crowds, the young half-elven girl can be seen leaning against the same building, a twisted smile on her face as she looks about the crowd.
Trash and refuse are pushed into the side alley's of the road, and the stench of unwashed bodies permeates the area. Despite the distasteful nature of the street it gets a lot of traffic. The surrounding area is a maze of dead ends and narrow alleys. Those willing to brave the pick pockets, or who have nothing worth stealing, use the road to cut down on travel time.
Clergy of various benevolent deities go about attempting to succor the destitute, though their cares fall on professional beggars as often as those truly in need.
Three men sitting around a table, with a bit to much to drink in them.
”They doubled the guard at the western gate I heard, they's keepin' an important prisoner inside, one o' them blasted drow I 'ear.”
”You've been listening to to many rumors while drunk Jeb. They doubled the guard cause Radgar has returned, and they don't wanna take any chances he makes it into the city.”
”Bah, you've no sense Belg, why would they double the guard at the western gate but not the southern one. They most assuredly have an important prisoner there.” Spoken in a hushed whisper, ”I heard they are going to move him in a few days time, the guards are going to take him to the old watchtower south of the city. An' if he refuses to tell them what they want while alive they're going to kill him then use sorcery to extract the information from his corpse.”
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”Someone's been sneaking around the shops on the merchant's road at night, broke in to the Duresu's and made a mess of things in there. It's bad enough someone murdered their family, now someone breaks into the shop and dumps all the spices on the ground.”
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”Two guardsman were killed this afternoon by an elven woman, and one of the catfolk. Said they belonged to a organization of thieves.”
None of these structures on the beggar's road is a single building, but rather a mash of small homes, shops, and so forth jam packed so close together that there are no passages between them. Many of the structures are two or three stories in height, with a few reaching a fourth level.
Once they are away from the magocrats, Aria tells the others what she knows about Drail Banden, the man from the second image in the scrying. Although they might only have met in passing. She also informs them of Captain Silvers' message, proving that some of the rumors they've been gathering are most likely true.
Once they are away from the magocrats, Aria tells the others what she knows about Drail Banden, the man from the second image in the scrying. Although they might only have met in passing. She also informs them of Captain Silvers' message, proving that some of the rumors they've been gathering are most likely true.
"There she is. Quickly, let's intercept her before she can disappear into the crowd."