You are brought through a corridor to a "meditation chamber". A few sailors and a man in the suit are being walked down the hall, their eyes glassy.

The chamber itself is a wooden room that looks like it was not built with the rest of the monastery. It's a small stone alcove that's been closed from the other corridors. The wood work is non-decorative, but was created with careful carpentry to make it functionally soundproof.

The door leads into a stone chamber that's utterly austere, completely without decoration. The floor has baffling so that not even the slightest sound of the odd music reaches this place. There's no scent, either, which is an interesting and difficult goal to acomplish in a small room such as this that's supposedly used as a drug den. A small lantern provides the light in this place, mostly centered around a table.

A monk sits at the center of the table. As the door opens, he swivels around to face you like there's been a gunshot. After a moment, he calms himself. He speaks slowly, but it sounds almost as though he's forcing himself to remain calm. "I am brother Silence. Please come in, and sit."" The woman from earlier leaves, and two monk guards wait outside.

It's a little cosier than you'd like, but at least there isn't much chance of people listening in here.

It was impossible to tell, but behind the mask, Plaga's lips twisted into a smile.

"An interesting proposal. Let's keep together when we are done here then, Vasati".

Upon entering the room, Plaga takes a seat, facing Silence.

"I greet you, brother Silence. You may have heard of me already, as I go by "The Doctor of Death", a name that is surely becoming popular among gossipers. I'd be direct with you: I wish for The Saints to work for me. I'll soon take over the market, and my influence will extend quickly within the city. The cutters already took my deal, and i believe they would agree that things are looking bright for their future. This is as much an offer as it is a warning. If you were to decline, then you should start preparing for what's coming. It won't be easy to resist me, that i can assure you. I won't take long to have the favor of the guild, and the shellbacks will soon follow aswell. I hope I was taken seriously, and you are someone with a position high enough to be able to give me a clear answer. I'd be mildly upset if my time was wasted with this meeting. In any case...".

Plaga reaches into her cape, and with a swift motion produces a little leather bag, which she gives to Silence. The contents were not the same she had offered to the cutters, but it was a crimson powder, that was reminiscent of spices from The Oasis States.

"Have a taste".

Plaga made a motion as if she dipped her finger into something and took it to her mouth. If Silence or some of his fellow monks were to taste it, they will notice nothing for about 5 minutes. And then it would kick. Every muscle in their body would relax, and any stress or tiredness will fade away, a comforting slumber taking over them. With just a pinch of it, the effect wouldn't be strong enough to have them pass out, but their judgement will likely get clouded for it.

Vasati stayed quiet, watching the exchange play out.  He had no cards to play then and there, and so he kept his hand close to his heart.

He held his suddenly throbbing temples at the tension in the room.

"Please. Desist.

I thought I was sampling and buying product for our faithful."

"I will summon one of our most senior brethren for you who is suited to dealing with.... this."

He rose to leave, moving very slowly and carefully, stopping at the door.

"I would.. caution you against this tone. You are, from what I understand, quite talented. I will pray God blesses you with safety and wisdom."

There is a brief interlude between his departure and the arrival of a more senior monk.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:59, Fri 16 Nov 2018.

Plaga sighs as Silence exits the room. She had quickly lost interest in negotiating with The Saints. But she couldn't just leave now, that would be most impolite.

When the senior monk arrived, she introduced herself again.

"Greetings. I'm the one they call Doctor of Death. I have apparently offended your... younger brother. However, instead of an explication i got a warning and a new host, as I see here. My product is still here, if you wish to taste it for yourself. I'll repeat myself, at risk at offending you aswell: My intent is not to be a dealer for your group. I have greater ambitions, and I think us cooperating is better than a simple dealership. I'll stress it to make myself clear: I do NOT look for a buyer. I can get plenty of those myself. What I'm looking for is people willing to aid in the growth of my organization. And, from the tone of Brother Silence, i inferred a threat. As so, before anyone here makes an unfixable mistake, i advice against antagonizing me. I may be restrained here, but I'm not working alone. Perhaps it's a needless warning, but I think it's better to be cautious, considering the treatment i'm recieving. If you have no interest in what i offer, say it plainly and I'll leave without a fuss. Remaining here is a waste of both of our times if my offer doesn't interest you, i'm not willing to negotiate anything else".
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:24, Fri 16 Nov 2018.

