Technically, the docks and the farms and fisheries and shanty towns are all a part of the city, but it's what goes on inside the inner walls that MAKE it a Vissian city.

The houses are practically build on top of one another, with clay tiled roofs in lairs as the stone houses are piled atop one another, some times with wood scaffolding and stairs to go between the levels. Tiny closes and alleys wind between the streets as well. The entire area is crowded and confused in most areas where most people live .

Those buildings that aren't stacked on top of one other in a ramshackle manner are reserved for the wealthy and important buildnigs: a few major churches, and the houses of the families, and of course, a few of the guilds that cannot hope to operate in tight confines. They even have careful fences to keep others out, and hired guards.

Visible even from near the gate is the hall of the council, where decisions are made (when the council members aren't tearing each other's throats out) the cathedral of the one, and the collegium. While this is one of the few Vissian cities that doesn't have a full fledged university, there are a number of academies that teach a wide range of subjects to the children of nobles, the well to do and a few lucky and talented students chosen on merit.

Scholar finds himself escorted to the bank, where introductions are made and money is deposited.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:13, Thu 11 June 2020.

The details are worked out. The money is thoroughly tested chemically and by weight, and eventually a deal is made out. The interest for a non-fixed short term deposit is quite low, but that was never the point.

It gets their attention, and that's what you needed. When you say what you want, whispers and introductions are made. It takes about three hours (pleasantly spent in the merchant district enjoying the markets). Argent orders a coffee, and is quite pleased by it.

Eventually, you go through a few layers of higher ranked family members, until you find yourself at a table with three high ranking members in their estate. A quiet young man and a middle aged heavyset fellow with a peppery beard seem to be your negotiators, with the young man sitting at his right offering advice. An older woman in pure white robes to their left remains silent throughout the proceedings, but is treated with deference by the servants (who have supplied various refreshments.

The middle aged one does the talking.

"So, I understand you wish to speak to the Lorenzi family about more weighty matters than a bank deposit. We were told your crew contained one of the fey, and an automoton, in a vessel that defies all shipbuilding logic.

The young one whispers something to the older, then sits back, smiling.

"Also, it looks like your money comes from the Isle of Bargains. That certainly has our attention."

Increase knitted his fingers together as he began to speak.

"All of these statements are correct. My allies and I made a considerably lucrative arrangement with Lasier before our departure. The ship, and its design however, rest solely with myself."

He allowed that statement to hang in the air as he gauged their responses.

"As for the matter at hand I would like to propose an exchange of sorts. You see I have a very broad set of skills, skills that mundane men cannot hope to replicate. In exchange for assisting House Lorenzi in some matter I would like your bid of support in appeal to the Council."

Some raised eyebrows from all but the impassive woman.

"Oh ho! The council! You are bold. And to come away with MORE money from Mr. Laiser is a rare occurrence indeed."

The others are impassive as Earnesto continues.

"I am not an expert in shipbuilding, but I was told your design was quite impossible, except perhaps in the bright republic. Most interesting.

We have a few matters that require attention. The council has more, of course. Things never end with them.

You have my attention, but I do not know much of your abilities. Our primary concerns are fisheries and banking, as you may know. If you can think of any way to aid with those industries I would be quite interested to hear it. Though our ability to outlay capital is limited."

"If you or your crew are great heroes, explorers and warriors, well, that's a different story entirely. There are always jobs available that I would not trust to many."

Increase considered his options for a silent moment.

"I would say that my allies possess a broad variety of skills, each of them more capable than 10 or more of the same profession. However, I am inclined to still my tongue for the moment. When such a time as their abilities are revealed we can discuss those tasks in detail."

A panning glance showed that he was finished with that particular line of conversation.

"As for the ship and my own abilities I am willing to part with the design for appropriate compensation. I am also willing to oversee the construction of lesser vessels in mass. It is not an overstatement to claim that I am easily faster than 10 shipwrights and can work for a fraction of the cost and materials."

