"That's a sweet bit o' loot. Naught there I ken use, 'cept the cloak, and there's some what need it more than I, I expect."
Eventually, Mutt approaches Thaddeus. "Thaddeus. I understand that you are going to the Salvation. May I tag along? I mean, they really don't like me and I figure that I might try to help improve my relationship with them."
Mutt turns to Thaddeus. "Sure. I don't see why not. Zhen! Come here!" The Tian-Dian man walks up to them. "You'll be accompanying Thaddeus around Riddleport. You'll be payed for this work. Make sure he stays safe and avoid anyone like Zincher. Agreed?" Zhen nods and walks with Thaddeus.
At Bofur saying that there's nothing in the gear that he can use, Mutt looks at the longsword he just put on his hip. He turns to Bofur. "You can take the longsword, if you want."
Fiona looks over the gear they received. "I have no need for the tshamek's armour, although I imagine I could get a good price for it. I'll admit that I COULD use the shield, but I like my earthbreaker too much for that. All in all, the cloak would work best for me."
Fiona gives Variel an appreciative nod. "My thanks--I was a bit worried about going by myself."
She gives everyone else willing to go with her an appreciative look as well. "Thanks a lot. Well, are we ready to get going?"
Bofur is touched and nonplussed at the tall man's generosity. After a couple of false starts, he coughs out, "That fits yeer hand well, Mutt. As a dwarf, the balance is off fer me and when my crossbow woun't serve me, I haeve this." He looks down with a mixture of reverence and painful memory at the battleaxe strapped to his hip. "I'd recommend one o' ye hiumans take the cloak; we dwarves are a 'ardy bunch to begin with. Many spells bounce right uff o' us."
Variel examines the shield. "I've trained in using these, and if we're going to start having to fight for our inventory, I suppose it won't hurt to have it. I'll have to see about getting the right colors added, though."
"Let us see what we can learn."
Mutt nods at Bofur, removing his hand from the hilt of the longsword. When the dwarf looks down at his battleaxe, Mutt's brow raises. "Is there something wrong with your axe?"
When Variel takes the shield, Mutt nods. "Take it, then. It won't do me any good. I prefer two handed weapons."
When Fiona gives her thanks, Mutt just nods. "It would be best if we all stick together. We've probably made some enemies at this point. We can also try to sell off that armor."
Bofur looks up at Mutt in surprise and dismay. "Er- only that it failed it's last ouwner at the critical moment. Though the caerds were stacked again' him anyway." The last sentence is muttered as Bofur puts away the extra gold earned from Saul. He shakes off whatever memories are haunting him and looks around. "Righ'. We goin' to the whorehouse tonigh' or a year from now?" he pushes, though he never actually said he intended to join the group on its visit to Calistria's temple.
Later on that week, the group get together to heat towards the House of Silken Veils. A spectacular building, it is an octagonal pyramid topped by a blood-red steeple. In a city of lawlessness and piracy, The Savored Sting is a popular goddess indeed. The pollutants of the nearby gas forges have stained the once brilliant marble walls a grim, grey colour giving the building a somewhat dreary, unhealthy look.
Still, red silk curtains cover three wide, inviting entrances. The group steps in to a huge open parlour with scantily clad men and women of races both familiar and unfamiliar. The tengu in particular is a little unnerving. The scent of incense hangs heavily in the air.
A lithe, bored-looking half-elven man sashays up.
"Welcome to the House of the Silken Veil my pigeons, what needs may we sate this day?"
Fiona purses her lips as she approaches the temple and enters the parlour, trying not to stare at the scantily clad men (but Hawk's blood, they're well-built). The tengu, on the other hand, she can't help but stare at momentarily (Uh... do people even go for something--er, someone like that? How does that even work?).
She blinks and shakes her head as the half-elf approaches them. Right. Time to explain what we're here for.
"Well, we have a couple of things in mind, sir." She nods to the greeter. "One is related to business, and the other information--we would like to speak with High Priestess Pamodae, if she's available."
The smell of the incense tickles her nose and makes her heart beat a little faster.