Two monks game in this time. One really was a shaggy haired senior monk - 60 at least, though he looked to be in good health. The other was a far younger, huger and crazier looking woman. Her eyes reminded her a bit of Kanua. The woman's robes were modified to leave her impressive arms bare, and they were covered in tattoos and religious iconography.

She remained silent, impassive, and angry, large nostrils flaring. She s

He just smirked. "Really? You'll have to forgive Brother Silence. He tries new blessings on a light does of Nower. It makes him very good at sniffing out impurities.. and also makes him rather excitable.

But my manners. My name is Brother Ras. This is sister Kn'ohpe. You see, Brother Silence got the ridiculous idea that YOU'D come in here to take over everything, said that you were warning us you we wouldn't be able to resist you, that you had friends in powerful places, that sort of thing."

He laughed and took a smoke from his pipe.

"Now that would be ridiculous. Who would try and convince a humble monastery such as ours about taking over the trade? The cutters, bless their youthful hearts, are a street gang. We are a religious order. We're not concerned with temporal matters, but attempting to understand God through certain experiences.

We'll serve council members, guardsmen, guild staff or street merchants. I think we have some downstairs right now, and operate as a legitimate business with a city charter. No, I'm afraid there's been a miscommunication here. Why don't we take one of God's blessings to reduce the tension?"

Kn'ohpe remained angry and impassive. Ras removed a pipe from his jacket, lit it, and passed it around the table to any who would partake of it, before smoking himself. Kn'ohpe took a polite toke, but doesn't exactly look happy about it.

"Not that you aren't welcome here, or that you might gain temporal aim with a degree of co-operation. You should join as a member, or at least take a complementary evening to see what we do here. Perhaps you could speak to some of our other members, if nothing else, who may help you gain what you seek.

We'd be happy to compensate you for the evening so you can understand us better. It's the least we can do to defuse this.. misunderstanding. And if you still feel slightest afterwards, well, keep in mind, we won't oppose you 'taking over'. It's not our place. So long as the blessings are readily available, and seekers are welcome, well, if you take over the shanty town, want to run it better, that's fine."

He pauses to take another drag of his pipe and gauge a response.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:57, Sat 17 Nov 2018.

"Good Doctor..."

Vasati intervened, taking a long and satisfied hit of the pipe as it passed and then passing it along.

"... I know that my presence here is not a surprise to all, quite the opposite in fact, as I am an unknown factor.  No reputation proceeds me that I am aware of.  That does not mean I am unfamiliar with this city, or its innermost workings.  Quite the contrary.  In fact I think you will find that there are few more informed than I, as time passes.  As the Senior Monks here have done their best to explain, the Saint's are a neutral organization when it comes to the various factions at play here in the city, honored and respected by all.  My apologies if you have been misinformed, and if such was the case then I think we do indeed have much to talk about when your business here is concluded, but they do not take sides.  They have refused offers from many well established institutions and organizations, prestigious guilds and merchant houses..."

That word was emphasized, its meaning clear.

"... all have been politely but firmly declined.  It is simply not how they operate.  I think you will find that they are as intractable in their unwillingness to negotiate the matter as you are."

He was playing peacemaker, but he wasn't sure it was going to be heard.

"That is not to say they are without powerful allies.  They are a venerated institution within this city, and can call on many friends should the need arise.  Any looking to cause trouble for these esteemed monks without friends in many important places would quickly find themselves... well... it would be a fairly one sided conflict."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Fri 16 Nov 2018.

