Addressed in Discussion thread.
Corey calls up to the sniper on the roof in a friendly tone, "You! Up on the roof! Come down here. Take your time climbing down. I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself."
Corey takes a step forward and attemps to daze the closest thug.
Merida's first arrow drops Tat. Her second sinks into Knuckles.
BATTLE IN BEGGAR'S ALLEY! - Round Two Cont'd!
Seebonickk
Merida
Corey
Thug (Tat) -32 HP
Theron
Thug (Knuckle) -18 HP
Nightkit
Ashtoret
Kura
Don't worry...you'll be joining your fried soon... Theron says as he barrels forward, blade coming down in a double handed cut as he charges in.
Knuckles is cut down.
BATTLE IN BEGGAR'S ALLEY! - Round Two Cont'd!
Seebonickk
Merida
Corey
Theron
Thug (Knuckle) -27 HP
Nightkit
Ashtoret
Kura
Corey calls up to the sniper on the roof in a friendly tone, "You! Up on the roof! Come down here. Take your time climbing down. I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself."
"Your allies are rather dangerous." Kura replies. "And I fear that I now need to re-evaluate my plans. If you don't mind, I would prefer to simply flee and disappear among the shacks."
Are we safe from the other one? Theron asks as he flicks the blood from his sword and grabs his shield...just in case. He looks through the thugs' pockets, seeing if there is a reason they were after the group.
Theron finds among the bodies three vials, each labeled "potion of cure light wounds", a pair of tanglefoot bags, four daggers--two of which are very well-made--two finely crafted saps, two sets of artfully-designed thieves' tools and 164 gold coins. Each of the thugs was wearing well-tailored studded leather armor.
From her perch atop the roof, Kura calls down to Corey. "Your brutish companion looting the bodies will find that I paid and armed them well. I regret that they we planned to kill you, but as you appear to be true allies of the scarred man, your deaths would have been to my patrons’
advantage; in fact, leaving you dead seemed the best alternative, as it meant no one can report back to Torch about my espionage. I would, of course, rather have procured an address for Torch, but you all failed to be forthcoming. Had you been willing to sell out the Grandmaster, I would have called off the thugs I hired. It is a shame it had to end this way. "
"Now I am off," Kura continues. "I will immediately be making preparations to leave the city—this very night, if possible. As we are such good allies, I trust that you will let me do so."
Kura attempts to slink away.
Once she believes the coast is clear, a young halfling emerges from her hiding spot.
"Greetings," she says. "I am Naleth Hundredfingers. I heard that you are friends of the scarred man? If so, I request that you
either escort me to Grandmaster Torch to deliver a message to him. The message is this: 'The Red Mantis is searching Eto for a scarred man.'"
Naleth explains that, several days ago, a boy from the Hundredfingers gang overheard a conversation between a Thuvian apothecary and a local purveyor of medicinal salves about a possible miracle cure for terrible burns, necrosis, and withering—even such ailments caused by magical or supernatural means. When the apothecary noticed the curious eavesdropper, she asked the waif if he’d seen anyone with terrible burns or scars. The naive orphan revealed that sometimes his gang worked for “the scarred man in a tub,” prompting the Thuvian to ask the child to pass along word to the scarred man that she had something special for him.
Naleth, who admits to being the oldest and wisest cutpurse of the Hundredfingers gang, relays that when she heard the waif's story, she knew it sounded suspicious. After finding where the apothecary was staying in the city, the halfling rifled through the contents of the room and found a praying mantis preserved in amber. As virtually everyone around the Inner Sea has heard of the legendary Red Mantis assassins, Naleth said that she immediately feared for safety of her gang.
She explains that she put word out that every member of the Hundredfingers needed to lie low and made it known in the bazaar that her gang had important news for the scarred man. She certainly wasn’t ready to stick out her neck for Grandmaster Torch (especially not after seeing the Thuvian casing the area), but perhaps he would risk the neck of one of his agents. Apparently, she was right as evidenced by your presence.
It might not have been the best plan, she concedes, but her fear of the legendary assassins kept her from risking anything more creative.
When Torch hears the message, he gives a noncommittal grunt and remarks that persistence does not guarantee a successful assassination.
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Sure ... I see no problem with that Nightkit replies. But, yeah ... I have my own reasons for keeping Torch alive
She agrees to deliver the message - still not wanting to reveal Torch's location. She also offers to Torch when she gets there, since Torch obvious doesn't get out much, a private performance of her abilities. Her only price - a future personal favour.
Nightkit votes for the Dancing Dunes. One of those well made daggers (or both if no one else wants one) ends up hidden on her person
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Hope letting her go doesn't bite us on the ass... Theron says as he grabs some of the gear.[ooc]a potion, the other tanglefoot, and one each of the presumptive masterwork say and dagger.
