"I'm doing alright," Devon says to Dora. He seems surprised when she takes his hand, but he goes with it. "I've been ousted from the watch before, and so long as I have a mug of ale and Cayden Cailean watching over me, I'll survive. At least this time it's just part of a ridiculously convoluted plan to root out the big bads of Absalom and take them down."
He turns a charming smile on the sorceress. "I like spending time with you, too. But how are you holding up? I know you were pretty chummy with Reginald Vancaskerkin. What are you going to do when we see him again?"
Dani nods to Jack, "To the market. Let's make our inquiries and get prepared. It sounds like there will be no more Watch supply requisitioning going on."
She glances back at Dora taking a hold of Devon's hands and talking with him as they walk together behind her and Jack. She tries to interpret the situation and turns back to their doctor and asks "Dora seems to be taking this harder than the rest of us, do you think we should talk to her about it?"
"Devon seems to have it in hand." Jack says, unintentionally making a pun as he does so. "Give it a little more time. Too many people questioning her will simply make the situation worse, not better."
He walks a little and then continues the conversation. "How do you feel about this Daenestra? It is... not what we signed up for."
Dani nods to herself twice, as if she had been pondering the same question internally. "Yeah. I know. I am wondering the same thing. I believe in us, I really do, and I'm sure sounded like a great plan when he devised it, but the number of things that need to go exactly right for us to pull this off is far too many for me to be comfortable with."
She sighs loudly and shakes her head several times, letting her shoulders sag. "I'm really nervous that this goes sideways and we've given up everything we've worked so hard for."
Near dusk that evening, a man approaches you as you are finishing your business in the market. "Miogimo's heard you lot have been asking around about him. He wants to meet with you. Follow me."
He leads you across the city to a run-down restaurant in the Puddles called The Royal Cod. Two grunts stand outside the door, refusing to let you enter without first surrendering your weapons and submitting to a frisking. Those who refuse must wait outside.
Once inside, you see that the dilapidated restaurant is barely big enough to seat a dozen people. Eight patrons gathered around several rickety wooden tables talk in hushed voices. Cigar smoke and the aroma of fish soup waft through the air. A finely clothed man in an angelic-looking mask sits in the shadows of the room.
Rising from the chair, he gestures toward his table and loudly calls, "Greetings, oh famed warriors of the watch. I hear that you have taken an interest in my affairs. Please have a seat and we can discuss."
Jack brings the Lancet, in its guise as an ordinary (if gaudy) cane, into the meeting out of pure spite as much as anything else. Still, it's useful if things go completely wrong...
He then makes a point of not sitting, opting to fade into the shadows himself while the girls do the talking and Devon does the distracting thing he does with his shiny armor and rippling muscles.
Dani slides a dagger into an inconspicuous location, hiding it from plain sight.
After hearing Miogimo's introduction, Dani frowns. In addition to her Edgewatch notoriety, word has quickly made its way through Absalom of her legendary abilities with her violin. Hardly a day has gone by without someone pointing at her or asking a question if she is truly
Daenestra Folsamir.
"And here I was thinking you wanted an autograph." she says in a feigned sadness, folding her arms across her chest.
Miogimo spreads his arms. "Well, I wouldn't say no to an autograph! Your reputation precedes you, of course, Miss Folsamir. It's no wonder Grimwold chose you as an ally." The masked man leans forward on the table and steeples his fingers. "You are working with Grimwold, are you not?"
Dora doesn't need anything as mundane as weapons, so she doesn't make any attempt to smuggle items past the check, although she does have to bat away a hand or two that get a little too thorough in their searches.
Once inside she has to bite her tongue to avoid blurting out 'how did you know?' but realises in time that that would not improve their negotiating position so instead she thinks back to her etiquette classes, draws on the memory of every excruciating afternoon tea with her thoroughly boring aunt and simply stares at the crime lord the same way she would a scone that had been buttered with jam and then cream.
Dani chuckles and shakes her head, "First off, last I heard Grimwold was dead. Second off, in case you hadn't heard, we're no longer employed by any law enforcement agency. We're looking to take matters into our own hands now because those fools obviously can't accomplish anything."
