Shaking his head slightly Toolbox replies."No mylady. To booth questions. This unit was developped as supply and support unit, but the war was over when this unit would have been ready for the frontlines. This unit used to travel around and work as an engraver to his brothers and sometimes repair them."
Having found a nearby open seat, Xetovia quietly sits down. Her left hand starts tracing along the edge of her seat, one finger at a time but hardly noticeable... depending on one's seating distance.
.
Observing the conversation between Lady d'Vown and Tool-Box, the young vampire hunter thinks to herself, That's right, her House was forced to recognize the freedoms of their arguably most influential creations from the Last War. Along with the Day of Mourning, it must be quite the overwhelming thing for our Lady Employer. At the very least, I hope that's all it is...
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - Ninth Day of Dravago - Mason's Tower - The Broken Anvil
Lady Elaydren listens attentively to Tool Box's response. "I see. Tell me, have you been approached by anyone, anyone at all to work for another of your ilk?"
Replying Toolbox answers the Ladys question."No mylady. I worked to engrave them, laquer them, repair them, but any other things, no mylady! Warforged working for warforged, well it seems obscene!"
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - Ninth Day of Dravago - Mason's Tower - The Broken Anvil
She nods, "Very well. I ask because of the specific danger that is presented to me by one of your kind. A Warforged known as the Lord of Blades is after something that I have, or at least I soon hope to acquire. This was an, unforseen development when I began to undertake the effort to acquire this item.
Now I require protection. Are you willing to stand against your own kind for me?" She asks very pointedly to Too Box.
-------
"If you hire me, you have my utter loyality!"
Toolbox accents his statement with a definite nod. "I was made to have a mission. Also working for the makers seems... right to me! I wouldn´t be there without your family!"
.
The Lord of Blades? A name like that does seem rather ostentatious compared to the usual names that the Warforged would come up with.
"Milady d'Vown, what could you tell us about this Lord of Blades?"
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - Ninth Day of Dravago - Mason's Tower - The Broken Anvil
"I fear I know precious little about my adversary. He is a Warforged veteran of the Last War that much is not in doubt. A few days past, one of his agents slew a Professor here in the city looking to interfere in some dealings I had with the Professor.
Perhaps the best source for information on it is a Sergeant Dolom of the Sharn Watch. Of course, visiting him a protecting me at the same time is difficult. Perhaps there is someone you could contact that could handle that matter for you if you deem it necessary to know more about him? Though I suppose one of you could meet with the Sergeant if absolutely necessary. If you agree to this job I need you all to start immediately".
.
With a minute grimace that appears briefly upon her face, Xetovia suddenly realizes with a slightly sinking feeling of unease that she hadn't quite been able to keep up all that much with the local Sharn Gazette headlines (probably due to a combination of a lack of wealth and keeping busy with the jobs that Pierce helped to provide her with) so this news of the recent demise of Lady d'Vown's scholarly associate did come as something of a surprise to the Thranish Vampire Hunter. Thanks be to the Blessings of the Silver Flame that I have had such help and assistance during my stay in this behemoth of a city...
Quickly offering a brief prayer to this late Professor, whomever she or he may be, Xetovia then comports herself back to a more professional appearance while in the presence of her new-found Employer and fellow Co-Workers.
"By the light of the Silver Flame, You have my condolences for the loss of this late Professor, Milady d'Vown. Have either you or anybody under you been threatened personally by this so-called Lord of Blades? This Warforged miscreant almost certainly seems to have taken on the mantle of being another local crime lord within this city."
.
"I am, of course, very sorry to hear of your troubles, Lady Elaydren, and of course for the loss of your colleague." Dev offers another polite bow as he gives his condolences.
"However, since as of just about exactly now our priority is your personal security, I'd be loathe to have even one of us abandon your side at present, especially if there were threats against your person," he continues, acknowledging Xetovia's inquiry, and hoping that Elaydren will answer. Knowing the details would be incredibly important.
"Surely a Sergeant will be safe, or at least safer than average folk, for a day or two. Perhaps the others in your employ can speak with him when they return? Or else, maybe we could invite him here, instead?"
