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The patrician smiles grandly at Marcus, but before he can reply, Badriyah presents him with the papers from the magistrate. Adimare glances at the papers and sniffs. "Ah, yes, well everything does seem to be in order with respect to your deputisation, as it were..."
"I do a little sketching of my own, but no where near as lovely as these."
The patrician immediately changes subjects. "Oh my dear, these things? Why, I don't even rate these as drawings - just doodles, really. In all honesty, I am working on a new method of inserting depth and shadow into my drawing - I have heard it named the chiaroscuro method; it likely comes from the Oppara art scene, don't you know - and I have found that it makes my work doubly damned hard but twice as rewarding as it goes." He glances at your bridge drawings. "Ah! The Saint Lymirin St Bridge, if I don't miss my mark," he winks. "You've got quite the talented hand there, Madame Hameedah."
The patrician stops and thinks silently for a moment before continuing further in a hushed voice.
"I'm a patriotic Taldan, and Ridonport is the birthplace of heroes. I would hate to darken the town’s reputation by speaking ill of anyone, but, well, your investigation may be well served by looking into my dear chandlery, yes. You see, the chandlery’s been in my family for generations, and we’ve always been proud to do our part supplying the Taldan navy. That’s how we got our title, back in the 4500s. Well, when Earl Vernisant took over for his father in the royal succession a few years back, he approached me about a ‘silent partnership’ in the chandlery. As an earl, he outranks me by quite a bit; I should have been more cautious."
Adimare's face and voice take on a sour tone. "At first it sounded like Vernisant wanted to invest for patriotic reasons. Of course, before I knew it I was sunk deep in debt to him, and he’d transformed my father’s favorite business into a private club for navy officers. They get liquored up enough when they’re tromping through here that they barely notice how much the earl’s hiked the prices—it’s the people paying the tab, not the officers, so what should they care? Now I’m not even allowed in the back office. Did I mention there’s a hidden wall safe I had installed back there? Now, I'm not deaf here at the chandlery, and I have heard the rumours of connections between our good earl---" (these words drip with sarcasm) "---and piracy and smuggling. If there's something about that that Vernisant is hiding, that wall safe might be a good place to look.”
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”It’s a combination lock, and of course, the earl has set the combination.”
Giovanni looks around the sitting room, seeing no back office. At his look of floundering consternation, Adimare says:
”The back office is off of the main chandlery building - the next large building over, across from the docks.”
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The patrician immediately changes subjects. "Oh my dear, these things? Why, I don't even rate these as drawings - just doodles, really. In all honesty, I am working on a new method of inserting depth and shadow into my drawing - I have heard it named the chiaroscuro method; it likely comes from the Oppara art scene, don't you know - and I have found that it makes my work doubly damned hard but twice as rewarding as it goes." He glances at your bridge drawings. "Ah! The Saint Lymirin St Bridge, if I don't miss my mark," he winks. "You've got quite the talented hand there, Madame Hameedah."
"I've heard of the method, but I've not ever seen it in practice." Badriyah says to Adimare still admiring his work. She smiles and blushes as he recognizes the lines bridge in her own small drawings. "Ummm. Yes, it is indeed. I was just studying the bridge yesterday." She adds with a sudden shyness at his praise before leaning in to catch his whispered words.
Flipping to a clear page in her journal she listens thoughtfully and writes quickly as Adimare shares his situation, the Earl's role at the chandlery, and the information with Giovanni regarding the hidden safe.
Hearing how the patrician was pushed out of his families business, Badriyah rests a comforting hand on Adimare's arm. "Oh how awful." She says with sympathy before her voice turns more serious and harsh. "We've our own suspicions about the Earl. Let me guess, the price of salted pork and other goods coming from Count Zespire's lands have all increased dramatically?" But before Adimare can respond she adds quickly, "I promise we'll do our best to see justice is done and that you're able to return to your rightful place at the chandlery."
"But first, we do need to get into that safe. Any ideas how we do that since we haven't got enough evidence for a warrant." She says turning to Giovanni and the others while watching to make sure no one is getting close enough to overhear their conversation.
