AvB - Whispering

[Rizban]

The mermaid leans in close and whispers, "Turn around, and you'll see a man about three tables back wearing a blue tabard. He's a member of the City Guard specializing in preventing assassinations. He'd be the one to talk to if you're seeking such a job."

She then swims over to the next patron to serve him.

[candycorn]

Lily sighs, then approaches the guardsman.

"Good day sir. I believe we may have some business to discuss. Do you have a moment?"

[Rizban]

The guard looks you over quickly before taking a deep pull of his ale.

"Make it quick, little girl."

[candycorn]

Lily moves in more closely, lowering her voice.
"Certainly. I can imagine you are quite pressed for time, what with your line of work and all.

You see, I believe you and I share a common goal. We both wish to make this city a place with less violence. Now, I fully believe you do quite well at what you do, investigating and preventing assassinations. I was thinking that there's more than one way to come at the problem, however. Doubtless, a man in your position has learned several of the people who play roles in contracting and arranging these assassinations. Doubtless, also, there are some you lack the necessary proof to bring to justice. After all, if the problem was wholly resolved, this fair city would likely not need a specialist in your field.

I deal with motives. Specifically, changing them. If I were to approach one of these individuals, I could perform multiple services for you. First, I could investigate the underlying issues which caused these problems to get so out of hand. Second, if I witness any actual assassination deals, I could provide you with evidence that would enable you to more effectively do what you do.

Finally, I believe that many of these issues are nothing more than misunderstandings. If I can provide those that are seeking these gruesome crimes with information and persuasion that would change them from their murderous desires, I can prevent some of these crimes before they start.

To do this, however, I need to know where to begin. I need to be able to investigate those people that arrange such crimes, and watch for who they contact. And that is why I am speaking to you, sir. I need to know where to begin."

[Rizban]

He gives you a second look.

"Takes guts to walk up to me and ask for an assassination job like that. You think I haven't heard it before? Tell you what, make this guy disappear for me, and I just might not arrest you."

He slides a piece of paper across the table to you. Written on it is "Bastian Fuhrmann, Merchant."

He goes back to drinking.

[candycorn]

"Oh, I don't much like to engage in violence. But I'll see if I can convince this individual of the error in doing things which an upstanding guard captain such as yourself would disapprove of. Failing that, I will get you enough information to allow you to bring those I discover to be worthy of prosecution in to justice."

And yes, every word of that was true.

Things I didn't mention: Evidence doesn't need to be true. My standards of measuring "worthy of prosecution" have very little to do with whether the person committed a crime.

And I don't care for violence. I'll DO it, when needed... But I like to work a side angle.

With that, I shall go to the gentleman by the stairs, and inquire, "How much for a room on the top floor, sir?"

[Rizban]

The guard captain smirks at you as you walk away but otherwise ignores you.

"Five gold a night for a standard room. If you want a suite, it's more."

[candycorn]

"Now Sir, just because I'm dressed nicely doesn't mean I'm daft. I've travelled quite a lot, and your nightly rate is nearly what one would expect to pay for an entire fortnight. My gold is good, and I intend to be here for quite some time, so you'll see a fair profit from me, and a fair tip for you personally... If you don't try to swindle me. I'll offer you ninety gold for a month, for a suite, and an additional twenty gold as a tip to yourself, sir."

[Rizban]

The man just looks at you and finally says, "Ah, but you fail to understand. The Maid and Mermaid is the inn. People travel for many miles for no reason but to stay here. We charge a premium because we are worth it. If you would like to stay elsewhere, I'm certain there are other places around town that are more within your means."

[candycorn]

"Within my means? Oh, dear. One would expect the inn to be able to afford to employ only those with the good sense to not insult their prospective patrons. Tell me sir, who exactly supervises your position? I'll need to speak to them."

[Rizban]

He points to a jovial balding man seated at a table near one of the bars. He is laughing rather loudly while talking to a slightly confused looking warforged who apparently missed the joke.