"There are Warforged who follow the law, and some, who don´t. It depends on how we were... designed. Well, in any case this one shamed us as a folk. We should catch him and return him to custody!"
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Lady Elaydren's face remains neutral, "I thank you for your condolences. The Professor was more of a business partner than a friend still his death was a terrible terrible thing.
Indeed capturing the miscreant should be priority and I assume it is for the Watch. I do not worry for the Sergeant of course Dev, the man seems capable of handling himself though I do wonder what he may have learned since yesterday about where this killer may have gotten off to.
It is also one of the reasons that I felt the need to hire you all. If all goes well within the next few days I should be able to retrieve what I was here for an leave. Perhaps the mere presence of the three of you will ward away any who seek to do me harm. I doubt it though, these Warforged seem most brazen.
I have been staying at a nearby Inn. I will need to meet with my contacts here once they have completed the task I assigned to them. I leave security in your hands. Should I find a new room to stay in or does one of you have a better suggestion?"
Nodding in response to Tool-Box's answer- his seemingly heartfelt, but near vehement response to her query certainly appeared to be quite genuine to Xetovia as she thought, hopefully, this should help to allay any of Lady d'Vown's own concerns about our fellow Warforged bodyguard to herself.
Giving a thoughtful smile in response to Dev Blake's excellent, reasoned suggestions, Xetovia found herself agreeing with much of the young psionic's conclusion. Still, as sworn bodyguards to the Lady d'Vown, it may be better if all three of us were to keep a watchful vigil over her; no telling how many more "agents" this Lord of Blades might have at his disposal. Perhaps we should suggest a meeting with Sal? Or even Pierce- yes, his investigative skills are quite well-honed although there's no telling how occupied he will be with his current assignment. Either of them may have heard something more substantial about our elusive, would-be criminal miscreant though...
"Well, it probably lacks the certain level of comfort to which a Lady as yourself is accustomed, but my shop has the space... Unless you're being followed and surveiled, I can't imagine you'd be found there," Dev offers politely.
I have been staying at a nearby Inn. I will need to meet with my contacts here once they have completed the task I assigned to them. I leave security in your hands. Should I find a new room to stay in or does one of you have a better suggestion?"
"Well, it probably lacks the certain level of comfort to which a Lady as yourself is accustomed, but my shop has the space... Unless you're being followed and surveiled, I can't imagine you'd be found there," Dev offers politely.
Upon hearing Lady d'Vown asking about whether or not she should change rooms at this juncture, Xetovia finds herself musing about just how secure a noble's lodgings could be at some fine, upscale hospitality suite at an inn when Dev Blake makes the bold suggestion for the use of his... shop(?!)
Setting aside any minor curiosity about what kind of shop Dev Blake would have at his disposal, Xetovia then starts to get an inkling of some idea, which gets further reinforced when her left hand starts to trace out the word "decoy" in cursive over and over again with a single fingertip upon and along her left thigh. Of course, the deployment of decoys- it's one of oldest military tricks in the book!
"If the temporary use of Blake's shop does meet with your approval, Milady d'Vown,", the Thranish vampire hunter adds in to Dev's offer, "Perhaps your present room at the inn may still be of some use. Do you happen to have somebody on your support staff who can act as a... stand-in for you?"
.
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The Lady shakes her head, "I am well and truly alone here in the city. Perhaps we can hire someone to take my place? While most Noble ladies may decline the offer Dev, a member of House Cannith simply cannot resist a tour of a workshop, any workshop and I am no different. Tell me do you wish to secure the decoy first or head out and try to find one along they way?"
"It seems logical that the chance to find a suitable decoy along the way is much more unlikely than finding one first. I suggest decoy first!"
"I'm inclined to agree about the availability, but must we have a decoy proper? Perhaps stealth alone would suffice for our needs? If we manage to leave without anyone realizing, might that be just as well? I don't know that I'd like an assassinated decoy on my conscious..." Dev replies, somewhat tentative.
"And if you'd prefer the pragmatic response, it's one less person we need worry could spill secrets."
