Er... Well, I must admit I've seen the insides of a few, although I don't really relish that particular... environment. You expect to be visiting some?
DM:
Certainly!
The council in general wants you to investigate the ghastly murder of Keltar Islaran (the harbormaster) and to ensure the party remains within the boundaries of the law, while secretly Emil Draktus wishes to learn anything that might give him leverage over Lavinia’s seat on the council. The Arabani’s wish you to investigate quietly the party’s involvement in the fire, to either exonerate them or formerly charge them with a crime. They aren’t ready to move publicly, because the warehouse was a staging area for an underground railroad they use to transfer non-evil dark elves safely.
"Sooo... What's your favorite drink, um... Ardan, was it?"
Well, I do enjoy a fine ale, but I'd say rum wins out when I'm not working.
Getting back to business, if I might ask, where did you plan to go from here? I've heard a few things about Lord Islaran's murder, and I suspect that a rising underworld power like the Lotus Dragons may have an interest in shaking things up in the city, particularly at the docks, but I have no real evidence as of yet... Any light you can shed on the subject?
Where did you dig up this clam?
Shut up, eye, and let me deal with this.
Mistress Lavinia, are you sure this 'gentleman' is trustworthy? Our activities are not something that should be drawn into the public eye, due to the sensitivity of it's nature. I would not be able to tolerate someone bringing you more pain, M'lady, and I only ask in your interest.
Keep an 'eye' out, Penkus, maybe we'll hit that! Sure is a fine looking gal...
Eldin seems on the verge of replying to the newcomer, but is brought up short by Terin’s question to Lavinia.
“It seems to me,” murmurs the cleric, “that if the Dawn Council has suggested we work with this man, then Lady Vanderboren, as a member of that Council, has little choice but to capitulate with their wishes.”
He turns to the man and speaks in a louder voice. “Friend, whilst I would certainly like to see Lord Islaren’s murderer brought to justice, know that this is not our primary concern at the moment. If the Council proves correct, and Lord Islaren’s murder proves to be entwined in the path we follow, then we can help each other; but we do not intend to divert from our current path. If you are willing to help us in our current mission, then, once that is complete, we can help you and the Council in investigating the murder. If it proves that the two can be undertaken concurrently, all the better.”
He looks thoughtfully at Ardan. “Our own investigations seem to be leading us towards the Lotus Dragons, but any evidence that the group may have been involved in Islaren’s killing is tenuous at best; we are hardly subtle investigators, and if you intend that we spend days or weeks gathering evidence to present to the authorities … why then, perhaps we are not the group you seek.”
Indeed, I didn't mean to suggest otherwise. As I implied, I have nothing more substantial than my own suspicions that the Lotus Dragons were involved... and don't expect to learn more by simply asking around. I believe more aggresive investigations are in order, but I can ill afford to challenge a powerful guild on my own. Whatever your grievance with them, operating together seems to me to serve both our ends. Still, I'll leave it up to you to decide.
“Ardan, forgive us if we are suspicious. In the past few days,” Eldin holds up his hand and begins counting off his fingers, “we have been almost blown up by an informant, violated in a horrible manner by an apparent ally, come close to being killed on numerous occasions, and had one of our friends die. If there is anything you can tell us to alleviate our paranoia, I think we would be happy to share information with you and accept your help.”
Well, I don't know what I can say to overcome that, but... While I was once a thief, I've never been a murdering psychopath. I'm sure the Lady will vouch for me in that much at least. To make a long story short, since then I've occasionally been hired by some of Sasserine's more prominent citizens, including a few council members, for odd jobs that they don't wish to become public knowledge.
“Ardan, forgive us if we are suspicious. In the past few days,” Eldin holds up his hand and begins counting off his fingers, “we have been almost blown up by an informant, violated in a horrible manner by an apparent ally, come close to being killed on numerous occasions, and had one of our friends die. If there is anything you can tell us to alleviate our paranoia, I think we would be happy to share information with you and accept your help.”
Anders nudges Eldin after he completes his list of trials. "Don't forget 'waded around in the sewers for three days'."
Tyndal looks up from the new crystal on his armor that he's been playing with.
"So what's the plan? Kick in the Lotus's door and sort them out?"
He looks Terin in the eye, especially the funky one.
"You know how to get there right?"
I can confirm the council is generally not in the habit of hiring, “murdering psychopaths,” though with the recent appointment of Monsieur Vark as temporary harbormaster, things may be trending away from the norm.
