The group start to explore the scene.
Nubnonk recognises the two creature as devils. The large, bony one, was an Osyluth. Dangerous, venomous, and able to act as infernal inquisitors. Rusty was something quite different, a Ferrugon, a rusty iron devil capable of instilling overconfidence in its foes and delivering a powerfully lethal form of tetanus. It is immediately apparent that neither creature was summoned, they either came to Golarion through some sort of gate or, maybe, a Planar Binding ritual.
The Varisian woman has been dead for maybe an hour. She has been roughly searched and her belongings lie in the pool of spreading blood. Billy picks up an old Harrow deck, well worn and carefully preserved in a simple ivory case. Casting Object Reading provokes an image of a handsome elven man (). You get a sense, not of friendship, but perhaps of professional camaraderie.
Draamil knows nothing of the two devils () but he can corroborate Nubnonk's view that they were clearly not summoned.
Examining the chalk markings quickly identifies that they are a rough map of Absalom. Several paths are marked through the city towards the shop. Examining them you realise that they mark the routes you each took to get here! A further, more indistinct path is marked, difficult to see at first. It also appears to have stopped at three locations in the Grand Bazaar.
As Billy performs the Object Reading, he gets a vision. "I see a good-looking elf ... with great hair." Entranced momentarily, Billy recovers, "There's an air of mystery about him. Perhaps a colleague of our victim." Holding her Harrow Deck in his hands, he adds, "Maybe she was doing a reading for him ... or he was doing one for her?" He pauses and suggests, "Shall we find him when we're done here?" Under his breath, he mutters, "And find out who his stylist is ..."
Turning his attention to the devils, he studies them to recall what he knows.
When the group points out the chalk marking map, Garion studies the locations.
Billy also recognises the Osyluth, realising they have a variety of potent invisibility and teleportation based magics. The Ferrugon however is a mystery to him.
Examining the chalk marks however he can identify all three locations. All of them are in the Grand Bazaar, Historia Reliquary, Kraken's Ink Tattoo and the Reclaimed Paradise.
Historia Reliquary is a well known antique shop. Kraken's Ink is, unsurprisingly, a tattoo parlour. Reclaimed Paradise is a scrapyard and machine workshop.
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"They definitely devils," Nubnonk concludes after a moment. He remains bright in attitude, but seems like he's focusing on providing accurate information. "Aw-sy-luth and Fer-ru-gon." The names come out half-stilted, before the goblin corrects himself and repeats them altogether. "Definitely not summoned. Nubnonk knows that Awsyluth--bone devil--a in-qui-si-tore. Means it asks lots of qui-si-tions...uh, questions." He drums his fingers on his bulbous head, looking concerned. "Aaaand Ferrugon--rust devil--make people very confident. Nubnonk not know why that so dangerful, though." He shrugs and looks around at his friends. "Nubnonk already confident."
He taps Slick and Dramiil to get their attentions. Longshanks were always looking high. But they had gotten the worst of the attacks, both physical and mental. "How longshanks feel? Confident? Quisitive? Susceptible?"
Yes, even Nubnonk knew some big words. Sometimes.
---
After they answer, the goblin takes a closer look at the chalk marks and gets excited. "This Absalom!" he cries, jumping up and down. "Is rough, but look! This the way Nubnonk take from the Puddles! Hmmm, how chalk know that? Unless..." The goblin gets a grave look on his face, his lips slack and entirely covering his sharpened teeth. "No, chalk no know things. Devils know things. They spy--scry! Because cards, maybe?"
"Nubnonk not know who did this path. We should follow them. Get Billy good hair care."
When Rusty bites the dust, Slick nods to his friend appreciatively. "Nice one, Billy. Not too bad for a bard.". Then looking down at the corpse at his feet he sighs theatrically and shakes his head as if sorely disappointed. "Some people just don't listen, and then they complain when things go badly for them. It's kind of sad really."
"So, how are we doing on injuries? I got a bit of a poke in the side, but nothing serious." He proceeds to help Billy heal up the injured with a few prayers to Gorum followed by the application of hands to wounds to administer the resulting healing energy. He then looks at Dramiil's infected wound. "Now that looks nasty. It'll probably kill you if we don't do something about it."
