"Acceptable terms. What is in it for me?"
?:Hey there, B. How are ya? Do- Seeming to know where the conversation is going already, Bishop interrupts
Bishop:Kal? I have a guest. An important one. No I don’t know where Lady Morganna is. No, I will not change my mind and tell you anyway. Kal shrugs before responding with a light chuckle.
Kal: Wow, I’m getting that predictable? I’ll have to mix things up again. But where are my manners? Greetings, milady. My name is Kal Savard and it’s a pleasure to meet you. He bows as the door swings open next to him.
You can trust me to be tight-lipped. Nothing comes out of this mouth unless I will it to. She said, exaggerating a bit. She really wanted this job. So I suppose I'm not going to be getting any specifics from you, then?
Ugh... Bishop momentarily looks away in disgust. before remembering [/b] Oh. Apologies. Spider. If anyone asks: It was huge.[/b] Taking a moment to cast a spell, he removes any "debris" from Gwynn, before opening the door silently, bowing his head as he does so.
Kal:So, are you one of the interviewee's?
Until an audible click is heard from where Bishop is sitting. Bishop himself is looking away, whistling innocently.
Kal:Alright, alright! Put it away. Yesh. The man puts up his hands in surrender before regaining his cool, placing said hat back upon himself.
Good day to you both, I'll see you later. Before tipping his hat, and exiting the room.
Bishop:I hate that guy. Unless there are further questions, our next step is for the group to meet in the foyer, and I'll escort you all to meet Lady Morganna.
No, no, things went rather better than expected. Thank you though. And the man turns down a separate hallway.
Bishop enters the foyer, rather well kept this time around. He adjusts his collar addressing the group present, with a small, thin shadow flicking behind him.
So, shall we be off my friends? follow me, we're heading out to the gardens. He'll field any questions along the way, but continues to make his way over to the opposite end of the building, a process that takes a couple of minutes, even at the brisk pace Bishop takes. Past the various busts of past members of the family, past portraits, and gold lined paintings. Through archways, and past guards, servants and other visitors alike.
The double doors open to a veritable small field of flowers, with of course, workers scattered about tending to them. The cold wind blows from the north. In the distance you see two figures standing by a Gazebo.
well, I trust everyone's interviews went well
"Yeah, it went well." Serephina looked around. Heading out to the Gardens seemed pleasant enough, and she was intrigued to find out what was happening. The Lady had suitors, and Bishop seemed unhappy with it. Did he have a crush on her himself?
As she walked through the Garden, she watched the two figures near the Gazebo. One, she assumed, was Lady Morganna, since Bishop had said she was being taken to meet her. The other was likely an attendant or guard, then, but you never knew.
Quite well, I take it yours went well as well? Abel responds politely walking with the group out to the gardens, his arms folded behind his back as he walks
I am filled with anticipation. Gwynn said, leaving, then jumping at the noise. O-oh kay..." She said, then once outside the room, she fell against the wall and looked up to the ceiling, holding onto her tail with both hands. Ooookay/ She said, gathering her composure once more.
Passing the janitor, she quirked her eyebrows. Thank me for what? She asked.
Back in the waiting room, she took her seat again and hummed.
Interesting... very interesting. She said, leaning backwards. Why do I get the feeling we're in for a long workweek?
As everyone meets at the Gazebo, Morganna greets each of you. Bishop takes his place by her side. Taking the time to shake hands with everyone.
Lanliss Seldlon, Seraphina Drakyos. Followers of Kalmista.
Gwynn Cleary.
And... Abel.
She turns to Azrael. Gesturing towards the group as a whole she speaks.
I'm glad to meet each of you. My name is Morganna Ainsworth. I trust you've all found our terms agreeable thus far?
"I find the terms me and Bishop discussed agreeable" Lanliss turns to Azrael "My name is Lanliss, Lanliss Seldlon. And you are?"
Everything discussed works for me, although more specific details may be required. He turns to the group, I am Abel The Wanderer pleased to meet you all
"The terms work for me, Milady, Serephina said with a short bow.
Returning Seraphina's bow, Morganna speaks to the assembled group. She makes her way back up to the Gazebo with Bishop in tow.
Under the employ of the Ainsworth house, you will receive many boons, but they will come with an equal measurement of responsibility. You will not be in the rank and file of our house. That sort of work does not befit any of your talents or skills. Instead, you will each be reporting to me. You may use what ever legal avenues you wish to accomplish your goals. I will rarely give specific conditions for success, nor failure. The first thing I will assign you will require subterfuge. Morganna turns to face the assembled group.