”Right. I’ll believe Grimwold’s actually dead when I see his cold, decaying corpse,” Miogimo says. ”I believe you when you say you’re not working for him, though, so let’s talk business.”
He reclines in his seat as he looks at each of you in turn. “I was like you once—a member of the watch. I even served with Wynsal Starborn before he rose to such lofty heights. Back then he was just a rookie. I think we took a kind of liking to each other. But like you, my time at the watch ultimately proved fruitless. No matter how many criminals I imprisoned, the crime in this city never stopped, and new gang leaders would always arise. Eventually, I grew old and nothing had really changed. I needed more time, more years to fight for justice. So I abandoned the watch and became something more.
“I imagine a world free of crime and violence. All my years in the watch did little to make this dream real. It was only after I went underground that I began to see the truth: violence will only respond to violence. To truly bring justice to the crime lords of Absalom, I would need to operate like they do.
“Surely you can you see the wisdom of this choice. Haven’t you ever been stymied by the regulations of the law? Prevented from doing what was right, and instead forced to merely do what was legal?”
"What is your endgame then?" Jack asks, "If violence responds only to violence then you intend to be the most violent? To quash the rest until only you remain? But then what? By your own calculation either someone more violent will rise up and overthrow you or you will have to maintain an escalating level of violence at all times simply to maintain your position. Justice will only come in peace and everyone subscribing to the same laws. When one group only follows violence, that won't happen." The dhampir lets out a derisive laugh. "Your intentions may be good, but your methods leave much to be desired."
”Yes, I will be the most violent of the lot. A necessary price to pay to achieve my goals. I have no illusions about what I have become.”
Miogimo reaches up and removes his mask, revealing a desiccated face with sunken cheeks and bulging eyes. ”My face is terrible to behold, is it not? I know that I am a monster. But without this body, my work would have ended. My work is what is important. When Absalom is free from criminals, there will no longer be a need for monsters like me.
“But enough chitchat. Tell me why you have come to me.”
Dani opens her mouth to speak but then abruptly closes it without a sound as a feeling of uneasiness washes over her. She's not ready to play his game yet and turns the tables back on him once more.
She looks around at the other eight other creatures gathered here, pointedly taking her time looking at each one. "And these patrons with you. Are they also monsters like you? Do you intend have them attempt to kill us?"
Peering closer, Dani sees that the soup being consumed by the other patrons appears to include human fingers and various unwholesome ingredients.
Miogimo clicks his tongue and responds, “Shame on you for ruining my fun. Surely, you didn’t expect me to meet you unguarded? I give you my word that they mean you no harm. I intend to treat with you fairly.”
"We aren't here for your fun." Dora says coldly. "Just tell him Dani. It doesn't sound like he has any love left for Starborne, he won't mind us wanting to see the Primarch dead."
He turns a charming smile on the sorceress. "I like spending time with you, too. But how are you holding up? I know you were pretty chummy with Reginald Vancaskerkin. What are you going to do when we see him again?"
"Yes, I was chummy but I should have known better considering the first time we met him it was in the House of Planes. Her voice is full of disgust, either at herself or at the other man, it is not clear. I was so foolish to trust someone who actually enjoyed a place like that. She sighs, and squeezes Devon's hand slightly, realizing he had just admitted he enjoys her company. "I just need some time, and need to be around people I trust right now."
Dora turns her face to Devon as they walk along, her wide eyes meeting his, her expression that of complete trust, and gratefulness at what he is doing for her.
Miogimo chuckles. "The Primarch? So that is why you have come? You hope to get to Starborn in the belly of the Black Whale? Very well. I will tell you what you need to know, but I need you to do a few things for me first, so I can be sure I can trust you.
"For your first task, I need you arrange a meeting between the five most powerful gangs in Eastgate: my own empire, the Eastgate branch of the Bloody Barbers, the Argent Syndicate, the Garrote Sisterhood, and the followers of Mother Venom. Among all of the criminals that dwell here, only a tiefling known as Twisted Jack has enough influence to call such a meeting to order. Travel to a barbershop called the Straight Edge and ask for a shave or haircut 'with a twist.' That should allow you to speak to Twisted Jack in person."
