Verik rises. "I think we have an agreement. Come back tomorrow night after you scout out Eel's End. We'll plan an assault and then...we'll talk more."

Malder leads you down the stairs. "Nice place. Eel's End. Tha smokes are good and tha women all got fat bottoms." He turns left instead of right and leads you into the front room of the shop. "You fellas know how ta get there?" You all do, or have a good idea of where it is. Malder laughs as he removes the heavy beam from the outside door with one hand and opens it for you with the other. "Well. I'll wish you a good even' then. Don' let tha bed bugs bite."

---

(Assume all spells are relearned etc)

Kroft booked you some rooms at a small Inn called the Silver Trumpet. The beds were the softest some of you have had in weeks. You woke to the smell of fresh baked bread and enjoyed clean hot water for bathing. Whatever else, working for Kroft has at least a few perks.

You made your ways along the river until you came to another in a long line of dingy, grey piers. The difference is that this one seems to be attractng people. Even this early in the day, men and women laugh and head towards the pier known as Eels End. Some of them wear fine silks and some wear burlap. Some have the suken eyed look of Shiver addicts and some rattle lucky dice in cups. Eels End is a place for almost every kind of vice. It's a place for escapism. These days, people need that.

Ypu come to the end of the alley you are walking down and see the pier. A couple of large, armed men are inspecting visitors as they pass. Beyond, the pier juts out into the brackish water. The smell of fish guts covered by the overpowering reek of cheap perfumes and incense smoke.

Five boats are tied to the pier. Planks stretch from pne to the other, creating bridges between them so the clientele can move quickly from one vice to the next without bothering to set foot on the boardwalk again. The largest ship is tied to the end of the pier. The name Eels End is visible stenciled on it's side. That is probably Devargo's seat of power. The other ships appear to house a brothel, a gaming house, an opium den, maybe an inn of some kind. You see more large men like those at the end of the pier mixed in with the crowd.

"Hmmmm, they appear to have plenty of security. Suggestions?"

"Well," Toke mumbled, partly distracted by the more "attractive" merchandise. Perhaps after this is all through, I might treat myself. "We could always walk in and pretend to be a buyer. Someone much bigger than someone like Devargo would be able to handle, but not someone so big that Mr. Kindness should have already heard of us. Perhaps smugglers of exotic drugs?" He fumbled with his fingers nervously, "When we get past security, we would be able to question him more effectively."

"Perhaps Selvin and I could pose as your security, you other three as the actual trafficers?"

---

---

“Large, armed men,” Tarrov sighed as he looked down at the docks.  “So PREDICTABLE.”  He raised a disappointed eyebrow.  “Doesn’t anyone have any creativity?”

“Huh.”  The bard tapped his fingers on his fine doublet as he looked at the various barges.  “A whorehouse, a casino, a shiver palace, an inn, and Devargo’s headquarters.”  He looked over at Toke.  “I think that’s a good idea, Toke, but I also think we might want to head in there and try to gather some information first.”  He looked at the group.  “We’re just scouting right now, and trying to connect Devargo with Kindness.  If we are going to go in and try to arrange for a direct meeting, I think we might be better served doing it after we’ve scouted the lay of the land.”

“When and if we do go in as drug traffickers, though, Toke, you’re going to be our expert.  So you’re going to need to fill us in on everything you know about the drug trade so that we can be as authentic as possible.”  He nodded at the sunken-eyed man.  “Maybe we can turn Lamm’s curse into a blessing, at least for this limited purpose.”

---

---

Toke rested his chin into his grimy hands and closed his eyes as he tried to remember everything important that he had learned over the last couple of years. He took a deep breath and settled his nerves. He spoke quietly, his voice trembled slightly whenever he noticed eyes on him.

Toke rolled 25 using 1d20+12. Knowledge Local.

"Perhaps, for this time through, we should merely split up and each of us check some of the operation out, looking for security, other entrances, connections between the boats or anything like that for a later assault or whatnot."

He glanced at Toke and mumbled. "It would be a bad idea for some of us to investigate anything to do with Shiver."

---

---

Tarrov nodded at Selvin.  "I think that's a great idea.  Why don't we spend a few hours seeing what we can see and trying to gather information on our own.  Then meet back here, share what we've found, and then use it to help with getting a meet with Devargo."  The bard shrugged.  "Shoot, maybe we'll find out enough to warrant an attack just from doing that.  Although I doubt it."

---

---

Sorry for the delay.

The main tough at the end of the pier looks you over. He manages a semi-friendly smile. At least it would be if he were an Owlbear. But the crowd is happy and laughing and it's easy to ignore him.

Soon you are all standing in the middle of the boats. To no one's surprise, the gaming boat and brothel seem to be doing a fine business. The smell of bitter inscence wafts down from the smoke boat. Aside from a small group of drunks trying to fish off the side, the Inn looks fairly deserted. From the very end of the pier, you hear drunken shouts and coarse shouting from the Eel's End. A never ending part seems to be taking place on it's deck.

You see a few guards milling about. From what you can tell, there is at least one on each boat, though there are a few on the Eel's End. Some 'floaters' are wandering the crowd. Mostly watching for pick pockets or signs of a brawl.

Who's going where?

---

---

"I believe I can probably be the most effective at the brothel," the bard suggested, winking.  "I've always been pretty good with the ladies.  I can, um, feel them out for what they know about the Eel's End and Devargo.  Plus, I imagine not a few will feel oppressed by the man and want to dish anything they know."  Tarrov nodded to himself.  "After that, I can head over to the gaming boat and do some reconnoitering there."  He looked around.  "Unless you gentlemen have any objections?"