I know enough of each of you to know that such a mission is within your capabilities. Your target location is an old factory scheduled for demolition, in this very city in fact. However that schedule has been pushed back for unknown reasons. At this time, our scouts have confirmed personnel occupying the building.
She stops to give the closest member of the group an enclosed letter. As she does so, Bishop slowly begins to have an intense coughing fit. Not turning her head, Morganna looks in his direction until he stops, making use of his purple handkerchief.
...Within that envelope are directions to the location you will all be going to. Also contained are five badges, one for each of you. Display it openly, and you will be granted better access to locations in private sectors. If your work impresses me, you may be given further freedom.
The badges themselves are bronze with few furnishings, save for a pin on one side, and the embossed symbol of the family; A skull tied to a rope, suspending it by the eye sockets. Grisly, but the Ainsworth's have held a long history of swift and severe judgement. This as a calling card is fittingly grim.
I'd like you all to make your way to the designated place, and find out what the occupants are doing with a factory, and if you want to add a bit for extra credit, remove them from the premises. We are still a week out from the Festival of the Damned, so, I trust you may wish to get to know one another before then. Any questions?
Agreeable, if a bit vague. Gwynn said. Personally, I usually don't sign the dotted line until I read the full contract, but it's not like I get offers like this every day. She said.
Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Azrael. I am looking forward to getting to know you all better.
She listens intently at the instructions. Espionage was not quite the type of work she was expecting, but she was flattered to be considered. I'm fine with it. She said. We should get our roles figured out. Who fits into what part of the plan, and whatnot.
"I'm sure we can find out what they're up to," Serephina nodded ageeably. Whether she helped remove them would depend on exactly what they were up to and why. Some things didn't deserve a beating, or death.
Nodding to Gwynn, she added, "I'm trained by the priests of Kalmistra, so I'm skilled at healing, although I have some offensive magic's as well."
No further question, He turns to the others, I am trained in martial arts, I also know many things and would be happy to share such information with you all. I am also quite good at scouting. I should however add I would prefer we not kill anyone unless we have to. The fish like person smiles speaking with sincerity
I can be the face if I need to be. I'm decent with an enchantment spell or two. Gwynn said. Right, Abel. I'm not too keen on blood. Mine or others.
If it satisfies anyone's curiosity, the factory in question was defunct, according to records. Evidently, these intruders have decided that whatever they are there for is worth the effort and risk of discovery. I would expect them to be aware of your approach.
It is nice to see there are others who agree with me He says to Gwynn.
Turning to Morganna, What precisely was this factory used for might i ask?
Once upon a time it was an industrial facility. It produced fairly advanced machinery, like motorized joints or pistons, and due to the size of the facility, they had the space to produce engines with them as well. The Chevaliers made frequent purchases there.
The Chevaliers themselves are little more than a glorified gang of vermin, but they shouldn't bother you; they lost interest in the area after the factory went offline.
Satisfied?
Edit:
Why did the factory go offline I assume it was valuable
"Good question Abel. Why did it go offline?"
Lanliss raises an eyebrow.
It became outdated. More efficient machines came about, and the Lockiron Company, the former owners of the factory, found a location they preferred. Leaving this facility as is, and leaving it for someone else to clean up, meant simply building a newer factory would cost less. I admire their dedication to the bottom line, solid long term thinking.
During all of this, Bishop doesn't seem to speak. Or really be looking, for that matter.
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Azrael hears everything calmly, trying to complete the puzzle presented to them. "Miss Ainsworth... you said the Lockiron Company was the owner of the factory, but who is or was the owner of Lockiron Company? Different Houses require different approaches and they use different security systems." he then turns to the rest and explains his abilities "I am a Paladin of the Old Lord. As such I'm no stranger to blood but as most of you, I guess, I'd rather no reap a life unless it's strictly necessary. I can heal, I can fight and I know a fair share of both the Houses and Technology. Oh, and during my training I've spent some time studying the intincracies of magic so I can help there too."
Lockiron Company is owned by a client house of ours, Linyaxe. Dwarves, mostly. They likely used locks, the occasional alarm. It's also possible they made use of turrets, although those were most likely removed and brought to the new building during it's construction.
"It's possible the new residents have added some back anyway - we should expect them." Serephina paused, considering. "How far down does the building go? If it's a Dwarf made building, then it's likely to go down at least as far as it goes up."
And as everyone knows, abandoned, outdated factories make the best setting for all sorts of shady double-dealings. Gwynn added in, keeping a careful eye on Morrigan. In all her years studying fiction, that name only belonged to one of the good guys about five percent of the time.
