"Why is that good sir, and if you don't mind another question, on what authority is it that you are flinging about at us?" Aster investigates with her words, as her gnome friend investigates with his eyes.
Bazzle can see that the man is wearing layered leathers and a red cloak, but doesn't see any obvious sign of belonging to an order. He does notice that the clasp of the man's cloak is made to look like a rose.
"On authority of the one I love." He says as he brandishes his mace, which lights up like a beacon. "I will protect her with my life, if I must. This is your last warning."
As Aster looks deep into the man's passionate eyes, she realizes that maybe she really should leave.
The one you love... What is it even supposed to mean? Who is this person? - asks Abbo, frowning with his face. What kind of authority was this?, he thought.
"You must have ROSES BLOOMing through the BLOOD running to your EVERBLOOMing noggin if you think we are just going run off. Perhaps one should consider who they speak to before using terror the tool of tyrants. " Bazzle spouts off this rather loaded phrase though while his wording is defiant he puts his hands up in front of him and backs off clearly showing that he doesn't want any trouble.
Laria nods to Abbo's assessment. "Right now, the small stuff is pretty much all we can do, but I'll say we can't lose sight of the big goals. But yeah, for me, money's the big problem. I'm splitting the Coffeehouse's profits to both the business and the rebellion. I don't pay my team, and y'all can just guess how much I like not paying fellow Halflings for their work, even if they're volunteering out of the goodness of their hearts. I order a lot of food, and I pay bribes to my suppliers to make it look normal should tax collectors look over it, which they do, cuz it's a Halfling business." Laria rolls her eyes. "Not to mention that since Thrune came into office, I've had lower numbers nearly every day, and curfew cuts into the business too. So with all of that said, my pocket book is looking bad, and I'm worried that if this goes on for another month or two, I'm going to have to cut some serious corners. If you don't mind supporting the coffeehouse, it'd be a big help. I could take more each week from the treasury, or we send a team out to earn gold each week for the coffeehouse, or maybe we could set up a big promotion or find an investor. I'm open to ideas."
-------------
The man relaxes slightly, though the magic on his equipment does not fade. He says "I cannot reveal her name. It would be too dangerous. But if you're supporters of the cause, then that may change things. Do you know the Rose of Kintargo?"
Bazzle relaxes, "Didn't ask you to. But we may be allies."
"We know the reputation."
Aster was about to suggest to leave the place because messing with someone's love is just wrong, but as the man relaxes, she...
"Oh... that was disconcerting" Aster says once the thoughts that were not her own suddenly left. Pulling at the cord around her neck, a wooden rose comes out. "We are friends. How can we help?" then she shakes her head "But NEVER do that again to me, okay?"
"Of course. So have none of you actually met the Rose before? Are you another splinter cell?"
"I have not had the pleasure." Aster admits, looking to the others to see if they have "Not a splitter ceel. We are a separate entity, a group of civic-minded individuals so to say."
Aster notices the glazed over look that this man has. He's enchanted. For the duration of the conversation, all he's been doing is trying to figure out if you're a threat or a benefit. To what, is unknown. It's also clear that he has no intentions of giving out his name, or revealing any identities.
"While I have not met the Rose, I am one that follows Milani myself," Vandomir offers, and displays his holy symbol.
"A pleasure. As your Gnomish friend pointed out, we are cut of the same cloth." He gestures to the rose clasp. "I find this clasp a bit more subtle as a symbol, but not subtle enough for your eyes." He says. "Perhaps we shall meet again, but I think it best we remain separate until the time comes. I wish you good luck on your side of the rebellion. I will step aside, but I ask that you please stay to the north side of the path. Please do not deviate south."
"Perhaps two non-descript citizens might grab a cup of coffee in a less guarded place to inquire about useful information that would benefit them both in their separate though parallel interests."
Rexandi watches the man turn and leave with a tilt of her head.
"How strange. Are we sure... nobody else might've gotten information out of this little exchange? I bet Thrune would love to use fake Milanites, or enchanted ones, as a way to flush out real revolutionaries," she says quietly to the team.
