Julius Fetch's page

Julius knows he sucks at sneaking around and is too proud to use invisibility to worm his way into the sewer. Instead he uses his sleeves of many garments to dress up like a homeless person, then uses bluff to pretend he's a sad drunk, crawling in the sewer as if he belongs there. If he's stopped by a good samaritan he's prone to gathering basic information on such a person to later use. Being the manipulative person he is, he tends to see people with wonton concerns for others as very suitable tools for the future

The name Cagor, coming up more often than not, is almost a necessary evil. Dwarves however were something to be respected, if not feared, in negotiations. They tended to have a practical sensibility that rivaled his perception of his own and to make matters worse, they could reliably shrug off magical manipulation. However, this was his best lead and it never hurt to talk.

The rest of his time, before or after locating Cagor, was best spent getting a lay of the land. Charming and hypnotizing the lowest common denominator was useful, but this was the heartbeat of his business. Of course, every wary of those sharing his talents, his eyes were ever open for the more magically inclined. Although he would never admit such a thing, Julius Fetch was the stereotypical wizard in many ways. Jealous, petty, greedy, overconfident were all words used to describe him back when he went to the academy. This, of course, didn't stop him from using those same terms in regards to his peers amongst the aquantances he once called friends. Spoiled ingratful fools. I have learned more from sitting in a dark room than they probably have from sitting in that library, reading the same rendition of Dr. Fink's work. He chuckled a bit, remembering the text Doctor Fink's theory of energy transference. Evocation is so... dull.

"...why is it that every evoker thinks they developed the theory of energy admixture? He muttered to himself, almost unknowingly stumbling on Cagor himself, "Ah, um... pardon me. I'm looking for a talented Dwarven merchant. You wouldn't he him, would you?"

No worries about liberties, gathering info and the like can be a dull affair without some intervention. I've gotten the vibe that you're not one to do any major fiats by now, take control where you see fit.

Not a problem

It was hard for Julius to think of anything else but his current project. One scroll of Knock, one scroll of Invisibility. Hopefully they'll go completely unused. He made his way back to the small modest inn room up top where he had decided to stay for the week. It was a pain to carry the small amount of belongings with him night to night, although he did like to move to somewhere else every so often.

Sitting down he began to spend the two first hours scribing his scroll of Knock. I'll prepare one for sure, but you never know what I'll need to get into... or out of Writing the long arcane texts were a dull task for most, but Julius had a habit of becoming obsessed with the process. Loosing himself in it. It was already well after midnight when he started on his invisibility scroll. Toward the end of that he started to resent the need to sleep, has he had many times before.

It was at these times he would look down at this ring. He already knew the proper enchantments to upgrade his personal object. "Sustenance... should only be a little over a thousand with resources like the Underground. Then soon I'll-" His muttering was broken by a yawn, "I'll be able to convince people in that disgusting place that I never sleep... or eat...".

The time passed quickly and he finished his second scroll, then lumbered into bed. In the morning he would skulk back down into the Underground to begin asking around about a potential buyer. If one was to be found, it would be there. There was a brief moment where he mused about keeping the book for himself, it was a treasure after all, but that would inevitably be awful for business.

let me know if I need to roll anything.

Holy crap, sorry for the delay. Trying to get things wrapped up at work before I run off to get married, haha. Anyhoo...

Now the planning begins. I shouldn't need more than what my raw talent and standard tools should accomplish, but no need to risk it... Julius made his way back over to the first few stalls where he saw the various sales of illegal arcana. Noticing the first stand that was selling the potent magical inks and velum required to scribe scrolls, "Pardon me, I need materials necessary to scribe two of the second circle. What are your rates?"

After any possible negotiation I'll need 150gp worth of crafting components for scrolls. After that I'll be heading someplace quiet to spend the next 1d4+12 hours gathering information on a potential buyer, resting and scribing scrolls.

Hey, back from my thanksgiving outing with little to no internet! Hope your holiday was a good one. I'll be posting momentarily.

"Not at all Devin. Please, attend to your affairs. Make sure you have everything in place tomorrow night. Forgive me if I don't walk out with you, I'm actually going to stay and see what else this place has to offer."