He picks up a bit and adds, "Either way my Lady, I'd be honored to show you around our workshop," finishing with a flourished bow.
.
"My apologies for speaking so presumptuously, Milady d'Vown; I had no idea on the precariousness of your present situation," Xetovia offers, having had racked her brain upon the best ways to procure a decoy on such short notice to no apparent success. Pierce is much more better at this sort of business than I. "I might have misspoke upon the ready availability of finding someone who could pose as a decoy. Perhaps your man, Sal, might have a better notion of where such a decoy could be found; that or... there is another who might be well suited for such a task although I know not if he could spare any time for such a thing."
"That does remind me- Sal might have heard something about this Lord of Blades, perchance? And if you happen to have any old copies of Gazette regarding your colleague, that also might be of some use to us."
Pausing for a moment to catch her thoughts, Xetovia then chimes in with, "At any rate, it seems that it will not be just you alone, Milady d'Vown; at least not with the three of us about... the Silver Flame Willing." as she gives a nod and a smile in direction of Tool-Box and Dev Blake. At the very least, I could make sure of the feasibility of defense for all future locations, including Dev Blake's workshop.
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"Thus far your suggestions seem reasonable friends. If we can spirit away from here without being seen by all means let us do so without delay. Other details can be worked out one we have relocated".
Maintaining his polite airs, Dev replies, "As you wish, my Lady," and then takes a glance around the meeting room.
"If there's a back door we could utilize in our egress, perhaps I can notify the establishment that the Lady has returned to her room, and should like to not be disturbed for the time being."
For a moment Tool-box stands still. "This sounds logical. We will wait and guard the Lady meanwhile!"
Giving one last reassuring pat upon the top of her left hand (obliviously busying itself with feeling about the bottom side of her chair), Xetovia mentally goes through some last minute mental review before turning and giving her quiet assent to the others, Lady d'Vown included, with a brief nod. I may have to confer with both Tool-box and Dev upon the advisability of getting Pierce's aid- at least before bringing it up with Lady d'Vown. It should be interesting to see what kind of workshop our fellow Dev has... something about sparkles? Hmm, and didn't Tool-Box mention something about engraving, lacquering, and repairing his fellow warforged? Perhaps he may have a workshop of his own as well? If so, that could mean doubling our lady's hiding place.
"Very well, Milady d'Vown, Dev Blake, and Tool-Box. If there's nothing else to discuss, then let us be off."
.
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"Very well, Milady d'Vown, Dev Blake, and Tool-Box. If there's nothing else to discuss, then let us be off."
Perception to find a back entry for the room: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7.
After taking in a brief examination of the entire meeting area that everyone is currently in, Xetovia chimes in with, "I see no secret way out of our present accommodations; should we seek out the hostess that led us here to this room?"
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Lady d'Vown chuckles, "I hope you are better with that blade than you are with your eyes my dear else I may need to hire protection for you as well. Yes, Dev, tell the lovely halfling that I will head back to my rooms and you are running an errand for me in the meantime and that I am not to be disturbed. Tool-Box and Xetovia, let us head out the back".
Dev heads back to the front of the building at Lady d'Vown's suggestion, looking for the halfling.
Not really good at bluff, Toolbox plays the stoic servant, a role he fitts just well.
Lady d'Vown chuckles, "I hope you are better with that blade than you are with your eyes my dear else I may need to hire protection for you as well. Yes, Dev, tell the lovely halfling that I will head back to my rooms and you are running an errand for me in the meantime and that I am not to be disturbed. Tool-Box and Xetovia, let us head out the back".
Giving a slight grimace as Xetovia admits to Lady d'Vown, "True, Milady- it certainly wasn't my best try and I could stand to do much better in any future reconnaissance attempts...". Outwardly, Xetovia keeps to a fairly composed manner while making her admittance to Lady d'Vown but internally berating at herself all the while. Crooked filth! It was only by the grace of the Silver Flame that my fellow Anthracites weren't hereabouts to witness my near-rookie mistake; they would have never let me hear the end of it!
