Douamne makes his way to the Grand Bank of Abadar, a plan slowly forming in his head. Much of it depended on how...accommodating the Bank's employees were. One heard rumors about such places, but Doumane had never visited it before. Surely there, of all places, he could be free of the scrying of Jarvyce? What would the man do if he turned his gaze on Doumane and saw nothing? Nothing good but Doumane hoped visiting a bank was...plausible enough to avoid suspicion. Also, the man couldn't be watching all the time...could he?
The halfling speeds up.
Doumane weaves his way through the streets making his way back towards the area where the Pediment Building is since the Grand Bank of Abadar is only a block away from it. His gait slows as he approaches the impressive Grand Bank of Abadar. He begins the ascent of at least twenty steps to reach the immense double doors. At first he thinks the doors have been painted gold but as he gets closer, he realizes that the doors have been gilded. His hand runs appreciatively over the thin layer of gold before he pulls the door open and steps inside.
If he is impressed by the outside of the building, his jaw drops as he gets his first glimpse of the inside. A row of evenly spaced columns, five on each side, flank a pathway of white marble that stretches from the door towards the back of the building where he can see pews for parishioners to sit in as they listen to the Archbanker share the wisdom of Abadar. Each column is gilded like the doors but this time, the columns also include impressions of keys within the gold. Stained glass windows line each of the walls composed mainly of yellow and white glass depicting various heralds of Abadar, favored animals of Abadar, as well as other scenes to honor the Gold-Fisted. If the sun hadn’t already set, Doumane gets the feeling that the whole room would be bathed in a soft golden light. The windows are placed high on the wall as if to draw a person's eye towards the ceiling. Doumane’s eyes indeed travel upwards and is dazzled further by the ceiling containing numerous arches whose beams separate different murals of Abadar. To the left and right of the columns, individual vestibules have been built to be small sitting rooms with posh furniture which he assumes is where patrons met with servants of Abadar during the day. Everything seems to be white or gold in color with silver accents giving the whole space a very airy feel. One thing is certain, this building is meant to be a show of wealth to demonstrate the power of Abadar but it is tastefully done and is surprisingly not gaudy.
As the rogue begins to move towards the pews, a woman with dark hair and dark eyes - but not Varisian - approaches from the left. She is dressed in a white silk robe that is adorned with gold thread and she wears a belt of gold links as well as a golden key around her neck. ”Good evening, citizen. Have you come to seek the wisdom of the Gold-Fisted or have you already had the privilege of knowing the Master of the First Vault? I am Mariel, how may I serve you this evening?”
Doumane admires the imposing building, letting the feeling of wealth, power and design wash over him (as it was clearly intended to). He had never spent much time up here, among the good and the great, but part of his heart swelled with pride. It was in his city after all and, in a way, partly his. It was good to set this magnificent work against the Dragomir's and Jarvyce's of the city. A testament to Magnimar's glory instead of its corruption.
Doumane bows politely to the robed woman, assuming she is some sort of clerk or acolytes. Doumane was unclear as to the line between business and faith Abadarians had...if any.
Slowly he says, "Good evening, I see I am a bit...late for business of the day. I have never been here before but had wished...hoped, really, to perhaps open an account? My life has recently become quite complicated and something as safe and sure as a safety deposit box would be...comforting." he pauses and then says, in fully honesty, "This is a very beautiful place."
Mariel looks around the interior of her place of worship with a soft smile on her face. "It is very lovely and I am blessed to be able to serve Abadar here. It is very nice of you to say."
Mariel looks down at the halfling with an apologetic look on her face. "I can understand the need to trust the Master of the First Vault with that which is precious to you. We do allow citizens of the city to rent space in our vault. Sadly, you are correct in that it is too late to do this for you today."
Obviously she wants to be of help to a prospective parishioner. "But I can make sure you have an appointment for first thing tomorrow morning with one of our Coinmasters. And you are welcome to stay for our service. It is just about to start. It won't be the Archbanker speaking but rather a Banker-in-training. But I'm sure it will be enlightening nonetheless."
Doumane thought about staying for a service. He wasn't very religious, and certainly not to the God of Vaults, but his life really had been hectic the last few days. A break for some chanting and incense (that's what worship was, right?) would probably be soothing. Besides, what would a Banker say about good living? Collect interest as a testament to god? Could be interesting...
