Memnon whispers back
“Considering that this bar is the kip of a semi-deity on a power level that probably pushes the boundaries of what the Lady allows near her city. Most folks think that’s probably why the Grey Angel prefers to stay up in their rooms on the demiplane. Less friction than if they were walking about the Great Bazaar”
Justin nods in agreement, momentarily silent, not even wanting to contemplate the Merlinscale equivalent of what such a battle between Powers, minor or otherwise, would involve.
"Nah, I'm not nearly as dazzling as the ladies in the group. My specialty is blowing things up." Justin gives the burly newcomer a friendly smirk.
"'Mel' was it? Pleased to meet you. Don't let the babble fool you. Karrin is an excellent judge of character." Justin smiles, and indicates the man should enter with the rest of them.
Mel laughs
“Blowing things up is good. Long as it our foes wots getting the short end”
He smiles
“My specialty is patching things up once the blowing up is done”
Justin gives the newcomer a genuine smile.
"Oh, you and I are going to get along FAMOUS-ly!" Justin assures Mel emphatically.
"And you happen to have met me at an unusually flush time in my career, meaning I actually have coins in my pocket. First round's on me! Consider it a good faith payment, in advance, for services to-be rendered!" Justin laughs. But he doesn't seem to be joking.
Nari was struggling with the crowded environment, feeling very vulnerable among so many strangers, but at Justin’s words her expression changed to one of determination, chin raised as her eyes flashed with annoyance. “Hardly an old biddy,” she chided quietly. “It was a person shaped creature with thoughts like centipedes, carrying a full canister of extra power along with it. Power like mine. You’ve seen what I can do. Do you really want to be on the receiving end of that?” she asked impatiently. “It indicated that it was part of some sort of group and asked me to pass a message to you to give them the rod or else. Obviously you can’t give them what they want and I was concerned that they might not wait until you got the message. At least now you know to watch your back. And you’ve got us to help with that,” she added, looking warily around the room.
"What is it Nari? How exactly did someone 'threaten' me. Was it that old biddy who asked me to find her 'stolen prince'? I TOLD her I didn't do love potions. But she didn't want to take no for an answer." Justin smiles at Nari.
Seeing Nari's serious demeanor, and possibly due to her unusual, chiding tone, Justin's reassuring smile slips and becomes a somber, contemplative look as Nari explains the encounter. He tugs his goatee thoughtfully as he considers Nari's words.
"Oh I've seen what you can do. And I'd rather NOT be on the wrong end of that, thanyouverymuch." Justin admits to the powerful mind-mage in a deceptively small package. The wizard punches his fist into his palm in frustration.
"THIS is getting to be a bad habit. This makes the second, (or is it third?) time that I've been attacked, or invaded, or otherwise threatened with bodily harm over this thing. By someone or someTHINGS using mental powers. What IS it with Mind-Magery and this Felgarcarp rod anyway?!?!" Justin hisses, mostly to himself.
The wizard joins Nari in surreptitiously scanning the room anew. All of the decorative, shadowed and quiet nooks suddenly took on a newly threatening appearance. "Thanks for the warning Nari. And for having my back." he adds with a wan replacement of his usual smirk.
"Great. Like my personal paranoia level wasn't ALREADY at an all-time high." Justin mutters, at a volume so low it is unlikely that anyone without the benefit of Elvish ears, or the possibly magical enhancements of a crystal skull, actually heard it.
Karrin scratches her head, "Hmm, I assumed it would be a fairly common occurrence . . . guess that's just because I know you."
Justin shrugs, his slight smirk remaining carefully non-committal.
"Well,... Your not wrong."
"And you happen to have met me at an unusually flush time in my career, meaning I actually have coins in my pocket. First round's on me! Consider it a good faith payment, in advance, for services to-be rendered!" Justin laughs. But he doesn't seem to be joking.
Mel grins, displaying a good set of teeth in his homely face
“I think we ARE going to get on famously, as long as that pouch of yours can keep up!”
