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Oh, believe you me, you'll see us again sir!!
As we walk out, I turn to Tirion and Thordak THAT'S how you do it. Just remind them that there are other places you could go--competitors' places--and they'll beg you to stick around. Now, let's go to Brindo Academy . . . I've gto gold burning a HOLE in my pocket, and I know JUST how I want to spend it!!
As we enter the Academy and find Professer Manturiel's room and enter, I start with Ah, Professer Manturiel, I was hoping . . . upon seeing the wizard on the floor, and hearing the invitation to join him to hear the Solar Winds, I shrug and immediately move over to the triangle. I respectfully imitate the hand motions, and try to hear the Winds.
Perception:
After a few moments of that, I turn on the floor to face him. Professer, would you like to make some extra coin?
To Bofus: Glad you sorted that out, didn't want to step on Thordak's foot, but I knew they were worth well more than 850, but got confused when I got that dust in my eye and was unable to focus and appraise any of the gems. Very unlike me. Anyway, good save.
@ the Brindol Academy: I also lie down and attempt to hear the solar wind.
Perception:
Quietly - I can certainly hear the earth and stones, the solar wind and sky, not so much.
@Brindol Academy
Lying down in the triangle, the wizard urges you to lay still and listen. Sure enough, as you quiet yourselves, you begin to hear a whistling sound of the most extraordinary nature. Its tones are unlike anything you have ever heard before, and as you close your eyes you feel yourselves relax as you are overcome by an overwhelming sense of peace. At last, the sounds fade and professor Manturiel stands up to greet all of you. "Well met, my friends. I trust you have recovered from the excitement at the Arcane Challenge." Turning to Tirion, he bows politely and says, "I don't believe we have met, my young gnome. I am Professor Deitrovicca Manturiel. Due to my great passion, I have come to be known as the Harpwizard, but you are welcome to call me as my friends do, simply 'DM'. I believe I have met the rest of you at the tournament, but Bofus, you do appear to be in disguise. Are you embarrassed to be seen around me, or are you simply inspired to wear a beard in my presence?
" Professer, would you like to make some extra coin?"
"Although I would love to be able to pursue my passions endlessly, the need for work does come around even for an old man such as myself. If you are considering a donation to my work, the answer is yes. However, if you want me to trudge around in a dungeon fighting off monsters, the answer is no. I am getting too old for that sort of thing. Tell me, what you have in mind, young Bofus?"
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As the stand back up, I'm actually impressed. That was really neat!! Thanks for sharing that.
Bofus, you do appear to be in disguise. Are you embarrassed to be seen around me, or are you simply inspired to wear a beard in my presence?
I look around conspiratorially. Believe you me, DM, I have a most excellent reason to be in disguise. If I told you, though, it might put you in danger. Let's just say that I was inspired by you--but that it wasn't Bofus who showed up here, but Bofus' cousin John Littlefoot, savvy?
"Tell me, what you have in mind, young Bofus?"
I've got this beautiful new bucker which I take out and hand to the wizard and this gorgeous new mitrhal shirt I part my clothes to show it off too. Do you have the ability to enchant these for greater defense, as I've heard about in all those stories? I know this would take some time, so I'd prefer to leave you only one item at a time, if you're even intersted ...
Also, a quick question: you know of Dalga, the witch-lady who makes potions and alchemical concoctions? Do you kown whether she also deals with wands, or is there another reputable dealer in such wares in Brindol?
"Believe you me, DM, I have a most excellent reason to be in disguise. If I told you, though, it might put you in danger. Let's just say that I was inspired by you--but that it wasn't Bofus who showed up here, but Bofus' cousin John Littlefoot, savvy?"
"This sounds so very clandestine. How exciting! Your secret is safe with me, John Littlefoot!" *Wink*, *Wink* .
"Do you have the ability to enchant these for greater defense, as I've heard about in all those stories? I know this would take some time, so I'd prefer to leave you only one item at a time, if you're even intersted ...
"Indeed, that seems easy enough. Pass them both over and I will see what I can do."
DM Harpwizard looks over the masterwork quality mithral items and inspects them carefully.
"They appear to be made well enough. I will need a few thousand gold pieces to cover my expenses and such. You also appear to be in a rush. For an extra five hundred, I can have them enchanted while you wait. Are you prepared to pay that amount?"
As you wish, my fine halfling. Although I hope you seriously consider it. I would love the excuse to use my extraplanar harp gate to access my workshop on the Dimension of Alcurcio . I believe time moves slower on that plane. When I return, hardly any time has passes here at all!"
