Lorelei continues visually scouring the shelves in vain.
Smiling at Rance, Lorelei pipes in, "There is the matter of payment... Master Raveen has recently taken a keen interest in busts and statuary. And there's one particular piece he's been looking for that, word is, belonged to the great Lord Lucca."
She bows at him respectfully.
"Do you happen to possess a likeness of Ghaelfin the Pathfinder?"
"Master Raveen has wanted to see that statue for quite some time. Even its remains would tickle his fancy!" Richard pipes up. I think I'm going to gag after this.
Tal nods his head in agreement to what Richard and Lorelei talk about. It is as my associate say. I came here interested in the rumor that you had in your possession the bust of Ghaelfin. Now I am sure that if I agree to enter the Devildrome and face Mantrithor Thrax's minions we can arrange for a percentage of the take following the fight but I would like the bust as up front payment. After all, you said it yourself that the place should be packed for an encore performance from Drovalid or Raveen. You would stand to make a sizable profit I am sure. I would leave it up to you how to promote it. This is after all your specialty.
Before the negotiations commence for the payment Tal asks Rance another question about the upcoming fight. Does Thrax have his own subordinates helping out as well in the fight to aid his summons or is it just himself. Also is healing allowed to continue the fight?
"Do illusory spells count as 'casting against Thrax's minions?'"
Rance thinks for a second before answering, That is a tricky one, Yes. Indeed. I would say you could use one to make Raveen look like a 10 foot dragon to scare Thrax's creatures off, then yes, but if you create an illusionary wall of fire that Thrax's creatures feel they can't cross and it leads them to be slaughtered easier, then, no.
"Do you happen to possess a likeness of Ghaelfin the Pathfinder?"
Rance beams with pride. Sure do! It is that one right over there! Rance indicates a life-like bust of a sleeping man. Why anyone would go through the trouble of commissioning a statue of the man but sculpt it as if he was sleeping is beyond me. It does make for an interesting conversation piece though. One which I could not dare to part with.
"Master Raveen has wanted to see that statue for quite some time. Even its remains would tickle his fancy!"
Rance suddenly grows suspicious. Why? From what I understand, it is of some long ago Pathfinder.
It is as my associate say. I came here interested in the rumor that you had in your possession the bust of Ghaelfin. Now I am sure that if I agree to enter the Devildrome and face Mantrithor Thrax's minions we can arrange for a percentage of the take following the fight but I would like the bust as up front payment. After all, you said it yourself that the place should be packed for an encore performance from Drovalid or Raveen. You would stand to make a sizable profit I am sure. I would leave it up to you how to promote it. This is after all your specialty.
Rance looks shrewdly at Tal and you can tell he enjoys a good negotiation as much as a good bloodsport. Well the bust has been in my family for a long time, I guess you could say that it is a family heirloom and with the Pathfinders having been being driven out of Westcrown, it is a rare commodity. I could not possibly part with it and a percentage of the take. I. Just. Can't!
One of the thugs pipes up. Ah Boss! Why not let 'im have tha statue. It gives me tha willies!
Rance looks at the thug with disdain and an adjacent thug violently kick the offender.
Does Thrax have his own subordinates helping out as well in the fight to aid his summons or is it just himself
He could, but it is usually just him. The peacock dresses like a gladiator as if it was him in the ring! Crowd eats it up!
Also is healing allowed to continue the fight?
Again Rance thinks for a moment, I do not see why not. Anyone in the cage is free to provide aid to you via magic. Potions can be administered or handed to you, and touch spells can be delivered in the same way to augment you. Ranged spells are permissible as well, as long as they only aid you and do not harm or hinder the competition. So yeah. Make sure you have enough healing magic to outlast his summoned creatures-if you need it.
"Oh, Master Raveen would gladly take the statue instead of taking a cut of the profits. He is independently wealthy enough he is more interested in unique pieces of art rather than mere money." Richard turns apologetic as soon as he says it. "I'm sorry if I offended you."
Sherix stays across the street from the Devildrone, keeping watch. (Plus devils? YUCK!)
sense motive
Rance suddenly grows suspicious. Why? From what I understand, it is of some long ago Pathfinder.
Tal smiles politely at Rance, From what I have learned you are correct. That is why I am intrigued inthe piece. When will there be another opportunity to acquire such a figure in Westcrown.