He sees the halfling and wheels to face him.
Maybe don't just pop out of the shadows next time if you value your life... he says as he sheathes his sword.
How did you come across this tidbit of gossip? It's a bit too convenient given the circumstances...
[How did you come across this tidbit of gossip? It's a bit too convenient given the circumstances...
"It is not mere 'gossip'. I have already revealed all that I know about how I came by this message," Naleth declares.
The Dancing Dunes is easy to find due to the way the establishment's name is prominently displayed outside of the two-story cabaret. Two signs can be seen from street level. The larger of the two states that entry after sundown or during a performance requires a door fee of one gold piece. A second sign indicates the availability of rooms for rent by the night. A set of steps rises alongside the building leading to the business' front entrance on the second floor.
At present the Osirian sun beats down and no music emanates from the establishment.
Oh ...... hello. I was curious ... what sort of performances do you do here. I was wondering if my own skills would fit.
"The Dancing Dunes serves as a teahouse by day, a cabaret in the evening, and provides a place for relaxation and other comforts for those wishing to pay for them throughout the remainder of the night." The servant woman replies. "Have you come seeking employment then? Or is there some further reason for your visit? And just what manner of 'skills' do you have to offer?"
The woman inquires further. "Have you come alone or are you part of a larger troupe?"
Beyond the entry room, a door to the east opens onto a lavish sitting area filled with divans occupying the second-floor balcony. The second-floor offers a magnificent view of a spectacularly groomed garden of a colorful sand that occupies the ground floor below. A narrow wooden bridge winds about a trio of decorative obelisks dotting the miniature desert. Private curtained chambers encircle the garden, where lush rugs, soft mattresses, or piles of throw pillows serve to cushion the repose of clientele in each chamber. A set of stairs to the east leads down to the garden. The garden covers an area 40 feet to a side, and the second story sits 15 feet above the ground floor.
Well, let's say I'm just passing through and wanted to show off my skills. Yes I dance, but primarily I'm an acrobat and an escape artist. And some of my dances take place underwater. And ... it's cooler in here. Is it always this hot outside?
"The Osirian sun can be quite intense." The servant woman concedes. "As for your 'skills', they certainly sound impressive, although you do not have the appearance of most of Madame Zelekhati's hires." The woman pauses for a moment and gives her hair a toss, revealing a pair of pointed, elven ears, perhaps bringing to mind something that Corey had mentioned earlier.
She continues, "Speaking of the Madame, she is a very busy woman. Her time is quite valuable and I would not wish to disturb her for someone who is not serious in seeking employment and is 'just passing through'."
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Nightkit actually looks a little disappointed.
Ah well. I was hoping to do some performing as a visiting entertainer, while I was here but I can understand the Madame's point of view. And yes, I'm from the Inner Sea region. Still, I'll be very interested in finding out what sort of acts that she has.
"Yes, we can provide lodging," the servant woman assures Theron. "If that is what you seek. And a strong cup of coffee as well. You may have a seat if you wish and I will have one of the girls bring you a drink."
"As for those of you seeking an opportunity to perform, it is true that Madame Zelekhati does keep an eye out for talent." The elven woman continues. "She is currently with a client, but I will let her know you of your desire for an audience."
"I must insist on all weapons being peace-bound," she adds, offering to perform the ritual.
Once the ritual has been completed, the servant woman asks the party to wait as she heads downstairs. As you wait, you have a view of the garden area, which is 40 feet to a side. The second story sits 15 feet above the ground floor. At the moment, servants are in the process of setting up a small stage in the northwest sand garden where performers can sing, dance, and play instruments.
Minutes later, a half-elven woman, elegantly dressed and wearing a golden necklace and a prominent ring arrives at the top of the steps. "Greetings," she says. "I am Madame Zelekhati. Let us stroll around my garden as we talk business."
As the party follows the half-elf, they have an opportunity to assess the establishment and its owner.
"I was raised among a family of guides in the Underdunes region of Osirion’s eastern desert." The owner says. "I was not with my family when one of the region’s infamous sand-slides buried them. Since then, I have been driven both to explore the lands across the Inner Sea and later to return to my dune-ridden homeland. The result of my half-elven heritage, I suppose."
"I have accumulated considerable wealth as a performance artist and invested the gold in acquiring performance space of my own here at the edge of the booming Eto Bazaar." Madame Zelekati explains.
As she comes to the nearly-completed stage, the woman pauses. "If you wish me to hire you as a performer, I would, of course, first like to see what it is you have to offer."
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Theron nods, and binds his weapons. It takes a few moments though.
Umm...I will take my gauntlets off and stow them...don't want to seem like i'm trying to sneak anything by you...