Slick then does a general search of the room and the corpses.
When Nubnonk knocks on his leg armor to get his attention, Slick looks down. "Nah, I'm fine. Not sure what Rusty did to my head, but it seems to have cleared up."
When Billy identifies the three other locations in the Grand Bazaar, Slick says, "Looks like we'll be knocking on a few more doors around here before the end of the day."
"And we should probably expect more devilish trouble at these other locations. Looks like these two were definitely interested in our Harrow cards."
Searching through this room the group finds nothing else new however the shop clearly has a second room, the door in the northern wall remains shut...
The door seems entirely safe and unlocked.
Patching up Dramiil to full health, Billy thanks Slick for helping it go much faster.
The halfling agrees with Nubnonk. "Yes, my friend, it's a little creepy that someone was spying on us to determine our paths." He grins and adds, "On the plus side, someone was watching us. As my father always said, fame and beauty have their price!"
After describing the 3 locations in the Grand Bazaar, Billy says, "I'm fairly well-known in the Bazaar ... often getting stopped for autographs. My cross to bear, as a beloved entertainer." He continues, "Interestingly, none of the proprietors is the elf in my vision. We'll have to ask around." He snaps his fingers, "In fact ..." Billy pulls back his chain shirt to reveal an exquisite tattoo of a lute on his shoulder, "... this is the work of Arhan Benimaya, proprietor of Kraken's Ink. His attention to detail is unmatched in Absalom."
The bard readjusts his armor and moves to the west to peek into the adjacent room. "Looks like a game room?"
Slick spots the closed door and after looking it over, finds it untrapped and unlocked. "Don't mind me. I'm just going to have a quick look in here."
He reaches out and swings the door open with his foot before glancing through the opening. "I don't see any bad guys, just some junk strewn around. Let me see if any of it is interesting."
He steps in for a better look. "Still no bad guys. Looks like this might be an office. There's a desk and chair in here; a bed too." He proceeds to methodically search the contents for anything of interest.
"Wait!" Nubnonk says. He had wanted to show off a trick, but Slick was much faster than he was. Still, he dutifully follows the half-elf deeper in, sneaking along behind and lending a curious eye to the ensuing proceedings.
Opening the door to the northern room reveals a mixture of office, bedroom and store cupboard. The place is a mess, covered in books, journals, half finished games, clothes, bedding and other assorted detritus.
Slick finds himself drawn to a shelf where a large ledger has been jammed in between a bunch of mouldering old books. Pulling it down it flops open to reveal another beautifully illustrated Harrow card showing a man being struck by a bolt of lightning. Picking it up Slick instantly realises that it is The Vision card, another of the mysterious and powerful deck that has come into the hands of the party.
.
Checking through the ledger you find that someone has made a number of notes in the margins. There is a summary of the meaning of the Vision card (the chaotic neutral card of Intelligence representing abstruse knowledge, insight and instability) as well as suspicions that other cards from the same deck must also be out there in the world.
There is a note there that Dieral Myrnese, the owner of the Harrow Barrow, might know more about these cards. There are also notes that three others have a close connection with Dieral, Erikanesh, Arhan and Clemeth. The group quickly identify that these three people are the proprietors of the shops marked on the chalk map.
Checking out the room the group also find four magical scrolls which need to be identified.
When Slick finds The Vision card, Billy asks, "Fun! Does it happen to be in the Crown suit?" With Slick's permission, Billy takes a closer look.
The bard muses aloud, "Interesting. Not Suit of Crowns, but still quite useful. Especially for examining things like ... these 4 scrolls!" He considers asking the group about adding the card into his deck, to help with the upcoming identification, but doesn't want to be too presumptuous. Without the benefit of The Vision card (for the time being), Billy offers, "I'll try to ID the first two, while someone else can try the others at the same time."
Indicating the first scroll, "This is Quench -- it can put out magical fires." Indicating the second, "This is Heroism -- like my musical inspiration, only better."
If no one else ID'd the other scrolls concurrently, Billy will attempt them now, and demonstrate, in fine bardic fashion, his versatility in all four magic disciplines.
More magic items! Nubnonk excitedly pores over them, hoping to show off his knowledge.