Rance looks shrewdly at Tal and you can tell he enjoys a good negotiation as much as a good bloodsport. Well the bust has been in my family for a long time, I guess you could say that it is a family heirloom and with the Pathfinders having been being driven out of Westcrown, it is a rare commodity. I could not possibly part with it and a percentage of the take. I. Just. Can't!
Tal nods his head in apparent understanding. I can appreciate the value of a family heirloom, yet surely me placing my health on the line for your profit is worth a bit more.
Oh, Master Raveen would gladly take the statue instead of taking a cut of the profits. He is independently wealthy enough he is more interested in unique pieces of art rather than mere money." Richard turns apologetic as soon as he says it. "I'm sorry if I offended you."
Tal shoots Richard a glance before sighing. Yes you are right that the art is the most important item. However, nothing ventured nothing gained. You don't stay independently wealthy by giving things away for free or not trying to make a profit when you can.
Turning back to Rance Tal extends his hand, So do we have a deal? My participation for the bust and 2% of the take?
"Oh, Master Raveen would gladly take the statue instead of taking a cut of the profits. He is independently wealthy enough he is more interested in unique pieces of art rather than mere money."
Yes you are right that the art is the most important item. However, nothing ventured nothing gained. You don't stay independently wealthy by giving things away for free or not trying to make a profit when you can. Turning back to Rance Tal extends his hand, So do we have a deal? My participation for the bust and 2% of the take?
Rance looks at Richard to Tal to Richard to Tal. Just who am I negotiating with here? He asks.
One of the thugs pipes up. Hey Boss! I thinks ya negoat...neg..talkin' with both of dem!
Rance shoots the offender a look. Thank you Captain Obvious!
Turning back to Tal and Richard. It is such a treasured heirloom. How about 1% and the bust and we got a deal?
Tal looks at Richard and nods his head in agreement. Turning back to Rance Tal shakes the man's hand. Agreed, but I am allowed to bet on myself of course, right?
Richard backs away from Tal, to make it clear who is in charge. Oooh, he's going to be in trouble!
Lorelei inclines her head politely at Rance's question, making it clear that she is not in charge here. Raveen is!
The painter has remained in the rear so far. Pollux has done little other that hum arrhythmicly and make the guards nervous.
Once loose body parts are introduced our hero begins to take an interest.
Moving forward and staring intently at the calcified head the yellow coated figure speaks.
: "Please sire, before you make such an investment we should determine the provenance of this artifact."
"Yes....yes. See the ear here? Very suggestive. The soft luminescence over the external jugular vein, yes....yes."
"Sire, I can confidently confirm that this piece is worth the effort of acquisition."
Pollux then returns to his post by the door.
Tal nods as Pollux makes sure the statue in question is indeed the one they were looking for. After all If would do no good to agree to the head only to find out Rance had swindled them without them knowing any better. Thank you sir for validating our efforts in finding the correct statue. It would have been bad form from both of us should we both have misidentified the piece for my collection.
Turning back to Rance, So when will the main event take place?
Agreed, but I am allowed to bet on myself of course, right?
Rance smiles. I certainly hope so! I don't think I would trust anyone who did not have 'skin in the game'!
"Yes....yes. See the ear here? Very suggestive. The soft luminescence over the external jugular vein, yes....yes."
Err..If you say so. Rance responds perplexed.
So when will the main event take place?
Two days. Two. Days. We have a lot of work to do! This will be epic.
Tal stands up ready to leave. Very well we will return in 2 days time. When we come back I will also be placing a very large bet upon myself as well. What is the maximum bet I can place and what are the odds?
Lorelei bows respectfully to Rance, "My Lord."
Then she follows Tal out of the Devildrome.
"Well that went well," she remarks when they're well away from the building. "You've got quite the fan, Raveen," she teases with a smile. "Well, done."
Sherix follows the group for a bit before landing on Richard's shoulder. "Very dangerous in there. Those goons could rough you up or even worse in there! You''re still alive, so you did something right!" Richard pets Sherix partly as a sign of affection but also to calm her down.
"We have 2 days. I brought some scrolls as an emergency supply, and we can get some more. We should think about the other location as well, since we have the time."