The maitre D Seats them near the large bar, and Mel motions a waitress over
“You have Baatorian Lava Whiskey? Good! Bring the bottle and a set of glasses and some ice “
Mel turns to Justin
“Have you ever tried lava whiskey? It’s s treat!”
“You have Baatorian Lava Whiskey? Good! Bring the bottle and a set of glasses and some ice “Mel turns to Justin
“Have you ever tried lava whiskey? It’s a treat!”
Justin shakes his head. "Can't say as I have. But I'll try anything once. Twice if I like it. That gets me in trouble sometimes." Justin says straight faced.
"It sounds like you would get along well with Ekuur too. He's a priest of fire. Not a fire Power, just,... fire. Sounds like his kind of drink."
Mel chuckles
“An elementalist, eh? I worked with a cutter who worshipped Cryonax. Barmy sod had bathed himself in alchemical ice to increase his power. Walked around in this freezing ice armor gettup, shot ice boots at everything that moved in the Styx Marshes. Handy blood when you needed solid ground though. He could freeze a marsh solid in five minutes. Always good for ice cubes in Hell too.”
Mel drops ice in the glasses, hands them to whoever wants one and pours a red, smoky liquor out of the bottle into the glasses. He sips and smacks his lips
“This place has some top-shelf hootch!”
The gnoll reads the paper , then hands it back with a toothy grin
“Of course! Business is business. You’ll find Lissandra holding court in one of the back booths. That’ll be one Lady each. Please leave your weapons and cloaks with the cloak check “
He gestures to an annex over to the side where two elven women in tight leather dresses stand attentively, a long rack of gear and clothing behind them
Alessia grudgingly hands over her sword, bow, arrows, and shield, but draws the line at removing her cloak.
"I would remove my hood and mask, but I somehow doubt your other patrons would appreciate the sight."
She lets out a strangled wheezing sound that could possibly be a laugh.
Mel grins, displaying a good set of teeth in his homely face
“I think we ARE going to get on famously, as long as that pouch of yours can keep up!”
The maitre D Seats them near the large bar, and Mel motions a waitress over
“You have Baatorian Lava Whiskey? Good! Bring the bottle and a set of glasses and some ice “
Mel turns to Justin
“Have you ever tried lava whiskey? It’s s treat!”
Starting with her first sight of Melchizedek, given his obviously being a cleric of the sun god, as well as his colorful and outgoing personality, Alessia has been trying valiantly to contain her displeasure.
So far, she has met with limited success. Realizing that assaulting a near-stranger in a crowded area would be met with some mild displeasure from all, Alessia has contented herself with making the occasional disgusted noise, clenching and unclenching her fists, and keeping as far away as possible in the hope that the cleric won't notice the holy symbols etched into her armor.
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"Personally I'd say it's time to destroy that rod if we can, it's caused nothing but trouble and I don't want it falling into anyone else's hands, especially not centipede thought people."
Karrin pauses at the weapon check.
"Are you ladies immune to extreme cold? I got an intelligent, rather vengeful magic weapon here, and I'd rather not an explosive repeat of what happened back in Hammerhime. It was four hours cleaning Ferissirion with a tooth pick. Why didn't the gnome freeze and then explode rather than the other way around? Like when I just chop them with my axe there's no explosions, they just kind of freeze and shatter, if they'd done that it would have saved me a lot of time, like on the bright side my mouth wasn't open, but I had to wash my hair, my clothes . . . Anyways you ladies look like you have a bit more body mass than that gnome and that was like giblets over eighteen feet in all directions and I'd really not like to experience a bigger pop so to speak. Maybe I should just hang out in the lobby?"
"Personally I'd say it's time to destroy that rod if we can, it's caused nothing but trouble and I don't want it falling into anyone else's hands, especially not centipede thought people."
Justin sighs. Not dramatically, as those who know him have seen him do many, many times. This is a genuine sigh of resignation.
"As much as I hate to admit it, I'm starting to agree with you." Justin grudgingly admits, dreams of membership in exclusive magical clubs flying away on tiny wings. Laughing.
