Claire smiled at Vasati. "Please. I'm very sure that our friends were not calling me a 'thing.'" She patted his shoulder. "They're negotiating about the Key. So let's all have a sip of wine and negotiate." She looked to the "insurance" men. "And there's no sense in you all standing around. As long as I'm here, this meeting is perfectly safe, but I can't eat all this delicious food myself. Please have some."

Smile. Defuse tension. Maybe play a little 'good cop.' The other side of the arrangement already knew Claire could freeze the entire Guild into statues, but that wasn't why she was here - and she figured threats really were superfluous right now.

Vasati lifted his hands from in front of his face and gripped the edge of the table, his fingers splayed wide.  Leaning forward as he was, it gave him a hulking, predatory appearance, the distinct impression of some hulking thing looking to pounce.  For a moment, he seemed both too small and far too vast within his form, the barest sensation of something almost impossibly enormous just under the surface, ever so slightly out of sync with this reality.

"Oh good!  We do understand one another then!"

He said through his teeth as his head tracked back and forth, his gaze catching everyone at the table.  Then he leaned back again, throwing his feet up on the table and waving one of his hands dismissively.

"I had been intending to hold onto the trinket for a little longer, a year and a day, as it is ever so useful.  But if things are truly quite so dire as you make them seem then I am more than willing to negotiate the possibility of surrendering possession of the dear thing here and now.  It was not my intention to show off..."  He lied, hopefully the worst lie he would utter that day.  "... but I wanted to ensure that you gentlemen understood that the world is changing, and is forever changed. The stories of old have faded, and now is the time for new legends and new songs.  The entrenched powers that be?  My do they get nervous when things change.  Unknown powers of unknown strength?"  He pantomimed shivering in fear.  "It is enough to make a person jumpy, even a king, even an empress, no?  Enough to make them rash.  Yet there there are so many changes upon the horizon, so many new powers rising.  I would be a fool to think that those gathered here are the only new legends walking about under the sun.  I would also be a fool to think all as familiar as what you have been blessed with here.  Some of them will not be so familiar, will they?  Some of them will not be so kind.  Some of them will be agents of chaos and destruction, seeking to crush and dominate all that they see below them.  Aren't we all glad that is not the powers that came first to your doorstep?  Instead, you get to sit at the table as equals and negotiate.  Indeed, let us give you something with which you are familiar, to try and understand this new world.  Negotiating with a thief."

He smirked, then lowered his feet to sit upright, rubbing his hands back and forth.  "As such, I will surrender possession of the Arch Key this very minute, rather than hold onto it for a year and a day as I had originally intended.  In return, I will be granted full journeyman status within the Guild, an equal seat at the table of leadership, and the assumption that all my guild dues are paid for now until all perpetuity.  My future endeavors will not be beholden to the Guild, yet are to operate under the Guild's full protection and with its full cooperation, with the mutual understanding that what is good for one must be good for all.  We should all stand to profit highly, from this mutual collaboration.  If we aren't, if one suffers while another prospers, we are doing it entirely wrong."

He looked about to see how his words were being taken.

"Second, when the Guild conducts its negotiations with the Good Doctor over the establishment of her new enterprise within the city, they will find themselves offering ludicrously generous terms."

Finally, his gaze fell on Claire.

"And third.... I'll admit I don't know what you want, I should have asked before we got here.  A new hat?  The services of the chef who prepared this feast?"

He made a little shrugging gesture, apologetic to a fault.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Thu 04 June 2020.

Claire smiled as she let Vasati talk. "I'm here at your request, Vasati, as a favor to a friend. I will have a strong ally in the local Guild, whatever happens. And someone to back me on more ventures in the future." She gave Vasati a brief nod.

"Though if the Guild knows anything about the leviathans or how to bring them down, I'd appreciate the word. I think we all like open sea lanes, and if the beasts start attacking my plans, I want to be better-prepared next time."

"I would argue that a poorly trained hound, however loyal it may be, is very dangerous for the man holding it's leash. But I do not wish to generate animosity hear, if you can vouch for the boy, I'm not gonna complain about it."

The messenger and the dealer looked at each other for a moment and gave a knowing look. They did not give any but the briefest looks between them, but the edge in the room seemed to lessen significantly.

