Demetrius pulls everyone aside and looks at Ducet Cog. "Back where I'm from, people like those door-guards--we call 'em bouncers--they respond to money or, ah, personal favors from the sex that they're attracted to. Are there any angles that we can play--are there any groups we can say we're with, or anything that would make us impressive in their eyes?"

"Aaah," Ducet Cog appears to cringe slightly from the question and he regards the guards with a quick sideways glance, "I have only the barest of rumors to draw from regarding this band.  They are powerful and, in my experience, with power comes a certain...arrogance."

"They will likely expect fear but not respect it.  They will in no way allow any to enter unless their master grants they do.  But what can we offer up which will entice Carth Val-ab to do so?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Wed 14 Apr 2021.

"A threat?" Aeryn suggests, "Tell them that we know that they traffic in Jasoomians.  Tell them we have the proof.  Demand to speak with Carth Val-ab on how it may remain a secret."

The White Martian nods but cringes, "Bold.  It may gain an audience or prompt an immediate attempt to silence us."

"You might instead claim to represent a party interested in purchasing Jasoomian slaves," he offers as a counter-proposal.

The scout seems to urge action, the merchant a more peaceful path.  There is no clear indication which might serve better with these men.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Wed 14 Apr 2021.

Whatever option will be taken, Nantas will keep his eyes open and will be ready to fight.

Demetrius turns to Nantas and looks him in the eye. "If I'm going to pull this off, you need to help me play the part. I'm going to talk about how we need Earthl...I mean, Jasoomians...to help us train for a 'special mission' that we have in store. That'll give the right air of mystery. You okay with that?"

Nantas looks straight at his ally and simply nods.

Demetrius nods and waves for the group to follow him. He approaches the men, stopping about five feet short. "We're here to talk with someone about special purchases. Jasoomian imports, if you take my meaning." He cocks his head, projecting an air of importance...

Three successes! Woot!
20:53, Today: Demetrius Esper rolled 7,5 using 1d20,1d20 with rolls of 7,5.  Reason + Passion 13/6.

Nantas if you want to assist Demetrius, roll a single 1d20 using Reason + (Passion OR Empathy) and describe how you assist him
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:03, Tue 20 Apr 2021.

Nantas takes a couple of steps forward and looks purposefully at the guard, simply nodding.

[OOC: 20:30, Today: Nantas rolled 8 using 1d20 with rolls of 8.  Reason 4; Passion 4.
Apologies, I rolled by mistake 2d20, but I'm mentioning here the result of the first dice rolled - unfortunately my Reason and Passion (and Empathy...) are not great...]

The pair at the door glare with malice as you approach, neither flinch when Jasoomians are mentioned.   Yet they exchange a glance, frown, and then the larger holds up his palm, "Wait here."

While the second brute remains, the first disappears within the back room and returns shortly, "It appears that we have no access to Jasoomian's at this time but Carth Val-ab would be pleased to speak with you further on the matter and see if other options might suffice."

He motions for you to make your way into the back room.

Assuming you do so you find a man of Zodanga seated at a desk at the far wall; a sumptuous meal sits at the edge of the clutter before him barely touched.  He rises and nods and greets you, "Welcome to you all, I am Carth Val-ab.  I must admit I was surprised to hear of your interest in Jasoomian's; everyone knows that so few have appeared on Barsoom that it is unheard of for any to be taken as slaves.  But I wondered if your interest might lie in something deeper, perhaps.  After all," he looks to Demetrius, "one of you is a Jasoomian, are you not?  For who else than one from that distant world could have performed such amazing leaps when he and his companion bested the greedy watch at the gates of our fair city so handedly?"  He inclines his head to Nantas'; acknowledging the Green Man's skill with his blade in addition to the Earthman.

He sits back in his chair comfortably, fingers crossed, and awaits your response.

18:02, Today: Jeddak rolled 15 using 2d20 with rolls of 1,14.  Guard Defend, Reason+Empathy.
- 2 successes, you net 2 successes and just manage to succeed

[OOC: 21:41, Today: Nantas rolled 23 using 2d20 with rolls of 6,17.  Reason 4; Empathy 3. one success]

"I can assure you that I'm not a Jasoomian." grins Nantas.

Demetrius cocks his head. "You seem to be possessed of interesting information. Impressive. You've proven your value to me. Very well--I would purchase some information from you, since you are a font of it. What would you accept as trade for the information I seek?"

Carth Val-ab smiles, "Deflection without admission, well said.  I admire that.  Please understand I do not intend deflection in my answer." He holds up a finger, asking for patience and looks to the ceiling.

"You may surmise that I traffic in information as much as slaves.  It is an important commodity for one at my level in my organization.  The information flowed to me earlier this morning of amazing feats of swordsmanship and nearly unbelievable strength at the city gate.  I pay many to be informed of interesting events and sometimes, when four individuals who match the description of those involved appear in my doorway, my investment is well rewarded." he returns his gaze to you and smiles.

"But like slaves, various information is of varying value.  It requires only few tanip a day to be kept abreast of the public happenings in the city.  But the secret meetings?  Those require dozens.  To know of our great Jeddak's council discussions shortly after they have adjourned, ten times that or more."