"But I maintain my old argument. Even if we DO all agree on that, and keeping it out of the appendages of centipede-thought persons and or ghost-demons IS a valid, convincing argument, It's STILL a lot easier said than done. I haven't had time to figure out where it's from or what's it's for, (although I'm beginning to get a suspicion,...) much LESS how to destroy the Frakkin' thing."
Karrin pauses at the weapon check."Are you ladies immune to extreme cold? I got an intelligent, rather vengeful magic weapon here, and I'd rather not an explosive repeat of what happened back in Hammerhime. It was four hours cleaning Ferissirion with a tooth pick. Why didn't the gnome freeze and then explode rather than the other way around? Like when I just chop them with my axe there's no explosions, they just kind of freeze and shatter, if they'd done that it would have saved me a lot of time, like on the bright side my mouth wasn't open, but I had to wash my hair, my clothes . . . Anyways you ladies look like you have a bit more body mass than that gnome and that was like giblets over eighteen feet in all directions and I'd really not like to experience a bigger pop so to speak. Maybe I should just hang out in the lobby?"
Justin, to his credit, does NOT facepalm. This time. But he does sigh, again, and pinch the bridge of his nose. He feels another one of THOSE headaches coming on.
A few moments later, when Mel offers shots of lava whiskey to those interested, Justin accepts a glass, and takes a large sip, resisting the urge to shoot it noticing that Mel only took a sip. He coughs only once."Smooth." He gasps hoarsely, what might be a small flicker of flame trying to escape from his lips. He looks at his glass, surprised that the ice cubes aren't crying for mercy from their liquid tormentor.
Hamar drinks what is closest to a beer on the menu.
"If these creatures threaten us shall we not simply locate them and each them to mind their manners?"
Merle orders some of that catfolk drink she likes (Sorry just cant remember the name for the life of me right now) and begins wearily watching the groups newer members.
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The coat check girl smiles at Karrin. It is a flat professional thing, promising friendliness but painted on
“I assure you, madame, your axe will be safe here. We are professionals “
She reaches out a hand, and Ferissirion growls. It’s a deep, rumbling thing, full of lupine menace. Everyone who hears it gets a hindbrain shiver from their inner proto-mammalian ancestor
“Well, perhaps if we have a pledge of non-violence?” The girl says, glancing at the gnoll in the suit, who nods
The waitress, when asked, points to a booth at the far side with several cutters seated st it
“There’s Lissandra over there”
"Wizard. The one we seek is here". Hamar begins moving in that direction though he allows the others to speak he watches the room as if waiting for someone to strike in their now more vulnerable state.
"I will swear whatever oaths you require of me." Karrin says, "The axe does keep me in line anyways, I'm probably safer to have in here with Ferissirion than I would be without my axe. I won't start anything. I will leave with you my other weapons however"
Karrin pulls off her Mitt with a nice suctioning sound, revealing Karrin's right hand to be exactly the same size as her left, nobody in the current group has ever seen Karrin without her Mitt. Karrin also gives them her bow and arrows.
"Hmm, forgot I had that," Karrin says as she hands over her bow.
The waitress, when asked, points to a booth at the far side with several cutters seated st it
“There’s Lissandra over there”
Justin nods his thanks to the waitress, and quickly finishes his lava whiskey. He pauses a moment, manages to prevent any smoke from escaping out of his ears, and follows the wary Hamar towards the indicated table with Lissandra.
"Greetings, Lissandra?" Justin asks as they approach the table, his voice only slightly hoarse from the whiskey.
"I'm Justin, I represent the Silver Rose. I have a letter of introduction from Alluvia. She said that you should be able to help us arrange for passage for an excursion that we're planning?" Justin smiles his most charming smile, offering the afore-mentioned letter for her inspection.
Hamar drinks what is closest to a beer on the menu.
"If these creatures threaten us shall we not simply locate them and teach them to mind their manners?"
Justin glances at Hamar appraisingly.