Nubnonk confers with Billy and happily confirms that he had correct in his identifications. "Billy smart, too!"
Despite his and Billy's best attempts, however, the writing on the final scroll remains elusive.
When Nubnonk shows interest in The Vision card, Billy combs his hair to look presentable. The affable bard smiles and says, "A most-excellent card that will benefit both of us. But if it means more to you, please enjoy it."
After studying the scrolls, Billy takes a moment to consider what he knows of the elf from his vision...
And then, upon hearing the name "Dieral Myrnese", owner of the Harrow Barrow, he considers what he knows about that.
Billy realises that the elf in his vision was indeed Dieral. He recalls that Dieral is the owner of the Harrow Barrow, a mobile shop specialising in all kings of strange, unusual and esoteric items, especially items relating to the Harrow. Dieral doesnt stay in any one location for long so tracking him down might be tricky. Perhaps the three shop owners might know more...
Slick gives out a snort when he finds the new Harrow card. "Hey! Look at what I found." He holds up the card for all to see. "It's the Vision card, though why I know that is a mystery to me."
He reads through the notes in the margins of the ledger. He shrugs as he considers the powers of the card. "Not my thing really." He flicks it to Billy. "More up your alley I think, Billy." He puts the ledger down on the table for all to read. "Looks like we should visit this Dieral Myrnese fellow next. He's the owner of the Harrow Barrow."
Seeing that Billy and Nubnonk are having trouble identifying one of the scrolls, Slick wanders over and peers over their shoulder.
"Uh, are you sure it's a magical scroll? Looks like a shopping list to me."
Billy laughs at Slick and says, "Yes, my friend. It's almost certainly a shopping list. Well done!" He reaches up to pat Slick on the back (well, the lower-back most likely) and says with a straight-face, "Good thing you were here to puzzle that out for us. I'm in awe of your magical prowess."
If Slick is quite done with the mystifying scroll, Billy hands it to the psychic. "What do you make of this, Dramiil?"
Thinking more about the name, Dieral Myrnese, Billy snaps his fingers. "Of course! Dieral is the elf from my vision! He may be the last person to have seen our victim alive." Turning to Slick, Billy adds, "I agree that we should find him next, but the Harrow Barrow is a mobile shop. I recall that he moves around and is not always easy to find."
Before leaving, the bard asks, "While I'm anxious to see my adoring fans throughout the bazaar, shall we investigate the side rooms more thoroughly?"
"Let me see that last scroll..." Dramiil observes it.
He nods in satisfaction. "Telepathic Bond. Well, that's appropriate for me to figure out, though these writings are hard to decipher. I can use this for Guidance and the like for the rest of you derring-doers."
"Billy, I agree, but someone of a more rogueish adroitness than I should check to make sure there aren't any sort of traps."
He shrugs. "Just in case. Although the state of that room with the scrolls makes me think there won't be any."
"And then, yes, let's go find a barrow full of Harrow. It seems you can't walk 10 paces without tripping over a Harrow deck in this part of town," he says, idly flipping the scroll in his fingers.
Nubnonk beams. "Nubnonk thought might need to break into places today, so read up on lots of roe-gish-ness. If traps there, Nubnonk break!"
The goblin confidently starts checking the side rooms, ready to bust up anything threatening him or his friends.
He also puts forward a theory about the final chalk path. "Maybe last chalk scratch mean Dieral? Big wonder, though."
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"I suggest we go to Historia Reliquary," says Dramiil, "Then the Kraken's Ink, and finally to Reclaimed Paradise. I'm suggesting this list in terms of what someone nefarious might try to steal, break, or burn. Antiques are valuable and often fragile. Tattoos are on flesh, I mean...unless one is an automaton. I'm not even sure how that works. Hmmm. And machinery, well, that's also something one can sabotage, but if it's already broken, less so the urgency."
He inclines an eyebrow at Billy. "Unless your adoring fans have some other suggestions along the way."
Slick nods. "Dramiil's approach seems sound. The owners of the other three shops may well be able to help us locate Dieral. If they can't help us, we can start asking around the Bazaar ourselves."
It was nice to hear people talking about nefarious stealing, breaking, and burning and not immediately associate goblins with it. There was still prejudice in the world, but it was much less than when Nubnonk was a young goblin. It helped that these three knew him, too.