If you would be kind enough to excuse me, I must retire for the evening. Kora will be available if you require anything from the pantry. Please, make yourselves at home.
Is potion breaker talking to me?
Is potion breaker talking to me?
Yes.
My lil' symbiot can lead us.
"I think the next question is then -- do we go in the day, when the taxidermist is open for business, but the Lotus Dragons may be mostly at rest? Or do we go at night, when the taxidermist is likely elsewhere, but the Lotus Dragon operation is likely to be in full swing?"
“I think if we cannot handle a taxidermist, then we have no business taking on a den of thieves. Let’s go during the day,” Eldin answers Anders.
He then turns to Ardan, apparently reaching a decision to trust the man. “The evidence we have linking Lord Islaren’s murder to the Lotus Dragons is, as I said, scant at best. We know that Vark, who has obviously benefited from the death, has been working with or for the Lotus Dragons, although we do not have hard evidence to back that up. The man we are hunting, Vanthus, also has a connection to the Dragons. Both Vark and Vanthus have the stomach for murder … it would surprise me little to learn that one of them were responsible for the deed.”
I just wish we could've gotten Vark when we had the chance. That bastard was slick...
Anyway, lets start off at the Taxidermist's place, I have a feeling I ain't gonna like this. The next thing that explodes on me, or uses me as a nest, or some other craziness though will be making me retire to the Park to maintain the area.
"I hate that dog." Tyndal mumbles under his breath.
"No time like the present. Let's go see if this taxidermist has one of those bunnies with the horns. Always wanted one of those."
Tyndal starts gathering his kit.
Let's go see if this taxidermist has one of those bunnies with the horns.
Let's go see if this taxidermist has one of those bunnies with the horns.
"So, Mr. Ardan. What's your prior job experience? I once had to gouge some sort of alien pod out of my own flesh with a blunt dagger. Anything like that? I mean, for a rum drinker, you seem pretty clean."
Let's go see if this taxidermist has one of those bunnies with the horns.
"I'm ready," states Eldin, shouldering his pack and offering a silent prayer to fharlanghn for a safe journey.
Starting fresh in the morning, the party sets out for the Taxidermist’s Guild Hall, Lavinia wishing them luck in all endeavors. The air holds the tang of salt spray as the sun climbs amid the blue-grey backdrop. The humidity is quite tolerable this morning, as a stiff wind blows from the sea towards the Amedio jungle. Heavy clouds droop in the sky however, and you think there may be rain before long.
Making good use of Penkus’ guidance (though he complains bitterly about the morning brightness), Terin leads the party to the Sunrise district via Gondola station to Crown Street. Crossing a wooden walkway and passed a general goods store bring you to a familiar sight, as oddly enough you find yourselves facing The Shivering Cat Tavern for the second time this week. Shrugging it off as coincidence, you make a left onto Monkey Street, then again at Water Street, arriving at your destination.
The guildhall has a relatively modest exterior, with nothing to identify it except for a shingle out front containing an image of a rampant hare with hart’s antlers.
Penkus informs you this is the main business entrance, but there is also a (typically) locked workshop door around back in Dead Dog Plaza.
Ok, how do we want to go about this? You seem to know quite a bit about these people Terin; how many people are likely to be in the Hall here? I can probably get us in the back way if we want to go that route...
If needed:
Ok, how do we want to go about this? You seem to know quite a bit about these people Terin; how many people are likely to be in the Hall here? I can probably get us in the back way if we want to go that route...
If needed:
** spoiler omitted **
Let's walk in and inquire about services. After we get a look around we lock the door and, if needed, beat the tar out of anyone that doesn't want to talk. Simple. Straightforward.
"Sounds good. You want anyone to watch the backdoor?"
"I think the new guy should watch the door."
"Sounds good. You want anyone to watch the backdoor?"
No, I would hate to have to bury another of us.
“Once we are inside, I will keep an eye out for the way to the back door, and one of us can ensure that the route is covered. Terin, let us hold the beating until we’ve tried more diplomatic means – but I agree, we should be straightforward here. It will not take long for this man to realise what we are here for, so let’s not beat around the bush. Either he helps us, or he’s in our way.” Eldin's tone turns rather grim towards the end of his speech.
As you enter the Taxidermist’s Guildhall, a bell placed over the top edge of the door jingles. Scores of expertly stuffed animals and beasts are on display in every available space, some even hanging from the ceiling. At every turn still life monkeys, parrots, and bats confront you, side by side with realistically posed stirges, giant centipedes, and even a black dragon, albeit a very young one.