"So you are looking for wands? For arcane wands, you may want to try Red Magic and Sundries. For divine magic, you should consider talking to the priests at the Cathedral."
The wizard takes the buckler and bids the adventurers farewell.
"Good day, my friends. I will see you soon."
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Well, that was fun. Let's go back to the Wyvern and make everything square, shall we?
(assuming Tirion and Thordak don't have anything else to do --if you do, retcon?)
We enter the Wyvern again, and I look for Florence, Mantooth, and Matthias. Ah, friends, join us, join us. Yab, can we have some lunch here please?
I bring out a large sack, with a bunch of smaller pouches. OK, here we go. Tirion, besides the goodies you've already gotten, here is what was left of our dear friend's material wealth. I hand Tirion a pouch Hopefully that'll give you enough to fill any gaps you still have.
.
Now here is what we'll call the "Group Pot." I take out a separate satchel with a few things in it. I pick up a short wooden stick and offer it ot Matthias. Wand of Cure Light Wounds. I'm wokring on being able to use stuff like this, but I'm not very good at it yet. maybe you should hold it to use. Does everyone agree that we take 10% off the top of our coin and make it a group pot? Now, is everyone OK with *me* keeping track of this stuff, or would someone else prefer to do it? Speak now . . . I swear that I'll never cheat y'all though. *wink* In any case, if there's anything in here anyone can use, just take it. It belongs to ALL of us if it's in this satchel!! Someone really shoudl take this second Feather Token . . . and the Healer's Kit.
Finally I toss another small pouch to Thordak, Mantooth, Florence, Matthias, and keep one for myself. Here is the split from the treasure we sold from Nextic's hideout. I still haven't sold the rights to the furntiture and stores, but I think that can wait.
.
Is everyone happy? Oh, and Florence--I've been spreading the word about your show tonight!! Should be loads of fun, eh??
@ the Harpwizard Ah, I apologize Mr. Harpwizard. My name is Tirion Jörðhár. I am from Uldar about 2 weeks west of here. As with these other good folk, my intention was to compete in the Tournament. Unfortunately, I was attacked by bandits several days ride and had my faithful pony absconded with. I just arrived last evening, a few days late. This morning, I awoke to hear a commotion in the hallway and discovered these good folk in the midst of a battle with an Imp devil. I assisted them in dispatching the vile creature, but not before it critically injured and poisoned their companion Cebre. Apparently they thought my actions were beneficial and they have asked me to join their merry band. Thus, I am here with my new companions exploring the town and preparing for whatever fate may put in front of us next, which with this group could be almost anything.
Is there anything that I can assist you with Mr. DM? Otherwise, I believe we have several more errands to run before my new companion, the fair Florence, gives a concert this evening. I assume from your plethora of harps, you are a benefactor of the arts and will be attending the performance?
@ Bofus and the rest:
Thank you very much. With this equipment, I feel much more secure than before. I hope that I can repay your generosity with my skills and spells in the near future.
** spoiler omitted **
As I recall before we all went shopping this afternoon, there was some inquiry as to whether I could determine whether certain items had any magic and/or magical powers. I believe there may be two stones that Mr. Lightfingers found, the Ring to unlock Arcane Locks, and I do not recall if there was any additional items. Why don't I check those out now so before we get involved in another adventure.
Detect Magic:
Knowledge(Arcana): - Dragon Gem 1
Knowledge(Arcana): - Dragon Gem 2
Knowledge(Arcana): - Ring
Knowledge(Arcana): - First other item
Knowledge(Arcana): - Second other item
Identify:
Spellcraft(@+10 for Identify): - Dragon Gem 1
Spellcraft(@+10 for Identify): - Dragon Gem 2
Spellcraft(@+10 for Identify): - Ring
Spellcraft(@+10 for Identify): - First other item
Spellcraft(@+10 for Identify): - Second other item
On the way back to the Wyvern Thordak will stop, by himself if the others wish to continue, to the tanner's where he left his item.
Entering the door, Thordak looks around. "Hello? Anyone home?" The dwarf asks, remembering the tanner to be asleep the last time he was here. "Oi've come to see if you're finished with moi wolf pelt."
@Bofus
"The group pot doesn't sound like a bad idea. It will be a small setback on my savings to buy a nicer piece of armor, but perhaps if that woman we rescued does make good on her.. mentions of rewards, then it will not be so bad."
