Jenk observes the first badge that is shown to him.
Jenk seems agitated that some are not complying with his request to see their badges and is also flabbergasted that he is being intimidated.
"You will all show me your badges, now!"
Jenk smiles and observes the badge. He seems mildly amused.
"Very nice, indeed. Custom work?", he starts asking questions, but realises time is of the essence. "You know what - we'll talk about that later. You are here for a reason after all."
He dismisses the mercenary and invites you to sit down. Jenk himself returns behind his table but remains standing until everyone else in the room takes a seat.
"Some of you may know me, some of you may not. My name is Virdin Jenk, and I run the Consortium's operations in Riddleport. Since this is not some backwards settlement, you can imagine I am a busy man. Especially now, since we recently acquired this building."
He sits down and quickly glances over you while continuing the briefing. "But to the point. We were having trouble with one of our contractors recently - the local Lissala cult. I intend to remedy this situation. We will do this by presenting them with a few gifts to show some good will on our side, and by showing that other religious organisations in Riddleport are already cooperating with us. We've lent out a large sum of money to three temples here in Riddleport, so there's that. However, their payments are slightly overdue, and the interest on all these loans is overdue by now. Fortunately for us, we have other sources of income here, but it might prove useful in regards to the Cult of Lissala. To show we are on the divine's good side in Riddleport, I would like to collect objects of religious signifficance from the three local temples with debts towards us, and gift these items to the Lissalan Cult. As I mentioned, I am a busy man, and I can not collect these items. I have already sent missives to these organisations to honor their debts. I have not heard back from them as of yet."
He reclines back into his chair.
"This is where you come in. You will go to Publican House to acquire a sacred mug, the House of the Silken Veil to obtain a magical dagger, and the Fish Bowl to pick up a magical bicorne hat. All of these are of religious significance, and the temples in question know which items we're interested in, but if you wish, I can give you the details directly."
Jenk leans forward again, and sets his elbows on the table, and assuming a more serious look. Not that he was not serious up until now.
"Since I have not received a response from the temples so far, I can only assume they are reluctant to part with the items. This is not surprising, however. Some coercive negotiation might be necessary. A deal is a deal, however, and we have contracts on the loans signed with all of the organisations I mentioned. We have a right to claim these debts back, be it in form of currency, or otherwise. But you know how law works in Varisia - slow. Doubly so here, in Riddleport. And I need the items here tonight. Is everything clear?" , he looks over you again, expecting you to ask questions or to leave.
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After casually taking a seat and flashing her badge at "Shadowtongue's" order, Pai sits back with an intense, some would say unnerving, countenance. At the mention of "coercive negotiation", her eyes and lips slip into a small, wicked smile. She rubs her thumbs across the tips of her fingers in anticipation, but otherwise her posture and composure remain firmly controlled.
"Yes of course these churches need to know that you are coming to collect! The dagger is an enchanted one, and shaped as a wasp's stinger. The handle is a leather one, with a black base and yellow stripes. I hear the blade itself is very intricate with ornaments or engraved writing."
He thinks for a moment.
"The hat is the one and only Besmara's Bicorne. It's a bicorne, old-looking, but in perfectly working condition. It has all the features you would expect from a hat belonging to a Pirate Queen - black, jolly roger and all that, no pompous decorations. It's nothing fancy, but it is of significance to the temple in question, naturally.", Jenk leans into chair again.
"The mug is - well, it's an old, battered metal mug. Nothing special about it, other than the fact that it can fill itself with clean water on command a few times a day. Again, nothing fancy, but symbolic."
Jenk looks over to Gru'Gar with a condescending manner, then back to Mythryndyr and speaks.
"Apparently, Lissalan worshippers are still around, although not as numerous as in the past. We know very little of the local cult. They're being quite secretive and we weren't able to track their representatives after our meetings. I assume some magic is involved. The simple answer, though hard to admit, is that we don't know. At least for now. I should have more information on their safehouse later today. I have contacted another Aspis agent recently, and they always deliver."
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Keeping her expression smoothly confident, Pai struggles stuff her rising self-doubt back down, deep down. I'm really only good at zapping things with lightening, and I can't control how badly they're hurt. I didn't mean to hurt that mage so badly. I could accidentally kill someone. I can't... I can't... ... I can't let this control me. Get a grip on yourself. We're not supposed to do any actual fighting, anyway, right? Just intimidation. I can do that. I can do that quite well.
She takes a deep, calming breath, disguising its motivation as boredom by sliding down a bit in her seat and allowing her eyelids and the corners of her mouth to slightly droop.
Jenk is already reading through a couple of documents - he looks up and says "You can bring the items back to me. And here is a map of town with all the relevant locations clearly marked. Come back fast! And go to this Calistrian seductress first ... if you go there last you might be tempted to stay longer!" he says with a stern look.
Temple of Calistria - House of the Silken Veil
You move east towards your first destination. Upon first glance, it is hard to imagine the House of the Silken Veil as a brothel. It is a large, grimy, two story marble building topped with an ugly blood-red steeple. Nevertheless, its three entrances are each hung with freshly laundered curtains and the heavy, floral smell of incense wafts from the building.