Plaga slid her mask slightly sideways, bringing the pipe to her mouth and breathing in the smoke. This was merely a formality for her hosts, as she didn't let the drug affect her judgement. There was a long, tense silence before Plaga spoke up again, but she was surprisingly humble, given her initial approach.

"I must apologize. Not for what i've said, but because of my ignorance to your order. My customs are different to those of your people, and so is my way to do bussiness. But that is not excuse. I said what i said, and I'm not willing to deny it. I take back my warning. I clealry misjudged The Saints, and acted imprudently. I'll kindly take your offer, about instructing myself about how things work here. Perhaps once I get rid of my ignorance, we may strike a deal that will please both partida."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Sat 17 Nov 2018.

Ras shrugged. "It's forgotten. Sometimes one must be resolute. We can certainly appreciate that. "

You are both shown around and given the "tour" by Raz. As you leave, you notice that there are about 20 monks, some concealing weaponry, outside the sell. Ras waves them off, quickly, reduced to K'noeph and another single bodyguard.

Essentially, it's a brothel and drug den, but with religious significance attached, elevated, in fact, to practically being a sacrament. No wonder the church absolutely hates this group. You are shown some of the out of use rooms by Ras.

The "penetence cells" are a little terrifying at first, filled with whips and chains and a variety of objects that look like they belong in a Lomite inquisition office or some church torturer. The floor has a slight red tinge.

"Oh, it's red paint, for atmosphere. Any blood, from say the whip, is incidental and minor bleeding. Participation is entirely voluntary, of course, and the tools do not do permenent harm in expert hands. And of course, all the monks who use this chamber must be."

The "prayer chambers" are essentially bordellos, only they start with a confessional style set up, built into what must have been novice initiate chambers at one point. They are quite spartan.

"Our least popular feature. We also cater to clients who arrange private trysts."

The "meditation chambers" are drug dens. The one you are shown is a stark contrast to the one you were negotiating in a few minutes ago. Where it was spartan and dark, this one is lit intensely, and the walls are covered in reproductions of Vissio's most famous religious art.

"Each chamber is devoted to a particular experience. The one you were in was for Nower, a sense enhancing drug. This is for experiencing religious visions from hallucinations." He ran his hands over the relief. It's quite a striking mix, and must be overwhelming when under the influence of hallucinogenics. "Brother Silence did most of the work. It took three years to get this chamber right. Under the influence of nower, he can do fantastic detail work when he's coming down. He's quite good, wouldn't you say?"

There are sections devoted to baths and laundry of course, and we occasionally have feasts in the 'vineyard'. Grapes don't grow in this land, of course. We normally keep a variety of blessings growing that require little maintenance. It's also where we maintain a small area for achieving religious bliss through martial confrontation. We don't talk much about that, though. We also hold some festivals for staff on particulalry holy days, but I'm afraid right now thre's not much going on tonight in the vineyard, tonight."

The 'tour' of the vineyard is simply to view it through a second story courtyard. The ground is indeed far too scrabbly for grapes. The vineyard is still totally closed off to the public due to the high walls though, and there's a variety of plants growing wild across the grounds. You are welcome to see it, of course if you really wish.

He takes you back around to the main part of the building by the entrance you came in. It looks essentially like an oversized pub, only with very good construction and a truly bizarre crosssection of humanity.. and is that a damned Autocossack in the corner?! The place has a large number of people for a "quiet" night.

"This is the heart of our order. Here is the 'public room' and the'mass' halls.

In the public room, members and guests gather to enjoy tamer experiences and engage in philosophy with our monks... or each other if they wish. This is an area as much as any for guests to "recover" between experiences, but some of our members enjoy it so much they seldom visit other areas. Hard drugs and open nudity is discouraged here.

There are smaller more private sections as well for private discussions."

As he does so, a monk leads a hooded guest away to another room, hand in hand.

"Beyond that door is the room for Mass. It is quite.. intense. Non-participants are generally not permitted in the mass room: we have found that it breaks the  atmosphere conductive to the religious experience.  I believe tonight it is a mixed company event, and the sacrament is some silver acquired a few days ago from the cutters. There is also a crash room and infirmary, regrettably sometimes needed."...

