Off to one side of the guild undercroft, close to the arena,
Guildmaster Rigo Bleak has a sumptuous suite of rooms where
he and his near dozen henchmen live.

Hitomi knocks on the door to Rigo's suite.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 2):

A plump half elven woman opens the door, with an eye roll toward some of the mercenary types lounging about. One of them might not have been able to, having hooks for hands.
"Hitomi! How can I help you?"

"Is master Rigo available?  I would like a bit of his time if he can see me."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 4):

"Hitomi  I am here. How can I help you?"

"What can you tell me about our situation with the Merchants Guild?  I understand they are resistant to allowing the merchant Rushagorn to advance, and that this in turn is impeding our efforts to open trade routes with the trolls.  Do you know who needs to be convinced?

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 6):

Rigo gestures you forward  into a quieter office, with maps and trophies on the walls and, closing the door, settles into an armchair behind a desk, and indicates a comfortable  chair
opposite.
 "Rushagorn is an ally of ours, one of several
agents we are trying to advance within the Merchant's guild.
I take it Ashbury  and Camilla have done a minimal amoubt of
briefing, There is a fairly complex organization of alliances
within our sister guild, but I think they can be destabilized
to our advantage if a few of them were in our pocket.
Alphonso Citrine, Malcolm Chantelle, and Pierre Racine make up the core opposition.  Chantelle might be the hardest to
Compromise, his issue is always the problem of cost when
 dealing with the Haederic beaurocracy."

"Where is cost a consideration?  Is it the cost of the writs?  I understand that Flavius of the Haderum is vulnerable to pressure on account of his love of the dice and wine."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 8):

"Really? That's a useful tidbit. Chantelle is
always against spending any guild monies, the tightwad.
Getting writs and licensure at a discount would be worthwhile
Let me set you up with Vilgar's agent Laurence Castile."

"What does Castile do for Vilgar?"

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 10):

"Vilgar is a convicted felon, and cannot own real property. As his agent, Laurence, whose primary business is dealing in sdistributing spirits and other intoxicants, holds the deeds for Vilgar's assorted businesses, which the guild holds an interest in.  Laurence is a
merchant and nominally a member of that guild.  I think you might find another ally in the
wine merchant Lamont DuClair. He hired that mountain elf who looks like Marie the bard to
clean out his winecellars. from Haskell's description, the area the trolls inhabited would
 make an excellent staging ground for launching our business; he might be interested in leasing the space to us, but get Laurence to talk wine with him before bringing that up."

"Sounds like Castile is indeed the right place to start then.  Quite a web though.  Do you know a good hustler?  Someone who can play to Flavius' weakness without any suggestion of cheating and get him more in our debt.  I am sure I could lighten his wallet, and have not objection to doing so, but that is thinking small and I think we want to go bigger."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 12):

"Castile is quite a smooth operator, if he could
get someone to buy some of the swill he pushes, he can work over a plutocrat."

"Just how bad is his swill?  Might be a place in the Redlight district he could sell it, customers don't go there for the wine."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 14):

"That is where he sells most of it, places luke the Wastrel's  Hope."

"Is his wine a hard sell?  How much more do you think he would need to move to lend us a hand?"

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 16):

"That would certainly sweeten things, although he
knows guild business benefits his boss."

"Do you think a few casks would be enough or would it take more?"

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 18):

"He would probably do it for less, especially as he
gets a cut of Vilgar's gains here, but anything would help. Why not kill two birds, and have him buy a cask of DuClair's
 Madiera for me. It will favorably dispose all parties...
Make it two casks."
 He tosses Hitomi a pouch of silver,
"And use the rest to handle whatever bribes you need to get through to that pkutocrat. If he needs a flat rate for something sweeping, get back to me with specifics."

The pouch has $500 as 25 silver coins!

Hitomi catches the proffered bag and quickly disappears it beneath her robes.

"I will see to it.  You want the wine delivered here?"

OOC:  What should she expect to pay?

18:09, Today: Hitomi rolled 11 using 3d6.  Merchant @13+/- - market price for a cask of DuClair's madeira.

This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 18:03, Wed 30 Mar 2016.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 20):

A small cask goes for $55; the amount of cash is really generous -(check  the reaction roll I made...)
You might wish to hire a laborer, those cost $20 per day.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:27, Thu 31 Mar 2016.

Hitomi heads down to Kobold town to hire some of the porters she has used before.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 22):

Several of the kobolds greet you as you head over toward their part of the undercroft.
"It is Hitomi Returned!"

"Good to see you too.  Has it been all that long?"  Hitomi warmly greets the kobolds she sees.  "How are your children?  Getting enough to eat I hope."

OOC:  What is a small cask?  Need to judge how heavy they will be.  See below for a point of reference.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_wine_cask_units

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 24):

"The small one hurt by the triger is strong now, walking and laughing. We eat...often."


Small casks would be roundlets, 18 gallon kegs, best carried
by two when not rolled.

"Often?  But not regularly enough?  I will have to think on what might be done about that, but for today I need four strong porters to help be move some wine casks.  Think you can help me out?  Usual rates, i don't anticipate any danger."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 26):

"Yes, right away!"

He quickly gathers three others, two of whom you have worked
 with previously.

"Excellent.  If you have what you need to move the casks lets be going."

Hitomi heads off to the wine merchants shop.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 28):

Youhave the locations of both Castile's and DuClair's places
 of business. Where first?

Castile's place.

Long walk?

Still walking ...

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 32):

A few twists into the edge of redlight and you find Laurence's storefront. He is sitting at asmall table with a
ledger while two laborers stack some casks and crates.
A flicker of recognition  crosses his eyes.
"Ah, Hitomi, what can I do you for?"

"A couple of casks of DuClair's Madiera for starters, just show my friends where you keep it in the back and they will get it, and while they are I have some other business to discuss with you."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 34):

His eyes narrow. "That Madiera doesn't come cheap, and I don't have any in stock, so I would have to pay him a visit."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:20, Thu 14 Apr 2016.

Perhaps you should start stocking it then?  I would hate to see you loose a business opportunity to inattention to your customer's needs, or avarice.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 36):

Laurence narrows his eyes.
"And you'd rather go through me than go see this guy direct?"

"I did say I had more to discuss with you than just wine.  Is your credit good?  We can send my friends here" she said pointing to her porters "to pick up the order while we talk about it."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 38):

"He got a problem wit non humans. I could do wit the walk. Tell me about these other matters."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:49, Mon 18 Apr 2016.

"Lots of folk do, but their money is still good.  Let us take a walk as you say, I am eager to see how you handle him anyway."

Hitomi will make certain she is fully veiled for this trip.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 40):

Together, the six of you head over toward DuClair's
warehouse, over near dockside. You recognize  the building as one long vacant, despite a new coat of whitewash. At one point you had been on it's roof, which could probably use some repairs.

"Looks different from down here.  Daylight doesn't improve it much either." Hitomi says idly.  "I understand you have some skill with cards and dice as well as wine.  Have you ever had dealings with a petty writ pusher named Flavius?"

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 42):

"I know dat guy. He hangs around the Wastrel's Hope, one of the places I sell booze to. He's low on the Plutocratic hierarchy, and has a weakness for games of chance."

"That is the one.  I have a business venture for you. I need" Hitomi said casually brushing some imperceptible dust off her rank badge. "him to have trouble paying his debts and think you are the man to see that he has such debts  I assure you any debt of his you hold will be paid, so there will be little risk to you if you are as good as I hope you are."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 44):

"I can string him along,butIneed a little sumpthin to
cover my bidnez losses while so engaged. What are you trying
to squeeze out of him?"