Each entrance is guarded by a large, muscular man with a face fit for a headsman. Where do they get these people? Are they three brothers that were burning their faces with coal for the first 5 years of their life?
In any case, their looks do not match their manners. They greet you, let you in politely, and close the door behind you. The place is significantly darker compared with the street. This is probably due to the heavy curtains blocking sight, and sunlight, from the outside. Illumination is achieved by a large amount of candles and strategically placed items of varying shapes and sizes that produce magical, heatless light.
The dark entrance hallway ends with a silken curtain. Moving forward, you put the curtain aside to reveal a large central room with multiple large, comfortable couches placed near short tables of polished wood. multiple patrons are engaged in conversations with their company, and barely turn their head when you enter. The staff, however, does.
A circular bar is dominating the middle section of the room, with at least two bartenders serving drinks to patrons or to other members of the temple.
A voice can be heard from behind you "Well hello there! You must be new in town. I never saw you here. And neither did my colleagues." An odd hint of sincere lascive polish tingles the tone of the sentence. Turning around, you find multiple temple acolytes, cladly dressed in various shades of yellow and orange. Many of them sport visible, and probably hidden (for now), ornate tattoos on their skin.
"Why don't we get to know each other?", they ask and slowly move in closer, showcasing their features on the way.
"Maybe start with some liquid courage?", another acolyte asks as the group swoops in to bend or absolutely break the boundaries of personal space.
You hear one of the woman open her eyes and approaching you. "That sounds ... well ... explosive! Just the way I like it!" she says with a sly smile.
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Myth smirks. "I don't think they're talkin' 'bout that kinda explosion, my friend..."
The rogue bows to the acolytes. "Excuse us m'ladies, we have some business with your boss...maybe we can 'worship' with you afterwards..."
He pulls Conney aside, making sure they're out of earshot, whispering lightly:
”What business are you talking about?!“ one of the ladies says a little disappointed.
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Myth smirks. "I don't think they're talkin' 'bout that kinda explosion, my friend..."
The rogue bows to the acolytes. "Excuse us m'ladies, we have some business with your boss...maybe we can 'worship' with you afterwards..."
He pulls Conney aside, making sure they're out of earshot, whispering lightly:
** spoiler omitted **
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Reidog's face grimaces in disgust as the perfumes and incense waft out of the doorway.
Bloody elvish gods and their perfumes! I hope I get a chance to bust THIS place up, at least.
As the ladies attempt to get closer to the party, he simply glares at them.
Not one of them looks like she could swing a hammer even once and not a single beard among them. What is there to be attracted to? Humans!
Once business is finally broached, he can't hold back anymore. "Well, iffin yer want ta hear our business out here in front 'o all yer congregation, we'll oblige ye, but they might not like hearin' about yer debts."
Despite Sapper's attempts to take cover behind the rest of the party, some of the acolytes get to him and make several notes on the beautiful colour, and sructure, of his hair. They also suggestively ask whether he is ticklish.
"Perhaps later, then.", another of the acolytes smiles at the group with a wink. "If you would follow me, please."
To the disappointment of the staff, two of the acolytes take you to a set of stairs on the opposite side of the room. The rest give the party looks. Some hungry, some curious, some outright provocative.
They move to the above floor and through a long hall stretching across the entire building, bringing you above the entrance you used to get in. A gentle knock and an invitation later, the acolytes open the door into a large, thoroughly decorated office. Long, heavy drapes line the walls, and thick carpets cover the floor.
A large bed in the middle of the room is encircled with a silken canopy, only showing only a silhouette of a person laying on the mattress.
"Mistress Pamodae, these guests state they have business with you.", one of the acolytes addresses the woman.
"Thank you, my prescious honeybees. I'll handle it. Go tend to our other guests, and cancel my dinner meeting, please.", the woman responds to your companion and invites you in once the acolytes leave. "Come, sit. I'll be with you in a moment. I wasn't expecting guests. Not business-related guests, anyway."
The woman reaches out from the canopy and picks up a silken gown hanging just outside. Once she puts it on, she spreads the canopy open and adjusts her hair a bit. With a smile and a simple hand gesture, the woman invites you to sit again and points to several pillows surrounding a short table.
"Welcome to the House of The Silken Veil, Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is Shorafa Pamodae."
She slowly picks up a bottle of wine walks over to the table. "Come and sit! There's no need to be shy.", she invites you again, still gently smiling.
"I'm afraid you were not on my list of appointments for today, however. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking to?", she remains standing next to the table until all of you take a seat, and pours red wine into 7 glasses. Her skin has a pink-ish tint to it and her short- and wide-sleeved gown is revealing several tattoos on her forearms. Two short horns seem to be growing out of the top of her forehead, but they seem at least partially concealed by her hair.
At the mention of the dagger she raises an eyebrow.
Shorafa measures Gru'Gar up and down with a clam demeanor of a predator in the hunt. "Well I heard that they would send you ... the infamous Thestil Shadowtongue, in my humble temple."