"Well, that DOES have a certain, simple & direct, appeal that usually applies to this group. The problem is, we've been so busy running all over the planes that I haven't had time to figure out whose been behind these 'visits'. Although, I DO have a lead or two,..."
Justin addresses Karrin directly.
"You know, he's right. I'm thinking before we run off to do, what we have to do, we take a day or so and FIND these mental-magic misfits and pay THEM a visit. It'd be nice to make someone else look over their shoulder for a change. Plus it'd be one less group to interfere with us on our trip. What do you guys think?"
Lissandra smiles. She’s an Aasimar, with a Valkyrie-like look, except for some very organic-looking pastel tattoos on her face. She rises to shake Justin’s hand
“Please, come and sit down”
She shoos her friends off good-naturedly and makes room for whomever is sitting in on the meeting. She looks at the proferred letter and nods
“Why don’t you lann me the chant on your business?”
She makes a gesture and the large booth is suddenly enveloped in a golden bubble. The hum of the tavern fades to silence
“A little privacy for our palaver”
Sophie follows Justin along, keeping out of the way and continuing to watch the various paintings. At the booth, she nods to Lissandra, a neutral expression on her face, and slides into the booth next to Justin, making sure to sit close enough to make it slightly uncomfortable for him, without actually touching him... yet.
"You know, he's right. I'm thinking before we run off to do, what we have to do, we take a day or so and FIND these mental-magic misfits and pay THEM a visit. It'd be nice to make someone else look over their shoulder for a change. Plus it'd be one less group to interfere with us on our trip. What do you guys think?"
"Well I'll admit that does sound like a nice change of pace, but here's the thing, and maybe I'm not so smart so maybe people can correct me, but slimy wormy centipede mind like people don't strike me as the sort of people that would make use of our particular item. So like maybe they're the middlemen? And like, there's a possibility that taking them out won't actually solve a problem, rather it might just delay it? But like I work as a mercenary so maybe I'm just thinking like one?"
Justin shakes Lissandra's hand, introducing himself and those who choose to join the discussion. He gives Sophisticia a small smile as she slides into the booth next to him. His eyes widen only slightly as she gives one more, small, scoot closer to him. Fortunately at that moment he is distracted by Lissandra's command of magic as she conjures the privacy screen. Sophie can almost see Justin's mind furiously scribbling down notes.
Justin glances once more at the space, or lack of, between Sophie and himself, and clears his throat as he turns his attention to their hostess.
"Thank you for seeing us. As I was saying, We are members of The Silver Rose, and we are looking to negotiate an unusual round trip Planar passage for our group. And word has it that YOU are the best person to ask." Justin smiles.
"I am not at liberty to discuss EVERYthing related to the trip, client confidentiality and all that. But, in a Yggdrasil nutshell,..."
And Justin explains the basics of their trip requirements, where they want to go, how many will likely be going (after he quickly does a head count of the group in the club), guesses how long they might be there, and does his best to leave out any mention of artifact rods, dead/undead/demon-ghosts and resurrecting of erased-from-existence Powers.
"Well I'll admit that does sound like a nice change of pace, but here's the thing, and maybe I'm not so smart so maybe people can correct me, but slimy wormy centipede mind like people don't strike me as the sort of people that would make use of our particular item. So like maybe they're the middlemen? And like, there's a possibility that taking them out won't actually solve a problem, rather it might just delay it? But like I work as a mercenary so maybe I'm just thinking like one?"
Justin shrugs.
"Honestly, At this point I don't care if they're the middlemen, the top men, or the coachmen. All I know is I'm getting tired of getting 'visits' from mind-magic related creatures. Whether they are the boss or the henchpersons is irrelevant." Justin ends on a growling note.
Justin pauses, takes a breath, then another sip of Lava whiskey.
"Sorry. You may be right, but since we're just getting enough clues to start putting together what this thing might actually be used for, we don't know why they want it so badly, just that they do. They may just be another group interested in,... what we're now trying to prevent."
