You have just entered room "savagetide."
Lithaladhwen: (Obviously someone else is going to need to log for me. *sweatdrop*)
Kelne2261: (Right then. We good to go?)
Lithaladhwen: (Yeah. I needed to reset Dorothy.)
Lithaladhwen: (Wiki info. )
Kelne2261: (Brian?)
Arch mage144: (Yeah.)
Kelne2261 has left the room.
Kelne2261 has entered the room.
Lithaladhwen: (Y'okay, Kelne?)
Kelne2261: (Did I mention that I hate my connection?)
Lithaladhwen: (You did. We'll all hate it too before long, I'm sure.)
Kelne2261: *It is morning in the port city of Telsite, and the docks in the merchant district are abuzz with news. It seems that last night, agents of Lavinia Vanderboren, one of the district's nobles, took the Blue Nixie by storm.*
T3chn0Namagomi: (Namely elves. The gnome was goggles. XP)
Kelne2261: *On board, they found what seemed to be a fairly organised smuggling operation, apparently masterminded by a man named Soller Vark, an agent of the harbourmaster.*
Kelne2261: *Vark himself escaped, and an award has already been posted on him, in the amount of 400 gold. It seems the harbourmaster's office wants answers as to how this could have happened.*
Kelne2261: *Some say that the loyalty of his people is coming into question. The harbourmaster is getting very old, after all, and has appointed no clear successor.*
CGNakibe has entered the room.
Kelne2261: *We begin in the streets by the waterfront, where a man is just now pinning up a wanted poster depicting Vark.*
Kelne2261: (And go.)
Lithaladhwen: (Didn't know when you were done. I guess we can talk to each other now.)
Arch mage144: *Off to the side stands a young, well-dressed nobleman--he is quite handsome, to say the least, and has a curious fire in his eyes as he watches the man pin up the poster.*
Arch mage144: *His most striking outfit feature is his deep burgundy blazer, a sort of waistcoat that is almost military in style, but his prominent cravat and loose-fitting white tunic with frilled sleeves mark his status as a noble.*
Arch mage144: IM: An interesting story. Being wanted is likely to be terrible for business.
Arch mage144: IM: Well, I say. This could be an interesting way to pass the time. Things are getting a bit stuffy for my tastes at home. Perhaps it would do me some good to spend some time outside.
Lithaladhwen: *Passing by, wearing several layers of loose-fitting dusty clothing, is a dark-skinned young woman with long black hair in a braid down her back and mirrored Valthi sunglasses.*
Arch mage144: IM: If the local law enforcement is so strapped for resources that they need to enlist the services of freelancers, it is only right that I do that which befits my family's name and title.
Lithaladhwen: *She pauses in front of the sign, taking a moment to read it*
Kelne2261: *A pair of young ruffian types are also perusing the poster* Think we should go pay a visit to Vark, Kenner?
Lithaladhwen: IM: Oh. So that must have been it.
Arch mage144: *looks over at the woman next to him* IM: Odd style of dress. Perhaps she's from the merchant quarter. Or else foreign.
Kelne2261: Don't be an idiot, Sel. The guard will've checked his lodgings by now. He won't be going back there.
Arch mage144: *looks at the two ruffians* Excuse me. *polite bow*
Arch mage144: Are you discussing the status of the wanted man depicted on this poster? *point*
Lithaladhwen: *stands to the side and eavesdrops a bit*
Lithaladhwen: (She ain't been droppin' no eaves, sir...)
Kelne2261: *The demeanor of the brains of the operation changes swiftly and he sketches a polite bow* That we are, m'lud.
Kelne2261: Lot a money to them as catches up with him.
Arch mage144: So I see. *nods* If I may inquire, it sounds as though you have some idea as to where he may have chosen to flee.
Lithaladhwen: IM: This is not my city, but...
Lithaladhwen: IM: Hm. On the one hand, smuggling is dishonest and inequitable. But on the other, the law isn't always good, either. I wish I knew more.
Kelne2261: Could do, m'lud. Won't find him at his lodgings, but there's a couple places he might've gone to ground.
Lithaladhwen: *bites her thumbnail and looks back at the poster*
Arch mage144: *raises an eyebrow* How interesting. Where do you suspect he may be hiding?
Lithaladhwen: IM: Smuggling operations that are truly organized are... seldom acts of desperation, though. It takes the luxury of time to plan, to wait and bide one's time. The more sophisticated the plan, the more it is likely based on greed.
Lithaladhwen: *sighs*
Lithaladhwen: IM: Speaking of greed.... It would seem that I'm not without a need for financial resources myself.
Kelne2261: Oh, a couple of his old haunts. There's those who might hide him.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Unfortunate. It seems that in the more heavily-trafficked areas, the most common and acceptable way to make money is by taking jobs for the local law enforcement. I don't think it would be too bad.
Lithaladhwen: IM: I've gotten what I came for already, and I suppose I have nothing but time. I'm really not ready to go back.
Lithaladhwen: IM: So, it's selfish reasons after all. *smirk*
Arch mage144: *nods slowly* I see.
Kelne2261: What d'you say, M'lud? Care to come along, split the take?
Arch mage144: You are quite a tricky one, most excellent with the slight of tongue. You seem to have filched the words directly from my mouth. *slight grin*
Lithaladhwen: *glances over to the "ruffians" and their classy friend* If you are extending invitations, might I come along as well? I admit I am a bit curious about this situation.
Arch mage144: If you have information, I would be more than welcome to offer my services in partnership, and...
Arch mage144: ...*looks at the curious woman*
Lithaladhwen: *her sunglasses are shiny*
Kelne2261: *Sel hisses in Kenner's ear* What're you talkin' about? We don't need them. We can take Vark ourselves.
Arch mage144: ...it would seem that we can split any reward four ways. *nod*
Arch mage144: *adjusts his cravat*
Lithaladhwen: *tilts her head and watches the two rough types*
Lithaladhwen: IM: Dissent in the ranks? No good.
Kelne2261: Y'think he'll just go quietly, Sel? Him and whoever he's got with him? We could use the help, and four hundred split four ways is still a lot.
Kelne2261: *Sel subsides, muttering to himself about how Vark isn't so tough, but it's clear who's in charge here.*
Arch mage144: I assure you that an equitable partnership is in everyone's best interests. If this man is indeed involved in a smuggling ring, I find it highly improbable that he will be alone. No one of us is equipped for the job.
Kelne2261: M'thoughts exactly, m'lud. A deal, then?
Kelne2261: *Extends his hand to shake*
Lithaladhwen: If you are willing to split the risk and the reward, I will do my best to make it worth your confidence.
Arch mage144: Of course. I apologize for not properly introducing myself previously. *shakes*
Arch mage144: My name is Tristan. Tristan Alexander Redford.
Lithaladhwen: Safiyeh Kiyankadah. My friends usually call me Javid.
Lithaladhwen: Javid is...shorter. *smirk*
Arch mage144: Lady Kiyankadah. *bows slightly*
Lithaladhwen: The honorifics are... not necessary. Safiyeh or Javid will be fine.
Arch mage144: If you insist.
Kelne2261: Kenner Dras, m'lud. And this here's Seldrek Garth.
Lithaladhwen: *little head-bow to both*
Arch mage144: Most excellent. *surveys the men for obvious worn weapons*
Kelne2261: (Hn. Lag.)
Kelne2261: *Kenner sports a dagger, along with a variety of knives. Sel, on the other hand, has a solid looking club and little else. Still, he's pretty solid, and likely packs a decent punch.*
Arch mage144: *The safe assumption, then, is that they are indeed the rough sort; they probably do their fighting by beating the hell out of you or stabbing you when you're not looking.*
Kelne2261: T'business, then. *Checks to be sure that there's nobody else eavesdropping who'd try to do them out of a bit of hard-earned cash.*
Arch mage144: *Tristan's own only visible weapon of any sort is an oak quarterstaff that apparently doubles as a walking stick.*
Lithaladhwen: *Safiyeh isn't flashing any weapons.*
Arch mage144: To business. *lowers his voice* Where would you recommend we investigate first?
Kelne2261: First place'd be Fenter's. Vark's been known to put some o' his friends up there. Grease Fenter's palms t' be sure he'd have some privacy like. Might be that Fenter'd put 'im up.