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Lady Finley had been sitting quietly until the information about the wall safe came up, "Surely there is a trusted person at the chandlery beside the Earl who might know the combination? We can always look about the office maybe it's written down. Can you get us inside the larger building? Do we need to be officers of the Navy or something to get inside?" She asks Adimare.
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Marcus looks over the drawings, eyes wide. "My word... such art is surely worthy of Shelyn's smile. I am beginning to feel remorse as it seems our questioning is staying your hand from continuing your work."
After an awkward moment, he snaps out of his reverie and continues in a hushed tone. "Hrmmm... but I suppose if Vernisant is guilty of all we suspect, our work will benefit this great nation, and all of the art and culture contained within."
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"I HAD the safe installed," Adimare explains, "but I did not set the combination on it. No, that would be far too presumptive of me. The Earl makes use of this place - my family's pride and joy, my inheritance - as he will, so what use would it be telling me the combination? Besides, I'm not supposed to be back there."
Adimare looks coyly down at the tabletop. "Of course, if someone were to break in to the chandlery's main building after-hours via the western alley door, there would be a good chance that they could try to crack the safe themselves. Provided, of course, that they were careful not to destroy the building or its contents - this is an heirloom. I would have absolutely no knowledge of that happening, however, and would NEVER condone such an action if I were to be aware of its planning." The last few lines the patrician delivers with as much sarcasm as you've ever heard.
"Hrmmm... but I suppose if Vernisant is guilty of all we suspect, our work will benefit this great nation, and all of the art and culture contained within.""
Adimare looks sharply at Marcus. "I'd be careful where you wag your tongue, sir. Earl Vernisant certainly has a lot of sway around here."
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Adimare looks coyly down at the tabletop. "Of course, if someone were to break in to the chandlery's main building after-hours via the western alley door, there would be a good chance that they could try to crack the safe themselves. Provided, of course, that they were careful not to destroy the building or its contents - this is an heirloom. I would have absolutely no knowledge of that happening, however, and would NEVER condone such an action if I were to be aware of its planning." The last few lines the patrician delivers with as much sarcasm as you've ever heard.
"Of course, of course. That would certainly be an unlawful act you could never be a part of." Agrees Badriyah while at the same time giving Adimare a mischievous wink and smile. She picks up her journal and hands Adimare back his sketchpad while standing and offering her arm to the patrician.
"Why, I would be most honored and delighted if you showed me those unique architectural embellishments that adorn the main chandlery, and a bit more about this new method you're practicing." She says with artistic enthusiasm and loud enough to be overheard. "Taldor has such a rich and wonderful heritage and so much of it is captured in its older buildings. There was a gargoyle face that was quite striking on the western side of the building, do you think the light would be right about now to capture some initial sketches?"
Turning to the others, she smiles widely, "You all wouldn't mind if we take a few minutes to get a closer look at main building would you?"
She then leans in closely to Adimare and whispers, "If you could just show us that door you mentioned, I'd be most grateful."
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Adimare's chest swells with pride as he takes Badriyah's arm. "Why, of course! I would be delighted to show off my family's jewel. I could take all of you, if you'd wish. Oh gentlemen!" - Adimare calls to the disinterested group of old sailors who seem to be more interested in the bottle of port - "I'll take these good sightseers next door to show off the glory and honour of the chandlery's main building!"
Adimare leads you - specifically Badriyah, by the arm - to the long main building of the chandlery, indeed next door to the public office. Inside the chandlery’s main area, you note that it is filled with tables and chairs with a long counter that stretches along the back wall. The room’s decorations consist mostly of nautical gear in tasteful displays of rope, nails, marlin spikes, sailcloth, and more. Interspersed among these are symbols of Taldor’s military campaigns, a few of which are replicas from the empire’s legendary Armies of Exploration. Adimare takes you through these displays with loving care, clearly affectionate about items of the decor. A few naval officers and shipwrights consult over documents in here, keeping to their business but looking up pleasantly and greeting you and Patrician Adimare as he leads you by.