What sort of incense is this?
Eventually, Mutt approaches Thaddeus. "Thaddeus. I understand that you are going to the Salvation. May I tag along? I mean, they really don't like me and I figure that I might try to help improve my relationship with them."
"'Course y'can come 'long. Always good t'have some more people helpipn'. Wouldn't mind th'company on th'way dere, what with how dangerous things are gettin'. Speakin' of..."
Mutt turns to Thaddeus. "Sure. I don't see why not. Zhen! Come here!" The Tian-Dian man walks up to them. "You'll be accompanying Thaddeus around Riddleport. You'll be payed for this work. Make sure he stays safe and avoid anyone like Zincher. Agreed?" Zhen nods and walks with Thaddeus.
"Thank ya' kindly, Mutt. An' you too, Zhen."
Thaddeus isn't quite the naive newcomer to the big city anymore, but he's still a little uncomfortable around so much blatant sexuality. He tends to avert his gaze as much as possible, though it's hard to look away, considering most perspectives feature at least one scantily-clad individual. Thaddeus settles for being intensely engaged in the least questionable part of the architecture. Which probably means a blank red curtain hanging on a wall, or an unoccupied chair.
The incense is particularly pungent and a sensation Thaddeus is not used to. He tries breathing through his mouth, only to realize that tasting the smell is worse than smelling it.
Mutt nods at Thaddeus's acceptance to accompany him to the Salvation. He then goes back to work.
Mutt stays quiet as the team moves to the House of the Silken Veil. When they arrive, Mutt raises his brow, obviously not expecting the rundown look of it. When they enter the building, Mutt walks on by, looking around, but acting like it's a natural sight. He's used to seeing this. In Kaer Maga, this is often a common sight on the streets. Especially since he was a champion in the pit fighting scene. Women like this would often hang off of him. But, it was often to keep appearances. The Great Fastelli often took those girls for himself or his gang, not wanting Mutt to be remotely human. Mutt would just be bound by his chains, sleeping in his cage in the basement.
When the half-elf man approaches, Mutt adds to Fiona's words, his lessons as a slave coming in. "She's right. We wish to speak to the High Priestess. We work with Mr. Michal. He mentioned that his cousin works as a priestess here. He might have told his cousin of our arrival."
For the trip to the Silken Veil, Variel cleans his regalia and goes clearly dressed as one of the goddess' servants.
Variel tries to hide his disdain at being greeted by a half-blood, and allows Fiona and Mutt to speak to the man. Instead, he looks around, taking in the state of the temple as he waits for a more appropriate member of the staff to approach him.
The man looks over the group with some surprise.
"Firstly, the High Priestess is Shorafa, and her time is precious. I also do not know a Mr. Michal, the family trees of the clergy is not my first order of business. Do you have a better reason I should let you through?"
Fiona clears her throat. "It's simple--we thought it was best to speak with her to go about asking for the temple's help with promoting the Gold Goblin. Unless I'm mistaken, she is the most appropriate person to speak with about such things."
"And she was a client of an information broker who was recently murdered. Said broker may have had connections with a friend of ours who has gone missing. We wish to speak with her about that." She folds her arms. "So, yes. We actually do have a couple of good reasons to speak with her."
The half-elf starts as Fiona speaks to him, and then realizes he did not see Variel standing in front of him in regalia. His coy demeanor collapses and he looks legitimately panicked.
"Right, murder and... yes. I err... uh... my apologies. One moment."
The doorman quickly rushes off, and instead an elven priestess in regalia approaches the group. She looks over Variel coyly, ignoring the rest of the party.
"Well, this is very interesting. Variel, is it? I believe you wanted to meet the High Priestess. She is very interested you."
Variel smiles as the priestess approaches. His manner becomes as gregarious as it was formerly aloof.
"Is she? I am flattered. Yes, we would very much appreciate an audience, if she is not too busy. As my associate mentioned, we were hoping to get some help from her in a difficult matter."
Mutt stays silent as the half-elf leaves and the new priestess approaches, letting Fiona and Variel take over in negotiations.
