"Nonsense! He charges ridiculous rates and has hardly had anything to show." The blonde gnome with a pointy chin slides his eyes over the party and Jielna. "Ah, Jielna. I suppose only one thing could have brought you up here unannounced. Thank you for your promptness." With a quick nod the secretary goes back into the moving room.
"Well anyways, the matter will be once again put back into the fire due to their arrival. I will give you an update as soon as possible, I assure you." He flashes a brilliant set of teeth as the green-whiskered gnome waddles off, giving a half-hearted nod. Then he turns to the party.
The gnome is very handsome, with high cheekbones and sharply arced brows above his blue eyes and wavy blonde hair. He is wearing a simple but very-official looking robe that looks fairly practical. Flashing his brilliant set of pearly whites again, he vigorously shakes the hand of each party member. "Ah yes, it is so good to finally have you hear. I am councilman Panrick, at your service. Or I suppose for this specific circumstance, prepared for you to be at mine." He gives a light chuckle. "But come! I am sure you have had a long road and you want to discuss these things sitting on something cushy with a drink in your hand."
A few minutes later the party finds themselves in a bar that looks more like an alchemy shop. It's on the second floor of the Capitol Building (another ride through the moving room was exhilarating) and is currently completely empty except two human bartenders and a burly-gnome reading in the corner.
Panrick gestures for the party to have a seat and then takes one himself. He sits with his hands folded and looks sharply over them. "Please order whatever you wish. It's on the budget." He flashes a smile to one of the bartenders. "So I hope you understand if I'm curious about exactly what it is you do. I was told by some of my far contacts that you could help with our situation, but they were not forthcoming with the details."
Nice lift.
"We were told you were having troubles with some unpleasant elements, and that you needed them infiltrated and neutralized. Is that not what you requested?"
Panrick sighs and nods. "Yes, the new developments with organized crime. You put it simply but masterfully." He twiddles his thumbs for a moment, looking over the party. "I suppose I should rephrase my question for clarity. I have no idea who you are or what you do beyond that I was told you could help. Personally I would see no issue with simply giving you a target and letting you loose upon them, but many of the other council members are...less faithful in your abilities than I am. I want to make sure they are fully reassured and their own interests protected."
"Our initial plan was to acquire a map of the city marked out with what you currently know of the organized crime. Then we will need to know which of these elements has a prime location and useful, but under utilized, assets, and then we will seize them, crush them utterly, and replace them. Then, bit by bit, we eat up the rest of the criminal element until we have market dominance, at which point we flip the entire thing for your security forces.
The best type of crime is after all the crime controlled by the government.
This map would help us work around and with any special interests that need protected, yes?
However, there is one small snag in this plan. Everyone from a riverboat captain to your functionaries seem to know that you hired us. This is a problem. A lack of control of information is always a problem. Are you aware of which elements of your government are already under their sway and enriched by their payroll?"
Ianna speaks clearly and with quiet confidence, knowing she leavened her response with enough subtle incentives to appeal to venal interests.
Toramin tries not to stare at his sister with amazement. When did she begin to speak with such authority? She does not sound at all like herself. She must have paid more attention during training than I did.
As the room ascends, Rilka imagines a giant screw press pushing the chamber up. How many gnomes are turning the screw? Or maybe a team of oxen...
Chibi raises his eyebrows, ”This is exceptional,” he tells Jielna.
Once they sit down with Panrick, Chibi orders a mushroom ale. With a smile and nod, he encourages Ziza to explain the plan. He spares a few glances to Azan to judge his reaction with his sister’s forthrightness.
”We can give you some references, former employers, if that would help you convince other council members. Some have requested privacy, and we would not break their trust. Ziza is correct about the less people knowing our purpose here, the better.” I’ll contact Drosil to make sure the references are prepared.
"What do you know 'bout the men at the top of these gangs? We were under the impression that there's someone new in town, someone shakin' things up... The more you share with the us the better we'll be able to do our job", Rangar explains while studying Jielna from beneath his illusionary helm.
"It might be worth puttin' it out there that we're outlaws too. We're don't want the underworld thinkin' we're on your payroll."