"Whatever that was, it was disturbing. Also what was he guarding?"
The man replies to Bazzle "That's certainly possible. Perhaps you know of Clenchjaw's in Yolubilis, just around the corner from bleakbridge? I could be there tomorrow. Maybe in the afternoon, or the evening."
"Afternoon it is."
After the man leaves.
Bazzle looks to Rexandi, "Maybe but we are still in disguise and gave him no information. I mean sure he knows there are rebels but we shared no details."
"Yeah... just wondering if someone is pulling his strings, and if so, whom."
Rexandi hugs herself momentarily and goes to adjust her shawl, except that she's not wearing it since she's in disguise.
"All of these conspiracies can get confusing."
A few minutes after their conversation with the enchanted Milanite, they come upon a convenient tunnel that would lead to the south of Redroof. They could instead continue to the west to Old Kintargo, but the option to investigate is available.
"I don't know what you all want to do or not but pretty sure this convenient tunnel that would undoubtedly lead us to the south side of Redroof is probably the path our enchanted friend asked us to avoid."
It sounds fair. How much, however, would you need in extra coins per week? What's the current impact? - asks the brawler - I will bring it up to the team for some ideas, but it would be helpful to have an idea of the amounts we're truly talking about.
It's good to know it's here, but I'd say at this point we should likely keep on our pace to Old Kintargo. - says Abbo, thinking out loud and double checking.
"Sounds right, Bazzle," says Rexandi. "Let's note this location for later, and just stick to the plan."
Something about the enchanted more is deeply troubling Aster, but she nods along with the group. "The longer it takes us to find the Newt, the greater the chance someone not as favorable to his freedom finds him."
"His luck may run out you think?"
"It, unfortunately, has run out for way too many in our fair city."
"You know what this city needs is a really effective rebellion."
The group makes their way to Old Kintargo and gets topside. They walk past alleys filled with trash, and see figures smoking pipes or wandering the alleys. Once on the cobblestone streets proper, Aster notices the old blank signpost with wolf teeth nailed into the board. She remembers, from what may seem like an eternity ago, rescuing Setrona from the guards in the unassuming tavern. It was called the Tooth and Nail. Setrona has been living in the Wasp Nest ever since.
Aster is home, so does not invent lies. Instead she simple asks around for the gnome alchemist. If asked why, she simply says, she wants to help him.
Bazzle pokes around full charm offensive on display. Buying drinks asking around looking for a good chemist and so on.
The group decides to gather information by asking around for the Gnome. Most don't recognize the Newt, but those who do point the group to a district called Villegre, where the Newt Market is located. They're exceptionally helpful.
Bazzle's efforts are a bit more general, and he manages to conjure up a list of chemists in Old Kintargo.
- Vespasio Vespam, technically the owner of Vespam Artisans, currently running the gunsmith for the Dottari
- Varl Wex, used to work at Vespam, but was laid off
- Tayacet Tiora, famous private investigator
- Luccula Gens, candymaker and owner of Sweet Tooth
- The Writhing Hands, gang that cooks Happy Tack, which is a drug that numbs pain and creates a euphoric experience (talk to Ruk the streetmeat vendor)
The group decides to gather information by asking around for the Gnome. Most don't recognize the Newt, but those who do point the group to a district called Villegre, where the Newt Market is located. They're exceptionally helpful.
Bazzle's efforts are a bit more general, and he manages to conjure up a list of chemists in Old Kintargo.
** spoiler omitted **
Bazzle finds the others. "Well I think that I was trying to avoid suspicion to hard. I didn't want to openly ask about the guy and stir anything up. But perhaps one of these alchemists knows about his whereabouts. Also this guy Vespasio he builds guns for the Dottari. That seems a good target for sabotage."
"The Sweet Tooth seems like somewhere we should check out too, I could use a couple pieces of saltwater taffy!"
"I just hope it doesn't involve tooth faeries again," says Rexandi.