Kelne2261: (Okay. Lag grows annoying. I'm going to try rejoining.)
Kelne2261 has left the room.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Their Common is... more muddled than I am used to. I may have to pay close attention to people until I get used to their accent. Which begs the question. Do I have an accent to them? I guess I must.
Lithaladhwen: (And yes. She does. So there.)
Kelne2261 has entered the room.
Kelne2261: (So much hatred.)
Arch mage144: (Heh.)
Kelne2261: *Kenner leads the way along the waterfront, nodding to the occasional acquaintance as he goes.*
Lithaladhwen: *stares at the water and only occasionally looks ahead to see where she's going*
Lithaladhwen: IM: There's so much of it.
Arch mage144: *tucks one hand into his jacket pocket as he follows along, reminescent of Napolean Bonaparte III, who notably does not exist in this world*
Lithaladhwen: (Some theories say he did that because he had chronic rashes. He was scratching himself.)
FFFan80 has entered the room.
Kelne2261: *Indeed there is. The place is pretty busy this time of day, people loading cargoes and such.*
Lithaladhwen: (Hi Dave.)
Lithaladhwen: IM: I do not think I will ever get used to seeing that much. I hope I don't.
Kelne2261: *Fenter's Place, as the sign imaginatively proclaims it to be, is set a street back from the waterfront, and while it's not exactly a dive, it's not the most high class of establishments either.*
Arch mage144: *looks up at the sign* Ah, charming. You think this is a potential hideout for the scoundrel?
Kelne2261: *Kenner halts a short distance from it* Could be. Like I say, Vark and Fenter go back a ways. Th' trick'll be to find out whether Vark's in 'thout lettin' 'im know we're on his trail.
Lithaladhwen: There have to be people concerned with his location who are not his enemies. People who would look for him without wanting to turn him in.
Arch mage144: That may be, but I'm not so certain as you are that it is the case.
Lithaladhwen: You cannot smuggle goods without allies.
Arch mage144: His accomplices may find it more profitable in the short run to turn him in.
Arch mage144: And if they do, one of them can take over the business.
Lithaladhwen: This is true, you are correct.
Arch mage144: At present, he is a high-profile character. For an outlaw, that is a mixed blessing.
Kelne2261: *Nods* True. I wouldn't say he'd be wantin' guests o' any stripe. Least till the hubbub dies down a bit.
Lithaladhwen: Perhaps. Perhaps...
Lithaladhwen: IM: If his allies are concerned only with profit, he'd have to be able to believe that we stood to profit somehow from his safety and freedom.
Arch mage144: Do you two frequent this place as well?
Kelne2261: Could always get a look at Fenter's guestbook.
Lithaladhwen: IM: We would have to put it in his terms. Profit. We would need to gain by keeping him around, and he would need to know that we were indeed getting something in return.
Kelne2261: 'E's not gonna put Varl's name downin the soddin' guest book.
Lithaladhwen: IM: So far, the best I can think of is to attempt a collaboration with the man and then betray him.
Arch mage144: Well, we cannot be certain until we have personally investigated the situation. Perhaps a chat with this Fenter will reveal more information.
Lithaladhwen: IM: He would believe that we needed him for some purpose, and would likely assume that our interests were in short-term profit. He would probably not anticipate our desire to... to turn on him and give up a business opportunity.
Kelne2261: Aye, we've been in a couple times.
Arch mage144: If nothing else, he may let slip some crucial detail by accident.
Lithaladhwen: Perhaps we could approach Fenter on the pretense that we wish to do business with his... guest.
Lithaladhwen: If our target had reason to believe we needed him alive and free, he might have reason to trust us to serve that interest.
Kelne2261: (Safiyeh: Good sir, I am looking for somebody to smuggle a small quantity of exotic goods for me. Very valuable. They say that the Spice is the life.)
Lithaladhwen: He, and any allies he might have, would never trust us if they did not believe we were choosing the path that stood to profit us most.
Lithaladhwen: (Shut up! The spice must flow!)
Arch mage144: This is an excellent plan.
Arch mage144: Do we have any idea what sort of goods his operation traffics in?
Kelne2261: *Rubs his chin* Aye. Exotic creatures, most lately. Vicious ones, too. Hear he had a huge spidery thing caged up on that ship.
Lithaladhwen: ...That is.... hrm.
Arch mage144: Exotic creatures? Well!
Arch mage144: I positively love animals. *nods*
Lithaladhwen: I... do not love... huge spidery things? But we can adapt to that. He traffics in animals. We will think of something.
Kelne2261: Word is he's been involved in the drugs trade, too. Blackgum, sourleaf, that sorta thing.
Arch mage144: *frowns* So I see.
Lithaladhwen: That I cannot get for us.
Arch mage144: If expressing interest in his wares is the only possible way to track him down, then we have no other choice.
Arch mage144: IM: I was thinking it would be lovely to have a trained jaguar, one that would follow me at my side and be majestic and bold all at once. Or perhaps a panther.
Lithaladhwen: IM: We can buy things from him at an insultingly low price, claiming that he will get no other business in his current situation, and he had better take what he can get.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Then at least, he will be certain we will behave in a predictable manner. Two options are laid out for him to choose between. Deal, or sink.
Lithaladhwen: IM: I think that it will be a choice he understands, and he may not wonder what other options exist.
Kelne2261: *Nods thoughtfully* Sel, y' want t' keep an eye on the back while we head in? Just in case, like.
Kelne2261: *Sel nods and makes his way off, doing his best to be inconspicuous.*
Lithaladhwen: He may expect potential buyers to take advantage of him in his compromised political situation. I suggest we not be too generous in our hypothetical dealings with him.
Arch mage144: I will of course offer him whatever I feel is a fair price for his goods. It is not in my nature to cheat people.
Lithaladhwen: You are going to betray him anyway. What I am telling you is this.
Lithaladhwen: We need to behave in a manner he understands and does not question.
Lithaladhwen: If we are ruthless profiteering... smugglers.... we do not care how desperate he is. We take advantage of it.
Lithaladhwen: He will understand that.
Lithaladhwen: He will not question it;.
Lithaladhwen: *.
Arch mage144: You have a point. He is not an honest salesman. He is a black marketeer. *nods* Alright then, lead on. You seem to be quite familiar with the inner workings of trade.
Arch mage144: IM: Unusual, for a woman to be so market-savvy.
Lithaladhwen: I... do not know this place very well. I just know people.
Lithaladhwen: But... I suppose someone has got to speak with this... Fenter, I think.
Lithaladhwen: IM: I'm always the one to do this. I'm always the one who has the idea, and then I have to DO it. Hell.
Arch mage144: Yes. I can draw the attention of the crowd away from you, if you wish.
Kelne2261: *Nods* An' I'd just be th' go-between. Fenter knows I don't have those kinda resources m'self.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Oh, I don't like doing this! But who else is going to, Safiyeh? I can. Fenter's just a person. So is Vark.
Arch mage144: I do not intend to be rude, but your clothing is unusual, and even in this district you stand out as a traveller. Also, you are a woman. You will inevitably attract attention in a place like this.
Arch mage144: Allow me to enter first and buy the entire bar a round of drinks.
Lithaladhwen: *grins* That may help.
Arch mage144: (BRB.)
Kelne2261 has left the room.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Thank the gods for Valth and their accessories.
Kelne2261 has entered the room.
Kelne2261: (Blah.)
Lithaladhwen: (Last seen?)
Kelne2261: (Arch mage144: (BRB.))
Lithaladhwen: (Okay. I'll BRB as well.)
Kelne2261: (Fenter: Actually, I'm just a brain-eating doppleganger.)
Lithaladhwen: (Back.)
Lithaladhwen: You go ahead and attract the loving attention of drinkers inside.
Arch mage144: I believe I can cater to their needs.
Lithaladhwen: *to Kenner* Do you know who this man is? How I will know him when I see him?
Arch mage144: If you'll excuse me. *polite bow as he enters the bar*
Arch mage144: BARTENDER! A round for the entire house! Tonight, there is cause for celebration!
Kelne2261: I'll introduce you.
Lithaladhwen: (Brian and his attention-whore characters.)
Lithaladhwen: Thank you.