Julius kept watch of his new associate out of the corner of his eye, waiting for just a minute to get up himself and head outside, keeping an eye out for Finn. Upon spotting his 'companion' assuming he's there Julius walked his way to where he was hidden.

"Finn. I need a favor. Afterward we will have dinner here." He leaned in close, taking a second look to make sure Micall was nowhere in sight. "I assume you saw the well dressed man that just left here? Yes? Good."

Not bothering to explain himself further, Julius began to wave his hand in succinct and mesmerizing circles, quietly uttering the verbal component to Hypnotism. He knew the charm would not last long enough on it's own to accomplish his task, but a simple hypnotic suggestion would stick around for as long as he needed it.

Presuming everything works out the way I've written above. My hypnotism is a DC 16 and he'll take a -2 penalty for being the only target. If he fails he'll be fascinated and I can make one request that he will perform as if he were two steps up the attitude chart (shooting for helpful here) but only in regards to that request. He won't remember that I made it should I succeed.

Assuming he fails...

Once in his grasp, Fetch leaned in closely almost face to face with Finn, "You secretly will follow that man and remember everyone he talks to and every building he enters. Do not follow him inside anywhere you know you shouldn't be. Meet me here tomorrow at noon so we can talk" And with that, Julius snapped his fingers, awaiting for Finn to follow his orders.

"Devin" He arched a brow again, knowing this man was not going to budge, "50/50 is fine by me. I was just proposing what could be more of a long term venture. It may be too early to talk about, but I think we could be even richer men if you were willing to share information about who and what is being insured."

Julius crossed his leg over his knee, "Like I said, I usually ask for a little more on my side. You're a special case though. Half the sale is fine. In fact, you'll find this to be relatively painless, I assure you."

He extended his hand, "50/50 of everything taken and you agree to speak to me further when we meet to hand over your cut. Do we have a deal?

Julius muttered to himself quietly, obviously deep in thought "The day after tomorrow... it's cutting it a bit short but that should be enough time."

what time of day is it now? Also, would I be able to roll appraise on how much I think this is worth? If so... Appraise: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Although genuinely happy at the opportunity, Julius did his best to conceal the satisfaction with the deal. Instead he frowned slightly and shook his head slowly. "Although I am afraid I wouldn't be able to go an even 50/50 with you. Your information is invaluable, yes, but not quite as valuable as my head which I think we both know is at far greater risk than yours. Normally I ask for around three fourths of the value, but I am a man that trades in favors and knowledge as well."

A mischievous half-cocked smile graced his face for a moment, it was one of his worst tells. "We should also discuss any rules you might have about this as well. I tend to be... opportunistic? When it comes to possessions that is" He folded his arms and leaned back slightly, "I'll have you know I'm no murderer" Not with my own hands anyway

It's odd, he's 3rd level but I'm pretty sure Julius has never killed anyone, or won a fair fight for that matter

You can't Julius simply shook his head, then looked behind him at the other people in the Undercity. "I'm making a career of this you know. The person that gave you my contact information wouldn't send you here with a mystery request to someone that would only turn you in."

In truth, Julius had the same concerns. The gentleman sitting across from him could have far more connections than he did at the moment. He knew the Undercity fairly well. It was one of the reasons he wanted to jump into a detect thoughts right away, though it's a difficult thing to convince someone to willingly allow their mind to be read, even if it is the outer most thoughts. "On top of that, were I to alert the authorities there are at least one hundred people in the Undercity at this very moment that would end me. Were I to steal the book and run away, I'd never be able to work in Cossiomir again and selling the work would become that much harder."

Feel free to divert if we need to have more of a back and forth on the issue of trust.

"Now. Down to business. I need to know exactly what this particular book looks like. I'll also need to know how much time we have before we need to get to work. I may wish to acquire some special equipment to ensure everything goes off perfectly." He was trying not to be overconfident but it sounded like a fairly easy job. Go in, take what he needed, get out. As long as he didn't get greedy it would be like picking up free money. Speaking of money...

"Most importantly, though. How much do we both stand to make?"

Absolutely.

The married part seems fun, planning a wedding isn't my idea of a good time though. I'll be wrapped up with all of that soon though!