"I think the take from what you get off of him, the increased business such as this little trip I will continue to direct your way and good will should cover any expenses from your time.  As for what I want out of him, I want official sanction from his writs to do whatever is needed, whenever it is needed, in the under city.  Could be an opportunity there for you as well once I clear a few hurdles.  Interested?"

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 46):

"Tell me more about dis underground opportunity. I wanna get in on the ground floor, maybe hold a piece widout
competition like."


you can feel he is nonplussed; a bribe in some form would boost his response, especially with someone elses purse. The monopoly idea seems to excite him though

"Have you ever been down below?  There is a whole world down there, and not just beasts, but customers.  Customers with few suppliers, and suppliers of valuable goods with no way to bring them to a wider market. I don't think we have anyone lined up yet to deal in wine and spirits down below, or to sell what can be brought out and drunk by the adventurous, and don't see why we would need more than one as long as that one plays straight with us and does not get too greedy.  For this to work though we want to avoid any hassles from the politicos and so here I am, and here you are."

Hitomi looks at Cassile in anticipation of his answer.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 49):

"That actually sounds pretty good, to get in on the ground floor of."

Ooc: I have barely   been able to respond to any pists for a bit, but there are two characters coming on.

"Excellent.  How soon do you think you can get him on the hook?"

OOC:  OK - let me know if you want to put the thread on ice for a bit until they are ready.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 51):

"Getting DuClair to sell wine, no problem. Anything
 else might cost. He had a rough time dealing  wit the
Hadereum trying to get his import license, because some joker
named Zimm something was trying to scam something from the
plutocrats, something about coffee imports by flying carpet.

  Now this dissolute cleric is another thing. He has a habit
He can't shake. I wouldn't be surprised  if he wasn't  in to
a couple of hard men for his gambling, and we might be able to just buy the debt."


A faint sound of singing can be heard from around the
warehouse and that of women sighing...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Fri 06 May 2016.

Strolling through the street in front  of  the large
warehouse like building, Astra paused to reach out and run
his fingers through another woman's hair. She spun and stood
 in shock at the image before her, long black hair that
caught what light was available in the dim hallways and
somehow managed to shine. The paleness of his skin, like a
bowl of cream, was matched by the darkness of his eyes which
sparkled from within in a way that resembled a moonless
night. With his hand still intertwined in the woman's hair,
his reached down with his other hand and pulled hers close to
 his chest,

"Please, my love, I am in need of your assistance."

His eyes looked her up and down and the corner of his mouth formed into a smirk.

"But that will have to come later. For now I seek Rigo's office in the guild."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:41, Fri 06 May 2016.

In reply to Astra Black (msg # 53):

As Hitomi and Cassile round the building, they come upon a
 ridiculously good looking pale man with black hair,
surrounded by an assortment of women of different races
In front of the entrance to DuClair's Madiera warehouse.

A thin but otherwise unremarkable and slightly scruffy young man is leaning against the wall of the warehouse, listening to the music, guild badge on a cord around his neck. He's dressed in low-class commoners' clothes, carries a nearly empty backpack, and has only a long knife sheathed at his belt.

In reply to Laurence Cassile (msg # 52):

"Buying the debt is fine at first, but he needs to stay in debt.  Can you handle buying the debt and then keep him on the hook?"

Hitomi's veiled head cocks to one side at the sight of the man and his entourage, then notes the scruffy man with the guild badge.  "You on guild business here?"

"Yeah." he straightened up. Slightly. "I was told to wait here and somebody would be along eventually, though they neglected to mention who, or what about. Half convinced it's a prank, to be honest. Name's Quint."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:21, Sun 08 May 2016.

"Well, this might be your lucky day, I might have need of your assistance.  What sort of assistance can you provide Mr. Quint?

"Oh, all kinds," Quint straightened. "I'm good with people. Reading them, dealing with them, misleading when the need arises. Not too shabby with a knife. A bit of magic... moving things from a distance, slamming things into other things."

Astra gazes over to the trio and, as he caresses the side of the young woman's face, continues to listen.

In reply to Quint (msg # 60):

"A mage huh?  Last human mage I worked with is alive today only because the guild masters ordered me not to kill him.  Coward ran out on my crew and a good man almost died because of it. We won't have that sort of problem will we?"

"Mage? Nah." Quint waved off the concern. "I know a trick or two, that's all. And I'm not one to turn my back on my crew, you know? Business like this, we're all we got."

"Money will get you through the day, but the touch of skin will get you through the night."

Astra turns to the gathered women and gives them all a flamboyant bow, "I have work to do ladies. Until we meet again."

Turning back to the others, he spoke softly, almost singing, "The guildmaster recommended that I assist you."

"And who are you pretty boy?  Which one sent you?"

"Rigo of course. He felt that someone with some, persuasive skills could be of assistance. But he told me no more than that."

In reply to Astra Black (msg # 66):

"Any merchant house would kill to have an agent like you!"

"If the agent can be trusted.  Can you be trusted to not to freelance Mr? ..."

"Astra. Astra Black." The nymph gives a smile that could out-shine the sun.

"I would be a fool to cross anyone. I would no longer get the opportunity to indulge in my other pursuits." Another smile, but this one much more devious.

"And I can only assume you would be Hitomi?"

"At your service Mr. Black"

Quint gave a wave from behind Hitomi. "Quint. Yeah. Hi."

"Well gentlemen for now we are just making a purchase - my companion here will handle that, and these stout fellows" indicating the porters she has with her "will be carrying the goods for Master Rigo that you will protect.  Should not be a challenge, but we are just getting started.  Later on we might have to have a conversation with some hard men who might need convincing that we are far, far harder than they want to challenge."

Edit:  corrected punctuation and grammar.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:25, Sat 14 May 2016.

"Cassile, who are these hard men?  Are they independents or do they work for someone?"

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 73):

"Vilgar buys debts frequently, but he doesn't do the
kind of leg breaking  some of the Shevnians do. There was a
guy named Tvasi who owned part of one of those businesses,
but he left town  recently with a bunch of his pit fighters
and closed up shop. I think Ivan Kosslovich and Petrov
Danulski are the likely players in that line. They pay their
bribes to that louse Yvengi, so they get no trouble from the
Shevnian end of things, and operating from that end of town,
the plutocrats don't have jurisdiction."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:54, Mon 16 May 2016.

"So we need to talk with Kosslovich and Danulski to see what they have on him and if it is enough to get started.  Are you suggesting we would be better off working through them than having you take Flavius for what we need?"

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 75):

"We can go to dem and buy his debt, if you got Rigo's
Purse. But lets go inside here and take care of getting dat
Madiera."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:11, Tue 17 May 2016.

Quint wasn't really following whatever it was Hitomi and Cassile were talking about and didn't know who any of the principals involved were, but figured that if it mattered to what he was going to have to do, someone would explain it to him.

In reply to Laurence Cassile (msg # 76):

"After you" Hitomi says indicating with her had that he should proceed.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 78):

"Cassile, is that you? I see you have some
interesting friends... hello there sir! How can the DuClair
Winery help you?"

OOC:  To whom is duClaire speaking

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 80):

He initially started speaking to Laurence, but his attention
turned to Astra.

Astra face shows shock that he is now the focus of the merchant.

