Heroica RPG - Quest #62: Insider Trading

[herrJJ]

"What are these rumors exactly about, Dill? Could it have something to do with banning cloth sales from the city?" Nessa was curious if the rumors they have heard earlier from that birdman had something to do with their quest.

Karie entered the inn with her fellow party members. She noticed the bard's singing before she noticed him.

"Amateur." She mumbled.

After listening to Dill's story, Karie felt a sense of intrigue. She wasn't at all interested in cloth sales, but the suspicions of a rat did.

"You say that someone's been spreading rumours? Do you have any suspicions on who it might be? Also, is it possible I might ask we take your assistant with us? I'd prefer to have his help, since he seems to be much more familiar with the city than any of us are."

Nessa turned to Karie to show the obvious: "If Master Hinckwell here doesn't want his name spread by us I think it is not such a good idea to take one of his employees with us." She turned to Dill as she continued: "Perhaps you may provide us with a map of the relevant places we should visit if that is possible. In this way it is easier to stay undercover." Satisfied with her words Nessa waited for an answer.

[Kintobor]

Nessa turned to Karie to show the obvious: "If Master Hinckwell here doesn't want his name spread by us I think it is not such a good idea to take one of his employees with us."

Karie thought hard for a retort that would put Nessa to shame. It festered in her brain until she finally came to the inevitable (yet exact opposite of what she was looking for) conclusion.

"I knew that."

[legobodgers]

How many people know about the upcoming deal?

OOC: I should have 0 gold but its fine if you want to give me some

[Dannylonglegs]

Dil waited patiently, alone in his room, for the party to think over their assignment.

Karie entered the inn with her fellow party members. She noticed the bard's singing before she noticed him.

"Amateur." She mumbled.

After listening to Dill's story, Karie felt a sense of intrigue. She wasn't at all interested in cloth sales, but the suspicions of a rat did.

"You say that someone's been spreading rumours? Do you have any suspicions on who it might be? Also, is it possible I might ask we take your assistant with us? I'd prefer to have his help, since he seems to be much more familiar with the city than any of us are."

"I'm afraid I have no idea who would be spreading such rumours. My first thought was that the Shadeaux were behind this, but it's too subtle for them. I've seen the Shadeaux Company engage in quite a bit of foul play, but in this case, the rumour-spreader's presence is almost non-existent. The only reason I know that something's wrong is the behavior of the cloth merchants. Instead of waiting this depression out, as of several days ago, they seem to be jumping at any chance to sell their wares, even at these severely deflated costs. It doesn't make any sense, therefore, they know something, or think something, that they shouldn't, hence my conclusion that someone is spreading a false truth, or even worse, the actual truth. The only ones aware of this law passing are the High-Priest of Ennoc in this city, anyone he's told, Lord Brenden I and II, anyone they've told, Several higher-ups in the Hinckwell family, and myself. I suspect the leak must have occurred with the Church or the Lords. I told them how delicate this situation was, but they're both well outside my control. I still believe that the best way to find out who's behind this is to get the source from the Merchants themselves. They'd be more likely to gossip about this then The Church or the Lord. I can't imagine one or the other would intentionally leak the information though. I've made sure that the arrangement is more beneficial to them than betraying me.

"What are these rumors exactly about, Dill? Could it have something to do with banning cloth sales from the city?" Nessa was curious if the rumors they have heard earlier from that birdman had something to do with their quest.

Nessa turned to Karie to show the obvious: "If Master Hinckwell here doesn't want his name spread by us I think it is not such a good idea to take one of his employees with us." She turned to Dill as she continued: "Perhaps you may provide us with a map of the relevant places we should visit if that is possible. In this way it is easier to stay undercover." Satisfied with her words Nessa waited for an answer.