Bofur regards the layout suspiciously, obviously uncomfortable in the establishment.
She looks over Variel for a moment and then nods once, leading the group further into the temple.
"The Gold Goblin crew, as summoned," intones the priestess. The door then swings open to reveal a luxurious room strewn with pillows. A stunning-looking, scantily-clad tiefling woman lounges against the opposite wall, having her talons manicured by a naked halfling.
She spreads a smile.
"I have been expecting you all. Please, enter. Did anybody want a manicure? I don't mean to be rude but friend dwarf, your nails are frightful."
Fiona blinks in surprise as she looks around the room, the scent of the incense somehow feeling stronger to her here than in the parlour. Combined with the sight of the (honestly, impressive) tiefling high priestess lounging around in clothing barely more modest than her own succubus costume, it's enough to cause her to stare for a bit longer than is appropriate.
"Oh, we were expected?" She says, looking for a place to sit down. "I didn't realize we were summoned--and if you're offering a manicure, I wouldn't say no."
"Man-e-cure? Ah'm assumin' y'ain't offerin' healin' services, dere."
Thaddeus is starting to wonder if his old pastor was right about Calistria. But on the other hand, Variel has been a respectable stand-up kind of guy, so they're not all so... blatant about it.
Still, he remembers one of his mom's lessons on politeness, and maintains eye contact with the priestess. And ONLY the eyes, even tilting his head up a little to reduce the peripheral vision that goes down.
This also serves to keep the halfling out of his view. "Ah, mean, ah know dey aren't kids, but dat's still just weird." he thinks to himself.
Mutt follows the priestess into Shorafa's chambers. When the door opens, his nose wrinkles at the overpowering scent of incense. He steps in, looking at the pillows strewn about. That's when he sees her. The High Priestess. She's not what he was expecting. He stares at her before he shakes it off, grumbling. He looks for a place to sit, before he decides to to stand, the lessons of a slave taking in.
He says, "Thank you. We weren't expecting to be... well, expected. I didn't know that we were summoned."
When she offers the group a manicure, Mutt's face scrunches in confusion. He has heard of manicures in Kaer Maga, though, they were often for women or the upper crust. He looks at his own nails. They are caked in dirt and dried blood (the blood coming from his enemies). They also seem to be on the long side.
At the sight of a woman with infernal blood, the hair on the back of Bofur's neck rises like the hackles of a dog. What he at first deemed simple flirtatious teasing, he now sees as a sinister ploy.
"Ain't no point, priestess. Soon as I reach inta me purse for coins, me tips'll be shot."
He cautiously glances around the room for evidence of otherwordly influence.
She grins wickedly at Beromar, and whispers something into the air. A gnome woman also wearing far, far too little scampers into the room and beckons for Fiona to take a seat before she gets to work on her nails.
"Well if any of you are interested, don't hesitate to say no. You haven't lived."
Her tails flicks as the naked halfling moves to her other hand.
"And no, I didn't summon you. My clergy like people to believe I am on top of everything and all actions are a part of my grand plan. Sadly, that is not the case. I do know who you are, though. Everybody does. Particularly you, dear Variel. We are so heartbroken you haven't attended the rites since arriving. But tell me, what do you want?"
Variel bows deeply and smiles.
"Sadly, my attention has been elsewhere, and I have been remiss. I shall certainly remedy that."
He sits down on a large cushion and tastes several grapes from a nearby tray. "We came because of some unfortunate events, and hoped that you, as an influential and well-connected member of society, might be able to provide some assistance. You see, an associate of ours by the name of Larur has gone missing along with a large sum of money from our employer. While trying to locate him, we discovered that an information broker, " he pauses and stifles a look of distaste, "a เลือดต่ำ known as 'Stitch', had purchased information about Larur and the payment. He has himself now turned up dead. We are rather urgently seeking any other information that might lead us to find our friend before he himself is sent prematurely to the boneyard."
Fiona sits down on the offered pillow and takes off her gloves so the gnome woman can have an easier time with her nails.