The reality was that he was faster than 1000 shipwrights but it was unlikely that they would believe such a thing. Best to reduce by magnitudes and prove himself more capable than reveal his true power and draw suspicion.

"That would save us a fair bit of money. We can hire you on as an agent, or give you a contract. Either way, you will be well paid, but we would request exclusivity"

There is a short whisper between the men, and the woman whispers something else. Argent takes the opportunity to whisper in yours.

"If you want them to consider a council meet, you'll want to play up more. Something off about the young one.." Argent trails off.

After a few moments, Ernesto Lorenzi speaks up.

"It's hard to make a fair offer when you don't know what's on the table. Harder still to know what services you can provide. I can't help but consider that you are.. understating your abilities."

The robed one smiles.

"We do have some problems that we'd like to get rid of, of a supernatural persuasion. I'm getting the idea that you are not being.. honest with the extent of your abilities.

If that's not on the table, I don't know what we can do about the council meet. We'll be happy to write up a contract or hire you long term though as an agent."

Ernesto says affably.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:09, Mon 05 Nov 2018.

Increase took a hard glance at Ernesto and held it for a silent moment that was beyond the duration of decency. Then he spoke.

"I see."

He looked to the others gathered before him.

"Is his opinion shared with the rest of you gathered?"

Knowing the nature of noble houses it was unlikely that they would speak against their own in front of a commoner.

"So be it. Tell me of your supernatural issue and I will ensure that it is no longer so. Then we will negotiate the terms of our exclusive contract and an audience arranged with the Council."

"He is the head of the family. It is his opinion which matters." Said the younger one, in careful measured tones.

The robed woman's face was impassive. Ernesto nodded.

Argent's head twitched slightly, as though he recognized the voice, but he said nothing, and he quickly turned his face into a blank state.

After an awkward pause, Ernesto shrugged.

"Well said. I value the judgement of my family, but on this, we are in agreement.

To be clear, it was not our attempt to be insulting: we Alfonzi have a reputation for blunt, simple statement of fact. We deal with fishermen a great deal, of course.

Please do not take our position as insulting: it could take days for a minor family head, captain of the guard or even a guild head to address the council. I am on the council, and my time to address it is extremely limited. Embarrassment to the council could cost my family, and even the city, greatly."

The younger man hid a sigh. The mage, again, remained impassive.

"For nearly six months, we have lost an absurd number of fishing ships. A few always vanish, but after losing five times as many ships, with no wreckage spotted, we began to become quite concerned and scrambled the watch and began scrying the harbor, and combing the beaches for wreckage.

We have found nothing, and more and more ships keep vanishing without a trace.

We have ruled out all sensible causes. Desertion was unlikely - these are mostly good, family men. The vessels make no sense for piracy: pirates would not bother specifically targeting fisher vessels and leave even small traders alone, and we have sent out patrol craft and they spotted nothing unusual. Pirates who attacked this close to the city would usually offer ransom, at least. The weather has not been unusual other than that earthquake a few weeks ago.

We found no wreckage or bodies, and made sure to sweep the usual riff raff for stolen hulls - nothing has been found, even when scrying. As a naval man yourself, I'm sure you realize how absurd that is. Nearly 40 hulls have been lost, and the currents would carry some of that towards the shore.

Decent sized trade ships are not struck, nor patrol vessels. Only the deep sea fishing vessels have been attacked. Or at least, I am presuming they are, since we've no evidence to account for it.  We did find a keel plate of one of the missing ships, once, up against one of the city's furthest island forts. Sympathetic magic to find the other remains of the vessel completely failed. It has either been warded or utterly destroyed without wreckage. I'm not sure what could do that so consistently.

These attacks must stop. In addition to the loss of our citizens, the cities very food supply is threatened, as is our trade, not to mention a large segment of my houses's cash as we underwrite many of these vessels.

If you stop the attacks, I will pay you a large amount of money and enable you to meet the council. If you are somehow able to recover some portion of the men and boats, I will award you a sizable salvage fee. Hell, if you just find out what in God's name is going on, I'll make sure you are well compensated at least."