The bard looks away from the finger-soup in order to keep her own lunch in her stomach.
When he lays out their task, Dani nods and asks "And what shall we tell Jack about the meeting should he ask. What is the driving purpose for gathering all of the gangs together?"
"I am going to demand submission from the other gangs, of course," Miogimo says calmly. "With all of them under my thumb, Eastgate will be a lot safer for the people of Absalom. Tell Jack whatever you think he wants to hear. Use that legendary silver tongue of yours, Miss Folsamir. I'm sure you're quite capable of getting him to dance to your tune."
Surprised with the honesty, she smiles and agrees with the monster. "I'm not worried whatsoever." she lies. "I get what I want."
Dani raises her finger and points at Miogimo "We'll do your dirty work for you, but when we're done, we expect you to uphold your end of the bargain."
Miogimo nods. "Of course. A deal is a deal, and I do not renege on those that I make. Report back here when you've spoken to Twisted Jack."
Finding a barber by the name of 'Twisted Jack' makes this Jack smile, in a rather ironic manner. He slips out of the door without further comment, waiting for the rest of the group at a distance.
"Unless the shop is open at nights we'll have to wait for the morning." He says, "Or do you think it's worth trying now?"
The barbershop is indeed closed for the night, so you find an inconspicuous inn to check into and rest. The next morning, you head to Straight Edge. An genial old barber greets you. When you ask for a shave or haircut with a twist, he says, "Of course," and politely asks you to have a seat near the window. He and his apprentices quickly finish shaving the other customers, usher them out of the store, and then close the front doors. The barber then beckons for each of you to have a seat.
As the barbers get to work on you, the floor begins to tremble, and the sound of heavy, metallic footsteps fills the shop. The double door in the corner of the room opens and reveals a massive metal golem with enormous scissors for hands. A smiling man stands beside the creature. The left half of the man’s body has the appearance of a handsome human, while demonic scales and horns cover the right half of his body.
“Well, well,” the man says. “It is an honor to finally meet the heroes of the Edgewatch. Although, from what I hear, your names have been somewhat sullied recently. My name is Twisted Jack, and this golem is my bodyguard and associate, Mr. Snips. What can we do for you?”
"Sawbones Jack." The doctor replies, having made sure to dress the part of his alter ego today. "I will let my companions explain but Mr Snips is quite a marvel. Would either of you share that story sometime?"
"I'm afraid Mr. Snips isn't much of a conversationalist," Twisted Jack says. "He prefers to let his scissors do the talking for him." The golem punctuates this statement by snipping at the air with its razor-sharp scissorhands.
"But it is nice to meet a fellow Jack. Now, tell me why you're here."
Dora, somewhat intimidated by the hulking figure of the golem, sidles closer to Devon and leaves the talking to Dani. As she does she mentally runs down her list of spells, trying to decide what will take out the golem most efficiently.
Unfortunately, Dora knows that iron golems like Mr. Snips are immune to most magic! These golems are damaged by acid spells, though, and they are slowed by electricity, but fire spells heal them. Additionally, casting neutralize poison on the golem deactivates its breath weapon, and they are susceptible to magical rusting effects.
Stepping forward she introduces herself "Daenestra Folsamir," Dani starts, "I'm sure you've heard of my many talents." Taking a strong lead, she follows with "And truth be told, we're here because we're working with Miogimo and we need your talents. We need you to call a meeting of the five gangs. We all know that you're the man for the job, so let's not pretend otherwise. Hmmm?"
Twisted Jack sneers. “Miogimo. I should have guessed. That old watchman is washed up. The Bloody Barbers and Mother Venom run the show in Eastgate now.
"Still, if the illustrious Daenestra Folsamir is singing his praises, then maybe he has something worth saying this time. Hmm. Alright. Tell Miogimo that he'll have his meeting. One week from today, midnight, at the House of the Planes."