Kelne2261: *The bartender looks momentarily incredulous, but hey, crazy noble. Go figure.*
Kelne2261: *The room in general erupts into a cheer and people start placing their orders.*
OnlineHost: Lithaladhwen rolled 1 20-sided die: 9
Lithaladhwen: (15.)
Lithaladhwen: IM: If I am buying something... drugs may be a better option. At least then I will know something. Hopefully.
Arch mage144: *sits down at the bar* And an ale for myself, if you would, good sir!
Lithaladhwen: IM: If I tell him I need lethal doses of something... he may believe me. He may believe I really do need him and his connections.
Lithaladhwen: IM: He should believe that he can help me, and that doing so is his only chance for income. The latter... should not be difficult.
Kelne2261: Coming right up, sir. *An ale is procured.*
Arch mage144: *drinks deeply and pays whatever he owes for everyone's booze, presumably it's not more than gold piece or so in a place like this*
Lithaladhwen: (It'd be more expensive in Doma. Fucking inflation.)
Arch mage144: (I don't think the gil to D&D GP thing is really a resolved issue. It's not that important unless you're an economics nut.)
Lithaladhwen: (This is true. D&D GP are crazy.)
Kelne2261: So what's the occasion?
Arch mage144: Ah, it's just a wonderful day! There is always some reason to celebrate a prosperous life. *produces a box of cigars from his pack, puts one in his mouth, draws some sort of rune in the air with a finger and mutters quietly*
Arch mage144: (Prestidigitation. Tristan can now create minor magical effects for the next hour.)
Arch mage144: *cigar lights!*
Arch mage144: *stands up and motions to the bar at large*
Kelne2261: *Yep, Tristan has now been labeled as one of those crazy young ne'er-do-well nobles who will probably squander their inheritance when the day comes.*
Arch mage144: *utilizes his arcane tricks to start blowing all kinds of ridiculous smoke rings*
Lithaladhwen: Kenner, they may be suitably distracted now.
Arch mage144: *dragons, sailing ships with triple masts, lions, exclamation points...*
Lithaladhwen: (But did he invent the question mark?)
Arch mage144: *the crowd ought to be suitably entertained*
Kelne2261: Aye. *Leads the way inside, seeking out a man comfortably ensconced in a corner table.*
Lithaladhwen: IM: It's darker in here. I should take off my glasses, but I think that the idea is to avoid attracting attention. If I start letting myself glow from the face, people will stare.
Kelne2261: *Oh, the crowd are having a great time. Free drinks and entertainment. This guy's a hoot.*
Kelne2261: Mornin', Fenter. Got someone here who'd like to get in touch with a mutual acquaintance.
Lithaladhwen: *nods politely*
Kelne2261: *Fenter himself is a somewhat jowly man, apparently given to big meals. He looks over this obvious foreigner* And who might that be?
Lithaladhwen: (Vark Vark Vark. The sound a German chocobo makes!)
Kelne2261: (Blah. Colour.)
Lithaladhwen: A Miss Kynes will do for now. I am... in need of the services of... one of your sometime patrons. A merchant who is... in a difficult, how do you say, difficult political situation.
Lithaladhwen: I am told that you know many people, and that many people find it wise to know you.
Lithaladhwen: I think that you may be able to help me locate him.
Kelne2261 has left the room.
Lithaladhwen: (Oh, dear.)
Kelne2261 has entered the room.
Kelne2261: (Last seen: Lithaladhwen: A Miss Kynes will do for now. I am... in need of the services of... one of your sometime patrons. A merchant who is... in a difficult, how do you say, difficult political situation.)
Kelne2261: And what would be the nature of your business?
Lithaladhwen: For his good and mine, it may not be wise to discuss it at the moment. Suffice it to say, I could use his assistance, and if I am right, he could use my business.
Lithaladhwen: If I am right and he is compensating you for his continued safety and lodging, my success is his, and his success is yours.
Lithaladhwen: His name is Vark.
Kelne2261: *Nods thoughtfully* I may be able to arrange a meeting.
Lithaladhwen: I am sure that he would be grateful to you for helping his... struggling business.
Lithaladhwen: He must be hurting for contacts about now.
Kelne2261: For now, yes. But Vark has always had a way of landing on his feet.
Lithaladhwen: I trust that he will do so this time, which is why I am willing to involve myself with him. I have hope that he is not done doing business just yet.
Kelne2261: *Nods* You may leave the matter with me. If you would care to return at eight o'clock in the evening, I shall endeavour to make sure he is here.
Lithaladhwen: I can see that the rumors were right about you. You are indeed well-connected here. I will return as you say.
Arch mage144: *figures it's best to leave a good bit after his companions do to avoid arousing suspicion, so continues to entertain the crowd, enjoy his smoke, and drink his beer*
Kelne2261: (Timeskip?)
Lithaladhwen: (Sure, unless Tristan would like to know what she discussed beforehand.)
Arch mage144: (We can fast-forward to some period before the meeting is scheduled to take place so that my character can talk with Safiyeh about what the hell's going on)
Lithaladhwen: (Okieday.)
Kelne2261: (Rightho.)
Lithaladhwen: (Where are we?)
Arch mage144: (I have no idea, I'm not the GM.)
Kelne2261: *At length, both parties have disengaged themselves and made their way off. Finding each other isn't difficult, since they're both fairly distinctive. They join up down the street, and can go where they will from there.*
FFFan80: (You're not empathically aligned with all GM's? >_>)
Kelne2261: (For the swarm.)
Arch mage144: *bows politely to his companions in greeting*
FFFan80: (...pain...such pain... oh God... his barbarian is being a loot whore... ;-; )
Lithaladhwen: I have spoken with Fenter. He claims to know Vark, and can bring him at eight tonight.
Arch mage144: Aha!
Arch mage144: And how do you intend to explain my presence?
Lithaladhwen: He will know that he is meeting a Miss Kynes. She's trying to kill a drug-abusing contact of hers, and while she knows poisons, she wants something to fit the victim, something no one will really question.
Lithaladhwen: Perhaps such a woman would require protection.
Lithaladhwen: That is what I plan to tell him.
Arch mage144: *chuckles a bit* Very well. I am your esteemed bodyguard and personal escort, as you desire.
Lithaladhwen: *smirk*
Lithaladhwen: Miss Kynes needs his expertise and his connections, because while she knows a good deal about poison, he will be a valued asset, more good to her free and trading than he is behind bars.
Arch mage144: *nods*
Lithaladhwen: Do you have anything to add, or any questions that I should answer?
Arch mage144: No, that seems sufficient, but there is the question of how we plan to capture him. He may send some sort of representative instead of being personally present, as he is a wanted man and cannot risk being seen in public.
Arch mage144: Even if you do speak with him personally, he would be foolish to come alone. Are we to attack him in the middle of the road?
Kelne2261: Wouldn't catch 'im in the taproom, but prob'ly one of the private rooms out back.
Lithaladhwen: Possibly.
Arch mage144: Just where did you arrange to meet him?
Lithaladhwen: Fenter is bringing him here. It would be unwise to attack him in public, but if I am indeed expected to engage in illegal trade with him, he cannot expect me to do it there, either.
Arch mage144: Indeed.
Lithaladhwen: So there is the question of following through on such a trade agreement. I am not carrying the necessary resources to buy large quantities of illegal drugs.
Arch mage144: Depending on his price, I may have sufficient resources. I am not personally wealthy enough to carry an entire fortune on me, and it would be inconvenient regardless, but I may be able to make a deal.
Arch mage144: If there is the question of why I am carrying your money, it is because you clearly trust your personal bodyguard.
Lithaladhwen: Agreed. And we should not have to actually purchase them. It should only appear as if we could before we move on him, yes?
Arch mage144: Yes.
Arch mage144: Only make it evident that we have sufficient resources.
Lithaladhwen: *to Sel and Kenner* Do you have any concerns or suggestions?
Kelne2261 has left the room.
Kelne2261 has entered the room.
Kelne2261: *Rubs his chin thoughtfully* Jus' need t'know where y' need us. Might be an idea t' have someone watchin' from outside, case o' trouble.
Lithaladhwen: That is true. Are you comfortable doing that?
Arch mage144: You have already been seen with Safiyeh. *nods to Kenner* Perhaps you should continue to be with her.
Kelne2261: Aye. Two's not s'many t' meet Vark with anyhow. Sel c'n keep watch an' signal us if there's trouble easy enough.