He was clearly very upset about this, though it wasn't entirely certain if this was due to his own financial loss, his family's loss of prestige, or the loss of lives. Of course, altrustic Vissio merchant head was practically an oxymoron.

"If you have have questions, or thought of some more reasonable explanation to what is happening, feel free to present it, though I warn you we've gone over this with in some detail. If there was a simple explanation for this, one of us would have found it."

He shrugged.

"And if you don't think that's within your ability, I understand. We can just make an arrangement for the ships if you'd prefer."

The situation was most troubling but it was likely not something so out of his depth that he would be incapable of accomplishing the task.

"I will report back to you when I have information or when I have completed the task."

With that he rose from his seat and gave a polite inclination of his head. As he moved out of the door his mind was already filtering through a torrent of information and beginning to piece together the mysterious disappearances.

"Well that is confidence! I wish you the best of luck, sir!"

Interesting. Quite interesting. Increase had gleaned a fair bit information about the subject from his conversation and the abilities granted to him from being an entity of higher order. He looked to Argent as he continued to walk.

"Argent I will set about constructing a suitable fishing vessel. I would like you to find a crew of mariners, focus on smaller fishing vessels. Tell them that any fish recovered will be divided among those who join in addition to their pay."

OOC: I set the pay to be the average of such endeavors + 20%

"Once you have completed that task I would ask that you find my allies, namely Marius or Claire. I will likely be in need of their assistance."

"Right. I'll try and learn a bit more about the city too. I might be able to figure out where we can find some more money if you'd like, or contract to buy some sla- arrange colonists for the others.

If the crew a scientific experiment study on fishing or somesuch. On reflection, I suppose we are. That should dissuade them from asking too many questions."

Increase shook his head in the negative.

"The others can concern themselves with colonists but more information about the city will always be useful. I suggest you dedicate more energy to that. If slavery is among the topics than learning its tenets and structure is more important than the slaves themselves."

"I will do that. I'll see if I can find anything about that younger one of our allies. I have a strange feeling about him..."

"Follow your instincts and be careful."

Increase clasped his hand over Argent's shoulder and then the two parted ways.

*New Scene*

Increase and Silver find themselves once again at the Lorenzi, in a small private chamber. This time, Scholar is approached himself and an appointment is made, and there's no waiting.

The table is stocked with fresh food and drinks.

The same three are there as well, as well as another man who wore stylized chainmail armor and carried a deadly looking nobleman's blade. The way he moved reminded Increase of the way his crew had moved, crouched low and balanced on the ball of their foot. This was an old sea hand, though is clothes incidated he was a noble, as did the Lorenzi pin he wore.

Ernesto spoke up first. "Welcome back. I hope you are well. Quite a trip, I hear. I am curious to hear your report."

All eyes and ears were upon Scholar.

[OOC - You don't have to explain everything. All you need to say is that you explain to them. However, if there's anything you want to colour in your descriptions or if you want to lie, or if you want to say anything in particular, I'm giving you the opportunity]

Increase delivers the details of his encounter with the leviathan in a matter-of-fact tone that lacks both lies and embellishing. He gave exact numbers on how many of his crew were injured, how many died, and how many of the worms they killed. He also gave an estimate of the total amount of fish which had to be abandoned and their market price.

In the end he gave the Lorenzi's a recommendation: do not attempt to kill the leviathan and employ a reduced haul size until the situation was ultimately resolved. The logic being that a reduced amount of fish aboard the vessel would prove insubstantial to the leviathan and it would ignore the vessel.

There was a distinct lack of surprise on their faces at the tale, and, oddly, they seemed as though they believed the story straight up.

"Interesting. This holds with what we've heard, as well.  It was so incredible a tale though, we thought we'd get your account as well.

So.. this puts us in an interesting position. You have indeed discovered what is going on, and we can now take steps to mitigate the losses. But we still have the problem.

We can and will certainly compensate you, as promised, with a handsome reward. We have a wharf large enough to accommodate your vessel, with an attached warehouse. We will lease this to you, for one farthing, for the period of a year. We will also pay your crew's shore fee for a full year, and provide significant monetary compensation.