---

---

This message was last edited by the player at 06:17, Thu 19 Dec 2013.

Selvin let out laughter as Tarrov spoke. "Yah, I jus' bet! Feel 'em out. You dog you." He shook his head in mirth, not disagreement. "That's fine. I'm good anywhere but the drug place."

"I will go to the shiv boat and see what there is to see," Vaddis replies. "Then I will check into the brothel as well. I might run across one Tarrov misses," he winks at Tarrov.

Toke had been quiet after Selven's previous comment. It wormed and festered in his mind as they made their way to Eels End. Was he still untrusted? He had been clean for at least two years and had not even had the urge to go back to the accursed drug. As they approached Eel's End, however, his anger and hurt was replaced with resignation. Perhaps Selvin was right, he was sure that although Toke's well being was definitely not in Larst's best interest; however the cohesiveness of the group was.

"I'll stick with Selvin then, perhaps two sets of eyes will be better than one." Toke said, only a little disappointed that the brothel was already taken.

16:58, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 4 using 1d20. Perception.

The sights and sounds distract Vaddis too much from gathering information. He hopes the others have better luck than he.

As you walk up the gangplank to The Dragon's Breath, you noice that it must have once been a magificent ship. Now it is simply a carcass. Not rotten enough to sink but not whole enough to sail. The smell of burnong cinnamon sticks is almost choking as you step aboard. The deck has been leveled. A large sort of tent has been pitched on board. From within you hear sighs and sobs and what sounds like the squeak squeak of rusty wheels.

You push aside the curtain and step inside. A large brazier burns in the middle of the area, giving off that loathsome musk that covers up all kinds of unpleasant smells beneath it. A number of cheap cots are set about the edges of the room. A tall gnome...or maybe a fat halfling...is wheeling around a hookah, burbbling "Get smoked!" in a sort of clipped accent you can't place. He eyes you and points to a sign to your left. "Five coin. Gold. Now. Or go."

The two of you glance around and head up the plank to the Inn, it being the closest at the moment.  Someone has painted Goldenhawk  across one side, though it's not much of a hawk and nowhere close to being golden. The drunks who are fishing over the side pay you little mind. A single masted ship of Chelish design, it looks like it it has seen more repairs than customers as of late. The drunks you saw earlier are fishing over the side and pay you little mind. They seem more intent on staying upright than conversing.

As you step on deck, a door to one of the cabins opens and a man steps out with a slop bucket. He is hairy in all the wrong places. Patchy and not just in his coat. He glares at you before tossing the buckets contents into the sea. He looks at you. "You needin' rooms?"

"How can I help you obtain Nirvana?"

The House of Clouds has set up a grandiose pavilion over it's deck. Inside the space is crammed tight with pillows, semi naked bodies, and patrons who wallow in both. The voice to your left belongs to a young women who sits next to a young man. The man wears nothing but a film of oil and loincloth whoch is so tight it leaves nothing to the imagination. The young woman wears a gauze slip which outlines but restricts a full view. She smiles at you as does the man. Both have bloodshot eyes and a weariness about them at second glance. Business it seems is booming in heaven.

---

---

Tarrov flashed the two his most ingratiating smile; if he was going to get any information out of his visit it would probably start with this pair of gatekeepers.  "It looks like you two could use a dose of heaven yourself," Tarrov responded companionably, leaning against the doorframe.  "Doesn't the boss give any breaks around here?"

---

---

This message was last edited by the player at 04:27, Sat 21 Dec 2013.

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 15):

Vaddis scans about then looks at the halfling/gnome, "five gold for this? Is this all there is on this ship? If it is, I'll keep my gold for the brothel."

In reply to Tarrov Garrick (msg # 18):

The woman laughs, though there is a bit of a forced quality to it. "But of course. Everything is play here in the House of Clouds."

She stands and lays a hand gently upon your arm. "Would you care for a drink? Or a massage? Both Esu," she gestures at the man, "Are excellent at rubdowns." She manages that with no irony whatsoever.

"You're very handsome..."

"He's gorgeous," says Esu

"Come in. Relax. Any one of us will be happy to serve you." She gestures at a nearby empty pillow.

In reply to Vaddis Sonaden (msg # 19):

"You will spend twice as much for some cheap wine and a fifteen minute swearty grope. Five gold gets you in the door here. And for but a few coins more...you may truly touch the clouds."

The little halflong/gnome looks you over. "You do not look like the usual type. What do you prefer for a smoke?"

---

---

"Why thank you," said Tarrov, smiling as he sketched a small bow to the two courtesans.  "I do believe you will make me blush if you continue carrying on this fashion."  He looked at the woman.  "I may be . . . a little strange, but I enjoy getting to know a woman before she puts her hands on me.  I believe I would very much enjoy a massage.  Would it be possible for us to share a private drink beforehand?"

---

---

Selvin leads the way in to the Inn and looks around. A ship from Cheliax, or perhaps just designed by them. Goldenhawk is apparently the name which Selvin commits to memory just in case. He glances at the fishing drinks but otherwise pays them no mind.

One eyebrow rises up at the manner of the man who 'greets' them. "Apparently, you weren't hired for your politeness and welcoming qualities. Nor your hairlessness. How much are rooms here? And are they by the hour or longer time period?"

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 21):

"Tobacco." and he turns and goes to the next 'ship'.

In reply to Tarrov Garrick (msg # 22):

She smiles and leads you to a cushion a bit farther away from the crowd. She wheels over a sort of screen made of gauze to create the illusion of privacy and places a cup of wine in your hand. "I am Tellen," she says.