Arch mage144: *nod* A sound plan.
Kelne2261: (Another timeskip, then?)
Lithaladhwen: (Sure!)
Arch mage144: (Here we go!)
Kelne2261: *Evening comes, and the district begins to wind down from a busy day. By the time 8 rolls around, the streets are fairly quiet, though Fenker's Place is pretty busy with the evening crowd.*
Arch mage144: *Tristan stands just behind Safiyeh, an inscrutable expression on his face.*
Lithaladhwen: *She wears sunglasses at night.....*
Arch mage144: IM: There is something faintly humorous about this situation. It is quite amusing to think of myself as the bodyguard of a travelling woman, even if only temporarily, and even if it is an act.
Kelne2261: *Upon their entry, one of the staff comes up to see them* Miss Kynes? Mr Fenker has reserved the private dining room for your use.
Kelne2261: If you'd follow me?
Lithaladhwen: That sounds wonderful. We will follow you.
Kelne2261: *Leads the way through a doorway by the bar, down the hallway, and raps on a door on the left. A man opens it a crack and, upon seeing a familiar face, opens it all the way*
Arch mage144: *is doing his best to look very serious and stern. He's been to enough fancy dinner parties that he can restrain himself from laughing at situations he thinks are patently absurd.*
Kelne2261: *The staff member heads back down the hallway, leaving the group to peruse the room. There are three people sitting at the table, with a pair of crossbows laid before them.*
Lithaladhwen: *waves Kenner ahead of her... no use in walking in alone and letting them shut the door behind her*
Lithaladhwen: IM: One before me and one after. Best way.
Kelne2261: *The man in the centre is recognisable from the poster as Vark. Aside from the table, the room is pretty bare, and there's a shuttered window on the opposite side.*
Arch mage144: *brings up the rear!*
Kelne2261: *Kenner takes up a position along the wall, and settles in to wait.*
Lithaladhwen: (Who else is in there?)
Kelne2261: *The doorman exits himself, shutting the door behind him. Keeping watch in the corridor, perhaps?*
Arch mage144: (Looks like three dudes, one of whom is Vark, plus Tristan, Safiyeh, and Kenner. I think Sel is keeping an eye on things outside.)
Lithaladhwen: (Okieday. The "man in the centre" descriptor had me wond'ring.)
Kelne2261: (Two solid looking men and Vark. One guy just exited. Sel is indeed outside.)
Kelne2261: Miss Kynes, is it? I understand you have a business proposition for me?
Lithaladhwen: *little smile* I believe that you can be of some assistance to me.
Lithaladhwen: I hear that you're quite an effective and... how do you say it... pragmatic businessman.
Kelne2261: *Inclines his head*
Arch mage144: IM: This is vaguely exciting. But also somewhat degrading. Though I suppose excitement wins out. No one of noble blood earned his title by staying indoors sipping brandy all day.
Lithaladhwen: I have need of someone with contacts, with knowledge. I also have need of someone who cares more for his customers than he does for... legal influence.
Lithaladhwen: Am I correct in assuming this is you?
Lithaladhwen: IM: Three and three. But I am hardly suited to close combat. It would be best if I could avoid it entirely, but that cannot be possible. I do not see a way.
Kelne2261: You are. The legalities do so often get in the way of good business.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Tristan is not visibly armed and was casting magic in the bar, suggesting that he may be more suited to battle than I am, depending.
Lithaladhwen: Well, in the interests of giving you the information you need to... provide for a customer's needs... I will be honest with you.
Lithaladhwen: I will tell you what I need. Fair?
Kelne2261: Absolutely.
Lithaladhwen: I am having difficulties with a... contact of mine. He has become dangerous, unpredictable. He is... using some of the products I believe you trade in, but he is using them... to excess. I cannot trust him anymore.
Lithaladhwen: IM: This is a lovely purpose in life. Always lying.
Lithaladhwen: Now... I believe that I and my associates will all be safer if he is... no longer a factor.
Arch mage144: IM: This woman is very slippery.
Lithaladhwen: But it would be unwise to simply... take him out and shoot him like a dog. You don't do that to your partners. Quite terrible for a businesswoman's reputation.
Kelne2261: *Nods* A difficult situation.
Lithaladhwen: But... he is using certain substances. And with abuse frequently come... accidents. Miscalculations. Even fatalities.
Lithaladhwen: Such a situation would not be... incredible. For him.
Lithaladhwen: But... unfortunately, I myself do not have access to the necessary... tools. I would require access to something attractive, but potentially lethal. If I am right, he will... take care of himself.
Lithaladhwen: I will not need to dirty my hands.
Lithaladhwen: This is where you come in. My business would be on much safer footing if you would involve yourself in it.
Arch mage144: IM: Lying is filthy. It's convenient to have someone else who is willing to do it for me so I can avoid soiling my own hands.
Arch mage144: IM: However, she is very good at it.
Lithaladhwen: IM: I could potentially get him to dismiss his guards during the deal itself so that our specific terms will remain confidential. But I would have to dismiss my own, and would therefore gain nothing.
Kelne2261: *Appears to be thinking it over* It does sound like a profitable business arrangement. Who were you using, out of curiosity?
Lithaladhwen: I think that it will be safer for you if you do not worry about details like names. I would not want to place you in a... complicated position.
Lithaladhwen: At least this way you can....
Lithaladhwen: IM: Think. Think.
Lithaladhwen: ....disavow responsibility for my actions.
Kelne2261: (And now, the all-important bluff vs sense motive check.)
Lithaladhwen: (Indeed. The moment we've all been waiting for and terrified of....)
OnlineHost: Lithaladhwen rolled 1 20-sided die: 16
Lithaladhwen: (23)
Lithaladhwen: (Javid: Bi-lah kaifah.)
Lithaladhwen: IM: Goodness. Squeeze me and lies come out like water from the rocks.
Lithaladhwen: IM: How can I keep my allies here? I need at least one. ...Tristan is supposedly carrying my money.
Kelne2261 has left the room.
Kelne2261 has entered the room.
Kelne2261: (Blargh.)
Lithaladhwen: IM: In that case, would it not be reasonable to assume that he's doing so because he and I work for someone else in turn? Someone who did not want his money in the hands of one person?
Lithaladhwen: IM: Perhaps Tristan should stay because he cannot give me the money to make the deal. We must both be here, for the security of my "employer."
Kelne2261: (Did my last message get through?)
Lithaladhwen: IM: That leaves one ally unaccounted for. Perhaps he could cover our exit, perhaps not.
Lithaladhwen: (No.)
Kelne2261: As you say. In any case, I believe I have something to meet your needs. Stardust. Quite exotic, but also rather dangerous. For the first time user...
Lithaladhwen: *attentive head tilt*
Kelne2261: Well, as you say, best not to know the details. Deniability and so forth.
Arch mage144: IM: How dreadful! He sells substances he knows are potentially lethal to their users!?
Arch mage144: IM: I suppose he is a criminal...
Kelne2261: Which leads us to the issue of the price. You will, naturally, require a sufficient quantity that some going missing will not be noticed.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Oh, damn. I don't know when we should move. We discussed that we would likely not complete the deal, and yet I am not certain when I am supposed to act, or if I am better off waiting for the others.
Lithaladhwen: I leave the technicalities to you. This is why I need you. Your resources in this area are superior to mine.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Perhaps we can arrange another meeting under slightly less.... even circumstances. After he has procured it, perhaps? Or would that be waiting too long?
Kelne2261: Shall we say a half pound, for the price of three hundred gold?
Lithaladhwen: *pauses to think, her mind racing*
Lithaladhwen: IM: Tristan can't possibly have that much. He just can't.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Which means I can't give it to him now. Which means I'll have to arrange to do it later.
Arch mage144: IM: That...is a good deal more money than I have on me.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Which means we have to arrange a meeting later, in a location more favorable to us. I don't know what that could be!
Lithaladhwen: I could... convince my colleagues to fund... one hundred fifty. I do not believe that they will allow me to go much higher without great difficulty.
Lithaladhwen: (I love haggling so much.)
Kelne2261: Two seventy. A small price for disposing of such a liability, surely. Particularly given that you will be able to sell most of it on.
Arch mage144: IM: This is going to be more difficult than imagined.