@Brindol Academy
"I assume from your plethora of harps, you are a benefactor of the arts and will be attending the performance?"
"Well indeed I love the arts, especially music well played. However, I must admit, I am having a guest tonight and will be unable to attend tonight's performance. You might think I am a performer myself, but to be honest, my harps are used mostly in my spellcasting work. I have been able to harness arcane magic through them to open planar gates. I think my love of exploration has consumed me more than I ever thought possible."
If there is still time before the concert, Mantooth will ask Master Yab for directions.
"Excuse me, Master Yab, I am looking for either a temple of Iomedae, or perhaps the location of the Cathedral of Peace Through Vigilance? Do either such places exist?"
If Mantooth has time, and Yab points him in the right direction, Mantooth will head there and either look for Kiana Lynray or a priest of the Inheritor.
@Stone Wyvern
""Excuse me, Master Yab, I am looking for either a temple of Iomedae, or perhaps the location of the Cathedral of Peace Through Vigilance? Do either such places exist?"
"Do they exist? Well of course they do. That is the huge building on top of the hill right across from the park. You can't miss it, my friend."
@Manooth. Later . . . @the Cathedral of the Vigilant Flame
The grand hall of the Inheritor is an impressive sight as you enter the sanctuary of this huge vaulted cathedral. Looking around, you easily find Kiana. She rushes up to you and gives you a fond embrace.
"Mantooth! How nice to see you! How are you doing? I haven't seen you much since the tournament. Are you going to be staying long in Brindol?"
@Thordak @The Tanner Shop
Jorgan Balch get up from his work to greet you as you enter. "Good day! May I help you?"
""Oi've come to see if you're finished with moi wolf pelt."
"Ahh, Master Dwarf. Yes, yes, I've got your wolf armor and helm. Give me just a moment to pull them out for you."
The bald, stocky man exits into his back room and brings back a magnificent masterwork suit of wolf hide armor. With it, he pulls out a helm made from the wolf head. Its teeth are showing and it looks like it will be rather intimidating.
"Here you are, my friend. That will be 75 gold pieces to cover the remaining balance, if you please."
Each Eye of the Dragon possesses a very strong aura of conjuration. You believe it to be a key (or part of a key) of sorts that may open an extraplanar gate of sorts.
@ Cathedral of Vigilant Flame
"Hello, Kiana" Mantooth says, returning the embrace. "I have been well, how have you been since after the tournament? The will of the Inheritor has kept me here, as there appear to be many more opposers of Iomedae here than I had imagined.. Which is the reason I am here. Because I know I can trust you with this, I was wondering if you would take a look at my sword." With this, Mantooth slowly draws his sword and then holds it out horizontally with his palms facing upwards. "A friend of mine, Cebrë Hath'we, recently passed away. Before she did, however, she was able to determine that my sword is actually that of a celestial nature. Do you think that you could help me understand its true form?"
@ Tanner Shop
"Thank ye' kindly, Master Balch" Thordak says, dropping 75 gold pieces onto the counter for the man. "How was it to work on?"
Once the tanner answers him, Thordak will return to the Wyvern with his prize.
"Do you think that you could help me understand its true form?"
"Oh Mantooth, I would love to help you! May I look at your sword?” . . . “This is an unbelievalbe blade! I’m not sure I can help you much, but let’s take it to my swordknight, Master Kieger Reestak. He is a very learned, and wise priest of the Inheritor. He has seen a lifetime of experiences. Perhaps he could shed some light on your blade.”
@Mantooth
Kiana takes you through the Cathedral to the office of Kiegar Reestak. Kiana knocks on his door and you hear an abrupt reply. ”Enter!” Opening the door Kiana enters and introduced you to the Swordknight. ”Master Reestak, I am sorry to interrupt you, but I would like to introduce you to someone. This is Sir Mantooth Longbrow. He is a newly ordained Knight of the Elsir Vale. Lord Jarmaath fought at his side against the Winter Worg.”
Swordknight Reestak stands up and offers you a hand clasp. ”Well met, Sir Longbrow. I have heard that Lord Jarmaath has ordained a new knight. It is a pleasure to meet you. So, what can I do for you?”
Well, hmmm, I am having some trouble determining exactly what the Dragon Eyes are. They appear to have a very strong aura of conjuration. If I am not mistaken, I believe that they are actually a key, or perhaps part of a key, to open some type of extraplanar gate. Perhaps we should make another visit with the good Harpwizard. He appears to specialize in this area and may be able to help us. Nonetheless, if this has the ability to open a gate to another plane, we should make sure that they are not allowed to fall into the hands of the wrong people.
