Shadow over Riddleport

Game Master Joana

"We cornered his drunken ass in the Goblin last time. This time, we won't show any mercy. We'll kill him for what he did to Larur, and then he'll tell us where Lil is." -- Braddon Hurst


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Male Human (Chelaxian) Wizard
Gristav wrote:
"That's the question, actually. An item taken at our latest scuffle. I'm... apparently too preoccupied today, to see the subtleties of the spellcraft, and I wondered if you were prepared, today, to try? Or I can keep looking for Samaritha... or it needn't be today, at all. If you're... involved, with some other matter? I know, you tend to be..."

Tendal looks at Gristav reprovingly. "A successful businessman always has some matter to occupy his mind, but I can spare a few moments. What item is this? What scuffle?"


Snake shepherds his wayward trio down the east bank of the Velashu. It's not until they've passed the sharp ridge against which the back of Shoreleave nestles and are out of sight of Devil's Fork entirely that Finnie raises her eyes from the ground and seems to breathe any easier. She still seems conscious of her shabby clothing and the bruises on her face, not to mention the fresh scars on her neck, as they pass through Leeward District, however. Cassey is bluntly curious and unafraid, running to windowboxes to examine the flowers and poke her fingers into the dirt. His surroundings make no impact on Micah whatsoever; he continues muttering nervously to himself as his bare feet tread over the cobblestones on their way back to Rotgut.


Male Halfling Inquisitor of Calistria (Heretic archetype)

Continuing to keep his hands to himself Phillip nods inwardly at the confirmation that the best marks are where they should be - away in the private boxes. Unwilling to risk the risk for the little reward on offer he heads to the betting windows. As he wonders he can't help but smirk and chuckle. Spanker, Crusher and Punisher... might that be indicative of the predilections of the trainer...

Aye - off for a betting window or spot where odds are posted. I apologize for unclear prose.


Male Gnome Bard (Negotiator) 2

Piccolo nods. He stands and follows the game. "Lead on, my good man. I always enjoy a conversation with prominent people." Excellent fortune. A talk with Cleg. I'm sure this will be illuminating.

Gold Goblin wrote:
As Piccolo is dividing his attention between the girl in the box and the fight going on down on the sand, a voice calls out behind him. "Hey. You. The gnome." He glances around to meet the eye of a man standing a few tiers above him. "Yeah, you. The boss wants to see you." He tilts his head toward Zincher's box and waits for Piccolo to accompany him. There is no undercurrent of danger or threat of violence detectable, but the man does seem to expect...


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)
Tendal "Magnimar" Deverin wrote:
Gristav wrote:
"That's the question, actually. An item taken at our latest scuffle. I'm... apparently too preoccupied today, to see the subtleties of the spellcraft, and I wondered if you were prepared, today, to try? Or I can keep looking for Samaritha... or it needn't be today, at all. If you're... involved, with some other matter? I know, you tend to be..."
Tendal looks at Gristav reprovingly. "A successful businessman always has some matter to occupy his mind, but I can spare a few moments. What item is this? What scuffle?"

"Four dead men", Gristav says drily, passing over the bound-up featherthing, "None of them us. A cult revealed, Norgorberites. Well, one that we're certain of. That one, quite dead, and by unanimous choice, if we'd had choice. The others, to one degree or another, regrettable. But they were all arrayed against us. Trapped Braddon in a closet, and set archers to hunt for Phillip, who was hidden, none knew where. Their master, likely, tried to poison Snake and I, but, do you believe, there was a mustache hair, on the tankard!? It was Snake and I, against three, then four, I think five at the end, and then a hunt and chase for the priest, with him channeling madness, as he must often have before, as one of his victims, kept as a beard, is broken of mind, if not spirit. I surmise he suffered, or suppered, often, on what we only had taste of. It was Braddon and Phillip, ended the priest, and due respect for that."

"That bit of fluff you hold, is some of the booty."