She remains quiet while Variel speaks, but she visibly bristles when he uses his slur.
*ahem* "Yes--that is one of the reasons we came to you. Anything you can share with us would be greatly appreciated." She adds, briefly giving Variel a dirty look.
Mutt stops looking at his nails and after a few seconds, huffs and decides to sit down on one of the larger pillows (though a couple feathers puff out of the pillow as he "plops" down). "I guess I'll take that manicure thing. Nails caked in blood and dirt, anyways."
When Variel starts the negotiations, Mutt stays silent. Though, when Variel says that unusual word, Mutt looks at him in confusion. He leans over to Fiona and whispers, "That word. What does it mean?"
When Shorafa says that she (and everyone) knows about them, Mutt's brow raises in interest. "Really? Everyone knows about us? Including you? How much does everyone know about us? Do they know anything else about us? Besides that we are Saul's partners, of course."
When Fiona says her piece, Mutt carefully watches the priestess carefully, judging her body language. He also keeps an eye on everything.
Though, he does seem to be a tad... distracted by the priestess in front of him. He looks away, face turning slightly red.
"That word. What does it mean?"
"It means 'low blood'. It's a slur for a half-elf." Fiona whispers in reply.
"...that pamphlet Variel gave me had an Elven translation as well. I opted to learn to read it as well."
"So, my singing is popular enough even around here, eh?" She says, turning to the nearly-naked high priestess.
Shorafa smiles indulgently at Mutt.
"Finni there will tend to you in a moment."
"Now, so many questions. I have to ask first, what do you have for me? I don't give out the best manicures in Riddleport out of the goodness of my heart. Information is power, and only a fool gives away power for nothing."
"Point taken..." Fiona clears her throat. "What is it you wish in return, High Priestess?"
Shorafa waves off the naked halfling who swaps places with the gnome to continue on Fiona's nails. The gnome makes her way over to Mutt's and stares in horror at his massive paws. Quickly, she mutters a small charm and flicks her hand back and forth, cleaning the blood and dirt from the fingernails. Nodding affirmatively, she gets to work.
"What are you all about? This group of fearsome warriors sets up shop working for Saulie Vancaskerkin of all people, turn around his business, kill the Splithog Pauper, drive Clegg Zincher to madness, and even kill Lymas Smeed thus depriving Riddleport of its most incompetent moneylender. Why are you here?"
Shorafa peaks her elegantly taloned hands as she looks keenly at all of you in turn. She points at Thaddeus.
"You. You come across as some bumbling hick. Yet you are no fool; you have your fingers in many pies, don't you?"
Thaddeus manages to pick up what a "Man-E-Cure" is, at least in general. He can see why the priestess would make a big deal out of trimming her considerable nails, though he still doesn't quite understand the appeal. He quickly glances at his nails and decides that having trimmed them with a knife the other day has kept them in fine form, and thus the... halfling has nothing to work on.
Thaddeus remains standing in the back with Bofur, letting those with either the skill or the determination to talk do the talking. He quickly checks the mental connection to make sure Old Horn is fine.
Thaddeus stutters for a moment when he's put on the spot by Shorafa's question. While a lot of the slang that gets tossed around in Riddleport goes over his head, (At least, the first two times) he has heard this one before. Still, not being prepared to speak, he's a bit flustered. Still, he does his best to retain eye (And ONLY the eyes) contact.
"Uhh... Well, all things considered, Ah'd say callin' me a country bumpkin' wouldn't be much of a stretch. Never been in a big city until 'bout three weeks ago. Still gettin' used t'it."
"As to yer question, yeh accusin' me of some'tin? Makin' it sound like havin' a contact at the Cyphermages 'n volunterrin' at a hole-in-th'-wall mission is some big neh-fare-ee-us scheme, dere. Ah said Ah'm still gettin' used t'big city life."
"Also, we didn't kill Smeed. Why, 's he dead now?"
Shorafa ignores Thaddeus' response for the most part but does seem intrigued at the last bit. She watches him closely.