The charismatic gnome listens intently to Ianna, then to the others. At the end he gives a broad smile. "A cunning strategy, to be sure. I also have some good news for you; I have been far more subtle than you give me credit for. The good captain is an old friend of mine and was chosen to give you voyage specifically because of his discretion. The secretaries were not given specifics, just that it was important. Only I and the other council members know of your intentions here; right now even the guard is uninformed."
He leans back with a resigned sigh. "You are keen to catch on that certain parts of the government have been corrupted by them. I have some suspiciouns, but nothing more."
"I believe through some communication and references that will alleviate the others concerns. I will personally meet with them to ensure maximum discretion." He taps a finger against his lips. "The less the better you say? Would you like the guards kept in the dark? They could prove useful allies if something went south."
Panrick sneers. "A mysterious figure by the name of Villichi. We hardly know anything about him except that he's brutally ruthless. Anybody that has gotten close to learning more about him...well let's just say it's not table conversation."
He displays his palms in an apologetic manner. "The criminal element of our fair city has always had a gentlemens code to it. Don't take from the poor, keep the violence to a minimum, make sure actually dangerous people are kept off the street. Truth be told, we are complete babes at dealing with this. We've made no progress whatsoever in dealing with them. I'm afraid that the best we can provide is information and maps of our city as well as anything else the government can provide. Our Intel, to put it bluntly, is nigh-nonexistent." He rubs at his temples and sighs. For the first time the party can see the stress this must be putting him under. "We were hoping you would take lead on what actions to take and just tell us how we can help. We are truly novices in this area and are lost on what to do."
Ianna continues politely but relentlessly.
"Were I a criminal mastermind, rank-and-file watch people would be the first I would seek to corrupt. In fact, as we perform our infiltration we will likely find guards who will accept bribes. Nevertheless, you are correct that we will need a true ally amongst the watch. He or she needs to be highly placed, with great authority, and access to the watch's information. This person will need your utter trust, since we will be placing our lives in his or her hands.
Do you have crime statistics? Places where crimes have been reported and what kinds? Those can be cross referenced with maps to give us an idea where to start. Also, we will need access to building plans and schematics for the city.
You mentioned that crime previously had been a gentleman's agreement. Who were the gentleman who made this agreement? For such understandings to pertain there must be some point or points of connection between licit and illicit authority in your city. We need to know who those points of connection are or were.
The next two topics we need to discuss are what kinds of resources you are putting at our disposal and our compensation for this task. First, we will need some kind of war chest for this enterprise. One way to track organized crime is where wealth is disappearing from governmental oversight -- wealth laundering to hid tax evasion. Therefore, this interests have money often quite a bit. We will also need some as starter funds ourselves.
Finally, we need to discuss compensation. We have found that the most fair form of compensation is based on time, hazard, and successful completion of the project."
If nothing else her serenity and calm in discussing such matters, speaks to her professionalism. We need to preserve our cover as Aestherics as much or more so than our cover as criminals. No specialist works for free. Panrik needs to buy this.
Panrick looks upset at the mention of guards taking bribes but gives an understanding nod. "I see. That is unsettling to think we have have corrupt individuals among us." He pauses for a brief moment to think. "I could give you the head of the guard, but in all honestly he spends most of his time behind a desk. I think guard captain Tosscobble will be the best, as he has always been faithfully reliable and is a paladin to boot."
"Yes we do have crime records, and we would be more than happy to provide them as well as building plans and schematics."
He folds his hands. "It was an unspoken agreement. 'Crime', as it were, was mostly good-meaning people who used less-than-legal tactics to make sure that the truly bad people were kept off the streets. The guards looked the other way because they actually helped keep the peace. However you're right, they did have a person who ran the show and kept in touch with the officials. Alziver was the last crime boss. Since Villichi took over I have heard no word about him."
Panrick smiles. "Of course the government will fully back you in your endeavors here, clearly. Anything we can do to help is yours. Information, support, contractors, name it and we will do what we can. As for a war chest, what kind of figures did you have in mind? As for your personal pay the figure we came up with is 5000 gold per person. I believe I could manage 40% of that given ahead of time as starter funds."