[candycorn]

"Excellent. I assure you, I'll be speaking with him when my time permits. Now, I do believe I requested the price for a room on the top floor. All you've told me was the price you give to fools for rooms deserving of commoners. Let's try again, shall we? How much for a room on the top floor? I am not so concerned with whether it's a standard room or a suite, only that it has a nice view from the top floor."

[Rizban]

"10gp for a small suite."

[candycorn]

She places seven platinum coins on the counter in front of him. "That should be enough to see that I needn't go through the burden of dealing with you for a week. I imagine that sometime before then, there will be someone more pleasant at this station for me to deal with concerning a more long term arrangement. My key, please, sir."

[Rizban]

He indicates a stone slab. "Place you hand here. It will imprint a temporary and invisible arcane mark on your hand. It will last 7 days and automatically unlock your door when you reach to open it. Without this mark, the door will not open. We find this helps our more inebriated guests keep track of their keys, not that I'm accusing you of such."

[candycorn]

"Say what you will about the service, at least the security is nice." With that, she places her hand on the slab, nods to the gentleman, and then heads to the bartender.

Pardon me, sir. I do so hate to be a bother, but you were quite helpful before, and I wondered if I could spare a moment of your time. I'm looking for a Bastian Fuhrmann, a merchant of some sort. I realize that providing such information is outside your normal job tasks, but I would be ever so appreciative. If it helps, I had planned to tip the gentleman selling the rooms twenty gold, but he was so absolutely horrid to me, and I couldn't send the message that such actions were to be tolerated. I would be more than happy to offer that to you, were you to know where to find Mr. Fuhrmann."

[Rizban]

The mermaid finishes the drink she's pouring before she says, "I'm afraid I don't know this man you ask about. If he's a merchant, you could always inquire after him at the Merchants' Guild on Broad Chase. It's just a few blocks away from here."

[candycorn]

"Well, that would make sense, wouldn't it? That's exactly the kind of answer I was hoping for. You've been quite helpful. Thank you ever so much.

Lily will place two platinum coins on the bar, smile appreciatively, and begin looking for the merchant's guild on Broad chase.

[Rizban]

She finds a large, two story brick building with a luxurious, well tended garden three blocks to the east on Broad Chase that is clearly marked as the Merchants' Guild. She passes various shops along the way, including Ezekiel's Supplies on Mastiff's Road and Punchinello's Charms and Incantations on Broad Chase. Directly across the street from the Merchants' Guild is Pirner Outfitters, the biggest competition to Ezekiel's Supplies.

[candycorn]

That information is filed away for later use. As is, I'll stroll into the merchant's guild, and look for someone that looks like they've been put there to deal with the visitors.

[Rizban]

You see a woman sitting at a desk by the entrance. As soon as you enter, the woman looks up and says, "May I help you?"

[candycorn]

Certainly you may, and thank you so much for the offer. I'm trying to locate a...Bastian Fuhrmann. I've heard his name in the Maid and the Mermaid, and naturally assumed he was among the best at what he does. As such, I wish to procure his services."

[Rizban]

She flips through a stack of papers at the corner of her desk.

"You'll find his shop on Eschenheimer. It's about a block south from here and a bit west. Is there anything else I can do for you while you are here?"

[candycorn]

"I'm sorry to be a bother, but could I trouble you for the shop's name? I'm rather new in town, and haven't yet had a chance to meet Mr. Fuhrmann, else I'd be more than happy to locate it with a pleasant afternoon of shopping on Eschenheimer."

[Rizban]

"I believe it is called 'Eschenheimer Esoterica' or something similar."

[candycorn]

"Thank you quite kindly, you've been most helpful. Have a pleasant remainder of your shift, miss."

With that, I shall travel to Eschenheimer, and look for a shop with that name, or something similar.

[Rizban]

You manage to find the shop amid several other similar shops with similar names. It is about 2 hours before closing.

[candycorn]

From the window, what does it look like the shop sells?

