Well good news is we got some good leads. Raslo a half-orc thief gets items for various people there and hwe found out that he actually brought in Minkian tools to sell. Raslo also works for Hendrid Pratchett which owns the Dreaming Palace. We have heard that the workers from the Pagoda and some pleasure workers were last seen at the Dreaming Palace and never seen again. Apparently they have some golem like statues that have been seen to come to life and that they have an ochre jelly that is apparently used for garbage and sewage. The bad news is our cover was blown and we were kicked out of the place.
We also ran into some ratfolk that were smuggling drugs out from the Darklands. Mason did get contact info for them to possible deal with them when we are done with this.
"Right... we'll keep the ratfolk on the back burner for now. Unless ya think they may be involved somehow to the missin' folk? You managed to get some good information by the sound if it. Don't worry too much about gettin' made. Happens to the best from time to time. Learn and move on. So what do you think the next step should be?" Ollo asks after digesting what he heard. "Come now don't be shy, I know Roscoe likes to talk but I want to hear from you brooding silent types in the back too."
It might be nice to see if anyone knows how to work against the constructs and that jelly. Since we know there is a strong chance we will meet them, counters against them would be nice to bring.
"Alright so Aeric is already planning to go to the Dreaming Palace based on that response. So what do the rest of you think? Think you have enough reason to go and have a look?" the Sgt asks.
Well we know Hendrid Pratchett owns the place and we have seen him before. Maybe we could just talk to him and see what he thinks. Since we have rumors now, we shouldn't assume anything and talk directly to the source.
we need hard evidence sir, all we have at this time is hearsay. I would recommend speaking to the owner then posting a stake out to see what happens after we speak to him.
"Hmm... I like the initiative Aeric, and there's nothing wrong with planning for contingencies but I'm of a mind with Roscoe and Rocky, though a stake out might be giving him an opportunity to make more victims or cover his tracks. Best have a chat with the owner first before acting on rumors you heard from questionable characters in a night club. Then see how the questioning goes. Alright so, do we haul him in and put him in interrogation, or ask to meet him to ask some routine questions? Towerr? Mason?"
"Might be nice to pull him in here, but by that token, like you said, it's all word of mouth. And from folks that wouldn't back up those words if it came down to it. Can't exactly go busting through the doors like we own the place, but, it's a business yeah? Why not drop in for a social call then? Maybe poke around a bit and see what we can see."
"True its a business, but its still a private business. What do you do if they don't let you past the lobby? I doubt there will be any evidence laid out in the open for all to see."
Well since they are an establishment we could always purchase a night. Then we can see what is going on if we can't let Hendrid to let us look around.
"And walk willingly into the belly of the beast? That doesn't seem like a wise course of action lad. So we know you want to question him but we don't have the justification to haul him in here where we control the terrain. I don't know if going to where he controls the terrain and questioning him there is the wisest either. So what's a third option? Meet him somewhere you both know of? Didn't you first run into him at the Tipsy Tengue? And wasn't the barkeep there not a fan of his?"
Ok we will meet him at the bar to try and talk to him there. Then we can see what happens. Thanks boss.
We can send a message to him to meet us at the Tipsy Tengu and meet him there. Is everyone ready?
After some time thinking it over, Towerr suggests, "Now hold on Roscoe. It was mentioned that the bar tender was not a fan of this fellow, yes? Wouldn't it be a wise course of action to talk to the bar keep of our intentions? If it is true that the bar keep does not like this man, then there is a chance he may help us out should negotiations take a turn for the worse. Maybe he'll have a few men watch the exits. Maybe the bar keep will stiffen his drinks more so to cause the man to become intoxicated faster and maybe cause a disturbance, allowing us to haul him to the station for disturbing the Pease and assault/ battery or property damage charges.
It never hurts to have a better hand than your opponent, even if your hand is a little loaded."
Mason shrugs. "Tipsy sounds fine to me. Dunno if we need to get the guy drunk though. It's just a chat. Maybe try to read him a bit, heck, maybe we can even talk him into a tour of the place like Roscoe said. Who knows."
"Towerr that sounds an awful like like entrapment. How would it look if that barkeep ended up testifying in court and she said we asked her to overserve the man? We'd look like the trouble makers, not him. And I doubt she wants this crew to get into another fight with a drunk in her bar." Ollo cautions.
So let's get a message to Hendrid to meet us at the Tipsy Tengu and have a chat with the man without the need of alcohol. Sound good with everyone?