Arch mage144: IM: If we start a ruckus, the man outside the door will surely hear it, and then we will be outnumbered.
Lithaladhwen: No price is small. And should we be unable to sell it, the drug itself will become a liability. Even if I could sell it, I would likely recover no more than one hundred eighty or ninety of that price.
Lithaladhwen: I will pay you what I can reasonably recover, and gladly. But more than that may be difficult.
Arch mage144: IM: ...she is haggling with money she does not have. o_o
Arch mage144: IM: Perhaps she's simply playing hard to get.
Lithaladhwen: IM: If we fight, and I'm certain we will, it will be important to get the guards first. They will certainly have to die. We may need Vark alive, and this will be easier once his guards are out of the way.
Kelne2261: *Inclines his head* Very well. I can afford to be generous in the expectation of future business. And Stardust does have a rather specialised market.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Their weapons are openly displayed, as are Kenner's. Mine are not, giving me a slight advantage. They must assume that Tristan is armed, but they don't know how. Whereas I know they have crossbows.
Lithaladhwen: IM: I know their capabilities, and they do not know mine. There is advantage in this, I know it. I just have to find it.
Kelne2261: *Stands, coming around the table*
Arch mage144: IM: A specialized market indeed! How can the slum-dwellers afford such extravagantly-priced debauchery?
Kelne2261: One ninety it is. *Extends his hand to shake*
Lithaladhwen: IM: They can fight at range, clearly. I prefer the same, but I can adapt. Can they? What of Tristan?
Lithaladhwen: IM: The best option is to get close to the guards and take them out quickly before they can raise an alarm. Get Vark out... how? Through the window? I don't know what's out there, or if it's a viable escape route.
Lithaladhwen: (Her tendency to overthink things is beginning to exhaust me, I wanted you all to know.)
Lithaladhwen: IM: Get in close it is.
Lithaladhwen: *takes his hand*
Lithaladhwen: IM: I wish to postpone this. I wish to meet another time to exchange goods. We need time to plan.
Lithaladhwen: IM: This is all so haphazard, and I do not have enough information.
Kelne2261: Iwill need an address for my courier to deliver the goods. Cash on delivery, naturally.
Lithaladhwen: Couriers... hm.
Arch mage144: IM: Diplomacy on the underbelly is not so different from diplomacy among the cultured. *mental shrug* Neither is business. Only the nature of the goods seems to differ.
Lithaladhwen: Couriers. I do not like middlemen. You cannot trust someone who does not understand the deal. They... make mistakes. *frowns* They... take decisions on themselves.
Lithaladhwen: What sort of courier are we discussing?
Lithaladhwen: IM: Seem reasonable.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Although perhaps a courier could be interrogated to discern the location of his employer at that time. That might be enough to fulfill the requirements of law enforcement, and thus the requirements of the reward.
Lithaladhwen: IM: It would avoid risk to us, and still gain us what we desire.
Kelne2261: My usual agents. They know better than to skim off the top, I assure you.
Lithaladhwen: IM: The best I can do is get an important courier, someone he trusts and who knows him well.
Lithaladhwen: Usual agents? You know them well, then? They understand your business? I do not want to deal with amateurs.
Kelne2261: (Another bluff vs sense motive.)
OnlineHost: Lithaladhwen rolled 1 20-sided die: 1
Lithaladhwen: (Damn.)
Kelne2261: (... Oh dear.)
Lithaladhwen: (It's an 8, but it's a one.)
Kelne2261: *Something about that line 'they understand your business' rang false. Vark frowns. Deeply.* Everyone in this business understands our arrangements. And the reasons for them.
Lithaladhwen: IM: He's not buying it. Recover. Continue.
Lithaladhwen: Very well. I will trust you.
Lithaladhwen: You wouldn't get this far if you could not rely on your subordinates, I suppose.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Concession. Flattery. Continue.
Kelne2261 has left the room.
Kelne2261 has entered the room.
Lithaladhwen: Your courier can meet me at *gives the address for the inn next door to hers* I will be there. Pick your time.
Kelne2261: One more thing, miss Kynes. The name of your agent, if you please.
Lithaladhwen: The one your courier will meet?
Kelne2261: *Those goons have picked up on the change in tone and scooped up their crossbows.*
Lithaladhwen: IM: I disapprove of them arming themselves. I disapprove mightily.
Kelne2261: The one who has so betrayed your trust. I will weather the loss of deniability.
Arch mage144: IM: Damnit.
Arch mage144: IM: Something's wrong.
Lithaladhwen: *chuckles* Why? Do you wish to take care of him personally?
Lithaladhwen: If that's the case, I'm surprised you aren't upping your fee.
Lithaladhwen: IM: He is asking for too much information. I doubt simply giving him a name will satisfy him, but we'll see.
Kelne2261: I simply wish to know who will be leaving the business.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Sorry, cousin! I promise this won't come back to bite you!
Lithaladhwen: He is my cousin Liet. Liet Kynes.
Lithaladhwen: It is easier to do from within the family, but your concern is... noted.
Lithaladhwen: IM: At best, he likely knows I'm up to something. But then, aren't all of his clients? He's a smuggler. Can't he be used to suspicious types yet?
Kelne2261: Liet Kynes... I shall remember the name.
Kelne2261: (Sense motive check)
Lithaladhwen: For all the good it will do you.
OnlineHost: Lithaladhwen rolled 1 20-sided die: 2
Lithaladhwen: (7.)
Lithaladhwen: (Rolls not so awesome this time of night.)
Kelne2261: (And from Tristan as well.)
OnlineHost: Arch mage144 rolled 1 20-sided die: 17
Lithaladhwen: (Shite.)
Arch mage144: (If that's sense motive, 19.)
Kelne2261: *Tristan gets the impression that Vark is indeed making note of the name. So that he can do a little background checking. And since Safiyeh is not, in fact, involved in the drugs trade...*
Arch mage144: IM: ...this is not good.
Kelne2261: *Well, best case scenario, they never hear from Vark again. Worst-case, he takes it personally and decides to make an example of them.*
Arch mage144: IM: But both of his assistants have already picked up their weapons. I somehow doubt my ability to take them away at this phase.
Arch mage144: IM: I also sincerely doubt our ability to survive a confrontation here.
Arch mage144: IM: We may have to lie low for a while.
Lithaladhwen: If we are concluding this meeting, why have your men armed themselves? I am doing you no such discourtesy.
Kelne2261: This is a touchy business. I prefer my men to err on the side of caution.
Lithaladhwen: IM: I need to force their hand. Either they wish to fight now or they don't. If they wish to fight now, they will do so no matter what. If they do not... I would rather they refrained.
Lithaladhwen: *smiles* You will find that women in this business must do the same. I understand.... completely.
Kelne2261: After you, miss Kynes. *Indicates the door*
Lithaladhwen: IM: No bloody shit I must be careful. Bloody crazy people. Bloody drug people.
Arch mage144: *waits for Safiyeh to move out before doing anything*
Lithaladhwen: IM: It appears I am to judge whether or not we fight here. This is a terrible job for me. I do not like combat. It is not where I belong.
Kelne2261: Oh, and Keller? I must thank you for setting up this meeting.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Depending on how long we take here to leave, we may be able to send the local authorities after Vark.
Lithaladhwen: (I thought it was Kenner.)
Kelne2261: (I lost my record a long time ago.)
Lithaladhwen: IM: Kenner needs to go ahead and alert our allies. We can take our time, possibly holding our own here if need be.
Lithaladhwen: IM: But if we leave now, I think we will accomplish little.
Lithaladhwen: *to Kenner* Go on ahead, will you? Let them know we've made our arrangement and that we're on our way. They needn't wait for us.
Lithaladhwen: I think that we have an understanding, do we not, Vark?
Kelne2261: *Kenner nods and makes his way out*
Lithaladhwen: (Kenner like the toy people. It's the only reason I remember. Vark is a German chocobo.)
Lithaladhwen: (Mnemonic devices!)
Arch mage144: *will follow Safiyeh out whenever she leaves!*
Kelne2261: *With one person gone, the goons finally relax, lowering the crossbows. Crisis point has passed.*
Lithaladhwen: You have not told me when you intend to meet me. Give me your time. I will be there at your convenience.
Kelne2261: My courier will arrive at two in the afternoon tomorrow. I myself have been keeping a low profile recently.
