The extravagance of the upstairs is left far behind and traded in for plain stone walls as the pair descend numerous levels of stairs. The further that Doumane and Mihail get from the main hallway, the less and less light there is. It appears that whoever was in charge of running the building figured that the public would normally not be in the sub-basement and so why pay for the luxury of light. They pass other employees who are busy at their own desks, squinting in the dim light. Finally they find their way to what they hope is Fara's desk.
In the light of a single candle, Doumane sees a female halfling with curly auburn hair pouring over a ledger while scribbling furiously on a piece of paper. She's so engrossed in her work that she seems not to notice their approach. The rogue gets the feeling that she doesn't get many visitors down here.
Douamne had never been in amine before, but he wondered if this is what it was like. Pressing walls, rising blackness, the sense of being swallowed by a great slumbering beast....he didn't like it. Give him open sky, high spaces, wind on his face. He felt like he was drowning.
Still,t hey had a job to do.
They wait a moment, politely in front of Fara's desk until it becomes apparent she isn;t going to look up.
Then, trying not to startle her (surely everyone would be jumpy down here?) Doumane coughs quietly. Then louder, if he must.
At the sound of someone clearing their throat, Fara is obviously startled. Her whole body jumps in her chair and the sudden movement of her arm causes her quill to leave an errant scribble on her paper. She looks up, eyes wide, but then years of being in public service kick in and she smiles as if nothing happened. "Yes? Can I help you?"
As she gets a better look at the two who are disturbing her work, she squints a little harder at Doumane in the dim light and she looks thoughtful as if chasing some thought that won't coalesce.
Doumane peers back, trying to place the woman. Something about her triggered distant memory. Had he known her? Or was she just another face in the endless crowds of the city?
Doumane coughs then and says, "I was told you could perhaps by of assistance in explaining some of the byzantine factionalism in the Ushers?" The halfing nods, "I need to know who hates who, if you know what I mean?"
Fara laughs lightly but her eyes are wary, "With 117 people trying to run and city and get along, it would probably be a shorter conversation to ask me who likes each other. It can be quite a st...I'm sorry but you look familiar. Do you work in the tavern down the street?". Then she answers her own question by mumbling, "No that's not it." Her face scrunches up in concentration and she studies Doumane again, his previous question forgotten.
Doumane rubs his chin, in the same boat. "My name is Doumane, I used to live down near Knuckle Alley. My folks still live down there, does that help?"
Fara begins to chuckle and points her quill accusingly at Doumane. "You! You used to pull my braids and tell me to go home when I tried to follow you around the neighborhood. You were always going on adventures. Your folks live just down the street from mine. I think they still get together for supper once a month."
She claps her hands together. "So how can I help someone who once was practically family? You mentioned alliances or squabbles within the Council. I need more information to give you any useful information. Anyone in particular you're interested in?"
Doumane smiles to himself, reflecting on those golden days of childhood. When the whole city had seemed bright and full of wonder. Fara was right, he had always been running off on 'adventures', entering old buildings, finding good vantage spots over the markets, even messing around on the docks. It had been a simple, golden time.
The halfling shakes his head, "I see you, at least, have moved up in the world. Well, in a matter of speaking." He waves his hand at the subterranean office space.
When Fara asks he says, "Flavius Dragomir. I want to know who his allies are, his foes, his weaknesses and strengths."
Fara grins and bobs her head causing her curls to bounce. "Maybe you can swing by my parents' place and tell them that. Father still seems to think that all I do is get coffee all day for other people.
As for the cave-like atmosphere, most clerks have their desks downstairs. I'd have to be a Councillor or interact more with the public in order to have an actual office above ground."
When Doumane asks pointedly about Flavius, her eyes widen slightly in surprise. "Are you sure that this is a path you want to go down?"
Seeing the resolute set of Doumane's jaw, Fara sighs. She gets up and goes to check to make sure that no one is around before rejoining Doumane and Mihail. It's like it's the first time she notices another person present, "I assume that this man has your trust?"