Tellen settles herself on one side of you and begins to lightly massage your shoulders. "You are new here. Or at least, I haven't seen you before. So you're new to me. Are you a native? Or just here on business?"

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 23):

Chamber Pot guffaws and beams at that one. "Nah. No one outside tha House a' Clouds gets coin from bein' polite. Or by tha hour. Name's Tuggins. " He nods for you to follow him as he garumphs into a doorway. A short flight of stairs descends down into what used to be the hold. Now, half od the space has been walled off, creating a small cramped bar. Tuggins limps over bwhind the bar and pulls out a bottle of cheap wine. "Don' usually get many here this time a' day. Thought you were with Devargo. Lookin' for tha rent. Two rooms? Or yiu just nosin' around Eel's End?"

In reply to Vaddis Sonaden (msg # 24):

You stop a moment on the deck. Not only to get your bearins but also to catch a clean breath. Even the contact high from that place makes your head spin.

As you look over the ships, you see a small group making it's way down the pier. They move differently than the rest of the party goers. Three men. Civillian clothes but two of them definitely seem to have a military gait. Bodyguards perhaps? The third man is a thin, bookish sort. He dresses more ostentatiously than Tarrov and looks more grey than chimney smoke. He is leading the small group to the main ship. That is the actual Eel's End. The well dressed man looks...resolute.

---

---

Tarrov sipped the wine as he enjoyed Tellen's massage.  The spirit's vintage was unexpectedly good and he had not realized how tense the muscles in his shoulders were.  He sighed contentedly, slightly disappointed that he could not enjoy all the establishment had to offer.

Back to work.

"Me?  I'm visiting on business.  I represent a rather large distributor looking for a distribution partner in Korvosa."  He looked over at Kellan.  "Speaking of business, it seems to be booming here."  He made a small gesture that might have indicated the House of Clouds or the entire Eel's End establishment.  "Devargo is quite the entrepreneur.  Do you work directly for Devargo?  I hear he can be a, well, a rough taskmaster.  And you look weary, if you don't mind my saying so.  It would pain me to know that such a beautiful woman had to answer to a man who failed to," Tarrov caressed one of Tellen's hands, "appreciate her many talents."

---

---

This message was last edited by the player at 04:47, Fri 27 Dec 2013.

As Vaddis sees them approach, he steps onto the pier to get within 60' and detects evil on the three men. He then tries to spy out someone nearby to ask if they know who the man in the middle is.


10:42, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 4 using 1d20. Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Fri 27 Dec 2013.

Selvin grinned at the man's explanation and guffaw. "I see. Well Tuggins, I'm Disc and my friend here is Reet." He tossed a wink and then followed after the man.

"Actually...I'm here on behalf of another. He's looking at possibly doin' business with your boss so he wanted me t'give a look around at the operation here an' see what's what." He glanced around. "Business brisk?"

In reply to Tarrov Garrick (msg # 28):

Tellen tenses a bit at the mention of Devargo's name. "Oh. I have seen him from time to time. A very kind man." She obviously means none of that. "But Helvara is the madame here," She nods at a lovely older half elf woman who is speaking to a couple of guests. "She is a wonderful woman." That does sound sincere. "It is simply near time for rent. And one does have to make one's rent regardless of profession. Right?"

In reply to Vaddis Sonaden (msg # 29):

The half addled man who was, until a moment ago, leaning over the railing and staring at the play of light on the water blinks and stares at the men you point out. "Huh? Oh. I dunno that rich guy. But..." He scrunches up his face and peers more closely at the bodyguards. "Them's tha Veski brothers. They do a lotta hand cut business."

'Hand Cut'. Assassins. It fits with the aura of evil that hangs about them. The aura on the rich man is even stronger though. While the Brothers are as black as night, the rich man is as black as night's dark heart. You can see him a bit better now. He seems to have ornate ornamnets and that classic, upturned nose. A Chelish nobleman probably.

The party has reached the gangplank leading up to the ship Eel's End. The guard on duty has stopped them. There seems to be an exchange going on. After a moment, the guard signals another guard on the deck. This second huard moves through the party on deck and heads to the cabins in the stern of the ship. You would guess the rich man has asked for an interview with Devargo. It remains to be seen if he'll receive one thoughl

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 30):

Tuggins gives you the steely eye and then pours you bpth a glass of cheap wine. "The Inn business isn't bad. But...that's not tha kind a' business you're talkin' about. Right?" The grungey Inn Keeper pops the cork back in the bottle neck and pushes your cups forward. "So...what kinda business we talkin' here?"

---

---

Tarrov continued to relax into Tellen's expert massage.  He could get used to this.

"Helvara does sound like a pleasure to work for," the bard agreed.  "But it also sounds like your, um, landlord," Tarrov wondered if perhaps there was a more-appropriate word for someone who rented floating properties, "charges an exorbitant rent, if the brisk business I've seen in this well-run establishment is insufficient to meet it."

Tarrov leaned against the woman.  "Now, and I'm just tossing darts at the wall here, if that landlord were to be," he coughed, "taken out of the picture, it seems to me that Helvara and all her employees might be free to operate independently, as they saw fit."  He shot a sidelong glance at the beautiful woman, evaluating her reaction.  "If a third party were, perhaps, interested in performing such a service, it seems like it might be in the best interest for all here on to assist that third party with information regarding Devargo, his habits, practices, businesses, aliases, and so forth, along with the identities of other sympathetic persons who might have similar information."

Tarrov gave Tellen his most-genuine smile.  "Just making conversation, of course.  It certainly is an interesting topic, don't you think?  Have you any thoughts on the subject?"

