[Name Redacted] (Inactive)

Game Master Shadowtail24

Gray's expression is sour as the party entered the private booth, his body language indicating his irritability quite clearly. He saved his most scathing glances for Vince, but otherwise waited until everyone was in and settled. At Ziera's motion, he begins to speak, positioning himself close to the exit.

"Morgrim...there is a party on the morrow that Thrune will be noticeably absent from. Tell me...who are the major players at this event? What are the major inter-noble politics going on right now? Any distinguished guests? The more information you provide, the more reward we shall offer. Confidentially, of course." The man smiled thinly at the dwarf, nodding for him to proceed.

Morgrim sets his pack behind his chair and carefully sets his lyre on the table. His appearance is simple, and not ostentatious like most in his profession, or like some well known clothier. He listens to Gray, giving his full attention. After hearing it he pauses, apparently thinking. He absentely plucks a fw strings on the lyre.

"I think I won't answer your questions right away. I fear you've asked an imprecise question, and I am curious why. You should know that talking through every major player at Leroung along with all of their plots and machinations will be extensive. but you ask for it anyway. I will answer it, should you have the time, and should we be able to meet after my work tonight is accomplished, but I don't think that is what you're after. So if you don't mind me asking, why ask the question that way?

His mannerisms in conversation seem deliberate, in stark contrast to his ease at performing.

What do you care why we are asking a question, Morgrim? He isn't trying to play you. We just want to know about the party, not play some inscrutable games about the "way" we asked a question. We need information. He didn't ask you to run through every person at the party. He specified. The *major* players. The notable guests. Why are you wasting our time? Trying to play a game of your own?

"I had heard that there was an issue with Taishan involving memories, but I didn't know the extent. Now I know the extent. " He waves a hand. "No, don't worry about your organization; I'm aware of the organization and it's purpose. An organization of this size can't stay completely hidden away from the outside world, and there are some of us that need to help accomplish it's goals. "

He strums the lyre again. "I asked the question because I want to give you relevant and helpful information. " He stops, and adjusts his tone away from condescension and towards teaching. "Right now all of the high nobles from the houses excluding Thrune have reserved for the event and it's extremely unlikely any of them don't show up. If you would like the information for each of them I can give that, but as I said that will take time, and I don't have that kind of time right now."

He pauses, and his tone shifts again, this time to conciliatory. "If however, you have a more specific topic, you can voice that now. Are you worried about the political implications of Jeggare importing gunpowder? It will be of major discussion tomorrow. Are you more interested in the recent house rankings posted by an unknown group? The initial shock died down pretty quickly when they were originally released, but the update this morning will also be a topic of discussion."

He stops and sits back, his eyes flitting around the room to all of those in attendance.

So much for Glifdore's information that our organization was not known to these information dealers. What are we getting ourselves into here?

Fine. So, in addition to the other information we need, do you have ideas about who would have the ability to remove memories to the extent that mine have been removed? Have you and I met before? What is my reputation in this town, and who are my known associates?

And yes, please tell us of the political implications of Jeggare importing gunpowder, and the recent house rankings posted by an unknown group, and the "update" you spoke of. Are the houses taking this seriously and jockeying for position, and where have the ranking been posted?

I wonder if this guy is the person who betrayed us in the first place? I hope this doesn't turn ugly. Maybe we should arrange a meeting for later and find out what exactly he knows about us.

We'd be happy to meet with you later for the further briefing you offered as well. Not here though. Too many people already know this place, and we've obviously already been compromised.

We'll find a secure place and inform you later.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14 Sigh

Gray's eyes widened noticeably as the dwarf advertised his knowledge of Taishan and the specifics of the group's predicament. Once again glad of his ability to disguise himself, the inquisitor wondered what trap they might be walking into. Or who might be facilitating it. His eyes flitted to each of his companions and Morgrim...any of them could be informing.

Shaking his head as there was nothing to do but let this meeting play out, Gray listened intently for the dwarf's response to Ziera's questions. Afterwards, he added his own, "I don't suppose you are aware of the group responsible for these petty rankings? You seem to be in the know about much in this city."

Thinking for a moment, he withheld any further questions in deference to Ziera's suggestion of a meeting later on when Morgrim was able to give them more of his time.

He seems earnest.

"I'm not sure we have met. I do know Vince though, and I know Antonio here. I'm not sure who the other gentlemen is though. I merely assumed you two were involved in Taishan as well, I'm sure I met all of the agents"

He pauses, shifting through the questions in his head.

"I believe I can answer some of these rather quickly. I personally have little knowledge of the arcane, but their is a researching at Leroung who is well versed them. Her name is Lady Rosalie, and she will be in attendance at the ball tomorrow. The Jeggare gunpowder ramifications can wait for another time, though I will note that the explosion that wiped out quite a bit of their stock has likely led to the recent change in the rankings. Which, quite nicely, leads me to that."