But no. Mihail would probably lay an egg if he was late getting back home.
"Mariel." Doumane says with a honest enough smile, "I would be happy if you could make an appointment in your books. My name is Doumane and I reside here in the city. What time does business open, dawn light?" he pauses and then says, looking slightly guilty, "Is there a box for donations? Like I said, my life has been trying lately and a little good will from the Gods wouldn't go amiss."
Mariel pulls a ledger from under her robes. She opens it and hmmms to herself, "First appointment would be at dawn light like most business." She looks up and smiles, "We must be open for the merchants after all." She looks back down, "And it will be with," she slides her finger over the page, "with Thadeuso Volus." She makes a notation of his name in her book.
She nods happily at his question of a donation box. "It's just ahead, near the pews. I'll show you." Unsurprisingly, she leads him to a box made of gold, decorated with keys. There is a slot in the top of the box to drop coins. "This is where I leave you. What you give is between you and Abadar. It was a pleasure to meet you, Doumane. May Abadar bless your offering."
Doumane takes out one gold coin, holds it up in the dim light. It dully glitters before the halfling drops it into the donation box with a muffled clink. Doumane pats the top of the box and sends up an honest, if wry prayer to Abadar.
'Any help you can offer, I'll take it, although I'm not sure if you approve of the likes of me. If perhaps you see fit, you can pass on my request to another? Just trying to help a friend.'
With that he leaves the glittering temple and heads home to find Mihail and begin planning, still under the ever watchful eye of Jarvyce.
Doumane is weary in body and in spirit when he crosses the threshold of his home. Based on yesterday, he takes more time than usual looking around his place looking for any evidence of intrusion. Finding none, he allows himself to sit.
Part of him is surprised that Mihail isn't back yet. Either that meant that things went well today or else things went poorly. Enough time passes with Doumane sitting in silence that he begins to worry. Just as he feels the need to begin pacing, he hears the door open.
Rushing to the entrance, he is relieved to see Mihail enter looking none the worse for wear. His eyes fall on Doumane's shoulder where there is still dried blood. He shuts the door behind him. "Are you okay?" He holds out a bag to his friend, "I brought you these."
Doumane sighs with relief as Mihail enters and actually gives a weak smile. 'And here, I hurried back because I was worried you'd be waiting for me." He takes the potions and says, "Thanks for thinking of me, but Jarvyce,out of the goodness of his heart, healed me for free. But we may need these in the days to come."
He takes Mihail to a chair, sits him down and says,"Now, your part of the tale. What happened after the 'fight'?"
Mihail looks weary, "Sorry for not being here sooner but you really stirred up a hornet's nest. Razvan lost enough of his people today to make him extremely angry. It took me a while before I was allowed to leave."
Mihail raises his eyebrows, "A benevolent, crazy tiefling? Who knew?"
"Anyways, it's because of me that the guard was on the roof. I had suggested a few extra guards, just in case." He nods at the potions, "It's the least I could do considering."
He sits back in his chair, "It's a good thing I made that suggestion, my initiative in that got me a pat on the back but better still, it got me noticed. Considering the sucking hole created in his organization from the loss of at least fourteen men today, it helped promote me. I'll be given new orders tomorrow after Razvan and his closest circle make some plans."
Fourteen? Jarvyce has been a busy boy. The gang leader wasn't messing around. Even for an organization as large as Razvan's this was a body blow and the revenge was bound to be swift and deadly.
"Benevolent?" Douamne says and laughs a bit, "Ni I just don't think he enjoyed me bleeding on his furniture." he does mentally wince a bit as Mihail calls the man crazy, considering he is probably watching right now.
Then a thought occurs to Doumane, "Wait. So you won't be on patrol with the boy tomorrow? I hadn't considered you getting promoted, although I should have, that was the idea! That may put a crimp in my plans, I still have to get that list for Jarvyce...Did you happen to get a look at the list? I don't mean if you saw the names, I doubt that, but did you see the general size? One paper, three papers, ten front and back full of names?"
Doumane sits down, suddenly quite tired, "Your job is simple Mihail. Pay attention and learn what you can of the Dragomir's more secure locations. What we want is there and once we find out where it is...we can go get it. Stay focused, Mihail...although I doubt I need to tell you that."