"There's a clue here that I'm not seeing. Nari, is it 'normal' for multiple types of mind-magic using creatures, humanoids, cranium rats, etc to forge alliances and cooperate like this? I thought mind magic was supposed to be RARE. It's like every time I turn around I meet another one lately. For so many various types to be cooperating like this, well, if it were a classroom or a college department I would say they were all being overseen by a supervisor. All working towards a common goal,..."
Justin's eyes go blank. He continues to stare at nothing for a moment, then takes another sip of burning whiskey, still staring.
"Karrin, Nari, heck, anyone,..." Justin says, low and eerily calm.
"I'm still new to planar travel, but I've heard rumors of a couple of powerful creatures who use mind-magics, and are rumored to run vast empires on some planes as overlords. Is it possible some group like that is involved? What were those things called again?,..."
"Karrin Kind, I think you are over-thinking it or are you saying because we are mercenaries we should be paid to attack them and if we are not then we should no?"
Hamar listens intently but does not speak trusting others to negotiate "passage", his negotiating is usually conducted at the end of his scimitars which even a Barbarian knows is not the wisest course of action here.
"Well I'll admit that does sound like a nice change of pace, but here's the thing, and maybe I'm not so smart so maybe people can correct me, but slimy wormy centipede mind like people don't strike me as the sort of people that would make use of our particular item. So like maybe they're the middlemen? And like, there's a possibility that taking them out won't actually solve a problem, rather it might just delay it? But like I work as a mercenary so maybe I'm just thinking like one?"Justin shrugs.
"Honestly, At this point I don't care if they're the middlemen, the top men, or the coachmen. All I know is I'm getting tired of getting 'visits' from mind-magic related creatures. Whether they are the boss or the henchpersons is irrelevant." Justin ends on a growling note.
Justin pauses, takes a breath, then another sip of Lava whiskey.
"Sorry. You may be right, but since we're just getting enough clues to start putting together what this thing might actually be used for, we don't know why they want it so badly, just that they do. They may just be another group interested in,... what we're now trying to prevent."
"There's a clue here that I'm not seeing. Nari, is it 'normal' for multiple types of mind-magic using creatures, humanoids, cranium rats, etc to forge alliances and cooperate like this? I thought mind magic was supposed to be RARE. It's like every time I turn around I meet another one lately. For so many various types to be cooperating like this, well, if it were a classroom or a college department I would say they were all being overseen by a supervisor. All working towards a common goal,..."
Justin's eyes go blank. He continues to stare at nothing for a moment, then takes another sip of burning whiskey, still staring.
"Karrin, Nari, heck, anyone,..." Justin says, low and eerily calm.
"I'm still new to planar travel, but I've heard rumors of a couple of powerful creatures who use mind-magics, and are rumored to run vast empires on some...
“Psionic beings are vanishingly rare on the world I come from. But on some worlds, like the one Ekuur comes from, they are common. Being as this place is a hub that connects to many worlds it isn’t that unusual that there would be many more such beings here. But to see them working together like this does strike me as unusual. I think your suspicions have some merit, especially considering what they’re trying to accomplish,” she agreed.
When their contact showed up to negotiate, Nari positioned herself outside the bubble, keeping guard as she scanned the room warily while the others talked.
Lissandra nods as Justin lays out the screed
“So, you need a portal to Erelhi-Cinlu. That’s fairly easy. What’s is more difficult is where you want to go, and what you’re going to do while you go there. Do you want to come into an obscured fate and walk into the city? Do you want a portal directly into the city? If so, do you want an open public portal or a concealed one? “
Lissandra pauses
“I can also offer you guide service, disguises, or letters of introduction. Depending on what your budget is”
As Nari keeps watch, an odd figure approaches her. It looks like a beautiful woman at first, but as she approaches it becomes clear she is some sort of artificial construct. She is the most lifelike version Nari has ever seen. This ... woman ... sports a pair of gorgeous rainbow-colored wings that look at if they are made of stained glass. The colors are arraigned in a repeating Mandela pattern that shimmers as the wings move. The woman approaches Nari, her sky-blue eyes immense and thickly lashes.