[Rizban]

It appears to sell rare magical reagents, herbs, and... collectible snow globes. A man behind the counter sees you looking in through the window and smiles and waves at you, beckoning you to enter and look around.

[candycorn]

Hm, seen. I was originally gonna choose a disguise appropriate to the shop. I'm glad it sells things that Lily can feign interest in without being suspicious.

I'll stroll in, and approach the man that beckoned me in, and extend my hand. "Why, good afternoon, sir. I'm Lily."

[Rizban]

"Welcome, welcome, Lily. I'm Bastian, proprietor of this establishment. What may I be doing for you today?"

[candycorn]

"Why, it is certainly a pleasure to meet you. I would love to hear a little more about this shop, actually. The snow globes caught my eye, but I must confess, this establishment has a bit of an exotic scent about it. What type of cuisine might these spices cater to?"

[Rizban]

"Cuisine? No, no. They are strictly for incense and magical rites. Most are likely not safe for consumption."

[candycorn]

"Thank goodness! I was about to speculate on who on earth would eat THAT one!

...Wait a moment. Bastian, you said? As in, Bastian Fuhrmann?"

[Rizban]

"Aye, that would be me indeed. I'm surprised that you have heard of me. Most of my customers are quite eccentric and keep to themselves. I don't get much traffic from word of mouth."

[candycorn]

"Oh, not from your customers. As much as I hate to admit it, it was from a guard in the Maid and the Mermaid. I am something of a professional mediator, investigator, and problem solver, and was attempting to find out names of people who felt wronged, potential clients, you see, and he seemed none too fond of you. I've been something of a businesswoman myself, and I know how many city officials expect payments off the recordbooks, and how such officials resort to less savory practices against obviously upright citizens such as yourself that refuse to be bullied.

It's a shame though... I really am quite good at solving problems."

[Rizban]

His eye bulge in fear. "Y... you were h... hired to s...s...solve me?" He takes a step backwards.

[candycorn]

Lily adopts an exasperated look.

"Don't be silly. Like I would dirty myself by making deals with guards... Especially oafs like THAT one. No, silly, I am here because I am investigating you! I wanted to know what it was about Bastian Fuhrmann that unsettles that guard. As I said, I'm a businesswoman. I can't very well do business with you if you're not alive and well, now can I? Now, calm down for a moment, and let's see if we can help each other."

She pauses for a moment, smiles sweetly, and glances over at a snowglobe.

"You really do have a splendid collection of globes, Bastian. Remind me to purchase one from you later."

[Rizban]

"R...right... What did you want to know?"

[candycorn]

"Firstly sir, calm down. I intend to leave you every bit as much alive as I found you. I find killing... distasteful, and avoid it if I can.

I want to know why a guard, specializing in preventing assassinations... wants you dead. After that, I may be willing to offer you my services. You see, Bastian... I like you. You've got a nice shop, and you seem to be a jovial sort. And I don't like guards. So you can very easily find me on your side here."

[Rizban]

"I really don't k..know. I j...just know that there have been threats against me."

[candycorn]

"Well, it seems I've misjudged you. I was under the impression that you were a man with some nerve, and a bit of backbone. No matter, there's no loss here. There are people who want you dead. I'd recommend getting protection, for what it's worth. I'll consider this my good deed for the day."

Lily will point to the globe she glanced at earlier. "How much for that one?"

[Rizban]

He becomes quite indignant. "Hey! How would you react when someone you don't know wants you dead and you don't know when it's coming?!

Hmpf! That particular globe is 1,000 gold."

[candycorn]

Lily stops for a moment to consider, with the dreamy look of a child thinking about Christmas on her face.

How would I react? Why, I suppose I would track the foolish man down, destroy every last little thing he holds dear, and leave him in the most horrific state I could imagine for him. Yes, I suppose that would make the next person think twice before making such an attempt."

Her eyes focus, and meet Bastian's gaze squarely.

