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Mr. Ruttle clears his throat. "Let it be known that the girl left my client's custody unharmed and was remanded to duly appointed members of the Korvosan Watch. Therefore, it is a matter of record that my client acted in a lawful manner, and any harm coming to her happened after the period of custody, when her welfare was no longer the responsibility nor ethical duty of my client." Looking at the crowd, he adjusts his pince-nez and adds, "In short, the girl's fine and you know it."
Sclivian totters up to Edmund and his quarry. He speaks to calm. Varisian: "Yes, now, don't you worry, he merely wants back his property. I'm sure if you had entered into a viable agreement of business with him, he would be considerably less brusque. It will be all over in a moment and you'll be able to head on your way. If you have any complaints about your treatment, please forward them to me and I shall ensure they are addressed appropriately."
Mr. Ruttle strokes his chin, then turns to the Shoanti. "Gaekhen, is it? Robbed by a child? Hmm, well, yes, that would carry with it quite the level of amusement. Certainly, it would be the sort of activity to sully the reputation of a fine establishment such as this. But as the harmless act of a street performer, why, that would add to the delightful Korvosan ambience. Surely, there'd be no need to chase after a street performer merely demonstrating his skill. I'm sure this child would like to be rewarded for such activity." Leaning in slightly, he finishes, "If only we could find him." Mr. Ruttle leans back. "Oh! And while we're on the subject of plying trades, I find myself curious about yours. No doubt you have quite the measure of skill. May I buy you a round whilst we discuss?"
Mr. Ruttle gives Hiram a wry smirk. "Of course it is. Consider it done." He leads the group to the Shoreline Drinkhall, close enough to home, and close enough to parties of interest. Along the way, he explains some of what he knows about the house. "Just so you know, the previous owners were discovered to be... friendly with improper company. When they left in a hurry, the house became available at reduced prices. This does allow us the extra space and amenities that you have no doubt noted, but yes, indeed, there are a few... unregistered renovations that needed clearing. The basement door, for example."
Mr. Ruttle nods to Hiram. "I will arrange for the proper ironworkers to arrive and construct the bars for the windows. How shall I say we pay them?" Turning to Leandric, he adds, "My instructions were that guards were to be provided with the entourage. You gentlemen are the guards. I can procure hounds as well." Then, to the assembled, he finishes, "Then let us head to a local upstanding establishment and enjoy some respite. I shall begin our queries into the required construction here as you partake of sustenance and beverages."
Bearing a yellow cap and with pince-nez perched on the bridge of his nose, a scholarly scrap of a man tottered his way down the road. His admittedly nebbish appearance being enough of a marker, but following dutifully by him was a small pig, wearing a pack saddle of sorts. The solicitor's porcine companion carried a stack of books and ledgers. As he approached, the reddish color of the nib of the quill tucked in his cap became clear. An obsequious grin spilled across his face as he lay eyes on your leader. "Ah, yes, Lady Arvanxi, I presume? This is the HMS Sarglagon Mortis, very good, you and your entourage are expected. I am Sclivian Ruttle, Esq., at your service. The estate has been purchased and is now available, at your request. It is located in the East Shore as requested, and should be available for occupation by your servants immediately."
Mr. Ruttle is the Korvosan contact for the group, tasked with setting them up and handling any paperwork involving a move to Korvosa. He will have most likely been coordinating the transfer with Mr. Scrivan, having been contacted as an appropriate solicitor at the colony by either the Corinesten family or the Charthagnion family or both. Hmm... Would Hiram or Marcus make this more difficult? Not sure yet.
"Oh! Goodness me, I am so very honored by your choice. Now, then, let's make sure that all the paperwork is in order. We see here in Section 4.2 of the contract, the party of the first part..." Thank you! Congratulations to those who made it, and it'll be sad to see all the great players and characters that didn't make it this round. In some other game, then! There were a bunch of great, fleshed out characters.
No, there is no need to worry. Mr. Ruttle will be performing quite a bit of summoning as well. He highly approves of the service of outsiders. His specialty is simply in keeping them in line and under the terms of the contract.