---

---

In reply to Tarrov Garrick (msg # 34):

Tellin's fingers go lax as you ask your hypothetical. She laughs a trifle too loud and says, "Let us not worry about the real world. This is the House of Clouds. There is no trouble here." That last line was said too loudly. Obviously a code phrase.

Perhaps you wonder if you are about to get escorted out by one of the burly guards. Perhaps you do not worry about it at all. But before you can draw the breath to sigh, the madam herself is standing before you. Helvara is more attractive close up than she was fifteen feet away. Her hair is greying slightly at the edges. And there are slight lines at the corner of her eyes. But she seems to make no attempt to disguise these signs of age or to cover them in make up. Somehow that makes her more lovely.

She smiles at you. "Well good evening sir. Are you forgetting your cares? This is a place for forgetting the whole world. Ah. But I see you have almost run out of wine. Tellin you naughty girl. Our client must never run out of drink. Go freshen his cup." As Tellin scurries away with your almost full cup, Helvara sits next to you. "Pehaps you will allow me to take over that massage while Tellin freshens your cup? I am Helvara. It is a pleasure."

Selvin glanced at Toke, ignoring the steely eye he was given. He glanced at the wine for a moment and the took the cup. He stared into its liquid depths as he spoke again. "Business is business.  It takes all kinds to make the city go. Some people like to have their fingers in many pies, taking a little bit from each to satisfy their...hunger. You work for one such a man. My...employer...would like to see about helping your employer with both sharing and expanding businesses of several sorts. I'm just here to look things over first."

He lifted the cup and looked at the innkeeper once more. "Shall we toast to business then?"

Vaddis heads for the brothel next as he planned but keeps his eyes on the three at the end of the pier to see if they get their audience.

---

---

"Helvara!"  Tarrov gave the establishment's madame a genuine smile as well.  "It is good to meet you.  Tellen has been nothing but complimentary about your capabilities, although it seems as if," the bard lowered his voice, "your landlord might be making things more difficult on you than they really need to be."

Tarrov coughed.  "As I was noting to Tellen, and I was just talking, mind you," he grinned, "it seems as if this establishment might benefit if there were a change of landlords or if, heaven forfend, it was allowed to begin operating . . . independently."  He gave Helvara a meaningful look.  "Such freedom would certainly be invaluable, don't you think?"

"Now," Tarrov's voice was all seriousness, "it is possible that there are those outside Eel's End who are also interested in a change of landlord.  I was simply commenting to Tellen that if such people were to fall into the company of those whose primary interest is the House of Clouds' future, that second group might see fit to provide the first with information regarding the landlord.  And by information I mean his habits, practices, businesses, aliases, and so forth, along with the identities of other sympathetic persons who might have similar information."

The bard grinned at the madame.  "Don't you think?"

---

---

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 36):

Tuggins lifts his cup. "To business..." He quickly drains the wine.

"These...hungry friends of yours. What're they gonna offer? Devargo isn' well known for sharin' after all. They might need ta give him some incentive." Tuggins wipes some drops of wine off his chin with his sleeve. "He is a hard man ta shop for. Gift givin' wise. Too bad your friends don' know someone who knows what his tastes are." Tuggins smiles. Toothlessly. "It takes a lot ta impress 'im."
This message was last updated by the GM at 03:58, Fri 03 Jan 2014.

In reply to Vaddis Sonaden (msg # 37):

As you begin to board the House of Clouds, you see the guard return and speak to the three men. The guard simply nods and the three men begin to ascend onto the Eel's End.

"Welcome," says a honeyed voice as you part the silk curtains that surrond the pavillion doorframe on the deck of the House of Clouds. A young woman, shamefully dressed, purrs and slides a powdered hand across your chest. "My. Such a big man. Come in. Leave your cares behind you. All is play within these walls."

You see Tarrov on the other side of the room. He is having his shoulders massaged by a lovely older woman. The bard smiles at her but she seems less than delighted as she replies.

Please note. You can not hear them from this distance over the din.

In reply to Tarrov Garrick (msg # 38):

"Hmm," Helvara smiles as she talks. Though the smile does not quite reach her eyes. "I think it might be best to keep some hypothetical situations hypothetical. Reality is the last thing we worry over here in the Clouds."

She leans down, resting her chin on your shoulder while dragging her hand rather deliciously down your chest. "Because if we were dealing with actuals. Realities. I might just decide the hell you know is better than the promise of a strange heaven."

You feel her fingers tease the belt line of your trousers. "You know what I mean?"

Toke, or "Reet" as he was apparently now being known as, drained the glass while trying to give off an aura comprising of a combination of tough and unapproachable. He was never much of a talker; thinking is what he did best. In the few times that he had to be present when his gang did some mouthing, he was always given the same task: to keep his mouth shut. Besides, wasn't this supposed to be a recon? He trusted Selvin enough, but he hoped he knew what he was doing.

---

---

"Mmmmmmm."  Tarrov smiled as he enjoyed the attentions of the beautiful older woman.  "It might be you would.  But I'm not sure that the woman who has risen to her current lofty position at the House of Clouds is one entirely without a willingness to risk.  Or devoid of ambition.  Or," Tarrov raised an eyebrow, "has a desire to live in a perpetual servitude, put through hell by the whims of an unforgiving master."

Tarrov ran his own fingertips up Helvara's arm to the top of her shoulder.  "It seems to me that the hypothetical risk we are discussing is minimal.  Not non-existent, of course, but small.  Information, given to one man, who would then pass along that information without any clue as to who may have been the source.  This is not an action that places the actor in immense peril."