"That is how people with nerve handle such matters."

[Rizban]

"I don't have the training or the resources to do that; however, were someone to do it for me..."

[candycorn]

"If someone were to do do what for you? You'll need to be quite specific, I'm afraid. I don't like misunderstandings, especially when it comes to ruining the lives of others. In addition, what would the result of someone 'doing it for you'? I can only assume that some form of compensation would be involved."

[Rizban]

"Oh, I see, this is some sort of entrapment scheme. Get me to offer to pay for an assassination so you can bust me. I'm not falling for that."

He crosses his arms and manages to look both angry at you and proud of himself at the same time.

[candycorn]

She laughs.

Entrapment? My dear sir, I will tell you now that I have no problems killing anyone that you need killed. What I will not tolerate is you choosing not to compensate me afterwards because you never actually asked for anything. You're free to not meet my request, of course. I would remind you, though... There IS a bounty on your head, and if you won't let me work with you...

Well, a girl's gotta eat.

[Rizban]

He pulls a strange device from under the counter which looks like the back half of a crossbow with a metal pipe bolted to it. Lilith has not seen anything quite like it before.

"Yeah, fine, you kill this guy who sent you, and I'll pay you for it. If you decide you'd rather collect on me, know that I'm not totally defenseless."

[candycorn]

Oh, put that away. If I'd wanted you dead, you'd be dead. I already told you, I don't like guards. Now, as to the particulars of payment. I generally believe that 2000gp for such tasks is a reasonable sum. With such baubles as this thousand gold paperweight over here, I'm sure you can afford it.

In exchange, I will ruin his name, break his spirit, and end his life.

[Rizban]

He holds the device steady... mostly. His arm is shaking a little.

"Two thousand is quite steep. You'd better make it worth that."

[candycorn]

"Steep? I'm sure that a man of your stature is worth many times that... Let me ask you this, then. How much is your life worth, Bastian? What would you part with to keep it? I'd wager that amount is more than a couple thousand gold. Oh, the man will die. Afterwards, I will come collecting.

You see, Bastian... I have a work ethic. I don't kill anyone unless they get in my way, or they upset me. The guard that tried to hire me leveled a threat at me. That upset me. It upset me enough to overlook you pointing a weapon at me until now. I assure you, Mr. Fuhrmann. When next we meet, if I see that damned contraption.... It will upset me. Good day, sir. I have work to do, and it's best I be about it."

[Rizban]

"Just go take care of it.


Please."

[candycorn]

With that, I shall walk out.

From there, I'll enter an alley, and transform into a hawk. I'll spend the rest of the evening drifting overhead, in the vicinity of the Maid and the Mermaid, keeping an eye out for the guard in question.

[Rizban]

You don't see him leave the tavern. Either he has already left by the time you returned or is staying the night in one of the inn's rooms upstairs or perhaps is just going to stay there all night drinking.

[candycorn]

Hm... This just won't do. I do need to know where he's at...

I'll land in another alley, and revert to gnome form. A quick bit of illusion later, and I'm walking into the Maid and the Mermaid.

[Rizban]

The guard is still seated in the same chair, but he is slumped forward across the table snoring quietly. From the size of the drool puddle, it seems he has been asleep for awhile. Fortunately for him, he's a good patron, or he would have been kicked out by now.

[candycorn]

Oh dear.

I shall go over to the bar.

"Pardon me, but the gentleman over there showed me a kindness earlier, and I would return the favor. Does he have a room at this establishment?"

[Rizban]

The barmaid shrugs and says, "No, I don't think so."

[candycorn]

"Thank you for your time, miss. I'll just check with the room guy to make sure."

Lily will walk to the room guy. "Pardon me. That guy, the one passed out. Does he have a room here that he can be taken to?"

[Rizban]

"Not tonight, no. If you want to... handle the situation, we'll put the room charge on his usual tab."

[candycorn]

"Situation? No, no. The man showed me a kindness earlier. I will cover his room. Make it something with a view of the rising sun. I wouldn't want him to be late to any obligations he may have on the morrow."