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)

"We went there at first to see the priest, who'd been posing as a Sarenraeite, sheltering some of the ragged residents of Rag's End, which is apparently a structure in Riddleport, as well as the more infamous Sczarni haunt in Magnimar. It seems the Sczarni taint soaked deeper than the name, for the priest was not only a Norgorberite, but also head of a handful of hoods, with the thumb of an alchemist, intent on fostering a flow of flayleaf - powdered, purified, and to be proffered, and purchased - here in Riddleport."

"Well, when I asked this supposed Sarenraeite priest for his help, in speaking with a corpse, in the investigation of a recent murder, as a service to the General (though I didn't tell him that)... it appears he thought we were after him. And set his hounds upon us. We later found evidence he'd made some habit of holding and harming women."

"Or, he may have been bothered by Phillip's here-then-not presence-and-absence. The archers were looking for him, it seemed."

"Or, the most likely cause, leading to Phillip being worrisome in his absence, and my interest in murder being intolerable, is the apparent uncanny resemblance of Mister Kane to some former associate of the absentee master of their mission, name of Marzo."

"Phillip's surely got a more, or at least differently, nuanced experience of the events. He's at large in company of the alchemist, presumably trying to mollify this Marzo. We'll have to trust his more informed opinions, and instincts. He's given us no other choice. And on the whole, no reason to think we oughtn't."

"But I don't think you needed be burdened with all that. I came to you, with the fluff. I'm sure we'll discuss it at dinner. I'm planning a stew."


Phil sees only seating in the main bowl of the arena so he turns back to the tunnel by which he entered. Halfway back to the outer gate, it is bisected by a corridor running perpendicular; turning, he follows it into a large open area nestled between the tiered seats and the outer wall of the arena. One one side, over a long counter, food and drink are being sold; on the other is a long row of betting windows. A long slate hangs high on the wall with the current odds scrawled on in chalk, a process apparently updated by means of a catwalk accessible from a small door some eight feet above the floor. Varg's fight, having already begun, is scratched through.

Are you looking for the odds of any fight in particular?


Male Human (Chelaxian)
Piccolo Taphodarian wrote:
Piccolo nods. He stands and follows the game. "Lead on, my good man. I always enjoy a conversation with prominent people."

The gnome follows the other man up the tiered steps toward the box, where the line of watchmen parts to let the pair through. Piccolo comes to a stop on the bench just outside the box's canopy. Cleg Zincher is eating a piece of fruit and takes a moment to swallow, while the Korvosan bodyguard glares and the woman looks on quizzically. Zincher picks up a folded linen napkin to wipe his fingers before turning his attention to Piccolo.

"Something wrong with the box I provided?" he asks in his surprisingly mild voice.


Male Halfling Inquisitor of Calistria (Heretic archetype)

Phillip makes sure he's out of the walking path and unlikely to be bowled over before turning his attention to the odds on offer. Specifically he checks for the odds of Ranef's fight against the Notorious Punisher, but also glances over the odds offered for Haren vs Spanky, and any of the no-name bouts with an overwhelmingly clear underdog at long odds.


hp 7 / 38; AC 16; Init +2; 3 Str damage Male Half-elf Ranger 4
Lexy wrote:
"Braddon!" Lexy lights up when she sees him approach. "You finally got some time off. I mean," she looks a little nervous and lowers her voice, "you're not here about ... that person you were talking about on Wealday, are you?"

"Purely the pleasure of seeing you," Braddon returns her smile. "I'd rather forget about work for now. It's been madness all week. I've been stabbed at by thugs and cultists, bitten at by giant spiders, cursed by ghosts, crushed by furniture and almost drowned inside a building. I think I'd like to see a bit more of you before I die. When are you free? I mean... umm... not that I mind paying... but if you're... we could... I have a kitten. Anya told me not to give it to you. Ow."

Braddon transfers the kitten to his other hand and sucks his knuckles.


