Game Thread Part 1: Investigation In Niswan - Page 2

Bewildered Kobold · #16 04-19-2012, 09:02 PM

“As for a starting point for your investigation,” Lord Pandisar recognizes Leinda’s posed questions with a respectful nod of his head, “A headless body was recently found in the Commerce District, a particularly gruesome affair unlike even the most violent of Niswan’s crimes. I’ve also heard rumors of informants in the palace guard, though who they sell information to is something even I can’t glean from local chatter.” He apolitically shakes his head with his eyes gently closed, “Concerning the Thakur’s late cousin, I’m only able to relate that his body was eventually discovered in the Commerce District, but with the amount of time that has passed since the murder…”

“I’m afraid that any evidence that could have been gleamed has either been collected or has been destroyed by the passage of time and elements…”

He turns his attention to the group seated around him, “I’m considering roughly thousand-five hundred gold pieces per head would be sufficient payment for your endavors…”, a slim smile cresses the man’s mouth, “But, name your price…”

“Master Dravis, I’ll gladly provide a shield as your part of the payment if you so wish…”

Baxder · #17 04-20-2012, 03:19 AM

Leinda was impressed by the payment offered by Pansidar, though she knew it was nothing to the Thakur. Still, the thoughts of what she could do with even that much nearly overwhelmed her. She maintained her composure though, and evaluated the sum more objectively. Surely the solution to the murder of his favorite cousin's murder is worth more than that, not to mention the rooting out of this insidious cult...

Very well; my Lord is most gracious to consider our terms. If I may request in addition to the sum a well-placed shop in or as near the high district as possible, If you're going to ask, ask big!, and the elevation of a certain family in Padiskar. She paused only a beat, mainly to take a breath for the nerves that had suddenly come on with the excitement of negotiating with the Thakur's right-hand man.

And if I may be so bold, my Lord, may I ask what connects this body in the Commerce District to the destroyers; from whom is it you have heard the rumors concerning the guard, and how long has it been since our Lord Thakur's cousin's body was discovered? Were you able to ascertain how long he had been deceased when he was found? May we assume we will have access to the evidence you mentioned? Talking business again calmed her, but she wondered if she had gone on too much in her calming inquiries. Still, she felt better for it.

Red Pilgrim · #18 04-20-2012, 07:02 PM

Sir Darien chuckled at the wizard's jape, then again at Lord Pandisar's. The image of a tiny man with a big shield was amusing, but the knight doubted such tactics would prove a threat in combat.

He turned his head toward Leinda upon hearing her request to elevate a family. Interesting. Perhaps I would do well to learn more of my companions.

Your price is agreeable, Lord Pandisar, but I'm sure I don't speak for everyone.

DukeofTuring · #19 04-21-2012, 12:15 AM

Caladrel listens to the minister's offer with a practiced poker face, showing little more emotion than a raised eyebrow of surprise and interest at Lienda's request.

That's a very generous offer, Lord Pandisar," the half elf replies with a combination of a nod and a bow from his seat, smiling politely all the while. But I'm sure that, being as accustomed as you are to your privileged and entirely appropriate position, you're not as familiar with the, ah, financial restraints associated with being of a lower class as we are. Caladrel pauses a moment to let Pandisar digest his excessively wordy suggestion. "Such an undertaking as you've suggested would have a variety of costs associated with it, such as gifts to loosen tongues or magical tools, to name two that quickly spring to mind, and I imagine we'd be expected to pay for those out of pocket. And not only are the Ebon Destroyers notoriously vicious, but their tendency to sacrifice captured foes to their dark goddess does raise unfortunate questions about the fate of such poor souls in the afterlife, worst come to worst," Caladrel says with a frown.

"It would be a privilege and a honor to assist the Thakur in tracking down such a vile sect, but could you perhaps make an offer more directly reflective of the challenges associated with this task?"

L~Spine · #20 04-22-2012, 07:54 PM

The gnome cracked a wider smile upon the the Pansidar's spoken words of recognition to the towering shield. It would seem that the humor of his words had been lost to the man before him; much like the Lady Sanja prior. He graciously extended his hand forth in a gesture of disregard for the amusing statement. As his mouth opened to speak once more, the words carried a more serious tone-as might relate to that of an instructor- as they made their way upon the Lord's ears.

