"Wynthaes." He answered simply, looking over to Crow and Ash as Kray indicated them.

"I don't have a great deal of coin, but I can afford to buy one round, if it means hearing a good story."

Ash pulled up a chair and waited for the ales to be served.  It’s a story you’re after, then I’ve got one to tell you.  A few years ago, shortly after these two joined me in the lovely confines of Pent-In.  Well, one day this one (indicting Kray) was hobbling around on account of Buto, aka the big blue meanie, had kicked the stuffing out of him the day before, an’ I was hobblin’ around on account of Buto had subsequently kicked the stuffin’ out of me, an’ Crow here was hobblin’ around on account of that’s just how she walks with those talons of hers.  Sharp as the dickens, those.

Outta nowhere one of those white-shirted wardens at the orphanage walked over and started hasslin’ Kray, callin’ him the little Tengu twirp, or maybe I called him that, but anyway he was gettin’ after the little guy, and if you think Kray’s slight now, well, he’s not particularly slight compared to you, my fine elf friend, but he was practically a baby doll in those days.  Anyway, Crow gave me a little sign, so I stood up, I was much smaller then, but still could look that mug in the face and I start givin’ him some lip of my own.  Meanwhile, Crow slips around and nabs the fool’s keys.

Later that night, we let ourselves into a stash of some kind of moonshine the staff kept locked up.  Oh, that was a night.  We ended up sneaking through the Commons, quiet as mice we thought.  Well, apparently drunken mice are not particularly quiet.  Needless to say we each spent a few nights in the Caves for that one.  But oh the look on that guy’s face when Crow handed him back his keys easy as you please.  “Thanks for the loan, pal” or something like that.  Now those were NOT the proverbial days, but we did have fun.

Wynthaes screwed up his face in confusion as the story concluded and had nothing to do with the slave trade.

"I... I don't understand. This one... Kray was it? Said you all could share a story about doing something to disrupt the slave trade?"

Ash tried to keep his face from giving anything away.  Affable and light.  Their business with Kaz had gotten Mullev killed (that was Mullev on the wall, wasn’t it?  Hard to say.), and maybe the rest of his skulk family, as well.  I can’t say that I have any stories about slave trades other than what my feathered brother here mentioned regarding the orphanage.  What interest do you have in slaves, anyway?  You lookin’ for a new career or somethin’?

Sense Motive to understand why the elf is interested in our experience with the slavers.  Rolled a 30.  Asho Iduska rolled 30 using 1d20+16.  Sense Motive - Cherubim Elf.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:49, Tue 16 Apr.

Crow approached the winged elf, this "Wynthaes", but kept silent at first, letting Ash do his thing.  He was good at putting people off balance and used the opportunity to read more about the person then they wanted him to.

She didn't know if the elf knew her, but she pretended not to know who he was.  She had no desire to turn into a bounty hunter for the bloodsucking pigs.   What this elf said over the course of the next few minutes would determine if Crow held to that decision.

While Crow was not as good as Ash, she still paid attention to his body signals and tone while Kray and Ash steadily put him more at odds.

Sense motive:22
Crow will speak after Kray, Ash and Wynthaes start to wind down.  She won't let him leave with speaking up

Kray couldn't help but crack a grin as Ash progressively got the elf more flustered and annoyed.  Now, it looked to the elf that Kray was about to peck at a worm (or an eyeball), but it was a mirth-filled smile.

"  Now, what is your interest in our little group of friends, Wynthaes?  Did you hear we do good work and you are looking to hire us?  I wouldn't believe everything you have heard about us... we have to drum up interest in our services somehow, and there are always vultures perched on peaks telling tales to start trouble."

They could tell the elf was indeed flustered. He seemed a little socially awkward. Likely he spent more time with his bird than with people.

"I wish to see the slave trade stopped. If you were of the same mind, I was hoping you might share what you've discovered."