[Rizban]

The clerk charges you 5gp for the room and directs you upstairs.

[candycorn]

I state in a loud voice, "Pardon me, but is there anyone who would assist me in getting this gentleman to his room? I'm willing to tip for the assistance, but unfortunately, I don't think I can do it on my own."

[Rizban]

I large man in wearing a thick chain shirt and a greatsword walks over to you and grabs one of the guard's arms, hoisting him up onto his shoulder.

"I got him. Let's go."

[candycorn]

Why thank you kindly, sir. It's always nice to meet a gentleman."

At that, I make sure the guard's hand has been imprinted, and we take him to his room, handprint the door, and (assuming no complications) put him in bed and close the door, leaving him more or less safely locked in.

EDIT: I'll tip the gentleman 10gp.

[Rizban]

The guardsman grumbles loudly at one point on the way up the stairs but begins to snore peacefully again a moment later. The other man carefully dumps him onto the bed but refuses your coin.

"No need ma'am. Just tryin' to help out."

He gives a slight bow and turns to leave.

[candycorn]

I'll leave with him, close the door, and curtsy.

"Sir, it is so rare to find an actual honest man in this world. I'm Lily. If I can be of any assistance to you, please call upon me. I'm in room <insert room here>, and would be more than happy to help in any way I can. If you would be so kind as to tell me your name, I'll leave word at the bar to cover your food and drink for the evening."

[Rizban]

"My name's Duncan, but you don't need to pay for any of my stuff. Thanks for the offer though. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to enter a lady's room, especially one as upstanding as yourself."

[candycorn]

"Goodness, no! I didn't mean for you to drop by. I merely wish you to know where I may be reached. The hotel staff can contact me, should you need anything from me. In any case, Duncan, it has been a pleasure. And should you need assistance with something of your own, I would do what I can. I believe in providence, and just as fortune sent you to my aid, perhaps in the future, fortune will send me to yours."

[Rizban]

"Right. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."

He nods yo you and then leaves.

[candycorn]

Ok. Now, I shall go to my room, shift into bird form (hawk), and blink to the roof.

[Rizban]

You appear on the roof. The city is stretched out before you.

[candycorn]

I want to test something. I try to blink into my room.

If that's successful, I'll leave again, and fly over the route the bard took me earlier, looking for anywhere that I noted appeared to have children or the infirm.

[Rizban]

The blink back into your room is not successful.

[candycorn]

In that case, I'll carry on with the flight over the route the bard took me on.

[Rizban]

The bard took you from Mastiff's Road down Cobbler's Crossing into Old Town.
The Maid and Mermaid, where your room is located, is on the corner of Mastiff's and Cobbler's.

[candycorn]

That's fine. I noted that I was paying attention to the people when I went on my trip. My goal is to find a residence within old town with children, or the infirm...

[Rizban]

There's a small cottage inhabited by an elderly couple on a cul-de-sac. It smells as if the woman is baking cookies.

[candycorn]

Excellent. I will land on the side of the house, revert, and change self to look like the sleeping guard.

[Rizban]

You do so unobserved.

[candycorn]

I shall then cast Pass without trace. After that, I will go to the front, and knock on the door.

[Rizban]

An elderly man sitting in a strange wheeled chair answers the door. "Margo! It's been so long since you visited. Do come in!"
He uses a cane to push his chair back away from the door and then propels it along the hall with the cane almost like he is rowing a boat.

"Mareike, Margo has come to visit!"

The elderly lady calls out from the kitchen. "Well, it's about time! Help her get comfortable. Cookies will be ready in about 2 or 3 minutes."

[candycorn]

Hm, that bad. Wow. These people have lost either their eyes or their minds.

I'll step in, and let the door close after me.

After that, I intend to shift to predator (wolf) form, and rip the old man apart.

[Rizban]

(To be fair, only the old man is senile. The woman is in the kitchen and hasn't seen or heard you.)