Lorelei nods. "Agreed. Let's check out the Massacre House. Come on, it's this way."
Savonarola nods.
"Indeed. It sounds like, in the interest of efficiency, it would be prudent to check-out the Massacre House, whilst we await the main event..."
Very well we will return in 2 days time. When we come back I will also be placing a very large bet upon myself as well. What is the maximum bet I can place and what are the odds?
Rance explains the betting procedure and the odds (They do not favor Tal).
After speaking with Rance and buying scrolls, it is late afternoon. Lorelei leads you to the Massacre House, a hexagonal stone building whose slateshingled roof comes to a sharp triangular peak. There is a 10-foot vaulted passageway cutting through this stone shell to a heavy wooden door. The door is fitted with a narrow sliding window.
"Lemurs. Thrax loves summoning Lemurs." Richard picks up a flyer. "See the drawing?"
Sherix chirps "Ugh. Lemurs. Silver and Good weapons will do best. Holy water will burn right through 'em!" She laughs.
"Hmm...maybe I can find a scroll of Bless Weapon that will help you, o champion."
As they reach the Massacre House, Richard nods and Sherix flies away to scout from afar. He checks the entrance for anything out of the ordinary.
Lorelei helps Richard check out the building, looking for entrances, windows and interesting features before approaching,
Happy to know that he can bet on himself and make some nice profit Tal is able to part with some hard earned coin to ensure his survival in the Devildrome. Entering a store with Pollus he makes some wise purchases in the hopes that the witch will be able to protect him in 2 days. Richard also asked about a particular item and Tal nodded his head yes. Anything that could give them an edge would help. Yet deep down Tal was not sure they would need it. After all, these were just lemurs. How bad could they get?
Once done there Pollux informs him that cheese is also needed for the protection to work. Something about the rat needing it. Not willing to argue semantics over his own safety Tal obliges and buys a nice brie. At the same time he buys some pot pies at a stand figuring the nuns were going to be long ordeal. Eat up everyone. We don't know how long this next meeting will take. It won't do to have our stomachs rumbling as we arrive to talk.
It took longer to get to the Massacre House then he thought. With it being late after noon Tal was worried they would not have enough time to enter the place and leave again before the curfew. They did not need to be out past dark with the shadow beasts roaming around. Let's make this quick people. We don't have much time.
"Many entrances, but all of them loud." Richard renews his Heroism spell on himself. "Does anyone else want Heroism? It makes you a little better at everything."
"Better at everything?" Lorelei asks with a smile. "Who says there's room for improvement?" she jokes.
After a moment she holds out her arm towards Richard, in case he needs to touch her to make his magic work.
"Well, let's go knock on the door. Maybe they'll be as big of fans of Raveen's as Rance was." She winks at Tal. "Though I doubt these nuns will be so easy."
Richard grins and casts Heroism to enhance Lorelei. "There we go. You should be a little better for about 50 minutes or so."
Tal gives Lorelei a look of disapproval. I should have told you though it never came to mind. I used the name Raveen when auditioning as a stage name. I didn't think it would matter at the time. Apparently it mattered more than I realized. However I am not sorry as I am fine with that part of my life being separate from the rest. I would be fine as well if Raveen faded into obscurity.
Giving Lorelei another look, this time a cross between a rueful smile and a smirk. I don't think I have ever met an easy nun. Tal then follows behind Lorelei as she knocks on the front door.
Tal gives Lorelei a look of disapproval. I should have told you though it never came to mind. I used the name Raveen when auditioning as a stage name. I didn't think it would matter at the time. Apparently it mattered more than I realized. However I am not sorry as I am fine with that part of my life being separate from the rest. I would be fine as well if Raveen faded into obscurity.
Lorelei shrugs at Tal's discomfort. "Plenty of people have stages names. Besides, it's safer for that flower of yours at home."
She winks and, although you don't recall mentioning Lily to her, it's clearly who she's referring to.
Giving Lorelei another look, this time a cross between a rueful smile and a smirk. I don't think I have ever met an easy nun. Tal then follows behind Lorelei as she knocks on the front door.
Lorelei laughs. "Neither have I."
Savonarola raises an eyebrow.
"If we think they might be fans, shouldn't we let 'Raveen' do the knocking? That said, I agree, religious sisters tend to not make the best patrons of the arts..."