Female Human (Chelaxian)

Oh ... I..," she looks pleased but also a little anxious. "I don't know if I'm allowed to make a date while I'm working. I mean, for when I'm done working. They might think I'm setting up my own operation on the side. I mean, you-know-who did that," she whispers, " but I don't think anyone but her could have gotten away with it. Rosamond just got into some sort of trouble with Shorafa this morning, and she's usually one of her favorites. Hi, kitty," she croons to the kitten in Braddon's hand. "Why doesn't Anya like you, hm? I think she's just jealous because you're so adorable."


One of the men in black leather approaches where the two are whispering, turning a bland smile on Braddon. "Everything all right?" he asks. "Is there a problem?"


Female Human (Chelaxian)

"Oh, uh, no," Lexy responds with a nervous chuckle. "The gentleman was just asking if I'd be available tonight after he'd finished his deliveries, but I told him my shift here ends at sunset." She looks up at Braddon, hopeful he'll follow her lead.

Braddon:
Clearly Lexy is trying to let you know she'll be free this evening after sundown.


Phillip Hargreaves wrote:
Phillip makes sure he's out of the walking path and unlikely to be bowled over before turning his attention to the odds on offer. Specifically he checks for the odds of Ranef's fight against the Notorious Punisher, but also glances over the odds offered for Haren vs Spanky, and any of the no-name bouts with an overwhelmingly clear underdog at long odds.

Ranef is listed at -115, and the Notorious Punisher (rather ungraciously abbreviated to "Not Pun" on the slate) at -105; Ranef is a slight favorite, but clearly the bout is fairly evenly matched. Harry vs. Sluggy is slightly tilted in the other direction, with Sluggy at -120 and Harry at -100. The most lopsided odds on the board belong to Allardyce +160 against Noseless Maurice at -120.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Wizard

"Yes, yes," Tendal waves away Gristav's flood of explanation. "Just leave the feather and I'll see to it. You may be interested to know, by the way, that Mr. Vankaskerkin sold those venom sacs. The alchemist clearly felt he'd been lured here under false pretenses, however, since the lot of you absconded with those vials before he could examine them." He stares at the half-elf disapprovingly. "Did your 'experts' identify their contents?"


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)
Tendal "Magnimar" Deverin wrote:
"Yes, yes," Tendal waves away Gristav's flood of explanation. "Just leave the feather and I'll see to it. You may be interested to know, by the way, that Mr. Vankaskerkin sold those venom sacs. The alchemist clearly felt he'd been lured here under false pretenses, however, since the lot of you absconded with those vials before he could examine them." He stares at the half-elf disapprovingly. "Did your 'experts' identify their contents?"

"I wasn't present for the report. It ought have arrived by now. I doubt I'd be dutifully informed of any positive confirmation of our suspicions, but any negative confirmation would be reported by a squad of gendarmes sent to arrest us. Shortly."

"But I'll be fetching a stew. You'll give them my regrets?", Gristav teases.


Male Gnome Bard (Negotiator) 2

"No, Mr. Zincher. The box provided an excellent view. But Will was engrossed in his craft, and I didn't want to disturb him. I know how we gnomes are when it comes to our work. It consumes us. Another in the box would be an unnecessary distraction, possibly at the wrong time such as when perfect inspiration enters the spirit."

Cleg Zincher wrote:
Piccolo Taphodarian wrote:
Piccolo nods. He stands and follows the guard. "Lead on, my good man. I always enjoy a conversation with prominent people."

The gnome follows the other man up the tiered steps toward the box, where the line of watchmen parts to let the pair through. Piccolo comes to a stop on the bench just outside the box's canopy. Cleg Zincher is eating a piece of fruit and takes a moment to swallow, while the Korvosan bodyguard glares and the woman looks on quizzically. Zincher picks up a folded linen napkin to wipe his fingers before turning his attention to Piccolo.

"Something wrong with the box I provided?" he asks in his surprisingly mild voice.


Male Halfling Inquisitor of Calistria (Heretic archetype)

Musing for a few moments, Phil fishes out a couple of gold coins - placing one each upon Ranef and Allardyce. If questioned on the topic of the outside bet he'll just shrug, smirk and then tap the side of his nose.