If you wish, you may declare yourself our agent, and you may come and go into the inner city as you like."

The younger one spoke up.

"Or if you wish, you may retain your independence. That means you'll have to pay to get in unless we have business, and we will insist on exclusivity with the boats, but some wish to keep open status. This is understandable."

The older one nodded.

"True. Your services and powers are rare and valuable. I hope you will consider yourself a friend of our family, at least.

But one bit of bad news: we cannot present you to the council for citizenship for this alone. As you said, we still have the problem, though at least we know to mitigate it. We will certainly present you in a good light at the next council meeting."

Again, the young one.

"Mind- we are pleased with your performance. It is simply a matter of politics. Presenting a newcomer directly to the council for citizenship requires that half of the council be in favor of it. That would not happen yet."

Argent whispers over.

"A wharf with full docking permit will save us a lot of money. The fees start to add up tremendously for the kind of cubage we are using combined with the per head cost for the crew.

I think they are telling the truth about the council. I've looked into it. Citizenship is usually only given to people who live in the outer city after years of service, and it's still very rare."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:08, Fri 07 Dec 2018.

Increase considered his options as he listened to Argent speak. The council of his ally was sound and reasonable. All the same he was slightly disappointed that this endeavor would take longer than he anticipated. No matter. It was not as if he had pressing matters to attend to in the intervening weeks and months.

He looked to the Lorenzi Family and spoke in a neutral, level tone.

"I have considered your offers and I have chosen to stay on with your House as an independent. For the duration of one year I guarantee exclusive rights to my vessel and the vessels that I produce, second only to my personal use."

"I would also request a detail of shipwrights be assigned to me and the warehouse I will be leasing from you. During the year of my contract I will educate them in my ways so long as their works for a duration of 5 years will bear the name "Aumentare Studioso" which shall be the name I will go by officially while within Veneto."

If the Lorenzi's agree I will enact an Improbable Change using the 2 Dominion I earned to make them all master shipwrights.

"Ah! Good. Yes. This is acceptable. From what we have seen of your ships, in a year or two if nothing else the houses will be very happy to accept you as a citizen."

The younger one handed over a sizable portion of cash and readied the documents. As he prepared the relevant ones, handing them over for examination. They didn't appear to have anything particularly loathesom about the terms.

Argent took a brief look at them, and the coins as well, and indicated they were acceptable - not that Scholar couldn't do that himself, but this was sort of his field.

"If you need our services for anything else, please let us know. I'm sure we can come to some future arrangement. It's in our best interest to retain good relations, I believe."

Increase rose from his seat and looked at the assembled members of the Lorenzi House.

"Yes I am sure that we do. If you'll excuse me."

With that Argent and himself left. Increase looked to Argent after they had gotten a few feet away from the building they were in previously.

"It seems we will be spending a greater amount of time here than I originally anticipated. I suppose there is nothing to done about it tho. I'd like to begin expanding my influence. With the shipwrights and my own vessels I'll be in need of crews. I've recently come into agreement with a bosun whose skills I trust. We should meet with him and discuss the details."

Argent nodded.

"They are a little scared of you selling your boats to other people. They've been asking about you, indirectly, and how well you honor contracts.

I'm pretty sure at least one of your crew was a spy. They didn't look surprised at all, and if they'd just gotten that from random second hand sailor's tales, there's no way they would have been so blase about it.

The things you and your.. peers, can do. " Argent shakes his head. "I SAW, and I can scarcely believe it."

Increase smiled to himself.

"I'm sure that they are but I am a man of my word if nothing else. Find their spies and ensure that they are always aboard our ships and that they are treated well. I would have them spread the word of my graciousness and skill."

As they continued to move a question arose in his mind.

"Do you believe that word has spread about the abilities of myself and my companions?"

He smiled"The 'crew' haven't exactly been quiet about your abilities. Some of the more impressionable people who came with us, are quite certain you are actual Gods, whether or not you consider yourselves to be.