"He was found dead shortly after you paid him a visit for Saul, I'd assumed you'd killed him to get an easy way out of Saul's debt, even if it would mean a second very powerful man upset with you."
She frowns, tapping her chin with a talon.
"Interesting. Why are you all in Riddleport, hm? Curious about the Blot? Couldn't resist the allure of a one-handed man and a rundown casino? Each of you, your stories, come on. And I'll know if you're lying."
Fiona pointedly averts her gaze from the naked halfling as he moves over to pick up where the gnome lady left off.
"He was found dead shortly after you paid him a visit for Saul, I'd assumed you'd killed him to get an easy way out of Saul's debt, even if it would mean a second very powerful man upset with you."
Fiona shakes her head. "I had no intention of killing a man for doing his job. Even if it would have been easier." She crosses her legs and wrinkles her nose as another whiff of incense hits her. "In fact, he was framed for our friend's disappearance. But that's moot now, I suppose..."
"As to why I'm in Riddleport..." She leans forward on her pillow, careful not to disturb the halfling's work. "...yes, I was sent here by my quah. I was tasked with investigating the Blot, and determining if it is a portent of doom."
A guilty look flashes across her face and she looks away. "I haven't made much progress with that, unfortunately... I thought the Gold Goblin would be a good place to start investigating. That's where I ended up sidetracked." She looks back at Shorafa. "See, as a trained thundercaller for my quah, I have a skilled singing voice, and experience with battle. My companions and I stopped a heist at the Goblin, and Saul offered us jobs there as partners. I chose to lend him my voice to entertain customers."
Variel nods as Fiona tells her story. He takes a moment to consider, then decides to come clean about his own ulterior motives.
"It should come as no surprise that I am here because of the blot as well. Kyonin is concerned that it might represent another demonic incursion, or possibly attempts by the humans to contact outer planes. Either way, I was sent to determine if it represents a threat the queen will have to deal with."
"I haven't learned much either, so I took the job as a reason to stay in town and a way to earn my keep while I'm here. My skills at understanding people, as well things I have picked up in my many years, have proven useful." He frowns and adds, "Though not useful enough to figure out what has happened to Larur. That's why we came here, to see if we could procure your assistance."
Bofur is unconvincingly "absorbed" in appraising one of the frescoes on the wall. His cheeks have turned a tad rosy, blending in well with his hair color.
Shorafa nods slowly, her tongue darting out to lick her painted lips. The gnomish woman working on Mutt's fingers lets out a crow of joy as she manages to dislodge a caked mass of blood and mud. A few snips to trim down his nails, and she gets to work filing and polishing.
"Good, context is everything my dears. Now." She leans forward, looking at all of you keenly.
"Let me be clear - I do not know who killed Stitch or, as you can well tell, Lymas Smeed. Stitch was a useful informant although he kept things at the street level. Overlord Carmarcky's next move was not something he'd know, but gang movement - he was the best in the city. It is sensible to believe that Zincher had him killed as a pretext to form an alliance with Boss Croat. My only concern is this amount of subterfuge and covering of trails is beyond Zincher. These are larger questions to ask."
She looks at all of you keenly, and then waves off her underlings. The gnome and the halfling scamper away and the door closes.
"I have information you need and will exchange it for information I need that you do not yet have. This information is specifically about Saul and the location of the Gold Goblin. This will compromise your loyalty to your employer but could save your lives and will fit in nicely with the reasons some of you came here."
Variel raises an eyebrow. "You know our question, so perhaps it would be fair for you to pose yours. Then we can decide whether trading answers is an acceptable bargain."
At the latest revelation by the priestess, Bofur abandons all pretense of admiring the artwork and gives her his undivided attention.
Fiona watches the gnome and halfling retreat from the room before admiring her nails. They look much nicer than when she first arrived--perhaps the nicest they've been in months.
Beats chewing on them, certainly.
"Your servants do admirable work. Remind me to tip them before we're done here." She says before leaning forward on her pillow.
This ought to be interesting to hear... by the way, is it getting hot in here?
Shorafa sighs, and then shrugs.
