You tell things better then i do Jarrin. But the visit to jarrin's fence told us what i already told you last night about Menach. He is on the lookout for that brooch and use the sewers to do his business of importing / exporting goods in the city. He is a very successful gnome who has a passion for jewelry collection. He owns a shop in old Town and is best budd with a the boss of The Crimson Medusa's Bandit Gang. The Crimson Medusa is a very large organization for a Gang that practices banditry. The Guard turns a blind eye on their activity because they only target non-Chelaxian Merchants and travelers. They own a bar where the arrange Pit fights for entertainment. On other news there has been strange murders happening near that bar. Both obviously hung up by their wrists and cut and bled out. he added
Ellismus sits at the table as the others begin to talk about what they found out and when it seems like theres a break he responds to Ashimar.
A Sihedron Rune is a symbol from an Ancient Civilization, Thassilon, That used Rune Magic to enforce their power. It symbolizes the Seven Sins of Magic: Greed, Sloth, Envy, Wrath, Gluttony, Lust, and Pride. A Co-worker talked to the woman, as I was translating a document at the time, I did not talk to her myself, but rather answered my co-workers question concerning what the rune was.
Oh says Ashimar, the disappointment apparent on her face. So we don't really know where Abberbaugh was living at the time he was murdered then... that's a shame. We're no closer to finding why he was targetted.
She turns to Tolenn I've never heard of a 'malign' weapon but they don't sound very common. I wonder how one would procure such a thing...
Ellismus says No we do know. He was renting the flat from Marinna Hopwood, that was her name, She was coming to the book store because someone had carved the rune into the door the night he was killed.
The Shoanti grins slightly. "Sounds like a worthwhile time to visit one of my contacts. He's an information guy and a former Lamm, so I owe him a visit anyways to celebrate. We had a noble almost killed in front of the house today, but I think we made a decent friend."
Ashimar's eyes widen at the Shoanti's words. Almost killed? In broad daylight? What is this city coming to? What happened? Since you said you made a decent friend, I take it you had some part in stopping his demise...?
"Yeah, it was gonna be mob violence right outside. He threw a partially eaten apple away. Part of it was rotten, so you can't blame him, but a big crowd showed up and tried to beat him to death. I convinced him to help them out later and make sure ye families didn't starve. He seemed real grateful and said he'd let the higher ups in his bunch of nobles know about what I did to save him." the big man flexes proudly, finally able to accomplish something.
Ashimar beams at Akrem'dar with a big smile. Good for you Akrem'dar! Times like these, folks fail to realize that beyond the glitzy attire, fancy words and different backgrounds - we're all people... we all have the same needs, the same aspirations. The world would be a much more beautiful place with a bit more kindness towards one another... if we all just stopped for a moment and thought what it'd be like to walk a day in the other person's shoes... she trails off as she realizes she's voicing her personal views on to others and quickly changes the subject. I hope no one was hurt in the incident... did you catch his name by chance? Or who these higher ups were? Hopefully he meant it and wasn't just saying that as a means of getting out of a tough situation.
So is there anyone interested in getting to Menach and finding more about his reasons for the brooch and what he knows about the murder near the bar of the crimson medusa?
"Definitely interested. And I think the guy's name was Amin Jalento, from House....Oh, what was it..." He pauses and thinks. "Oh yeah! Zenderholm."
Zenderholm! grins Ashimar. I don't know an Amin... but perhaps if you're not busy tomorrow, you could accompany me... I could introduce you to someone else from the House who might be interested in hearing what transpired and your role in it. Hearing the plight of the city from us average everyday folk might be beneficial anyway. What do you say Akrem'dar? Want to rub shoulders with the rich and the famous?
"Well, can't be too awful. Definitely could be alright to do that tomorrow. I'm needing to find someone who can make some boots out of that ol' croc skin from a few nights ago." He pauses to think, then looks to everyone assembled.
"I think that I also need to introduce you all to the information broker I know. A former Lamm, like me, who could probably tell us quite a bit. His name is Eddie Gin. Also, there's another Shoanti I know, who might could tell us if those...Skullcrackers are on the move."
The big guy seems quite open and energized about doing things.
Tolenn straightens from the wall, rubbing her eyes "I must say, all this information makes my head spin. However, I can recommend a course of action."
Turning to Ashimar and Akrem'dar "While encouraging civic minded duty to the nobility may a goodly action, it is secondary to our aim of returning the brooch to its rightful owner. I believe questioning this Menach may assist in our effort to return the brooch to its rightful owner...not to mention the possibility of looking into these heinous murders you describe. What say you?" she finishes looking to the others.