"It seems, my friends here," Astra unfolds his arms and lifts one to point lazily at Hitomi and Cassile.

"Require a bit of assistance. Could you be a good lad and give them a hand?"

"Huh." Quint registers Astra's shock. You'd think guy'd be used to being the center of attention everywhere he went, looking the way he did. Poor bastard. Never a moment's peace, never a moment's solitude, everybody always watching everything you did.

Hitomi speaks from behind her veil "Mr. Cassile, please tell Mr. duClaire what we came for so we can do our business and be on our way."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 84):

"Monseiur DuClair, I am  acting on behalf of Rigo
Bleak, Guildmaster of the Adventurer's Guild, and I am
looking to purchase  a few casks of your finest Madiera.
I also have some interest in negotiating passage through your
 subcellars to other parts of the city below, for what might become a beneficial arrangement to us both.  I understand you
spared no expense in clearing out those areas."

In reply to Laurence Cassile (msg # 85):

"I can set you up directly with a few casks. Having the guild as a customer might help recoup my costs in
clearing my cellars. I have spent almost four thousand
between the fees of Voorland the smith and the mercenaries that accompanied him.  They leftthe places redolent of smoke and dead troll. I may need to have someone come and rwally clean the stink out.  Of course, that could be a condition of
 any through passage. Just how extensive  is this 'city below'?"

"I don't rightly know.  I expect it is as big as the city above, but I have not seen that much myself.  As for cleaning, I know just the folk to handle that task.  Treat them like the people they are and the Kobolds will work harder and more faithfully than you could ever ask."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 87):

"The guild can provide the labor? That will figure in their negotiations for access then"

"The Guild can supply labor and yes, it will be factored in to our negotiations."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 89):

"Then let Castile  and I conclude our transaction
for tne madiera and I will look forward to seeing you again."

"Be about it then.  The Guild remembers who deals fairly."

"Yeah," Quint said helpfully.

In reply to Quint (msg # 92):

Castille and DuClair dicker for a bit, and settle on a price
that suits both. "Dat's a hunnerd, Hitomi. Pay the man...for three casks."

"Three you say?  I guess our new friends here will have to help carry one as I was only expecting to our porters to carry two."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 94):

The two porters take a cask each and look over at the other cask.

Quint sighed and made his way over to the other cask. He was scarcely any stronger than a kobold himself, weedy and thin as he was.

In reply to Quint (msg # 96):

The cask weighs about 30 lbs.

Quint hoisted the cask. "Let's get this where it has to go."

"Two of them go to Rigo, the third is for you Cassile?"

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 99):

"Dis is Rigo's  coin, an his Madiera. I may move more for DuClair at a good rate, but I don't dip in the boss's
pocket."

"Rigo asked for two, not three.  Just how good a deal did you get?"

Quint put his cask back down and waited for Hitomi to tell him where to bring it.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 101):

Cassile shrugs. "Back to Rigo, right?"

"Yes, back to Rigo's office, just as soon as I pay the man."  Hitomi removes and hands over 5 silver coin from beneath her robes.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 104):

The transaction  completed, you head back to the guild to
report.

OOC:  Still in this thread?

Astra chuckled, "The right word can always get you a better deal."

OOC: I'm assuming we continue here, when Narrator returns, since this thread is "Over in Rigo's office".

In reply to Astra Black (msg # 107):

You make your way back to the guild, and into the undercroft
Without incident.

"So, uh... we gonna get paid now? Or is there more to do?"

"Did someone tell you there would be payment up front?"

OOC:  The Undercroft is by where the Kobolds live, yes?"

"You're as far up the totem pole as I'm dealing with, you tell me." Quint shrugged. "All you told me about was the transaction we just completed. I'm cool with doing that as a favor, whatever, but if this is a job job then I guess I should ask what we're doing and what the compensation is."

"What we are doing Mr. Quint is helping the Guild prosper.  When the Guild prospers, we all prosper.  We are not paying you wages.  Our porters earn wages, and earn them well, but they do not thirst for adventure and I don't ask them to fight or take the risks I will ask of you.  If you want wages look elsewhere than my crew.  If you want risk, and the reward that comes with it then I think you will fit right in.

Let me make a couple of rules perfectly clear though as we had a problem a former member as I mentioned."  Hitomi taps the badge on her cloak.  "This badge here says I am running this crew.  In my crew you will never leave a member behind.  You will never run out on the crew.  If I ask you a question I need your best answer.  You will not hold out any information relevant to the job or to the safety of the crew.  If I give you a job you will do the job or give me a good reason why not.  What we earn, we share equally.  Anything we spend to get the job done, other than on personal gear, comes off the top.  If you can handle all that we will get along fine.  The same goes for you Mr. Black."

"Don't worry about me your furry-ness. I know what I got in to. I'm here to have a little fun, meet a few ladies and make a few coins."

Astra stops, "Well, maybe not in that order. Besides, this is more fun than playing for some noble and trying to run off with his wife and his mistress in the same night."

Astra stops again and holds his hand to his chin as if in deep thought then grins widely and winks at Hitomi, "Barely."

"Hey, I hear what you're saying and I appreciate you being upfront with your expectations. I think they're great. Especially the part about sharing 'information relevant to the job or to the safety of the crew.' That's a great policy, and I one-hundred percent support it. However, disclosure is a two way street, so what's the job, and what's the pay? Are we doing this for a set reward, or is it spec work? I'm cool with spec work. I just want to know, because you know, getting rewards for doing this is really pretty normal."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:36, Fri 10 June 2016.

In reply to Quint (msg # 114):

"Poisonally, I work for Vilgar, on retainer, but in dis case we are working at the pleaure of the Guildmaster, Rigo
Bleak, for his consideration and possibly for a piece of the
 expense moneys the cat lady is holding, but dats up to her."
He shrugs "I am looking at getting a piece of providing spirits to the guild, a thing the quartermaster
usually covers. Dat's a long aim, one that doesn't pay me
today, and I feel you are looking toward eating money. Let's
 see tha boss, and put it to him."

"We can talk to the boss, but I don't want to hold things up," Quint said. "I just want to know what we're doing, and what the payoff is. Is there a reward, or just whatever finds its way into our pockets?"

"We are pursuing a business opportunity for the Guild, and the Guild will take care of us and understand that we will take opportunities to enrich ourselves so long as don't harm the Guild's interests.  Master Rigo will tell us if he has more pressing immediate needs, if not we will continue our business with Cassile.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 117):

As Rigo didn't specify where to bring the casks, you are now at his offices, having entered the guild and traipsed into
the undercroft.

Hitomi announces herself at the door to Rigo's office.

Astra lounges against the wall behind Hitomi. "So what's next kitty cat?"

Even though Astra hadn't asked him, Quint answered. "We see what Rigo wants."

In reply to Quint (msg # 121):

Morgan, the half elven opens the door of Rigo's suite, and
greets you all, her eyes lingering on Astra for a moment.
"Hey Hitomi, Laurence, Astra, Quint.
 Thank you, Kreb and Baskil. You can  put those casks over
here, next to Quint's. Let me get Rigo."

"Sure."

In reply to Quint (msg # 123):

The Guildmaster enters, accompanied  by a Sahudese man wearing a wide steel hat.
"I see you found each other. I have another to join
 you. This is Chye Isuel, an envoy from past master Sakemoko.
Chye, this is Hitomi, Astra, Laurence and Quint."

Chye bows respectfully. "greetings."

Quint gave Chye a friendly wave.