Lithaladhwen: Your situation is understandable.
Lithaladhwen: And the price is one hundred ninety. For half a pound, at two in the afternoon. There is no confusion.
FFFan80 has left the room.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Kenner, go! Damn it. If he pulls a loyalty act and stays to wait for us instead of doing what I tried to tell him to do, this will be a waste.
Lithaladhwen: IM: If Kenner can indeed be trusted at all. I must assume he can be, however. It's counterproductive to do otherwise.
Kelne2261 has left the room.
Kelne2261 has entered the room.
Kelne2261: Then our business here is concluded.
Lithaladhwen: If anything changes, should I contact you in advance to alert you?
Lithaladhwen: IM: Get contact info. Someone that they can interrogate, someplace they can investigate.
Lithaladhwen: I don't like to leave my... contacts... in isolation.
Kelne2261: I doubt matters will change much in a single day.
Lithaladhwen: If you're certain. At the very least, I could leave information with your friend Fenter, could I not? He would have a way to reach you, I assume.
Arch mage144: IM: We need to get out of here. This negotiation does not seem salvageable to me. It's going to be necessary to formulate a new plan of action if we are to succeed.
Kelne2261: He should be able to relay a message. He prefers not to get involved in day to day matters, however.
Lithaladhwen: Understood. I will only use him as a relay should it be absolutely necessary. Should anything go wrong, you will know as soon as I do, Vark.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Kenner, go. Damn you, you had better be moving.
Kelne2261: *Vark does seem to be growing impatient with the stalling.*
Lithaladhwen: I'm sure that Kenner is growing impatient with us. Until next time, Vark.
Lithaladhwen: *nods to Tristan and heads out*
Kelne2261: Indeed, miss Kynes.
Arch mage144: *bows slightly to Vark and follows*
Kelne2261: *The pair make their way out through the front of the building.*
Arch mage144: *is silent until he's certain that he is out of the range of enemy ears*
Lithaladhwen: *likewise*
Kelne2261: *And right about the time they're out of earshot, they're greeted by a frantic 'hsst!'*
Lithaladhwen: *glances over*
Kelne2261: *It's Sel, waving them over*
Lithaladhwen: *goes*
Arch mage144: *move*
Kelne2261: Look, Kenner's gone for help, but we need to get round the back quick-like. *Already leading the way*
Arch mage144: *follows and nods*
Kelne2261: *Say, where'd he get that crossbow?*
Lithaladhwen: *follows* What's going on?
Kelne2261: Found a couple people watching the place from the back. Figured you wouldn't want t' be stuck fulla arrows when you hauled Vark out, so I took care of 'em.
Lithaladhwen: *pulls a knife from her sash of ultimate hiding shit* Kenner went for help? Where did he go?
Kelne2261: He's probably gonna be pissed when he finds them missing.
Arch mage144: I would imagine so.
Arch mage144: I am willing to bet he connects us to the killings.
Lithaladhwen: You think?
Kelne2261: How should I know? He was in a hurry.
Arch mage144: ...he seemed to be more than little suspicious near the end of our dialogue.
Lithaladhwen: *to Tristan* I'm sorry.
Arch mage144: *headshake* No, no. You did your best, given the circumstances.
Arch mage144: You were highly believable.
Kelne2261: Yeah, he said it was all goin' pear-shaped. *Leads them round to the back of the building and into an alley opposite*
Lithaladhwen: *clenches her jaw and follows Sel*
Lithaladhwen: *draws one of her darts as well for good measure*
Arch mage144: *follows as well*
Kelne2261: *Hey, look. Dead sentries.*
Arch mage144: Hmm.
Kelne2261: Okay. Here's the plan. Vark comes out. We shoot him. Everyone goes home happy.
Kelne2261: 'Cept Vark.
Arch mage144: ...your plan is remarkably simple compared to our previous efforts.
Arch mage144: I'm not entirely sure it will work.
Lithaladhwen: ...I tend to overthink. It may not be necessary in this case. It certainly didn't help us back there.
Arch mage144: *looks at the fallen sentries; any spare crossbows lying around, particularly ones without too much blood on them?*
Lithaladhwen: So perhaps... we cover the exits in place of Vark's men and do to him what perhaps he'd have done to us.
Kelne2261: Lot o' good your fancy plan did you.
Lithaladhwen: I don't like making the plans. I was just the only person who had one.
Kelne2261: *There's one spare crossbow left.*
Arch mage144: Yes, well.
Lithaladhwen: Tristan, you want that or shall I take it?
Arch mage144: *walks over and picks up the crossbow and whatever bolts are lying around* I would hate to be caught without a weapon in a fight. While not entirely unarmed...
Arch mage144: ...let's just say that I am not entirely prepared for a prolonged fight.
Lithaladhwen: I hate fighting. Fighting is what I do when I've made a mistake. Which means we'll definitely need to be doing some fighting now.
Lithaladhwen: What do we do? Just wait? What if he goes out the front like we did?
Arch mage144: *headshake* As I said. You did your best possible, given the circumstances. Were I our target, I would've been completely convinced!
Kelne2261: What, y' thought Vark was goin' t' come quietly?
Kelne2261: *Sel pauses momentarily and cracks one of the sentries over the head with his club*
Lithaladhwen: *grim smile* I guess if he'd intended to use any exit but this one, he would not have guarded it so heavily.
Arch mage144: Of course not. He is a criminal.
Kelne2261: <_< Looked like he was wakin' up.
Arch mage144: Well! If we're going to capture him, alive or dead, there's no choice but to wait for him to emerge from this exit and deal with the problem then.
Arch mage144: (Light or heavy xbow?)
Lithaladhwen: *deep breath* Agreed.
Kelne2261: (Light)
Arch mage144: (How many bolts have I got?)
Kelne2261: (7. An odd number, but there you are.)
Lithaladhwen: Is it really quite important that he be alive? I'm not good enough in a fight to be careful.
Lithaladhwen: Not careful of my enemies, at least.
Arch mage144: I suspect that the authorities will have few qualms about being presented with a dead criminal.
Kelne2261: *Safiyeh's speculations are cut short by the back door swinging open.*
Arch mage144: *eyes widen*
Kelne2261: *Two goons exit, then Vark, then the last goon. They're making a beeline for the alley.*
Arch mage144: *How far away are they?*
Arch mage144: *If he can react quickly enough...Tristan is going to place an obstacle in their way.*
Kelne2261: *Around 30ft to the closest.*
Kelne2261: *And the nature of the obstacle?*
Arch mage144: *Damn. Option two.*
Arch mage144: *A summoned creature, but the alley's opening is too far away for him to drop one in the way.*
Kelne2261: (I daresay this counts as the surprise round. Initiative.)
OnlineHost: Lithaladhwen rolled 1 20-sided die: 9
Lithaladhwen: (11)
OnlineHost: Arch mage144 rolled 1 20-sided die: 20
Lithaladhwen: (Can Safiyeh take a shot at any of them?)
Lithaladhwen: (Shite, dude.)
Arch mage144: (21)
Kelne2261 has left the room.
Kelne2261 has entered the room.
Kelne2261: (Last seen: Lithaladhwen: (Can Safiyeh take a shot at any of them?))
Arch mage144: (I rolled 21)
Kelne2261: *Easily enough.*
Kelne2261: (Order: Tristan, Sel, goons, Safiyeh, Vark. Surprise round starts now.)
Kelne2261: (With Tristan, naturally.)
Arch mage144: *How far away is what would effectively be "the space in the alley in front of the gang?"*
Kelne2261: *Well, the alley ends in about 10ft*
Arch mage144: *And they're not in the alley yet?*
Kelne2261: *Not as yet, no.*
Arch mage144: *Okay, than Tristan is going to 5-foot step forward and and cast summon monster I to conjure a celestial dog, placing the creature immediately in front of whoever's in the lead, in the alley.*
Arch mage144: (It gets to attack immediately since it's in range, but that's it.)
Kelne2261: (Make the roll, then.)
OnlineHost: Arch mage144 rolled 1 20-sided die: 7
Arch mage144: *Tristan steps forward, chanting loudly enough that he's probably going to be noticed and gesturing precisely, attempting to call up an ally from the celestial realms...*
Arch mage144: (I think the poor doggy definitely missed there. On the plus side, it might create a suitable distraction!)