Just to the west of the hearth in the main room, a sign on a closed door announces 'Office: Authorised Personnel Only'. "And that office door is accessible only by the earl or his indicated agents," Adimare glossily pronounces, "of which I am not. But no matter." He turns to face the group, a mischievous smile on his face. "Important business that ensures the heart's blood of Ridonport - nay, Taldor - continues to flow gets done behind that door, and the guardians and protections upon that space are there for good reason - ah!" he says in recognition, walking past you to a lumbering half-orc has he comes into the door, "as is good Master Kusk, whose watchful eye ensures that nothing amiss occurs during the witching hours. Am I not too incorrect, Rusmonya?" Adimare playfully pats the glowering half-orc on the shoulder.
"Of course not, good sir Adimare," grumbles the half-orc. "Ladies. Gentlemen." Kusk deposits a ledger on one of the side tables and heads back out the door.
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Lovissa smiles broadly. "A fine idea!" she exclaims, following Adimare and Bariyah outside.
"You've quite a collection of military sigils!" Lovissa remarks, recognizing some of the more historically important symbols from the Armies of Exploration. "This replica here is particularly well-crafted! You should be proud!"
"I'm sure he does," Lovissa remarks with a wide smile as she's introduced to Rusmonya. "And well-compensated for it, I hope! You look formidable, sir!" Clearly considering this a compliment, Lovissa offers the half-orc a hearty handshake before he wanders off.
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Lady Finley shows every indication of great interest in the building's architecture and furnishings. Especially the windows and doors. She points out some of the other items to Lovissa as they move through the building. "I love things having to do with ships. I don't remember my trip to Taldor much as a small one, but I've been on a few ships since I became an adult."
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Listening intently to Adimare's stories and descriptions of the many items on display, she maintains an interested expression and warmly greets the other officers and shipwrights as the patrician escorts her through the building. Stopping occasionally to sketch an item of interest or unusual design, she also uses the opportunity to spy out any traps or other hidden security measures beyond the hulking half-orc.
Nodding politely to Rusmonya, Badriyah watches the half-orc leave through the back and then completes the tour with Adimare. At which point, she leans over and gives him a quick, chaste kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for the tour, sir." She says, her eyes shining brightly.
"It was a fascinating and most enjoyable experience. But I'm sure you've other things to get to since we've taken up half your morning already. I do hope we will see each other again once I've finished my other studies in the city." She bows politely to Adimare and then steps out the door, back into the light of the day.
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Marcus maintains a dignified posture as he follows along on the tour, smiling and complimenting the fine architecture, and giving nods to the staff on duty. He gives off the feeling that he's quite at home in halls of this type, although it is clear that the level of detail and wealth here exceeds his normal experience.
"A marvelous edifice, both functional in maintaining the decorum necessary for such an important facility, and in highlighting the past, present, and glorious future of our great nation."
Marcus does his best to be remembered by any nearby guards as stuffy Taldan human fop, so when he makes his rounds later tonight, foggy memory may give him a little leeway in the event of a screw-up or two.
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Adimare enjoys the attention as the group partakes of the tour. Before you leave, he takes Marcus aside. "Marcus, my good man, you seem to be a gentleman cut of the same cloth as I, as it were. I have something that may be of use to you, if you'll allow me." He heads back to the main office with the group in tow, pulling a pair of red leather boots from a footlocker just within the main entry. "May they provide you, good sir, with as much gusto as they've provided me. Grace and peace," he offers in farewell.
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"You're quite right Lovissa, perhaps it is some sort of former Imperial hospitality custom." Badriyah says.
"While a bath and long nap would certainly feel great right about now." She says while trying again to brush some of the dirt off of her robes. "You're right, now might be a good time to explore that door further. Does anyone have an axe or heavy hammer and perhaps a crowbar or two? If not, I'll bet we can find some tools in the market."
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I'm sure we can purchase those items. I'm not very strong, but I'll help with how I can." Lady Finley offers her slight strength to breaking down the door.
"Lot's of presents going around here. Taldans like doing that kind of thing. I was a present to a noble family before I was released to go my way."