"These demands seem very reasonable.

I know that you are a man who understands nuance and discretion, but it needs to be said. When it comes to contracts and agreements, things should be clear.

One of the reasons the thieves guild exists is to prevent earth-shattering thefts that destabilize the city. A little artistry to steal something amazing is one thing, but if say, a family lost all the money in a single raid, this would not be considered a guild sanctioned move. As I said, you are the sort of man who knows these things, but it must be said in an agreement, yes?

But we will not interfere in your activities otherwise, and will let you know if someone outside the guild is looking for you. You will be treated as one of us, without most of the responsibilities. Further, we will stipend you as a master, to discourage you from looting the powers that be, though it's very clear you don't need the money.

Consider this a gesture of respect. Informally, you will be considered the "master" of Shantytown. Perhaps this will be a more formal position later. There has not been enough revenue to justify such a title in the past, but I feel that this will change in the future.

As to your friend, I will make an offer right now. We will not interfere with your sales in shantytown, and will accept only a 1% cut for appearances for sales inside shantytown." (Normally the guild's cut is about 10)

Further, it will be known that you are a Bella Donna. Bella Signore and Bella Donna are titles we give to those who work with the guild and are important parts of our business. It is known that you are a person who needs to be respected in all of the cities... unofficial guilds.

If you wish to offer your product inside the inner city or exported, you will have to negotiate with others,but as a bella donna of shanty town, you will likely find your reception far warmer than it has been.

I'm afraid I do not know much abuot the leviathan. It costs trade, and that interferers with our profits. I will inquire, and I will acknowledge a personal favor to you, ma'am, if you need something done."

He looked over to his friend, who addressed Vasati.

"We should speak of WHERE you.. found the arch key, senior, and if you are willing to speak to the council on it. I will ensure you are well compensated of course, but my ability to reward you will be affected by the answers.

This is a conversation, however, we should have in confidence, as I suspect the answer will be very.. interesting.

But it appears we have reached an accord, we are as it is said, in the matter of details."

The dealer laughed: "That's usually the hardest part, my friend. But yes, I think we should toast this beginning to this.. opportunity."

Vasati looked to Plaga to make the decision on terms, as he didn't technically have the faintest idea what she actually wanted.  He made a great show of looking at his nails, and removing a nonexistent smudge from the collar of his magnificent cloak.

"Those terms suite me just fine, so long as they are agreeable to my companion here.  I have many things to discuss with you in private this afternoon, particularly the future of Shantytown under its new Master, and how my plans will best serve the interests of the Guild.  But for now?  A toast feels more than appropriate.  What a story this will all one day make!"

He reached for a glass and a jug of wine, pouring for himself and those assembled at the table.  He took special care to pour for each of the hired knives, filling their cups deeply.  When he was done, he raised his own goblet high.

"To a change in the tides, and the opportunities that come to those clever enough to see them!"

He said at last, his silver eyes burning as he stared the table down.

Plaga had much bigger ambitions than that, but out of what she expected to get from this conversation, those conditions were mighty pleasing. Specially considering that they were more of a gift than a deal, as nothing has been requested from her aside from the small cut of her earnings. That, granted, will likely surpass most of the 10% other dealers would have to pay as her bussiness expanded. A simple acknowledgment that her influence was to be reckoned with was good enough for the drugdealer.

"I'm pleased to hear about those conditions. I've been made aware that those that I consider under my protection have been suffering from attacks from other groups. If that was to continue, my hand would be forced. As a courtesy to you, I'll make sure to inform you through Mr Vasati of any actions that I may have to take against those that overstep their boundaries."

It was hard to say because of the mask she was wearing, but she definitely seemed to briefly look at the young man from before as she made her finishing statement.

The man said nothing, having been "shushed" earlier in the conversation by his.. employer? boss? It was hard to say.

The dealer considered for a moment. "I'll deal with this now. One word response, only, yes or no. Will the shellbacks cease their attacks on the cutters?"

The gang leader responded, and he looked very angry, though this was more directed at his boss than "Yes."

"Good. You are both in the guild's good graces now. Our new associate: no, our Bella Donna here, has expressed concern that you are a hothead. I think this is a misgiving. Prove me wrong."

Anger, but he said nothing.

