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Tarek gives Freddy a few light smacks on the face You have caused quite a bit of trouble Freddy. You have given us what we seek and I see no reason to detain you any longer. My suggestion to you is to lay low for awhile and to keep away from the grit. If the drugs don't kill you, I have a feeling the slavers will come searching for you and do the job. Tarek reaches into his kit and offers Freddy a few herbs to ease his symptoms Maybe you should spend some of that ill gotten money and see a healer for your addiction. I have done all I can for you Tarek releases the man from his grasp.
Tarek then turns his attention to Havelockk You seem to be a little on edge since our last mission. Are you OK? You are a member of the Silver Crusade and your actions are a bit extreme as one of it's representatives. Stay your blade the next time someone calls for a surrender. If you are finding such things difficult then I would suggest reconsidering your affiliation Tarek speaks in a cold tone as he addresses the matter and prepares to leave the tavern
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I glare back at Tarek... I'll stay my blade just fine once the threat is not longer a threat. When I have an attacker, that intends to harm myself or anyone of us, you better believe I won't hesitate to remove that threat.
Wiping my blade clean on the slain thug's clothing, I place the ebony blade back in the scabbard with a "click" as the guard and lip of the scabbard meet.
If you got a problem with my actions, report it. I stand by my actions and I don't need you to be my judge or conscious. when I want it, I will ask for it.
The thug and others attacked Caoilte and I and were seeking additional positions of advantage.
Maybe if you had been a Soldier or a Legionary you would understand this better. There is the quick and there is the dead. I take no pleasure in killing.
Perhaps, when you watch one of your own comrades die someday of mortal injuries in your arms because they failed to act, treachery or you failed to act, you will understand this.
I pray by Aroden and Iommedae you never have to learn the lesson firsthand, and I will do my best to insure you don't.
The stricken addict cannot even muster the strength to groan as he is chided by the party members of the Silver Crusade. The man is unable to move and Tarek strongly suspects that he will perish without medical attention.
The bald man holds his dog at bay and takes no further action to antagonize the Archons.
Kat and Isador are certain that Freddie was referring to the "pits" as Misery Row known more commonly to the locals as the Slave Pits of Absalom!
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Tarek takes one more look at the tavern before leaving. As the rest of the party files out he checks on the wretch laying on the floor, not wanting to add another body to the carnage.
As they gather outside the tavern Tarek addresses the group Anyone familiar with where we are going based on the information gathered? I am guessing that we will be traveling through more lower class areas. We should be on our toes just in case the tavern owner manages to alert anybody as to where we are going.
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Caoilte thumbs the edge of his axe. Addressing Tarek he says Remember Tarek, some of us are hired to seek out mysteries and stuff, others were hired to keep the seekers alive. You might be able to tell from some of the armor and weapons in our little group that all of us ain't here to be bookworms. Those of you who like to read arcane crap, please continue to do so, those of us that were hired to dent skulls will do the same.
Using his seemingly exhaustive knowledge of Absalom, Isador leads the party safely to the blight on City at the Center of the World known as Misery Row. Isador that the few stairways placed every 100 feet or so represent the only entrances to the Pits. Isador further explains that each stairway is guarded to keep out potential troublemakers or angry or remorseful family memebers hells bent on retrieving sold loved ones.
The Archons come upon the first stairwell leading up to the Pits. Two armed and armored guards stare down at them silently. The sentries hold their spears and appear to be sizing up the Pathfinders.
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Tarek looks to his companions and speaks softly This kind of business is not something I am comfortable with but I think we should have a plan if we want to speak to..What's his name? Pa..Padu? Padu Pildapush?
We can speak his name and say we are buyers or we need someone to play the role of slave and say we are looking to sell to him. I don't think we will fair very well if we continue with actions that were taken at the tavern.
The guards eye Havelock warily as he approaches. As Havelock demands entry the guards scowl and grip their spears a bit tighter. One of the guards man open his mouth as if to speak when Tarek steps forward. After Trek speaks, the other guardsman elbows the first one in the ribs pointedly. Take it easy, that Vudrani will have our jobs he misses a sale, let 'em through. The guards part and allow the Archons access to Misery Row.
The Row is alive with men and women of many races who fill the streets, buying and selling the many wares, both living and otherwise, offered in the Pits. After a bit of searching, the locate what appears to by Pildapush's establishment. On a rather unspectacular building hangs a sign that reads "Pildapush Chattel: Absalom’s Finest" The solid looking front door is shut and a "CLOSED" sign swings from the latch. The party also spies a few windows that are slo shut and do not allow a view of inside. A quick check of the door reveals it is locked.
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Eloriand, also concerned the group is being watched takes a look around and then checks for an alternate entry in to the building or for any external clues that may be relevant.
Looking for watchers:
+2 more if Humans are involved, +2 already added for urban
Inspecting the building:
+2 more if Humans are involved, +2 already added for urban
+2 already added for urban
The party checks their surroundings while trying to figure their next move. Tarek tries to glean information from the passing crowd, but realizes that such an endeavor would take a considerable amount of time which is not abundant at the moment. Tarek does realize that there are a lot of folk milling about and none of them seem to be paying much mind to the Archons.
Eloriand scouts about to try to figure a way into Pildapush's joint. A quick check of the windos feveals they appear to be barred from the inside. Eloriand sees no easy way to reach the back of thee building as it is crammed too tightly to the builiding on either side. He does notice that the lock on the door appears to be ordinary...