Knowledge(planes):
Regarding the ring, I think that the fair Cebre may have been mistaken. This actually appears to be a Ring of Sustenance. To the best of my knowledge after wearing it for a week, it will enable the wearer to not require any food. Also, the wearer will only require 2 hours of sleep a night. Hmmm, seems like we have a few options. Let our good halfling have it so that he can get into trouble 22 hours a day rather than his usual 16. Give it too a spellcaster so that they can reacquire spells without requiring the normal 8 hours of rest - I believe they will still be limited to the normal spells each day though. Or give it to a fighter so that they can more easily stand guard at night without requiring as much rest - this might be very good for Thordak as I believe that Dwarves have exceptional vision in the dark.
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After hearing about the DRagon's Eyes, I get a little thoughtful. Extra planar gate, hmmmm? Well, I found one of these in a dragon statue in that pocket dimension (or whatever taht was) where we fought the Worg. I wonder, if we could get back there, and replace both gems . . . hmmmmm . . .
On the discussion about the Ring of Sustenance: HAHAHA!! You seriously don't want me getting into 4 more hours' worth of trouble every day!! I think I agree with you: offer it to Thordak?
If it will keep you out of 6 more hours of trouble every day, then the decision is between having someone be the semi-permanent night owl, or having Mattias or myself use it to enable us to relearn spells quicker. Probably the permanent guard is best. If we are in a place where resting might be dangerous, we could have an awake guard who will allow me and Mattias and Florence the time needed to rest and recover our spells. So my vote is for Thordak with his night vision.
Swordknight Reestak stands up and offers you a hand clasp. ”Well met, Sir Longbrow. I have heard that Lord Jarmaath has ordained a new knight. It is a pleasure to meet you. So, what can I do for you?”
Mantooth shakes the mans hand in return and then presents his sword to the Swordknight. "Well met indeed, Master Reestak. I have come to the cathedral in search of answers about this particular sword. My father, Mortimer Longbrow, gave me this sword without saying much of its origins. Recently, however, I have been told that it there is more than meets the eye."
"I have been told that it there is more than meets the eye."
Kieger Reestak takes the sword from your hands and unsheaths it, whistling as he does so. "By the light of the Inheritor, is this what I think it is? Oh my God, this is Magnimarana! This blade is one of the most sacred blades to those of the faith of Iomedae. It was forged by a dwarven weaponsmith over half a century ago to honor Magnamak the Just, a legendary Swordknight of the 2nd circle of the Knights of Ozen. Magnamak was awarded this blade in honor of defending the Hammerfist Holds from Ghost Lions. Magnamak later died defending the hamlet of Dauth from a Blue Dragon by the name of Tyrgarun. Nobody ever knew what happened to the blade, but, by the looks of it, I believe it has 'fallen asleep'. It will need to be re-awoken and bonded to you with the Rites of Magnamak!"
"Nobody ever knew what happened to the blade, but, by the looks of it, I believe it has 'fallen asleep'. It will need to be re-awoken and bonded to you with the Rites of Magnamak!"
Mantooth nods as the Swordknight speaks. "Then what I have been told is true. Master Reestak, I have reason to believe that this land is in great peril. I seek to do the Inheritor's justice, but I fear I may not be able to succeed with the sword's powers latent. What must I do to reawaken the sword?"
"Then what I have been told is true. Master Reestak, I have reason to believe that this land is in great peril. I seek to do the Inheritor's justice, but I fear I may not be able to succeed with the sword's powers latent. What must I do to reawaken the sword?"
The swordknight thinks for a moment and slowly replies. "You see my friend, Magnimarana is an intelligent sword. Furthermore, it has been bonded to Magnamak the Just. When the master of the sword passed away, the life and powers of the sword left the blade to join its master. To awaken the sword to its former glory, the Rites of Magnamak need to be performed. This ritual act kindly asks the spirit of Magnamak to release his sword and allow Magnimarana to be bound to its new owner for the purpose of fullfilling the Inheritor’s will on Golarion."
"Once reawoken, this legendary sword has a bit of sentience, a spark of “Good Intelligence,” which allows it to choose whether or not to accept you as its new master. And I must emphasize to you, the sword will choose. It is not your choice. However, if you are faithful in the ways of the Inheritor and you have great need for this blade, the sword may deem you worthy and choose to accept you. If and only if it does accept you, will the weapon reveal more and more of its power to you."