"The Horse and Crow? Well of course I've heard of it, I think most people have at one point or another. Wouldn't quite call it, art." Julius learned a little heavier on his elbows, curiosity overtaking his unending need for money for the moment. "I take it that this is a special version?"

and moving forward

If he was stealing something from a man as rich as Reiliux, this particular Horse and Crow must be valuable, perhaps a specific painting of the story or a rare copy. Either way Juluis has never fenced anything that valuable before. Still, Golorian was a large world and what once was in Taldor could end up anywhere else. He was, after all, a genius so the details could be thought up later. "Worry not, you've come to the right place. There is always a buyer for something like that. Some buyers don't care to show off their prizes." He leaned in, looking side to side. "Some buyers don't worry about their own mortality anymore.".

Julius leaned back again, looking up at one of the dancing lights That should give him some things to think about. "In any case, I'll just need a way to access the house and what kind of security you've put in place so I can bypass them. The size and weight of the book in question are going to be important should it need to be hidden or disguised in some way." Julius stopped for a moment to think, "Most importantly I think though, is who else works in the manor. I'll need information on everyone."

A slight smile formed across Julius' face as he placed the tips of his finger tips together in front of his face, leaning on his elbows. He stayed quiet for a brief moment, weighing his options.

"I see then. I would certainly like to know what it is I would acquire.

He inhales deeply and looked up at one of the dancing lights Ricard Reiliux. Can't imagine he wouldn't own all sorts of interesting pieces. All of them likely insured. Mr. Reiliux isn't the only one with a vested interest in keeping the object in place. 3rd parties. Dangerous yet full of opportunity.

He gently placed his hands back down on the table, "As such, I'm interested in assisting you. Details please."

"It certainly does." Julius grabbed a nearby stool and sat down across from his contact, but not before inspecting it for any unfavorable debris. "I must admit, this is my first time in the Undermarket, certainly an exciting place. Full of interesting people I might add."

Julius Fetch, not unlike the man sitting across from him, was a man who paid special attention to his posture and mannerisms. He sat as still as he could muster, folding his hands in front of him with a calm and seemingly bored expression. He was better at imparting emotions than he ever was at being graceful in his actions, however. The solution to this, of course, was almost always to remain perfectly still.

You and I will need to meet again when I unlock the secrets of arcane sight... It was a habit if Julius', as it is with most wizards, to size up any possible arcane competition, eventually devolving into petty inner monologues about the superiority of a focus in Enchantment over other schools which eventually trails off into theoretical ways to end said wizard. The other sources of arcane magic though blood or song were, of course, immediately dismissed as inferior. ...then we'll know what I'm truly dealing with.

"So. I understand you had some business you would like to discuss. I have..." How to say it without letting him know what circles of magic I wield? "...Methods of maintaining a more private form of conversation if you would prefer. I'd be more than happy to implement them if you would not be alarmed by spell casting."

Hey, sorry for the radio silence! I'm getting married in less than a month and stuff keeps coming up. I was downtown for the entire day. Posting now.

I know right?

Julius couldn't help but feel a minor tinge of sympathy for Finn, it was a difficult thing to help. The moment, as per usual, was fleeting however. "Finn. I have a date. It will not take long however."
He paused for a moment, then forced a smile, "I had to bring you along you see because I need someone I trust to watch to see who goes in and out."

"So wait here until I come and get you." Then with a pat on Finn's shoulder coupled with a stern gaze, he turned around and headed darted into the haze.

now that I think of it, Julius lies a lot. Would you prefer me to roll a buff right after I do so or would rather just roll with my bonus in secret? Might be fun not knowing what I actually got and I have this sinking suspicion I might get elaborate at some point and you may find the need to call for multiple checks.

"Ah, I had no idea. Perhaps we could have something to eat here in an hour or so.

You my friend need an errand... Julius looked back and forth for a moment. He despised wasting the limited time one of his spells was in effect and he knew the thought of the wasted arcana would gnaw at him. But what? Finn was certainly an adapt drunk and navigated the Undercity like second nature. He was friendly enough to have made other friends as well. Networking is never a lost cause I suppose.