Giving a momentary glance over to her left hand, the Thranish Vampire Hunter mentally amends, And I'll not hear any from you either, Dol Durand; besides we've still have our Lady to be watching over.
Following up with a somewhat wry smile, Xetovia softly adds, "Still, The Silver Flame willing, I pray that our stealthy exit will go unnoticed." before exiting the room.
.
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---
Dev heads to the front to inform the halfling that the Lady is 'not to be disturbed in her room' to which the halfling woman winks at him and giggles, "I will be sure to leave my Lady resting until you or your allies come back and inform me otherwise".
---
Xetovia and Tool-Box manage to slip the Lady out with a cloak over her head through the alleyway successfully. A few people mill about but none seem to look your way as you collectively make your way to the front of the building to meet with Dev.
---
The bodyguards and the Noblewoman head down from the lofty heights of the Towers of Sharn to the workshop of Dev. From what you can all tell, you were not followed here.
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Dev's workshop is a moderately sized room, brightly lit by a series of magical torches lining the walls. All along the walls, and throughout the open space in the room, are workbenches filled with the differing tools of Dev's trade: saws, blades, files, and so on, with on table specifically reserved for each type of tool. At each of the stations, the many subtly-different units there are painstakingly arranged by some unknown detail, at least to the untrained eye. Only one table contains no tools, but instead bears the weight of an oversized lockbox.
In one corner a fire burns low, but next to it sits enough fuel to get it burning again and then some. Ready for use immediately adjacent, a moderate bellows hangs, ready to fan the flames up to the perfect temperature.
In the opposite corner a large table sits, with open faced boxes covering the whole face. From each box, a colored piece of paper sticks up and out, with some writing carefully denoting the exact nature of their customer's order.
Just next to this table, is only other door in the room, and it's currently closed. Dev's partner, and former master, doesn't appear to be in the room at the moment.
Along the way to Dev Blake's workshop, Xetovia finds herself half occupied between memorizing the unfamiliar (to her, that is) route to said location and keeping a sharp eye out for any who would accost Lady d'Vown without her leave. I may just have to bring up the subject of gaining Pierce's help and the possibility of seeing Tool-Box's workshop, if he does have one, at some later- more opportune- time.
When the group has arrived and entered the workshop, Xetovia relaxes just a little bit as she takes in the general sight, sound, and placement of Dev's apparent venue of employment and craftsmanship.
"This looks very impressive, Dev Blake," the Thranish Vampire-Hunter turned Bodyguard, mentions as she looks about at the myriad of workbenches arranged throughout, "and very well organized too; if you don't mind my asking, what sort of crafting do you work upon?"
"Welcome," Dev says, "to the finest Jeweler in Sharn!"
He gestures to the workshop as a whole.
"In my humble opinion, that is."
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Lady d'Vown seems surprised as she nods in agreement at Xetovia's statement "Why as a Jeweler would you agree to bodyguard work? Is the coin in this business not what it once was?"
Before Dev can answer she begins to ask a series of questions about each workstation, keeping Dev occupied and giving Xetovia dn Tool-Box a chance to speak.
"Welcome," Dev says, "to the finest Jeweler in Sharn!"
He gestures to the workshop as a whole.
"In my humble opinion, that is."
Lady d'Vown seems surprised as she nods in agreement at Xetovia's statement "Why as a Jeweler would you agree to bodyguard work? Is the coin in this business not what it once was?"Before Dev can answer she begins to ask a series of questions about each workstation, keeping Dev occupied and giving Xetovia dn Tool-Box a chance to speak.
The finest Jeweler in all of Sharn!? Xetovia dumbfoundedly thinks to herself before she remembers to compose her face back from her initial look of open-mouthed shock at Dev Blake's youthfully exuberant proclamation. I never would've thought that Pierce would be the type of person to be taking such an interest in jeweled adornments.