She lowers her voice before continuing, "I wouldn't normally share any of this but you did find my cat when she was lost those many years ago so I feel like I owe you. Flavius is someone who will make your life difficult if you openly challenge him so very few people do. He can be very petty and vindictive. So it's not that he has a lot of allies but many won't want to make him mad. The few allies he does have have been bought with bribes. Everyone knows that his brother is into illegal practices so to be a foe means a run of bad luck will often follow any opponent - an unfortunate fire, a random mugging, or goods get lost. It doesn't help that Flavius imports and exports for merchants."
"But not all is doom and gloom. There are those who are on Council that recognize his true motives and seek to thwart him, even if they don't do it openly. Lyndis Vayra is one such individual. She has me looking into property records for the Dragomir family. She didn't say why but I'm sure she has her reasons. She knows she can trust me and that I'm very thorough so she often comes to me with delicate requests."
Doumane smiles, "I'll help you find a dozen cats if you help us."
After Fara finishes the halfling nods, much of what he expected. Flavius was just as ruthless and feared as his brother, he just preferred to do so in comfortable hallways and plus offices instead of the street.
"Does Flavius have any political positions? Any laws or programs that undermined, would ultimate or weaken his hold? Does he have a chief lackey or close supporter who might be easier to go after?" Doumane rubs his chin in thought, "This Lyndis Yayra, what is her story? Why is she willing to run the risk of locking horns with the Dragomir family? Like you said, that is a dangerous game."
He risks a knowing glance at Mihail.
Fara looks thoughtful as if flipping through different bits of information that she has filed away over time. "Flavius has been trying to finagle a monopoly at the docks almost from the moment he got himself on to the Council. His most recent motion has been to heavily tax anyone docking who doesn't live in Magnimar. He's also bribed a few city officials to fine other locals for any little infraction at the docks, but that's obviously not a law. As for a lackey, it's usually Lensar Wallis who does Flavius' leg work but I don't think anyone would care if you went after him. People only tolerate him because of Flavius. I think they went to school together or something."
At the question of Lyndis' motives, the halfling's face turns sad. "It's because of her brother, Arril. He had accrued gambling debts with Razvan. Razvan's 'collector' went a little too far, leaving Arril unable to ever work again. Feeling like a burden to his family and losing purpose Lyndis said he took his life, which she blames the Dragomirs for. I guess that's why she's willing to risk it."
Doumane takes this political information slowly, wondering how they can use it. They can't attack Razvan on their own, not directly. He is too strong. Doumane had been hoping that perhaps a political attack on Flavius might be a good approach to weaken the gang leader (and perhaps less traceable to Mihail and himself) but clearly both were hard nuts to crack. There were no easy options here.
'Thank you." Doumane says, somewhat lost in thought. "I take it you are not a fan of the Dragomirs?"
Fara ducks her head sheepishly, "You'd think I'd be better at staying neutral working for Magnimar. But yes, I'm not a fan of anyone who uses their power to be a bully."
She seems to pointedly avoid asking Doumane why he's asking about the Dragomirs. Instead she continues to be a helpful city employee and asks, "Did you want copies of any of the information I've gathered?"
The halfling shakes his head, "No, in fact it is heartening to see some people in politics who actually care about right and wrong."
When Fara mentions paper copies Doumane shakes his head again, "No, that would only be more to hide..." he pauses then asks, clearly thinking hard, "Politically, what is the worst thing that could happen to Flavius? Within reason, at any rate."
Fara slowly nods, "I hadn't thought of that but it makes sense to not want to be carrying information that maybe you shouldn't have. But most of this is public record. You just need to know where to look."
She looks mildly surprised at his question, "The worst thing? Probably that he gets booted off the Council and stripped of whatever power he's gained. But for that to happen, he'd have to anger someone or many someones whose power exceeds his." She gets quieter as if she just mentally connected a few dots. "Or he gets discredited and booted off the Council. Maybe something wrong that he's done is brought to light to those outside of the Council that makes it impossible for them to ignore." She leans in and whispers to Doumane, "I think that's what Lyndis may be trying to do."
Doumane was not a political person. For one thing, he wasn't nearly important in a city where politics was the preserve of the rich and powerful. Still, he had always admired Magnimar's political life, a world apart from the despots and kings of other lands.
The halfling rubs his chin, "What is the method of a Usher for being removed? Is it so many votes of other Ushers? How often does it happen?" It is a big dream, but why not consider it. At least, eventually.