Lorelei smirks and bows her head, holding her arms out grandly for Tal to take the lead.
"After you, sir!" she jokes.
Tal pushes Girolamo forward to a spot of prominence. Oh no. I think if 'Raveen' is here he would let his underlings do the knocking for him. After all his hands are much to precious to do such manual labor as simply knocking. Tal then mock bows to him, After you.
While Tal is mockingly playing up the aspect of letting others go first you can sense that he really, really does not like to be up front when the talking is going on. There was a reason he was a bodyguard after all. He would rather protect others than need the protection, give others the limelight as he plays the supporting role, etc.
Savonarola simply shrugs, and attempts to unlock the door; for a split second, it looks like there are two of him, but then the moment passes.
Lorelei looks at Girolamo oddly. "Can we knock before trying to break in?" She shakes her head and bangs loudly on the door.
Between the knocking and Girolamo trying to pick the lock (which opens with a click), the little window slides open and a pair of dark, feminine eyes and a soft voice says, Step away or face the consequences.
Richard raises an eyebrow as Tal ushers people in front of him. We can't all take center stage...
Sherix stops tweeting once the woman starts talking.
RIchard remembers the fate of Corona Heavenscape. The Devil Nuns may have her remains. If only there was a slick way to through there-
Richard does what he does best.
" We've heard of the great things you have done for the orphans here, and we want to make a donation to support your efforts. May we enter?"
Richard also tries to see if he can get a good visual description of her- a disguise may be necessary later on.
"Indeed." Lorelei agrees with an imperious look. "I recently discovered there's a foul relation among my distant family tree. The scandal makes me ill. I was hoping with a sizeable donation you could allow us to visit her ashes, that I might spit upon her remains and Praise Asmodeus before her. She was..." Lorelei leans closer, as if afraid of letting the others hear her words. When she speaks again it is in a whisper, in Infernal.
"Tainted by celestials. Despicable!"
Lorelei shivers dramatically and curls her lip up in disgust.
Tal maintains his position in the back allowing the others to speak first. However if it seems that the woman is going to turn violent then Tal has no problem rushing forward to shoulde the door open.
" We've heard of the great things you have done for the orphans here, and we want to make a donation to support your efforts. May we enter?"
Orphans? We are a mortuary. We don't take care of orphans alive and I don't recall taking care of any of them when they were dead!
@Richard: The window only shows her eyes and nothing else.
Do I think the woman's going to get violent?
"Indeed." Lorelei agrees with an imperious look. "I recently discovered there's a foul relation among my distant family tree. The scandal makes me ill. I was hoping with a sizeable donation you could allow us to visit her ashes, that I might spit upon her remains and Praise Asmodeus before her. She was...
Be that as it may, only sisters are allowed on the grounds and you are not a sister. Leave a gold piece and be on your way. We will treat your relative's remains with the disrespect that they deserve.
I have tried to be nice, but you are not taking the hint. You then hear a click and the eyes are replaced by a loaded crossbow.
"Alright, alright." Richard turns to leave. "I'm certain other temples will take our donations."
Sherix turns around and tweets.
Lorelei draws a vial of acid from her belt pouch as the woman threatens them, using the door to block line of sight, then quickly tosses it through the window the nun's peering out of and into the Massacre House.
As the acid burns her face, the nun shouts, Sisters! We are under attack! She fires the crossbow.
She can see just enough of Lorelei and launches a bolt into her.
Hey, Boss
Richard starts walking down the stairs.
Hey, BOSS!
Richard continues his march, hands on the hilt of his longsword.
BOSS!
Richard spins around and begins to ham it up. "Oho! Our brave adventurers tried diplomacy, but the brutish women could only respond with force! Thus, they replied in kind and surged ahead!" He draws his longsword and points towards the door. "Let us defeat the enemy swiftly!"
If door unlocked Tal tries to barge his way in so they are not confined by the door way. Lorelei step back I am coming through.
bull rush
Lorelei takes Tal's advice and backs up out of the way. As she moves she draws her rapier.
"Guess they're not fans," she quips.
As she waits to see how Tal does against a door, Lorelei draws a vial of acid.
"NOW you can break in," she tells Girolamo with a grin.