Kelne2261: *See Spot. See Spot run. See Spot fail to sink his teeth into the lead thug, but surprise the hell out of him.*
Arch mage144: (Good enough for me, that's 75% of what I was trying to do)
Kelne2261: *Sel, meanwhile, shoots, striking the next thug over, and sending him down with a bolt in the chest.*
Kelne2261: (Safiyeh)
Lithaladhwen: *She heaves a dart at one of the guards, figuring they're likely to be more of a threat than Vark, since their job is to be...guards. Thugs. Goons. Etcetera.*
Kelne2261: (Ah, sneak attack.)
OnlineHost: Lithaladhwen rolled 1 20-sided die: 1
Lithaladhwen: (Or not!)
Lithaladhwen: (A whopping three! I know. You're overawed by her prowess. It's okay. You can wet yourselves now.)
Lithaladhwen: (That's two ones tonight!)
Kelne2261: *Safiyeh needs to practice her aim, it seems. That dart went closer to Spot than it did the thug.*
Kelne2261: (Tristan and Spot)
Arch mage144: *It's technically been one round, so Spot vanishes in a puff of logic*
Arch mage144: *Left with few other options, Tristan raises his crossbow and takes a shot at the rear-most thug*
OnlineHost: Arch mage144 rolled 1 20-sided die: 16
Arch mage144: (17)
Kelne2261: (Roll damage)
OnlineHost: Arch mage144 rolled 1 8-sided die: 5
Arch mage144: (I can live with that)
Kelne2261: *The thug takes it in the leg and howls in pain. Sel, meanwhile, reloads and goes for the closest remaining thug.*
Arch mage144: IM: Aha! A hit! I knew that learning to use one of these would pay off someday.
Arch mage144: IM: No nobleman should be completely unskilled in the use of arms, after all.
Arch mage144: IM: And this is a much better way than flailing about with a piece of steel in my hand. As honorable as it is to be a swordsman, I would much rather drive pointed bolts into threats from a distance...
Kelne2261: *Regrettably, he ducks and, rapier drawn, charges at the first person in his path. Tristan, as it happens.*
Arch mage144: (My AC is a stellar 11.)
Lithaladhwen: (Whoo!)
Kelne2261: *And trips over some obstruction at the front of the alley, damn near dropping said sword.*
Kelne2261: (Another 1.)
Arch mage144: IM: I believe they call that "justice." Criminals, honestly.
Lithaladhwen: (Good. We needed to redistribute those a little.)
Kelne2261: *The thug who's been shot raises his crossbow and takes a potshot at Sel.*
Kelne2261: (Oh dear.)
Arch mage144: *avoiding the blow with ease* Are you trying to decorate yourself with my blood? It's worth more than your clothing, after all!
Lithaladhwen: (That's one hell of a thing to say.)
Kelne2261: *And Sel is down, a bolt sticking out of his chest.*
Kelne2261: (Safiyeh.)
Arch mage144: (She went to the bathroom and will be a sec.)
Arch mage144: IM: Damnit!
Lithaladhwen: *Keeping her knife in hand, Safiyeh moves to flank the thug who attacked Tristan with...well, with Tristan. This seems like a much better position to attack from, since she likes ganging up on people.*
OnlineHost: Lithaladhwen rolled 1 20-sided die: 15
Lithaladhwen: (And that's it, because she can't have weapon finesse yet. Sadness.)
Kelne2261: (Roll damage. No sneak attack, since the available room's too limited for a true flank.)
Lithaladhwen: (If she gets a bonus for flanking, so be it. If not, attacking is great anyway.)
OnlineHost: Lithaladhwen rolled 1 4-sided die: 2
Arch mage144: (He doesn't threaten anyway, he's not wielding a weapon that can do so.)
Lithaladhwen: (2!)
Lithaladhwen: IM: Where is Kenner? Damn. This is moving too fast. Stupid fighting.
Kelne2261: *And here comes Vark. He looks pissed, and he'll probably take it out on Safiyeh, since she's first in line.*
Lithaladhwen: (But of course.)
Lithaladhwen: (Oddly enough, she's more likely to survive it than anyone else on her side.)
Kelne2261: *And he hits. For a whopping 2 damage.*
Lithaladhwen: >_o
Lithaladhwen: *curses in her own language*
Kelne2261: (Tristan)
Arch mage144: *Shooting into melee is a bad idea; there's no way he can risk hitting Safiyeh, even if it is possible to put room between himself and his enemy...*
Arch mage144: *Drops the crossbow to the ground and pulls his staff to whack the thug who tried to skewer him*
OnlineHost: Arch mage144 rolled 1 20-sided die: 13
Arch mage144: (That is a sad 12, since I'm not getting a flanking bonus!)
Kelne2261 has left the room.
T3chn0Namagomi has left the room.
Kelne2261 has entered the room.
Arch mage144: *Dropping the crossbow to the ground, drawing staff, whacking thug that tried to skewer Tristan. Rolled a 12.*
Kelne2261: *Tristan misses as the thug hops back slightly.*
Kelne2261: (Listen checks)
OnlineHost: Arch mage144 rolled 1 20-sided die: 10
Arch mage144: (12)
OnlineHost: Lithaladhwen rolled 1 20-sided die: 13
Lithaladhwen: (14.)
Arch mage144: (Like I have ranks in listen. I'm a damned wizard.)
Kelne2261: *The thug retaliates, but to no better effect. Looks like a stalemate there. His colleague with the crossbow turns his head sideways, perhaps seeing something? Then he starts running in the opposite direction.*
Kelne2261: *Neither Vark nor thug two notice, since they're facing the wrong way.*
Arch mage144: (It's the fuckin' rozzers)
Kelne2261: (Safiyeh)
Lithaladhwen: (How close is she to Vark?)
Kelne2261: (Right in front of him.)
Lithaladhwen: *stabbity*
OnlineHost: Lithaladhwen rolled 1 20-sided die: 8
Lithaladhwen: (8!)
Lithaladhwen: (No dice, I imagine.)
Lithaladhwen: IM: I need to keep him here. Keep his attention.
Lithaladhwen: IM: This is so asinine.
Arch mage144: IM: Argh, how brutish! Here I am, close enough to smell the foul stench of a man who probably thinks "soap" is a city in Prandia and trying to beat him with a stick!
Lithaladhwen: (*laugh*)
Arch mage144: (No dice is a funny expression to use during D&D.)
Lithaladhwen: (Hush you.)
Kelne2261: *There's no opening in Vark's defense. He looks like he knows how to use that rapier.*
Arch mage144: IM: Where the hell is Kenner? This is his job!
Kelne2261: *As he proves, stabbing Safiyeh for 4 damage.*
Lithaladhwen: (That's her remaining HP, as you are probably aware.)
Lithaladhwen: *hisses in pain and braces herself against the alley wall*
Lithaladhwen: IM: Damn it. I can't... do anything. *lots and lots of silent profanity*
Kelne2261: I'm going to enjoy killing you, miss Kynes.
Kelne2261: (Tristan)
Lithaladhwen: (Please don't do either. The killing or the enjoyment.)
Arch mage144: IM: No way to get past this guy to help her...have to try...*amazing wizard quarterstaff SWING*
OnlineHost: Arch mage144 rolled 1 20-sided die: 1
Arch mage144: (Well that settles that XD)
Kelne2261: *We have now established that wizards suck at melee. Tristan slips on something underfoot, and damn near takes a tumble.*
Kelne2261: *Thankfully, he's able to bat away his opponent's blade.*
Kelne2261: *It's at this moment that the sound of running feet intrudes on peoples' awareness. Kenner skids around the corner and launches himself at Vark, dagger first.*
Lithaladhwen: (Yay, here comes the Kenner cavalry...)
Kelne2261: *Unfortunately, Vark manages to sidestep, but there are more running feet behind him, and three guardsmen round the corner,armed and armoured for a fight.*
Kelne2261: (Wow, these poor NPCs have no luck whatsoever.)
Arch mage144: IM: Alright!
Lithaladhwen: (It's okay. We love Kenner for not totally sucking ass as a human being.)
Arch mage144: IM: He did his job!
Kelne2261: *Snarling, Vark retaliates, seriously skewering Kenner and yanking his blade free as he falls.*
Kelne2261: (Two attacks on them, and two crits.)