It was his turn to scrutinize their expressions and body language. He was tense, as was the eagle on his shoulder.

If his information was wrong, then he just admitted to these people he wanted to stop slavery and they might attack him.

Ash gave a quick sign to Crow and Kray, I think he’s on the up. Nervous that he made a mistake in contacting us.

Well, we did run a small errand for a friend of a friend of a friend at some point, during which we may or may not have had some inadvertent negative impact on a local slave trade.  But who’s really to say?  We aren’t particularly out to save the world, my winged friend, but we have been known to take up the righteous cause from time to time when there was a little coin to be made.  But then, it sounds like your purse might be a bit light…

Ash had sensed the he had flustered the elf and couldn’t help but rib him a bit.

The elf pursed his already thin lips, and nodded at the story. He realized this group wasn't going to give up much more information without him sharing some himself.

"Have you heard of the Ennin's? They are a group of slavers who I know are operating in this city. I discovered an Ennin stronghold along the coast to the southeast of Ptolus. I just came to Ptolus recently, following clues I found in that base. Those clues led me to believe there is an even larger Ennin stronghold here, somewhere. And locating it around the Docks seems the most likely, since the water is the least guarded aspect of Ptolus. At least from a City Watch perspective. I want to find their other base and destroy it as well. Hopefully I'll be able to rescue and free any slaves they have currently. I'm not asking for you to get involved, but any information you could offer might help a lot of people."

Crow allowed herself a smile.  Ash and Kray had tenderized and cooked this bird very nicely.  They were good hatchlings growing into full-blown hunters on their own, with wings to take them high.

Crow spoke in an uncharacteristically slow and precise manner.  "  This is dangerous for you.  Yes?  There are those who would like to take the opportunity with you in the city to... discuss... things with you.   They would pay handsomely for this opportunity.  Yes?  Me... I don't consort with blood-sucking pigs, nor do many here.  Still, this matters much to you to risk them.   Or you are an idiot. "

Crow kept her voice quiet, just the same.  The elf had intrigued her, but she didn't want any trouble with potential buyers, no matter how much blood the drank or how pink their skin was.

"I do not hold with slave taking or selling.  The swine put too many of my kind in chains, clipped wings, took nestlings.  And the deep elves are just as bad.  Buying and then dragging those poor souls to the darkness below... " Crow could not suppress a shudder at the thought.  Better to open a vein, all of them.

"We are no paladins of Lothar here.  We do not quest or right wrongs.  We are simple folk making a living in the fringes of the Spire's shadow.  Your mission has a heart behind it, but we cannot afford such noble inclinations.  We pay rent and make trade.  Yes?" 

Crow found herself hesitating, for reasons she could not express herself.  A month ago, she would have sent this Sun-eyed dreamer on the way as quickly as a loose feather in a gale... only bad things could come from this, and no profits.

"I do not know these "Ennin".  Tell me about them, and if it resembles something I have seen or heard of, I will tell you for no more than the price of this cup.  "Crow held up the drink Wynthaes had bought her.

Wynthaes's eyes widened when Crow mentioned people wanting to discuss things with him. But he relaxed considerably at her final words.

"The Ennin are exclusively of the monstrous races. I have not learned of a single human, elf, dwarf, or halfling member. And they take great pride in capturing the "pink" races as you call them. Although I've never heard anyone else use that term." He smiled and chuckled.

"They seem to truly hate humans and elves especially. Not that they won't take slaves of any race, they will. But they certainly prioritize humans and elves. Would you mind sharing the details of what you encountered? Possibly even telling me how to get where you went?"