“Excuse me miss, are you with the party that just entered the Wayfarer? I was hoping to speak with the axe maiden if she was available “
“Yes, I am with that party,” Nari said politely but warily. “Karrin will be available in a little while, or I can pass on a message if you are not able to wait.”
The female construct smiles
“I am known as Keleah. I speak for the owner of the Wayfarer. They wish to talk with Karrin if that would be possible “
"Karrin Kind, I think you are over-thinking it or are you saying because we are mercenaries we should be paid to attack them and if we are not then we should no?"
"Well if we're attacked we got to defend ourselves, but if we don't have to fight we shouldn't fight, it's like if you're a painter you don't want to get suckered into painting someone else's house for free right? But sometimes you got to paint your own house. What I'm saying is that these guys sound like painters hired to paint one side of the fence and we've already painted the other side, but if we tear down the fence they got nothing to paint. I don't think I can explain it any simpler then that."
"Well if we're attacked we got to defend ourselves, but if we don't have to fight we shouldn't fight, it's like if you're a painter you don't want to get suckered into painting someone else's house for free right? But sometimes you got to paint your own house. What I'm saying is that these guys sound like painters hired to paint one side of the fence and we've already painted the other side, but if we tear down the fence they got nothing to paint. I don't think I can explain it any simpler then that."
Justin opens his mouth to speak, Looks at Karrin, and takes another sip of lava whiskey instead. A short gasp later he continues.
"Well. THAT does seem to be how we solve most of our problems. Although as Karrin usually says, 'If we're going to have to fight anyway, it's always better if we can get paid to do it." Justin grins.
Lissandra nods as Justin lays out the screed
“So, you need a portal to Erelhi-Cinlu. That’s fairly easy. What’s is more difficult is where you want to go, and what you’re going to do while you go there. Do you want to come into an obscured fate and walk into the city? Do you want a portal directly into the city? If so, do you want an open public portal or a concealed one? “
Lissandra pauses
“I can also offer you guide service, disguises, or letters of introduction. Depending on what your budget is”
"Well, I don't have an unlimited budget."Justin demurs with an apologetic smile.
"But, we're not going on a budget vacation either. Let's talk close-to-direct travel as possible, and concealed if possible. If we aren't ,... erm, 'welcomed with open arms', I would rather they not know where our exit is." Justin raises an eyebrow.
"The rest, well, that depends upon our approach. I'd rather they never knew we were there. But, well I'm not so good at sneaking." Justin grins.
"Your the expert. I am open to suggestions on how we might proceed once we get there. Although I am reluctant to put any of your guides in potential danger."
The female construct smiles
“I am known as Keleah. I speak for the owner of the Wayfarer. They wish to talk with Karrin if that would be possible “
Nari's eyes widened a little. "Yes, of course. I....just give me a moment and I will go get her," she says. Definitely not a good idea to offend powerful beings in their own domain.
Nari waves at Karrin to get her attention, giving Keleah a nervous smile as she did so.
"Well. THAT does seem to be how we solve most of our problems. Although as Karrin usually says, 'If we're going to have to fight anyway, it's always better if we can get paid to do it." Justin grins.
"Hmm that does sound like something I'd say."
Karrin notices Nari waving at her, she walks over to join her and her companion.
"Wazzup?"
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"Well if we're attacked we got to defend ourselves, but if we don't have to fight we shouldn't fight, it's like if you're a painter you don't want to get suckered into painting someone else's house for free right? But sometimes you got to paint your own house. What I'm saying is that these guys sound like painters hired to paint one side of the fence and we've already painted the other side, but if we tear down the fence they got nothing to paint. I don't think I can explain it any simpler then that."
"Karrin Kind, I think you are over-thinking it or are you saying because we are mercenaries we should be paid to attack them and if we are not then we should no?"
"........................" Merle looks around for someone to translate into none Karrin for her.
