Aeadon replies in kind.
"I am aware of that. But that sort of magic does not last long. They also have to get close to cast it. So ether it's the ratfolk who steal it or someone else. Best to try and find out."
Looking back at Norvyn.
"Sorry about that, anyways Norvyn. Have you had any dealings or visitors besides us lately. Or are the ratfolk the only ones you have been suffering from today?
Ignoring Norvyn Agreal walks up to the rat folk. On the way there he looks at the rest of the group, and points back at Norvyn. Agreal then mouths the words 'Under a spell'. After nodding to the group Agreal then begins to question the rat folk.
"My name is Agreal what is yours? Are you friends? Where do you live? Can I come and visit?"
Noro just stands off to the side leaning against a wall having moved back outside once Aeadon began his information gathering. believing he had the situation under control.
when the ratfolk came into view and stopped she acted as though she was not involved but continues to watch the scene unfold. looking for other signs of trouble.
Can we just have the map and be on our way? We are wasting valuable time here. If he wants us to bring him junk or something, fine, but lets get moving. It has become quite obvious that Gerrik doesn't seem very comfortable around the smell or the sight of all the garbage.
The two Ratfolk look at Agreal and speak simultaneously We are Sachi and Yaku They bow their heads slightly in unison, We are of the family Sin from the place you would call the Flotsam Graveyard, we call it Suichuu Paresu. Do you want a ride? 5 silver, we cost more, but we are the fastest in town.
Norvyn is a bit shocked at Gerrik's outburst Fine friends you have here Aeadon. It is very rude to come unannounced and make such demands. I have treasure to find.
He looks at Gerrik and states proudly I'll have you know I am an official city employee sir, I could call the guards on you if that's what you want!
Gerrik stares at Norvyn as if the gnome breached a rule by addressing him. Fine. If we find any treasure worth you to have we'll gladly bring it to you. Fair enough?
Turning to the ratfolk Gerrik nearly chokes on the price of admission. I'm sorry, I'm sure you meant copper, not silver, unless you can travel through time. Perhaps another time.
"What sort of things would you be interested in sir? We'll be sure to keep an eye out."
Aeadon rubs his brow a moment before looking at Gerrik. Snapping his fingers and pointing at him. His two guard dogs instantly turn towards Gerrik baring teeth but not letting out a sound, they stare the man down. There is no doubt that they would attack given provocation or orders.
"Gerrik if you can not be civil then your free to leave. I certainly will not forgive disrespect to Norvyn when he has done nothing to warrant it."
Letting his gaze linger a moment on the tactless man he looks back at Norvyn.
"Friends is a bit of an overstatement. I am sure you don't call everyone you work with friends Norvyn. I know I have dropped by unannounced and apologize for it but I was just wondering if you could help me out. I was also wondering how you had been. Been hearing some rumors going around and was concerned is all. I certainly was not making any demands of you. Asked if you met with anyone else today and your troubles but certainly not demanding anything."
Gerrik looks nervously at the guard dogs as they obey their master's command. Straightening his posture and adjusting his stance he says OK friend, your point is made. You can call off your pooches now. Turning back to the gnome, My apologies, good sir. I meant no disrespect. Time is of the essence and I lost my patience. I'll just be over here while my friend completes his business with you.
With that Gerrik will step away from the group and start to take a look around his current surroundings. If he does that again those mutts will end up with arrows in their eyes.
Oh, well sure I guess I have to work with some brutes also. I saw some of those Ratfiendtreasurestealers! And you, and hmm... oh yes of course my boss, but I see him everyday to get my assignments for the day. He leans closer to Aeadon and whispers
Norvyn leans back and says So do we have a deal? You make some nice big RAT traps for me and I will give you my map. Norvyn makes sure he says "RAT traps" loud enough for Sachi and Yaku to overhear.
We have other customers They announce once Norvyn makes his remark and they scamper off.
Noro sees a man approaching via flying carpet.
Oh, my boss is going to be mad, you kept me from my dive!
Norvyn says in a slight panic.
Make Way for Master Rixanorthoz A camel mounted soldier announces and the crowd parts for the mounted escort that is just below the man on the flying carpet.
Well my friends tis going to be fun...