"Now that we're here...how can I attend the guild today? Perhaps you are in need of one to handle diplomacy with my people, here in Northport?..... Or is something more nefarious afoot?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:23, Sat 25 June 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 127):

"Let me hear their report."

"Nefarious? Hardly. Just a few business transactions. Some might be met with resistance, but still business."

Astra smiled at Chye.

Chye raises his shaded brim, and his eyes smile back, accompanied by an ivory grin. "Is good then, I do prefer peace." Chye waits for the others to begin their report, curious himself as to what has been going on within the guild.

Quint simply waits for Hitomi to give the report.

In reply to Quint (msg # 131):

"We set up the Madiera purchase like you asked, and for
some concessions  on entry fees, DuClair  wants to hire the
kobolds to dispose of the troll remains in his basement. We
also found out who o2ns a piece of that Plutocrat, and are
abou to head over and, um negociate for his note."



ooc: temprarily npc ing her, she may have left due to boredom   
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:05, Fri 08 July 2016.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 132):

"I will speak to Laurence about his interests in this, but go and attend to this matter. I need a hold on this cleric."

Chye waited silently

"For those of us just coming on board," Quint spoke up, "What's the situation, what are we doing, and what's the payoff?"

Chye strums a melody, on the Shamisen in his lap, to underscore his agreement.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:22, Fri 08 July 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 136):

"I can pay you the day rate to work on this, if you are successful; there is a large business undertaking
planned, which needs licensibg from both the Hadereum and the
Merchant's  guild. A certain cleric among the Plutocrats  of
the Hadereum seems to be someone we can lean on, if his debts
are acquired, you have some operating money for that, but
this business needs to be unnoticed by others in the Hadereum
and otherwise smoothed. I will pay the kobolds their day rate
to work on clearing the bodies from the wine cellar... access to that area is part of this operation as well.
We are going to open the undercity to trade and exploration."

"Sounds good to me."

In reply to Quint (msg # 138):

The cat girl sizes up the newcomer in the metal hat.
"We are heading over to little Shevnia to meet some loansharks. What are you good at,
I need to know. Quint has some kind of power he isn't being forthright about, I deal in subtle
 things, and tall dark and Handsome over there is good with people, or at least, the ladies."

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:22, Thu 14 July 2016.

"A bit of magic, is all. Moving things around, that sort of thing. Simple things."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:19, Wed 13 July 2016.

"Good with people." Astra grins, "They always treat me...properly."

The nymph pushed his hair back from his perfect face.

"And I do have a certain effect on people when I sing."

Chye happily begins to talk about his skills: "I'm a warrior! I handle pole arms,
 Large swords, Bow, and I am skilled in unarmed combat. I'm a bard, songster, poet, and
musician...and a diplomat. I'm good with traps, better with locks. I can move unseen and
unheard...as well as climbing and I can of course spy on and observe things, others wish I
would not..." The ivory grin shows itself again.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:23, Thu 14 July 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 142):

"This is how this is going to work. I take us to see
these men, and we let Astra talk first. If the talking
doesn't go well, You two deal with things, but not lethally,
 unless we can get hold of their books. Lepkur would have an
interest in those."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:08, Fri 15 July 2016.

"Upon my honor, it shall be!" Chye strikes his chest with his left fist.

Quint gestured. "Yeah. On his honor."

"Yes, Chye's Honor...perhaps when I am old and grey, I shall compose satire. But today, we are young." He said, the smile never leaving his face.

Astra nods to Quint "Agreed. His honor."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 97):

"The two guys we are going to pay a visit to are Ivan
Kosslovich  and Petrov Danulski, and they are over in little
 Shevnia. From what I gather, their business is legit under
Shevnian law, so we need to be discreet about our business."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 23:12, Sat 16 July 2016.

"Well, maybe we have party, and get them all drunk. While us bards, entertain... an agent may be able to liberate the librams, yes? Surely a few pots of wine, are worth the investment at stake....?" Chye's smile seemed omnipresent.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Fri 15 July 2016.

This message was deleted by the player at 23:54, Fri 15 July 2016.

"Bit much, innit?"

"Such quantities of wine can be provided easily, when prepared for in advance, though no doubt improvised in emergencies more than several occasions. I know.. I was there! We get some casks or pots and we use rain water. The best water in the city.. We use guild connected wizard to purify the water, removing all dust specks,etc..then he make water to wine! Everybody happy! Make excellent wine!"
*Chye strums out a festive ditty on his shamisen*
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Sat 16 July 2016.

"There's a lot more to throwin' a party than gettin' shitfaced in an alley with strangers," Quint dug a pinky into his ear. "You got your venue, you got your food, you got your guests, you got entertainment beyond two bards. Dancin' girls. Acrobats. Storytellers. Sword swallowers. And all that takes time n' logistics to set up." He pulled a lump of wax out on his fingertip, eyed it absently, then wiped it on his shirt. "More importantly, you need a reason. Random blokes inviting you to get drunk wif them is the most suspicious thing in Northport. I mean, come on, this is Northport. These loansharks didn't get where they're at by being trusting fellows.

"More importantly, it's needless complexity, innit? Likesay, the best plan is the simplest. Fewest movin' parts. And more importantly, one that don't attract so much attention. The man just said we needed to be discrete on account of Shevnians, so let's not do something so... big, aye?"

Quint shrugged. "Leastways, that's how I sees it, an' that's my piece."

Chye nods after Quint finishes speaking. "Well, maybe we can contrive such a thing, if we can keep things cordial. After all, real diplomacy never alienates the subjects, so we can try another way to win them over....Provided we don't piss them off right away."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 154):

"A little negotiating, some of it at knifepoint sounds
about right to me."

The prospect of a party diminished, Chye's mirth fades somewhat, then returns when he speaks again. "I can oblige, either way!"

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 156):

Your group heads out of the guild, and through redlight,
towards the border of little Shevnia. The guards here are different from the three sets of town guardsmen, mostly
carrying spears and spiked maces.

Chye follows,taking large strides, his polearm resting on his brawny shoulder.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 158):

The guardsmen look askance at Chye and his Naginata, shifting their grips on their spears. They also eye Hitomi with some
 trepidation altough one winks at Astra.

Chye is used to the disapproval of the round-eye, here in Northport. He tips his brim to the guards, in a friendly manner, none the less, to show he's peacefully inclined, despite his menace.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:52, Tue 19 July 2016.

Quint ambles along after the others, inconspicuous as all hell, just the way he likes it. Despite his relaxed and casual demeanor, he's keeping a sharp eye out on the streets around them.

In reply to Quint (msg # 161):

Quint notices that the guards completely ignore certain
storefronts, and that some of the buildings have one or more
 metal tags nailed into the doorframes. Most of the citizenry
here seem to avoid making eye contact with the guards, and
there is a lot of head down traffic near a sidestreet toward
which you are heading. Two rough looking felloews seem to be keeping an eye on that activity, from accross the intersection.

Chye notices Quint, and observes. Getting the feeling he's quite street smart, he speaks to him: "What do you suppose is going on here?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:58, Wed 20 July 2016.

Quint, who is watching the surroundings without looking like he's he's paying attention, seems caught off guard by Chye's question. "Sorry, I was thinking about a song I'd heard in the pub last night. Some sort of shanty, I think. Goes na na la na na. You heard o' it? Summit like, na NA la na na."

"No shanty! Not Chye's style... Get in many fight, when go to aralaise pub. Hahaha..." Chye keeps his attention on the scene, and to the two toughs in the distance.