Ashimar nods at Tolenn Certainly! If we're going to question this Menach, chances are he's likely at this bar Ced described this late in the evening. Akrem'dar and I can always visit House Zenderholm tomorrow during the day. She frowns in thought... Although I'm not sure I want to walk into a bar which is a known hangout for the... rougher elements.
Meh, to walk into such seedy places isn't as bad as you'd make it, not once you've had to do it a few times. Jarrin states. In fact, it'll add to your already fabulous character.
Jarrin looks at Cedric and smiles. See? You can do your own convincing. Looks like our noble friends want to see justice through, just as we would have thought. Shall we seek out this guy tonight or wait until morning?
Akrem'dar chuckles and lays the earthbreaker over his shoulders. "Rougher elements, Ash? I'm bigger than most of them. I walk in with you all, and I don't think they'll cause us any problems that I can't quickly put down."
Having your own muscle never hurts.
and Menach has survived all this time and so did his gangbangers's friend Akrem'dar. You will find that there are many who can do the things you do.
Actually his shop is a better idea. He will have less friends there.
Ellismus rubs the bridge of his nose. "So... we actually are still sitting on the damned brooch?" he asks. "What does meeting with more criminal elements have to do with getting it back to it's proper owner? We know who's it is. Why can't we just return it instead of risking, I don't know, just our lives and our freedom, getting involved in such things? If you really want to follow these threads of information, let's return the brooch and ask to be given leave to investigate further, or to be less specific at our interests, at least become an 'agent of the crown' for whatever strange work we want to do, so we wouldn't have to worry about curfew and other such things. The longer we have it, the longer some of the powers that be may begin wondering why we've been sitting on it."
He then sighs and throws up his hands. "But whatever. I don't care. Finding Lamm didn't change the fact people still think I'm some criminal. Might as well become what people think, right?"
The party settles into a routine in the new found home and bonding turns to rest and then morning arrives.
Its early. The group is up and determined. resolve in their faces they prepare to go to old Korvosa and approach the smuggler Menach Orem.
Alright boys and girls, be alert. We know this guy is a cagey one, who knows what might be up his sleeve. He probably already knows we're coming.
since i not that good at negotiation with people i'll let you do it, Jarrin
That's fine, Cedric, but what exactly am I negotiating? Are we just going to walk in, show him the brooch, and say "So we've heard you've had your eye on this?" How did you want to go about talking to this guy?
The party makes their way to Old Korvosa and then To Menach's Lanterns on The Western side of Old Korvosa. Until they crossed the bridges into Old Korvosa they did not feel like they were being watched. Now, however, they can feel the eyes of watchers upon them at every turn. Trying to keep an eye on every nook and cranny and shingle of Old Korvosa is fruitless.
They make their way through the maze of shanties until they stand near the old wall of Fort Korvosa down on Jeggare Street down by Merciless Way North. Menach's shop is fairly big from the outside and a Lamp hangs on a chain by the door with a sign simply saying 'Menach's'. The party knows by the way people scampered out of their way as they came down the street that is no doubt he knows they are coming.
Last night Tolenn took the brooch from Ashimar without comment; merely nodding to her friends and retiring for the night.
Upon rising and performing her morning routine, she brought out the brooch and regarded it seriously What intruiges are you going to reveal to us this day?
Walking with the others into Old Korvosa, Tolenn's memories of her childhood flood back causing a wistful smile to emerge on her face. Strange that after so many years, this pile of sticks could still feel like home
"Our arrival is anticipated I think. Best to be alert and on guard."
"It's hard not to be noticed when you're this big." the Shoanti chuckles, trying to lighten the mood a bit as he also remains vigilant. He obviously is used to being watched, just not in this form.
"Think we'll get this to the right people today? Or just to someone who wants it."
Menach will most likely tell us he just wants it for his jewel collection, And Akrem'dar he doesn't want to return it, he wants it for himself, badly enough to send a rogue after Ashimar in order to get it back. The idea is to try and pry out of him the reason without making him a permanent enemy of everyone. He does have important friends in this city and I don't want to stress every time i'll go to sleep about a knife in my back
"Are you saying that, in a probability, this man wants the damned thing for his collection? So we're doing all this on the off chance that isn't why he wants it and he has a currently unknown, and presumably out of character, reason for it?" Ellismus asks with a sigh.
I'm guessing that if we do not let him have the brooch he will be an enemy of ours no matter what we say. Are we sure we wan to talk to this man? Unless, of course, we actually would consider selling it to him.