"So, understand that I cannot name a price without first having some inkling of the information you seek.  Neither in coin nor goods or other services.  Tell me what it is you seek, and we will see if we can agree upon a price."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:35, Thu 22 Apr 2021.

Demetrius leans forward. "I seek to find a particular Jasoomian--someone whom I believe members of your organization have acquired." His eyes watch Carth's face as he says this.

Nantas says nothing and keeps looking around.

The slaver begins to laugh but immediately recognizes the sincerity of your words and halts, a perplexed look upon his face....then introspective....then....   The look that comes to Carth Val-ab could best be described as somewhere between predatory and evaluative.   It is not intrinsically hostile but more opportunistic.  You have the feeling you are being weighed, measured of your qualities and you value assessed.

In the end the man leans back in his chair, at ease as he answers, "I would like to say that your information is false and yet, I wonder if you are perhaps in possession of information which I lack.  Tell me, why are you so certain that my organization would be in possession of a Jasoomian and have you any idea who might have done so?"

You may make a Reason + Empathy test to evaluate Carth Val-ab's response

[OOC: 21:10, Today: Nantas rolled 10 using 2d20 with rolls of 3,7.  Reason 4; Empathy 3.
Wow! I didn't expect such a good roll on my worst attributes...]

Demetrius nods and then points to the arm of one of Carth's associates. "That symbol was on the woman who took him. Reliable sources tell me that this mark is the sign of some influence and a particular trade, which led me to you." He cocks his head, watching Carth's face.

Only one success here.
17:57, Today: Demetrius Esper rolled 11,13 using 1d20,1d20 with rolls of 11,13.  Reason + Empathy 11/5.

"Ah," the Zodangan nods, "describe her to me."

Assuming you describe the woman from the Warhoon slave pits, Carth Val-ab considers you quietly for a few moments, enough for you to being to wonder his thoughts, before he smiles and admits, "I should have suspected yet she would have taken great pains to ensure none of us had reason to do so."

"I know the woman you seek," he continues, "Indeed she and I share a similar position within our organization.  Once we were partners in our rise but that becomes...challenging....to maintain as one struggles to progress in stature and alliances shift."

He frowns a moment before adding, "I spoke earlier of the worth of this information; I believe we can come to an agreement in this matter.  I wish to know what actions my colleague is engaged in an who with, for I am certain it is not widely known.  In exchange for this I will provide her name and the location of her quarters within the city.  You may then engage her as you see fit to learn the particulars of her dealings and location of this Jasoomian.  I ask only that you report back to me on your findings."

Carth Val-ab raises an eyebrow, awaiting your response.

Demetrius - everything about Carth Val-ab appears genuine

Nantas - nothing Carth Val-ab says seems false but he reminds you of others you have known in the past, opportunistic, though not necessarily without some measure of honor.  In this case, investigating what another rival is up to rather than having his people do it (and deal with any issues that might arise during)
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:21, Tue 27 Apr 2021.

Nantas simply nods.

Demetrius smiles and bows. "I am pleased with the exchange, with one addendum: you will not disclose any rumors, however well-substantiated, regarding my origin with the rest of your organization until my dealings with her are done. After that, I will have much less need for disguise. Is that agreeable?"

The slaver smiles, This is agreeable but fear not, though Jasoomians are rare they are not unheard of, even in Zodanga.  Though John Carter, should he reappear once more, would do well to steer clear of our city lest he bring the might of Helium and the Tharks with him," he chuckles.

"Though Zodanga is known for slavery the capture of said slaves predominantly occurs outside of the city proper.  It's generally bad for business to regularly shackle any who enter the gates.  The only exception to this is those who are arrested for serious crimes.  Regardless, it would not serve my needs for any to interfere with your activities.  If you keep your actions quiet no authorities should become involved."

"Should any try to arrest or detain you," he shrugs, "I trust you will either deal with them or flee.  But," he pauses, "I will, of course, have my network alert me should you attempt to exit the city without meeting with me first to report your findings."

"Per our agreement." he smiles and inclines his head slightly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:10, Fri 30 Apr 2021.

Demetrius bows. "Per our agreement, and because I do have a sense of honor. Excellent. Please, do tell: what is her name and the location where I may find her?"

"The woman you seek is Isalia Ang," Carth Val-ab shares as he withdraws parchment and pen from his desk and jots down a quick note, "and this is where you will find her quarters."

"But," he cautions, "I doubt you will find your Jasoomian there.   As she surely does not move her slaves through the public markets you might do well to follow her to where she buys, utilizes or houses them.  I cannot image what the purpose must be but Isalia does not enter into her dealings lightly."

Standing he inclines his head to all of you, "I wish you fortune in your task and look forward to hearing what you find."

You now have a name and an address.  You will have little difficulty in locating the apartment where Carth Val-ab claims Isalia lives.

Will you head there directly?  Discuss among yourselves how to proceed?  Something else?

Do as you will and describe your next steps.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:23, Sun 02 May 2021.

Once you are alone again, Nantas says: "Let's have a look at the general area first. We may get some useful information about the location and how we can approach it."