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Marcus beams with pride at FINALLY being recognized for the exemplar of true Taldane high society and graciously accepts the gift, putting them on at the first possible moment.
"Hrmmm... well it appears as though the local constabulary has already laid claim to this investigation. But no matter! We have gotten the testimony we needed and perhaps can inquire about their findings at a later time."
He quiets down and adds with a whisper, "Assuming these guards are clean that is... myesss.."
"Well... we have but one last pressing lead to follow up on and perhaps then we can report something more... concrete. It may behoove us to gather some... appropriate attire for tonight's... entertainment. Although I suspect that Amelia and I already posses the necessary... wardrobe."
He whispers in case people didn't get the subtle hint. "Disguises"
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Badriyah laughs softly at the sight of the rope and work crew on the beach below the bridge. "It seems the magistrate is already ahead of us."
She nods at Marcus' suggestion of disguises for their planned late night excursion. "Dealing with Rusmonya could be a bit challenging, but I didn't notice any other obstacles during our tour." She says thoughtfully before stifling a yawn. "I'd welcome a chance for a nap as well. The little sleep I had last night seems to be wearing off."
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The group splits up and takes care of various and sundry affairs during their day in Ridonport. After evening's call, a regrouping takes place at the chandlery's main building, a long, single-story wooden building a few hundred feet from a stretch of docks. A shingle hanging by the front door displays a locathah hefting a barrel. The front door faces the docks to the south, while the alley door is reported to be to the west.
Though largely lonely, the docks still have one or two people working even at this time of night. No one gives your group a second glance, however - well....
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Badriyah spends the afternoon resting and preparing some alchemical trickery in case things go wrong during the planned excursion. At one point a short string of profanity can be heard through the thin walls of the inn quickly followed by a soft Whump! that rattles the windows and causes dust to drift down from the ceiling. A thin wisp of purplish smoke smelling of lavender and hot peppers drifts out from under the closed door accompanied by loud coughing and the sound of the exterior shutters being thrown open.
Arriving to the chandlery with the others, Badriyah's more colorful robes have been replaced with a simple black outfit meant to facilitate easy and quick movement. Her usual head scarf is gone, and her long coal-dark hair is now a purple-silver tied back in a simple pony tail. Her typically distinctive scars on face and hands have been covered or worked into patterns created by ink and charcoal 'markings' depicting a variety of runic and knotwork symbols, the effect giving her a much more tribal look. Oddly, she smells of lavender and hot peppers.
Once everyone arrives, she slips around to the side entrance and quietly asks, "Ready everyone?"
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Lady Finley tries her best to disguise herself. She located a black mourning dress and headscarf in her size. "I heard an interesting rumor on the shops this afternoon while I was shopping. Earl Vernisant planning the celebration of some novel holiday within the next few days called "Birthright Day". I wonder what's that all about."
She looks like a frog wearing a formal dress. The headscarf keeps slipping off her head.
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Marcus keeps a hushed tone and uses hand signals when possible. "Keep your heads down. We may not be recognized but that wont stop people from striking out at us in fear. Or just because they think we're burglars."
He almost misses the obvious irony, then quickly adds. "Well... I guess we are... But nonetheless, I believe this task will be best accomplished under Giovanni's leadership. His scouting abilities and technical expertise will prove invaluable."
With that he does his best to keep out of sight and quiet once the party enters the Chandlery, keeping an eye on Giovanni for nonverbal cues.
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Giovanni checks out the back alley door, determining that no trap exists. Attempting to open the door, Giovanni finds it locked, and neither he nor Badriyah seem to be able to open the lock.
Lovissa comes back to the group from having checked the perimeter, confident that she heard nothing moving around inside the building.
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Badriyah takes a few deep breaths calming her nerves as the lock refuses to budge. Pulling a spare tapered pin from behind her ear, she whispers quietly to Giovanni "I've an idea, I think I saw a lock like this once in an embassy my father visited one time." She slips the pin alongside Giovanni's pick, her tongue working her cheek as she tries to slip the lock herself. "It has an extra tumbler that's a real pain to reach."