Once the bets are placed he heads towards the raised vantage where he might actually be capable of seeing something occur.


hp 7 / 38; AC 16; Init +2; 3 Str damage Male Half-elf Ranger 4
Lexy wrote:
"Oh, uh, no," Lexy responds with a nervous chuckle. "The gentleman was just asking if I'd be available tonight after he'd finished his deliveries, but I told him my shift here ends at sunset." She looks up at Braddon, hopeful he'll follow her lead.

"Sunset?" Braddon turns to the man. "There's your problem. She's never available when I am. I'm a busy man, you know."

He holds aloft the kitten by way of explanation again. "Maybe I should keep it. No one attacks a man with a kitten."
"I'll be off then. Deliveries. Can you put her aside for me or something? Don't worry, I'll try again later."

He turns his back to the man, gives Lexy a wink and strides past her puposefully, not sure of his heading but away from the man.


Braddon's purposeful stride lasts until he has put a row of buildings between himself and the temple plaza. Then he finds himself standing alone in the middle of a street, holding a kitten.

--------------------------

Only about half of the betting windows are open this afternoon. Phil approaches one of them and manages to place his bets, despite the inconvenience of the counter being approximately level with the top of his head. Having double-checked his ticket for accuracy, he tucks it inside his jacket and walks back to the nearest tunnel to the grandstands. Once his eyes have adjusted once again to the bright afternoon light, he climbs the stairs up just far enough that the crowd of men in the front rows don't block his view of the fight.

The sand that was once raked smooth is now as choppy as a storm-torn sea in the center of the arena. Varg and "Crusher" Leland are both sweating heavily; Varg is dragging one leg, and Leland's lower face is smeared with blood trickling from his nose and mouth. The fight is clearly near its end.


Male Human (Chelaxian)
Piccolo Taphodarian wrote:
"No, Mr. Zincher. The box provided an excellent view. But Will was engrossed in his craft, and I didn't want to disturb him. I know how we gnomes are when it comes to our work. It consumes us. Another in the box would be an unnecessary distraction, possibly at the wrong time such as when perfect inspiration enters the spirit."

Zincher harrumphs thoughtfully, then breaks into a grin. "Temperamental sort, Will, isn't he? I don't judge. Artists usually are. I'm used to it; I work with all kinds."


Male Human (Chelaxian) Wizard
Gristav wrote:

"I wasn't present for the report. It ought have arrived by now. I doubt I'd be dutifully informed of any positive confirmation of our suspicions, but any negative confirmation would be reported by a squad of gendarmes sent to arrest us. Shortly."

"But I'll be fetching a stew. You'll give them my regrets?", Gristav teases.

"Flippancy is uncalled for," Tendal frowns, "though I must admit it's a relief to have turned the whole business of that Scarlet woman over to the proper authorities. If there's nothing else?" he questions, ready to close the door.


Male Halfling Inquisitor of Calistria (Heretic archetype)

Phillip cautiously checks those around him, making a note of the nearest exits and means of flight, before actually relaxing into his seat and allowing himself to be drawn into watching the fray.

He's essentially settling in to watch the fights purely on a pleasure basis and without any subtext. No need to summarise all the fights, but Phil would take particular interest in those he's bet on as well as Harry's.


hp 7 / 38; AC 16; Init +2; 3 Str damage Male Half-elf Ranger 4

Braddon shrugs, looks around and attempts to navigate back through the streets to the Gold Goblin.


Braddon successfully navigates the handful of blocks southward toward the Gold Goblin, the kitten playfully mauling his fingers along the way. He lets himself in by the back door; the kitchen and bar are unoccupied.


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)
Tendal "Magnimar" Deverin wrote:
Gristav wrote:

"I wasn't present for the report. It ought have arrived by now. I doubt I'd be dutifully informed of any positive confirmation of our suspicions, but any negative confirmation would be reported by a squad of gendarmes sent to arrest us. Shortly."

"But I'll be fetching a stew. You'll give them my regrets?", Gristav teases.