I doubt most believed it, though many come to observe the boat, particularly after you finished that fishing vessel.

I suspect that now the whispers will reach the rest of the town... at least involving the three of you that were on the boat. The crew were not silent, and sailors talk always spreads.

Rumors travel faster than the wind, of course."

"Excellent. Allow the rumors to spread unabated. If you are approached I would like you to affirm any rumors, no matter how hyperbolic, so long as they positive. Assess if any of the interested possess noteworthy skills: scholars, intellectuals, professions, craftspeople. Tell them that their is work to be had, wealth to be made, and boons to reaped within my service."

Increase continued to walk as he spoke to Argent.

"Assuming that you are willing to do so. I do not wish to enter the habit of simply dictating orders to you. We are allies, you and I, not master and servant."

Argent was perhaps one of the few people he considered equal to himself, outside of his zenith counterparts.

There was a look of surprise on his face, which he hid after a moment.

"I'll make a list and gather some people on the dock they are providing. And if they want to view you a god in the making, I will not dissuade them.

I should be able to string them along for a while, but it's you they'll want to see and talk to you, at least once, fairly soon. And of course, you'll have to be the one to get the boat project building.

Counting coin and navigating politics is one thing, but boats are not my specialty."

After a few minutes, he stopped, reflecting.

"What a bizarre past few weeks it's been." He shook his head in disbelief.

Increase nodded his assent.

"You are correct. I will see to meeting with any you are able to find. I should be able to impress upon them the opportunity that they find themselves faced with."

With that Increase went to attend to his business. He would need to examine the dock and take stock of its condition. He would then need to arrange for construction materials to be brought to the docks, see to the formalization of construction contracts with the Lorenzi House, and begin preparing for the education of the shipwrights. From there he would dedicate himself to his new craft.

We can do a time-skip for this since a lot of it is just administrative stuff. Ultimately just want to start spreading my name, growing my cult of specialists, and using that Dominion to make the shipwrights.

[OOC - Fair enough. This is basically done]

Plaga makes her way inside the walls. Amazingly, the guards barely challenge her at all, charging only the nominal fee for a day pass with bored expression.pass. The cash is meaingless to you- your profits more than cover the fee.

You can't tell if the guards weren't paying attention, or if they are just being very non-chalant about your new status as Bella Donna.

As you step under the walls, the pure weight of the gigantic stones become apparent to you. It is as though the gigantic towering walls entomb you. While you are in here, you will not be able to escape the feeling of weight upon your soul. Perhaps you can find a way around them, in time.

In fact, the entire city feels massively claustrophobic, particularly once you enter the city's actual blocks, with countless stacked blocks of apartmentswith low patios awnings and roofs on multiple levels. It's utterly insane to navigate. You can see numerous young men, fell running across the rooftops, rapidly making ground but risking falls of upwards of 100 feet at times.

For a pittance, a beggar boy guides you to The Medicinal College. It takes up a whole city block, which is rather exhorbent given how most buildings are jammed together. More realistically, this should be called a medicinal district: you see apothecaries, mechanic shops, and funerary arrangers seem to be very common in the surrounding blocks as well.

A question comes to you from your guide. "Hey, lady. There's the poor section and the rich one. The poor one takes forever to talk to anyone. The rich entrance is normally for citizens and the like. There's also a few doors for deliveries and the like, but it's hard to get in that way." He'd probably tried to nab a few items or knew someone who had. "Which one should I take you to?"

The hospital itself seems to have two sides.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:14, Fri 12 June 2020.

The bluntness and innocense of the boy make Plaga briefly remember a time long ago, when the possibility of finding a husband and startin a family was in her mind. She was uncomfortable thinking about her old self, but she would need to bring that woman back for the next part of her plans, even if only as a facade to infiltrate the city. It was funny, in a way, how she would have little trouble bringing back the dead, but reviving her old persona was such a difficult task. When she spoke to the boy, she did so in a warm, yet playful voice.