Mind your step, guys...try to not make a mess in her sand garden.... Theron flicks his eyes from Kit to the track in the sand, trying to send a message.
At the stage, Nightkit attempts to impress.
Madame Zelekhati looks impressed. "I suppose I could use a little variety in my shows. You are hired."
"I will have one of the girls prepare a room for you," she informs Nightkit.
"Greetings, Madame Zelekhati. I am Corenthiir, spinner of tales." he reaches to kiss her hand.
"I must say, you are as beautiful as your garden lilies."
Corey puts on the charm.
But it is his heritage that most captivates the owner. "Of course, I also have a place for those who would fit in quite well with my current company. Do you have a tale for me?"
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"A performance? From me? Splendid!" Corey chuckles.
"Well, I think I can come up with a good poem."
Corey takes a few steps back and gives an ostentatious bow to the Madame.
"This one is called 'The Miller's Frolic'. Ahem..."
The miller’s wife, with cheeks so fair,
Did laugh and toss her golden hair,
While in the yard, with drink in hand,
The miller led a merry band.
“Oh, come ye lads and lasses all,
To feast and drink till night doth fall!
We’ll sing of love, of sin and pride,
And mayhap more,” the miller cried.
His wife did wink and sashay forth,
Her eyes alight with teasing mirth.
"Beware," she said, "lest tongues do twist,
For wicked lips are quick to kiss."
The blacksmith bold, with iron arm,
Did raise his cup and took her charm.
With blushes red and wicked grin,
He vowed he'd see the night begin.
But as the ale did flow like rain,
The miller roared with no disdain:
“My wife’s a gem, and sly she be,
But none shall bed her, save for me!”
The crowd did cheer, their spirits high,
While maidens danced with twinkling eye.
And in the barn, ‘neath starlit skies,
The miller’s frolic told no lies.
For in that time of mead and song,
The nights were short, the pleasures long.
"A performance? From me? Splendid!" Corey chuckles.
"Well, I think I can come up with a good poem."Corey takes a few steps back and gives an ostentatious bow to the Madame.
"This one is called 'The Miller's Frolic'. Ahem..."
The nights were short, the pleasures long.
"Wonderful! Wonderful!" cries Madame Zelekhati as she spontaneously bursts into applause. "Oh, yes! I would be happy to add you to my company. Why, I can think of many, many ways to employ your talents."
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Corey tries to get a moment alone with Zelekhati when she's not busy dealing with clients, possibly over a hot cup of tea. After a bit of small talk, Corey gets down to business. Putting on the charm, he slyly asks the Madame how she acquires her secrets, promising that she has no fear of the authorities getting involved.
In the evening, the small stage set up by the servants in the northwest sand garden comes alive as performers, including Corey and Nightkit, sing, dance, and play instruments. Everburning torches provide normal light during the evening performances. It is evident that the Madame Zelekhati has drawn like-minded entertainers into the acts that she provides and that it is rare that she hires anyone without elven heritage.
Corey tries to get a moment alone with Zelekhati when she's not busy dealing with clients, possibly over a hot cup of tea. After a bit of small talk, Corey gets down to business. Putting on the charm, he slyly asks the Madame how she acquires her secrets, promising that she has no fear of the authorities getting involved.
"I overhear rumors during the day, it is true," Madame Zelekhati with a smile. "Are you insinuating that I spy on my clients or have some special means to discern secret beyond the occassional rumor?"
"You may be charming, I concede." She continues. "But, I have little reason to embroil myself in flights of gossip or the feuds between others. Though, I must admit, I occassionally find such matters to be quite amusing."
The establishment caters to guests into the late hours of morning, long after servants have removed the stage and stowed it away between performances. Hours before dawn, the performers and those guests spending the night retire to their respective rooms. Some of the performers are accompanied by clients.
Although she is clearly pleased with her choice in hiring Corey, Madame Zelekhati remains evasive and keeps her secrets well-guarded--at least through the night. She remains busy taking care of the immediate needs of her staff and clientele throughout the evening before going promptly to bed after the establishment closes.
Before dawn, some of the party members manage to sneak out of their rooms. When they do, they find Zelekhati standing in the middle of the sand garden’s bridge. However, she is not alone. Instead, she converses quietly with some creature resembling a whirling cloud of fine desert sand piling up upon itself, forming into the shape of a humanoid figure.
Although they themselves are elementals, sandmen don’t typically associate with other elementals, seeing their unquestioning obedience as weak. Sandmen pride themselves as free thinkers, and when given a task by a summoner, often interpret the task as they see fit. Because of their arrogance, usually only the most confident or most desperate mages bother with sandmen. It is not uncommon for sandmen to voluntarily stay on the Material Plane, fiendishly playing with its inhabitants as they wreak silent havoc.
Madame Zelekhati and her sandy conversant now placed on Map.