Dani smiles with a bow of her head when he sings her praises "House of Planes it is. Thank you. Til then." she responds, taking her leave and leading the others away. She fights hard to keep the smile on her face while she inwardly cringes at meet location Why did it have to be the House of Planes?
While the location causes her heartache, it's their potential interaction with the Garrote Sisterhood that causes her the most anxiety. Hopefully their involvement will be minimal or their representative will be someone else...
Once clear, she says "Let's go back to Miogimo and tell him the good news."
"Is this going to be a problem?" Jack asks, falling into step with Dani as Devon and Dora pull ahead through the crowded streets. "As I recall you have some... existing entanglements with a certain sister at the House of Planes. We never did finish that particular discussion."
Dani can't help but look back over her shoulder at Devon first before turning to fall in with a quicker step with Jack. "No. I mean, probably not. We've been working nearly twenty-four hours a day recently that I've not really had the time to visit The House in a few weeks. I'm sure she will maintain professional courtesies since this is a business arrangement. That is, if she is even there. Perhaps this is moot and she isn't going to be involved. Hopefully. Probably."
For having a way with words, Dani's statement is completely without confidence. She either trusts Jack enough to show him her insecurity on the matter or she is entirely too worried about the situation to focus on putting on a better face about it.
Devon remains stoically silent as they walk. If he suspects anything untoward about his wife, he gives no indication.
***
Miogimo is pleased to hear if your success. "Well done. Now, your second task requires you to visit the Argent Syndicate, a gang of white-collar criminals based out of the Precipice Quarter. Before my imprisonment, the Argent Syndicate paid me a share of their profits, but now they pay their dues to the Bloody Barbers instead. The woman in charge there is a dwarf named Wilifred Stonebyrrow. Travel to her office, collect any money she has there, and ensure that future payments to me resume.
"Don't hurt anybody. While the Argent Syndicate certainly involves itself in illegal activities, they’re not a violent group and thus not worthy of physical harm in my eyes. After you collect the coin from Wilifred, drop it in the food donation box of a local orphanage. Doing good for Eastgate is, after all, my ultimate goal." The undead man smiles.
Dani can't help but look back over her shoulder at Devon first before turning to fall in with a quicker step with Jack. "No. I mean, probably not. We've been working nearly twenty-four hours a day recently that I've not really had the time to visit The House in a few weeks. I'm sure she will maintain professional courtesies since this is a business arrangement. That is, if she is even there. Perhaps this is moot and she isn't going to be involved. Hopefully. Probably."
For having a way with words, Dani's statement is completely without confidence. She either trusts Jack enough to show him her insecurity on the matter or she is entirely too worried about the situation to focus on putting on a better face about it.
"You may well be right." Jack replies softly. "The risk will be if she sees some benefit to exploiting your connection. Or if someone else in her gang knows of it. You may be best off breaking your ties in advance. I can arrange a trip to the House for the two of us. My help is yours, you need only ask for it."
"So, what do you think they're talking about?" Dora asks Devon, nodding towards Jack and Dani's hushed conversation ahead of them. "Do you think it's one of those things we'd best not ask about?"
-----------------------------
"Right then." Dora says once they've left Miogomo's lair behind. "Shall we try and find out something about our targets? I'm not entirely comfortable with all this, but what choice do we have?"
"Probably. Dani had always been very... guarded about certain things," Devon says, frowning. "Even since she embraced Cayden's philosophies, she still had a hard time being open. I hope it is nothing untoward, but I respect her enough to not pry."
Despite his words, it's clear that his wife's secrets bother him.
Asking around, Dora learns that the Argent Syndicate is a shadowy organization with real estate interests all over Absalom. Following the opening of the Precipice Quarter, the Argent Syndicate assigned the task of capitalizing on the real estate rush to Wilifred Stoneburrow. Her company, Stoneburrow and Associates, purchased a small stone tower that once belonged to a wizard in the Precipice Quarter to temporarily work from during the festival.
Dora nods at the true gentleman walking alongside her as he chest fills with a feeling she cannot quite explain, but she does not pry any further, knowing that Devon would want to elaborate.