He reaches into his pack and pulls out a piece of parchment. He puts in on the table in front of you.

"These have been appearing on local posting boards for a few months now. They initially caused a stir as everyone, including myself, tried to find out who exactly was posting these. I never discovered any identities though, and I believe others were just as unsuccessful. Then yesterday, likely only hours after the explosion, this particular list was posted everywhere."

He pauses, looking around. When he doesn't get a reaction he continues. "These deviate from what most would observe as the rightful order by place Leroung above Jeggare. One spot ins't a major change, and the explosion could be financially damaging, but Leroung is thought of by many as tiring of the political game. Recent leaders, both internally and externally, have featured research and learning in even more earnest. And yet, this particular observed ranks them ahead of Jeggare mere hours after the explosion happened. It has one again caused many to seek the identity of the observer, or observers. I myself took this paper to be examined, though could find nothing to help identity the author."

Thrune
-
Charthagnion
Henderthane
Leroung
Jeggare
Narikopolus
-
Sarini

We are watching

Gray's eyes again went to Vince as he whipped out the curved dagger and placed it on the table, wondering what the man was playing at. He turned his attention back to the dwarf and what he was saying, interested in learning the house politics that likely were to be on display at this ball on the morrow.

The inquisitor listened to Antonio, nodding his agreement at the man's conclusions and questions. Curious, he turned back to Morgrim to see how he'd respond.

After Morgrim replied, Gray arched a fine eyebrow, peering over at Ziera and nodding minutely to indicate that the impromptu meeting should come to an end, for now.

Morgrim nods along to Antonio’s assessment. “Yes, that is what many believe to be the case. But those same people think that Leroung must have some deal, and that the lack of political interest is a facade. I’m not so sure, the reports have been consistent.”

He stops himself, realizing he is rambling. “Lady Rosalie is incredibly intelligent, extremely driven, and not very sociable. She doesn’t really have known vices that you can play up, but if you were in the market for leverage I could drum up some ideas. ”

Thank you for the information Morgrim. We won't keep you any longer for now, but we'd like to meet you later. We'll be in touch about the location. I'm assuming you will be available this evening?

While she waits for Morgrim to confirm his availability, She takes out her journal and takes notes about what they have learned.

She also writes down an address, tears off the half page that it is on, and passes it to Gray with a questioning look.

Once Morgrim indicates his availability, she asks him if they can pay him tonight, or if he wants payment now for the information already proffered.

If you have a better place or want to talk about it further, we would have to come back and pass him a different note (which is fine, but this way we don't have to come back).

Morgrim nods. “Once I finish up here I can meet; though that will be late into the night. ”

Gray accepted the note with an arched brow, his eyes flitting to Ziera's and back down to the note questioningly before he nodded. It was as good a place as any, he supposed. If they were compromised, it didn't matter, and if they weren't, it would do.

The inquisitor passed along the note to Morgrim after he agreed to meet them later. "Late is fine with us. Please meet us at this address when you can so we can discuss things in more detail." Gray kept the details of the meeting place to himself, for now, wishing to impart them verbally to his companions later.

As it seemed the meeting was over, the young man just walked out of the private area, leaving the way open for the others as he wandered straight to the door of the Inn and out, finding an alley nearby to lurk in while he waited for the others to exit.

Morgrim accepts the note with a nod. He looks at it, blinks, and then puts it on the table. He mutters something and the note starts burning. He picks up his back, and heads out the door back to the stage.

Vince chuckles at the display, and mutters “Performers” as the dwarf leaves.

I was meaning invited to the meeting with Morgrim.

Gray smiled tightly, managing to wink at the elf before she departed, presumably to prepare for their planned meeting later on. His now-blue eyes followed her graceful strides for a while as she strolled away, his expression neutral. Shrugging, he eyed the entrance, waiting for Antonio to depart.

When Antonio walked out, the inquisitor blended into the surroundings of the streets, whether it be people or objects, making sure the man wasn't being followed before he caught up to him and started matching him stride for stride.

"We're meeting at Ziera's later on, Antonio. Tell no one else." Though the man's words weren't sharp and his expression was friendly enough, there was no mistaking the threat implied if Antonio did indeed tell someone else.

To save some writing space, we’ll assume that all 3 of you took extreme measures to keep from being followed, and also ensured that Ziera Place was not being watched, and that Morgrim was not being watched, as you have so far demonstrated.

Morgrim arrives around 2 am, a tired look on his face. He doesn’t carry a pack or instrument with him this time and he is wearing simple clothes. He even traded out his distinctive hat for a cloak’s hood.

[ooc]Not assuming that everyone came, or that they are already there if they are coming, so they can make those choices for themselves.[/b]

Once everyone has arrived, she asks Can I get you a drink before we begin, Morgrim?