"Are they are more neutral Ushers, preferably with a bloc of allies, who might be swayed by a favor or two?"
Fara tucks a stray curl behind her ear. "Understand that I'm a clerk so I'm not really sure about all the ins and outs of what happens on the Council. I think I've picked up a few things here and there but there are always exceptions. An Usher would need to put forth a motion to have someone removed for breach of conduct and ideally you would need a majority number of votes for any motion to be passed. That's most likely why there's an odd number of Ushers on the Council. As to how often it happens, I would say occasionally."
"Anyone can be swayed given the right leverage. I'm not sure if anyone can be called neutral considering they usually have their own agenda and reasons for wanting to be on the Council but most are reasonable individuals. If given the right incentive, their vote could be directed."
The halfling cocks her head slightly, "What kind of favors are you willing to extend?"
Doumane smiles mirthlessly and his hands blur without warning. In a moment he has a knife in his hand and thumps it on the paper strewn desk. "The kind you do at night, when no one else is around." Then seeing Fara'ss stricken face he sheathes the blade and goes on, "Nothing evil, mind you. But something that an Usher might want to keep off the books. Something found, something retrieved, maybe something damaged. That sort of thing. I have found many in power have needs like that."
He leans back, pondering his next move. Attacking Razvan through his brother seemed the best approach but it would take time. Time they probably didn't have. Already they had probably spent too much time here. Still, gaining a powerful political ally would be useful. It was worth a little effort.
Fara yelps at Doumane's sudden wielding of a knife and pushes herself backwards, grabbing a large book to use as a shield. "You could warn a lady before doing that."
The halfling keeps a wary distance from Doumane's hands before her brow furrows again in thought. "Something found and retrieved could appeal to quite a few of the Ushers. Some of them had merchandise suspiciously go missing when it became known they were voting opposite Flavius' motion for the docks. If you could find and return their goods and prove that Flavius was indeed behind it then you would make quite a few friends. If what you do best occurs at night then you wouldn't need to go through proper channels to search associated properties. Up until now, wherever we thought the goods were being held, they were moved before the authorities got there."
Doumane, for the first time smiles. Finally, now they were getting somewhere. He glances at the disguised Mihail and nods, "This sounds more up our alley."
He turns back to Fara, "Who would we get in contact with if we were interested in providing such favors? I doubt an Usher would like to meet us directly for such dealing?"
Fara gave Doumane an uncertain smile, "I...I could set up a meeting if you'd like. I can be the go-between since I can speak with the Ushers' aides without drawing attention and me seeing you is just childhood friends getting reacquainted. I'll send word with where and when to meet. Or do you want to make first contact with them yourself?"
Doumane nods, "No, this would do nicely. They would much prefer meeting with you first, then just some random halfling off the street. You, at least, are a known figure to the politicians." He pauses and says, "However, as you may have gathered, we are engaged in dangerous work here, and there is some risk in falling in with us. Is that something you are willing to do?"
Doumane stands up, "How should I get in contact with you, for an update?"
Fara is serious when she speaks, "I've been seeing how things have been changing for the worse over the years and it's because of people who abuse power for personal gain. If I can play a small part in helping make things better then I will. Besides, we halflings don't scare easily."
Her smile returns as Doumane stands, "Do you still return home occasionally to visit your parents? I can always bump into you in the old neighborhood. Or we can meet wherever is easiest for you. I'll probably need about a day or so before I have any information."
"I don't get home as often as I like, but I'll swing around the old place around dusk for the next few days. If you really have to, leave a message with my parents. I'll try to keep my distance from you here, so as not to inflame any suspicion." he holds out a hand, "I thank you for your help. There is more riding on it, then I can really go into, but trust me when I say innocence lives are at risk.'
Fara clasps his hand with both of hers. "I'll be in touch. It was nice to reconnect and I'm flattered that you're finally letting me be involved in one of your adventures."
Doumane and Mihail make the long climb out of the bowels of Usher's Hall. Soon they are exiting the building and squinting in the brightness of outside. Although any amount of significant light would seem bright after spending so much time down with Fara.
Mihail looks down at the halfling and asks, "Where to now? Part of me worries that if I don't appear to be following Razvan's orders that someone will send me some kind of warning."