"Good, good," he says. "Nubnonk want see what neat things Erikanesh have this week."
"I think Dieral is best intercepted rather than found. We may be able to determine his trajectory more than anything else. Shall we, Nubnonk?"
As the group is coming up with a plan, Billy retrieves his handheld mirror and adjusts his cyan fedora. He mutters "Gotta be clean -- time to be seen!" and casts Prestidigitation to ensure his fine clothing is looking neat and sharp. When Slick rolls his eyes, the aasimar halfling shrugs, "Like my father taught me: dress for success."
Billy accepts The Vision card from Nubnonk for the time being, and holds onto the Heroism scroll for Slick. He reminds the fighter, "It lasts for ten minutes -- just say when."
The bard nods when Dramiil suggests the Historia Reliquary. "Ah yes, Erikanesh. The old iruxi, a fan of my music, heard I was heading to an archeologist dig and hired me to retrieve a couple things for his shop." Billy quickly adds, "Naturally, I gave him my Adoring Fan Discount."
The group makes it way through the cold, wet streets of the Grand Bazaar. All around people hurry buy, heads down and paying the group little to no attention. None are aware of the potentially momentous events surrounding the fate of our small group of adventurers. In the distance cathedral bells toll, announcing the midday hour.
Arriving at Historia Reliquary you find a small, neat and orderly looking shop. The entrance is covered with a black cloth and the windows are similarly screened. A small silver plaque on the wall announces "Entry, 1sp, NO EXCEPTIONS" next to a small coin slot.
Slick looks at the entrance, then at the little sign. He frowns incredulously. "Seriously? One silver? Just to go in and have a look around?" He ponders the dilemma for a moment. Realizing that barging in without paying the entrance fee might not be the best foot to start off their relationship with Erikanesh, Slick pokes a finger into a small pocket and looks wistfully at the two silver pieces now nestled in the palm of his large hand. He shrugs and pops one into the small coin slot. "This better be worth it." Slick then leans forward, and pulling the black cloth to one side, steps through the entrance.
Nubnonk has pockets and pouches strewn all over his outfit filled with objects magical, mundane, and midway between. The notion that the goblin might know exactly what is in each compartment is, perhaps, laughable. But he reaches to one such pouch and deftly slips a silver piece out to deposit into the coin slot.
"No worry, Slick. If something happen to Erikanesh, we take silver back."
It occurs belatedly to Nubnonk that they might have wanted to tipped some authorities near the Three Steps Ahead that there were a few dead bodies inside. But that might have slowed them down from a much more interesting adventure. Oh well.
"Billy, maybe you can sing a 4 silver piece song when we get in," says Dramiil, and deposits a silver coin.
When Billy enters an establishment, he's accustomed to being the one getting paid. However, he's been here before. And he knows the drill. When he sees Slick with a single silver remaining, the halfling asks innocently,"Slick, I'm short ..." He pauses for a smart-aleck remark and continues, "... can you spot me a silver?"
Knowing how tight Slick is with money, Billy breaks into a grin. He retrieves a coin purse from his bag of holding (which has considerably more than two silvers), collects the proper coin, and deposits it.
He strums his lute upon entering, as to alert any old fans (and new) to his presence.
As the group enters the shop they find it brightly lit by glowing globes of magical light floating near the ceiling. The place feels more like a museum than a shop, with many exhibits placed in a variety of glass cases. Here stands an ancient Mask from the Mwangi School of the Magambaya, there a selection of terracotta statues from Minkai.
A tall, handsome, azure skinned Iruxi stands behind a counter towards the rear of the shop (). As you enter they remove an elegant monocle and wipe it clean on a silk handkerchief, perhaps trying to make sure their vision is not somehow affected, you have the impression you are not their usual type of customer.
Yeeeees, they say, and just what can I do for the likes of "you"?, the quotation marks around "you" hang in the air like an unanswered question.
Nubnonk coos various "oohs" and "aahs" as his beady eyes widen in marvel. "Is that White Bull Horn-Forger mask?!" He rocks back and forth on his feet. "No, maybe copy. That thousands years ago. Woooow!"