Most likely removed? By that you mean, absolutely expect them, right?
I can tell you for a fact that there is a basement level, though how far down it goes, I cannot, unfortunately. Though this place was in fact commissioned by Dwarves, their employees were mostly human and the occasional halfling. It would be quite the waste of development for an expansive underground area, though I suppose one can never be sure.
Bishop adds If I may? Considering the simple nature of deploying some of the more basic turret models, it would not be unreasonable to expect them.
Morganna allows Bishop to finish before continuing. Ah, that is true. You received old Fenrir from a prototype of one of Lockiron's Burrowhole models. Very good, now, you are all set to go, I hope? There is only so much sunlight in the day after all, and I consider time spent as part of your evaluation.
Shall we be off then friends? We have much to do
"Thank you for the chance at this job." Serephina adds, bowing once more. She didn't consider the job hers until she'd proven she could do it. "Ready when you are."
"Let's go, I'm good"
Abel turns and begins walking away arms still folded behind his back, humming a tune
As the group finally takes their collective leave from the Ainsworth Estate, the scope of the building appears greater than before. On the way by, they pass more servants who seem to give Abel, Gwynn and less so Seraphina an occasional aside glance.
Out of the very new-looking stone gate leads a long winding road, where you can very faintly hear the murmurs of city life.
Before leaving, someone may want to read the directions they were given.
Very well, time to go. Gwynn said.
She whistles up to the sky. I love the modern life. She hummed. The city's a living, breathing organism in and of itself, don't you aggree? She asked no one in particular.
Assuming the holder of the envelope opens the directions for all to read, the paper is covered in beautiful handwriting, stating thus:
"Enclosed within this note is directional assistance written for only those with express permission to read. Those failing to comply will be dealt with severely. Make no mistake, I will know.
You must travel southward to the industrial district of Calweld. Take care to remain within our territory lines. If you cross beyond them, you will have no authority to act, and as such, we will not be able to provide any legal aid to you if something goes amiss. You would be best served by heading straight downtown, and keeping to the market signs. I recommend travelling on the PE* to get there quickly. Once you arrive at the market itself, head west, and the industrial district will be nearby. You should be able to tell by the putrid stench of smoke, poor workers and signs on buildings. Once there, stay away from the crossing of 64th street and Donnel ave, and the roadways south of Donnel. Failure to do so will likely result in the local vermin accosting you due to some of your rather noticeable extraplanar features.
Once in the industrial district, follow the trail of factories, and you should still see remains of the sign, vandalized as it may be. Take caution, our scouts did report sentries had been spotted.
Good luck
-M"
*PE is common shorthand for the “Privateer Escort” tram company, one of a small handful of competitors in the newly budded industry. Sponsored by Ainsworth money, their competition happens to be non-existent in their territory.
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Azrael reads the instructions thrice then meditates for a minute "Well, do you all prefer to walk there or take the tram?" he stretches his shoulders "I don't care that much, but for the newcomers to this beautiful neighbourhood... things can get messy sometimes. I wish there were more Paladins to prevent it, but we can't be everywhere."
It matter's not to me
Noticeable extraplanar features... She said, taking a quick glance down to her tail. I think she's talking about us, Abel and Seraphina.
Why does it sound like if we screw up, we'll dissappear mysteriously without a trace?
Me neither. Wherever you guys think I'll be of most use.
"It did recommend to take the tram. I say we go on the tram.
Notice Extraplanar features? ah yes i sometimes forget i have those He chuckles lighy heartly
"Eh," Seraphine shrugged, "I'm mostly human, I think. I was raised in an orphanage. I just have a few...quirks." Considering the location, she added, "If it makes a difference, I heard about a hidden market in Calwed. Might have something we could use at some point. Otherwise...I don't mind how we get there."
The party makes their way down the winding cobble road, the chatter of the city grows louder as you approach, the streets become easier and easier to see until you leave the cobble road.
The noticeable city air is palpable. Scattered throughout the hub-bub and occasional clacking of horse hooves, you can see that some members of the city are already preparing for the Festival, some are carrying the pumpkins into their houses, some are decorating with skeleton-shaped furnishings, there are even children playing in what appear to be their costumes already.
Through this, you can all see the four sets of tracks in the ground, and cables signifying the nearest tram station stop quite clearly. Upon approaching you can see there are several others at the stop as well.
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As it seems that the tram isn't ready Azrael addresses the rest "If we are to wait here, we may as well get to know each other deeper than I'm a good fighter... I'm the best at fast talking... and so on". So who starts with the presentations? I'd do but I fear you youngsters wouldn't find a paladin's life too thrilling."