You close the door behind you and shift forms behind his back.

[candycorn]

Attack: [roll0] (+2 more if he is unaware of my presence)
Damage: [roll1]

If the attack roll is less than 14, use gloves of fortunate striking (must be declared before I know whether it's a hit or a miss): [roll2] attack reroll.

If this kills the man, I will revert at my next opportunity, and alter my "guard that's actually drunk and asleep" look to have blood all over the outfit.

[Rizban]

She hits and damages him enough to knock the old man unconscious.

[candycorn]

Finish him off first, then shift.

[Rizban]

The old man dies. You shift. A second later, the woman walks out with a plate of cookies, sees her husband laying dead on the floor, drops the cookies and screams.

[candycorn]

Look at her for a second, in the guise of the drunken sleeping guard, then bolt out the door. As soon as I'm well out of sight, duck back into an alley, and shift to hawk form.

Provided that goes off without a hitch, I will fly to a random area of the town that I've been to, land in an inconspicuous place, and shift back. Take a moment to change my appearance to that of a human child, and walk back to the Maid and the Mermaid.

[Rizban]

As you flee, you feel a lightning bolt blast you in the back for [roll0] damage. It seems the old woman is a retired adventurer, likely a sorcerer. You manage to escape if you still choose to do so.

[candycorn]

Reflex save: [roll0]

And as much as I don't like leaving those who hurt me alive, I'll grit my teeth and escape. After all, she saw something I needed her to see. Besides, if that old lady has enough sorcerous power for that shot, then she can afford some vengeance gold. There will no doubt be a contract soon.

Land somewhere a ways away, in an alley. Shift back, assume the form of a child, and use a charge of one of my lesser vigor rods. If I failed the lightning bolt save, I'll need a second charge, but that's reasonable. A decent framing takes a little effort, after all.

After that, I'll return to the Maid and the Mermaid.

[Rizban]

You manage to avoid a direct blast.

You heal up and return to The Maid and Mermaid as a child. You are stopped at the door by an angry looking halfling. "Hey! No kids. Beat it."

[candycorn]

Very well... I'll leave, and come back a couple minutes later as a plain faced halfling woman in tasteful, but bland attire.

[Rizban]

You walk in with no difficulty. Other than a few of the people, nothing much has changed.

[candycorn]

I'll walk over to the rooms going up, and go up.

[Rizban]

You reach the top of the stairs and find yourself in a hallway with a number of doors leading into the rented bedrooms.

[candycorn]

I'll go to mine, and palm it.

[Rizban]

As you touch the door, you hear the lock open.

[candycorn]

And I'll enter my room. Once inside, I'll revert to my noble halfling persona, and, provided nothing is out of sorts, I'll rest.

Ideally, what has been accomplished thus far is:
(Primary) Central figure in preventing assassins was identified.
(Secondary) Enemy of said figure was identified and located.
(Secondary) Payment for plan was established (as the Joker said, if you're good at something, never do it for free)
(Primary) Central figure was removed from witnesses who might alibi him.
(Primary) A murder was committed, with a witness who 'caught the guard' red handed.

My current hopes:Either the guard is brought in for justice (less likely, given the magical nature of this town)

or a sorceress with a vendetta will contract for the guard's death when he is not.

Either way, rumors will hopefully destroy this man's reputation, regardless of the success or failure of either frame job. And without some mighty powerful divining, there will be nothing linking anything to either me or the gentleman who hired me.

[Rizban]

No one has entered your room since you left. You sleep peacefully, a magical silence spell woven into the floorboards blocking all sound from the tavern below.

[candycorn]

Upon waking, I'll wash up, make sure everything's nice and tidy, then head downstairs.

[Rizban]

Once again, the tavern area looks identical to the last time you were there save for a few patrons. The owner is in his usual seat; indeed, it almost appears as if he never moves from that spot...

[candycorn]

I think I'll go to the bartender and ask if there are any notable things to see in the city.