Mihail shakes his head. "After two attempts on the boy, Razvan thought it best to retire that aspect of his operation. If he has to send a guard with the boy, he might as well just send the guard." He pauses and yawns, "That's what they were still trying to decide when I left. It's possible that I'll be carrying the list myself tomorrow. I have to meet them at The Red Swan at first light and find out for sure."
The man looks apologetic, "I didn't get a look at the list but if I do end up carrying it and being responsible for that part of Razvan's operation, I'm sure I'll have an opportunity to. Sadly we'll have to wait until tomorrow to know for sure.
Mihail nods solemnly, [b]"With so much at stake for me, you know that I'll be staying focused and keeping my head down. But it's always good to make sure we're still on the same page and that nothing has turned us to the left or to the right."
Doumane shakes his head, unwilling to say too much. He had so many things to tell Mihail, about Fara, about the bank, about Grigore Kiritescu....but Jarvyrce was watching....did Mihail even know how tight the tiefling surveillance was? He hadn't told his friend and saying so now would just attract attention to it.
Doumane grabs Mihail's shoulders, "Trust me, my friend, to do what is best for you. Whatever else is going on, you are my friend." He hopes the man can read between the lines and see what Doumane is trying to say.
Then Doumane leans back, "Well, I can spy on the route and see if you are carrying the letter and what sort of guard you have. If you can, try to take another job. If I have to lift it, I'd rather not implicate you. Not only would it make you look bad if I succeed, having us meet too many times might raises eyebrows among the Dragomirs. Last thing we need is them linking us together."
Mihail gives Doumane a slightly puzzled look. "Of course. Our friendship and your word are two things I don't question."
The man listens to Doumane's advice and nods. "I can't see Razvan giving me much of a choice on what I do for him but I will keep your words in mind in case I do."
He looks over at the halfling, "Be safe tomorrow. Now get some sleep."
It takes a lot of tossing and turning on Doumane's part until he falls into a restless sleep. Thoughts of being constantly watched are not conducive to a peaceful rest. As he drifts off to sleep, Doumane can't help but think he had to figure out a way to have some alone time.
Doumane wakes with a start, certain that he heard something. He scans the room and then relaxes somewhat when it registers that Mihail is gone. He must have heard his friend leaving. Or at least that's what the halfling hopes.
Being close to the time he needs to get up anyways, Doumane pulls himself out of bed and gets ready for his appointment at the Grand Bank of Abadar.
Between Doumane's natural talents, experience, and the hat of disguise, he makes it to the steps of the Grand Bank of Abadar with no trouble. Seeing the Bank in daylight is even more impressive than it had been last night. The outside is a white stone that almost seems to glow in the sun. He quickly ascends and pulls open the door. The sun passing through the yellow stained glass windows does indeed bathe the entire inside with a golden light which the halfling finds quite peaceful.
Not soon after entering, he is approached by someone dressed similarly to Mariel from last night. Once again he is politely addressed and he is asked how they can help him.
Once Doumane shares that he is here for his appointment with Thadeuso Volus, he is ushered into one of the vestibules along the left hand side of the temple. A man of Taldan descent stands as the halfling enters. His grey eyes regard Doumane cooly as the guide excuses himself.
Thadeuso motions to a chair opposite him. "As you know, I am Thadeuso and I will be helping you today." He checks his notes and continues, "You are Doumane? Please, have a seat."
He looks down his nose both literally and figuratively at the halfling. "Do you have a family name, Doumane? For our records, of course."
Thadeuso schools his features and asks, "So, what can the Grand Bank of Abadar do for you today?"
Doumane nervously holds his hat in his hands, trying to be polite and not to show his embarrassment. He knew his lack of last name marked him as lower class. Granted, there were probably more like him then not in the entire city but among those that bank here? He wrung his hat some more.
"Um, no actually. Just the one." The halfling said, his accent a bit thicker in anxiety. The man's tone wasn't very encouraging. Where was that nice young lady from yesterday? Worse of all, Jarvyce was probably watching him right now....
Coughing he says, "I was hoping to do some business with the Bank? My life has recently grown...unsure and I wanted to set some gold aside. Not only as a safe place to rest but as something to pass on to others, in case...problems arise. Is that something I can do?"
Even if the mad teifling was watching, surely opening an account to keep his money safe (and leave to Mihail if things went poorly) was normal?
The man's eyebrow twitches slightly at Doumane's mention of having gold but whether it's from amusement or incredulity, Doumane is unsure.