In silent agreement to Lady d'Vown's line of thought to Dev Blake's present choice of employment, the Thranish Vampire Hunter and fellow appointed bodyguard respectfully gives both Lady d'Vown and Dev Blake the space they would need to continue their line of conversation. Noting that Tool-Box is just stoically standing about amidst all of the conversation and suddenly remembering (thanks to both Dol Durand's "empathic" push, along with the motion of her left hand playfully doing a downward knuckle-knock and alternating finger-spread thriceward along her upper left leg to knee motion towards Tool-box's direction) that she had meant to ask the quiet Warforged some other things.
Taking a casual pace up to where Tool-Box is standing at attention, Xetovia asks her fellow Bodyguard, "Tool-Box, you mentioned something about helping to repair and lacquer your fellow Warforged to Lady d'Vown; does this mean that you also have a workshop like our resident jewel-smith, Dev Blake?"
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"Tool-Box, you mentioned something about helping to repair and lacquer your fellow Warforged to Lady d'Vown; does this mean that you also have a workshop like our resident jewel-smith, Dev Blake?"...
Leaning in closer to the Warforged, while keeping an eye on Lady d'Vown's and Dev Blake's conversation, Xetovia will then ask Tool-Box in a much lower tone of voice, "Ever since Lady d'Vown bought up the subject of this Lord of Blades, I've been thinking that mayhaps we should consult with a... mutual friend between all three of us about that criminal miscreant?"
Taking another glance towards Lady d'Vown, Xetovia will add, "Granted, it would have to be an agreement, not only with all three of us, but also with our employer."
Lady d'Vown seems surprised as she nods in agreement at Xetovia's statement "Why as a Jeweler would you agree to bodyguard work? Is the coin in this business not what it once was?"
Before Dev can answer she begins to ask a series of questions about each workstation, keeping Dev occupied and giving Xetovia dn Tool-Box a chance to speak.
After giving the extended tour to Lady d'Vown, Dev takes a moment to answer her question from earlier:
"Oh money's great and all that, but it's not why I practice my craft. Sure, it's nice to have nice things and whatnot, but the real joy is in the making. As for my, er, extra-curriculars, well, it's really quite the drug, Adventure. Once you've had some, well, you know. Such Excitement! And so, I make beautiful things when I can --don't get me wrong, I love it-- but that pays the bills, and when I can, I enjoy myself."A careful glance around the room reveals more than a few newspaper clippings tacked to the wall, detailing some of Dev's exploits. Clearly the man's not shy about any of his accomplisments.
Turning around Tool-box points to his backpack."This unit wanders from task to task. I have all the tools with me."
Nodding to Dev words Tool nods. "Making things is nice, but you need customers. And sometimes customers are not easy to work with. Also most are a bit miserly!"
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Lady d'Vown nods at Dev's explanation, "I understand the need for some Adventure to be sure. It is part of the reason why I took this assignment. I have, however, received more excitement that I would have liked.
Indeed many customers can be miserly to say the least Tool-Box. I am not such a customer as I know the value of hard work.
This place seems out of the way and safe enough but where would I rest for the evening?"
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"I can make you space in our living quarters, My lady," Dev says in reply, gesturing to the other door. "Or else we could make you up a bed here, in the shop. Whichever you prefer. The bed, I'd imagine is more comfortable; the shop here, more secure."
"Now, as for getting information from the Sergeant with some haste, perhaps I can pop out quickly, and flag down a messenger, and send for Pierce to visit us? He has already earned Sal's the Broker's trust, milady. And if you stayed in the house while he visited, My Lady, he might never even know you're here."
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Nodding to Dev, Tool-Box chips in."That would be an idea, but raise suspicion to this shop. Better meet at a bakery or tavern or brothel, or what you do to spend your free time?"
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"Here in the shop is fine. I would rather be alive and uncomfortable than snug in a casket. Who is this Pierce and how can he help?"
"Oh money's great and all that, but it's not why I practice my craft. Sure, it's nice to have nice things and whatnot, but the real joy is in the making. As for my, er, extra-curriculars, well, it's really quite the drug, Adventure. Once you've had some, well, you know. Such Excitement! And so, I make beautiful things when I can --don't get me wrong, I love it-- but that pays the bills, and when I can, I enjoy myself." Turning around Tool-box points to his backpack."This unit wanders from task to task. I have all the tools with me." Nodding to Dev words Tool nods. "Making things is nice, but you need customers. And sometimes customers are not easy to work with. Also most are a bit miserly!"