Ash was leaned back in his chair (his favorite chair in the Den which he kept stashed behind the bar.  It had just the right curve to the carved back of the wood to hug his frame), his fingers hooked behind his head as he listened to the elf.  He sat forward suddenly, dropping his elbows to his knees, and focused a questioning eye on the thin being sitting in front of him. Wait, wait, wait. You’re tellin’ me that you are planning to find a slaver’s den, belonging to a slaving outfit of big, ugly meanies…and on your own, spaghetti arms and all, you’re gonna infiltrate and destroy it? You must have some awful keen powers in those wings, or you’ve got an army standing outside the door.  We went down one o’ those holes, barely got back out intact. And no offense, but even our scrawniest member is a hulk compared to you.

Ash leaned back in his chair, hands again behind his head, his favorite position of repose. Listen, I don’t mind tellin’ ya what we’ve seen.  There ain’t too much to tell, but there is some.  But I’m not the kind that would just point a fella in the direction of his certain death, either.  Not for nothing, at least. And I’ve got no reason to wish ill on you, friend.

Crow nearly got up halfway through the elf's description of these Ennin and did not manage to keep the sneer from poking around the edges of her lips.  Ash's dancing response gave her time to mitigate her feelings.  Those orphans had mainly been little piglets, and she would not wish what had been waiting for them on anyone.  That thought helped temper her response a little.

"The humans have been enslaving and oppressing since they learned to drag themselves from the mud that spawned them. Why do I care if a few enterprising folk get some payback and make some shine?"

She did care, though, for a reason that was baked into her bones.  Her people were created to be slaves to a "higher" race.  She despised the concept of it.  But she also was not in the business of trying to make the world a better place. Not much shine in that, except the sun glinting of pointless medals laid over a grave.

"You do not seem to mind if powerful kin want you dead.  Clearly, as you are in this city now.  But this ring you are asking about is potentially even more dangerous.  There are those affiliated with this group that could take the life drinkers and burn their fetid souls from their undead bodies.  Not good for you.  Yes? But, I think I might know of someone that could help you.  Be warned, they have their own motivation, and they will use you to their own ends more than you will use them.  But, they might be able to help you with these Ennins.  You want me to give them your name?"

Crow didn't know if Tyro would care about the slave ring or if his focus was solely on the Eye Tormentor, but it was the best lead she could give the elf.

Wynthaes was visibly frustrated at the lack of information he had gathered so far.

To Ash he answered, "Well all die. Only a few of us really live." He waited a moment then added. "Not my quote. But accurate. Does that mean you won't tell me anything about the location you supposedly found? Anything you could share would be better than nothing."

The winged elf listened to Crow and again, showed frustration on his face but nodded. "If you think they might be interested in helping me, yes. Please do."

He emphasized the word "they" indicating he felt this group had not aided him, but subtly so as not to directly offend.

Crow cocked her head to the side in that bird-like manner that she had... it looked like she was studying a worm she was about to eat.

"We did not see a slaver ring, nor any mention of this Ennin.  We did see a dungeon carved from Malachite being used by A slaver, a troll of unknown parentage.  See, we give you something.  Now your turn.  Yes?  If we tell you how to find this dungeon, what would you do?  Attack it?  There were many hobgoblins and creatures pulled from the abyss.  Do you have an army? 

Wynthaes leaned back and scrunched up his face in frustration. He looked around the room, not making eye contact with any of the three in front of him.

"Give you? I don't have anything to give you." The elf blew out a sigh of frustration.

"Yeah. I'll likely attack it. But I'm no git. I'll do my probing."

He met Ash, then Crow, then Kray's eyes and held their stares.

"So... You going to tell me where this place is?"

Crow smelled something off here.  But as she pondered it, she asked herself why she cared.  The gnome, showing a very pink underbelly, had been willing to throw dozens of children to slavery in the dark for a pet rat. The troll deserved whatever trouble he got.  This elf was welcome to die in the dark if it was his choice.  And, most importantly to Crow, the Eye had not cared that they were there to disrupt the Troll's operation and so would be very unlikely to care that Crow was giving up the location of the fortress,

"Your death is on your own hands.  You choose to follow these directions, you will die.  And your ghost cannot come to haunt me.  Yes?" She waited for the elf to nod before continuing.