Quint stepped closer to the others. "From what I can tell, the folk here don't much trust the guardsmen, and the guards are paid off to ignore certain buildings, aye? Seems to point to a strong local organized criminal element."

He tilted his head towards the street up ahead. "Couple of what might be lookouts keepin' an eye on the sidestreet up ahead. If that's where we're headed, we'll need to tread light, and assume eyes are on."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:20, Fri 22 July 2016.

The nymph strode through the street, skipping from time to time, his hair seeming to dance on it's own. Astra returned the winks to any brave enough to send them and gave those that dared to get close a quick spin before sending them on their way.

As the group slowed upon approaching the intersection, Astra quipped, "What a dour street."

Looking over Quint's shoulder at the area he mentioned, Astra clasped his hands together, "Ah, organized crime! So much fun!"

"Chye smells oppression....and khlav kalash..." Chye spies a vendor with a cart, selling the grilled mutton-on-a-stick.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:50, Thu 21 July 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 168):

The vendor also has flatbreads and a bowl and a dipper full
 of a thick garlicy dairy product. Her cart has three
different metal tags on it...

Chye approaches the vendor and shakes the remaining ($8) into his palm. He points at a specific kabab. "that one! that one!" he then points to the bread, holding up one finger.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 170):

The vendor nervously glances at a guardsman and holds up two
fingers, accepting only $2 before proffering a kebab wrapped in a piece of flatbread.
She reaches for the dipper and asks   "Tziki?"

Quint makes not of the metal tags. How do they differ?

In reply to Quint (msg # 172):

One tag is a lead teardrop with a rune, another is a tin
triangle with three dots, and the last is a brass square with
 a number.

Chye shook his head at the sauce, and paid the woman. He shifted his eyes beneath his shaded brim, towards the gaurdsmen. "What these tags mean? those bad men extort, honest lady?" Chye takes his food as he speaks in a low tone.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 174):

The woman shrugs and points at each.
" Dovoljenje za projado, dovoljenje trener harane, voziček
insuranse."



Anyone speak Shevnian ?
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:22, Fri 22 July 2016.

Chye doesn't understand quite what she says, but he gets the feeling that he's correct.
"We go? Chye feel helpless here, and no like that feeling. We see bad men, now..." chye steps aside from the cart, and takes his frustration out on his food, while it's hot.

"See bad men? Chye, we are the bad men. Ain't nobody worse n' an adventurer."

Chye nods as they walk along. "You right, Quint..Guild be mixed bag. But Chye not ordinary guild scum! Chye want good rep, and have much-face eventually, in Northport...but as good-guy!"

"Chye have cake, and eat-it-too."

"So just so that I understand... what's a 'good guy?'"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Fri 22 July 2016.

Chye's happy-go-lucky aura melts into utter seriousness when he speaks: "The way of the youxia is to right and redress wrongs, fight for righteousness, remove oppressors, and bring retribution for past misdeeds."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:55, Fri 22 July 2016.

"Oh, well that makes sense." Quint grinned. "No better way to rack up misdeeds to atone for than by working for the Adventurer's Guild."

Chye couldn't help but laugh: "hahaha..yes.. what Chye sign up for when he join guild? To stay out jail, or serving some round..err, eh hehe.. next-time Chye may be more careful of what jobs he do for guild."

"...But, it Chye's hope to do good for guild, as Sakemoko vouch, and arrange for Chye. Back in my land, Chye fight tournament. win many time! Sakemoko gambling man, He bet on Chye, and make lot of money, when Chye first come, Northport, and fight tournament. He say, you join guild, maybe you work for me. Chye stranger here, and see how round-eye treat us...Chye understand. As in Sahud, it would be same thing for you! Chye want to help his people, living as strangers and help make strong!" Chye makes a mock sword-thrust, with his half-eaten, kebab-stick. His youth is apparent, but he is strong, tough, and very agile. He seems to be in the upwards of average intellect, but his accented aralaise makes him sound comicly less intelligent, sometimes his words sound child-like as a result. His charm, and impressive appearance even out, more-or-less, whatever stigmas against him, abide amid the gaijin. As for his own people, he is well liked, though he has no special reputation yet, nor do they know at large, how he champions them. they are simply a tightly knit community, small within the city and he is but a bigger fish, in a small pond, so to speak, that may soon be making bigger waves or into the fry-pan...
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Sat 23 July 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 184):

"That's  all well and good, but right wrongs on your
own time. We are going to see the hard men in order to put
leverage on someone who owes them. I don't   know about who else that lady pays protection to, but that brass plaque
looks to be official, as in from the local beaurocracy."

"Chye think the offical mark, is for her right to have vendor-cart...maybe like, back in Sahud, they make rickshaw guy, pay pay pay! he no pay money, they take rickshaw, or bust-up..take away lively hood. Make Chye angry.."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:35, Sat 23 July 2016.

Quint shrugged. "Guild dues. Protection. Taxes. All the same. Don't get worked up about it, way o' the world an' all that."

In reply to Quint (msg # 187):

The place you are looking for might be up the side street, where a sign marked with three balls hangs.

"Pawn shop, innit?" Quint tilts his head towards the sign. "Leastways, that's what I've seen it mean. Might be something completely different to the Shevnians."

Chye finishes the meat off his stick, and the remaining grease on his fingers with the last bit of bread, and begins picking his teeth with the sharp end of the skewer, after a Belch.
"Makes sense. Pawnbrokers seedy-type, more like fence, and thugs."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Sat 23 July 2016.

As they pass a tavern, Chye was down to his last $6...but he knew he could get a pot of wine for anywhere in the way of $2-$4 and he'd still have $2 to rub together. He really wanted to have some coin thrown into his hat, and have some drinks, or fish-ball soup on the house for encouraging people to be merry, and spend money..then he remembered where he was. If he thought he got in brawls in aralaise pubs, this place was probably a way tougher neighborhood.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 191):

"They deal in debt. It is just a matter of how they collect."

"Then perhaps, we pay them a visit and find out for sure?" Astra gestures towards the shop.

"We go."

"If that's where the fellows we're here to see are, sure," Quint said, following Hitomi.

In reply to Quint (msg # 195):

The pawnshop sign hangs in front of a stone building with
barred windows and a reinforced door. The ediface is as run down as the rest of the neighborhood, but the ironwork is
free of rust and the locks look new.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:31, Mon 25 July 2016.

Chye seizes the handle, and attempts to swing the door open for the group, provides it isn't locked.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:31, Mon 25 July 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 197):

The door swings open with a jangle of bells.  The room is small, and a locked cabinet with iron bars and wire mesh
holds a number of items of jewelry and metal work just out of
 reach.  A man behind an iron barred window looks over at you
 expectantly.

Chye smiles and steps aside to let Hitomi do the talking, and leans against the wall, out of the way, but in view.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 199):

How can I help you?" says the fellow, with a
thick Shevnian accent.

In reply to Petrov Danulski (msg # 200):

"We are here about a debt."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 201):

"Debt is something I am specialized in. What terms and who do you owe? I make better terms."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:58, Sun 31 July 2016.

Chye does his best not to appear hostile, even passively so. Instead of standing there like a statue, he smiles faintly, examining the merchandise. He listens, but hunts for musical instruments, stringed in particular, to create a mask of relaxed demeanor.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:18, Fri 29 July 2016.