Caoilte, using his power of self confidence, flashes a little blue steel and draws attention to himself while asking around about when Pildapush's shop is opening. Shockingly, the shoppers and other denizens of the Row do not pay the man much mind as they go about their business. Isador, sensing the fact they no one is really paying attention to the party, makes a quick gesture at the door, just as Havelock is about to knock. The crafty merchant places a finger upon his lips, a clear clue for Havelock to be silent, and deftly works the lock, popping the door open. Shrugging, he enters the shop with the Archons in tow.
Pildapush’s Chattel is tastefully appointed: colorful Katapeshi rugs adorn the stone floor, while water trickles gently from a decorative, mosaic fountain. Simple rosewood chairs surround a round table through which the shiny top of a hookah pokes, one braided and ebony-tipped smoking arm per chair. Beyond stands a large, ornate mahogany desk. Two man-sized oval cages, bolted to the stone floor, sit behind the desk.
Behind the desk sits a rather large Varundi man. The desk is littered with manifolds, invoices and bills of sale. Behind him, several cages hang from the ceiling. In each one, a gaunt human is seen cowering and shivering as he or she hangs onto the bars of the cage.
As the party approaches, the man looks up and is clearly surprised to see the Archons in his shop. His face fixes into a frown What is the meaning of this? I am closed at the moment. Who are you? How did you get in here?
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I nod to Tarek, whom is far more diplomatic than I while look at the Varundi, and speaking in both common and Azlanti. We have business to attend too, but I will let my colleague here explain that.
I cautiously take a step or two to the side, allowing me enough room allow Tarek to speak or Caoilte and I to engage in more kinetic negotiations.
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Tarek moves through the building and approaches the fat man at the desk. He quickly scans the room for anything unusual
Greetings Master Pildapush, what a displeasure to make your acquaintance. No need to get up. I am a bit surprised that you were not expecting us. Tarek walks up to the desk and snatches a piece of parchment, leans against the corner of the desk and feigns interest in the documents contents. I see peddling flesh has earned you quite a bit of coin. Such wealth offers one of your stature much security, but yet it was not enough to keep us from standing here in your office. It would be wise to remember that as you listen to what I have to say. Tarek then balls up the parchment and tosses it at the fat man's head I want to be sure I have your attention. See the man with the large axe and the other with the unusually polished hilt? The longer it takes us to get what we came for the more agitated they may get. I can not promise that things within your shop may not get damaged during that time. Just so I am clear, things refer to all living and inanimate objects Tarek gives him a very stern look and then continues Our stay in your home will be as short or as long as you make it. We are looking for a woman that the grit junkie Frederic sold to you. Tell us where she is and we will be on our way with little disruption of your day. Lie? Well I would not recommend such actions. All we want is the woman. What you do, I find repulsive. Today is not the day to get into that. Although, if I get some free time, I may just come back to discuss that a little more Tarek rests his hands on the hilt of his sword and gives the man an icy stare Where is Lady Anilah Salhar?
The Varundi is clearly taken a back. As Tarek speaks, his eyes dart to Caoilte and Havelock before fixing on again on the aasimar. Despite Tarek's warning, the man does stand up and begin to shuffle some of his papers about his desk. While not friendly, Tarek has clearly softened up noticeably. I am not sure how you got past the guards, but I am not sure why you think you have the right to barge in here and make demands of me. I run a legitimate business, sanctioned by the City. What are you? Mercenaries? You certainly are not lawful authority. In any event, I buy and sell many here. Perhaps someone of that description came through here.Lots of slaves come through here. I will check my records. Come back tomorrow. I may have an answer for you then. The fat man sweats a bit, and his eyes dart towards his desk as he tries to deflect Tarek's inquiry. Tarek senses he is being less that truthful.
As Kat watches from the background, she spies the telltale sign of a poorly concealed trap underneath the Pildapush's desk.
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This is not a woman you would forget. Someone of her status would easily be remembered. We are not going anywhere without answers. I told you things would not be pleasant if you lied to us. You are obviously not telling us the truth and there is no reason we should show you respect. I have no love for flesh peddlers, regardless of what the law allows Tarek draws his weapon and lays the flat of the blade over the papers Pildapush is adjusting I gave you options and you clearly have chosen the hard way over the easy. Speak truthfully and this can end before it gets worse
Isador, taking direction from Kat, is easily able to locate the possible trap under the desk. He sidles up next to the standing Varundi, getting close to his massive form. The flesh merchant appears a bit nervous at Isador's approach.
The sweaty merchant takes a few steps back as Isador, Caoilte and Havelock draws close. His voice raises to a shout Brigands! You are no more than thrives come to rob me! I have told you what I know, now leave my place of business immediately. Honestly, dogs have better manners than the lot I see here! His eyes go to Havelock's sinister looking blade, then to Tarek. Is this what you are? Gangsters here to settle a socre? Shame! for shame on you all! The merchant's sweat about doubles and his ruddy face becomes flush. He dabs his brow with a handkerchief and one again glances to his desk near the area Isador and Kat have their eyes set.
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I stare at Pildapush... and by what gods given right do you have the right to enslave sentient free willed beings? Is it by force of arms? Is it by treachery? Perhaps we should enslave your bacon enshrined self, starting with with a gelding to to put you in your place!! My blade is sharp and Ae-Dee Ate tells me that it would be willing to choke down your foul stench to do justice for the evils that you have brought on this world!
Glaring at the slimly flesh peddler I raise my left hand and with a word I cast mage hand, knowing it will not harm him truly, applying it where physically his outdoor plumbing should be.
Hissing in Draconic... I find your actions and attitude disturbing!