Dalton's new appearance was a man of equal girth, but greater height. His features were more swarthy, a beard making its way around his jaw. Hair with more volume sprouted from his scalp, and his manner of garb befitted someone from a warmer climate.
Of course, those garbs were somewhat covered by his very plain-looking but not-so-plain in truth robe.
He took the initial walk in silence, trying to puzzle-out the functionality of the city's infrastructure. Though he was no fool, the purpose behind some of the engineering was beyond him, moreso as they got to the heart of the city. Things that move have a greater chance to break. A flashback of the gun-wielding specter from their previous encounters had really hammered home that point.
"Lopa," stated the fat man, giving a bow of his head in a diagonal fashion. "In my past, I've made a good bit of coin as a scribe; I know a thing or two about how these "gentlemen's agreements" work. However, the important thing is they do work, a fact for which your populous should be grateful."
More baritone than his previous self, Lopa had lost the kind manners of the jeweler. Waving away the drink offer, he also sought to distance himself from a few other traits of Dalton. Though not food. Being completely disjoint might be suspicious too.
"The offer of money is touching," Lopa continued, a hint of disdain in his voice, "But throwing coin at these outlaws will do little. It's what the coin can do that matters. During the job, we would make quite an unbecoming scene spending that amount of gold. It would only do us some good after. Given the hazardous nature of the job, consider this counterproposal: Nothing up front, but seven thousand gold upon each of our party's successful return."
Chibi removes a spare piece of paper from his notebook, quickly followed by a pen and vial of ink. For a moment he pauses as Lopa attempts to renegotiate their deal. What is he doing? Play it off like it happens all the time. Lopa always tries to get a better deal. Once the price is finalized, he brushes back a lock of his hair, planting it behind his ear. As he does so he activates the earring with his pinky. He trusts that Drosil will hear him and understand.
”References, references,” he mumbles, vaguely thinking aloud. He clicks his tongue softly then begins to write. ”There was a merchant in South Muskegon we did guard duty for. Stanrick was his name. We protected a minor noble family,Vernisis, in Kenova during the recent Xilres war. Rose Vernisis is the matriarch, since her husband and elder sons died in the war. Finally Gyggi Oppo of Darien will give you a good reference. We were able to acquire some fairly rare spell materials for her. All three can testify to our proficiency and acumen in handling the tasks we were hired for.” Chibi slides the page over to Panrick. ”Will that be adequate for your needs?”
Rilka is fairly confident there are Aestheric agents in those locations that can impersonate their former patrons if needed.
Panrick seems to light up at Dalton's offer. "Seven thousand each upon conclusion of the job? I believe that will go just fine with the council. It shows a lot that you are willing to delay all of your pay until the end, it means you are committed and confident."
Panrick listens eagerly to the names and takes out a notebook and quill where he takes notes, occasionally interrupting Rilka to check the spelling of names.
”You can have this page as well,” Chibi says. ”Save a scribe from copying out your notes.”
"We could use access to your mechgineers too", Ragnar adds to the discussion on compensation. "I've seen a ship rigged up on steam power before. How much does somethin' like that usually cost? Having a way of movin' large amounts of cargo that doesn't depend purely on magic would help sell our cover."
"As long as they can hold their tongues, it seems like a good idea."
If Panrick notices the movement from Rilka, he doesn't show it. "Thank you Chibi. I'm sure she will be grateful."
He smiles his brilliant teeth at Bjorkus. "Well if the scenario comes up where you will need the resources I'm sure we can work something out, but it will not sit well with the council to get resources just because you may need them. We want to be of maximum assistance of course, but unnecessary spending is just that."
Ragnar shrugs. "You only get to make a first impression once. This whole plan depends on the city's underworld buyin' it."
"We'll need informantion on guard patrols and inspections too. We don't wanna get into a scrap with your men if we don't have to."
"I appreciate your understanding." He beams.
He considers the guard question for a moment then nods. "Yes, I believe that's reasonable. We need to ensure both secrecy and safety. I will personally make sure you are provided all the relevant information."