"Flippancy is uncalled for," Tendal frowns, "though I must admit it's a relief to have turned the whole business of that Scarlet woman over to the proper authorities. If there's nothing else?" he questions, ready to close the door.

"I'm sorry, no disrespect was intended. But I ended two men today. Flippancy, is a shelter." Turning to continue up the hall, Gristav farewells, "Until dinner, then?", neither expecting nor awaiting any answer.

Gris will find whoever he can to make further report to, starting with Larur, eventually looking upstairs. Unless he runs into Braddon?


Gold Goblin wrote:
Snake shepherds his wayward trio down the east bank of the Velashu. It's not until they've passed the sharp ridge against which the back of Shoreleave nestles and are out of sight of Devil's Fork entirely that Finnie raises her eyes from the ground and seems to breathe any easier. She still seems conscious of her shabby clothing and the bruises on her face, not to mention the fresh scars on her neck, as they pass through Leeward District, however. Cassey is bluntly curious and unafraid, running to windowboxes to examine the flowers and poke her fingers into the dirt. His surroundings make no impact on Micah whatsoever; he continues muttering nervously to himself as his bare feet tread over the cobblestones on their way back to Rotgut.

Snake keeps a lookout for trouble as they move along, mainly out of habit even though it's broad daylight. "Nice day to be out, I guess," he comments awkwardly. Observing the three as they walk, Snake sadly shakes his head at the priest man, wondering if he will ever make it to "normal".


Male Gnome Bard (Negotiator) 2

"Verily! A most astute observation about the ego of artists. I imagine being tolerant of temperamental personalities is useful for an arena owner. Gladiators must be as temperamental as artists."

Cleg Zincher wrote:
Zincher harrumphs thoughtfully, then breaks into a grin. "Temperamental sort, Will, isn't he? I don't judge. Artists usually are. I'm used to it; I work with all kinds."


hp 7 / 38; AC 16; Init +2; 3 Str damage Male Half-elf Ranger 4

Braddon raids the kitchen for any titbits that may interest his new-found companion before making his way to the sleeping quarters. Ignoring his own door, he knocks on Samaritha's.
When there is no response, he opens the door a fraction, gently pushes the kitten inside and closes it again.
He turns a grin down the corridor.


Braddon has no difficulty in finding some scraps for the cat; however, when he tries Samaritha's door, he finds that she locked it behind her when she left, wherever she has gone.

You can put the kitten in your own room or in one of the unused rooms for the time being if you want to, Braddon, or you can get the extra key to her room from Larur or Saul (or possibly Tendal). Please also see the discussion thread in re working out the timeline.


Male Human (Chelaxian)
Piccolo Taphodarian wrote:
"Verily! A most astute observation about the ego of artists. I imagine being tolerant of temperamental personalities is useful for an arena owner. Gladiators must be as temperamental as artists."

He shrugs his massive shoulders. "I don't deal with them directly. I have a man for that. I'm not really the violent type." He smiles self-deprecatingly.


Inside the arena, a cry erupts from the crowd as "Crusher" Leland delivers a massive blow to the already-injured leg of Varg of the North and he collapses sideways onto the sand. The half-orcs around Boss Croat's yellow-curtained box on the northeast rim leap to their feet shouting and chanting in victory, and Leland turns and grins, raising one fist to them in acknowledgement. He makes no move to finish off his fallen opponent, as two men in leather armor burst from one of the archways onto the field, run to Varg, and hook their arms beneath his to drag him off of the sand.

--------------------------

Snake escorts Finnie and Micah through Leeward District, where the barefooted man in sailcloth in particular gets some inhospitable glances which he completely fails to register. Cassey dashes around on all sides of the other three, investigating. "Why do they keep boxes of dirt on their windows?" she asks Snake.


Male Halfling Inquisitor of Calistria (Heretic archetype)

Phillip swears under his breath as Varg goes down "Fillo de puta merda" feeling a degree of sympathy for the man he does not know bar by one nights drink failing to find his feet again. Grimacing as the Ulfen needs ambulatory assistance to depart, Phillip scans the crowd to get a vague sense of crowd favouratism outside of the obvious trainer's boxes and hangers on.


