Scorpiox Posted June 13, 2012 Posted June 13, 2012 "No angel that I know of would fall at a single stroke. It is possible that this is a test for you, to see how you react, if you are repentant. It would do well for you to be sorry here. So either the Gods permitted him to be broken, for some purpose, or that he isn't actually done with. I would be wary, your Barty could be reverting to some other form, and who can predict if vengence is on his thought? You may have gotton yourself in-deep here Lawrence." Haldor grimaced weakly, before he turned back to the workers. Pulling Jess near to him, he cleared his throat. "So, um. Are you aware of any investments your Master may have made recently? Particulary involving a Sharkling named Gurnam? Does the name Rodrigo Devaga mean anything to you?"
Jebediahs Posted June 13, 2012 Posted June 13, 2012 That can't possibly be a whip in his hand, can it? He walked around the table to the reddish/ruby rockling tending to the green cape. "That guy with the beard seems like a grump. How's he to work with? Is it worth the pay?"
Waterbrick Down Posted June 14, 2012 Author Posted June 14, 2012 (edited) Docken and Boomingham move to the front of the store, where they are greeted by Reginald Swisshopper and a Rockling clerk. "Ah, good day to you sirs. I can see from your look that your are great men of property perhaps I can intrest you in some of my wears, which I'm sure is the reason you are here." ITEMS FOR SALE: Traveler's Cloak - (SP: 1, Suitable for all classes, Backwear). Costs 75 Gold. Cloak of the Red Assassin - Lowers an assination role from 1/6 to 1/3. (Suitable for Assassins, Backwear). Costs 500 Gold. Righteous Robes - The wearer is automatically hastened, only when healing. (Suitable for Paladins, Bodywear). Costs 200 Gold. Dress Uniform - The wearer is automatically encouraged for the first round of battle. (Suitable for Knights, Bodywear). Costs 150 Gold. What would Bartholomew and Lord Boomingham like to do? Meanwhile back in the warehouse. "I don't manage the boss's money or his company, your best askin' him yourselves." "Best be quiet about the foreman, don't want any trouble with him. The pay's not much to speak of, but it's better than the rest of the Rocklings that are being pushed out of the industry." Edited June 14, 2012 by Waterbrick Down
Zepher Posted June 14, 2012 Posted June 14, 2012 Boomingham pinched the Righteous Robes between his fingers and rubs it. It feels soft and a small hum echoes in his head. He lets go. "No doubt if Barty was around, he'd want me to buy that one," he mumbles to Docken. "I prefer, however to buy an outfit that will inform people of my rank... Master Docken, you don't happen want to loan me all your gold, do you? I promise, when this Quest ends, it will go make its way on back to you, along with Jess and Nur." Boomingham eyes the Dress Uniform with envy, then snaps his attention to the man who had created it... or at the very least was selling it... Boomingham turned on his natural charm (diplomacy). "Mr. Swisshopper, lovely shop you have here. You surely have the finest outfits in all of Eubric. I wonder, however, why a man such as yourself would invest in a machine that created tonics? Without being rude or too blunt, what was your angle? And again, without being blunt or rude, you don't happen to offer discounts to people from Heroica, do you? I'm sure a fine man such as yourself wants to be on good relations with such a noble organization. I am also a paladin."
Waterbrick Down Posted June 14, 2012 Author Posted June 14, 2012 (edited) "Well, my fine sir I knew there was something special about you when you entered, is your angel out on holiday or something? I think I could reduce the price by 25 Gold seeing as how many of these items lend themselves to your heroica aura. Now then, I assume you're talking about Master Szalinski? Let me give it to you straight gentlemen, I'm a business man first and foremost. This shop has only been open 4 months and all ready we have beaten off most of our competition, efficiency gentlemen that's the way you do it. I'm what you might call an entrepreneurr and the gnome was just one of my next big bets, today it is fine linens, tomorrow it will be instant tonics and the like, you've got to stay one step ahead of the masses my good sirs. Szalinski seemed like he knew what he was doing and so I was going to buy him and the other holders out once the business was fully operational." Edited June 14, 2012 by Waterbrick Down
Jebediahs Posted June 15, 2012 Posted June 15, 2012 OoC: Very neat items for sale. Nur's eyes narrowed. Well I do want trouble! "Hey Foreman, are you giving these employees regularly scheduled breaks and fair pay?"