Morgrim nods, accepting whatever is offered.

After everyone arrives and Ziera offered the storyteller a refreshment, Gray leans against the wall, staying near the entrance to the small apartment. He studied the dwarf, elf, and other human in the room with unblinking eyes, wondering how he knew them before the very recent past.

The young man shook his head, waiting for Morgrim to take a sip of whatever Ziera gave him before starting anew. "We appreciate your time, Morgrim, and you will be rewarded well with coin, I assure you. For now, though, please tell us all you can of the things you only alluded to earlier. Inter-house rivalries, leverage against this Lady Rosalie, the gunpowder debacle. We are in no hurry." He looked inquiringly to Antonio and Ziera, prompting them to add whatever they wish to the conversation.

Morgrim rubs his chin. “Let’s take them one at a time then. Gunpowder is the more interesting of them so I’ll start there. Do you know what gunpowder is?” you probably don’t He looks around at the reactions. “I guess not with the lack of memory. It’s a substance, and it’s terrifying. It’s... ” he pauses, “Do you know the spell magic missile? A force is propelled at speed against a target? Gunpowder is like that, except more powerful, and more accessible. If you light gunpowder it will explode, and the outlying nations have managed to tame it, and use it to there will. They shoot bits of metal through a tube and incredible speeds. It can puncture skin, leather, even plate mail. But as powerful as it is when it’s controlled, it’s equally destructive if mishandled.” he stops and sips the drink.

“House Jaggare started sending out feelers a few months ago; seeing if anyone would want to partner with them in an investment on gunpowder. Jeggare could finance most of the deal, but they wanted another house to help with storage and usage, especially tactics. They started with Narikpolus, thinking the ranged weaponry would appeal to them, but Narikopolus said no very quickly. Jeggare thought Leroung would be interested in researching it, but again they were rejected. They checked with the other major houses, excepting Thrune, and with several of the minor houses. All of them rejected the offer. ”

“House Jeggare tried again with far less subtlety, but again they were rejected. Eventually they found out that Thrune had told all of the houses that they were not to go into business with Jeggare in regards to gunpowder. So Jeggare was forced to go to Thrune for a partnership. Thrune have them terrible teens in the deal, including that Jeggare had to store all of it. Jeggare agreed though, because they though that gunpowder would be such a lucrative investment.”

“And that leads us to the other night. A massive explosion rocked a warehouse in the edge of Jeggare’s property. The explosion is believed to have wiped out at least half of their stock of gunpowder. They’ve cordoned off the area and refused even He’ll Knights to investigate the area. Because of that, no one is sure if this was sabotage, or an accident. ”

He pauses, looking around for questions.

I’ll just bullet these instead of typing it out.

-Charthagnion and Henderthane are the largest congenters for the throne right now, but they come at it in different ways. Henderthane is the weapons supplier for the Cheliax Army; Charthagnion supplies the majority of the magical forces. They usually struggle with each other, but will occasionally break off to work together to shut down any houses below them. Their squabbles usually involve trying to leverage martial might vs magic and influencing Thrune’s generals to use one or the other.

-Jeggare supports all of the houses with finances and banking. They have ties to all of the houses and that keeps them with a strong position, but without expertise they have only so high they can go. That is why they are making plays with new opportunities like gunpowder, to try and claim an expertise in an area.

-Leroung claims it stays out of the politics, but does exchange information and research for resources.

-Narikopolus has been somewhat wayward in recent years. They lost a “legitimate” house leader several decades ago, and have since then had successive wars of sucrsssion. The current ruler has been in place for only a few months, after the most recent ruler was overthrown and killed. As such their political aspirations have not fully been ascertained.

-Sarini is only a major house because Thrune wants to embarrass all of the minor houses. Sarini does what Thrune says and that’s it.

-Lady Rosalie has a sister that is staying in the countryside. And you never know what can happen in the countryside.

Gray listened thoughtfully as the dwarf spilled what he knew, thinking over the data as he continued to filter the new information Morgrim imparted. After the dwarf had finished, the inquisitor thought it over a bit more, then spoke.

"So, Thrune sought to embarrass Jeggare and force them to take on all the risk with the gunpowder, then an 'accident' occurred that destroyed a major portion of their stock, correct? Hmmmm...will there be any notables from House Jeggare there tomorrow night?"

Thinking about the possible contenders, Gray nodded. "So Thrune plays Charthagnion and Henderthane against one another, having them compete against one another for their favor instead of combining their strength and overthrowing them. Perhaps we could guide them towards such an alliance."

After the bit about Leroung. "So they are information brokers, is that it? And is the research arcane in nature or just general bookish type things?"

Gray thought that Narikopolus could be a dangerous but useful wild card if the group could ascertain its motives. Perhaps they would have a chance to glean more intelligence on them.