"I am humbled by your generosity your Lordship, but my magical talents will suffice for the time being I shall hope. While technically sound, I’m afraid that a shield of such magnitude would but only slow me down. For you see, I am causual man and propose to fight my battles from the far reaches and most advantageous heights. With assurance, if I am ever in need of such manners of cover I will graciously hold you to your offer…But I suppose that there shall be enough of these Ebon Destroyers lining our path that could partake as my unbeknownst meat-shield, wouldn’t you say?”

He let the suggestion linger a moment before nodding his head in good faith. He turned his attention to the matter of payments still being addressed and said, “As for the payment you’ve suggested, your lordship, … I am most satisfied. I only require that I may have access to any volumes of lore available to me and the others that you may possess. Particularly anything of regards to these Ebon Destroyers would provide service. Knowledge, in and of itself, can be a subtle thing and I find that a man may acquire a great deal through written texts.”

Bewildered Kobold · #21 04-26-2012, 12:57 AM

Lord Pansidar leans back into his cushioned seat stroking at the length of his goatee while taking a moment to digest the various offers presented by his guests, “Such an undertaking would have a variety of dangers and costs…”, his eyebrow raising just before speaking again, “I believe that an additional five hundred gold per investigator should suffice towards your endeavors, yes?” His amber eyes draw towards Leinda and Master Dravis seated across the low-table while giving a simple nod of his head, “It would be quite possible for me to pull some strings to obtain the location that you desire for the store, but the elevation of a family…that could be entirely different case…” “Master Dravis, you shall have access to the Grand Chronicler’s Circle, an ancient crumbling mansion filled with scrolls, if that should suffice. As for the shield, just give the word when it is needed, yes?”

“Which family would you have up-lifted?”, the tall, tanned man inquires while leaning forward with his full attention drawn towards the young female halfling…

Baxder · #22 04-26-2012, 01:44 AM

Leinda is all at once very sober as she considers Pansidar's response to what was truly her most heartfelt request. The nerves she had shown earlier are absent in the weight she feels on this particular issue, replaced by something near solemnity. For a long moment her gaze fixed on the floor as she considered how to proceed. When she did look back to the regent, her face had softened considerably, and her tone was intimate, as if she was confiding a great deal in him and her companions.

Perhaps elevate was too strong a word. I doubt he'd accept such a favor. It's likely that just a better home, and a little better paying work would be more in line with his honor. Her eyes focus for a moment on another place, conjured from recent memory. Somewhere that, even for all the wealth and opulance of the palace, she would forever prefer to be. An irony that lifted the corners of her lips. His name is Holmous. A halfling of Padiskar. The smile left her face as she recalled the man and his family, living in that shack that held such contrary memories to what it now held. You would find him most worthy of your generosity, even apart from whatever services I may render to my lord.

Red Pilgrim · #23 04-26-2012, 10:10 PM

Darien listened to Leinda's explanation with interest, having benefited from a similar arrangement himself. If the arrangements are concluded, I propose we begin our investigation in the commerce district, that seems to be where the greatest concentration of cult-related incidents have occurred. Darien looked to the others for affirmation.

DukeofTuring · #24 04-27-2012, 10:47 PM

Caladrel nods and smiles at Lord Pansidir's offer, replying, "That would be quite generous, your lordship. I think I can accept your offer under those conditions."

"And I think we are ready to begin working, as my, well, coworker suggests. Unless there's anything else you think we should know, Lord Pansidir? One point before we should address before we leave, how should we contact Lady Sanja when we would like to communicate with you? Could we arrange some kind of meeting place for regular contact? Should we sneak into her house and shake her awake in the middle of the night?" Caladrel smiles and shrugs his shoulders at the last suggestion, open to any suggestions.

L~Spine · #25 04-30-2012, 09:38 PM

The gnome looked to the Pansidar with a presence most befitting and humble as he fitted his overcoat more closely about his shoulders; his eyes glimmered with contentment of the studies for which he had been granted in part. He nodded his head toward the Lord as a few words were to escape his aged lips.

"Many thanks, your Lord. The volumes of your 'Grand Chronicler’s Circle' will suffice for now and if i ever come in requirement of your shield i will but ask...ever so graciously."

From Sir Darien's notions, the instructor warranted that all discussions were about to be at an end. Soon, a time for action would come.