"As you grow in prowess and goodness, your bond with the sword will grow and little by little, more of its power will reawaken. From your perspective, you will simply become empathically aware of what must be done to release more of the sword's power. However, be warned that if you attempt to reawaken the sword without just cause, you do so to your own peril. You must not make this decision lightly. For once the bond between paladin and sword is complete, it may not be broken by mortal means. You must look within for the answer to this question, but as the commanding Swordknight of the 5th Circle of Ulstar, I must ask you in all sincerity, do you wish to perform the Rites of Magnamak?"
Mantooth lets the Swordknight's words echo in his thoughts for a while, thinking back to the passage from Cebrë's journal. If that old man's prediction is even somewhat true, I may just need the power of Magnamak to actually have a chance against an army of hobgoblins.
"Master Reestak," Mantooth begins slowly, "As a paladin of Iomedae, I live to serve the Inheritor and use my whole self as a vessel of her action. This sword," Mantooth says, gesturing to the sword that Reestak now holds, "is how I am able to defend myself and the people of this realm from evil. If the Magnamak may indeed bless me with the power to begin using his sword for its true potential, then I will know that I am on the righteous path."
To put his response in more succinct terms, Mantooth pauses again and then states his decision. "I will perform the Rites of Magnamak, and whether or not the sword should choose to release itself from its slumber, I will still continue to carry out the duties of a soldier of Iomedae to the best of my abilities."
""I will perform the Rites of Magnamak, and whether or not the sword should choose to release itself from its slumber, I will still continue to carry out the duties of a soldier of Iomedae to the best of my abilities."
"The Rites must be performed at the moment of sunrise. I do not know how urgent your needs demand this be done, but by the light of the Inheritor, it will done! Tell me when you wish the Rites to be performed, and Iomedae willing, I will make it happen. It could be as soon as tomorrow morning if needs be."
Mantooth nods again. "I have only been in Brindol for a few days, and each day I have met a different kind of evil. Tomorrow morning at sunrise, if you are available, is when I will be ready to perform the Rites. Where should I meet you, and what should I come prepared with, Master Reestak?"
The swordknight smiles and then replies, "Then by Iomedae's will, the rites will happen at first dawn. Be here at the cathedral before the sun rises and we will start at first light. You only need bring yourself and of course the sword. Until then, Sir Longbrow, fare well!"
Evening Arrives.
As the night approaches, the air feels thick with humidity as you make your way over to Vellorian's Playhouse for Florence's grand debut! You decide to head over early to check out the venue before the concert. Bofus unabashedly talks up the performance to passerbys along the way. When you arrive at the playhouse, across the billboard in large letters it says:
Vellorian's Playhouse proudly presents the One and Only Lockstar the Great!
Tonight at 8 Chimes of the Bell
Outside the oak double doors to the theatre is a small ticket booth with a jovial ticket salesman. "Come one. Come all! Come and see the show! It will be extraordinary! The show will not start for another hour, but I would be happy to collect your admission and let you enter. We have a room to hold all of you for only 20 gold pieces, seats in the gallery for 1 gold each, or you are welcome to join the 'the understanding goodfolk of the yard' for only a silver piece each. Step right up. Step right up. What can I get for you, my friends?"
To everyone: Well, this should be interesting. Either Impstar the Incompetent has been released by the Lions or the Playhouse is up for some very annoyed guests. Florence, I hope you have some extra material prepared to so that your "opening act" can go on for an extended period.
Also, I am sure you all have previously discussed this, but we should keep our eyes open for the friends you have made recently my guess is this Rottenswill character should be easy to pick out with his tattoos, but I am not sure of the others. Perhaps I should split up from you and go to a balcony where I can see everyone so that if I am given a hand signal I can help. Although my skin color is rather distinctive, they still do not know that we are working together so I could surprise people as necessary.
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I reach the ticket taker and beckon him down to speak quietly. Uh . . . appearnetly you haven't heard yet, but top billing isnt' to Lockstar "the Great" anymore. He's in jail and will only be playing for--with?--himself for quite some time. The opening act, Florence Danapieré, is now THE act. Maybe someone should change that billboard? And, I expect that Florence will request certain friends to be her backstage help. We're it. I thumb at myself, thordak, Tirion, and Mantooth proudly and wait to be allowed inside as a VIP.