"We can open an account for you, Mister Doumane. But first, just some information so that you are aware. There is a monthly charge for using our facility and our services. And there also is a minimum amount, whether in coin or in appraisal, to be kept with us. If this is acceptable to you, I can have the paperwork drawn up for a signature." He adds somewhat patronizingly, "But an 'x' would be fine as well."
"Shall I proceed? Or do you have any questions about anything I've said?"
Doumane flushes at the man condescending attitude. No, he had never used a bank before but the halfling knew how they worked. He wasn't stupid.
"Yes, a few."Doumane says, trying to be polite but also seem intelligent. "For one thing, what is the monthly charge and minimum amount?" Did the man not name any numbers because he felt Doumane couldn't count past ten?
"Also, what means of security do you have in this place? Will my money be safe and transactions kept private?" The halfling goes on, trying to be causal but firm. If Jarvyce was watching it wouldn't do to press to much but surely any customer would want to know this, right?
"The monthly fee for our basic service is ten silver. The minimum amount to deposit in coin or equivalent worth is two hundred gold."
At Doumane's next questions, Thadeuso gives the halfling an odd smile. "I cannot go into specifics about our security. There have been many a ne'er-do-well coming in here asking about security with the grand plan of robbing us somehow. But rest assured, your property will be safe and we pride ourselves on discretion so privacy is held in high regard."
The man makes a few notations on his paperwork. "If this is something you would like to pursue, we can finish the paperwork, and take your deposit to your lockbox in the vaults."
Doumane fidgets as the man is, understandably evasive about sectuiry procedures. It would do to just advertise the extent (and possible loopholes) of your precautions. Still, he had to get this man to talk. Doumane knew the way to do it.
He pulled up his pouch and spilled about 800 gold coins on the desk, watching them roll and bounce off each other. He let the tinkle run on for awhile and adds, "I have many enemies, Master Thadeuso, some with very long ears and sharp eyes. I value my privacy. I'd like to deposit this sum, immediately and yes a look into the vault would be most kind."
Sweat starts to build on Doumane's neck. If Jaryvce was watching...would he see through the flimsy ruse?
As soon as the money hits the desk, Thadeuso's demeanor changes. "Of course, Mister Doumane. Right away, Mister Doumane. I am sure that you will be quite impressed with the vault and the privacy it provides. There are rooms below in the vault where your lockbox can be brought so that no one can spy on what you put in or take out. And of course, the whole vault is lead-lined to prevent magical spying."
The Coinmaster helps Doumane collect his money and then stands and moves towards the door. He bows slightly and motions outwards with his hand, "Shall we, Mister Doumane?"
A feeling of relief and terror fill the halfling. On one hand here was some plain answers. Lead stopped scrying and this bank had a vault lined with it (funny, he had expected exotic runes and mystic symbols, not a sheet of metal). On the other hand this entire interview was not protected and that meant his latest and greatest employer might be watching and getting angry. Best move this along.
"Yes, of course." Doumane says. As they walk he asks, "May I give another access to my account, available upon certain circumstances? Also, what is your procedure to be sure it really is me who is accessing this box in the future. Any magical merchant can sell you a hat of disguise, you know and faking a signature is even more trivial."
Thadeuso leads Doumane towards a set of white marble stairs leading down. The halfling can't help but compare the brightness of this stairwell to the near darkness of the ones leading to Fara's office.
"Indeed you are allowed to give access to another person but we need to meet with them. It is part of the process to make sure that the person accessing the vault is allowed. This is what you are concerned about, yes?"
They begin the descent to the vaults, "As for magic, all must pass through an antimagic field. All magic is suppressed and if someone tries to enter who shouldn't, is detained by our clerics and handed over to the authorities."
The Coinmaster looks over at Doumane, "But I can see that you still have concerns. What if someone is allowed in the vaults but not allowed access to your lockbox? I can tell you that all the boxes are attuned to their owners."
He hands Doumane some pages, "This is your agreement. I require a signature before we can proceed. Feel free to read it if you feel the need. I will wait."
The man was far past anything Doumane understood by now. Anti-magic? What was that? Was it good? But in any case the Coinmaster knew his business and clearly his money would be safe. As for the other part of his plan? Soon....They had not seemed to cross into any threshold yet.