Rilka thinks, Hopefully he didn’t notice me activating the earring. If he did perhaps he probably doesn’t know what it does. Some magic item to the best of his knowledge...
Chibi dips his pen into the ink vial and draws a line across the top of a new page. ”Would you mind giving an overview of the city? Which districts are most plagued by crime? Which ones are more affluent? Also what are the names of some thieves guilds and where do they operate?” He is ready to transcribe Panrick’s words.
"More than reasonable, I will gather some educated people to give you detailed annotations wherever possible."
Panrick flashes his brilliant teeth once again. "So, are we all agreed on the price than? If so I will have a contract drawn up posthaste."
"Yes, let us get on with it. I prefer my dealings tidy."
He's too smooth for my liking, but he was prudent enough to accept the counteroffer without arguing. Hopefully, Panrick stays out of this except for the bookkeeping.
"We're talkin' about the safety of your people and their continuin' good health. Don't you think it's worth spendin' a little extra to make sure the job gets done right? You wouldn't go countin' silvers if the city was facin' a plague. Whoever's behind all this and upsettin' the city's underground is like a disease but worse because he's soddin' smart", the hulking ogrish man explains.
Panrick's lip curls up in a smile. "Of course it is of the utmost importance, but that doesn't mean that lesser goals should be ignored in the process. If I must bankrupt the government to save us I will, but I would much rather get rid of the threat and keep costs down simultaneously." He tilts his head. "Do I take it you are not in agreement with Lopa on the contract? Of course nothing is set in stone yet, if you need time to discuss that is fine."
"She's got a better head for numbers than I ever had", Ragnar explains with a shrug of his broad thickly muscled shoulders. "But you seem like the type to know that it costs less to do a job once the right way than twice on the cheap. Are those coffers prepared to cover the cost of a plan B?"
"I hate to disagree with Lopa, but given the life and death nature of the enterprise. I think 10,000 is fair because that is the price of life restored. We neutralize organized crime in your city as an extra-governmental force, and in return each of us gets 10,000. But, perhaps, I could be persuaded to a lower amount if we are given the legal rights to confiscate the property of the criminals we overcome."
Ianna pauses for effect.
"That would save the city money. . ."
”Apologies, Councilman. I think we do need to discuss some of the finer points of the contract. For example, I like the idea of confiscation rights. It will help us fund our operation.”
Rilka studies Panrick. She isn’t sure if it’s the fact he’s a gnome or a politician that makes him so hard to read his body language and guess at his thoughts and motives.
Panrick flicks his gaze between the competing points, listening and nodding along to each one. He takes a moment to pause, then responds. "Ragnar, you make a very good point. Overspending is undesirable, but what is even worse is spending money and not even getting the job done. The first priority will be, of course, your success."
He smiles at Ziza's point. "Ah yes, the mercenary discount. I believe any gear you find would better serve you anyways, yes I find that very agreeable. What do you say to the tune of 8000 gold upon conclusion of the job, and you are given free reign to confiscate anything from those you apprehend? Of course stolen government property would be an exception."
He turns to Chibi. "I wasn't sure how much of a budget you already had. I would hate for you to feel underfunded in our city. How about 25% paid up front?"
"That would be acceptable as long as you don't nationalize their assets. On the funding concern, I don't think it's appropriate to fund us with the coin you will pay us. That would create a perverse incentive for us to give you the cheapest but not the best service. How about you provide a small war chest of say 3000? We will keep a book of how it is spent and return what remains of it at the end of the mission along with any government property that might wind up in our possession during our tenure as 'criminals'."
"Oh of course. I was more concerned about if they possessed something like one of our airships, or even more important something that is important to our security. Hmm. Three thousand in a war chest but well documented and unspent funds are to be returned. Yes, very appropriate."
"We have no interest in compromising your national security. Quite the opposite really. All government property would be returned to you. All property and assets of those criminal elements killed or captured whether it is held by those criminals or in trust by a bank or some other neutral third party is forfeit to us. I think we are ready to draw up contracts, if none of my associates have other concerns."