Lithaladhwen: (Shite.)
Kelne2261: *After that little display of viciousness, the guard don't even waste time asking for a surrender, attacking almost as one.*
Kelne2261: *Vark has his work cut out for him defending himself, and takes a couple of minor cuts.*
Kelne2261: (Tristan)
Kelne2261: *His opponent, for the record, seems more interested in getting past him and making a break for it. He could probably step up behind Vark and hit him in the back of the head.*
Arch mage144: *Let's go for it!*
OnlineHost: Arch mage144 rolled 1 20-sided die: 2
Arch mage144: *Let's miss horribly!
Lithaladhwen: *Let's be first-level! Let's not worry about it!*
Kelne2261: *Vark stabs one of the guards in the side, but hey, flanking bonuses! Three guards! You do the math.*
Arch mage144: (3 * +2 = death)
Kelne2261: *Vark is hacked down in short order. The remaining thug legs it, and to be honest, nobody has the energy to pursue him.*
Lithaladhwen: *slides down the wall to sit on the ground and bleed there where it's more comfortable*
Arch mage144: *heaves a heavy sigh* Sirs, your assistance is most welcome.
Kelne2261 has left the room.
Kelne2261 has entered the room.
Arch mage144: That man *points to Sel* has been severely injured, as has this one *to Kenner*, though you saw that.
Lithaladhwen: *nods*
Lithaladhwen: IM: I... I need to sit. I like sitting. On the ground.
Lithaladhwen: IM: It's flat and solid.
Lithaladhwen: IM: I can just kind of stay there indefinitely, which I think I need.
Kelne2261: *Nods* Let's get them patched up. Kirk, run and fetch a healer.
Lithaladhwen: IM: The ground is good.
Arch mage144: Safiyeh, are you alright?
Lithaladhwen: Breathing. *nods*
Arch mage144: *nod* Sit down and rest. You're injured, and there's no sense in tearing open your wounds by trying to move around.
Kelne2261: *And indeed, the patching up goes ahead. Bleeding is staunched, that damn bolt left for a professional, and NPCs saved from certain-roll-on-the-serious-injury-chart.*
Lithaladhwen: (Yay!)
Lithaladhwen: *Safiyeh retrieves her dart, because she likes them and it's hers.*
Kelne2261: *The corporal examines Vark* Yeah, it's Vark alright. Probably should've tried to get him alive, but I won't lose any sleep over it.
Lithaladhwen: I doubt that anyone will.
Arch mage144: You arrived just in the nick of time, good sirs. Your assistance is most welcome. It would seem that we were able to track him down, but his ruffian army proved too much to handle in combat by ourselves.
Arch mage144: Is there anything further you would have us do? These men and this lady risked their lives to capture this criminal. I sincerely believe that they should be recognized for their efforts. *nod*
Lithaladhwen: ...
Lithaladhwen: Sel and Kenner are owed one hundred gold each, as I recall. We are owed the same, I suppose.
Lithaladhwen: IM: I don't like how that sounded. "You owe me money! Give it here!"
Arch mage144: IM: If the city constable opts to pay us the reward at all. They did the majority of the work.
Kelne2261: *Nods* Stop by and see us in the morning. We'll get it all sorted out.
Arch mage144: IM: Well, the grunt work, anyway.
Lithaladhwen: Thank you for seeing to our injuries. It is appreciated.
Arch mage144: Thank you. We will. Once again, I concur with the lady. Your aid was appreciated.
Kelne2261: Least we can do. If you need lodgings for the night, we can see to that too.
Lithaladhwen: I'm all right, thank you.
Arch mage144: *looks disdainfully at the corpse of Vark* IM: How many lives have your ignoble deeds taken? Now you have paid the ultimate price.
Lithaladhwen: *sighs... and then pauses* Tristan, I was haggling over drugs, wasn't I?
Arch mage144: As am I. I shall stop by as requested tomorrow. *nods politely*
Arch mage144: *looks at Safiyeh* No, you were pretending to haggle over drugs.
Arch mage144: I nearly choked on my tongue when you named your price.
Arch mage144: I knew we didn't have as much money as he wanted, but then you had to come up with an equally absurd figure...
Lithaladhwen: *smile* Please to refrain from choking on anything. I did not realize what I was saying until just now. Sometimes my words get away from me.
Arch mage144: IM: As do all liar's tongues. Still...
Lithaladhwen: But we did not buy anything, and Vark did not sell anything. He is dead, and I think that we are all happy with this.
Arch mage144: It seems to be a vast improvement for most of the world.
Arch mage144: This city in particular.
Lithaladhwen: Yes. It is not my city, but I am glad he is not in it.
Lithaladhwen: I am... going to go home, I think.
Lithaladhwen: You have wonderful bathtubs here.
Lithaladhwen: IM: I need a wash.
Lithaladhwen: IM: Blood.
Arch mage144: *quirks an eyebrow* Well, thank you. The porcelain crafters in the marketplace are positively fantastic.
Lithaladhwen: *smirks and heads off with a wave* Take care of yourself.
Kelne2261: *The cleric does finally arrive, short of breath, and makes with the healing.*
Lithaladhwen: (I figured that you'd already done that. o_O)
Arch mage144: (Nah, that was first aid.)
Arch mage144: (Bandages and whatnot. Don't die of bleeding you assholes. Etc.)
Lithaladhwen: (Ah, noted. Well, she'll leave after super magical healing.)
Lithaladhwen: (Because she likes that more than baths. Slightly.)
Kelne2261: (Fair enough.)
Lithaladhwen: (Baths are still pretty awesome to her.)
Kelne2261: (Epilogue time?)
Arch mage144: (Yep)
Lithaladhwen: (Ja.)
Kelne2261: *Vark is dead, thanks to your efforts. Whether whatever crime racket he was running died with him is an open question. In any case, the agreed upon reward is handed out to all parties concerned.*
Lithaladhwen: (Yarr, gold.)
Kelne2261: *Sel ruefully admits that his own plan wasn't so hot either.*
Arch mage144: *100 GP get--however*
Lithaladhwen: (*laugh*)
Arch mage144: *Tristan gives the other three 10 GP each, since they all suffered wounds and he did not*
Lithaladhwen: (*le sigh* That's awfully nice of him.)
Lithaladhwen: (And he seems like such a jackass, too....)
Kelne2261: *There is one more thing, however. Someone from the harbourmasters' office turns up for the handing out of the reward, and enquires whether they're interested in another job.*
Lithaladhwen: (She has eleventy one gold now. Which is great and a perfect number.)
Arch mage144: *Tristan'll sign up. He's got a taste for adventure now. Or something!*
Arch mage144: IM: As incredibly dangerous as all that was, it was the most I feel I've lived in years. Too much time spent in libraries sucking dust and being scolded because smoking will tarnish the pages.
Arch mage144: IM: And all that nonsense about fire hazards.
Lithaladhwen: *Safiyeh will do it to blend in. Everyone she's met outside of the desert has been a mercenary.*
Kelne2261: (And that will be the lead in for the next session of the main plot. I figure you'll want some sleep, so we can go over details at another time.)
Lithaladhwen: *It's also why she goes to bars.*
Arch mage144: (That works.)
Lithaladhwen: (Aye. Okay!)
Arch mage144: (Also, this is proof, so to speak, that while I'm off for winter break we can do RP any night of the week.)
Kelne2261: (Excellent.)
Arch mage144: (I work at noon, so going to bed late doesn't matter much as long as it's before 4 AM or so if I can help it.)
Arch mage144: (This is the case all week, so I'll keep you updated on when I'm available.)
Kelne2261: (Hopefully we'll get going a bit earlier next time.)
Lithaladhwen: (I'm on break and I have no job right now!)
Arch mage144: (Sure. I get off at 8 PM.)
Lithaladhwen: (I'll be gone for a week starting Thursday, but if I can RP, I'll tell you.)
Arch mage144: (So sometime after that is fine.)
Arch mage144: (Like I said, I'll let you know.)
Lithaladhwen: (Also, Kelne. I can send you a log.)
Lithaladhwen: </RP>
Lithaladhwen: Ach.
Lithaladhwen: Anyway.
Lithaladhwen: I can send a log.
Kelne2261: Much appreciated.