"Of course." Doumane takes the document and reads it carefully, making sure there are no surprises. This bank seemed honest but you never could tell. The only 'banks' Doumane knew personally were rapacious street loansharks.
Finding it in order, Doumane signs his name at the bottom. His handwriting isn't very good but it is legible and certainly better then an X. "Lead on, Coinmaster. I would like to get this business over with, I have a busy day."
Thadeuso checks over the paperwork and makes a few notations. "Looks like everything is in order. Right this way. For future reference, you will need to be escorted down by a servant of Abadar. If you try to access this area without one of us, you will be stopped and detained."
The man leads Doumane further down the hallway which is as elaborately decorated and gilded as the upstairs. At the end there is a door which is blocked by a woman dressed in golden armor with a white cloak. But from her stance and demeanor, Doumane can tell that she is not just window-dressing.
She inclines her head towards Thadeuso and then moves aside and opens the door. The Coinmaster looks down at Doumane, "We have to go through this room one at a time. I will go first and once signaled, you can proceed. If you have anything magical on you, it will suppress the effect temporarily but not destroy it."
When it is Doumane's turn, he is very conscious of many sets of eyes on him. Thadeuso watches from the other door which is inside the vault along with two more armored guards?...clerics? The woman watches from behind him. The halfling's instincts warn him that this room would not be pleasant to be trapped in should someone try to fool the Abadarans.
Once through the other door, Thadeuso leads Doumane to a small room off the internal hallway of the vaults. It is still decorated in white and gold but the room is sparsely furnished containing only a single table. "Please wait here and I will bring you you assigned lockbox. We will have it attuned to you and then our business is concluded. Even though an Abadaran must accompany you down here, you are free to leave on your own."
Doumane passes through the security but instead of the tension most people probably feel, what the halfling experiences is...relief. For the first time in many days he is free, free of the penetrating eye of Jaryvce and the yoke of scrying. He needed to make the most of it.
In the small room Doumane says to the departing Coinmaster, "Please, hold on a moment." Doumane takes a deep breath, savoring the taste of free air (even if it is a bit dank down here). "As I said above, I have many enemies. This was not an exaggeration. Indeed, I believe some were using magical means to spy on me for our entire interview above. Now that we reside in your vault however, I may speak freely."
He turns to face the banker, face serious but honest, "I wish to do some business while I am under your vault's impressive security. Nothing illegal, immoral or too troubling I hope. I wish merely to write and send out a few letters, Master Thadeuso. I am, of course, willing to pay for this extra service."
The halfling pauses and then plays a final card, "One of the letters will be for Grigore Kiritescu, so discretion is required. I hope this is not too great of an inconvenience?" He hoped name dropping Kiritescu would impress the Coinmaster.
Thaddeus halts at Doumane's request. He nods and says, "We do not judge one's reasons for using our services but as you have already surmised, there will be a fee. Possibly many fees depending on the extra help requested. Or you can opt for a higher monthly fee that includes more personalized service."
Recognition of the name of one of the members of the Council of Ushers shows on Thadeuso's face. "That will not be a problem. How would you like the letter delivered? You require discretion so you choose the parameters."
Doumane nearly melts with relief as the banker seemingly accepts the idea that Doumane will need to do business in the vault. He had been worried the man would simply order him out of the bank and never return. Clearly, he is not the first customer to need special services.
"Ah, a private courier would be best. Someone on your staff you can trust?" Doumane says, more certain then he felt. What did he know about all this? He internally winces a bit when Thaddeus talks about cost but that is reasonable besides, maybe he can bill Kiritescu for some of this? Surely an usher has an expense account or something?
"As for money, of course. Payment due upon services rendered." Doumane had heard a merchant say that once and it had stuck in his mind as sounding important and wise. "I will require a little more, if I may. The letter to the Usher will contain a request for a meeting. For security reasons this vault may be ideal. Is it possible we can do that here this afternoon?" A pause then, "Due to the nature of my foes, I need a reasonable excuse to return here. Is it possible you could write a note indicating I have to return to the vault due to some administrative reason? I hate to slur your impeccable business but a notice asking I return due to some mistake would be a most convenient cover."
"If it helps at all, those I am currently dealing with would have little respect for your fine institution or Abadar himself. I am sure you know the unwholesome types our fair city contains."
Was that last bit too far? Maybe he should have kept strictly to business....