The goblin is extra careful that his oversized harness does not knock into any of the display cases as he walks up towards the iruxi. He reaches his hand out to offer it in a shake. "Me Nubnonk Knowerofthings. You Erikanesh? Nubnonk like your shop!" Whether the iruxi accepts the shake or not, the goblin settles down and takes a step back, calming down and narrowing his gaze. "Nubnonk wish here to buy, but bigger fish to fry. Looking for Dieral Myrnese and the Harrow Barrow and thought maybe he here recently. Handsome elf. Billy! Describe handsome elf."
Whether because or in spite of his odd manner of speech, Nubnonk was remarkably charming. Unfortunately a goblin was still a goblin in the eyes of many, and those who viewed his high-pitched squeaking, bizarre syntax, and inopportune interjections with antipathy might still be put off in spite of his best efforts. Whether Nubnonk cared or not, or saw this as a personal flaw to work on, was another question. He grins up at the Iruxi.
Erikanesh seems a little surprised by the frontal approach of the little goblin. If they had them they would certainly have raised an eyebrow at this point. However, the rather direct approach and Nubnonk's collection of curious devices seems to endear him to the Iruxi.
Erikanesh smiles and takes the proffered hand. A pleasure to meet you sir, I am glad that you like my shop. Dirral you say, hmm, not sure I know the name. One moment please.
With that he disappears behind a curtain at the rear of the shop. You can hear the shrill whistle of a boiling kettle and a few moments later he returns carrying a tray on which sits a pot of steaming tea and a selection of sweet rolls. Compliments of the house he says, smiling at the group.
Perhaps I can show you some of my more interesting pieces...
At this point he begins showing of a range of unusual antiques and objet d'art. He seems to have little interest in discussing Dieral and deftly avoids the subject as he shows you different items.
OK, learning anything from Erikanesh uses the Influence Subsytem. You need to earn influence points by using relevant skills. You do not currently know what skills influence him. You can learn those skills by making a Discovery check. Discovery checks are secret. You tell me what you want to roll and I will roll it for you.
As you learn influence skills you can then try to earn influence points. I am treating Nubnonks diplomacy check as an attempt to influence. Congratulations, you have learned one of Erikanesh's influence skills by accident! You could just try other skills but if you pick one not on the list then you cannot get better than a fail.
You only have a limited amount of time each day to influence people before they have to get back to work. Each discovery or influence check by all 4 of you uses up one attempt. I will let you know when you run out of time today.
Each of you can go ahead and make one check, discovery or influence. Nubnonk has done his round 1 check. The hero point turned it into a success.
Erikanesh's discovery skills are: Academia Lore, Perception, Society. A success can learn an influence skill, a resistance (a topic to avoid) or a weakness (a topic which makes it easier to influence them with).
Each social combat round takes 1 hour so there is a limit to how much yu can get done.
You can find the influence rules HERE
Slick's eyes flicker over the inside of the shop looking for devilish opponents but disappointingly, finds none. The contents of the shop, not being particularly martial in nature, do not spark much interest in him. He spots the Iruxi shopkeeper with the natty monocle and heads over to ply them with charm in the hopes of extracting information.
"Good day to you my good ma..." He falters slightly as he realizes the faux pas he's about to commit, but recovers, "... um, person." He congratulates himself on his quick thinking. If Erikanesh noticed anything, he doesn't let on.
Nubnonk slips in before Slick can continue. He listens as the thaumaturge tries to extract information from the Iruxi in his usual subtle goblin manner. He's surprised to see Erikanesh still on his feet after the figurative sledgehammer the Nubnonk just threw at him. Slick wonders if he can salvage things. Taking one of the proffered cups of tea and a sweet roll, he takes a bite. It is surprisingly tasty. Slick makes a big show of indicating his pleasure. "Mmm Mm this is delicious." He washes down the residue with a gulp of his tea.
"Perhaps a little context is needed here. We've just come from the Three Moves Ahead, perhaps you've heard of it? The four of us were inexplicably drawn to the shop by these." He brings out The Brass Dwarf and displays it to the shopkeeper for a moment before putting it away again. "If you were acquainted with the owner of Three Moves Ahead, you have our condolences. Upon our arrival at the establishment, we discovered the body of a dead Varisian woman, presumably the owner, as well as two rather less dead devils tearing the place apart looking for something. We quickly took care of the miscreants and a search of the place for clues uncovered certain notes mentioning several other establishments in the Bazaar, including both the Historia Reliquary and the Harrow Barrow owned by Dieral Myrnese." He pauses a moment to let the information soak in.