I look back at the other guys. Hey--I never asked Florence, do you think she'd want a bit of a juggling or sleight of hand opening number?? I'll bet I could warm up the crowd for her!! I turn back to the ticket guy. Let me talk to Florence. Tell her Bofus wants a word, will you please? (I'm obviously expecting him to get word to her right now)
"Uh . . . appearnetly you haven't heard yet, but top billing isnt' to Lockstar "the Great" anymore. He's in jail and will only be playing for--with?--himself for quite some time. "
"Hehe. You are a funny one! I give you that." When you give him the look without any laughter, he begins to look a little nervous. "What' that you say? Lockstar is in jail?!?! Does Vellorian know this? Oh Man!! I'm not sure I want to be the one to tell him. You say you have a replacement? We are an hour to show time and our main act is not coming! Why don't you come with me, folks. I would like you to explain this to Vellorian."
The once jovial salesman takes you into the theatre and around to a small office in the back. "Uhmm. . . Mr. Vellorian. . . these folks have some interesting news they would like to share with you."
A tall man with curling brown hair and sharp eyes looks up from his work at his desk and says, "What's up folks? Is there something I need to be concerned with?"
A tall man with curling brown hair and sharp eyes looks up from his work at his desk and says, "What's up folks? Is there something I need to be concerned with?"
"Concerned?" Mantooth asks, looking at the faces of his friends. "I don't think you should be concerned at all, sir. We just thought it would be fair to let you know that your main act, Lockstar, is now in jail. This morning he was discovered to be drawing his musical power straight from an imp from hell and he won't be able to make the performance." If Florence is with them, he takes a step to the side so she may step forward. "While normally this would be concerning, you shouldn't be worried because this fine musician has stepped up to take his place. Trust us, sir, you have nothing to worry about."
Diplomacy
The curly haired master of the theatre suddenly turns red and starts ranting in a loud voice."You don't think I need to be concerned!!!!! I've got probably about a thousand people coming into my theatre within the hour and my reputation is on the line! NOT YOURS!!!! Why the hell can't we get some competent people around here to keep me informed! So start talkin. Where the hell is Lockstar and what in tarnation do you plan on doing to get him here?!"
The curly haired master of the theatre suddenly turns red and starts ranting in a loud voice."You don't think I need to be concerned!!!!! I've got probably about a thousand people coming into my theatre within the hour and my reputation is on the line! NOT YOURS!!!! Why the hell can't we get some competent people around here to keep me informed! So start talkin. Where the hell is Lockstar and what in tarnation do you plan on doing to get him here?!"
"Oi don't think you quite understand, sir" Thordak pipes in, "Lockstar the Fraud isn't comin] because he can barely hold an instrument, let alone play one. He's got no musical talent whatsoever. You are looking at your replacement right here!" Thordak finishes, gesturing to Florence.
"Lockstar the Fraud isn't comin] because he can barely hold an instrument, let alone play one. He's got no musical talent whatsoever. You are looking at your replacement right here!"
"What do you mean a fraud?! I don't think you understand! Lockstar is one of the finest performers I have ever heard! I don't know who you were listening to, but the Lockstar I know is going to pack this house and bring in the gold I'm looking for! He also knows how do bring down the house!"
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The Lockstar you know, sir, is a fraud--a flim-flam artist. His musical act was simply smoke and mirrors, derived from evil powers that wanted payback, exactly as Sir Mantooth the Paladin just told you. That payback, incidentally, included some scheme that involved robbing your precious customers!! Imagine how *that* would have affected your reputation!! You should be thanking us for removing that pestilential pustule from your fine venue.
Even though this is the truth as far as I can tell, I'll use Bluff to make him think I'm more in the know than I actually am--that i know for a fact that it was REALLY bad, what they were planning.
bluff:
And you WILL be thanking us once you hear the dulcit tones of this fair lady. HER musical talent comes from within; the magic she wields is the magic of charisma and raw talent, my friend. Lockstar was a liar and a villain, and his musical talent wasn't even there--he fooled everyone, including you.
.
If you like, I'll be her opening act with some sleight-of-hand to get the crowd laughing a little. Sure, it's not music, but hey--it's better than nothing!!
"That payback, incidentally, included some scheme that involved robbing your precious customers!! Imagine how *that* would have affected your reputation!!"
"Robbery?!?! That sounds preposterous!! I don't know where you get your information, and how you seem to know so much about the dealings of Lockstar, but I do know that he has been a phenomenal performer, celebrated by many people. Within the hour, those people are going to start filling this hall expecting to see their beloved bard. If this lady friend of yours does not come through, there is going to be hell to pay. So what kind of assurances can you give me before I start splitting some heads!"