Thadeuso consults his papers and makes a note, "I shall keep a running tally of the extra costs involved and bill you when your fee is due since you want to pay upon services rendered rather than renegotiating your monthly fee."
"We always have correspondence being sent daily to the Pediment Building and Usher's Hall so it won't be out of place to send it along. All of our correspondence is sent with utmost perfessionalism and confidentiality."
He pauses longer at the halfling's request to actually do business in the vaults. "Doing business in the vaults may be viewed as the Grand Bank of Abadar taking sides and we must remain neutral. However, if Gregore is a patron and you are a patron and happen to be visiting the vaults at the same time, a conversation would not be stopped. However, we cannot schedule one."
The Coinmaster raises an eyebrow at Doumane's request for a note. "I can give you a note mentioning another appointment to finish setting up your account, but I will not admit to a clerical mistake on our part. We have a reputation to consider. Hopefully that would be sufficient for you. Now, if all of this is settled, I will get our cleric to finish your attunement."
Doumane nods at the man's words, appreciating his professional demeanor. Clearly Doumane was pushing the edges of what the bank allowed.
"I thank you, Coinmaster Thadeuso." Doumane says, bowing slightly, "You are a credit to this Church and the ideals I have always heard connected to your faith. Yes, that will be all. Again, thank you."
Thadeuso inclines his head slightly, "I will get one of the clerics and be back shortly."
Doumane paces in the room once he is by himself. Now that he has solved one problem, he is full of nervous energy and eager to begin moving pieces around in his plans.
He only needs to wait about ten minutes before Thadeuso returns and Doumane is surprised to see that it is Mariel who is accompanying him. She gives him a smile of recognition. "I'm glad to see that you've decided to place your trust in the hands of Abadar."
Thadeuso places the lockbox on the table. Mariel holds out her hand towards Doumane. "I need your finger and I will need to prick it to draw blood." She gives him an appraising look, "You aren't squeamish at the sight of blood, are you?"
Mariel gently pricks Doumane's finger while saying some flowery prose that rogue didn't understand. His blood glows momentarily and she instructs him to touch the handle and smear it with his blood. The blood on the handle continues to glow before slowly fading away. She nods, "Now your lockbox is attuned to you. You touch it and turn the handle to the left, it will unlock. You touch it and turn the handle to the right, it locks. Good?"
Doumane smiles as he sees a familiar face. "Mariel! Nice to see you again." When she mentions trust he nods, "Your God, and his servants have been most kind and accommodating to a man in need of security and assurance."
His smiles vanishes when Thadeuso askes for blood. Blood? For a moment Doumane balks, considering the damage done by scrying which, he thinks, is linked to that sort of stuff, right? Blood, nails, hair? Still, he could hardly refuse the Coinmaster. Besides, it probably was needed. He offers it without complaint or comment.
The instructions for the box are simple enough. "I think I understand. What an ingenious device. Despite my other business, I really do feel this box will be useful. I should have gotten one years ago."
Mariel bandages his finger, more for peace of mind than necessity. "I'm glad that our services meet your needs."
Thadeuso moves towards the door along with Mariel, "We will now leave you to your business with your lockbox. When you are finished, you can let one of the guards know and someone will come collect it and secure it in the vaults."
"Please, can I borrow a quill and some paper? I did not bring any supplies with me. When I am finished, where should I take my letter? Can I give it to one of the guards or shall I write it now and give it to one of you?" Doumane says, more addressing the friendlier Mariel then the condescending Coinmaster. "Just want to follow protocol, that's all."
Mariel nods, "Of course. I will be back shortly."
After she disappears through the door, Thadeuso says, "When you are finished with your correspondence, you can pass it along with your lockbox. I will collect it and add it to the delivery going to Usher's Hall."
Mariel returns with a tray containing parchment, ink, a quill, and some wax. "Everything you need to write and seal your letters.". She places it on the table and then moves towards the door. Both her and the Coinmaster leave the room, shutting the door behind them. Doumane finds himself truly alone for the first time in days.
Doumane sighs in a bit of contentment at being alone. Truly alone. No nervously packing Mihail, no distractedly interesting Fara, or officious bankers. Best of all, no all seeing eye of the mad teifling gang leader of the Black Cyphers. Was Jarvyce even now, vainly trying to scry him? The thought made Doumane's skin crawl but also filled him with joy at the thought of the man unable to spot him.