Male Gnome Bard (Negotiator) 2

"Delegation is a quality of a successful businessman. I like a man that understands the maxim 'The right man for the right job'." Piccolo watches the current fight from Cleg's box. "What of the half-orcs? A rather violent looking bunch. One of the men in the box glared at me. A very uncomfortable position for someone of my small stature. I hope there is no general dislike of small folk amongst them. I would prefer not to be mugged by half-orcs."

Cleg Zincher wrote:
He shrugs his massive shoulders. "I don't deal with them directly. I have a man for that. I'm not really the violent type." He smiles self-deprecatingly.


hp 7 / 38; AC 16; Init +2; 3 Str damage Male Half-elf Ranger 4

Braddon frowns at Samaritha's locked door and begins exploring the Goblin to find her. His explorations do not extend upstairs and eventually he heads back towards the kitchens.


Gold Goblin wrote:
Snake escorts Finnie and Micah through Leeward District, where the barefooted man in sailcloth in particular gets some inhospitable glances which he completely fails to register. Cassey dashes around on all sides of the other three, investigating. "Why do they keep boxes of dirt on their windows?" she asks Snake.

Noticing the rude onlookers, Snake gets caught off-guard by Cassey's question. "What? Oh, the dirt, yeah, that's for plants. People plant flowers there so they can look at them directly out the window. Because they like them and because they think it looks nice. It's either that or they just like how dirt looks. Hey Cassey, you wouldn't happen to know of a place around here that sells clothes, would you?" He asks loud enough for all to hear, taking a glance at Finnie, wondering if she might know some place; but he holds no illusions that Micah will respond.


Braddon performs as thorough a search as he can of the ground floor without running the risk of being given more work to do. Larur Felden's office appears occupied so he avoids it. He can hear quiet activity on the other side of Tendal's door and considers asking where Samaritha is but decides the mage is near enough Saul's right-hand man that he might feel he has the ability to give the half-elf instructions as well.

Back in the kitchen, he finds the leftovers on offer less tempting than did the cat and considers where he might spend a leisurely afternoon without fear of honest labor intruding.

What did he end up doing with the cat?


Male Human (Chelaxian)
Piccolo Taphodarian wrote:
"Delegation is a quality of a successful businessman. I like a man that understands the maxim 'The right man for the right job'." Piccolo watches the current fight from Cleg's box. "What of the half-orcs? A rather violent looking bunch. One of the men in the box glared at me. A very uncomfortable position for someone of my small stature. I hope there is no general dislike of small folk amongst them. I would prefer not to be mugged by half-orcs."

Zincher appears unmoved by his gladiator's loss on the sand below. "Nah, you shouldn't have a problem with the orc-blooded. Croat keeps them in line. Unless you're a property owner not paying his protection money," he grins. "But that woud be thoroughly sanctioned; it wouldn't a rogue agent you'd have to worry about."


Down on the sand, when Leland has finished soaking up his adulation and gone back through the archway into whatever green room the gladiators have to enjoy, more arena workmen spring out to rake the sand back to a modicum of smoothness before the next pairing. Several spectators work their way out of the press in the first few tiers of seating, heading for the tunnels, while most of the rest have a seat and relax. Those who have lost money on the outcome are easy to pick out of the crowd by the scowls with which they crumple their betting tickets; most of the rest look unconcerned, although there are noticeable pockets of minor discontent where men turn to one another with a grumble. From this distance, it's difficult for Phillip to determine whether they were backing Varg out of racial solidarity or have some other complaint about the match.

Move closer to eavesdrop, or mind your own business, Phil?


Male Dwarf

Having taken his leave from Tendal, Gristav crosses the dim casino floor, lit only by the stripes of indirect sunlight from the tall windows beneath the verandah, to Larur's office. There is no light shining from beneath the door, but he knows both that the dwarf has no need of it and that he would consider it a scandalous waste of coin to burn unneeded oil. Knocking, he waits for Larur's grunt of invitation before opening the door.

