So is the real target Deverin and his business ventures? I suppose that is our best lead for now. We should investigate the others after we finish up here.
Gaziq lets the others handle the questipning for now. Better not to overwhelm the man with too many questions at once.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Raleigh looks back to the others in the room momentarily.
"Fireworks sir? Rings a bell... Sounds good enough to go on for now."
"If I can be so bold, Mr. Deverin? Now's about time for measured responses 'n reason. Erratic behavior facilitates disarray 'n plays into the perpetrators machi- Er, I mean, be careful. Is da point."
"No one ascends to power without stepping on a few toes... If nothing else, there would be feelings of jealousy from those who have great aspirations, but not the talent to achieve them." Nathalion lectures the young noble. Nathalion is quite a young man himself.
"I'm afraid I must ask you about the Beast House. You seem embarrassed about it. Perhaps it is the shady connection we are seeking."
He drops his voice again, as though afraid of being overheard. "There is another thing--while the Watch priest was tending to my employees yesterday, they all complained of an unpleasant, oily taste in their mouths and of fierce headaches. Does that mean anything? Or is it relatively normal for smoke inhalation?"
Ceinwynn thinks back and remembers something from her studies of alchemy. "Oily taste, headache--and the human employees were all unconscious but uninjured? I think that suggests Oil of Taggit, a cheap alchemical poison that can knock a fully grown human out in a matter of seconds. It's an ingested substance that carries a slightly vinegary flavor." She pauses. "It was definitely not an accident."
"It was definitely not an accident."
"Almost certainly. It would have had to be in the food they ate or something they drank. Is Oil of Taggit sold openly here in Magnimar? Who would be selling it?"
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*
Tian Lung Fireworks got its start just over sixteen months ago and is one of Tilos' smashing successes. The shop is actually ship--a mockup of a Tien junk to be precise, though you've never actually seen one to compare it to. The place is run by a middle-aged man named Xiao Jin and his Ulfen wife. Their creations bear overwrought names like "Devil Beats His Chest" and "Dragon Spits Out the Sun," but they're wildly popular at the gatherings of rich and poor alike.
"No one ascends to power without stepping on a few toes... If nothing else, there would be feelings of jealousy from those who have great aspirations, but not the talent to achieve them." Nathalion lectures the young noble. Nathalion is quite a young man himself. "I'm afraid I must ask you about the Beast House. You seem embarrassed about it. Perhaps it is the shady connection we are seeking."
"That may be so, but if mere jealousy is our assumed motive then I don't see how that helps us." his chin juts out proudly. "My family doesn't pinch pennies, and we're not ostentatious the way some of the others are. We're not in anyone's way."
When you bring up the Beast House the young man grimaces. "Ach, it's not--look, what you need to understand--ugh, Minvandu's just enjoys his job way to much. And I hate admitting it but he gulled me, the contract's signed and legal and it's well written. So I'm stuck with him for now, and I don't care to be reminded of it. That's all."
It's an ingested substance that carries a slightly vinegary flavor." She pauses. "It was definitely not an accident."
Tilos gets very still for a moment, and his knuckles are white on the arms of his chair. "They were drugged. And they would have gotten me as well if I hadn't been upstairs at the time, one of the cranes was jammed and I wan't to get it working again before lunch. Damn them, whoever they are."
"Is Oil of Taggit sold openly here in Magnimar? Who would be selling it?"
"I don't know, perhaps--" Tilos starts, when over by the wall the woman clears her throat significantly. Giving her a nod, the nobleman says softly, "Go ahead Kya"
The bodyguard's speaks softly but clearly, the words clipped by the ghost of a Korvosan accent. [b]"Poisons are technically illegal in Magnimar but they can be found if you know where to ask. Drugs are another matter, if this Taggit stuff is legally identified as the latter you could find it in any apothecary shop.
You don't know for 100% certain whether Oil of Taggit is legal or not, but you're quite confident that it's never been for sale in your family's shop.
Ceinwynn has some sympathy for Tilos when in comes to the Beast House discussion. "Business is not always rosy, Master Deverin, and your family has been good to many..." She smiles at the man, attempting to comfort him.