Lady d'Vown nods at Dev's explanation, "I understand the need for some Adventure to be sure. It is part of the reason why I took this assignment. I have, however, received more excitement that I would have liked. Indeed many customers can be miserly to say the least Tool-Box. I am not such a customer as I know the value of hard work."
Seeing Tool-Box point to his backpack and making his statement, Xetovia thinks to herself, It would seem that Dev Blake would be the only one with a workshop then. Still, our resident jewel-smith must be quite talented enough to have his own place at his age...
Given the lack of response to her other question about mutual acquaintances, the Thranish Vampire Hunter turned Bodyguard concludes that perhaps her line of suggestion might've been a bit too subtle for her fellow Warforged Bodyguard. I'll have to see what Dev thinks about having Pierce to help us out with this...
"I can make you space in our living quarters, My lady," Dev says in reply, gesturing to the other door. "Or else we could make you up a bed here, in the shop. Whichever you prefer. The bed, I'd imagine is more comfortable; the shop here, more secure." "Now, as for getting information from the Sergeant with some haste, perhaps I can pop out quickly, and flag down a messenger, and send for Pierce to visit us? He has already earned Sal's the Broker's trust, milady. And if you stayed in the house while he visited, My Lady, he might never even know you're here."
"This place seems out of the way and safe enough but where would I rest for the evening?" Nodding to Dev, Tool-Box chips in."That would be an idea, but raise suspicion to this shop. Better meet at a bakery or tavern or brothel, or what you do to spend your free time?"
"Here in the shop is fine. I would rather be alive and uncomfortable than snug in a casket. Who is this Pierce and how can he help?"
Fortunately, much to Xetovia's satisfaction and (not a little bit of) surprise, Dev Blake independently brings up the subject of acquiring Pierce's aid, which then gets bought to a screeching halt (from Xetovia's point of view) with Tool-Box's rather casual mention of Taverns and Brothels. Such...Crooked...Filth, where did he ever hear of such...illicit things!?
Giving the Warforged a flustered stare of astonishment, the somewhat proper Thranish maiden (as far as those that go after the undead scourge are concerned, in terms of social decorum) is quickly bought back into focus on the question of Pierce with Lady d'Vown's own query.
"Milady, Pierce is a local Inquisitive here in Sharn and like Tool-Box, happens to be a Warforged- a worshiper of Aureon of the Sovereign Host, I believe.
You should also know that besides having the trust of your man, Sal, like our resident jewel-smith already mentioned, Pierce happens to be the reason why all three of us here are in your service as your newly appointed bodyguards though he wasn't aware of the circumstances at the time- he had initially chosen us to accompany those others that you had hired earlier, Lady d'Vown."
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The Lady shrugs, "Well, I suppose if you all vouch for him then I ca trust him. After all, if I could not trust all of you I suspect you would have tried to kill me by now!
Very well, seek out this Pierce for his insight. I am told that Sharn Inquisitives are the finest in Breland".
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"Excellent, my Lady. I'll send for him at once."
Dev bows and exits the front door quickly, not bothering to address the comment about not having tried to kill their patron, out of politeness.
After he flags down a messenger, scrawls down the request to Pierce, and describes the Warforged to the messenger, he sets off back to the Workshop to wait with the others.
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Giving a quick curtsy to Lady d'Vown after her expressed consent to bring Pierce into all of this, Xetovia will add, "Even if Pierce is unable to actively aid us due to his current assignment, I'm sure he might have some further insight into this Lord of Blades."
Taking another brief glance at the distant hanging newspaper clippings (at least from her present vantage point), Xetovia decides that checking them out will have to wait while some further explanations for any shameful misunderstandings will have to be required of one particular Warforged that happens to be nearby.
Turning again to face Tool-Box, Xetovia sweetly asks of him, "As I understand it, Warforged need neither to drink nor to... make merry. So how did you ever come to hear of such...questionable... things, Tool-Box?"
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