Doumane nods to Mihail's words. "Indeed, we are on a tight time crunch here." then he smiles and taps his nose. "But we are in luck. The next phase of our plan, finding out about the Black Cyphers is both our plan and perfectly fitting with Razavn's designs for you." Then his smile falters, "The only wrinkle is, we would be seen together and we dare not risk that, not yet."
He thinks for a moment then says, "First idea, tell me if I am crazy. You un-disguise yourself and go and start asking questions about them in likely places, alone. Let Razvan see you at work, think you are playing along. I meanwhile will be doing the same, in a different place, gathering information a bit more pointed to our needs. Any thoughts?"
Mihail sighs, "You're not crazy. It makes a lot of sense. I know you can handle yourself but you good with going off on your own?"
He looks concerned, "And when do I find you again? What if you do have trouble?" He takes a deep, calming breath, "If something happens to me, I know it's a lot to ask, but can you make sure Karlov gets settled somewhere safe?"
Doumane shrugs, "I am more worried about you. You are the marked man, not myself. The only people I have to worry about are the Black Cyphers, you have to worry about them and Razvan. "
At Mihail later questions the halfling frowns, "There is a place at the docks, the Old Grog Barrel, just another grog shop, but slightly cleaner then most. We meet there around dusk, all right? If one of us is in trouble....well, we cross that bridge when we get to it."
At the mention of his son, Doumane grabs the man's forearm (unable to reach his shoulder) and squeezes, "Nothing is going to happen to you or Karlov, I swear it. But of course, I will make sure the lad is taken care of. Ease your mind about that."
Mihail nods, "Old Grog Barrel, I remember it. I will meet you there at dusk. Hopefully we will both find out something."
The man claps his hand over Doumane's, breathing a sigh of relief. "Thank you, my friend. It greatly eases my mind to know that you're watching out for Karlov, for us."
With that, Mihail turns and melts into the crowd.
Doumane runs through a list of potential places or people he could approach in order to learn a little more about the Black Cyphers. Fortunately his years of working in Magnimar have provided him with more than a couple of options. There are those who service the seedier underside of Magnimar and those who provide supplies to criminals. Either route could be risky because help won't be given freely and any information is for sale, including him asking questions.
Doumane ponders likely places to find news of the Black Cyphers. It would hardly do to be too obvious or blatant. It isn't like gangs post public notices in their territories. Still, Magnimar was hardly adverse to the underworld. After thinking a bit he decides to head to a shop keep he knows, who specializes in selling to the criminal element (a lucrative market in the city).
Doumane approaches the door of a shop that kind of looks like a hardware store. However, there are a couple of items displayed that look out of place. Out of place unless you are familiar with their true purpose.
He pushes open the door which barely makes a sound. Even though no bell sounds, a gruff voice sounds from the back of the store, ”Comin’” Clanking metal followed by a string of curses proceeds the appearance of a dwarf wiping his hands on an oily cloth. He has magnifying goggles strapped to his head overtop of a bandana tying back his hair. His beard is longer than that of most dwarves which is intricately braided. ”Ye got bad timin’, friend. What ye need?”
Doumane edges past a stack of ladders that looks suspiciously good at attaching to walls, and a barrel of crowbars that seems just a tad too sturdy for normal use. He bows shortly to the dwarf, deciding to try normal politeness first.
"Greetings, sorry for the bad timing. As for what I need..." the halfling somewhat dramatically lowers his voice, 'I have heard you are well informed. Information is what I am after, at least at the moment. Information about some groups which a skilled tradesmen like yourself is well place to know."
Lodrek eyes the halfling warily, "Ye know I gotta stay neutral. It's the only way to stay in business. Or alive."
Doumane nods, "Of course, I wouldn't ask any one to take sides. But I'm getting tired of free lance work and looking to join up with someone. I heard there is someone new in town, the Black Cyphers. I am researching a bit before jumping in, seems wise. Figured I'd talk to the connected and intelligent first before doing anything foolish."
Years of dealing with those with a propensity to lie or bend the truth has sharpened Lodrek's instincts. Something doesn't feel quite right about the halfling's words but having dealt with him before a few years ago, he is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
The dwarf gives a short bark of laughter, "Tired of free lance work? You? I may not remember yer name but I know enough te find that hard te believe."