"I'm presuming this tower won't necessarily be where they're kept, but its a start at least. Do we go in the early hours of the morning when they least expect it to take them by surprise?"
"You may be best off breaking your ties in advance. I can arrange a trip to the House for the two of us. My help is yours, you need only ask for it."
Dani frowns at Jack's statement "I do not think time is on our side here. I worry the proximity to the meet and coincidence of it happening so close to it might have the opposite effect of what I'm looking to achieve. Let me think about it."
"Don't hurt anybody. While the Argent Syndicate certainly involves itself in illegal activities, they’re not a violent group and thus not worthy of physical harm in my eyes. After you collect the coin from Wilifred, drop it in the food donation box of a local orphanage. Doing good for Eastgate is, after all, my ultimate goal."
"I think we can get behind this. No problem, consider it done." the ex-Edgewatch agent says the criminal.
---
After Dora explains her intel, Dani suggests "Either early in the morning or close of business when they are exhausted."
"Let's go this evening," Devon says decisively. "No sense putting it off longer than necessary."
***
As the sun begins to set, you head to the Precipice Quarter and reach Wilifred Stoneburrow's tower. The dwarven woman is behind her desk, poring over some paperwork. She looks up with narrowed eyes. "Excuse me! This is a private office. I must ask you to leave at once!"
Dani slips into her ruffian personality and adds a bit of gravel to her voice. She walks up to the dwarf and roughly grabs her by her shirt and says "Look lady. Miogimo ain't pleased you have deciding to place your loyalties elsewhere. Do us a favor and pay up and we'll be out of your hair with nothing more than your wrinkled shirt. Don't pay? Wellllllll..." She turns back to look at Devon and says "Muscles over there isn't going to be as nice as me."
Wilifred's eyes widen, fulling buying into Dani's act. She glances nervously at Devon, who flexes menacingly for her benefit.
"Alright! Alright! I'll give what I have, just don't hurt me!" she blubbers. The dwarf frantically opens her desk's drawers and gathers up a motley collection of gold coins, gems, and other valuables. "Here, take it! And I promise we'll start making our regular payments again!"
Well, that was easy. A little too easy...
As you're gathering up the loot, there is a pounding knock on the tower's door. "Edgewatch! Open up in the name of the law!" comes a woman's voice. You recognize it as belonging to Corporal Kerr Baptiste, one of Edgewatch's more hard-nosed investigators...
Jack doesn't waste any time but starts looking for another exit.
There's only the one door in and out of the tower. However, there are windows on the upper floor. You could quickly run up there and climb/jump/fly out of the window if you want to beat a hasty retreat without being spotted!
Jack points vehemently upstairs and makes his way there on light feet. Jumping isn't an attractive option, but if its the best plan that can be found then that's what he'll do!
"This is perfect! Hold onto me, ladies," Devon says, holding an arm out each to Dani and Dora. He holds them close as he bends his knees, then he leaps through the open window! "In Cayden's name!" he laughs, sailing through the air and traveling almost 70 feet before landing gently in the street, far away from the meddling Edgewatch agents!
Dani is considering her spell options when Devon calls out to grab a hold of him. She does and closes his eyes as they leap through the window. She also buries her head into his for fear of looking and screaming aloud as they sail through the air.
Once they land she slowly opens her eyes and looks back at the distance they sailed, impressed. "Wow, Dev, that was impressive!"
"No time to celebrate though, let's get going before Kerr catches up to us."
Looking over at Dora she clears her throat and says, "You can let go of Devon now, Dora. It's time to run."
Jack transforms into a bat and escapes the window rather more subtly than Devon...
Dora can't help but let out a squeak as she soars through the air followed by a sigh and audible gulp on their safe landing finally letting go of Devon when Dani suggests its safe. "That was...." She searches for a word that doesn't seem to reach her, "Just give us more warning next time."
Dora sets off, her long legs travelling faster than she expects sticking closely behind Dani, knowing that the bard has a better knowledge of these backstreets than she does.