"I know why you are angry, and I will make it up to you later. This I promise. We are good?"

He nodded.

"We should split up this evening. I suspect our friend must go and tell the other Shellbacks that the Cutters are no longer to be harassed. If there are any.. misunderstandings between your gangs, please report the issue to me."

He seemed to be talking to both Plaga and the leader of the Shellbacks. It was odd how no one seemed to be using names here.

The messenger spoke up. "Ah, this is about the new drugs in Shantytown. I was wondering about that. It's funny how unrelated events are interconnected in such unusual ways."

He looked over at Plaga "We should talk later. We might come to an arrangement. I have slightly different resources you may be interested in. Later tnough.

However, I need to have a rather private conversation with our friend regarding WHERE the key was acquired. Anyone unnessesary should not be present for that."

(He doesn't really mind if you insist on bringing others with you, but he doesn't want this to be overheard).



We should talk
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:33, Sun 07 June 2020.

Vasati rose, setting down his half consumed glass.

"I would be delighted to, though I will have some clarifying questions to ask before I reveal this valuable information that I apparently possess.  Did you have some place private in mind?""

"Of course. There is a small study for tobacco and brandy. I brought some acceptable vintages, but I must confess I am more partial to agave wine myself."

(I don't mind if the other PC's read OOC. It's just a conversation that would not happen around the regular guards).

Vasati moved to the side room, pulling out his own silver cigarillo case and lighting one with a flick of a match.  He offered the case to the Messenger, declining either brandy or cigars.  Indeed, the quality of his own tobacco left little be be disputed.  That on offer there may have been superior, but once one reached past certain price points, such things mattered less and less.

"Before I part with this evidently extremely valuable information, would you be so kind as to clarify just why it is so important?"

He said as he flourished his lit cigarillo, pausing only to take a long drag.

"I can see how such information might be destabilizing, given the precarious nature of things, and I would not wish to do undue harm."

He smiled tightly.

The messenger placed a small totem of silence on the table before continuing. Those who tried to scry or listen to them from a distance would have to use powerful magics indeed to listen to what they had to say.

He took a brief drink of his own beverage to cool his throat before speaking.

"That is commendable. But, I cannot answer clearly. It depends on what you say.

If the key happened to fall off the back of a boat and you recovered it from the bottom of the bay, the information is of little interest.

If the item was recovered from say, another city, we will deal with that threat, and you will be rewarded.

If it was someone in this city. That gets... complicated.

The correct thing for a group loyal to the city to do is to return the key to the council. Concealing possession of the key would result in recriminations and penalties for that particular citizen, or group.

I may have to offer you additional compensation for your testimony, or your silence if the information is dangerous to the city.. or my interests."

"Oh my."

Vasati said, rolling his lit cigarette between his fingers.

"In that case, I would be remise if I didn't inform you that buying my silence is absolutely your best option.  The information I have on where I acquired the Arch Key would shake the foundations of this city almost as much as my return did, and certainly in a way that is infinitely more noticeable.  I can be such a ghost, when I wish it.  My what a pickle does that put us in though.  Here I was hoping to demonstrate just how useful I could be, and now it turns out that in my attempts to impress I have gathered such dangerous secrets."

He didn't sound like a man who was particularly worried about the repercussions, he rarely did.

"What sorts of payment did you have in mind?"

The man nodded perceptibly but showed no other reaction.  He didn't sound disappointed or surprised by Vasati's statement.

"I was thinking of political favors, personally, since I suspect you don't need money.
There are a number of strings that I can tug on in this city.

Of course, it's value depends on what it is."

"Ah, to that."

Vasati took another long pull of his cigarillo, savoring the flavor as the ash burned down.

"That frankly gaudy display of wealth I opened up with the Good Doctor will be the last such venture I engage in for quite a while.  The idea was to make waves, not to capsize the ship.  Not all of us can open the curtains with a warship, and the summoning of a glacier. Given how precarious things are politically, you understand better than most how destabilizing to the regional economy such continued examples of wealth would be, if I truly spent without restraint."

Not local, regional.  He was making the full extent of his wealth abundantly clear.  He reached for one of the bottles of brandy, not pouring a glass, but giving it a long and luxurious sniff.