It all sort of blurs together after a while. However, the advantages of the public areas for discussion is obvious: no guards are permitted in here. You get the idea that a lot of underworld dealings have been brokered in the private alcoves for meetings.

Vasati's grey eyes flashed from room to room, chamber to chamber, his expression one of barely constrained delight.

"This is fantastic!"

He said, his motions still somber and calm despite the joy in his deep basso voice.

"Dear Doctor of Death, I'd be curious what your plans are now that you have a better idea of what you are dealing with here? I have many of my own schemes in mind, but given what I've seen so far I think my own goals might be best served in helping yours. I'll lay it all out on the table once we've got a little privacy."

He looked to the monks at that and winked.

"No sense in asking you your plans and keeping my own close to the chest, that would be pointless and rude."

He laughed a little, running a hand through his hair.

"Speaking of.  Brother Ras, would you be so kind as to help a man out with a little of the formality here?  If I spot someone who I'm looking to do some business with here, how rude is it for me to approach?  How do I keep things diplomatic?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Sat 17 Nov 2018.

"It takes a little getting used to.

If someone is in this section of the monastery you may approach them.

If they are incognito, any kind of mask, do not say their name out loud. Most have a nickname they use while here that their friends will pick up. This applies even if it's obvious who they really are.. after all, masks are all one wears in some masses."

He doesn't grin or smirk as he says this. To him, it's quite serious.

"Outside of the public area or certain group events, it's generally impolite to approach someone, as they are usually seeking a private experience. If someone doesn't want to talk to you, you don't. And obviously, asking personal questions unwarranted is a gross violation of the principles here.".

He looks slightly strained as he says the next part.

"However.. WE know who comes here, and our overall goal is the happiness and fulfillment of our members and guests. So, should it be very important that someone contact one of our members for a meeting, we can arrange that.

On occasion, some of our lay brothers, when presented with a problem from a member,  have taken it upon themselves to  believe a certain member of the flock may be able to help them with. "

Vasati clapped their hands together and began rubbing them rapidly.

"I love it."

He added enthusiastically.

"Doctor, typically I'd be abashed to not know the answer to a question, but this seems like your area of expertise.  What's Silver?"

Plaga listened attentively to the explanations given during the tour, but aside from the occasional comment she didn't interrupt their host.

"To be completely honest, I'm not quite sure. The street names for the drugs around this parts are different from the ones where I used to operate. If I had to guess, it would be another name for 'Pearl'. Or as I know it, 'Silver Petals'".

"Excellent."

Vasati steepled his fingers together.

"Brother Ras, when The Doctor of Death has concluded her business with you, I believe the two of us will require a private room.  There is so much to discuss!"

"Of course. If that is what you wish. I'll confess, I'm not terribly sure who you are, but I somehow suspect you are a person of interest to our humble monastery. Perhaps this meeting was ordained."

The larger monk makes a light respectful nod to Ras.

"I'm afraid I have an appointment that I must attend to for about an hour or so. As I said, you are welcome to attend services tonight. Consider yourselves guests of the monastery."

You have the run of the place for the evening.

After taking one of the rooms (presumably lead to an available one by the monks after requesting it), Plaga finds a seat to make herself comfortable. This is done more out of custom than need, as she has become untirable after her resurrection.

"So, Vasati. You seem rather keen on talking about bussiness with me. Perhaps I have intrigued you in some way?"

The man looped his thumbs through the pockets of his jacket, easing back into the seat and letting whatever herb he'd smoked earlier take effect.

"If the front desk is impressed by your wares, that means you've got some seriously good product."

He said in confirmation, though it wasn't a strict acknowledgement.

"You certainly tried to make some waves with the monks, so I'm guessing you've got some pull.  But I don't know you, I haven't heard about you.  Trust me when I say this.  I hear about everyone.  If you were a mover and shaker, I'd know you."