"The slaver operates out of a fortress carved from a Malachite mine.  There must be many entrances, but we went through a secret door in a locksmith shop.   The door takes you to the home of some tricksome chameleons.  They will bar your way.  There is a price for them in letting anyone through, and they will not want to pay it again.  After that is an elevator to the fortress.  Hobgoblins infest the entire area. "

She eyed him, wondering what forces he had at his disposal. And again, wondered why she cared.

If he asked, she tells him the name of the locksmith.

Surprise was evident on the elf's face at Crows complete candor. He tentatively asked which locksmith and was even more surprised she told him.

"Thank... You..." He said slowly, eyeing the bird being before him.

"You said I didn't give you anything... What... Do you want from me, for this information...?"

Crow stood from the table, her lips curling into a slight sneer.  Not at the elf, but he might have taken it that way.  "When the slavers take you, tell them "a head for a head".  Yes?  Theirs hangs on a wall.." She pointed to the stuffed minotaur head hanging on the Den's wall. ..."They are welcome to visit when they like. "
This message was lightly edited by the player at 13:57, Fri 19 Apr.

Wynthaes leaned back, eyeing Crow. He couldn't determine if she was threatening him or trying to help him. Finally he laid a few silver coins on the table and nodded.

"Well. Thank you. I promise no one will know you gave me any information if I'm captured."

The elf stood, stretching his neck and flexing his wings without extending them.

"Be safe." Were his last words before heading for the door.

Crow said a low curse under her breath and then exited the Den after Wynthaes, much to Kray's surprise.  The little feather-ball followed her out and heard Crow all out to the would-be slaver-hunter.  Kray was close enough to here their conversation.

"I will help you, a little, more, but I need to understand something. There are many hobgoblins.  Traps.  Hellhounds. And savage demon-spawned dwarf with troll blood.   What army or powers do you possess that will allow you to take them all down?  You have done this before.  Yes?  You did not do it alone.  You ask us to help you with information.  You are keeping your own secrets.  Tell me, and I will help you get to the lift below. "

Kray saw Crow toss the silver coins back to the elf.  She didn't want the money, even if it had been gold.  She saw a puzzle piece and wanted to know where it fit.

Wynthaes looked uncomfortable as she returned the coins, then even more so at her offer for further aid. He pursed his lips in concentrated frustration and ran a hand through his long, brown hair. The eagle on his shoulder shifted so as not to lose its place.

"Full disclosure. I have no army. I have no special powers really. Other than druidic magic. I took down a group of these scum, as I shared, but it was FAR less defended than what you described. I ask nothing further if you. I'm going to do some research. I will gladly share everything with you I discover. Whatever that may be. I'm not sure what to do next, to be honest. Maybe there is another area I could hurt them without attacking the Malachite place..."

"The gnome will let you down below, but the natives are not friendly.  Just tell him the people who retrieved his pet sent you.  He has secrets he doesn't want let out, so don't take no for an answer.  If you do learn more about the ring, I would be interested to know.

The winged-elf tucked his wings in tight against his body, placed both his arms down at his sides then bowed low at the waist to Crow. After he straightened he nodded and added, "Thank you for your kindness and information. You have my word, anything I discover I will share with you."

Crow looked at the departing elf for a long minute as he disappeared into the dark between streetlamps.  Why had she even bothered to talk to him at all, much less follow him out here to help him more?  He was fool, on a fool's errand, and just going to end up being sold on the same block he was trying to sabotage.

She caught Kray examining her, dark eyes on an unusually unreadable face.  "Not a word.  I have no use for your jibes.  This town.  It does be a vampire.  Endlessly thirsty for blood.  I am getting tired of trying to slate that thirst.  Its never enough.  This city is is just fresh blood flowing over old bones.  Yes?"

Crow headed back into the tavern with an eye to see if the keep had something stronger than ale that was at least passible.