Tarrov began manipulating the woman's neck muscles, which were surprisingly tight.  "The reward, on the other hand, is great.  Freedom to run this fine establishment how you choose, and without the exorbitant overhead you currently experience.  Without any cruelties visited upon or liberties taken with your girls . . .or yourself."  He watched to see if his educated guess elicited any reaction.  "For a certain type of person, such rewards might justify any risk."

The bard gave the madame another genuine smile.  "The choice is yours.  Neither I or those with whom I work will take personal offense if you choose not to get involved.  But," Tarrov glanced down at Helvara's roaming hand, "it is entirely possible that change is coming, whether you wish it or not.  Would it not be better to directly influence that change for your benefit rather than just try and keep your head above water as it occurs?"

---

---

Vaddis is completely enraptured with the goings on, not noticing much at all of what goes on around him, his senses completely overwhelmed!

19:03, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 9 using 1d20. Perception.

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 39):

Toke you can't help but be unimpressed with Tuggins. His manner or asking for a bribe is rather obtuse.

Toke and Selvin, you figure it might take about ten to twenty gold to get the little weasel to spill whatever he is blathering about. The question is...will it be worth it...

In reply to Vaddis Sonaden (msg # 44):

Tarrov, Helvara's hand stops just a bit above where it shouldn't stop. She continues to rest her chin on your shoulder as she considers. At last she sighs. "Men. You all make promises but never follow through. A girl likes to have a sense of security...a commitment...before she goes running off with a new beau. " She glances at you. "You're not the first to ask me to run away with them you know. Why should I believe you'll be the last?"

Vaddis, a young courtesan gracefully slides by you and out the door. She looks worried.

---

---

"I think the answer to that, milady," Tarrov brought his hand up and gently ran it through the woman's hair, "is that I am not seeking to use you, or take what is yours.  I am only seeking some small aid in accomplishing what I think might be a mutually-beneficial task."

The bard moved his arms so that he held the woman closer, almost protectively.  "I can tell you have no love for Devargo.  You are not," Tarrov smiled, "the only one.  So why not take this chance of escaping out from under his thumb?  You seem like an independent woman with initiative and intelligence."  He looked around the House of Clouds again.  "I don't think you need a patron to succeed.  In fact, I think you will find true success only when you are able to spread your lovely wings without fear of having them clipped."

"That being said, what kind of commitment did you have in mind?"

---

---

This message was last edited by the player at 04:31, Fri 03 Jan 2014.

Vaddis, noticing the look on the girls face, follows her outside and watches to see where she goes.

A small smile started to slide on to Selvin's face as he listened to the man talk. "Ah! I see. A...friend...such as that might be very helpful to have indeed." He appeared to ponder for a moment, as reached down and pulled out a few coins from his pouch out of sight. "I would appreciate any insight you might be able to shed on this for us." He set the 5 coins down on the bar top with his hand still casually over them, but visible to the innkeep. He then brought his second hand in to view with another 5 coins in it but kept them near his body for the moment, the promise of doubling the 5 coins once information was flowing evident.

In reply to Vaddis Sonaden (msg # 48):

Tarrov

Helvara considers a moment. "One moment." She stands and walks towards the door.

Vaddis

You lean out the doorframe, pushing aside the silks. The girl is scurrying towards a guard. It could be nothing. But then again...with the luck you've all been havng lately...

A soft hand rests on your arm. An older woman, a lovely silk clad older woman, smiles at you. "Don't hang about in the doorway Sir. Come in and join the party." She doesn't wait for a reply. She simply leans outside as well and calls, "Tellen! Tellen!"

The girl stops just a few feet from the guard.

"Don't fret Lovely," calls the older woman to her. "Everything is ducky."

The young girl nods and then smiles nervously at the guard, who regards her with some amusement.

The older woman turns back to you and smiles. "Your pardon. Let's get you some wine Sir. Tellen..." she says as the young girl comes back to the door. "Will you help this fine...robust..." the older woman gives you an apprising glance. "young man settle in? Mama has to mingle."

And with that, the older woman gives you a smile and turns back towards your bard.

"Do you like ale?" says Tellen, moving in close. She laughs, not at all concerned any longer. "Life is so fleeting. Come inside and let's have a drink."

Tarrov

You did see all that and heard what Helvara shouted.

The madame starts to walk towards you then veers. She heads for a cabin door and opens it. Giving you a come hither look she walks through it.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 49):

Tuggins glances at the five coins. A small line of drool creeps from the edge of his mouth. He quickly tosses back the last of his wine and wipes his mouth with his open hand. "You e er hear tha story about tha lion gets a thorn in it's paw? And tha mouse comes along an' pulls it out? Well. I might know about a thorn or two..."

He glances at your hand Selvin. Or more acurately the second set of coins in it. "Might that is..."

Vaddis joins Tellen and accepts the drink, but sets it aside after a moment. "I prefer to keep my wits about me, but you may drink if you wish. My you're a pretty little thing aren't you."" he says with a smile.

Toke removed a handful of coins from his pouch and discreetly lay five coins in front of Tuggins, mimicking Selvin. His distaste for the man only made him want to speed up this awkward clandestine meeting further. He hoped he hadn't accedentally stepped on Selvin's plan, but they were already way off script. He looked at Tuggins expectantly, waiting for him to go on.

---

---

Tarrov sighed with relief.  Inwardly.  It could have been messy if Helvara and Tellen had called the guards on him.  As it was, it looked like he was making progress.

Outwardly, the bard grinned and nodded at Helvara as she walked through the cabin door.  He stood, giving Vaddis a surreptitious wink and a grin, then made his way across the crowded House of Clouds for a semi-clandestine meeting with its formidable madame.