"As to what I want?  You will find my desires most compatible with the Guild's.  I do not even wish for you to extend your influence to the Nobles of this fair city on my behalf, the Guild will do more than adequately."

He set the bottle down, leaning in close.

"I am going to let you in on one of my secrets."

He whispered conspiratorially.

"How I am able to do so much of what is seemingly impossible.  This city is old beyond measure, and she guards her secrets carefully.  Yet for some of us, we know the trick of it, and those secrets unfurl like a midnight rose.  The sewers, catacombs, and under-city of Vincio Alla Sabia are.... unique.  Perhaps it is just a trick of the light, yet nothing ever seems to be in the same place twice.  Even the entrances are almost impossible to find, and through mortal labor or strange craft always seem to shift and change.  To call them Labyrinthine would be to describe  the wetness of a drop of rain within the ocean.  True, but hardly the point.  Yet to those with the right set of eyes, her secrets unravel."

He tapped just under his right eye.

"It is my intention to set up a market, a glorious market, an Endless Market, deep below the streets of Vincio Alla Sabia.  A place where, on the final night of each week, merchants from every walk of life may come to sell their wares free of judgement or fear of repercussion.  The location of this Market will change from week to week, and so I will require the Guild for many things.  It is to the Guild that my agents will come, the night before each Market, whispering of the many entrances that will only be open the next night.  It is my hope that the Guild makes sure that this information makes it to the right ears, so that all who might seek to trade, fence, and sell know where to be when the sun goes down, and that those who wish to buy know where to be at the stroke of midnight.  If the Guild wishes to charge a cut for this premium service, that is their prerogative, so long as they understand that their profits must not cut into the attendance of this Market.  It is to be a place where any one can come and purchase any thing, if it is within their means.  A beggar is possessed of much smaller means than a Noble, yet they are not without, and should find a home within the Market if they have a need.  Yes, that is it.  Any who have a need should be able to find their way there.  There, see?  Isn't that a lovely string for you to pull for my silence?  I great Market, where all who have a need may find what they seek."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:29, Mon 08 June 2020.

He was silent for more then a moment this time. He'd been given a fair chunk to consider. How would you take it that this was a thief who literally spoke to cities?

"So you have.. powers over the city? I am surprised the walls do not interfere. It was my understanding that most.. unusual abilities would be blocked by the walls."

As to your idea of the market, that is a very interesting proposition. Potentially, it sounds very lucrative. I will need a short time to work out the logistics with my specialists to see how we could do this.

We would not want interference from outside sources. The guild would keep thieves away, and most guards will look the other way below the captain level, but the houses could decide to interfere if they were offended.

I will see what my agents in the Montgiello are saying at the moment. Perhaps a few gifts or threats could help.

I will let you in on one of my secrets: I wish to extend my influence to the Nobles of this fair city, on my own behalf and for that of the guild. We have many contacts in the unions and guards, but the families themselves are largely opaque to guild influence.

With the correct information, certain groups that are more allied to our interests might achieve additional power. Hence, the other reason as to why I want the information on how you acquired this key.

Not as noble as 'the city needs to be protected' but power is how you accomplish your goals. Also, I do not mind admitting that I am an unrepentantly ambitious man."

Vasati threw back his head and laughed, the sound deep and genuine.  When he lowered his head, his eyes were filled with mirthful tears, and he spent a moment wiping them clear.

"My apologies, Signor.  I do not mean to give offense.  Rest assured that any who claim to have "powers" over a city as magnificent and vast as Vincio Alla Sabia are either a charlatan, a fool, or both.  No, no.  You are correct.  The wards are quite strong.  They protect her as they always have, and always will."

He extinguished his cigarillo, and immediately set about the intricate ritual of withdrawing and lighting up another one.

"When I was a much younger man, I had heard rumor and legend of the Estervault, the living heart of the city.  Have you heard the tale?  No?  Well I had.  I spent years searching for it, roaming about maze of sewers, necropolises, and tunnels where light never comes.  I got lost more times than I care to count, and am only standing before you now due to a willingness to survive and persevere through any hardship.  I will not speak too much of those times, but let me just say that the taste of raw rat is not something I am likely to forget any time soon.  It took me years, years of searching, but eventually I found it, the living, beating heart of Vincio Alla Sabia."