His piercing eyes study Doumane, "So what you really after? Sorry my stock is a little low at the moment. Certain people have been on a buyin' spree lately."
Doumane blushes a bit, being caught out in the lie. Even this dwarf that barely knows him can tell he is shading the truth. Deciding honesty is the best policy, he nods and says, 'All right, there is no fooling Lodrek Brightbraid. Should have known better. I am looking for information on the Black Cyphers, being asked to by someone else. No names, but they are people of...some import in the city. Looking to be pointed in the right direction, if you can. I have a feeling if I start putting up flyers they would find me face down in the harbor."
Lodrek strokes his beard as he contemplates the halfling's words. "I understand yer dilemma, friend. But I gotta be able te look my customers in the eyes knowin' I didn't say anythin' te sell them out."
He looks pointedly at the ledger that sits on the corner of the counter. "Now, I got me a bit of a mess in the back that I need te deal with. Look around and when yer ready te buy somethin' give me a yell."
'Fine." Doumane says throwing up his hands in defeat. It wasn't Lodrek's fault, being too talkative was a bad habit on the streets. It was slightly discouraging that his first attempt had been a strike though.
To keep his dark thoughts at bay the halfling looks at the merchandise a bit, roaming the cluttered shelves. Maybe he should buy something to put Brightbraid on his side? Maybe not.
Seeing that Doumane is genuinely discouraged by the words spoken, Lodrek pauses at the counter. He clears his throat loudly, pushes the ledger slightly towards Doumane, then disappears into the backroom.
It is then that the halfling realizes that it isn't that Lodrek is unwilling to help him out but that he has to have complete deniability if ever questioned.
Doumane doesn't say anything but moves carefully toward the ledger and quickly starts to leaf through it, keeping an eye on the door in case anyone steps in.
The ledger is obviously how Lodrek tracks his sales. Mostly it's just first names, addresses to where the orders were delivered, materials sold, and payment received but beside some of the names are either one or two single letters. To the uninitiated these letters look like some bookkeeping shorthand but not so to Doumane. He is able to make sense of them because of his knowledge of the underworld of Magnimar. NS he determines is Night Scales, TG he's pretty sure is The Gallowed based on the address, G is Gargoyles for the same reason, and there's a bunch that are labeled as SF which he assumes is Sczarni Family. So when he sees a few entries with either RD or BC, his pulse begins to quicken. He's found some addresses for what he hopes are where the Black Cyphers and Razvan Dragomir operate even though he doesn't recognize the names associated with them.
The Black Cypher name is listed as Jarvyce and the address is all the way in Ordellia. It is quite a substantial order as well. Almost like someone was needing everything necessary to set up shop in Magnimar.
However, there are at least three different names and addresses associated with RD. Even though all seem to be in Dockway, there appear to be different orders going to different locations.
Does he dare take the time to write down the information or can he trust his memory to remember all of the information?
Doumane does his best to memorize whichever address has the most deliveries. With that (hopefully) safely stowed away in his mind, he moves to start copying down what he can in quick scribbles. Again, he keeps an eye on the door. If the wrong person walked in, Lodrek could be in very serious danger.
Doumane is about three quarters of the way to finishing his scribbling when there's a string of loud curses and banging coming from the back room. Seconds later heavy footfalls can be heard and Lodrek reappears.
"Did ye find somethin' te purchase? Figure ye must of if yer still here. Or maybe somethin' custom? I can grab my sketchbook. Cannae have ye leavin' empty handed."
Doumane looks around and says, "Not at the moment...but." he takes out ten fat gold coins and places them on the counter, letting them tinkle against each other for effect. "Let me start a tab, all right?" The halfling leaves the coins, hoping the dwarf enjoys the bribe. He did risk himself for a near stranger after all.
"Hope business is good for you today." Doumane adds, making for the door. "May the blessings of the gods be on you."
A small grin tugs at corners of Lodrek's mouth as Doumane places the gold on the counter. "Very wise of ye te have the foresight of a tab. Never know when ye might be needin' somethin' in a hurry when yer a little short on coin."
The dwarf grunts at the halfling's parting blessing. "And may yer wisdom keep ye a step ahead."