"The rich entrance sounds like the most boring one, don't you think? Either way, that is where I'll be heading for now. Lead the way, my guide"

The city weight heavily on Plaga's shoulders, but she felt her powers latent inside her. It was unlikely that she would be able to use her abilities to the fullest extent, but the flame inside her was too strong to be completely blocked by the wards. She was confident enough that she could still surpass any of the other doctors in terms of skill.

"You might wanna get more colorful clothes though if you've got that kind of money.

All the rich people wear that fancy stuff.

Your money though!"

The scamp brought Plaga to a five arched gate into a garden that surrounded the main part of the building. Two guards waited outside to make sure no riff-raff came in, and strong orderlies were ready with stretchers and mechanical chairs to wheel potential patrons inside the hospital. Through the gate, Plaga also saw several convalescing patients, all fairly well to do, were enjoying a leisurely convalescence in the garden. Each wore a clean cloth gown of high quality.

"Here you go lady! Sorry, I can't wait for when you leave. I'd wait for the return trip, but if I'm around here for too long alone, I'll get my ass beat. Gotta go!" He vanished into the throng as they reached their destination.

As Plaga approached the gate,

A nurse with a demenor closer to valet, approached Plaga. He took in her clothes and general mysterious demenor. She was not limping or in any obvious distress. She didn't appear improvished, but her clothes didn't mark her as a citizen of the city or a noble either. She did not seem lost though. He smiled politely at the potential customer.

He went into a polite routine. "Ma'am? Do you need treatment? You do not appear to be a regular citizen, but the Memorial accepts walk-ins and emergency appointments." If they can pay the fees. "Would you like to see our menu of services? Or do you have a specific complaint?"

He showed her a book containing estimated prices from baby delivery to clockwork enhancement. The prices were VERY far from cheap. The clockwork installation's prices were utterly ruinous (unless perhaps your name was Vasati).

Half out of politeness and half out of curiosity, Plaga had a read at the offered book before explaining the situation to the nurse.

"In fact, I don't come here for treatment. I wished to speak to the authorities of the hospital to offer my medical skills to this establishment. I apologize if this is not the correct way to go about it, I would ask you if you were so kind to indicate how I should proceed."

"Ah! I see."

He looked at her again. She did not seem like riffraff, but was certainly an outsider to the city. Best be on good behavior. If she had a visitor's pass, she'd paid for it.

"I will save you some time. Before they agree to an interview, you would have to supply references. We can't just have people randomly practicing medicine in the hospital, after all.

We would have to ensure via a written introduction that you were sufficiently skilled to work in such a capacity.

"The Church Outreach, The Physicians, Alchemical and Barbers Guilds and the Collegium could vouch for your skills. If you are a qualified physician in another Vissian city, a letter from them would suffice.

To work in this branch, you would have to have some truly exceptional skills, however. May I inquire as to your specialty?"

"I see, that is as much as I expected. Yes, you may. If I'm being honest, it's hard to point at something that stands out. It's been quite some time since I worked in a proper hospital, so while my skills remain developed, I lack the... career sense, you could say, that other doctors may have. I've been working as a traveling doctor for quite a few years now, and while my original job was specialized in the treatment of infections, I had to learn how to diganostic and treat all kinds of wounds and ailments, while limited in resources."

He took a look at Plaga, and decided he liked her.

"Sorry, but chances are you will not be hired in this wing of the hospital. You'd need some exceptional connections, as we serve only the top end of the city.

The student section on the other side of the building where you could conceivably get hired. You'd still need someone to vouch for you, but it's substantially easier if you can show you know what you are doing.

Outside the walls, particularly around shantytown, no one is likely to care. If you just want to practice, talk to Dr. Brokenblade at Limbfisher's Pier"

(OOC - If you ask your contacts in the guild, they would also be happy to put you down as one of the doctors who will treat people without asking too many questions.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:53, Sat 13 June 2020.