As Morgrim mentioned Lady Rosalie's sister, Gray smiled thinly. "I am taking it that Lady Rosalie is fond of her sibling?"

“Jeggare nobles are scheduled to attend. I believe they will attend, though they will likely be hounded with questions about the explosion. I’m guessing there will be a house instilled answer to deflect these questions.”

Morgrim flinches at the term. “No, not quite. I am an information broker. I gather information from multiple sources, verify as much information as I can, especially if there are conflicting reports, and then filter it down to the necessary information for the client. Leroung is knowledgeable, but they don’t understand how to best parcel out that information. Some researches will give you a three hour lecture without answering your question; others will give monosyllabic answers that don’t really answer your question; and a rare few will actual answer your question and actually understand the topic. ”

Morgrim nods. “That she is.”

Gray smiled in appreciation as Ziera topped off his glass before turning his attention back to Morgrim. "That would seem prudent, on Jeggare's part. I wonder if we could pierce the veil, though...hmmm." The young man pondered for a moment before shrugging.

He turned to Antonio. "Do you have anything to add, good sir? Or you, Ziera?" The inquisitor was already hatching a plan, but decided to not share until their company had left.

"Jeggare aren't usually prone to talking but there is a high-noble by the name of Darkut that is a bit more affable than the others. Like most dwarf's, he's in it for the gold, not the politics. "

A dark look crosses Morgrims face when you mention Sarini, and he seems to be trying to change to topic quickly.

The inquisitor listened as the dwarf spoke of Darkut Jeggare, thinking that in addition to gold, the man probably put a pretty high value on his life and well-being. Now just how to get the man alone...

Gray's brow furrowed as he processed Morgrim's info about House Sarini. What was the point of having such an overtly servile house beneath you? Surely Thrune wasn't fool enough to think that anyone would tell the fools from Sarini anything. Still, they might make a good buffer to feed information through, if needed.

If nobody added anything further, the young man looked to Ziera to close up the meeting before adding, "And how much do you think your information is worth, good sir?" Though Gray's expression was neutral, even friendly, the wrong answer would prove to possibly be the dwarf's last words.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Ziera throws a glance at Gray, asking him wordlessly to pause for a moment, and then turns back to Morgrim as she says

You are holding something back about House Sarini, good sir. I'm sorry if it causes you personal anguish, but I need to know about that house. If Thrune isn't going to show up at the party, I need to know what they are doing through their puppet house. I would ... appreciate it if you would enlighten us further on this topic.

Morgrim looks between Gray and Ziera. He focuses on Ziera first. “That is not information that is available for sale. ”

He looks back at Grey. “Standard fee for the information is fifty gold. After your organization discount it would be forty-five gold. ”

Gray looked to Ziera, eyebrow arched ever-so-slightly, questioning. Such secrets were perplexing, considering the amount of useful information the dwarf had already imparted. ”Surely it’s not so bad as all that. Besides, who would we tell, besides each other? We can’t remember any prior associations, as far as I know.” The young man eased into a practiced smile, meant to disarm Morgrim mentally. The inquisitor itches to bind the informant and flay every speck of knowledge from him piece by agonized piece, but he doubted his other companions could stomach such tactics.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

Morgrim gives Gray a long look before sighing. “I guess any other informant on the city could tell you anyway. I was a slave in House Sarini until very recently. If you think Sarini is treated like dirt than you can imagine how their slaves are treated. ”

He stands. “I trust you have the coin on you?”

She looks inquiringly at the others, wondering if they will leave now as well, or they want to talk more after Morgrim leaves.

Gray waited for the dwarf to exit after Ziera paid him his fee, then locked the door and approached his fellows. "First things first...that dwarf knows a lot. A LOT. I've half a mind to follow him, pull him into an alleyway, and make sure the info he spilled to us is the last he has to offer anyone."

Once the others have had their say on the matter, he continued. "I think after a brief rest, we should pay Lady Rosalie's sister a visit. Perhaps that will make the Lady more amenable to talking to us about our forced amnesia."

Maybe we should include our book-selling friend at this point so as to get him involved?

First things first...that dwarf knows a lot. A LOT. I've half a mind to follow him, pull him into an alleyway, and make sure the info he spilled to us is the last he has to offer anyone.

I admit that something similar crossed my mind, and I understand the fear behind that decision in our current position. He knows too much for comfort. I honestly don't know if I became a less ethical... or more ethical?... person during these last five years that I can't remember, but all I have to go on in who I *do* remember being, and I would prefer that we not kill him. He doesn't seem to have any love for house Thrune or their sycophants, and that is where my anger is focused. I don't think that he sold us out, or will get us killed.

She stops and says very quietly, not having any illusions about her companions: However, if you disagree and you do kill him, get my money back.

At Gray's suggestion about the visit, she nods. Okay, but I must sleep for a little while. My earlier nap won't get me through a whole day.