"Well. THAT does seem to be how we solve most of our problems. Although as Karrin usually says, 'If we're going to have to fight anyway, it's always better if we can get paid to do it." Justin grins."Hmm that does sound like something I'd say."
Karrin notices Nari waving at her, she walks over to join her and her companion.
"Wazzup?"
"Karrin, this is Keleah. She says that she was sent with a message for you. Apparently the owner wishes to speak with you."
"Keleah, this is Karrin, the leader of our party," Nari said, trying to be as polite as possible in making the introductions.
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"I see.
Well I say we break down the fence and beat these painters very badly if not outright kill them. Perhaps, if they provide to us the identity of their employers we will spare them death and allow them to live in a sustained pained existence for making the mistake of attacking those of superior skill.
Or they will kill us.
Either way, we'll need not worry about looking over our shoulders any longer.
Problem solved".
Hamar awaits the response of the woman they came here to see. He is not sure how Justin is doing quite yet but so far, its all very boring. He is quite sure negotiating with weapons is at least faster and certainly less boring...
Keleah bows to Karrin
“Ms Kind, my master would like to have a private word with you after your negotiations are finished. I will wait by the stairs until you are ready, if that is amenable to you”
Keleah bows to Karrin
“Ms Kind, my master would like to have a private word with you after your negotiations are finished. I will wait by the stairs until you are ready, if that is amenable to you”
"Well your master has been an amicable host thus far to my friends and myself, it would be rude not accept the invitation, and so you can inform your master to expect me shortly."
"I see.
Well I say we break down the fence and beat these painters very badly if not outright kill them. Perhaps, if they provide to us the identity of their employers we will spare them death and allow them to live in a sustained pained existence for making the mistake of attacking those of superior skill.
Or they will kill us.
Either way, we'll need not worry about looking over our shoulders any longer.
Problem solved".
Justin looks at Hamar. Blinks once. Then looks at Karrin.
"Oh yeah. He's gonna fit RIGHT in. Noooo Problem."
Lissandra smiles
“I know a portal that will get you into Erelhi-Cinlu’s Foreigners’ Quarter. I also know some natives who have set up kip in the Cage, who’d be willing to act as guides. It’s a dangerous city. But, if you feel as if you can handle yourself, they might not be needed. I can also connect you with a trig jarkman* to set you up with the proper leaves*, if that’s summat youd like”
*Cant
Lissandra leans back in her chair
“Just let me know what you want”
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Sophie listens to Lissandra's words carefully and then leans into Justin, pressing her body against him and cupping her hand around his ear.
She breathes softly into his ear and the whispers "I think that the proper papers would be useful. Where I come from, Drow are not usually to be trusted, and having some form of legitimacy may make our job easier."
She pauses, and then once more exhales gently into his ear before continuing. "As far as a guide is concerned... it has both it's positive and negative points. It may be useful so that we don't look like complete amateurs, but could also be used to lead us astray. I think it may be a a good idea, but we should be cautious around them."
She pulls away from him, and he's not quite sure, but he thinks she may have flicked his earlobe with her forked tongue before she did.
Justin thinks for a moment, making sure that he was translating the local Sigil Chant into Common correctly. When Sophie leans over, his eyes widen slightly for a moment, but otherwise he simply listens to whatever she whispered in his ear.
"Thank you." He tells Sophie, neutrally. With perhaps a twinkle in his eye.
'Oh yes. THIS one I need to keep an eye on. Definitely. Which could be fun.'
'Oh yes, I am SO going to get myself in trouble,...'
Turning back to Lissandra, Justin nods. "Well, I'd rather not take unnecessary chances. Papers for certain. Can you get me a group deal on, 'leaves'?" He asks with a smile.
"And I think a guide would be smart. I don't want to attract extra notice because we don't know not to walk on the left side of the street, or something equally silly. Yes, a guide to help us get in and hopefully out before anyone even notices that were were there."
'Now, If we can just keep from attracting our usual amount of attention,... yeah,...'
