Merisiel moves to inspect the corpses.
Dagger in hand, Merisiel does her best to harvest what she needs from both spiders.
Remembering that Ulisha was dissatisfied with her existing contact, Merisiel wracks her brain, trying to recall which of her contacts would be likely to want what the party has just acquired...
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Erasmus marches back and forth, seemingly not quite in full control of himself.
"Listen up maggots! Our mission to secure a new buyer for these products. Intelligence sources have revealed to us that Ulisha did NOT find her prior contact satisfactory and... Erm... Whats that Merisiel?"
There is an awkward pause, and then Erasmus seems to change demeanor suddenly.
"Hmmm... perhaps tomorrow I should give my commander friend a rest. He seems to be rather... forceful at the moment. But he is impressed with your knowledge Merisiel and approves of th- THIS IS A SOLDIER WHO SHOWS SOME INITIATIVE! Good work! Quartermaster, double her grog ration to- Ack! Sorry... sorry... Tomorrow I shall endeavor to seance with less forceful spirits."
He'll do his best to gather information about potential new sources, trying to limit his discussions with his teammates for an hour or so lest he be overwhelmed with the urge to bark out orders.
Kyra looks at Erasmus strangely, decides to ignore his outburst and states, "There is no reason we could not pursue multiple contacts, including the one Ulisha used, and look for the highest bidder. I would be shocked if this was not standard practice. It might draw some ire, but that may be even better for our purposes."
Quinn adds "It might be best for our health if we can make this deal quickly though..."
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Merisiel discovers two more likely buyers:
A gnome would-be apothecary, Ezmerlilly Vanderpoof, recently failed to deliver some promised goods to the Poisoners’ Guild. She needs something to appease the guild before they decide to drastically renegotiate their contract.
Though he has a reputation for being a fierce negotiator, dwarven merchant Narngar Ninefingers has run up quite the gambling debt. Debtors tend not to last long in a city of assassins, and Narngar is growing desperate for something he can sell to important patrons to prove that he’s worth keeping around.
"Lots of motivated buyers, no? Let's start with Vanderpoof. I like the name!"
"I agree... Mr Ninefingers sounds like he would be the most.... motivated buyer. Let's try him."
*shrug*
"Mr. Ninefingers it is. Though if I were truly interested in making a profit on this I would hesitate to go to a dwarf, desperate or not."
Quinn shrugs in agreement.
Quinn sits and watches the spirits circle around the napping Erasmus.
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It's easy enough to follow Ulisha's map back to Daggermark, and almost as easy to find the shop of Narngar Ninefingers. As soon as you enter, a surly dwarf calls out from behind a shelf of reagents and flasks.
I be closin' up soon, so make it quick! I got places ta be! If yer here ta buy, I ain't got time ta haggle, and if yer here to sell, me price is me price, I ain't budgin' from it!
The dwarf steps out from behind the shelf, holding a pouch (possibly full of coins), and a dagger. He slides the dagger into his belt, and looks at you all warily.
So what's yer business?
Narngar seems to be on edge. You get the feeling that he fears his debtors are coming to collect soon, and is fearful. Intimidating him into making a deal may be easier than trying to be diplomatic.
Merisiel raises an eyebrow.
"That seems awfully pugnacious for someone with such a sizable gambling debt. If you would rather end up dead in a ditch, though, we will happily take our giant spider poison and silk sacks elsewhere..."
Quinn nods and learns forward on his cane over the counter imposingly at Ninefingers.
"Don't even think about that dagger, or else your new nickname'll be eight fingers. Look, I can see you don't have time... Luckily my companion here has a special deal on spider poison."
Kyra feels that there are already enough talkers and hangs back.
Quinn stands up tall and taps his cane several times on the man's counter, waiting a response.
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The dwarf's eyes widen at the spider silk and venom, and you see the mental struggle on his face between wanting to make a good deal, or getting it as fast as possible to pay off his debt. Finally, the latter wins and he speaks.
Aye, ye make a good bargain. I tell ye what... I be needin' ta make a quick deal fer me own reasons, so I be makin' ye a good one. I'll give ye 200 gp, as well as two flasks of alchemist’s fire and three potions of cure light wounds. And fer tha convenience, I'll be sharin' some information as well. I hear yer little group be associated with that half orc Ulisha... What? Why ye look surprised? This town ain't nothin' if it ain't a place where everyone be knowin somethin about everyone! I know she was goin on an on about some magic blade she found, an that it got her in deep with tha wrong kind o people. Well I have it from the horse’s mouth, so to speak, that she won’t be needin’ that sword where she’s headed.
The merchant draws a hand across the neck, making an unpleasant sound. The Vessels Between will have that one soon enough. You just need to go out there and grab that sword once they’re through, and I happen to know where they found her little camp. The Vessels Between be tha best assassin group here, an' not even yerselves'll be able to save tha Half Orc.
He waits patiently for you to make the deal and sell him the spider venom and silk before drawing you out a map detailing where you can find the group that's after Ulisha.
"I think we can agree to those terms."
Merisiel then waits patiently for the dwarf to follow through on his agreement.
Quinn nods, happy to let Merisiel do the actual deed.
"Agreed"
I'm here too.
Quinn remains as well.
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"Okay, sounds like we've got a deal!"
In addition to the money, he gives each party member a Potion of CLW and a vial of Alchemist's Fire , and draws a map to where the half-orc is located, a few hours travel up the Dagger River.
"You best be off - The Vessels Between don't muck about!"
He then follows his own advice, disappearing with his new stock to try and barter with his creditors.
Quinn shrugs, clearly out of his element but speaks anyway "We've got a map, lets follow it."
"Cheap guns? Vessels between? Is this code for something?"