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"Of course my good man, how rude of me...I will also have an ale".
Hallimir reaches into his belt pouch and places a few siver on the counter (enough to pay for the drink plus a substantial tip) .
"and we would greatly appreciate it if you could point us towards anyone who may be interested in this spider silk."
Through the power of mage hand the (party hopes!) they are served their drinks. At last the silent bar keep slides a tray with pair of extra drinks toward Hallimir and nods toward a curtained-off room near the back of the establishment. Lightning flashes outside followed quickly by a clap of thunder and whinnying of a startled horse.
Warm firelight, and erudite conversation in High-Taldane accents spills out from the curtains, while the rest of the tap room is dark, and made darker still by the weather outside.
The party pulls the curtain back to find a large wood-paneled room with dark red walls and furnishing and a big fireplace. A large table dominates the center of the room where a pair of men dressed for some sort of masquerade sit playing cards and discussing River Kingdoms politics.
"Ah, at last, our drinks." Says the robed man in the tiger mask with the red fez.
"And something else perhaps."
"Come, come, take a seat my good people. Our party is not scheduled to begin for while. And I think a distraction from politics is in order. I am Sobektus, and my sagely friend is D'Khanti Po." Says the man in the tailored suit and crocodile mask.
They both nod.
"that depends if you are interested in some items that we have procured"
"Please go on. We're not mind readers after all."
They both chortle.
"Alas no, but both Sobektus and I are familiar with the mutable nature of reality. I in terms more abstract spiritual and my friend in terms well, more pragmatic." Says the tiger in the fez.
"Indeed, I am a merchant of no small repute, and have many contacts in many arenas of commerce." Says the crocodile hooking his fingers into his suspenders. "But I am not in the mood to discuss business just now perhaps after a hand or two more. You are of course invited to join."
He offers the party the spare seats around the big table.
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"i would be glad to join you." blane will sit down next to hallimer. "though i donk know what game you are playing."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Both men look disappointed at Zaratina's refusal to play.
Sobektus deals out the wooden panels of what seems to be a Varundi variation on a Harrow deck. There's something about the way he expertly deal out the cards that seems off. He's not cheating that the party can see, but there's still something....
While he deals D'Khanti explains the rules of the game .
The group settles into the game with different players around the table winning different hands.
Eventually the conversation turns back to business and the party sees the opportunity to ask their questions.
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"so i was wondering if u would be intrested in this spider silk glad and all this webbing that we have for its adhesive?"
"you wont find it much fresher than what we have without going out and harvesting it for yourselves."
-Posted with Wayfinder
D'Khanti looks to Sobektus who sighs and says: "Can't say that I do. There is no amount of tamarind and ginger chutney you can add to giant spider silk glands that would make them in the least bit palatable to me."
"No, you will have to sell such wares in the local poisoner's market. I know of a buyer or two you could try... assuming you have the stomach for it that is." He leaves the last statement hanging there like a challenge.
The masked gentlemen share a look between themselves.
"Don't be vulgar child. My friend is merely making the point that some people might take offense to having to deal with practitioners of the alchemedical arts who make their money by selling tinctures that kill. Although there are several possible afterlives to choose from, there are those who would consider it rude to rush the choice."
"Democracicrats no doubt."
"As certain as rain." D'Khanti concurs.
"Speaking of which, it grows dark, perhaps more light, young lady?" The man in the tiger mask and red fez says to Zaratina, though it seems bright enough in the room with it's fireplace, hanging brass lanterns, and lit candelabras to the party members.
"Pragmatic. I like that in a man." Sobektus says nodding approvingly while rolling a cigarillo. "You've thought of Johannes Vox, I'm sure, perfectly acceptable though stubborn and opinionated. You might try, Ezmerlilly Vanderpoof the gnome. She been trying to get into the apothecary business, but has probably just gotten in over her fool head. Ha! She recently failed to deliver some promised goods to the Poisoners’ Guild, and is no doubt looking to make good on something before they decide to drastically renegotiate their contract. Heheheh." Sobektus finishes with a laugh at his own cleverness. He offers to direct the party to either merchant.
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"My friend is merely making the point that some people might take offense to having to deal with practitioners of the alchemedical arts who make their money by selling tinctures that kill. "
"A blacksmith does not feel guilty for selling his blades to those who would use them for ill. I see no difference in our current situation." Hallimir states in aloof tone with a shrug of his shoulders.
And yes, we have heard of Mr Vox....however, our contacts have advised that we should seek alternative clients if at all possible. Apparently he is becomming less than reliable. But this Gnome sounds like an interesting lead...." turning to Airyn "selling to an apothecary and having the chance to aid someone in need....sounds like a win/win, don't you think Airyn."
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Well i think it will have to be in the morning that we go and try and ralk to her
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"Agreed. Lets turn in for the night. Meet back here at first light."
Hallimir returns to his lodgings for the evening.
-Posted with Wayfinder
The next morning the party travels to Market Corners, a six-way intersection near the heart of Daggermark. The place is packed with merchant stands and morning shoppers.
The party finds the corner indicated by gentlemen the night before but don't find anything resembling an apothecary, until Airyn spots the small figure of a gnome woman in a long coat lurking just around the corner in a shallow alleyway. Bright emerald-colored hair pokes out from under her broad-brimmed hat.
"HEY! YOU! YEAH YOU FOUR! What are you lookin' at huh? You up to no good? I swear I'll scream for the guards to come if I've got too!" Shouts the indignant gnome from across the street.
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Hallimir walks slowly over to the Gnome with both his hands held clearly showing that he holds no weapons.
"Ah good Morning, would you happen to be the good Doctor Ezmerlilly Vanderpoof? We were told that she might have some interest in aquiring some supplies for her apocethary."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Doctor? Yes! Yes, I'm Doctor Venderepoof. Who are you and more important who told you where to find me?" She says looking up and down the street.
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"Sobektus i do believe it was. It was over a game of cards that he told us about you and that you might be in need of some emergency help and that we might have what you need."
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"I don't know anyone by that name." She says eyeing Blane suspiciously. The party can overhear the sound of glass vials tinkling against one another under her coat. "Well? What do you want?"
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"well we have aquired some freshly gathered adhesive from a shroudweaver nest not far from here. We believe that it would be best to sell it to an apocethary rather than an assassin. But if you are not interested I am sure that we can find another buyer"
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Oh really?" Vanderpoof says. She crosses her arms, and cocks an impressively skeptical eyebrow at the half-elf.