Jarrin seems a little wary of going inside the shop to talk with this fella without really knowing what they are trying to accomplish.
"It'll never get to its rightful owner this way." Akrem'dar says simply.
Ashimar's eyes flash at Jarrin's words as the group stands outside Menach's shop. This is not some two-bit bauble one can pawn off Jarrin! This is royal jewelery we're talking about. It needs to go back to its rightful owner... otherwise we're no better than the thieves who stole it in the first place. You folks want to go in and talk to some smuggler and ask him why he wants the brooch - fine. *That* is what we agreed to even though I fail to see the logic in it... not to sell a piece of Korvosa to some smuggler who wants it for his private hoard. she glances at Ellismus who has been voicing the same opinion apparently. Seems to me, some of us are just eager in looking for trouble. So be it. I'll support what you all want, but I don't have to like it. She crosses her arms and waits for the rest of the group to make their decision.
Nodding at the other's concerns , Tolenn add to the conversation "I see talking to Menach as an opportunity to discover why the brooch was 'stolen' or 'hidden' with Lamm in the first place. There are forces unseen moving about this brooch and it behooves us to discover their nature. It is a risk to talk to this smuggler , but do not think we were placed in this situation to sit idly by." she says , smiling gently.
"So it's getting info here? Cause I'll be hells bent if I hand the jewels off to him."
"I agree, we will not be selling the jewels to anyone,"
It was never about selling him or giving him the brooch. I am very curious to find out the "real" reason why he send a rogue after you who was ready to kill pointing at ashimar in order to get it back. If you are no interested in that then so be it. After all i am not the one is was targeted here. he said in a very calm and neutral voice.
I also pointed out Ellismus earlier that he might probably not give us the real reason why he did all that straight up. He will probably bluff and lie to us. And he is very good at it.
Nodding toward jarrin
He might be also interested into investigating this guy as he is best friend with a big Gang Boss who just so happens to have his HQ where two very bizarre murder happened. And you know that if some headbanger like this happened the skullspliters special brute squad might also be interested in investigating since they are so high on taking down lawbreakers.
Jarrin smiles as the group opens up into heated discussion. OK then. Just thought I'd clear the air. Let's go have a chat with this guy then. Jarrin reaches to open the door, then pauses. Ummm, perhaps one of you bigger folk ought to lead the way.
Ashimar listens with her arms crossed as the others voice their opinions, fidgeting as Cedric has his say, waiting for someone in the group to make a decision. About time... let's get this over with She moves to follow as Jarrin reaches to open the door.
Watching him hesitate, she finally loses all semblance of patience. oh for Shelyn's sakes! He might live on the edges of the law but I doubt he'd want to kill us all in his precious bookstore. Ashimar walks up to the door, opens it and walks in - her demeanor calm as can be but her heart racing a mile a minute. What are you doing Ashi? Do you know what you're doing? What are you getting into here? Since when do you take such rash actions first without thinking things through? And for what? To prove that you can?
Akrem'dar gives Cedric the look that all men know. The one that says this is a bad time to make this woman angry.
With weaponry slung across his back, he stoops a bit in preparation to enter the building, knowing that he will bump his head on the door frame otherwise.
Tolenn takes one last look about the street they are on, then follows her two friends into the shop.
Perception
Ashimar pushes past Jarrin at the door and enters the Lamp Shop. Shes in a fairly large room roughly 50 feet wide by 25 feet deep. shelves line the walls with all manner of lanterns and lamps. A counter bisects the room leaving only the furthest 10 feet behind it. The counter runs from right against the wall to left where the latter 10 feet is open to the shop. A table sits up against the counter there preventing easy access to behind the counter. Barrels of lamp oil rest against the left wall. Behind the counter, sitting on a stool, a loaded crossbow pointing towards the doorway in his hands sits a bald gnome with a well tanned head. his small pointed ears rising up from a frowning face. A long drooping white moustache and goatee . The gnome is dressed in bland gray clothing, running contrary to how most gnomes dress. His piercing blue eyes study Ashimar intently.
He motions her in and says simply. Tell your friends to come on in. I made sure we'd be alone for this discussion, though my men aren't far. You do know as odd an assemblage as you are cant get around much without everyone in town noticing right? So Come on in...but please do stay on that side of the room. No need for us to make mistakes that could cause either of us grief.
As Tolenn begins to enter she glances around and notices at least 3 different people watching her and the others. A Varisian with a long knife on his hip and and large earings in his ears, A Chelaxian with a shortsword and dressed in common laborers clothing, and a rather plain woman of mixed descent, carrying no arms but petting a weasel.
Dread