He was ecstatically gesticulating with the lit cigarillo, waving it about wildly as he told his tale.

"Had I been a fool, I would have sought to steal it.  I am a thief, am I not?  But neither you nor I can live without a heart, and both you and I would rip the throat out of any who tried to take our from us, would we not?  Ah Signor, indeed, we are survivors, you and I.  I was not a fool then, and I did not try and steal it.  Instead, I merely sat with it, deep within the city, and listened.  I do not know how long I sat within the Estervault, it felt like centuries, yet eventually understanding came to me.  None can command this beautiful city, she is too vast, too proud.  But with the right set of ears, one can hear the beating of her heart.  One can learn her secrets, and learn to navigate her ways.  There is no part of this city that is inaccessible to me, for it is all a part of her, and she shows me the way.  I understand her, and I have taught that secret to my whispers.  Oh, oh what a glorious secret it is."

He took his first drag, the cigarillo already a quarter burned due to his showmanship.

"And so I seek to create a Market where all may have a chance to profit and thrive within this glorious city.  A thriving Market for shrewd fences, talented thieves, honest merchants, and nefarious dealers.  But no slavers, that is my only rule.  I am not interested in the peddling of flesh.  Do this for me, Signor Messenger, see that my enterprise thrives, and you will have the story of who possessed the Arch Key."

He reached out a hand to shake, his personal sigil flaring briefly as he did so to seal the words.

"No offense is taken. Complacency is dangerous, as they say, and it is good to know the limitations of the defenses we possess. It is just surprising.

Those legends were not discussed much in my youth in my circles. But it sounds like something from the cities early days. Perhaps I will ask some arcivists about the legend.

As to your market, this will be established. I will warn, I cannot stop the major families from interfering. We will see what we can do to minimize their involvement or even get them on our side.

But I will talk to the right people about it and establish this market. You have my word."

"You will forgive me then if I also speak to our hosts of my plans?"

Vasati inquired, dancing the steps of politeness.

"While your family's influence over the Guild is extensive, and I would be a fool to not capitalize on a chance for a proper alliance of our interests, you understand that it is important that I vet this project through all the proper channels."

It was a statement, not a question.

"Particularly as I am to be inheriting the Mastery of Shantytown from him."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Propriety is important, after all."

If the Messenger made no noise of complaint, he excused himself and sought out the Dealer.

"I assure you, our mutual associate will be well taken care of. I would explain the uniquene aspects of this position." Said the messenger.

The Dealer returns with you so that the conversation can continue near the Messenger's idol.

The messenger starts out.

"Shantytown has, traditionally, not been a particularly sought after position.
The largest *taxes* are from the docks themselves. Theivery is done with bribes and missing crates there. There is no artistry. The guilds and families prevent any serious looting.

A few cons, pickpockets and jackrolls here and there, but this mostly targets outsiders. Most of these profits go to the guilds and the guards. We consider this a "price of doing business" in other areas where we can steal with greater artistry. It is understandable: Vissio needs commerce, after all."

The dealer continues.

"I am a man of simple pleasures these days. If someone wants to deal with the guild but cannot get into the city, I arrange things. I will continue to do so, as those in the city do not know you as they do me.

Otherwise, I enjoy my card games and a few dalliances within the temple, only rarely needing to have a few harsh words with a pickpocket who overstepped their boundries. I am not unhappy with this arrangement.

I will not be able to continue this."

The messenger took over.

"Now, with the drug export, your money, the new boat building contracts.. well, that will change things. Someone is going to have to help ensure that pure chaos doesn't reign with these developing markets.

The guild is allied, but there is still... healthy competition. Sometimes a nose must be bloodied. Our friend would not like that. He could do it, but he would not DESIRE to.

In short, shanty town did not NEED a guildmaster, but now this need has been created, so he will not mind you taking the role.

That is why our friend's position was honorary, and why he accepted. He's very level headed... these days" The messenger grinned, and the dealer shrugged. "So he will continue the same role as before unless you have an objection. Is this an accurate summation of the events?"

The dealer nodded "Just so. I've dealt enough death in my day. I prefer to stick to cards these days."