He luxuriated in the feeling of solitude for one more moment, before dipping quill into ink.
Grigore Kiritescu
I write to you as an ally. We both have an enemy in the Dragomir's, both politically and on the streets. I have been advised by Fara Cutton, a clerk in the Usher Offices that you are a man of principle and integrity who stand against the corruption and violence of the Dragomir machine. I have much news that may interest you on this front, as well as an offer to work together for shared ends.
I understand you may not believe this via letter so I implore you, meet me in the Vault of the Grand Bank of Abadar at 3 PM this evening. Such a location is not only secure but entirely free of any possible trap or danger. Bring any guard or protection you see fit.
A humble citizen, Doumane
He looked down at the note. Would it work? Could he possibly gain an ally? Would the Usher answer a random letter? Probably not, but it was the best he could do....for now.
He picked up another bit of paper and pondered. Should he write Fara a letter? She deserved one, ripped from her life and her home, stuck in a smelly tavern with no contact with the outside world, a price on her head. To be fair, Doumane could visit without worrying about Jarvyce. The gang leader already knew who and were she was. But the thought of visiting her, with the strange magical scrying in place.....sickening him. Besides, he could not be honest and speak plainly.
So he wrote instead. A simple letter explaining about the scrying and that a dangerous gang leader was watching his every step. he explained his subterfuge at the bank and restated how important it was for her to keep her head low for the moment but he would soon come for her, when everything was safe. It didn't seem enough.....he hesitated at the end, as if he wished to say something more but finally simply put 'Doumane'.
Doumane folded it up tightly and planned to drop it off that night. If he never opened it, Jarvyce couldn't see it...right?
This finished, he bottled up the ink, placed 500 gold coins inside the box and went to find the guards. Would any of this work?
Doumane pokes his head out of the door to his room. One of the guards strides towards him and pauses at the door until Doumane moves aside. The guard picks up the lockbox along with the letter Doumane has addressed to Grigore and takes them to the end of the hallway where he disappears through a thoroughly impressive door.
The halfling leaves the ink and other supplies on the tray on the table and then makes his way out of his fortress of solitude and back towards the busy streets of Magnimar and Jarvyce's prying eyes.
Doumane shakes off the uncanny feeling of unseen scrying eyes. He still had to act natural, he could not put Jarvyce on his scent. Besides, he had to work these few hours. First things first, he wanted to drop this letter off at the Forlorn Elk with Ivan. He couldn't meet with Fara but he could at least make sure the building was standing and no one had murdered the entire staff in the middle of the night.
That quick visit done, he wanted to go down to the dockside to the known pro-Dragomir taverns and get a sense for the day. What was it like on the streets today? Was the gang war in full swing? Were things tense? Did people know? How bad had things gotten, if at all? If nothing else, it would be useful in his planning. And surely a spying Jarvyce couldn't complain about him gathering some intel?
Doumane is relieved to see that The Forlorn Elk is as ignored as it always is. It is still standing and everything is relatively quiet as he pops inside to pass his note for Fara to Ivan. Ivan tries to get him to stay for a drink but Doumane has other plans and politely declines. He gives the halfling a knowing look, "Your friend will be mighty disappointed that you didn't stay. She's been keeping to herself but I can tell she's lonely."
Doumane wears an unassuming face as he makes his way to the first tavern where he knows those who are associated with Razvan tend to congregate. He orders an ale and sits quietly in the corner, watching and listening. With everything going on, he finds it difficult to just sit but hopefully he'll learn something which would make it worthwhile.
It being close to lunchtime, the tavern is actually fairly busy. Luckily for Doumane, the table next to him hads a particularly chatty gentleman who is revealing in being the centre of attention as he shares information with his mates. "Word is there's a street war brewing...some other gang from Riddleport had the nerve to attack Razvan...a halfling has been seen at two places where recent murders have taken place and they're trying to send word to everyone what he looks like. Razvan would like to have a word with him...anyone hear the name Black Cyphers and Razvan wants to know."
Doumane heads out and has the time to visit two more taverns that he knows of before it's time to make his way back to the Bank. Each time he uses a different face and each time he hears roughly the same information. It seems that Razvan is controlling the news of his losses, keeping that information from circulating. Whereas he is putting a very big target on the Black Cyphers.