“Coming!,” announces an even-toned voice from the rear of the shop, and before long a snappily dressed man appears, placing a neatly folded leather smock and recently removed gloves on the counter as he moves to greet you. Impeccable despite the evidence you interrupted his labors, the olive skinned man looks for all the world as if he was about to head out for a night on the town, with his brown suit, silk hat, and well trimmed goatee.
Straightening a handlebar mustache between two fingers, the man practically drips with smarminess as his eyes run up and down your party, appraising your financial merit. Knitting his thick brows just a moment, the man comes to a decision internally, flashing a gold tooth in what he obviously means to be a winning and sincere smile.
“Welcome, valued customers, I am Nemien Roblach! Are you looking for something special today, or perhaps inquiring how best to preserve a rare trophy?”
I am a hunter by nature and was interested in how much it would cost to have various animals stuffed. I plan on confronting an owlbear in it's lair with my companions here * Terin gestures towards his friends * and was most interested in how much it would cost for mounting and all of such a beast. Also there are several other beasts in the vicinity of the lair that may warrant hunting. I discovered Worg tracks, Large frog prints, and some surprisingly large alligators in the general area. I would like to know what the services cost for each and how much such trophies could fetch in the city once mounted. I need this undertaking to be profitable.
*That should keep him concentrating on me for a while...*
Mentally- Penkus, what do you know of him or the area?
*If he seems to be too interested in anyone else in the party Terin will draw his attention with---*
So is there any type of alchemical materials that could be used while afield to help preserve the creature better for your processing? Perhaps some sort of technique that I could use to help keep the creature fresh, short of hiring a mage to magic it?
Tyndal will try to subtly check out the place, and fail horribly.
To Tyndal - "Hey, he does have an antler-bunny!"
"You, uh, wouldn't happen to know, an, um, Vanthus Vanderboren, would you? He's a friend of mine, and he's gone missing."
"You, uh, wouldn't happen to know, an, um, Vanthus Vanderboren, would you? He's a friend of mine, and he's gone missing."
"You, uh, wouldn't happen to know, an, um, Vanthus Vanderboren, would you? He's a friend of mine, and he's gone missing."
"You, uh, wouldn't happen to know, an, um, Vanthus Vanderboren, would you? He's a friend of mine, and he's gone missing."
"You, uh, wouldn't happen to know, an, um, Vanthus Vanderboren, would you? He's a friend of mine, and he's gone missing."
Edit to read:
Listening to Terin shine on about his favorite subject, Nemien claps his hands together joyfully before fastidiously smoothing down the front of his suit with his hands.
“Excellent choice, sir! We could easily accommodate all your conservation needs; if you would like to see a work in progress, we’ve just recently begun work on a dire jaguar for the church of Kord. Also, I happen to have some reliable alchemical preservatives which I would be willing to offer you at a bulk discount, provided you bring your catch to us exclusively.”
“Do be careful there, sir!”, Nemien interjects, swatting at the air near Tyndal. “This is an incredibly rare horned gopher. Quite dangerous, from what I hear, though understandably less so now. See how lustrously the pelt remains, even after a full decade?”
At Seann’s inquiry, Nemien raises a single eyebrow briefly. “Mr. Vanderboren? Hmm, yes, he bespoke quite a few pieces lately, very unusual creatures all. Interesting...he seemed the type to be more…circumspect.. in regards to the company he keeps. No offense, fine patron.
“As a matter of fact, I think I have something of his here behind the counter that you might wish to see.” Stepping behind the long desk, Nemien sweeps up the smock and gloves, shouting, “Evanesco!” before he disappears from sight.
“That door in the back there, there’s a secret wall down he hallway that leads to the guild. I think we can bluff our way through as guild guests…oh bloody hell. The jigs up, he’s on to us!”
“Well that went to the Abyss quickly,” mutters Eldin, throwing Seann a dark look. “That was an ‘all’s not well’ watchword if I’ve ever heard one.” The priest had advocated a straight forward approach, but not one that would have the alarm raised whilst they were caught flat-footed.
"A jackalope! Where?" Tyndal begins looking around for the mysterious jackalope.
Tyndal begins looking around for the mysterious jackalope.
Tyndal’s jackalope search bears curious fruit, as one on the unlikely amalgamations bounds to the top of a cabinet in front of him and brandishes its antlers menacingly. The hanging black dragon cranes it neck around at the party and begins to flap its wings, as if testing them for flight. Creatures of every genus begin turgidly awakening, with ominous import.