He hoped he was up to the task.

---

---

In reply to Vaddis Sonaden (msg # 52):

Tellen giggles and snuggles up to you. You see Tarrov out of the corner of your eye. He is heading for a door that leads to a cabin or below decks perhaps.

"Oh my!" The prostitute says as she presses a goblet into your hands. "You're certainly athletic. Do you...exercise alot?" And yes...she did mean the double entendre.
This message was last updated by the GM at 05:25, Tue 07 Jan 2014.

In reply to Toke (msg # 53):

Tuggins giggles as the new coins appear. He snaps them up. "Ol'Devargo's had a couple a' snags in tha works. Someone's been movin' in on some a' his business." Tuggins leans closer. "One a' his lieutenants got hit. A real SOB named Gaedren. Never liked tha yob myself. But Devargo's kind a' nervous. Least as nervous as he ever gets. He would really be interested in any information about who took Gaedren down...An' tha ones who do would certainly get in his good graces quick like..."

In reply to Tarrov Garrick (msg # 54):

The door opens onto a set of stairs that leads down below decks. The passage is remarkably clean. Candles lightly scented with honeysuckle line the walls. You come down the stairs into a passage. Several doors line the hall. Helvara is standing just before the one at the end. She smiles and steps inside.

Various groans and sighs coming through the thin wooden doors leave little doubt as to what these rooms are used for. As you come to the end of the hall, you see Helvara leaning against one of the walls of this sall boudoir. She nods for you to shut the door and speaks in a low voice. "Alright. You have tickled my imagination. Speak plainly. What are you proposing?"

Selvin made a serious look appear on his face and frowned to hide the smile that wanted to emerge. He could only imagine Devargo's face if they arranged a meeting and told him who had killed Gaedren....I understand you wish to find out who killed your lieutenants, a man named Gaedren I beleve? Good news. We have the answer for you...we did! And then combat would ensue.

Selvin snapped back to reality and nodded to the innkeeper. "Thank you. I have a feeling I can find out that information for him." He gave a small smile. "I think we shall take our leave..unless you have anything else you wish to impart?" He slid the rest of the coins onto the bartop for the man.

"As much as I can, not nearly often enough. Perhaps you could,...help,..me exercise?" he says with a grin.

---

---

Tarrov quietly closed the door, then moved closer to Helvara, standing very near the intoxicatingly beautiful woman, also dropping his voice in order to prevent eavesdropping.

"Speak plainly, eh?"  Tarrov smiled.  "Very well then.  I am a representative of a group of people who wish to end Devargo's blight on this city.  We believe his evil goes far beyond the confines of Eel's End, and that he has his tendrils into criminal activities all over the city, some above board, some not."  Tarrov gave the madame a meaningful look.  "Almost all of us have been touched in some way by his schemes, and none for the better.  Indeed, some might call it a . . . Kindness . . . to remove him as an influence."  He raised an eyebrow and watched to see if she understood his meaning.

"This," Tarrov spread his arms wide, clearly indicating the entire Eel's End enterprise, and not just the House of Clouds, "is the heart of his power.  If he is to be defeated, he must be defeated here.  But we do not wish this defeat to cause any loss of innocent that can possibly be prevented."

"This is where you come in.  As a madame, I'm sure you have access to quite a bit of, shall we say, bedtime information?"  Tarrov grinned.  "Not to mention the fact that you and your people have eyes, and have been around far longer than I to see what weaknesses Devargo might have."

"So.  Here is my offer.  You provide me with whatever information you know about Devargo, his weaknesses, his strengths, his guard schedules, the proclivities of his guards, who his known associates are, and who else here at Eel's End has cause to hate him and/or want him removed from power.  In return, if we are successful in . . . removing him . . . we will make sure that his leadership structure is so thoroughly destroyed that you will have no problem establishing the House of Clouds' independence from anyone who might wish to take up Devargo's mantle."

The bard gave Helvara an appraising look.  "What do you say?"

---

---

This message was last edited by the player at 10:51, Sun 12 Jan 2014.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 58):

Tuggins seems too busy chortling over his coins to be of further use.

Where would you gentlemen like to go now?

In reply to Vaddis Sonaden (msg # 59):

The girl giggles. "You waste no time! I like that." she wraps her arms around your neck and sort of swings there while she stares up at you. "I just need ten coins. Gold. Just to rent put the bed you understand..."

In reply to Tarrov Garrick (msg # 60):

She frowns and leans up against the wall. "Kindness...I've wondered but..." She sighs. "You have to understand the risk. Even talking to you. Whether he is Kindness or not. Devargo is a devil. He and his spiders..."

She bites her lips and then nods. "I need some assurance you and your benefactors can deliver. It's not just my neck out there. It's my girls and boys who will feel the sting as well. I..." She considers. "One of my boys has a brother. Their father ran up a huge gambling debt and sold his kids to pay for it. His brother was sold to the gambling house. Chi-Dee's gambling house."

You know the name. Chi-Dee owns a rather notorious illegeal gambling house over on Cold Comfort Lane. Chi-Dee employs a rather nasty set of mercenaries. The Black Nails.

"If you can secure the boy, I will take it as a sign of strength. I...I know the secret to Devargo's power over spiders. I think that would be a fair trade."

She says it like you khow what she's talking about.

---

---

Tarrov nodded.  "That's a fair request," he agreed.  "Although I must say that the people I represent are not, shall we say, patient.  It is possible that they will not wish to expend the time to deal with Chi-Dee and decide to move against Devargo with or without your information."  The bard sighed.  "I will try and convince them not to do so.  Or if they do, to keep the House of Clouds as free of it as possible."