I'm lawful evil, part devil, and the other part is entitled Chelish noble family that is known for publicly making deals with devils. Oh, well, in that case, I would highly, highly recommend the services of Sclivian Ruttle, Esq. There are ways to leverage claims on your soul into conflicting states, leaving it available for reselling afterward. "Really, it's more of a question of knowing where and how to strike to get the maximum obedience with the least damage to the property. Resale value plummets when you leave scars. Whips are overrated...they cut too much of the skin. Now, a nice blackjack will leave less of a bruise, but it's too quick, too painless. No, I enjoy rope. Stretching limbs, while slower, allows you time to explain to the subject the fault in their actions without damaging the product. Pain should have purpose. We are not savages, inflicting destruction with no rhyme or reason. Every action has consequence." "Quite right. Scars are an indication for a plan not to resell, and as such, are actually better served as a reward, not a punishment. Brand a slave only once you're quite sure that you won't be selling him or her, and only when you want to inform the slave of this intention. This, of course, requires extended loyalty from your property in the first place."
Not a problem! It's why I asked first. It looked like it would fit. I'll take Secret Revolutionary instead (although I don't want the background of fighting the power). ETA: All right, I think I have it all put together! Presenting Sclivian Ruttle, Esq. (Traits taken are Secret Revolutionary, Destined Diplomat, and Outcast's Intuition. His main story is that his specialty is dealing with contract law and outsiders' claims on souls, so his traits are more about him being dedicated to keeping on top of outsiders' shenanigans.)
Would a Campaign trait from Council of Thieves be allowed? I'm specifically looking at Diabolist Raised.
Oh my! Yes, well. Contract law is of the utmost importance. And I, Sclivian Ruttle, Esq., karcist accountant and infernal contract arbiter, do quite understand the ins, outs, and loopholes necessary when bartering souls with devils. Oh, I'm quite positive that maintaining such relations with infernal hosts are quite fruitful and lead to staggeringly positive outcomes in combat. As long as the proper relations and bookkeeping is maintained.
You ruffians always could use an extra dose of bureaucracy.
While perusing scrolls, one of the other store patrons turns to Petronicus. "Well, what an incredible honor, yes! If I am not mistaken, you are the one and only Petronicus Crispin! How exceedingly fortuitous to meet you, good sir. Although I thought you had died in your last performance, but oh, who do I kid, the good people of Westcrown would never let something as simple as uncontracted death to cause the end of a rising star." Petronicus looks at this individual taking liberties with his familiarity. Perhaps slightly taller than average, yet quite skinny--that lank, untoned look of a professor gone hungry. His robes are black, trimmed with red, complete with pentagram--but the mark of a common man, not the dottari. He adjusts his pince-nez slightly, and an impish, knowing grin spreads across his face like spilled lamp-oil. "My name's Sclivian Ruttle, Esq., karcist accountant. I had considered playing the part of Dentris, myself. I was quite interested in the rarely-used courtroom proceedings in the play, you see. But I decided that I am no thespian. No, indeed, my background precluded such outbursts as required for the audience. Thank you for proving the wisdom in this case." A conspiratorial look on this stranger adds, "I should dare say my old companions find themselves ill used for my sudden departure. Pray tell, how is Tal? Caldazar? Pollux?" With a sneer and a chuckling whisper, he adds, "Meraxilar?" Petronicus/Tark:
Yeah, Charisma and appearance have a pretty dysfunctional relationship in D&D/Pathfinder. I've always figured in Pathfinder you could have a beautiful, low Charisma, cold, haughty noble woman, while mayhaps the tavern girl is a little round around the edges, lacks a tooth but has a big smile and knows how to cheer up a room. Low comeliness and high Charisma? Two words: Eleanor Roosevelt.
I honestly didn't expect to be let back in. But I will gladly rejoin the game, and I'm more than willing to help Petronicus out--that was a rough way to join the game. Thank you, everyone, you all deserve better from me. No more sudden and rude disappearing!!! I'm starting my own campaign to remind me to stick around. Now, then, I hear there's a marvelously scandalous play being shown, all the nobles will be there... it's a long shot to get back into someone's graces... and what's this? I recognize the actors from this flyer! (Yes. Feel free to hate me and make my life horrendous. Promise me a fate worse than making me dig around my insides for a worm. I deserve at least that.) |