Towerr ponders for a moment, "Ah, yes, I see where you'd think that. It was my mistake for being unclear. I simply stated we mention our intentions there. That being we would only be meeting there to ask a few questions. Anything else that 'may occur' would be of their own doing, if you follow. Play the fates so to speak."
After some more thought, "If another course of action should be taken however, is it possible that patrols in the area be doubled and/or have a few officers posted to watch the exit routes, should negotiations go south?" Towerr asks.
”It’ll be alright Towerr. It’s just a chat. You expecting some big epic battle? Nah. Just some richy rich guy. He might be a problem, but it becomes less likely in a public space. Besides, with the festival…”. Mason let’s the words linger for a moment before continuing.
”Let’s just go and talk to him. And keep our heads about it. Get some info, then we can analyze it and see what shakes loose.”
You have to remember all we have are rumors from some of the sketchiest people in Absalom. So we can have a chat and see where things go.
Ollo listens to Towerr's explanation and narrows his eyes at Towerr's choice of air quotes at the words 'may occur'. "I still don't think you get my meaning lad. Any interference due to someone trying to manipulate a suspect before or during questioning with intoxicants ain't gonna help our case, only hurt it. Whether that's at our direct request or if'n they think they're doing us a favor. So we better hope he doesn't get drunk while your talking or anything he may say under the influence could be thrown out. Best just get that idea out of that helmet o'yours." he looks at the assembled agents and breaths a deep sigh. "I'll remind you the only reason you lot are doing this investigation is because we're short staffed. If we had the extra man power you would be the officers guarding the street while more seasoned investigators did the questioning. And with some o'the cockamayme ideas I've heard floated here so far I'm beginning to question your ability to not gum this whole thing up... so let's be frank. You're going to have a chat with a respectable owner of a hotel who has had some slanderous rumors spread in a seedy night club which is a haven for undesirables. Your not having a sit down with a mob boss or invading a small country. Try to interview the guy and get his side of the story. See where it goes from there. And remember he has rights. He is to be considered innocent until proven guilty. So if'n you witness him commit a crime or you find some evidence of him being involved in a crime... or in the far outside chance you lot get him to confess. Saints preserve us." and the dwarf makes a brief sign to the gods.
Sounds good sir. We will get the job done. Roscoe will turn to his companions, Let us go send a message to Hendrid to have a chat.
Roscoe if he is dismissed will turn around to leave.
Scratching at his dome, "Ah, sorry sir. Suppose I'm just getting too worked up, big headed about the whole bit.... also.... pardon my asking but.... you do know this is my head... correct?" Towerr says in a serious tone, implying no joke by his statement. Towerr places his hands on his head and displays a tugging motion to explain himself. "As you can see sir, tiss not a helmet, though I could see where you'd be confused, if you did not know."
"Aye lad whatever part of you does the thinking best make it a bit less thick. Lets the good ideas in and the bad ideas out a bit easier." the Seargent says dryly.
"I suppose that just comes with being made of metal and stone 'n all, being thick or hard headed just comes naturally from time to time." Towerr laughs with humility and some embarrassment.
"I'll be sure to ensure the soberness of our patron to the best of my ability." Towerr turns to leave with a wave.
If we are able to leave Sarge Ollo's office Roscoe would leave and write a message to be delivered to Hendrid about meeting us at the Tipsy Tengu to chat.
The agents are afforded the opportunity to heal and rest and return the following morning.
A courier arrives shortly after their arrival the following morning with a response from Pratchett:
My esteemed Agents of the Edgewatch,I am always happy to assist in any way that I find myself able. The Tipsy Tengue is known to serve a fabulous lunch buffet. I would be delighted to rendezvous with you at the mid-day bell. Looking forward to our meeting!
Sincerely yours,
Henrid Pratchett
Roscoe doesn't have anything he needs to do or grab.
Well we got the meeting but I would like to be early so we can make sure everything is good. But I am hungry so let's go to this meeting shall we?
Mason unloads his gun and tries to execute some flashy maneuvers, spinning and twirling the fancy implement in his hands.
Afterwards, he pulls it carefully apart, oiling and then replacing all the pieces in their proper place.
The next day, Mason reports in and is ready to go.
Aeric takes the time to freshen up from the encounters below, trying to maintain the professional image of the Watch.
Rocky gets ready in her uniform and sets of to meet her team
Roscoe will suggest to take the mace to the blacksmith first thing in the morning and get it transfered to Towerr's Shield Boss.