Ceinwynn stands and flips her chair around to slide it under the table. In response to Kys, "Its nice to meet you Kya. Take care of our boy." She turns to the others, "I guess we need to start asking around..."
Gaziq collects his share of the pay before getting up from the table. "I think it might be a good idea to start with Mr. Deverin's other businesses, just in case there's a connection there. I have a few theories, but it would be prudent to gather more information before speculating."
Then almost as an after thought. "By the way, you said you heard the saboteur? Did they speak? Can you tell us what they sounded like?"
"By the way, you said you heard the saboteur? Did they speak? Can you tell us what they sounded like?"
Frowning in concentration as he remembers, Tilos draws out each word slowly. "Yes...they were invisible, like I said, but fast. I heard them creeping along on the second floor, but when I tried to confront them they just giggled--a hissy, high-pitched sort of sound--and then rushed up the wall and out a window. A halfling perhaps? I do not know, but their step was light. It was then I smelled the smoke, and saw my employees sprawled out on the floor below."
Sliding back his chair he stands as well. "Alright, I'll return to home and ask my father if our family has any secret enemies, though I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you. Shall we meet back here tomorrow to compare notes?"
"One more thing... the gnome Zilderban. Did he do any work at the Honey Hut? His water pipes were sabotaged earlier and there may be some connection. Also, do you know how we can find him?"
"Did Watchknight Umael's people search the Honey Hut for evidence?" Nathalion asks. Then adds: "I suppose you would have mentioned it if they had found something."
Nathalion wonders if the watch has trained investigators. Probably so.
"Has work has already started on the cleanup? There might still be some sort of hint left at the Honey Hut."
Nathalion holds up his index finger. "We do know that at least two alchemical substances were used in the crime. The paste to stick the door shut, and the Oil of Taggit..." Nathalion's voice trails off. The idea of canvassing every two-bit potion shop in the city seems pretty daunting.
"Maybe Zilderban knows something more."
Uuzkhangr looks over at the man at the counter.
"Is that gnome Zilderban staying here? If so, do you think you can fetch him?"
Leaning over the counter to look down on you, "I do not 'fetch', Sir Dwarf, that's a younger man's game. In any event Master Zilderban checked out of his room quite early this morning, and did not leave a forwarding address. Not to fret, he tends to flit about our Zilderban, I'm sure he'll be back in his favorite accommodations in time."
Borumaru decides to investigate the Tian Lung Fireworks... He has to start somewhere, so he might as well start by the shop that sounds like a busisness owned/managed by someone from the Tian comunity.
"Where do I find the Tian Lung Fireworks?"
Nathalion holds up his index finger. "We do know that at least two alchemical substances were used in the crime. The paste to stick the door shut, and the Oil of Taggit..." Nathalion's voice trails off. The idea of canvassing every two-bit potion shop in the city seems pretty daunting.
"Maybe Zilderban knows something more."
"It's likely the perpetrator has some knowledge of engineering as well. They knew enough about Zilderban's work to figure out just where and how to sabotage his pipes to get the results they wanted. Whoever it is, they're clever. We need to be wary."
Gaziq will go along with Boramaru, and whoever else goes to search Tian Lung.
Borumaru decides to investigate the Tian Lung Fireworks... He has to start somewhere, so he might as well start by the shop that sounds like a busisness owned/managed by someone from the Tian comunity.
"Where do I find the Tian Lung Fireworks?"
Raleigh gets up and nods to the dor as he fixes his collar. "Might as well go together. We got enough people. C'mon I know a way through the town."
He mimes a hat tip with his helmet to Kya then Tilos.
"'Preciate yer time. Keep safe."
Tilos stands and gives you a nod. "You as well. Are you all headed to Tian Lung?"
Nathalion shrugs. "Tian lung it is. The place does have a certain potential for catastrophe." The wizard stands, retrieving his staff from where it leans against the table.
He pauses, then grabbing his sack of gold, he asks the concierge: "Does this place have a vault where I can store some valuables for awhile?"
Ceinwynn joins the others that are headed to the fireworks shop.
"... the gnome Zilderban. Did he do any work at the Honey Hut?"