In reply to Petrov Danulski (msg # 202):

"Allow me to clarify. We are here about a debt you are in possession of."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 204):
" Let me guess. You wish to have the debt of a loved
One forgiven.  That is not how business is conducted. If you
wish to pay the debt of another, that can be arranged."

The shevnian was shutting down, and trying to worm away from the fact-of-the matter..naturely. Chye remained silent, waiting for somebody else to speak up, or for the shevnian to say more before he would try *His* diplomacy..

Astra leans in and smiles "But I believe that's how business is being done today. Perhaps you could reevaluate your business model and reconsider?"

Astra's words begin to take an odd tune as he finishes speaking.

"Easy, lad," Quint spoke softly, too low for the Shevnians to hear. "As is, the Shevnians got no idea what we want, on account of the boss not yet got to the point. What you gonna persuade dem to do if we're still in the small talk portion of the evening, and nuffin' been asked of them yet?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Mon 01 Aug 2016.

In reply to Quint (msg # 208):

"Reorganize my business, boychick? My operation is a model of modern ursury practice! What do you know of it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Mon 01 Aug 2016.

In reply to Petrov Danulski (msg # 209):

"You are holding a note on a petty beaurocrat from the Hadereum who has a gambling problem. We would like to acquire   his debt."

Chye covered his face with his palm and slowly brought it down his face, at the shevian's bad reaction.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:28, Mon 01 Aug 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 211):

"Now that is business we can discuss. What you want to
pay me for this degenerate gambler?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Wed 03 Aug 2016.

Chye moves with deliberate slowness from the cases he had been examining, and approaches the barred window, and speaks to the man within: OOC: Diplomacy Attempt...

OOC: Chye rolls a 9, making his roll by 5 "We don't wish to break anybody's balls here, so why don't you tell you us what you need...? then we'll tell you, what we need.., and i'm sure we can come to a satisfying arrangement." Chye finishes speaking and the disarming smile appears.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:01, Thu 04 Aug 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 214):

The pawnbroker's eyes narrow. "That Aralaise bastard is behind on his payments, and keeps offering useless writs and licenses. I tear them up. He owes silver, plus interest and agravation."

"Writs and licenses, you say?" Astra shot a look to Hitomi.

Quint waits quietly for the Hitomi to make an offer. He may not be much for it, but he knows that negotiations cannot begin until an offer has been made.

ooc: Pity I don't have the Merchant skill.

In reply to Quint (msg # 217):

"So what is he worth to you?"

Chye leaned back from the barred window, giving the man personal, thinking-space.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 219):

"His full debt, with accumulated interest is four hundred thirty seven coins."

In reply to Petrov Danulski (msg # 220):

"Tell me, friend. Has he ever made the payments?"

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 221):

As he is about to answer, a young woman carrying a tray of
food enters his office from behind him, and nearly drops the
 tray as she spits Astra.

"I say! Good save, Miss! Sorry, we have startled you."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 223):

At the appearance of the girl, Hitomi's tail begins to
twitch.
Tell you what. I will pay you one copper per silver he
owes you. I think that's fair."

"Certainly sounds fair to me," Qint said. "Copper in the hand worth silver in the bush, n' all that."

Chye nods "Show him the money."

Astra ignores the ongoing transaction in front of him and instead smiles and winks at the girl.

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 224):

"You seek to rob me?"

In reply to Petrov Danulski (msg # 228):

The girl parts her lips slightly, and blushes.

"No, we merely wish to pay you something tangible, no writs or notes...cash on the nail."

"Nah, e's sayin' the deal isn't a fair one," Qint said. "Standard haggling, aye? It'll go back n' forth a bit and eventually settle on a price that nobody is entirely happy with. Just relax an' let Hitomi handle the business."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 230):

"I think you will find our offer quite reasonable." she glances at the young woman, and her tail twitches .

"Consider that we're throwin' in the benefit of you never having to worry about this bloke or his payments ever again. Piece of mind, likesay. Can't put a price on piece o' mind."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:23, Sat 13 Aug 2016.

Seeing the girl, and the fact that this is a home, as well as a place of business, all thoughts of using force had gone from Chye's mind.. no, there would have to be another way.
Chye sighed to himself. He did have an idea, though...

"Excuse me, I need some air." Chye bows himself out of the home, and steps out front of the building.
Chye sits nearby, and plays a melody accompanied by vocals (in sahudese)
OOC: rolls music skills
This message was last edited by the player at 05:43, Sat 13 Aug 2016.

Chye begins his melody with impressive skill, soon his vocals can be heard accompanying the tune, also well done.  OOC: Success by 8pts on instrumentals, success by 3pts on vocals
"我很高興
讓月亮和我的影子
成為朋友，但後來當
我喝得太多了，我們
部分;但這些都是
我的朋友，我總是可以依靠
這些誰沒有感情
否;我希望有一天，
我們三個會再見面，
深藏在銀河系。..."
"Wǒ hěn gāoxìng
ràng yuèliàng hé wǒ de yǐngzi
chéngwéi péngyǒu, dàn hòulái dāng
wǒ hē dé tài duōle, wǒmen
bùfèn; dàn zhèxiē dōu shì
wǒ de péngyǒu, wǒ zǒng shì kěyǐ yīkào
zhèxiē shuí méiyǒu gǎnqíng
fǒu; wǒ xīwàng yǒu yītiān,
wǒmen sān gè huì zài jiànmiàn,
shēn cáng zài yínhéxì..."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:02, Sat 13 Aug 2016.

"Are you hoping that foreign caterwauling will weaken
 my reserve? We broke is legs, but he healed himself and
walked off. No way he gets off that easy!."

Chye heard from outside the barred window and laughed "Hohoho!"
"Perhaps we should let the man eat his dinner, and return later?" Chye called from outside.

"Ignore him," Quint shifted so that his guild badge was showing. "You know what this is? What it means that we are? You know what kind of men an' women are part of this Guild? I'll make it clear to you. We want this bureaucrat's debt because we're going to lean on him. Nothing's gonna be easy. We got fellas who can work him over wif magic you ain't even nevva heard of. We got big ogres who are just waiting for the chance to put the hurt on some plutocrat nob, we got wizards who need test subjects, and," Quint pointed to Astra. "We got that guy. You don't even want to know what that guy does."

"So you sell us this bureaucrat's debts, and we go. We pay attention to him. Consider his pain and suffering part of the deal, aye?"

ooc: Intimidate passed by 2, to imply that we're going to do bad things to the bureaucrat.

Astra continues to ignore the others and continues flirting with the young woman.

In reply to Astra Black (msg # 240):

"I want to know what he can do!"

Chye was curious himself, figuring it to be magic of some sort. He continued to listen after he finished his verse, playing his last bit.

"You want to know, he'd be happy to show you," Quint said. "But few could survive the experience."

Astra's eyes slid over to Quint, "Oh? You've heard the stories?"

Snapping back to the woman, he simply raised an eyebrow at her.

"The legends."

Chye snorted. He would believe it when he saw it...
Seeing no reason to crowd the place, he remained outside. He would not offer violence in these circumstances, and his diplomacy seemed to be of no avail.
Chye plucks at his three string, idly: *Ding ding ding, doong doong doong, ding dinga ding ding di di di di doong*

This message was last edited by the player at 02:56, Tue 16 Aug 2016.

Being in earshot, just outside the barred window, Chye decided to play along, ruse, or truth, it would help to all be on the same page in this meeting. "Yes, legends even reaching Sahud.. Him, bad man. All pleasant things, are not what they seem.. heh heh.."
Chye underscores his meaning with a sinister-ditty:*Ting tong ting tong tong tong*
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Tue 16 Aug 2016.