"Hm? Larur glances up from beneath his heavy brow. "Oh, it's you, lad. What in the Nine Hells went on in Rotgut? The tall fellow you brought in off the road the other night said there was some sort of trouble with Sczarni."


"Snake" wrote:
Noticing the rude onlookers, Snake gets caught off-guard by Cassey's question. "What? Oh, the dirt, yeah, that's for plants. People plant flowers there so they can look at them directly out the window. Because they like them and because they think it looks nice. It's either that or they just like how dirt looks. Hey Cassey, you wouldn't happen to know of a place around here that sells clothes, would you?" He asks loud enough for all to hear, taking a glance at Finnie, wondering if she might know some place; but he holds no illusions that Micah will respond.

"Clothes?" the girl asks, befuddled. "You find clothes. Or take them." She seems unfamiliar with the concept of a store.

"There's a place sells clothing just on the edge of Rotgut," Finnie offers in a barely audible voice. "They wouldn't let us in, though. Not fine enough."


Male Halfling Inquisitor of Calistria (Heretic archetype)

While the halfling does note the minor pockets of discontent, he shrugs and leaves the men be. Lord knows the morning's had enough of entanglements with other people's business. Instead Phillip leans back into the bleachers as best he might and takes a copper coin from a pocket, setting it to dancing across the fingers of his right hand.

In muted voice he murmurs mostly to himself "He once had a heart which was moved by the wires
Of manifold pleasures and many desires:
And what if he cherished his purse? 'Twas no more
Than treading a path trod by thousands before."

Credit given where it is due


hp 7 / 38; AC 16; Init +2; 3 Str damage Male Half-elf Ranger 4

Braddon deposits the kitten on the kitchen table with the titbits and departs the Gold Goblin alone.

He starts towards the ferry to cross to the Publican, then realises he is also heading towards Lil's hideout and remembers his plans to abscond with Lil's bed. He alters direction slightly, realises he can't move the thing alone and stops in the street wondering where he can hire some muscle. When a roar arises from the arena, he turns and heads purposefully towards it.


Male Gnome Bard (Negotiator) 2

"I thank you for the information, Mr. Zincher. Being a newcomer to Riddleport, I haven't yet learned the local law and customs. I would hate to offend in a manner detrimental to my prosperity. You have been a generous host with your time and information."

Cleg Zincher wrote:
Piccolo Taphodarian wrote:
Zincher appears unmoved by his gladiator's loss on the sand below. "Nah, you shouldn't have a problem with the orc-blooded. Croat keeps them in line. Unless you're a property owner not paying his protection money," he grins. "But that woud be thoroughly sanctioned; it wouldn't a rogue agent you'd have to worry about."


M 1/2E Magus 4 :2223a1: BAB3 CMB/D:5/17 AC/T/Ff:16/12/14 Init2 Perc1?3(F:9) HP36/36 FRW6,5,3(F:6) UMD11 Scft10 Alch/K:Arc/K:Lcl/Appr7 Ride/Climb/Swim/Dance:6 Dipl/Intim/Acrobatics5 Sense Motive3(F:6)
Larur Felden wrote:
"Hm? Larur glances up from beneath his heavy brow. "Oh, it's you, lad. What in the Nine Hells went on in Rotgut? The tall fellow you brought in off the road the other night said there was some sort of trouble with Sczarni."

"Had been, before we even got there. Sczarni had set up an alchemical laboratory for flayleaf purification, staffed it with muscle and salesmen, and put a confidence man in charge. Fronting it all as a temple to Sarenrae, they even had the sincerely destitute and supplicant on hand. It was all very convincing. Well, to me."

"One of these poor, genuine folk found himself storm-tossed by the great wave some days passed, and was rescued by myself, or rather mostly by the crew of the Cloud. But it was Jaelle, a bosun, and I, took this old fellow back to that house. Where we met the conman, and believed him to be a Sarenraeite."