Tarrov stood up straight.  "A deal, then.  I return with the boy and you share Devargo's secret with me.  But in the meantime, I must ask that you keep your eyes open and also share with me, when I return, the disposition of Devargo's guards and henchmen.  For at that point, if you don't mind me using a term from another boat," Tarrov smiled, "we will both be 'all in,' no?"

---

---

Toke pulled Selvin aside, he spoke quietly but his worry was plain as day. "What do you think?" He asked, wringing his hands, "Devargo sounds like the real deal to me." Toke's mouth hangs open for a second longer before he closed it shut. Though he was quite miserable in this situation, he wasn't going to voice any of his complaints or paranoia just yet. Who knows, if this job goes well he would be able to retire from this dangerous business and take up something nice and easy.

Selvin let Toke lead him aside so they could talk. He kept an eye out for their allies. He gave a shrug of his shoulders. "I dunno. Could be. He seems like a bad guy, even if he ain't Kindness. We'll see what the others come back with, pool all the info together an' go from there."

In reply to Tarrov Garrick (msg # 64):

Helvara nods. "Agreed."

She sighs and starts banging the wall with her fist. She moans in a breathy way and then shrieks. The madame looks at you and shrugs. "Must keep up appearances."

Anything else you wished to say to her? If not feel free to make your way upstairs and collect Vaddis.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 66):

You guys waiting on the others then?

---

---

Tarrov grinned at Helvara and enthusiastically got into the action, jumping on the bed with both knees and bouncing about, making a ridiculous creaking racket while yelling in conjunction with the bordello's madame:

"Oh, Helvara!  Yes, yes, YES!!!!"

He winked at the woman as he jumped back off the bed, slightly winded from his exertions.   "Well now," he chuckled, "I think we gave any listeners their money's worth, don't you think?  And I suppose I should do this as well."  With a long-suffering sigh, Tarrov mussed his perfectly-coiffed hair in a fashion that suggested he had just been mightily exerting himself.

He took Helvara's hand and bowed, kissing it.

"This will certainly be one nighttime encounter I shall never forget, milady."  His eyes twinkled as he straightened, looking at her.  "I can only hope that our next goes as well."

With a jaunty salute, Tarrov opened the door and strode out, whistling.  He walked back up to the main room, where he saw Vaddis flirting with Tellen.  He gave the warrior a meaningful look, jerked his head toward the door, and began heading toward it himself.

He had a lot of news to share with the others.

---

---

"Pardon me M'lady, but I must depart, here, take this for your time." Vaddis hands her 2 pp.

Yes sir! If the "guards" start to take too much interest in us or we are asked to leave the "inn", we'll head to over to the prostitute house.

Tellen gives Vaddis a curtsey as you trundle out of the room after the silvery headed bard.

Selvin and Toke  , you see Tarrov and the paladin coming out of the brothel. The bard has spotted you and moves towards your position.

The crowd arund you is starting to thin a little. Overhead, the sun is just about at it's height. It's close to noon.

Toke was the first one to speak. "Why are we doing this?" He asked, his tone even. "We had a simple job and this has nothing to do with it." His hands rubbed one another as he continued, "I-I mean, what do we even get out'a this?"

It had been, how long since he had a fix? A day, maybe two? He had lost count as the hours passed by so slowly and everything looked harder, sharper, meaner, and the bitterness in the air became more and more apparent as his abstinence continued. Perhaps later tonight, should the rest of the day prove uneventful he would sit back and "experiment".

Tarrov raised an eyebrow at Toke.  "Well, for starters, let's go someplace a little more private to discuss this, shall we?"  Keeping a sharp eye out, the bard led the small group off of the Eel's End dock structure and back out into the streets, finding a small, secluded alley for their conversation.

Once there, Tarrov turned around.  "To answer your question, Toke, we're doing this for a number of interconnected reasons.  We would like to get in good with the Queen.  I think we can all see the benefit in having royal connections.  It could be a path to the good life for all of us.  That said, we want to know as much as we can about who we're working for, don't we?"

"Sergeant Verik has made some very significant life changes based on information he has about the Queen.  He clearly believes it.  And if there is information about the Queen that would lead rational men to leave her service, I would like to know what it is.  I am also loathe to kill a good man who believes his actions are for the greater good.  I think Verik might be such a man.  Yet he won't give us this information because he doesn't trust us.  Unless we take down Kindness together."

Tarrov stuck his thumb out from his fist and jerked it in the direction of Eel's End.  "That's where this place comes in.  But that's not all.  You were more than willing to go all in to take down Lamm.  Kindness is Lamm writ large.  He's just as responsible for what happened to you as Lamm ever was.  Lamm was just a tool.  Kindness is the brain."  He looked around at the group.  "Taking Kindness down is just part and parcel of our mutual revenge.  He's hurt us.  We're going to hurt him right back.  And now, with Verik, we have friends to help us."

"I don't know what you guys found out in there, but I'm pretty sure Devargo is Kindness.  We know Kindness worships spiders.  The madame at the House of Clouds informed me that Devargo has some sort of power over spiders.  She knows the secret to that power, but she's suspicious of us.  She says she'll give us that information if we rescue a boy from Chi-Dee's place over on Cold Comfort Lane.  The man's a piece of work, so I have no problem putting a thorn in his paw.  And since this is Kindness-related, we might even be able to get Verik and Company to help us out."

"So, Toke," Tarrov grinned at his companion.  "THAT's why we're doing this.  What did you guys learn?"

---

---

"I learned nothing. All were high on drugs and unwilling to speak about anything but the drugs."