"Ah, I think I'm starting to see the big picture. I'll follow your advice and get my resumé to the other wing, once the proper documentation is in order. And I'll make sure to pay a visit to Dr Brokenblade if I'm nearby the pier. Thank you for your help, young man"

During the rest of the day, Plaga would try and contact Vasati to speed up a document from the collegium that certified her skills as a doctor. She didn't particularly care if that was in the form of a forgery or if she had to do some kind of test at the collegium itself to get an original one. If Vasati asked, she simply would tell him that she was willing to do "whatever he judged easier".

Once that was taken care of one way or the other, she would stop by Dr Brokenblade's place, curious as to how the least fortunate habitants outside the walls were treated.

(OOC: You or Vasati should make it clear how he's doing this. He, or even you could ask the guild for forged credentials, or if gifts, miracles or even dominion expenditures are being considered. Sorry for the delay, I think we were all waiting for other people, but I should have communicated stuff better).

As you consider your options, a well dressed man walks up to you. Three well armed flunkies are behind him. They all carry brutal heavy blades not commonly carried by duelists within the city. It is still relatively crowded, and the men remain at a small distance away, their hands not anywhere near their swords.

"Oh my! It is the purveyer of fine powders from outside. I hear you are doing quite well for yourself these days.  I hope your visit to the hospital was fruitful. I understand that this city can be confusing to an outsider, and more than a little expensive.

I am Manno de Falchetto. Perhaps we can have words about some business? I was wondering if you had any powderes that might assist us managing our estates better."

To clarify the timing on this, this event happened after your negotiation, but before the other shoe drops during the Falchetto.  Plaga is probably aware that the Falchetto are looking for Gaja at the moment.

(OOC - Up to you how you want to deal with this guy, Plaga. There are witnesses around, you are in a good section of town, he's a noble, and he hasn't yet pulled his blade, to make it clear).

(OOC: I want to deal with him. I'll make sure to post a response before the day is gone, I set up an alarm to check it as soon as I'm free)

OOC: Alright, been refreshing my memory about who the Falchetto were, and read a bit about what happened in the mansion.

"Greetings, Manno de Falchetto. I am the Signora Plaga. But I believe it is likely you knew that already, given your approach. It is my policty to always discuss the possibility of bussiness. Where do you propose we meet to talk?"

"Oh, you know, I wouldn't want the alchemists to overhear us.

There is a small warehouse nearby where we will not be disturbed. Even if we do not come to an agreement, I am happy to pay your day pass for your time."

"Oh, that won't be necessary, I'm sure we'll have an enjoyable conversation regardless of the outcome. Lead the way."

You are lead to a rather less hospitable area of town. The clothes got shabbier, and the buildings seemed higher and more forbidding. The carts vanished and the houses shrunk till the residential buildings were packed atop one other.

The man knocked at the front door, and a bored looking guard let them in. "warehouse" was a bit of a misnomer: this looked more like an old shop of some kind that had been converted. Marble blocks and ceramics of many varieties were stacked in crates. Everything in here had a think layer of dust.

The doors closed behind.

"Ah it is good that you came. I'm Falchetto, and we don't like dancing around things.

My sources say that you were on the ship with a bunch of odd, powerful people, doing strange things that upset some." He shrugged.

"But there is one who visited our stronghold, a Howler bard with strange powers. She came in on the huge ship that you came in on. We very badly need to speak to her.

If you lead us to her, or can help us find her, we will buy much of your powders. Enough to make you a very wealthy woman and establish yourself in the city.

If this woman is plotting against our house, we will be forced to retaliate. We do not wish to involve anyone who is not involved, so I thought I'd give you this opportunity."

"That seems like a rather insulting proposal. But I'm sure that was not the intent behind it, so I'll take no offense to it. My product is of a quality that goes beyond anything this city has seen before. Buying it is not a favor to me, but a fair transaction. If all your assumptions were correct, then what you are asking me to do is to betray this Howler bard. For that to happen, I'll need something a lot sweeter than a deal. So how about this for a counter-offer: I've heard this city has ancient wards protecting it from outside forces. I wish to know the location of the focus for this wards. Or even better, gain access to it. For that second option, I'm willing to also grant a discount in my product to the Falchetto family and those aligned to it."

