Now that the moment has come, Volta's fingers stop fiddeling with the rope as he concentrates on Zoggy.
Sense Motive: Keep'em Honest, he stays bribed. :)
Zograthy takes the coins and places them in his pocket pouch. HIs smile widens and he places his locked fingers under his chin. "Now, you wanted to know how to contact Natalya Vancaskerkin, yes? Unfortunately, I am of little assistance in that matter. Even her Scarzni associates are unable to locate her."
He senses that you're unsatisfied with this scant information so he adds, "Though I am uncertain where she has disappeared to, I have heard stories of many folks along the waterfront, both here in Beacon's Point and over in Dockway and Underbridge, who have been disappearing of late - a few each week, in fact, with many simply vanishing out of their very beds at night. I suspect that Natalya is among those who have disappeared in this manner." His voice adopts a slightly bitter tone as he continues. "As long as it's only poor Varisians and other destitute folk being targeted, the chances of the city doing anything about the disappearances are quite slim."
The docksh huh? my old shtomping grounds Noro sasys with a smile.
Arasmes' frown deepens and he furrows his brow in thought. He accepts Bedwyr's coin with a slight nod before continuing: "you disappoint me, Zograthy, but I suppose that makes me the fool for imagining that you knew anything of worth. I don't suppose you know the names of any of those who have disappeared, either?"
Volta snorts, "Well, nothing like a dishonest politician, telling us what we already knew or could get for copper from any child. I'll keep that in mind, I have a long memory."
Volta starts casing the joint, anything worth stealing to recover our losses?
Perception: Loot? Defenses? +1 for Traps.
Appraise: Is anything he sees have any worth?
Volta doesn't care if Zoggy notices but he'll bluff just for the practice.
Bluff:
or
Acting
Does Zoggy notice Volta casing the joint?
Zograthy notices nothing. He is too offended by Arasmes' accusations. He says quickly, "Oh, so you knew all this before you entered my tent? Well, did you know that Natalya was, at least
until recently, a member of a Sczarni gang known as the Tower Girls, a group of cat burglars? They are searching for Natalya themselves, and word is that when they find her, she'll regret not hiding better. I don't know why they're so obsessed by her, but I have heard them say that Natalya went mad before her disappearance."
Calming slightly, he smooths his robes before continuing. "There are so many names to name." He begins listing people that he personally knows - the names mean nothing to you. "The people of the streets whisper that the vanished folk are the victims of slavers who then
secretly sell them offshore at night to Nidalese ships. I don't know that I believe that, but perhaps you can take that little nugget of information with you as you leave. Good day." He has clearly dismissed you and turned his attention to his shiny crystal ball.
There is nothing of value in the tent. Everything is a cheap fake of a fancier object.
Arasmes allows himself a small smile as he leaves the tent. "And to you, old man."
Once he and the party have left the tent and walked far enough away from any likely eavesdroppers, the Keleshite turns to Bedwyr. "I apologize for not properly thanking you for your contribution earlier. While I suspect that our gains from this venture, such as the spoils we found in the Thassalonian paradox box, will be more than sufficient to equitably reimburse our collective expenses, your spirit of fairness is certainly appreciated.
Turning to address the party more generally, Arasmes continues. "While I am loathe to seek out such scoundrels, a sentiment which I believe I share with Noro, these 'Tower Girls' may be our best lead, assuming they've made any more progress than we have toward finding Miss Vancaskerkin."
"Before we go hunting for burglars, however, I would suggest that we seek out more information on these alleged slavers, if there is indeed any to be found outside of rumor and speculation. If Zograthy's suspicions are correct, it is imperative that we find Miss Vancaskerkin's abductors before she is spirited away to Nidal or parts unknown."
Volta moves out with the others, twisting his rope in frustration.
"Yes, we can sort out detail of expenses later, if you're willing to keep running a tab, Arasmes, think of it as practice for when you become an Arch-Banker. Volta continues, "Unfortunately, there was nothing at all of value in that tent, I couldn't recoup our losses, yet anyway, let's see it we can salvage some real results for now."
Volta frowns, "Slavers expect some trouble in areas where they are illegal, but you are right, if she has been taken then there is no time at all, a day or twoat most, time is money even for such a dispicable business. We'll certainly need your expertise Noro."
Noro will lead them to the docks area or at least the areas she is familiar with attempting to locate a few of her old contacts in th fighting scene and among the dock workers.
and of course if all else failes noro will threaten to bonk a few heads especially those she defeated in the ring.
Arasmes smiles at Volta, but it looks a little forced. "I'm keeping our expenses in mind, of course. I can start making notes if we need to make more substantial personal investments in the future. In any event, I highly doubt that we will need to... erm... resort to larceny in order to cover our expenses."
Arasmes' smile fades entirely as he chooses his words with care. "Your skills are appreciated, but I would be doubly appreciative if you would stay your hand when their use is not warranted... or prudent, for that matter."
Volta's not abashed at Arasmes admonishment, "Never fear, Arasmes, I only saw that Zoggy had overstated the value of his wares and wished a discount, I don't go around stealing for support." Volta thinks then says, "Except as required of course, many a government has looked unfavorably upon the Society. But I don't want to annoy you, I'll keep it quiet.
Volta chuckles at bit, saying, "And now we're off to the docks to go look for the worst kind of trouble. Not exactly the model of discretion and wisdom you're looking for is it?" Volta's bonhomie masks anxiety about this venture.
Noro leads the way to the docks, nodding and speaking to a number of people she recognizes. She walks directly to an old ship. She looks around for a moment before spotting who she's looking for - a grizzled sailor missing an eye and ear. She speaks a few words and the man nods. A few words are exchanged and Noro returns to the group with the following information.
There's a rumor that that a pickup for a slave run has been scheduled for this very midnight at an old, boarded-up shoreline tavern. The tavern was once known as the Puffy Pelican - a faded painting of a fat pelican still graces the facade of the empty building, and the building's back features a half - collapsed wooden deck that hangs over the high-tide mark.
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The Puffy Pelican what a $&€¥# name for a tavern. I can see why it closed. Alright then what's the plan? I vote for a little recognizance trip on that Pelican. Give us a layout and some solid intel on what we may be facing in there. You up for a burgal Volta?
Course we may want to bring some extra fire power with us of the legal variety. Anyone know a clean watchman in this city not on the take?
Volta replies to Bedwyr, "Always up for a break and enter, without the breaking part. Finding a lawman that is honest and willing to overlook, UHm, the fact we are planning a crime of entry here, is unlikely quickly. Faster to find a dishonest one that draws a line at slaving. But I think we can do this on our own, at least checking it out."
Volta tries to figure out where the Puffy Pelican is and heads that way, nearer the area, he looks for the lookouts, and stops the group when his first sees the building or lookouts.
Perception: +1 for traps.
"Okay guys, we're nearby. Look for lookouts or anything odd."
Valtyra adds, "I'm no good at the sneaking about, but I'd like to take a good swipe at slavers."