He tapped his earlobe with two fingers.

"Which means... either you're very new here, or this is all an elaborate con."

He threw is arms out wide and swirled both his hands about theatrically, encompassing the entirety of the doctor.

"If it's the former, and your wares are as good as the front desk thinks they are?  Well, I want to be the one introducing you to this fair city.  The sort of operation you're talking is going to attract attention, and while you seem the confident sort, confidence without eyes and ears is a sure way to make a whole bunch of powerful enemies.  Success is enough to earn them too, but you back up that success with solid intelligence and no one is gonna be able to do anything about it."

A mirthful smile was resting on his face.

"If all this is a confidence trick?  Well then Signora?  You are an artist, and I want to be a part of that as well."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:13, Thu 22 Nov 2018.

"It's an interesting proposal. You were right with one of your assumptions: I am indeed a new arrival to town. I could certainly use the intel, but there is a major flaw in your plan: I have no reason to trust you. Or you to trust me. You have made the slip, whether intentional or not, of mentioning you are inclined to the art of deception. How should I know that you will not lie to me, instead of for my sake? I could easily prove the quality of my products right now, if you wished to. What proof do you have to offer in return, Mr Vasati? Can you offer me truthful information in exchange for the proof i offer?"

Something seemed odd about Plaga's choice of words, but other than that the Doctor appeared to be genuine on her intentions.

Vasati settled in, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a hand rolled cigarette.  He lit it on one of the table's candles, taking a deep and satisfied puff.  Plaga detected tobacco, but little else, within the cloud of smoke that emerged.

"You'd be a fool to trust me,  Signora.  One can never truly trust a thief, after all.  If I am anything, I am that.  Perhaps I am the one who is the player of confidence games, no?  So what is one to do with a thief offering gifts?  Take them, of course, but take them in such a way that one is protected from any fallout that might arise should said gifts come with their very angry previous owners attached.  One must be a fence with them, something I do not doubt you are comfortable with."

He chuckled, throwing one hand behind his head, and holding the rolled piece of lit paper between finger and thumb with the other.

"So, I offer you some of what I know freely.  If it proves useful to you, maybe you come and ask for more?  Cautiously of course, so that you don't over expose yourself on any front.  In many ways, your interactions with me will be similar to your interactions with the guild.  That will only grow, as time passes, particularly if I am able to achieve my own ends.  So, with that in mind.  What is it you wish to know?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:36, Thu 22 Nov 2018.

Plaga adjusted her position on her seat, clearly amused by the exchange.

"Very well, then. Let me start with an easy one. What is the Guild's biggest weakness?"

In truth, Plaga had no interest on defying the Guild. The question had two objectives.
The first one was to check if the rooms were truly private. She had not to fear the guild's investigation, as she did not plan to conspire against it in truth, and becoming a target of said investigation could mean that the private rooms of The Saints weren't as private, making the order a big hoarde full of valuable information.
The second objective was to judge Vasati in a variety of ways. Would he be surprised at the question? Would he take an aggressive stance? Would he comply? Or perhaps, would he figure out Plaga's true intentions when making that question? Grinning behind her mask, Plaga's hidden eyes carefully observed every detail of Vasati's movements. He was a book hard to read, no doubt, but perhaps she could decipher the man. And if not, then that would only make him more interesting to her.

Vasati scrunched up his eyebrows.

"That's a rather subjective question, isn't it?"

He took a hit of his cigarette, then began waving it about as if to illustrate each point.

"You could argue that their lack of council representation is a major flaw, or the fact that any territory outside of the turf they already control is cut off to them by the great houses.  Neither of those are necessarily exploitable weaknesses though, more design flaws in their organization as it relates to the major powers around them.  Except...."

He paused for a moment, thinking.

"If I had to say their biggest weakness?  I'd say that any great house who wanted them could have them in a day by offering an alliance.  It wouldn't even have to be a good offer, as long as they made it to the right guild bosses.  Being locked out of any opportunity for expansion?  They're desperate for even of a glimmer of a chance."