Aeadon quickly takes in the information, this boss was a good suspect. Just as he is about to answer Norvyn a new arrival appears.
So it seemed he had all the answers he needed. Master Rixanorthoz was behind it all. His purpose was still unknown but his methods had been exposed. He could use that, enchantment spells were not something one used often in Absalom. Not with the Varlokkur around to enforce judgments and punishments. Something he took into account himself as certain spells were outright illegal to use. Speaking to Norvyn.
"I will try to smooth things over and explain it to him so you won't get in trouble. It is our fault for keeping you after all and we were unexpected."
Turning to the others.
"As the caller said that's Master Rixanorthoz. Vice Nomarch and enchanter from the foreign district with ties to the arclords of nex. Do be on your best behavior as it would be very bad to insult him in any way."
His eye falls on Gerrik for a moment, his dogs had their teeth hidden but had kept an eye on him from time to time.
Corvus shakes her head at the unfolding events. Pungent eccentrics, ratfolk trying extortion and now a man on a flying carpet!
'Oh, now this might prove interesting!'
Noro just stands by watching this all unfold.
the interactions and apparent attitudes simply solidify her stereotyped view of wizards in general.
Well, how interesting...An enchanter with a lackey obsessed with finding things. Couldn't have been more iconic if he tried. Never could pin it on him, though. And likely his position gets the guards paid off in his favor.
Sarvin tries to look presentable yet still keep his features somewhat covered.
Agreal waves to the ratfolk as the leave.
"Don't be strangers. Have a good day!"
Doing his good deed for the day Agreal stands back, but makes sure to stand right in front of Norvyn's door.
I wonder who the man in the purple is? Maybe he's nice! Or he could be evil.... That would be even better!
I've heard of this guy. Don't worry, I have nothing to say to him. Gerrik eyes the conjurer with a hint of disdain. Just make it quick, we have work to do. Gerrik will then move over toward wherever Corvus is standing and watch the events unfold.
Sitting on top of his carpet Master Rixanorthoz casts a spell
Responding to an unheard voice Norvyn answers These are some friends that wanted some information about the sewer. No I haven't gone yet, those ratfolks keep coming back and taking our treasures! Aeadon here makes traps though and will trade me some good traps for a map!
Aeadon clears his throat a bit loudly. Before giving a slight bow and addressing Master Rixanothoz.
"Some would find it some what insulting to have a message spell used in their presence, excluding them as such. If not suspicious to say the least Master Rixanorthoz. I am sure a man such as you are guilty of nether intent. If you wish to know our purpose, it would be more prudent to simply ask us directly. That is if Norvyn is your work, pardon, working for you. After all we dropped by unannounced seeking aid with our own work."
His face remains politely neutral. But his mind was thinking of how to work things to their advantage. He would need a measure of the man before things could move forward in a way that would benefit them.
Wait this guy can use magic, and Norvyn has a charm spell on him. Better keep an eye on him.
Master Rixanorthoz will address you if he wishes to speak with you. A rude Half-Orc snarls at Aeadon.
Yes, I will I promise. Norvyn continues to answer to the message spell.
Aeadon did not like being forced into things but sometimes no choice was left. He ignores the half orc speaking to Rixanorthoz before things got ugly for everyone.
"I am sure you are aware that certain spells are against the law in Absalom. That the Varlokkur punish those that break such laws without exception."
He figured the man was smart enough to get the meaning that he was giving him a chance to bargain. While Norvyn was a good contact his magically compelled servitude was a minor thing. Nothing harmful to the man but very harmful to the controller.
+4=23
Agreal points at Master Rix.
"He's casting a spell."
Then Agreal pats himself on the back.
Agreal also steps aside, so he is in no way, shape, or form in the way of Master Rix.
[dice=Local]d20+6
I've heard of this guy. Don't worry, I have nothing to say to him. Gerrik eyes the conjurer with a hint of disdain. Just make it quick, we have work to do. Gerrik will then move over toward wherever Corvus is standing and watch the events unfold.
** spoiler omitted **
Gerrik watches the man on the carpet and his entourage, readying himself in the event some violence is needed.
Maldrek watched at events unfolded and he was wary...whatever this man was he didn't want to face him in open combat not with those cursed guards...