Of course, the underlying implication is that when shit goes sideways, you or someone you assign will have to deal with day today. But that's why they pay yuo the big bucks, right? And it looked like Plauga already had some inroads into that.

* - You realize he means Cant for petty theft. Interesting to hear a noble speak it, but you suppose it makes sense.

Vasati had let his cigarillo burn down, and actually hadn't bothered to replace it.  Instead, he listened enraptured to the Messenger's words, nodding along and tapping his knuckles on the table at key moments.  When he finished, he made the stub disappear with a bit of legerdemain and tilted his head to the side conspiratorially.

"It is my intention to improve Shantytown's reputation and status, unquestioningly.  Yet typically, to raise status one must take from another, no?  Luckily, I have already devised a way to do just such a thing without upsetting the powers that be, and discussed my plans with my new compatriot here.  It is my intent to establish within the depths of Shantytown a thing of wonder and of glory, an Endless Market for all manner of disreputable merchants, honorable thieves, the hard working fences may hock their wares.  Free of interference from those who might mean them ill.  A secret market, one whose location is not known until the very night that it is to be held, and whose entrances would only be told to the Guild that very day.  Do you see?  Good, good."

He laughed, reaching for another glass of wine.

"To that purpose, I need the names and locations of twelve trusted by the Guild within and about shanty town.  At the height of noon on the final day of each week, my whispers will seek them out.  To these trusted souls, they will pass the location of each of the twelve entrances.  At dusk, those who the Guild has vetted who wish to sell their wares may find passage at the first six.  At the stroke of midnight, any with a need should already have been told by the Guild where they are to go.  The final doors of six will be open for them then, that they may enter this beautiful Market and hunt for that which they truly desire.  Is such an idea not simply marvelous?"

He took a long and much savored sip of the wine, going so far as to close his eyes in his enjoyment.

A look of confusion appaered on the messenger's face.

"You mean you don't want to establish this WITHIN the city?

Certainly, Shantytown's economy will grow, but artisans inside the city, family staff, working professionals and scholars.. people with real moeny, will not attend a gathering in shanty town."

The dealer smiled

"Our companion is wise, I think.

If he were to run his market within the city, he would risk intervention of other powers. Would Vintoni, or The Prince not be annoyed? Possibly enough to bribe the guards? Would not the Mongiello faint into their overpriced wines?

Besides, I think there are more important things than money to our friend. He moves in ways that are not obvious to us, and has no shortage of capital."

The messenger stroked his bearded chin and considered.

"Your council is well-founded, as usual.

Sorry, for my assumptions. For most guild masters, making money is like breathing: if a guild master isn't increasing their take, they'll soon be dead. But you do not have the expenses or competition they have."

There was a huge unspoken YET in that last sentence.

Both made it clear that Vasati would have his list of names.

"My resources are not limitless."

He lied.

"I am merely possessed of an exceedingly rare talent for the theft of artifacts, and the many benefits that come with such a chosen profession.  The retrieval of the Arch Key was meant to be a demonstration of such.  Proof that my whispers are always looking, and that I have the skill and the expertise to make the impossible seem almost mundane."

He gestured to where the Arch Key still rested.

"Cultivating such a skill set requires and extremely eclectic set of interests, of which which Endless Market features highly.  My intent is for it to become a vital component of this city's underground.  Something that you are all exceedingly grateful for and richer for, even the high powers of Vincio Alla Sabia.  The Market itself will technically be held under the city, but for now, what entrances I will guide your people to will all be in Shantytown.  Do we have an accord?"

He reached out a hand to shake the Dealer's hand, as he had the Messenger's.

The messenger nods.

"Of course! It is al already agreed. The details can be worked out.
We will arrange the promotion of this market.

So long as the guild gets it's usual cut, this will be encouraged. When you... construct additional entrances, I will help convince the guildmasters for these areas that you should be negotiated with faily. A small cut suffice.

I cannot guarantee non-interference from other parties, but it is in both our best interests for this to work."

Vasati grinned.

"Oh, I hope they do, once we start to make a name for ourselves.  But for now, I thank you for your discretion.  Good day, Signors.

And with that, he gathered what companions of his remained and left.  He had much to do, but to do it, he needed to return home.  He needed the all to familiar, and yet utterly alien walls of the Estervault.