At the blacksmith Roscoe will tell him he wants to transfer the rune from the Mace to the Shield Boss and then wants to sell the full plate, tower shield and mace to him.
After all of that is done Roscoe will distribute the money to the group.
We all will arrive at the Tipsy Tengu about 30min ahead of our meeting time and try to get a seat off to the side in the most secluded table that we can. Then Roscoe will look around the place specifically looking for Raslo or anyone else that looks like they are keeping tabs on us.
The assembled agents arrive 30 minutes before the mid-day bell and find Pratchett already there. He rises from his seat with a broad smile on his face when he sees the agents enter from his clear vantage point at the large table in the center of the room. "Welcome agents, welcome! Please join me. I took the liberty of arriving early to get us one of the larger tables. I had appointments nearby which afforded me the opportunity to arrive early. Please sit, sit." and he indicates the seats around and across from him.
Roscoe will move over and have a seat. Thanks for grabbing a seat, we were actually getting here to do the same thing. Roscoe will give a bit of a chuckle.
Wandering over, Mason sits next to Roscoe.
"We appreciate you meeting with us, especially on such short notice. Things are pretty hectic lately eh?
Mason spends the first minute of interaction carefully studying Pratchett.
Pratchett returns the small talk, "I can see from your perspective where you might think things are crazy. I, for one, am excited for the festival." He settles back in to his seated position and takes a sip from a tea cup in front of him.
Smiling warmly, "Of course, the festival should be quite entertaining, and I can imagine most businesses will get at least a little boost, even from the local traffic coming through."
We wanted to ask you a few questions. We are retracing the footsteps of a few missing persons and we heard that they came your way. They are some working from the Dragonfly Pagoda. Have you happen to see them or possibly know where they could have gone? It would be greatly appreciated.
"Oh yes. Well I've heard of them, but I've never met them. You see, its quite strange. Jeremin Hoff arranged for them to lodge at my establishment but they have yet to arrive. As far as I'm aware they're overdue to check in. Its possible they arranged more suitable accommodations elsewhere."
Tower stands at the head of the table, passively listening in on the conversation, also staying alert to his surroundings incase anything else should arise.
Aeric moves to sit at the bar behind the party. He will put his elbow on the bar and lean back, keeping an eye on the main room. Aeric will raise his eyebrow and give a small negative shake when he makes contact with Mason and Rocky.
Nodding to Roscoe, "Indeed, that is correct, we're looking for some missing persons."
Mason will then, smile at Pratchett.
"And, in these busy times, might it be possible that perhaps they checked in, but you were not informed? What kind of lodging were they to have and is their room or rooms still open? Any thing at all you could tell us, might help track down these poor workers, so we do appreciate your assistance on this, truly."
"Won't you sit?" Pratchett asks Towerr and indicates an empty seat. "I'm not sure if you're familiar with our customs here in the Inner Sea. Your rather large and imposing frame looming over the table like that makes me a bit uncomfortable. Unless you're expecting trouble?" Pratchett then looks over his shoulder and into the corners of the room. "Is there something I should be concerned about?"
"The only thing you should be worried about is whether or not this seat will take my weight without failing." Towerr gives a chuckle, proceeding to take a seat.
"My apologies if I caused you any stress."
"You'll find these seats are quite sturdy. I procured furniture for my establishment from the same vendor. Quality craftsmanship. And don't fret. I'm just not one for altercations and I did receive an injury my last time here. It seemed like you might have been expecting trouble for a moment there and I wanted to be sure to dodge this time." Pratchett chuckles.
"Now then, sorry for the distraction. You were saying?" Pratchett says and returns his attention to the seated agents.
Rocky will enter with the group and have a seat at the table and then order a refreshment
Could they have possibly checked in without your knowledge? Do you know what kind of rooms they were supposed to get? We are just looking for any information that we can, it would be most helpful.
"Oh I would know if they arrived." Pratchett responds. "They were to stay in the bunk room, if I recall correctly. Its an open spaced room of many bunks and may house individuals not aquanted with eachother. Its never empty, but we do have vacant bunks."
Towerr ponders for a moment, "Hmm... you mentioned that they may have found accommodations more suitable to their needs. Pray tell, what establishments could be more suitable than yours? From what I've seen and felt, it's hard to say any other establishment would have finer furnishings, for they are indeed of quality make, as you so say."