His demeanor remaining unchanged, allowing the charm to create the smile and wink that would normally be required. Julius simply placed his hands behind his back and arched a brow, speaking in calm monotone, "I have a wonderful idea. You should find a couple of other friends and have them join us.".

Reading their thoughts may prove productive. Must remember to prepare prestidigitation next time I venture down.

Of course you can tag along Finn. Julius' smile quickly left him, the magic doing the impressing for him for the next three hours. He was never one to smile and laugh and it got tiring to put up the facade for long. In his opinion conversation and comrade of that sort was really just a low form of enchantment. Useful at times, but a lesser form of "The Art".

Fetch stood straight, his smile slowly down turning into his usual unamused countenance "Finn. I am looking for Hirlade's. They sell food. Take me there now. I will buy you something you want on the way there. Walk in front of me..."

"Please"

"Greetings Finn' Ceasing the opportunity Julius grabs Finn's hand, channeling the slightest bet of mental manipulation through the contact. "I suppose you could say I'm down here to make friends.".

At this point our friend Finn can make his DC 15 will save against the Beguiling Touch I will use my one round of friendly attitude to cast an actual charm person on him

Confident that Finn was already caught in his trap, Julius pondered whether it was worth it to expend actual magical energy on the man, but good pawns require a guarantee of sorts. After all, he wasn't sure just how safe he would be wondering around the Undercity alone, someone he could push in front of the end of a knife was an invaluable asset. Drunks, after all, are notoriously easy to push. "And how about yourself? Do you frequent the Undercity often?"

Hardly listening for a reply, Mr. Fetch positioned his free hand, ready to utter his incantation and scribe the writ of charming in the air, only waiting for that satisfying tick letting him know that the beguiling was successful.

I tend to do things informally myself so as long as there's an idea of what they're doing thats fine. I'm sure I'll ask for money from it at some point but convoluted calculations of how much money I get a week always gives me a headache.

I plan on tracking useful NPCs and such on my end... mostly ones I can reliably cast spells on and trick into doing things. I'm currently interviewing the drunk for just such a position.

A safe house is a definite goal on the list.

Reaching into the lining of his shirt, Fetch produces five gold coins and gently places it in the woman's hand all while giving a knowing glance. He quickly darts his eyes down to the drunken patron and back up to her with a quick nod. That's right madam, I'm buying your customer here.

"Two of your finest for me and my associate"

With that turned to the drunk man and extended a hand with every intention of weaving a beguiling touch (DC15) upon contact.

"My name is Jim. What's yours my friend?"

Only that it's awesome

As an aside, this is totally something I'm going to end up stealing for games I run for my irl group. So cool. Sorry if I'm tossing this out a little late.

After ten years of solitude the streets of Cassomir were intimidating. This though. This was overwhelming. For a brief moment Fetch felt his eyes widen and his jaw loosen from it's usual clenched position.

No. Remember who you are Julius. Remember what you are.

He started walking through the great Undermarket, his eyes casually drifting left to right, scanning the area for the proper tool to guide him to Hirlade. There were so many people here, so many minds to sway and convince. The Undermarket was obviously a place of danger, but eventually Fetch knew this could be a haven.

His eyes drifted to the various stalls selling scrolls and other arcane baubles. The open access to arcane implements was comforting but the people there would be wise to his schemes. Still though, a tempting prospect.

He glanced at the other areas. Gambling tables were filled with the desperate and the opportunistic. Those manipulated by avarice are predictable but expensive tools, something to consider in the future but not today.

The taverns were great for simple labor. Even back in his early days of studying the basics of arcana Julius knew this. Liquor makes the mind weak and malleable, practically magic all on its own. He was in the market for a good alcoholic. No need to look further. Lets go find the token drunk.

Feeling almost whimsical at this point he turned heel and walked toward the nearest bar. Upon entering he scanned the room, looking for a sallow meaningless drunk. The kind of person someone would pay no mind to, perhaps even actively avoid. It didn't take long, of course. ah... there you are friend

Julius approached his new mark, "Hello my friend. I'd like to buy you a drink."

I have, read through the wiki page, have a good idea of the major places and players in the city. Enough to justify max ranks in Knowledge (Local)

Alter away of course, sounds like a perfect start.

haha, absolutely not