"So, when in the investigation into the death of Mistress Vishki, it was desired to speak with the shade of the deceased, without relying on the usual clerical inquestress, Sharofa Pamodae... I went to ask that Sarenraeite. Owing to Saul's cautions, we went in force."

"I don't know whether it was the priest's own guilt, Phillip's skulking about, or Kane's apparent history with some of them... but this Beltias Kreun had his men search for the halfling, and lock Braddon in a storeroom, while he tried, himself, to poison Kane and I."

"It went badly for them. The priest, revealed a Norgorberite, died on Braddon's sword. Evidence in the house suggests this Kreun had a hobby of abduction, ill-use, and murder. His death was justice. Much of the muscle, also dead. Two, left unguarded, escaped before Gendarmes came to the house. The alchemist is in Phillip's care and company, and I have to trust that will go well. The name Marzo was dropped, and Phillip picked it up. I expect it might mean more to Saul, and we'll discuss this all again at dinner. I have the Three-Billed Duck preparing a stew. A bit of magic found in the house is with Tendal now."

"Returning to the question of a clerical inquestor, Arnando of the Publican agreed, and managed the miracle of questioning the corpse, which revealed nothing decisive, but the closing of the question appears to have put us out of the General's service."

"But not his mind. Braddon's impressed him, and was asked to lunch. I would not be surprised if the General didn't come to imagine us more resource now, than suspect. But surely, not wholly, either."


Male Human (Chelaxian)
Piccolo Taphodarian wrote:
"I thank you for the information, Mr. Zincher. Being a newcomer to Riddleport, I haven't yet learned the local law and customs. I would hate to offend in a manner detrimental to my prosperity. You have been a generous host with your time and information."

Zincher waves off the thanks. "Any friend of Will's," he grins. "Enjoy the fights."


Male Dwarf

Larur stares at Gristav for a long moment. "Gods, what you get up to. Is it like this in every town you have business in? I'm proud to say that for more than a century, I avoided becoming entangled in murder cults, Sczarni plots, and police business alike." He frowns. "Until I joined up with Saul, at any rate."


There is a healthy intermission before the next bout begins, long enough for the arena sand to be re-raked and to encourage the spectators to make their way to the concession area or betting windows to unburden themselves of any extra coin weighing down their pockets.

At last, the next pair of gladiators enters the field through opposite archways and postures for the crowd. As anticipation begins to draw the audience back to its feet, Braddon emerges from the northern tunnel and blinks in the sudden bright sunlight, glancing around to get his bearings. The first several rows around the edge of the sand are packed with spectators. Private boxes with colorful canopies for shade are perched high on the rim of the arena; around one of these, a healthy contingent of half-orcs is amassed. Between these two extremes are several tiers of virtually empty benches, with only a few scattered occupants here and there. Braddon's gaze passes over one of these dots, then doubles back, and he squints to be sure. This Small moustachioed dot looks familiar; in fact, it appears to be Phillip, seated far enough above the heads of the crowd that his view of the sand isn't blocked.


Male Gnome Bard (Negotiator) 2

Piccolo nods, "The sentiment is mutual. I can respect a human that can appreciate gnome artistic sensibilities. Good evening, Mr. Zincher."

Piccolo exits Cleg's box. He will carefully note the route away from the box and to an exit, preferably the nearest exit. Once he has discerned that path, he will return to Will's box.

Cleg Zincher wrote:
Zincher waves off the thanks. "Any friend of Will's," he grins. "Enjoy the fights."


Gold Goblin wrote:

"Clothes?" the girl asks, befuddled. "You find clothes. Or take them." She seems unfamiliar with the concept of a store.

"There's a place sells clothing just on the edge of Rotgut," Finnie offers in a barely audible voice. "They wouldn't let us in, though. Not fine enough."

Snake turns to listen to Finnie, a slight grin upon him as he gives a nod. "Well, let's give it a shot anyway, what do you say? All I need is for you to point me in the right direction, Finnie. Let's keep walking and you can just tell me which way to turn," he says as they continue on.

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