I'll give Selvin tonight to weigh in and then we can proceed as you all choose.

Toke glared at Tarrov while he spoke, though as he listened his grimace turned pensive, until finally he relented. This man reminded Toke of a con man; clever and fast with words. Toke would have to keep an eye on him. Still, he was right, besides, Toke might as well think of it as taking out a competitor and a dangerous one at that.

Toke hacked and spat green onto the ground and began to speak. His tone was monotone and exact as if rereading a tax report aloud. "More info that supports your theory, though none of that magic stuff. A tavern owner..." He paused as he sifted through his mind, "Tuggins, mentioned Lamm by name as one of Devargo's lieutenants. Says he's on edge and looking for info on who took him down. This could be our way in."

He took in a deep breath as he spoke again, this time his nervousness showing. "I suggest that whatever we do, we do it quick. It's only a matter of time before the waves we made today reach Devargo." He spoke quietly and seemed to shrink as he spoke, his eyes never meeting anyone's gaze.

Selvin let Tarrov convince Toke and stayed silent during that part of the exchange. He then nodded after Toke spoke up on what they had learned. "We posed as scouts for a 'business man' lookin' t'possibly partner up with Devargo an' wantin' t'see what kinda operation he ran 'fore approachin' officially."

---

---

Tarrov nodded thoughtfully as the others spoke.  When they had finished, he straightened.  "It sounds like we have confirmed that Devargo is Kindness."  He shrugged.  "Maybe not enough to convict him in a court of law, but enough for our purposes."

"Here is my proposed course of action.  We return to the butcher shop to share what we've learned with Verik and convince him to join us in an attack on Kindness.  Then, with Verik's help, we move on Chi-Dee and rescue the boy for Helvara.  Once rescued, we obtain the secret to Devargo's control over spiders and Devargo's guard schedule from Helvara.  Armed with that information, we will plan our final assault on Kindness."

He looked around at the others.  "What do you guys think?  Any objections, additions, or alternative plans?"

---

---

Okay. Back to the butcher shop then.

As you all walk back to All World's Meat, Tarrov fills you all in on the specifics of the target for the rescue operation. A lad of about ten. With blonde hair and blue eyes. The boy's name is Choffrey. He is missing the little finger on his right hand.

Malder is back on guard when you approach. He nods towards the front room, indicating there are customers inside and leads you around back again. Verik sees you again in the room upstairs.

The former officer looks bleary eyed. There is no scent of alcohol of shiver smoke clinging to him. He obviously has had no sleep. He looks around at you all and then wipes a hand across his face. "So...what have you got for me?" Malder waggles his eyebrows and smiles. He seems eager to hear this as well.

Make your pitch please.

---

---

"You'll be pleased to know we've had success in confirming your rumor, Verik," Tarrov said companionably as he slid into a chair, making himself at home.  "I am confident that Devargo is indeed Kindness.  I base this on the following items we learned."

"First," the bard ticked the point off on his index finger, "we spoke to persons at Eel's End who informed us, after some, um, remuneration, that Gaedren Lamm was one of Devargo's lieutenants and that Devargo was very interested in any information that might lead to the apprehension of anyone who took down Lamm.  Since that was us, and we found convincing evidence that Kindness was Lamm's boss, it's not hard to put two and two together for the conclusion that Devargo is Kindness."

"Second," he ticked off his middle finger, "we learned that Devargo is reputed to have some sort of power over spiders.  As you know, Kindness is known to be a worshiper of spiders.  The fact that Devargo and Kindness would both be associated with spiders in this way without being related strains credulity, don't you think?"

"Finally," Tarrov touched his ring finger, "we were forced to fight some curiously well-trained spiders during our assault on Lamm's compound.  This indicates that Lamm or someone to whom he had access enjoyed some sort of in with or power over spiders, since moving through the spider-infested areas seemed to be the only way in or out of the lower portions of Lamm's hideout.  This person was likely Kindness.  Since we know Devargo is reputed to have power over spiders, it again seems extremely likely that they are one and the same."

"Now," the bard looked over at Malder, then back at Verik, "we have an informant at Eel's End who is willing to tell us the secret to Devargo's power over spiders, which I think you'll agree would be a useful thing to have.  In return, and to establish our bona fides, this informant wishes us to rescue a boy named Choffrey from Chi-Dee's place down on Cold Comfort Lane."  Tarrov raised an eyebrow.  "I'm sure you know that this is the kind of establishment which plagues Korvosa's less fortunate and that the city would do well to be without.  So we would be killing two birds with one stone, as it were."

"I would ask for you and your men to help us plan and execute an attack on Chi-Dee's establishment in order to free this boy, and then to work with us to take down Devargo once we are privy to his special power over arachnids."  Tarrov nodded, almost as if the deal was too good to pass up.  "At that point, I think we'll have established enough of a relationship for you to feel comfortable sharing your information regarding the Queen."

"Do we have a deal?"

---

---

Selvin stood still but mentally nodded. Tarrov seemed to have the right of how to put the pieces together and present it concisely. A good choice. He waited to see how their potential allies/potential enemies responded.

Malder is grinning ear to ear. He seems excited. He even bounces up and down on his toes.

Verik closes his eyes as Tarrov enumerates his points. He keeps them closed for the space of a few breaths and then opens them. "Agreed. But I can't leave this place myself. Not for Chi-Dee." He looks over at Malder. "Take Baldraggo and Parns. Go with them. Get the boy." He looks back at the rest of you. "I need to gather my information about the Queen. So I can show it to you all at once. It won't make sense otherwise."

Vaddis nods at the reply from Verik, thinking it sound.