The inside of the Tooth and Nail is largely abandoned, but the side door to Sweet Tooth is open. Customers come and go from the shop, happily carrying baked goods or sugary candy. A short woman runs the shop, with long and shaggy raven black hair, and wearing an eyepatch over her left eye. "Good day gentlemen, ladies. Welcome to sweet tooth!" She says eagerly with a childish smile. "See anything you like?" She asks as she puts her hands behind her back and smiles.
Around the shop are strawberry strudels, blackberry tarts, lollipops, saltwater taffy, chocolate-covered coffee beans, and more.
"Oooo. Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans!!!!" Bazzle grabs a back and scoop some into it and moves to the cue. "Good afternoon. Wow these look good." He smiles and pays a few coin for his purchase. "Believe it or not I was sent your way not because you were a confectioner. But that you were known to dabble in alchemy. I am looking for a few items." He talks with her about the ingredients needed he keeps the list common to things that a street performer. "I was recommended a fellow gnome Newt? But he seems to have gone out of business. I wonder what happened there?"
Aster is in heaven, adding a "Mfeef mamho heem" with stuck mouth on taffy and the outstretched coin to pay.
The woman giggles at Bazzle's delight. "I'm so glad you like them! I love coffee, and I love chocolate, so I thought I'd put them together." She smiles to Aster, though it's not clear she knows what Aster said. "I know of the Newt, probably one of the best alchemists outside of Vespam. Lives on the entire other side of the city. You know, alchemy and the Hellknights don't get along. Dumb if you ask me. But yeah, the Order of the Rack doesn't care for alchemists, or books, or... candy, for that matter. My guess is the Hellknights ran him out." She says as she scrunches up her face in a look of grimace. "If it's something simple you want, I might be able to help. But just so we're clear, I'm trying to do my best to stay on the sweet side of the law. If you're looking for something bitter, or even unsavoury, I'd rather you went to a different shop."
Rexandi files away the information about the Newt even as she points to the strawberry strudels and holds up two fingers.
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The woman packs the strudles in a little box for Rexandi. When she hands the box to her, her hands (albeit with gloves) touch Rexandi's. She smiles and appologizes, but it seems she has no qualms at all about Tieflings.
"Here you are, I hope you enjoy. Don't forget, for each of you, that sweet things are hard on your teeth. Make sure to brush or chew before you sleep."
Vandomir picked up some taffy, several flavors, if possible.
The woman giggles at Bazzle's delight. "I'm so glad you like them! I love coffee, and I love chocolate, so I thought I'd put them together." She smiles to Aster, though it's not clear she knows what Aster said. "I know of the Newt, probably one of the best alchemists outside of Vespam. Lives on the entire other side of the city. You know, alchemy and the Hellknights don't get along. Dumb if you ask me. But yeah, the Order of the Rack doesn't care for alchemists, or books, or... candy, for that matter. My guess is the Hellknights ran him out." She says as she scrunches up her face in a look of grimace. "If it's something simple you want, I might be able to help. But just so we're clear, I'm trying to do my best to stay on the sweet side of the law. If you're looking for something bitter, or even unsavoury, I'd rather you went to a different shop."
"I hear you. Always trying to keep the nose clean. Seems to be getting harder and harder." He keeps the subject light in sort of agreeable commiseration. Affirming her idea of avoiding trouble but highlighting how trouble seems to still be brought leaving the hanging implications of injustice without having said it. "Don't like books I am sure they have a list of approved books." He chuckles. "I wonder what ole Newt did?"
"Oh sure, but none of the good stuff." She retorts. "I don't know what Newt did. Probably was too overt in a time of... less open-minded folk. I reckon he went underground to sell his wares. I doubt he'd leave the city and his precious market unless he absolutely had to. But he's not the first. Our own Miss Sabinus was run out too. Her cousin was the Lictor of the Torrent. Business has been hard since, and she was a dear friend."
She shakes her head. "But I think that's enough talk, we're going into political territory, and I don't even know your name, good sir."