The man who announced Master Rixanorthoz steps forward with the mention of the Varlokkur. Master Rixanorthoz is aware of all laws pertaining to magic Sir. Who might you be? As he steps forward a Gold Pin is prominent on his cloak.
Noro remains out of the way. but still observant of her potential adversaries.
the half-orc will probably not be too much of a problem but this fellow with the pin, best not tangle with him...yet. Still this is the realm of the finger wigglers and I have learned to not involve myself of those dealings, at least not when so well guarded.
some of the others seem to be wary as well, and they have not involved noro, she wonders if that is a good thing, or another concern.
Aeadon looks at the man, seeing things were not going to go the way he wanted he simply shrugged.
"No one of importance."
Looking over at Norvyn.
"I will make you one trap after I get the map. If it turns out to play a part in my job I will make you another. I think that is fair Norvyn. If you agree please give me the map and I will take no more of you or your employers time."
He would see how his own employers took the information. If it proved of no use to them then he would inform the Varlokkur. He had no reason to side with the entitled types, Norvyn held more value to him then Rixanorthoz. In fact the ratfolk did as well.
Norvyn seems enthralled by Master Rixanorthoz and does not seem to be listening. His eyes glaze over and he nods and closes the door to his flat without saying a word. He begins toward the sewer access at the end of the street.
The man on the flying carpet flies away once he has spoken, though his guards remain to ensure Norvyn remains on task.
Aeadon gets on his camel.
"Well today seems highly unproductive. Unless someone else has a lead I guess we report."
He swore the whole city was against them. Simply preparing for the job was more trouble then the job itself. Seeing as two groups had seen them along with the trouble of the barbers. He questioned if the whole thing would not be called off. At least they would play no part sense so much attention had been drawn to them. If that was the case he would get no share or a small one. Damn the barbers and damn enchanters who did not have the sense to simply pay for services rather then magically compel them.
Sarvin simply shrugs. "My day has proven to be less than productive, really, with my talents. It's just not proving to be a very successful day. But...on a good note, we have information. And information is the first step."
Mayhaps it is time to contact Milax and emphasize the threat of the Bloody Barbers. It's time that they were taken out once and for all.
Maldrek has a point. Perhaps once we deal with the Barbers our original task becomes easier to accomplish.
Watching the gnome vanish into the sewers Gerrik then says, We could simply "borrow" the map while our friend is off doing his chore. Doesn't seem like he would mind since he doesn't appear to have control over it at the moment.
Jiri shrugs, "He didn't lock the door as he left. It wouldn't hurt to have a quick look around would it?"
Aeadon looks over at the man that seemed determined to undermine everything. He wondered if he was perhaps better suited as a barber then a smoke knight.
"Norvyn would notice as he did with everything stolen from him. It would lead back to us and by extension our job. I am not in the habit of leaving a trail or backstabbing my associates."
He gives a click of his tongue, both dogs flanking his mount.
"We should report and let our employers make of it what they will."
He kept a slight eye on the guards that remained. Last thing they needed was to be overheard with careless words. No doubt the guards could use anything they picked up in trade for their master or own benefit.
"All right. He's your friend, it's your call."
Gerrik shrugs and joins with the rest of the party to making their way back to Milax. Realizing that he is making a worse-than-desirable impression on the camel-rider, the Taldan says, You are correct, I just wanted to offer the idea as a possible solution. We should let Milax suggest a course of action given the events of the day. Again, my apologies for being of little patience.
As the group leaves Noro follows along, her connection to the Barbers has her worried. they were after her, not anyone else.
This is all new to her. maybe she needs to go back to the arena and get some fights in, maybe help let out some frustration.
|
The camel mounted guards remain and close by and watch Norvyn enter the sewer access. The Half-Orc guard looks back and snarls as he and the others turn and ride back toward the Nomarch's estate.
Aeadon looks at the refuse pile, thinking for a moment. He dismounts sending his own thoughts at it. I think an explanation is in order. As I am not trusting of magical weapons with a mind of their own. Let us be honest even those without a mind of their own can be harmful to someone picking them up carelessly. He then speaks aloud to the others.
"I think I know what they were looking for. Allow me a few moments to confirm."
"I thought you said we weren't going to look around?"