Lissandra nods as Justin talks
“You lot are in luck. Erelhei-Cinlu has an extensive foreign quarter. You won’t stick out too much there, although any elves might want a disguise”
She leans forward and steeples her fingers. The party can see extensive scars winding along them, very faint. A typical sign of major magical healing
The portal and the key back’ll be 2,000 ladies. The guide will be another 2 large. The leaves 1,500 for a bulk lot. I can also get you hats of disguise, invisibility potions, or potions of drow seeming. Those depend on how many you wish”
"I can also get you hats of disguise, invisibility potions, or potions of drow seeming.”
Despite the fact that she's been focusing nearly all of her energy on staying quiet and nonviolent while inside this establishment, at this, Alessia lets out a faint, creaky laugh.
"Good luck..."
Justin winces slightly in surprise at Alessia's creaky voice, (to be honest, she's quiet and still as, well, the dead, and he tends to forget she's there.)
But Justin also gives a half smile and shrug of agreement.
"Yeah, those will work better on some of us than others. But we'll work with what we can get." Justin smiles at Lissandra.
He glances at her steepled fingers, tugging on his goatee in thought.
'Hm. Good work. Perhaps I should ask the name of her personal healer? Company business first.' Justin muses, wondering if he will bear similar scars someday. (He feels like he already has a good start.)
Justin gives Lissandra a wry look.
"I'm not even going to insult you by asking if that is a good price. You come too highly recommended." Justin bows his head in respect with a grin.
"Disguises, I love a good invisibility potion, but between trying not to bump into anyone, and the stories I've heard about Drow,.. I'd rather not take the chance on a multitude of magically-powered creatures being able to see through a mere second-magnitude Merlinscale spell. How much for Hats of Disguise?"
Justin glances around as the various group members, both those he knows and the ones he's met recently.
"Mmm,... with Potions of Drow Seeming as a backup in case we have to blend into a crowd in a hurry." Justin adds thoughtfully.
'Yes. With THIS group, the backup plan IS the plan. That's why I try to have 3. Or more.'
Lissandra smiles
“10,000 a pop. I can get a 10% discount if yeh buy five or more”
“I can get you the potions for 300 each. They’re set to drow, yeh can’t alter that, and they last an hour”
Justin smiles wryly. He knows he could make the items in question. (He might have to do a little research first, like disassemble one of the hats in question), but it and the potions are well within his ability. What he hasn't had, and still doesn't have, is TIME to make items. Especially multiple items.
Justin mentally promises himself that when he gets a break, he's locking himself in his lab and over-indulging his magically-creative urges.
Then Justin winces, because that didn't even sound good in his own head.
"Primary and a backup. Sounds good." he says aloud, clearing his head.
Justin considers a moment, weighing in on haggling vs expediency vs Renkar's budget, and chats with Lissandra for a few more moments, asking about details, (Just enough for her to know that he is neither desperate, nor cavalier with the groups funds, but admitting without words that they are on a schedule and willing to pay for expediency.)
Satisfied that they aren't going to get a better deal, (without risking themselves to a guide who might be classified as 'untrustworthy') Justin slaps his knees and nods.
"Well, Alluvius was certainly not exaggerating. You do provide the full service travel package! I know who to come to when I plan my vacation!" Justin smiles at Lissandra.
"Just, let me get a final head count on who is going, and you can give me the total. I hope this draft note from my employer will suffice for payment?" He asks, showing her the official note from Renkar and the bank seal on the paper.
Justin glances around the table, and at those still seated at the bar, trying to wrap his head around this potential new group they seem to have assembled. And get a proper head count.
He looks thoughtful as he realizes that they left the negative plane with more potential manpower than they entered it with. Although it cost them dearly to do so. (His throat tightens briefly as he recalls they have to reclaim their friend's body in 2 more days.)
He also realizes that he's not sure how long that will last, as some of the members hanging around seemed to have taken a 'dislike' to some of the others.
Oh well, if HE can learn to live in Sigil and work with the variety of persons that one comes in contact here every day, so can they.
He hopes.