Plaga nods slowly, taking in the information. It didn't seem like Vasati was being dishonest, but she couldn't tell if that was all he knew or if there was more to it.

"You seem to know some of what goes on in this place. I suppose it's my turn to show I'm serious about my bussiness."

Plaga bring a small pouch out of their cape, similar to the one Vasati saw before, and slides it towards him.

"You may test it or take it to someone you trust to analyze it. Either way, you will learn if I'm boasting or my product is really THAT good."

Vasati pocketed the pouch, making it vanish with a showman's flourish, but didn't ingest any.

"What sort of high should I be looking forward to tonight?"

He said, though he hadn't actually committed to taking it himself.  He probably would, if he was honest with himself, but the doctor didn't need to know that.

"Woman with that sort of confidence, that sort of product?  You're going to have the guild all up in your business.  Not necessarily a bad thing, they can be an important business partner and ally if you've got the mindset for it, but given your earlier speech I imagine you're going to be pushing for a little more independence than that.  I have a proposal for you then, if you're interested.  Guild feels safer when they have an inside man on any new operation, I'd like to be that man for both them and you.  Slip them just enough to keep them happy, while not actually revealing anything that might put your growing business in harm's way.  Give you a chance to really establish your power base free of interference, so that you can truly be the master of your own destiny."

He brushed his hair out of his eyes, enjoying himself.

"How are you doing on capital, by the way?  I'm going to take it on good faith right now that the product is good, but establishing yourself in any market takes some pretty hefty initial buy in.  Gold, not drugs.  Do you have the gold on hand to get your initial supply chains up and running?  If not, I'd be open to discussing me investing much more heavily in your operation than just playing the role of 'double crossing informant'.  Not like that alone isn't fun, but I didn't get where I am today by letting opportunities pass me by."

Plaga's body language seem to indicate she is very interested on the proposal, as she reaccomodates on her seat.

"That sounds too good to be true. I am indeed not at my best regarding funds. And while I have my ways to keep the product coming, some amount of gold to kickstart the project would be perfect for my bussiness. After all, my men won't work if they don't eat. A good standing with the guild is invaluable aswell, if half of what i heard about them is true."

"I take it you won't do such a favor out of the kindness of your heart. And perhaps I'm misjudging here, but you don't strike me as one to have a lust for gold, or drugs. So, what is it that you seek Vasati? What do you hope to win with this alliance?"

"Connections."

He dragged the word out, luxuriating on it even.

"While this city has been my home for a very long time, and my roots to it grow deep, I have been away for far too long.  My name doesn't carry any of the weight it once did, and many of my former allies have forgotten about me entirely.  I still have my fingers to the pulse of the street, every corner still holds my little whispers, and they came back into the fold ever so quickly.  But those are minor things, easily bought, I don't have the ins with the major players like I once did."

He stared long and hard at Plaga.

"You're right, money is no object.  I have enough wealth hoarded away that I'll never need know want.  I could buy myself status, title, and all the friends I could ever want a hundred times over.  There is no prize in that though, no thrill.  It would be terribly dull.   So much better to build it myself from the ground up, or wrest it from others..."

His fingers clutched the edge of the table at that, knuckles going white with eagerness.

"... and make it my own.  Why the desire for theft, you may ask?  It is not an instinct that makes me a particularly trustworthy ally, if one were skeptical.  If I am so eager for allies, why not reach out with my wealth to the heights of power and buy a seat at the table?  It's simple, really.  Deep seated powers don't like to share, they are too worried about losing what they have.  I don't have that problem.  Connections require trust, and nothing builds trust quite like a beginning together.  Starting from the bottom and reaching the throne together, as it were.  So, I have a dichotomy in front of me, a choice to make with every major new player I encounter.  Are they a powerful potential connection to be cherished and nurtured?  Or are they an established power to be stolen and claimed?  You are ever so obviously the former.  The guild?"

He let that hang in the air unspoken.