"Thinking that these other shopkeepers might be in mortal peril, we decided to track them down and warn them. That is how it is that we find ourselves in your establishment; happy to see you still counted among the living; and inquiring about Mr. Myrnese's whereabouts." He breaks out a big smile. "Are you sure you cannot help us find him? He seems to be a rather elusive fellow."
Slick's magnetic personality makes him hard to ignore, and equally hard to dislike.
Erikanesh smiles at Slick. Why, how interesting, you certainly seem to be more martially inclined. Perhaps you would be interested in some of my other wares.
With that they begin to show a variety of other weapons and shields. I see that you use a rather oversized weapon but I think you might find this Shield to be an interesting option. They reach out and rub the fabric of Slicks cloak between rough, scaled fingers. Or perhaps a new Cloak?.
Moving through the shop they pause at a large display of an ancient mummy grasping an ornate ebony staff. Perhaps this Staff might look good on one of you?
The mention of the dead Varisian woman startles them briefly, Oh my, that is most unfortunate but I am quite sure that I am perfectly safe here. My shop and my person are well protected. Pausing to refill the tea cups she exclaims, Oh, Dieral, I thought your little goblin friend said Dirral. Yes, I know Dieral, I occasionally buy Harrow related material from him but I've not seen him in a while.
They turn back to the various items they have showed off. Perhaps one of you would like to take one of these items. It would do me a great favour and act as rather excellent marketing if you would carry one of them.
"Ser Erikanesh, we appreciate your wares most highly. I'm sure an iruxi of your experience understands that our search for Ser Dieral is not something we wish to spread around...but we did want to make you aware of possible peril, so that you might secure your wares and your person. As we know, double-checking one's establishment is nothing if not prudent," says Dramiil, bowing.
"If there's anything you know to the Harrow Barrow's general path through Absalom, we would be most appreciative. As for items, I am but a mere facilitator of the mind--if you have something appropriate for that, I would be most grateful to view it."
As you spend time chatting with Erikanesh and viewing their various wares Draamil gets a strong read on their personality. It is clear that they have a significant interest in archaeology and scholarship as well as a tendency to talk and talk and talk.
Strumming a happy chord as the group enters, Billy looks around the fascinating shop. No matter how many times he visits, it's always impressive. Billy graciously accepts the refreshments and, always prepared, shares some of his own. He retrieves his Jug of Fond Remembrance and pours mugs of honey mead for those interested.
As charming as always, Billy greets the iruxi. "Ahhh, Erikanesh, it's simply grand to see you again. You may not remember me, as you're a very popular figure." He adds knowingly, in a lower voice, "Trust me...I know the feeling all too well. It's a blessing. And a curse. Am I right?" The easy-going halfling continues, "A couple years ago, you hired me to collect a particular relic. Always a pleasure!"
He pauses to try a sweet roll, then explains, "As my eloquent friends mentioned, we have reason to believe evil is in the cards and we're concerned about your safety and that of Dieral Myrnese. When did you see him last see him and did he seem ... off?" The bard enjoys a sip of mead as the iruxi responds.
Erikanesh grins, Aah, Billy, I didn't see you there. It's not like you to be hiding at the back.
They pour more tea and produces another round of sweet rolls. Yes, yes, I remember, you did an excellent job last time, most impressive. Perhaps the cloak would look especially good on you...
They bat away any concern about their own safety, Don't you worry Billy, I can handle myself. As for Dieral, hmm, I havent seen him for some time. I believe he does associate with two frankly disreputable characters here in the Bazaar, an orcish oil monkey called Clemeth and some tacky artist called Arhan. A boorish pair, not an ounce of true scholarship or wisdom between them but they might know more.