"I've heard you're in town. Quite the smooth tongue, as well, I see.", she says as she pours in some more wine, winking at both Conney and Pai.
"I have the dagger, yes. I would prefer to keep it, however. Perhaps you would consider a counter-offer?", she waits for all of you to sit down, and does so herself.
The tiefling puts the bottle down and picks up her glass, smiling slyly.
"I suppose you could call it an unbelievable counter-offer. I prefer the term 'business negotiation'"
"You all seem to know how to enjoy yourselves. If you would allow it, I have a humble proposal for all of you. Surely, you know the reputation of the House of the Silken Veil. We are an entertainment and hospitality establishment.", she looks around you, scanning you for a short while, keeping her smile.
"Now, if you don't mind me making an assumption here - your reward for returning to Jenk with my dagger will be what? A few lousy coins? You could do so much better than that.."
She takes a sip of her glass, and puts it on the table. "At my disposal, I have dozens of exquisite acolytes ready to fulfill your every desire. Now I know what you think, but there is so much more than the pleasures of the flesh. Though many of our clients are after just that, the temple offers so much more. Exotic wine, exquisite company - be it for enjoyment of the fine arts, or lengthy scholarly discussions. DANCE!"
Shofara makes a gradiose gesture with her hands, showcasing the room's qualities. Fine silks and satin, pleasant smells of rare spices mixed with myrrh, several musical instruments hanging on the walls.
"We offer the full package. Wealthy men come from abroad to sample them, and they pay a hefty price. Usually in platinum bars or prescious gems. I offer this to you, several hours of our full service, for a measly price - I get to keep what is mine to begin with. And one signature from the infamous Thestil Shadowtongue. That's all I want in exchange."
She reaches for her inner thigh and unties something underneath her gown. She produces a narrow ribbon secured to a scroll case, and puts it on a nearby table next to an ink bowl and a pen.
I, Thestil Shadowtongue, declare on behalf of the Aspis consortium, that the debt of the House of The Silken Veil in Riddleport towards Virdin Jenk, the Barracuda Cartage, and the Aspis Consortium Riddleport Branch, or any other affiliated organisations, has been repaid in full, including the past-due interest.
"Don't be Jenk's lackeys. You have so much more potential. Why waste it?", she smiles.
"I can assure you we can be -SO- much more satisfying than that coward patting you on the back."
The tiefling reclines away from the table and sips her wine while she waits for your response.
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Reidog swallows his wine in one gulp, then smashes his wine glass against the wall.
"Here's a counter offer. We're here ta collect on yer own debt, not ta dally with a bunch 'o perfumed fairy wannabes. If yer wanted ta keep yer dagger, yer should have paid the interest!"
Reidog begins to lever himself up, then stops to look at Gru Gar.
The tiefling doesn't move an inch as Reidog starts his intimidation but you feel the tension in the room.
She sips wine with stoic grace during their response. Once Reidog is done, she looks at Shadowtongue and stands up.
She lets out a short giggle after looking Myth: "But no ... you Aspis are really scum in my eyes! But this little performance of intimidation ... smooth AND SCARY! Bravo!", she does a little clap.
"I suggest you calm your temper, however. Do you really wish to walk into my temple, and decide to trade verbal, or other, blows with me? Shorafa Pamodae, the High Priestess of Calistria; Goddess of trickery, lust and revenge?"
She lets the thought sink in for just a short moment, and continues with a much colder, but still calm, voice "You don't. Many have tried. Many have failed. I am still here, however - and have been dancing on their graves for decades. And I shall continue to do so for a few decades more. Don't confuse my hospitality for decrepitude, dear Shadowtongue and team. You want your dagger?", she widens her eyes when asking the question.
"Fine. You'll get it. Can't hurt to try to offer something else, can it?", the priestess asks with a hint of a shrug in her shoulders.
"But raise your voice at me again, and I swear by the Lady's name - your mouth will become a wasp nest before you finish the sentence."
Her stern look turns into a smile again, and she walks over to the parchment to pick it up. "Still... I'm afraid I will need this signed either way. No business is concluded without proper evidence of the transaction. Doubly so here, in Riddleport."
She walks over to a short wall next to her king-sized bed, leans over to the wall itself, and whispers something. She reaches into the wall with her right hand in the meantime, searching for something by touch.
"Some of your former colleagues came by once. Let's jsut say they were not as polite as you, and found their new purpose in life as firewood.", she winks back at Garr.
"Apparently, blood costs its weight in gold. According to Jenk, at least.", she smirks.
"Ah! Here we go.", she retracts her hand from the wall, and returns to the table holding an iron case with a glass lid. She turns the lid towards you to show you the goods within - a dagger in the shape of a stinger with intricate carvings on the handle, and some on the blade itself.
"As I said, not sure about holding it in your hand. I wouldn't even recommend it, to be honest. But if you don't tell that to Jenk, the Barracuda Cartage might have an open position in the management ranks soon. Any of you folks fancy a paper-pusher job?", she winks and smiles slyly.
"Now, that stamp with your badge and a signature, please, and we can exchange these valuable prizes."