"Not at the Honey Hut, no. I started that project around the same time he got the drain-pump contract, we've interacted a few times in the last several months but have been working separately."
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With a few final words you say your farewells to Tilos, with plans to meet at this same table tomorrow morning to compare notes, and then you all set out.
Though it takes most of an hour to walk down to the Dockway district, Tian Lung Fireworks is easy to find--the dock where the enormous three-masted ship is moored boasts a large red banner with its name written in Common, as well as the elegant markings of Tien (as Borumaru recognizes & can confirm).
A small red-painted gate has been erected before the dock, with a small brass bell hanging on the right side. Despite the bustle, the gate is closed, and a handful of armed and bored-looking guards can be seen on the ship's deck.
Once the group is out of earshot of the well-off young man and his bodyguard, Raleigh airs some ideas.
"I didn't wanna say dis in front a Tilos, but this whole thing sounds like it goes real high up to me. Call it paranoia, but I spent last night chattin' up some... contacts of mine. Feels like it was a month ago I bought that round a booze. And ya'd have ta have a lotta gold ta throw down for the equipment to do this. And spiteful enough not ta hire a professional. We keep digging around? we'll find 'em. Lets just make sure they find us instead of Mr. Deverin."
When the party walks up to the shop, Raleigh adds "I've seen his type. Idiot wants to play the hero. Without 'is money, 'e'd just be another buried secret." Almost as if he's explaining himself.
He steps aside gesturing to the gate "So who wants to knock?"
"The attacker at the bee hive was powerful. Or had access to powerful magic, that much is true." Nathalion agrees.
"What exactly did your contacts tell you?" The wizard asks.
At the gate, Nathalion leans on his staff. "Looks like we ring the bell."
Nathalion boldly steps up and does so.
Uuzkhangr, not much of a talker, is content to let others do the talking, and hangs back.
Nathalion gives the bell a few rings and then steps back as a young man appears on the junk's deck. He looks to be about 16 or 17, his blond hair pulled back in a ponytail. As he hustles down the gangway and up the dock you notice his slender arms and sleeveless vest are covered in black smudges and small scorch marks.
Sliding open the eye-level panel he gives your group a quizzical look. "Sorry, we're not quite open yet, if you could come back in half an hour or so..." He quirks an eyebrow at your weapons. "You uh, don't really look like our usual customers..."
"We aren't customers," Gaziq chimes in. "In fact, we were hired by Tilos Deverin. We're...investigators of sorts."
Aside to the group, he'll add, "If I had known security would be this tight, I would have asked him to send word ahead."
The boy's eyes grow wide with understanding. "You mean the fire yesterday? Lord Deverin doesn't think we had anything to do with that does he?!"
"Easy jack, it's nothin like that. But it is possible the arsonist got 'is mitts on somethin' in here. May we come in?" Raleigh reassures the young man.
"Um..yeah, okay, the everybody at the taverns said a ratfolk, dwarf, and elf were part of the rescue party. Jute was already writing some gods-awful song about it. He wasn't even there!" The peep-hole slides shut, and you can hear the jangle of keys in the lock on the other side. After a moment, the door swings open.
"Lord Deverin paid for some magic to suppress flames all over the ship, but it doesn't work on magical or alchemical flames so don't do anything stupid. Uh! Please!" The boy seems unsure what exactly to make of you.
Raleigh walks up to the doorway and gives Ulrik a friendly pat on the back. If we weren't doing anything stupid? We wouldn't be 'ere. Names Raleigh Blanc, nice to meet ya." He then peers inside the room itself.
"Wait. Ratfolk? Yeah that costumes nuts, ain't it?"
Ceinwynn follows the gentlemen in. She smiles sweetly at the young man. "We are not here to cause any trouble. As a matter of fact, we want to make sure everyone is safe." She pauses to let that sink in. "Would you mind if my friend here looks around?" She motions to Raleigh. "I am an alchemist. I will make sure he doesn't do anything that would cause any destruction." She walks over and puts her hand on the young man's shoulder gently.