(OOC - Most people would only have an idea that the old walls protected people inside from 'evil' or 'outsiders'.

It doesn't even interact with low magic, just supernatural creatures spending effort for their powers or theurgy stuff (and humans who can cast theurgy generally don't remain human for very long. Those are pretty rare.)

He gives a low chuckle, which the hired goons joined inon. "I like you. Guts and direct. Though I'm afraid I don't know about these wards.

I will assume your product is very good.

Our households frown on excess and vice, and we are reluctant to use anything but discipline and good treatment on our chattel, so forgive our lack of knowledge of your art.

But we do know this city. And we know that you will have difficulty selling your product inside the city: there are so many competing interests here. A major house on the council can make those interests go away, use our influence to have your product tried at the parties of the major families, and if your product is as good as you say no doubt they will begin beating a path to your door. We can get you that invitation.

If 'becoming a citizen of this city' doesn't interest you, how about, "we will give you a great deal of money or owe you a favor." The Falchetto honor their commitments."

OOC: Figured it wasn't a sure chance they would know, but since they are an important family I thought it wouldn't hurt to try it.

Plaga shrugs as Falchetto shows ignorance towards the wards. "It was worth a shot".

When they elaborate some more about the details of the operation, Plaga thinks on it again.

"Having the customers be influencial people within the walls does sweeten the deal. Of course, noble palates requires more refined products. We can discuss the details of it at a later date if you wish, but I believe that it may be wise to make the exchange in shantytown. Less prying eyes over there. As soon as the product passes from my hand onto yours, I shall begin my efforts to locate your person of interest. Once I see results on your promise, I will deliver the location to you. Is that agreeable?"

He smiled. "Nah, sorry. Not interested in your efforts, just the actual information.

Maybe pass on this info to the others who live on the ship, so they know it's just HER we're looking for, not the ship builder or the war woman. You do that, I'll send someone to pick up some product for testing at least.

You get some actual info, we have a huge presence around the north gate and an embassy inside the city. Till then, thank you for being so reasonable."

He's about to leave when he smacks his forehead.

"Ah, of course. I did say I'd pay for your time, and a little more for your trust."

He ends up paying wealth 2... a little more than double what you paid for the daily pass (not that this is a drain on your finances).

Even when Manno de Falchetto walked out of her sight, Plaga was still wondering what was the real purpose of his visit. He had come, asked about Gaja, then... joked? misunderstood? Plaga wasn't sure what that last response was meant to be. And there was the payment. For absolutely no deal or any sort of loss, Plaga had received an amount that the common man may not see in a lifetime of work. Was there something hiding behind the "gift"? Or was this just Falchetto's way to send a message? If the later, he was indeed a foolish man, and Plaga had met many like that before. Rich people too comfortable in their thrones to see a threat even if it spitted on it's face. Then again, they were after Gaja, so they couldn't be that smart.

After contemplating in solitude for a few moments, Plaga decided to continue on her way to Limbfisher's Pier, to visit Dr Brokenblade. After all, she had time to kill while Vasati did his job.

Plaga was not harassed as she made her way back out the walls.

(OOC- Just for your interest, he interacted with you in that way because...

1) ...Plaga, unlike Scholar, Gaja and Claire, HASN'T done anything too overtly flashy in public. There are stories about Gaja and Claire and Scholar from the fishing stuff (particularly Claire). All he really knows about you is that you make drugs and are selling them in Shanty Town, and that you sometimes hang with Gaja.

2) When Plaga said 'well, if you buy my stuff I'll look into it' he basically took that to mean that she was willing to play ball but didn't actually know where Gaja is.

He's not aware of your powers, so he wasn't willing to buy a shit ton of drugs he doesn't realy want for something that might not pan out, but he doesn't think you are trying to hide her. So, he's quite willing to be polite and let you go but leave the promise of big rewards if you deliver actual vital intel).

Just so you get his reaction OOC.