"Saul Vancaskerkin is far richer than he has any right to be. The money from Smeed is pocket change compared to what he needed to restore that casino and the man was destroyed before he started the casino. I believe that he has found a financier, and this financier is not someone, but something. The Gold Goblin is very close to the base of the Cyphergate, and the timing of the Blot and Saul's fortunes are closely aligned. I suspect that Saul Vancaskerkin is the key to understanding what the Blot is, and that the Gold Goblin is a front for whatever deal has been struck."
She points at all of you.
"So you six are going to work for me, and find out what Saul is up to. If you disagree, then our relationship will become quite frosty. If you agree, then you have a powerful ally when you do not have many, and I give you some information you need."
Fiona shrugs and nods. "I was getting the feeling that we weren't getting the whole picture anyway. I'll agree to your terms."
Thaddeus stays in the back with Bofur, paying attention but not saying much, until called upon. Deciding that Shorafa isn't that interested in hearing 'his story', he doesn't give it. Not that he's really sure how to answer, as Thaddeus isn't particularly certain what he's doing in this city. 'Learning,' seems awfully general.
Thaddeus looks at the group before giving a non-committal shrug to Shorafa's request for information on Saul. Sure, the man is paying him, but he isn't slavishly loyal to the man. And it does seem that there's a lot more going on in Riddleport than a big shadowy blob in the sky.
That, and he's already reporting Saul's activities to one person. What's another?
Shorafa waves off the naked halfling who swaps places with the gnome to continue on Fiona's nails. The gnome makes her way over to Mutt's and stares in horror at his massive paws. Quickly, she mutters a small charm and flicks her hand back and forth, cleaning the blood and dirt from the fingernails. Nodding affirmatively, she gets to work.
Mutt watches as the gnome runs over. He shrugs at her horror at the sight of his nails. He says nothing as she uses magic and gets to her work.
"What are you all about? This group of fearsome warriors sets up shop working for Saulie Vancaskerkin of all people, turn around his business, kill the Splithog Pauper, drive Clegg Zincher to madness, and even kill Lymas Smeed thus depriving Riddleport of its most incompetent moneylender. Why are you here?"
Mutts brow raises as he hears that Lymas Smeed is dead. But, Thaddeus beats him to the punch. However, hearing that they're driving Zincher crazy brings a grin to his face. He leans back in the cushion, obviously happy and content with the news.
Shorafa ignores Thaddeus' response for the most part but does seem intrigued at the last bit. She watches him closely.
"He was found dead shortly after you paid him a visit for Saul, I'd assumed you'd killed him to get an easy way out of Saul's debt, even if it would mean a second very powerful man upset with you."
Mutt shakes his head. "No. He was alive when we left. Although... I did decapitate his baboon."
She frowns, tapping her chin with a talon.
"Interesting. Why are you all in Riddleport, hm? Curious about the Blot? Couldn't resist the allure of a one-handed man and a rundown casino? Each of you, your stories, come on. And I'll know if you're lying."
Mutt stiffens. He hears as everyone reveals their stories. When it comes to him, Mutt groans. "Ugh. Fine. The truth is I didn't come here to investigate the Blot. I could care less about spots in the sky and birds flying into arches. As I've said before, I am Mutt from Kaer Maga. I was one of the top pit fighters. But, I was also a slave. I was enslaved by a man named Fastelli since birth. It was only when I beat some older boys up that I got combat training. It was always fighting, then return to my cage. My... master made a good deal of profits off of me. I only had one friend." He begins tracing over the shoanti tattoo on his face. "But, I was forced to kill him. I then killed my master and his gang the following night and left. I came here to look for work." He huffs. Looking at everyone, he scowls and says, "And don't you dare give me pity. I don't want it nor do I need it."
Shorafa nods slowly, her tongue darting out to lick her painted lips. The gnomish woman working on Mutt's fingers lets out a crow of joy as she manages to dislodge a caked mass of blood and mud. A few snips to trim down his nails, and she gets to work filing and polishing.