Inwardly, Ianna is quite pleased with herself. I may not be a Dibh Muileta, but I feel I'm doing their name proud here. I'm so glad I listened to Ordalla. I may not be a priestess of the Debt Minder, but I think this is a good bargain.
"I am but one of this group, Panrick, and we hadn't come to terms on tertiary expenses. It seems I am overruled, though a fatter purse I would not mind." The large man winked at the politician, knowing the goad of a business deal beyond his control. Or mine. But we can always leave. He needs this problem dealt with.
Chibi shakes his head in response to Ziza’s question. ”I like this agreement. I can’t think of any further issues dealing with payment.” He looks at Ragnar and Azan to confirm their acceptance of the deal.
"So, without any further objection I will have the contract drawn out. I will also gather the necessary people and papers to get you all of your required information, as well as meeting with the representative from the guard. Let us say, meet tonight at five in the grand hall? I will give you a proper welcome to our fair city, complete with dinner and the opportunity to meet other people of note."
"The less we draw attention to ourselves the better. So please. No big-to-dos. No meeting with the rich and powerful unless you trust them with our lives. No over exposure."
This man's thoughtlessness is a huge liability!
Panrick slaps himself in the forehead. "Of course, what foolishness. My apologies again, I am not used to these kinds of...subtleties. A private affair than, dinner at my manor."
Since he wanted to introduce us to others, he must think we’ll be successful. Otherwise our failure would be a political liability. ‘Subtleties’ he says? Surely he understands the need for secrecy? I should have studied the gnomish government here better before we came. Does he have political rivals?
”Thank you Councilman Panrick for guarding our identities and purpose here. As Ziza says, the less we draw attention to ourselves the better. Do you often entertain foreigners at your manor? What would be a plausible reason for us to visit you if we are stopped by the city guard in your district?”
"Perhaps fond wishes and hidden support would be more appropriate than lavish dinners. I promise councilor that you may feast us to your heart's content after we are successful."
Panrick balks at the resilience. "Umm, it's just gnomish tradition to invite visitors to dinner, especially if they help you. If you think it could possibly cause a threat to your mission, by all means let us skip it. Again, excuse my ignorance of the situation."
"I mean no offense. It's a lovely tradition, but there are likely people highly placed in your government who are colluding with the people you want us to struggle against.
Multiple people know you hired specialists. Those who are colluding know of your goals and where you live. You are being watched. The less visible connection you have with use the safer you will be. The safer we will be.
Being professional could save all of our lives."
"And yet having the contracts signed is part of that professionalism. How would we go about meeting you once more after the papers have been drawn-up but draw less attention to ourselves that meeting at your manor? You know the eyes and ears of the city better than we."
Panrick goes back to his brilliant smile. "Oh no offense taken! I am a child in such matters and will take all advice you have on the situation." His smile fades and he looks apprehensive. "You really think so? Perhaps I should increase my personal security..." He murmers.
He snaps back to attention. "Ah yes. A discrete way to meet? Hmm, I do have a fishing house on the outskirts of the city, next to the grand waterfall. Since it's the cold season nobody is really out by the water, and even if there was company the noise of the water makes eavesdropping nigh impossible. It's not an overly comfortable place, but it is quaint."
He is either in on the action or he is going to get murdered.
The silent Toramin weighs the man's soul.
Perhaps he’s so powerful, he feels extremely secure in his position. Hmmm. Maybe this is a test to see how competent we are. Or could it be a joke...a prank? Gnomes are supposed to have a unique sense of humor after all.
Chibi spins his pen around his fingers, ”Would it be out of habit for you to go there? We want to arouse as little suspicion as possible. How much time do you need to get the information and materials together? We could wait here if it’s not too long. Unless you have other meetings to attend.”
With the others having addressed his other concerns, Rangar remains silent.
"No, I've been known to go ice fishing, nobody would think it strange. It will take me a few hours to gather some of the resources as well as get ahold of your contact in the guard. You're more than welcome to stay and wait if you wish."
"We will wait."
"We will wait."
Dalton felt the talk ice ice fishing and waterfalls was much more tolerable than the dustbowl they'd been in not too long ago.
Nonetheless, he contented himself to glance about the well-kept establishment as they waited.