Waterbrick Down Posted June 15, 2012 Author Posted June 15, 2012 "What are you talking about, they work till the work is done and they're paid adequately to make the finest garments in the city. What makes you think otherwise?"
Jebediahs Posted June 15, 2012 Posted June 15, 2012 "That instrument of motivation in your hand. What do you think, Jess?"
Sisco Posted June 15, 2012 Posted June 15, 2012 Jess narrowed her eyes at the sight of the Foreman's whip. "That doesn't look very nice, Mr. Foreman. How often do you use it on the Rocklings?"
Waterbrick Down Posted June 16, 2012 Author Posted June 16, 2012 The foreman grins. "The little pieces of pummice can get unrulely some of the time, this keeps 'em in line. Besides there ain't no law in Eubric about keepin' one's employees on task with a little physical reminder. 'Sides, Rocklings don't have much of what ya call senses of touch anyways."
Jebediahs Posted June 16, 2012 Posted June 16, 2012 En Sabah Nur stroked his chin. The Foreman was...right. Did rocklings have a circulatory or nervous system? Rock is pretty hard, the whip lash must be but a feather's tap to them. I wish I had stoneskin. Perhaps when I get back to the Hall I'll try the spell... "Carry on." Though disgusted for feeling pity on these whining creatures who were getting steady wages, his anger level had been deflated so he left Haldor and his elf with the foreman as he joined Boomingham and the cyclops upstairs.
Scorpiox Posted June 16, 2012 Posted June 16, 2012 Wasn't this all convenient? No-one has heard of the mysterious Devaga, and there has been no hint of Gurnam's investor. Time was running short, hopefully Swisshopper himself will know more. "So Mister, you are sure that you haven't heard anything regarding the Sharkling Gurnam and Rodrigo Devaga? Are there any documents I could read? Thank you for your time Mister." When the man answers, Haldor will attempt to take Jess with him round to the front of the shop to speak to Swisshopper and browse the wares.
Waterbrick Down Posted June 16, 2012 Author Posted June 16, 2012 "Like I said, before the bosses company and money ain't what I'm paid to keep track of." The foreman replies somewhat annoyed. He cracks his whip and the distracted Rocklings jump a little, scurrying back to work. QM Note: I won't be updating for the rest of the weekend as I'll be at Brickworld for at least today, but feel free to state any other actions you'd like to do in the meantime.
Waterbrick Down Posted June 19, 2012 Author Posted June 19, 2012 "Hah, the small shards of sediment, seem a little jumpy about the loud noises, but it makes sure they stay on their feet. Is there anything else I can do for you folks."
Zepher Posted June 19, 2012 Posted June 19, 2012 "So, what say you Docken? Care to give me 105 gold, just as a quick loan? Once we get paid, I promise I'll get that gold right back into your hand." Boomingham yawns. The day has grown long. He turns to see Nur enter the room. He grins at his friend. "Excuse me, chaps," he says to the others and turns to Nur. He whips out his flask, chugs down some, and offers it to Nur. "Helps the mind getting going. That's like fire. We need leads. No one knows our loaner, and we've got no suspects. So, what say you, Master Nur? Do you have any thoughts on the matter? I'm not a great reader of people, truth be told. I've been stabbed in the back a time or two, but you seem a bit more shrewd, if you don't mind me saying it, so, anyone fishy? You can question Swisshopper too, if you don't think it'd be a bad idea. Just don't get my discount taken away." Boomingham sloshes the flask around a little, trying to entice Nur and hoping that he had some idea of where to turn.
Brickdoctor Posted June 19, 2012 Posted June 19, 2012 "Considering your existing debts, are you sure that that's the wisest action, Lord Boomingham?" Nevertheless, I hand Lawrence 105 Gold.