Mutt looks at Shorafa with a raised brow, not sure what to make of her licking of her lips. That's when he hears the gnome woman shout in joy. He looks over to see her finally removing the last bit of blood and dirt. He raises a brow. "Good for you. Must have been hard to get rid of."
"Let me be clear - I do not know who killed Stitch or, as you can well tell, Lymas Smeed. Stitch was a useful informant although he kept things at the street level. Overlord Carmarcky's next move was not something he'd know, but gang movement - he was the best in the city. It is sensible to believe that Zincher had him killed as a pretext to form an alliance with Boss Croat. My only concern is this amount of subterfuge and covering of trails is beyond Zincher. These are larger questions to ask."
She looks at all of you keenly, and then waves off her underlings. The gnome and the halfling scamper away and the door closes.
"I have information you need and will exchange it for information I need that you do not yet have. This information is specifically about Saul and the location of the Gold Goblin. This will compromise your loyalty to your employer but could save your lives and will fit in nicely with the reasons some of you came here."
This has Mutt's interest and his attention. He stays silent as Shorafa explains.
Shorafa sighs, and then shrugs.
"Saul Vancaskerkin is far richer than he has any right to be. The money from Smeed is pocket change compared to what he needed to restore that casino and the man was destroyed before he started the casino. I believe that he has found a financier, and this financier is not someone, but something. The Gold Goblin is very close to the base of the Cyphergate, and the timing of the Blot and Saul's fortunes are closely aligned. I suspect that Saul Vancaskerkin is the key to understanding what the Blot is, and that the Gold Goblin is a front for whatever deal has been struck."
She points at all of you.
"So you six are going to work for me, and find out what Saul is up to. If you disagree, then our relationship will become quite frosty. If you agree, then you have a powerful ally when you do not have many, and I give you some information you need."
Mutt crosses his arms, sighs, and says, "We really don't have any choice, do we?"
Upon hearing Mutt's true story, Fiona looks over at him in surprise. It promptly turns to interest & discomfort as he continues.
"Hmm." Is all she can say in response to that.
At least for now.
Variel nods. "If Saul is involved with the Blot, I would be very interested to learn more. If you can provide information to help with that, I would consider that a debt to be repaid in kind. I think we can agree."
Shorafa listens with interest to Mutt's story and then nods once, an enormous grin showing on her face. Her pointed teeth gleam in the candlelight.
"Good. We have a deal then. Before you start really digging at things, you must prepare for an attack. Boss Croat and Clegg Zincher have both met with Overlord Cromarcky, and the gendarmes will be absent one night so there can be an all-out assault on the Gold Goblin. I do not have the precise night, but it should be in the next few days. Prepare for a raid."
She squeezes a hand over a goblet, muttering a prayer, and blood-red wine streams from her fist to fill it. She takes a long sip, her smouldering eyes lingering on Mutt.
"My handsome, freed pit-fighter, I know what you would do. Do not attack first. There are larger politics at work here. The Overlord's decision to move the gendarmes is a statement of neutrality in what he views as a gang war. If you were to attack first, you would force the gendarmes to intervene and create a third enemy. Let Croat and Zincher come to you, and then crush them. The Overlord will be forced to denounce the raid. I will make sure of that, and Zincher and Croat will be humiliated. Once they are cowed, we can find out what Saul is up to."
Bofur grinds his teeth in frustration, both at this bad news and the fact that they are forced to have dealings with a tiefling to hear it.
Fiona's face falls at the news. "I didn't think we were being enough of a bother to warrant a raid being carried out on us... shows what I know, then."
"I'll admit, Zincher I'd understand wanting to knock Saul down a peg, but Croat? Aside from killing Smeed (and if I understand things right, he wasn't that important anyway), I don't see why he'd want to get involved."
Unless he's intent on getting back the money Saul owes him.
She shrugs. "Croat doesn't need much to get mad at somebody, he's a brute who found all the other brutes and thumped them until they called him a leader. Zincher is silver-tongued, and considering the reputation you have gained it's not hard to paint as you as a threat to all the honest hoodlums and low-rent crooks in the Docks."