Slick pats his greatsword. "I'm afraid this fine lady takes two hands to handle; the shield, though beautiful, isn't for me." He also waves the staff away, but when the cloak is brought out, Slick is impressed. feeling the fabric, he says, "Why yes, I see what you mean. A fine cloak it is indeed. I expect the ladies would be quite a bit more impressed with me than usual if I were to be wearing this. You are indeed a person of exquisite discernment in such matters. What would it take for you to part with it?"
"So, I suppose we'll have to track down these scruffy characters you mentioned and see if they know anything more about Dieral's whereabouts. Though given how hard it is to find the elf, I suspect that our devilish opponents will have similar difficulties. Is there nothing more that you can tell us about his possible whereabouts? Is there a tavern he likes to hang out in? Perhaps a favorite brothel? Anything will help."
Erikanesh grins as Slick compliments his wares. Why, as I said please, choose one of these items and take it, it is a gift. You will be doing me a favour.
Billy nods as Slick eyes the Cloak, and turns to Erikanesh. "As I've been telling my companions, you have the most interesting shop in the Bazaar, my friend -- as always, impeccable taste in merchandise." He reaches out to shakes hands. "We must be on our way. I'll let you know the next time I'm at a dig site. In the meantime, you can always find me at The Gutless Griffin, where they have equally impeccable taste in their performers!" The bard chuckles as he collects his mugs, and prepares to make his exit.
"A pleasure, Ser Erikanesh. You're too kind."
The compact sledgehammer of a goblin continues grinning throughout his and the others' interactions with Erikanesh. Nubnonk finds the iruxi endlessly fascinating, even if they're a bit evasive. Evasiveness was one of goblinkind's favorite things, so Nubnonk appreciates the social dance of cat and mouse, especially when the others start using such pretty words.
Nubnonk had also lived long enough to begin enjoying tea. He remembered once on the fields of battle back in Isger taking a drink out of flask of a dead longshanks, expecting something fun like whiskey or ale, or even wine, but instead spitting out something that just tasted like dead flowers. He had learned later that it was something called tea. At first, he thought it was disgusting. The first few times trying tea were all accidents. But he had met a nice fey in the Fangwood in Nirmathas that didn't try throwing pots and pans or sticks and rocks at him, and she asked Nubnonk to try tea on purpose. He still thought it was gross, but not as bad as the accidental times.
And now, here, years later as an old goblin? Tea was nice. Sweet rolls were better--especially when they were free. Nubnonk shows himself having decent manners (for a goblin), even holding his pinky out while slurping up the tea. He tries holding the sweet rolls at the least sticky part and taking bites instead of just grabbing it in his hand and stuffing it into his mouth whole. The bites are still medium-sized and he needs napkins for his face and hands, but he doesn't make a complete messy fool of himself. The tea gets even better mixed with some of Billy's mead.
Still, Erikanesh's insistence on giving away something for free piques Nubnonk's interest. He wonders if there's something more to the iruxi's game and tries to figure it out by watching them carefully.
As the group chats with Erikanesh Nubnonk realises that they are really quite a bit of a snob. They cater to a rather select clientele within Absalom and have little time for the uneducated or those lacking scholarly skill or interest. As such if you can leverage some social influences then that may well help.
As you discuss various matters Erikanesh seems to be warming to you all.
I tell you what, as you seem to be educated and sophisticated individuals, and as you know my friend Billy here, I shall give you access to all of my wares. How about that eh?
Now, you asked about Dieral. He can be a rather tiresome fellow to deal with, his "Barrow" is mostly filled with useless clutter but he occasionally has the odd item of real interest. I hear he recently came into something unusual, possibly of real value, but as I say I havent seen him for some time.
Billy notices Nubnonk being exceptionally refined ... and not just for a goblin. The bard offers his civilized friend more honey mead from his seemingly endless jug.
Returning his attention to their somewhat-boorish host, Billy smiles, "Why, thank you, Erikanesh. Access to your wares is most generous." Then, trying to emulate the pompous attitude, the bard says, "As someone, like yourself, who values knowledge, and who appreciates the unique history gleamed from rare archaeological relics, I have learned to recognize like-minded individuals who ... share our common interests." He looks around to make sure they're not being overheard and continues, "In our travels, we'd be happy to send such prospective buyers your way. Perhaps you feel such important work should be compensated with additional information or magical assistance to aid us in this endeavor."