In reply to Astra Black (msg # 244):

Completely stricken by the nymph, the young woman begins to unfasten the stays of her frock.

In reply to Petrovina Danulski (msg # 248):

Shocked, the pawnbroker turns to his daughter
"Petrovinaska! What are you doing?"
He whirls, his eyes narrowing and shakes his fist at Astra.
"What witchery is this? What have you done to my daughter? I take our offer, just get him out of here!"

In reply to Petrov Danulski (msg # 249):

"The deal has changed, we will pay one copper per two silvers of his debt."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 250):

"Preposterous!"

In reply to Petrov Danulski (msg # 251):

"Papa, ya khochu imet' svoitch detey."

In reply to Petrovina Danulski (msg # 252):

"You are not having anyone's children!
Go, you wretched cat. One copper per two silvers of debt!"

"A wise choice," Quint said.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:12, Thu 18 Aug 2016.

Chye chuckles and plays a celebratory ditty: *Tumtum tum tumtum tang tang tang ting ting tinga toong toong ting* "Needs Gong... Yes. Gong."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:53, Fri 19 Aug 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 255):

Hitomi tosses him a small stack of silver coins.
"Keep the change, bub, and pass me the note you have on this priest."

Astra looks from the father to the girl, "It seems we are forever apart. Until next time my sweet."

Kissing his hand, Astra blows a kiss to the girl.

"Yeah. Forever until next time. Classic."

Chye meets the others, already having slung his lute over his shoulder, and leaning on his polearm, grinning.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 259):

Hitomi carefully rolls the document she recieved from the
pawnbroker and slides it into her delver's webbing.
"Alright, that's the part one. We have to go see Flavius now, and brute force methods may not work too well."

"Flavius is our cleric, then? We find and present him with document, that he is in "Our" debt now, yes?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Mon 22 Aug 2016.

"Just showing him the debt won't cut it. He doesn't care about owing money, he doesn't care about being in debt. We need to establish the legitimacy of the leverage. Fortunately we're a guild of the most powerful beings in Northport, so it shouldn't be a problem."

"Hmmm... we shall see."

"Don't worry yourself, Chye. I'm what you might call a keen student of the human condition, aye? Elves n Dwarf n whatnot condition too. Figgurin' wot makes people tick. We figger wot Flavius wants, wot 'e's afraid of, use the former as a carrot, the latter as a stick, and Bob's your uncle.

"That is if we don't just have Astra seduce 'im. Seems to be the path of least resistance. Just do that, don't have to worry about nuffin'."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:55, Mon 22 Aug 2016.

Chye scratches his head and his face screws up in distaste at the mention. "Chye only interested in women, and what kind of priest are so..impious anyway?"

"Nobody's suggesting you handle it, cuz next to Astra you look like a pile of shit. No offense... I do too. Everybody does. Why would Flavius want day-old bread when there's a Filet Mignon sittin' right there?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Mon 22 Aug 2016.

Chye explodes with laughter: "Bwahahahahahaaaaa! Well, my friends, I'll leave debasing one's self up those who are best at it!. heh heh heh... hmmmmm..."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:22, Mon 22 Aug 2016.

In reply to Quint (msg # 266):

"What is going to work on our priest may be something
 else entirely. He isn't afraid of violence, Danulski said he
 healed his broken legs. What he does like is a wager. Anyone
Know how to rig a dice game?"

"It's clear that gambling is his weakness... if we can entice him with losing more money, it's the best way. Me, I do not gamble, but I have been gambled upon, fighting tournament. Chye willing to fight and throw fight, so preist's debt increases...."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:38, Mon 22 Aug 2016.

"We introduce me as fighter, get him to bet on me....hahaha and I will throw fight! Will only work a few times.. so the wager must be good and high."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:32, Mon 22 Aug 2016.

"Increasing his debt won't matter, he already owes us money," Quint said. "And rigging a fight is too elaborate. If he's not going to pay cash he owes, he can't be counted on to pay up any favors we win.

"He doesn't care about gambler's honor. So we need to figure out what he does care about. What would hurt him. His reputation? We can threaten to expose him. Games? We threaten to get him blacklisted at all gambling parlors in the city. We need to find out what he loves, then take it away from him, and refuse to return it until he gives us what we want."

"Then paying him a direct visit is a bad idea... we should be going into the dens he frequents, and asking around, and observe him at play, for ourselves..."

"His rep within his priesthood is his bread-and-butter, most likely... we find a way to jeopordize that."
This message was undeleted by the player at 18:58, Mon 22 Aug 2016.

In reply to Quint (msg # 271):

"He likes to win. We play to him. Then we lean on him.
He has been told his scribing is worthless, and it is worth something to us. Maybe a challenge will be worth something to him, see if he can write us the most complex, irrefutable   writs possible. He may rise to that challenge."

"what then, how we apply leverage?"

Astra nodded to Quint, "Filet Mignon? I'll take that as a compliment. As for this priest, what areas of interest does the church hold sway over?"

In reply to Astra Black (msg # 276):

"The Hadereum, and its Plutocracy handles licensing
and taxation. They are part of the government here."

"We've seen that he doesn't consider himself bound by his debts, and that he can easily handle short term suffering, knowing that he can cast a spell to fix it later," Qint mused. "So momentary pain doesn't phase him. Obligation is meaningless to him. What if we inflict a pain he can't just cast a spell to fix? Cut off a finger, pluck out an eye, that sort of thing?"

"Is there no way we might threaten his standing in his Church, by threatening to expose his ways..? Or are they all just like him, or worse? This is a man who relishes his position and authority. It has to be what he holds most dear, after all he has spent his life, building himself up, in that place."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 279):

"I say we have pretty boy here suggest he write us some writs."

"Yes... well, let's hope our one-trick pony, can win this donkey show. Hahahaha!"

"I prefer the term stallion."  Astra winked at Chye then looked over at Hitmoi, "I'll see what I can do."

In reply to Astra Black (msg # 282):

"I say, let's get ourselves out of little Shevnia
before our sore loser sends some brutes our way, and over to
the Hadereum"

"Yes, let's leave this place."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 284):

The guards pass once more, their eyes lingering on Chye's weapon, and Hiromi's indistinct shape, and Astra's firm
calves before they move on their patrol.

A few moments later, four rough looking types step out of
doorways near the pawnshop.

Chye, ever cautious, glances back over his shoulder as the group heads down the street. "Look...maybe they try and follow us. I have a feeling if we defend ourselves against these scum, the guards here, will not be sympathetic. Let us lead these fools into a place where we can deal with them, without attracting the attention of the whole community."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:19, Fri 09 Sept 2016.

OOC: Chye is rolling against Area knowledge: northport, to devise a plan to confront these thugs, on his terms and not theirs, should they follow.

OOC: failed by 2
"Never come here often... not know the streets so good as in other parts of city. anybody have a better plan? quickly, now.."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 288):

"I think we were pretty good til now."

Chye's face is serious for a moment, then he smiles. "Hey! you men..what do you want with us, looking so hostile?" Chye stands in front of the group and gives his naginata a twirl before going into a stance.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 290):

A couple of the men, all wearing light leather and
brandishing clubs and knives approach aggressively. They
call out something in Shevnian, and the first two look to be
trying to flank Chye.