Zepher Posted June 19, 2012 Posted June 19, 2012 "Thank you, my good man." Boomingham accepts the gold, fishes his own out, and hands all of it over the Swisshopper. "This is for the Dress Uniform. And listen, Swisshopper, while we're here, I've got just one or two questions. Surely you have the time to deal honestly and openly with a valued costumer, hero of Heroica, Paladin, and friendly face. I've been thinking of opening up my own shop, a tea place, and I've been looking into some investors. There was one man who seemed interested, but I haven't been able to reach him recently. Do you know anyone named Rodrigo Devaga, or anyone who goes by that alias?"
Jebediahs Posted June 19, 2012 Posted June 19, 2012 Nur frowned and his nostrils flared a little. "I'll have to pass on the drink sir. Smells a bit strong. The hard stuff disagrees with my stomach." His face was dismayed as Docken passed Boomingham more money. "I don't know what else you've asked him already but let me browse a bit and observe Swisshopper's mannerisms ."
Scorpiox Posted June 19, 2012 Posted June 19, 2012 (edited) Haldor looked slightly irriatable at the man's apparrent lack of observation, and he took a walk toward the area where the others now stood. Was it wrong to use force to keep workers in line? The Rocklings worked harder and more productively under the dread of the whip, which kept them in their jobs, and allowed the industry to flourish. The grim truth seemed favourable to lazy, untrained workers who would be replaced and likely become homeless. And if the Rocklings fervently carried on regardless of whether the foreman actually used the whip, then he wouldn't have to commit acts of cruelty at all. The thought itself saved the workforce and the industry, but the object need not be used at all. Thinking like this strained Haldor's brain, and he knew better than to share the ideas with her, many more instances of his 'darker side' showing would lead to his love despising him even more. She was all that kept him sane. The Nord stood away at the rear of the group facing Swisshopper, still wary of himself. Nudging Lawrence, he whispered quietly. "Since this all has been heralding nothing, try asking the man about Gurnam, you can probably abuse your position for now."With the brief words spoken, Haldor returned to his glum silence, glancing briefly behind at Jess, who turned away from his gaze. Edited June 19, 2012 by Scorpiox
Waterbrick Down Posted June 20, 2012 Author Posted June 20, 2012 (edited) The Party: Bartholomew Docken, Level 21.33 Warden (Brick Doctor) *Party Leader* *Scary* Power: 30 Health: 40/40 Defense: 15 Gold: 26 (50 Gold loaned to Arthur Justus Regulus VII [Flipz]) Inventory: Briar Bow (WP: 9; Wood Elemental), Mockthril Longbow (WP: 5), Mythril Shield (SP: 15), Dread Hat (enemies lower than half of wearer's Level won't attack directly), Bedroll, Mead, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Potions (5), Grand Potion (1), Soma (1), White Marksman's Hat (1/6 Assassination versus Flying Monsters), Lover's Locket (Enamored Immunity) Haldor Skovgaard, Level 17.5 Shaman (Scorpiox) Power: 30, Health: 34/34 Ether: 14/24 Gold: 115 Inventory: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:12), Lesser Ethereal Cloak (SP:+1, +3 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity) Spike Coller (+1 power), Diamond of Thoric (Light Elemental), Frying Pan (WP:1+1 health), Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion (x2), Remedy, Tonic, Mead, Venom, and a fur-lined Bedroll, Scroll of Blindness, Bear Claw Gloves (WP:7, SP:2, non-upgradable SP), Emerald Lamp of Summoning Jess Islanti, Level 18 Assassin (Sisco) Power: 29 (+2) Health: 29/29(+1) Gold: 189 Inventory: Blohdhurm (WP: 9)(Fire elemental, Permanently Poisoned), Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, Mug Ability +5), 2 Venoms, Mead, 1 Remedy, Sword of the Vampir (WP: 17)(User is Jinxed) Lord Lawrence Boomingham, Level 17 Paladin (Zepher) Power: 28 (+3) Health: 33/33 (-6+2) Ether: 16/17 Gold: 0 (Owes 50 to Jess, 20 to Nur, and 105 to Bartholomew) Inventory: King of the Desert (Longsword) (WP: 9, Fire Darkness), Shaduex Shield (SP: 5), Thorny Diadem (+3 to power, but -6 to maximum health) 3 Potions, Bedroll, 5 Bones, 2 Holy bombs, 2 Meads, 1 Phoenix essence, Pick-axe, 1 Jo-no Tree seed, 1 Venom, 1 Grand Tonic, Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Dress Uniform (User is encouraged for the 1st round of battle) En Sabah Nur, Level 17.5 Sorcerer (Jebediahs) *Lucky* Power: 28 Health: 26/26 (25+1) Ether: 11/21 Gold: 466 Equipped: Inventory: Stealth Dagger (WP: 12), Helmet (+1 HP), Garnet Gem (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), En, Sabah, Nur (Shurikens 3/3, WP: 5), 3 Potions, 2 Grand Tonics, 2 Phoenix Essence, 2 Remedies, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Sangriste Dagger (WP: 5), Loaded Die (Lucky effect), Frozen Saber (WP: 9, stunned effect, Light), 1 Venom Swisshopper stiffens slightly at the mention of the name. "What is your purpose here sir? I have dealt with you honestly and now you lie to me about starting up some tea shop and for what purpose, are you spies of the Temple? Some sort of fanatics for Mercutio, out to ruin me because I have achieved my sucess by my own hard work and not by offerings to your god? Edited June 20, 2012 by Waterbrick Down
Scorpiox Posted June 20, 2012 Posted June 20, 2012 Haldor stepped forward at this point to intervene. "I don't think you understand Sir. The way my friend Lawrence stated things may have been, elaborate, but our intentions are genuine. We are contracted to investigate an act of sabotage that nearly caused the death of a wise man. I possess no connections whatsoever to the temple of Mercutio, in fact I denounce southern Gods like such. The name Rodrigo Devega has been mentioned briefly by other sources, and we ask if you hold any knowledge of such a person? Have you any recollection of invesments to the one named Gurnam. Any help is a step closer to uncovering the truth, and it would be wise to comply, Sir."
Waterbrick Down Posted June 21, 2012 Author Posted June 21, 2012 "I assume you are speaking about Mr. Szalinski, and as to how I know Rodrigo Devega, that is my own business but I can ensure you that he had nothing to do with the explosion and he certainly didn't talk to this gentleman ever in his life. Gurnam, the Sharkling, I could never figure out. How does a fish monger ever have that much money to spend? So your invistigation, I assume you've come here to arrest me or something?"
Brickdoctor Posted June 21, 2012 Posted June 21, 2012 "We will not be arresting you. We were instructed to obtain your opinion of the matter, and we will do no more than that." I turn to the rest of the party. "I believe we have all the information we were tasked with collecting, now."
Zepher Posted June 21, 2012 Posted June 21, 2012 "Tut tut, Master Docken, not quite yet. You are an honorable man, I have no doubt Mr. Swisshopper, but your fear of being arrested leaves me just a little bit suspscious of you. I'm sure you understand. It would really do you good to make sure that you didn't become the prime suspect. We are trying to track down Rodrigo Devega, he has some answers to our questions, so the way you know him and who he is actually has become our business. You do understand, a fine gentleman like you, right chappo? Tell us where to find him and what he does. Why would he invest in this project? We need answers if we're to clear your name, Mr. Swisshopper."
Waterbrick Down Posted June 22, 2012 Author Posted June 22, 2012 (edited) Swisshopper answers in frustration. "Devega and I are the same person. There are you happy? I use the name whenever I don't want competition getting flustered about breaking into an industry. Now apart from lying to me, distracting my workers, and annoying my foreman, do you need anything else, or do I need to call the hired hands?" Edited June 22, 2012 by Waterbrick Down
Recommended Posts