[Rizban]

The mermaid bartender says, "Well, there's the Maid and Mermaid, of course. The river was rather nice before all the traffic at the Docks ruined it, but the glow pool in Mages' Quarter is so relaxing."

[candycorn]

"The river, you say? I've always liked the water. Thank you kindly! That said, I went on the most charming tour of the older residences of the city. I saw quite the lovely shaded tree on the trip. I may start my day by picking up some fresh fruits and enjoying the fresh air in the quieter part of the city."

After that, I'm going to seek a fruit vendor. After I pick some fruit out, I will go to that tree, arranging so that the place I visited last night for my less savory activities is on the way. I would like to keep tabs on how that's being handled, after all.

[Rizban]

The house was in a cul-de-sac quite out of the way. It would be rather suspicious to just wander down that particular street.

[candycorn]

Hm. That complicates things. Still, I could pull the lost tourist bit. Is there anything in that general vicinity (say, a quarter mile) that would be tourist worthy?

[Rizban]

Old Town has several little antique shops and bed & breakfasts.

[candycorn]

Excellent. I shall visit one of the Bed and Breakfasts.

[Rizban]

There's one about a block away.

[candycorn]

Then I shall go there, and see about seeing things.

[Rizban]

As you approach the B&B, you notice two guards milling about on the cul-de-sac down the street.

[candycorn]

Excellent. I'll tilt my head that way a bit, deliberately, and slow for a second... Then continue into the B&B, confident that I showed the precisely normal amount of curiosity for my attire and form.

I may just feel eaten alive with curiosity by the time I'm done looking at this establishment, though. We'll see.

[Rizban]

I'm sorry I lost track of this! It somehow disappeared from my subscribed threads. You should have nudged me about it. :redface:

The guards notice you but don't react.

You enter the B&B and see a man in his late 40s sitting at a table sipping from a cup of tea. "Well there, I didn't think we had any more reservations for today. How might I help you, ma'am?" He continues to sit in his chair, leaning back comfortably.

[candycorn]

No worries. I admit, I lost it in my threads too. :smallsigh:

"I must confess, sir, that the reason for that is because I do not have one. I was thinking of getting something a bit off the main streets, away from the hustle and the bustle of the Maid and the Mermaid, and I thought this place looked absolutely charming when I passed by yesterday... And seeing how carefully the guards are patrolling the neighborhood, I must say that I'm impressed with how safe this area must be. Please tell me you have a reservation opening up soon, I would just LOVE to stay here!"

[Rizban]

He raises his eyebrow when you mention that you were here yesterday.

"Well, we just might have a room for you. I can't be certain until after check out this afternoon. Come back around 5 o'clock and we'll see what we've got, alright?"

[candycorn]

"I assure you, I will. I think I'll do a bit of shopping on Eschenheimer, and perhaps stop back at the entrance to thank the minstrel that introduced me to this section of town. Always trust the locals to know the best spots, I say. He also showed me to the most wonderful bistro not too terribly far from here. Perhaps I shall lunch there again.

In any case, I shall be back this evening, and thank you so much for your courtesy."

At that, I'll smile at the gentleman, and head out, back towards Eschenheimer.

[Rizban]

He nods, smiles, and sips his tea.

You encounter nothing of note on your way back to the shopping areas.

[Rizban]

A terrible explosion suddenly rocks the entire city, and the ground shakes as if an earthquake were tearing the city apart. The sky lights up from a blast many times the brightness of the sun, and you are certain that certain death has at last come to claim you. As the brightness fades, you look toward the Mages' Quarter and see the last remnants of the horror burning directly towards the sky in a seemingly endless stream of raw, burning mana which threatens to tear reality asunder. What seems like an eternity passes as you stare, though it is likely only a few seconds, and at last the blast fades away. In the distance, you hear a building collapse, and you are certain that something horrible has been unleashed upon the city.

[Rizban]

*nudge* Still playing?