"I shall cut you all down, like new grain!"
Chye rotates in a circle slowly, to prevent them from surrounding him, and switches his grip to wield his naginata as a greatsword.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 292):

Laurence draws his rapier and looks over at Quint as the four
Goons eye Chye's twirling weapon, pausing just out of range.
"You got anything good on deese types?

Astra sighs, pulls his blade out and looks to Chye.

"Let me know if you need my assistance."

In reply to Astra Black (msg # 294):

The first two split up, one moving to each side, while the back two take throwing stances with their knives.

"Monsieurs, engage the knife throwers! Attend me, gentleman!"
Chye steps, and swings at the attacker that had moved to his left, arcing upwards at the man's neck. OOC: step, attack (hit location, maneuver: neck, +2 to hit) "Kiai!!!"

OOC: passed roll by 6

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 297):

The first goon barely parries Chye's attack, but his club cracks under the weight of the Naginata.
The other one swings at Chye and seems to connect.

After breaking the one goon's club with his pole arm's blade, he brings the opposite end of the shaft up, to parry the others strike. "Wa-chaaaaa!"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Sat 17 Sept 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 299):

The goon with the shattered club curses, the other being
parried snarls, and one about to throw a dagger gasps as it
is yanked out of his hand by unseen forces.

With his sword in a loose grip, Astra sighs again, obviously bored. Rolling his eyes, he begins to singing a low, monotonous tone that causes stiffness in the limbs of those nearby.

OOC: Concentrate (Singing)

"It is hopeless for you. You cannot take us. Surrender now, or you shall all die! This is your only chance, if you wish to live."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Mon 19 Sept 2016.

OOC: Diplomacy success by 6 "Our might, and magic shall prevail."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Mon 19 Sept 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 303):

Three of the ruffians collapse, the last one standing being
the fellow holding the stub of a club, and he quickly tosses that aside and backs away.


Occ: diplomacy rarely works as Intimidation, but it allows someone to back off without losing face.

OOC: That was what I was hoping for, as they had already shown their guts for trying to take a superior force.

Chye points at the remaining goon. "Smart man. Now, go and tell Danulski he'd better close shop and leave town, because he's demonstrated he's an enemy of the guild. Now, get lost."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 305):

The last fellow scampers off. The other three seem to be soiling themselves.

Chye looms over the remaining three. "Start talking. What was the purpose of your near-suicides?"

Astra continues his singing as he slowly spins to look for more foes within the crowd.

OOC: Step and Concentrate (Singing)

Quint jogs back from the piss he was taking in a nearby alley. "Hey, what'd I miss?"

In reply to Quint (msg # 310):

Hitomi shrugs.
"Petrov went back on his word and sent some bully boys. They attacked Chye and got disarmed, and Astra sang them into collapse."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 12:52, Sat 24 Sept 2016.

Chye seizes one of the goons and hauls him to his feet from behind, applying an arm lock.
"Speak up!"

"If we know that, then what's Chye shakin' 'em down for?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:07, Thu 22 Sept 2016.

"Because, I want to know why... was it a matter of honor, or treachery."

"It's because their boss told 'em to," Quint said. "Just business, you know? Can't let yourself look weak. Call it face, you want to call it anything. Now either kill 'em or let 'em go so we can do our jobs."

"Very well." Chye releases the thug, and retrieves his weapon.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:45, Thu 22 Sept 2016.

"I suggest you all find honest work, from now on.." Chye scolds.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Thu 22 Sept 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 316):

The hired thug slumps to the ground with the others, unable to move anything from the neck down.

"Pretty impressive, Astra-San."
Chye leaves the thugs behind with a backward glance, as he steps away.

Astra stops singing and gives Chye a little bow, "Should take only a few moments for them to recover."

Chye sniffs and frowns, noticing the thugs soiling. He turns to them and speaks one last time: "But before you go to find those honest jobs... I would suggest a bath and a change of clothes... Bwahahahaaaa!" He saunters away, naginata over his shoulder.

"I'd suggest an honest job, but I work for the Adventurer's Guild," Quint grinned.

In reply to Quint (msg # 322):

"Alright, boys. Leave them in their filth. We have a
Cleric to squeeze."

Chye unslings his Lute from his back, and replaces it with his weapon, strumming as he begins to sing:"
在生活中，其結果必然是一個總的喜悅，
Zài shēnghuó zhōng, qí jiéguǒ bìrán shì yīgè zǒng de xǐyuè,
不允許空酒杯，面對月亮!
Bù yǔnxǔ kōng jiǔbēi, miàn duì yuèliàng!
上天讓我 - 我的能力一定是有目的的;
Shàngtiān ràng wǒ - wǒ de nénglì yīdìng shì yǒu mùdì de;

我花了一千金幣徹底，但他們會再回來...
Wǒ huāle yīqiān jīnbì chèdǐ, dàn tāmen huì zài huílái...

熬羊肉，宰殺一頭牛 - 現在我們將歡樂;
Áo yángròu, zǎishā yītóu niú - xiànzài wǒmen jiāng huānlè;

我們必須一次全部喝三百杯！
Wǒmen bìxū yīcì quánbù hē sānbǎi bēi!

帶來的酒！ -
Dài lái de jiǔ! -

杯子不停！-
Bēizi bù tíng! -


我想為你播放一首歌。
Wǒ xiǎng wèi nǐ bòfàng yī shǒu gē.

我請你借給我你的耳朵...
Wǒ qǐng nǐ jiè gěi wǒ nǐ de ěrduo...


*Lively Lute breakdown*
This message was last edited by the player at 07:35, Fri 30 Dec 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 324):

A passersby tosses a copper coin at Chye's feet.

A passing orc couple pauses. She is muscular, wearing black
 and yellow, and has a heavy chain draped over her shoulders.
  The male orc is wearing a fine embroidered tunic and is
carrying a lute.
With a glare at Chye, the chain wielder drags off her mate.

Chye flashes an ivory grin beneath his shaded brim, bows graciously, and collects the coin.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 326):

"Chye, put that damn thing away, and Astra don't   even think of a jam session with that orc. It would be just our luck for that skank Marie to show up and turn our expedition
into a music festival."

"Hahaha...very well..." Chye trades his shamisen for his weapon, once again. "Who were those orcs, do you know them?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:00, Wed 05 Oct 2016.

"Ahh, very well. Wouldn't want to embarrass the poor lad anyway."

"Whoooooo caaaaaaaarrreessss," Quint said. "Let's stay on task, lads."

Astra flips his hair over his shoulder as the group begins to move and smiles at Quint, "You're just jealous."

"Oh, aye, sure I am. I am quite envious that you have the free time to lollygag about and sing songs an' frolic or what not. Some of us got things to do, places to be, an' paychecks to collect." He grinned. "I know that when all you got is a hammer, all the world looks like a nail, but what say we save the music for when the job calls for it, and not harassing random-passers-by, yeah?"

"Just a taste from time to time makes the final performance all the better. Besides, I'm just getting warmed up."

"Just keep it in yer breeches until it's time to whip it out, aye?"

"Very well. I will resist the urge as much as I can."

"He, how they say... party-pooper?" Chye shrugs.

In reply to Astra Black (msg # 335):

The cat girl rolls her eyes.

"Let's keep on heading west. We cut through the rest
of redlight, through artisanal and into the temple district.
You will know the Hadereum when we start seeing dead guys
with signs walking around."

Chye grimaces as Hitomi mentions the undead, but says nothing as he walks along.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:42, Fri 30 Sept 2016.