"I assure you, we'll be as careful as possible," Gaziq adds, stepping inside carefully. Raleigh's 'costume' comment gives him pause though. "Wait, do you really think- Oh forget it, now isn't the time."
Moving further into the shop, Gaziq does his best to put himself into the mind of a sabotuer. If I wanted to cause the most damage in a fireworks shop, where would I start?
The youth follows, looking a trifle concerned but mostly curious. "You're all adventurers, right? That's what you meant by 'of a sort,' yeah? I don't really get why you're here though, what are you hoping to find?"
Raleigh scoffs at the mention of the word "adventurers."
As you approach the ship's gangplank an older man appears on deck, wearing spectacles on his nose and a similar apron to the boy--but without the numerous burn and scorch marks.
"You know we're not open yet, Ulrik, so who are these people?"
"Professional investigators. Not adventurers."Nathalion tells Ulrik, just before the older man arrives.
"You may have heard that the Honey Hut was set on fire yesterday. It was done deliberately. Since Tilos Deverin finances your business as well, we are concerned that this place may be attacked next."
Uuzkhangr doesn't know anything about ships, and not a lot about alchemy, but he looks around anyway, trying to see if there is anything that looks unusual.
The older man scowls. "I notice you didn't actually say he sent you, and none of you are wearing Deverin colors, or even the badges of Derexhi mercenaries. Give me one reason I shouldn't throw you all out on your--"
Xiao's eyes go wide when the fall upon Borumaru, mouth working silently as he takes in the blade, dress, and otherworldly appearance. After a silence just long enough to be uncomfortable he bows deeply, and after nudging Ulrik (who somewhat awkwardly mimics the bow) Xiao speaks.
"Zūnjìng de tiānhuáng shìzhě, huānyíng guānglín! Yuánliàng wǒ de wú lǐ, dàn nǐmen de tóngbàn zhēn de zài zhège diàochá zhōng fúwù Deverin juéshì ma?"
"Honorable Servant of the Empress of Heaven, be welcome! Forgive my impertinence, but do your companions truly serve Lord Deverin in this investigation?"
Borumaru returns the bow and speaks in Tian.
"Greetings, fellow Son of the Dragon. Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Borumaru, humble servant of the great Empress of Heavens." Borumaru's voice carries his usual formal and composed tone. "Forgive my companions and myself for out haste. We are indeed here at the behest of Lord Deverin. There was an incident, and it's now out duty to learn the truth behind it." Borumaru then places fist to palm and bows slightly once again. "If you're as honorable and noble as I expect from a son of Tian Xia, I swear on my honor that I won't bother you or yours more than the necessary for the fulfillment of my duty."
His manner shifting abruptly, Xiao welcomes you aboard with a sweep of his arm. "How may I be of assistance, and what is it that you are seeking? Sabotage seems...unlikely, as Lord Deverin was generous enough to pay for magic to suppress most flame, and we carefully control who is allowed onto the boat."
Borumaru bows slightly one more time, and speaks a few more words in Tien with a polite tone.
He then turns to his companions and speaks once again, this time in the common language.
"This man is assisting us in our quest. It's only fair that we fulfill our duty as smoothly as we can without compromising our results."
The oni-spawn doesn't sound like he's giving orders, but isn't exactly asking either... More of a strong suggestion.
The third time Borumaru speaks, he addresses Xiao Jin, but uses the common tongue:
"Let's speak in the common tongue, we all understand each other." Borumaru says politely. "Have you seen anything suspicious or unusual? Do you know of anyone who would benefit from the fire... Or enjoy it?"
Gaziq offers a small, polite bow to the older gentleman, thanking him for his assistance. "Your security is quite impressive, I admit. But, there is some possibility that the criminal we're pursuing has access to invisibility magic."
Nathalion strides up the gangplank to the deck of the junk. Once on board he pauses to listen to Xiao Jin. As he does, he peers over the side of the vessel, between the ship and the quay.
"I can see how a fire would be very dangerous. But there are other ways someone could get at your ship. Going underwater and cutting a hole in the hull, for example. If the culprit has access to magic this could be made quite easy."
"Perhaps we could convince Master Deverin to hire a wizard to cast alarm spells on the area."