Bewildered Kobold · #26 05-01-2012, 01:14 AM

“I’ll gladly take it into consideration, Lady Leinda.” Lord Pansidir respectfully nods his head towards Leinda, taking notice of the obvious sadness that discussing the subject had brought upon her mind, “I may not have the powers to do as such, but I‘ll see what I can do for his family.”

“Very well…”, he chuckles while giving a soft clap of his hands in response to Caladrel’s little jest, “I’m afraid that Lady Sanja wouldn’t take to kindly to such a occurrence. Sanja will be handling such issues after the group has finished their investigation of the latest possible activity of the cultists.”, he rises from his seat gesturing for a male servant to approach the table from the other side of the room, “I’d already sent Lady Sanja ahead to begin preparations…”

“It has been a pleasure…“ Lord Pansidir gives a respectful bow while gesturing for the group to follow his servant.

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The streets are crowded with pedestrians and carriages as life resumes late-morning. The air is pleasant enough - the earthy smell of baking bread, a lingering trace of perfume, a little musty with alley waste - and is pleasantly cool with the first bite of approaching autumn. The sun casts long shadows in the street, and the sound of a thousand workers and voices forms a cocoon of urban noise that residents of the city might find comforting, as the group is guided by the young male servant through the remanding remnants of the festival.

On the outskirts of the Commerce District, the streets are a little more narrow than the rest of the city, save for the few wide roads created to ease traffic and provide avenues of movement for horse-drawn vehicles. To save space, the upper floors of many of the buildings are built wider than the lower floors, and the architectural style is to build up rather than out. Most of the buildings here are large, long multi-home apartments, with just a few shops and proper houses placed here and there. Vendor tents and canopies, denoted as such by their bright fabric, are packed along the edge of road as people stand out and hawk their wares.

Many pedestrians pass by and offer a passing glances at the group of foreigners, concerned only with pursuing the day-to-day grind. A few, however, are making their way to one house in particular, a two-story wooden thing covered with dark-brown paint and whitewashed trim. On any other day, an old man in white robes would be sitting out front smoking a pipe and stroking his gray beard. Today, two men wearing gleaming breastplates and the blue and silver tabards of the Niswan City Guard stand in his place. Those passing by may ask what happened, and the guards will shake their heads and kindly move these people along. Every now and then, they let someone in.

DukeofTuring · #27 05-01-2012, 11:56 PM

Making his way to the front of the party to speak with the guards, Caladrel smiles and nods at the guards, projecting an air of confidence and nobility. "Good day. We're here on official matters..."

If the guards prove reluctant to let them in, perhaps not having been given a description of the party, the half-elf is willing to present their credentials and cite their connection to the palace to gain entry. If absolutely necessary, he will also drop the names of Sanja and Pansidir. Regardless, Caladrel tells the strangers as little as necessary in such a public place.

Bewildered Kobold · #28 05-04-2012, 09:39 PM

One of the guards slowly nods to Caladrel, looking between him and the other guard standing alongside the entrance of the establishment. The nodding guard seems a little skittish, rubbing nervously at the blue fabric of his tabard between his thumb and forefinger while glancing at the presented credentials. This area of his tabard is already frayed, as though he often does this when many things are on his mind. His eyes drift to the other older, imposing guard which his face wasn’t hiding the evident contempt for foreigners interfering with what he considers a local affair.

The youngest guard seems to stumbles through pleasantries and explaining various procedures to investigating the crime scene that is inside, obviously attempting to stall the investigators…

Baxder · #29 05-05-2012, 11:01 AM

Leinda gives a withering look to the guard as he babbles on. Honey, you have no idea...

Sweetie, she begins with her best condescending tone, I'm the last person you need to lecture on investigation, and I doubt you're doing any good for my friends here, either. Now, either you're going to show us to the scene, or we're going to have to go above your head to get there. Emphasizing her threat with a look to each of the other guards followed by a not-so-subtle glance to their papers, she concludes, Way over.

DukeofTuring · #30 05-05-2012, 01:41 PM

Caladrel considers helping Lienda talk their way through the guards, but seeing the halfling dismantle the man so thoroughly Caladrel just watches with a a vague look of amusement. Gesturing his companions on into the building, Caladrel smiles knowingly and advises the guard, "Don't take it personally," following behind the others.