"Yes, Miss..." Dill began, looking over his assistant's notes, "Karie, is it? 'Party-Leader.' I am afraid Miss..." he scanned the names again, "Nessa brings up a good point. My assistant Bart stands out like a sore-thumb. He's always in the Hinckwell colours and any spies this rumour-spreader may employ, and the rumour-spreader himself, will likely know his affiliation in or out of the colours. I just hope you lot haven't been seen by anyone associated with the rumour spreader while in Bart's company. As for your other concern, Nessa, I'd be quite interested to hear where you heard this. This may be exactly what I'm referring to. That may explain some of the behavior of the cloth salesmen, although, with this bit of gossip, I don't know why the merchants wouldn't simply leave. How did you come upon this information already?"

[Dannylonglegs]

"Oh, and I'll see if I can whip up a map."

OoC: I'll fix your stats Legobodgers

Edited March 13, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[Kintobor]

"We were told by a beggar down at the docks who traded the information for a few coins, a were-raven.

Ooooooh crud. You don't suppose that man was in fact an agent? They could already know we're here!" Karie was getting a little panicky. The potential flub on her part could potential destroy their chances of being incognito.

"Okay, hold on. He referred to knowing a good friend, which is whom he got the info off of. We have a decent lead actually. Despite having a slim chance of ever finding that raven again, one would assume that if others have been given this information, some would possibly be less tight lipped. If we can find a source and get the info out of them, and ensure he's not lying, we may just find our man. So we have simulated a basic plan. Ask around the market, find a good lead, and than beat the living daylights out of this individual the raven spoke of."

[Dannylonglegs]

"We were told by a beggar down at the docks who traded the information for a few coins, a were-raven.

Ooooooh crud. You don't suppose that man was in fact an agent? They could already know we're here!" Karie was getting a little panicky. The potential flub on her part could potential destroy their chances of being incognito.

"Okay, hold on. He referred to knowing a good friend, which is whom he got the info off of. We have a decent lead actually. Despite having a slim chance of ever finding that raven again, one would assume that if others have been given this information, some would possibly be less tight lipped. If we can find a source and get the info out of them, and ensure he's not lying, we may just find our man. So we have simulated a basic plan. Ask around the market, find a good lead, and than beat the living daylights out of this individual the raven spoke of."

"Hmm... I see. A were-raven beggar. Well, I can't say rightly whether he could be an agent or not, or if there even are spies at-all, but it does sound like my worries are confirmed. There is indeed a rumour floating around the market that something drastic is about to happen. If we don't put an end to this soon, and our enemy makes the right moves, I could lose everything I've invested in this situation! There's no point in worrying that your cover's been blown already. Honestly, I have no other alternatives apart from you heroes, so you've got to find this rumour-spreader and stop him before he makes his move... or at-least hinder his movement. Your plan seems like a good one. I hope this were-raven was on the low end of the line, and not the master-mind himself. He may already know of my counter-maneuver, and concoct his own... Whoever he is... Whatever his plan is." Dill ran his sweaty palm over his non-existent hair.

[Kintobor]

"Mr. Dill, we will put a stop to these foul rumors, for there is nothing more important to me than ensuring our job gets done." Besides a pouch full of gold.

"A map would be nice, but if you gave us some key locations and the directions to get there, I'm certain one of us will remember them and get us there safely."

Karie felt important, as if she could take on the world. If only "Little Miss Killjoy" Nessa wasn't around to crush her under her stupid looking, elvish boots. Despite having respect for rangers, the words that came to mind to describe Nessa were "Spider Whisperer".

[Dannylonglegs]

"Mr. Dill, we will put a stop to these foul rumors, for there is nothing more important to me than ensuring our job gets done." Besides a pouch full of gold.

"A map would be nice, but if you gave us some key locations and the directions to get there, I'm certain one of us will remember them and get us there safely."

Karie felt important, as if she could take on the world. If only "Little Miss Killjoy" Nessa wasn't around to crush her under her stupid looking, elvish boots. Despite having respect for rangers, the words that came to mind to describe Nessa were "Spider Whisperer".

"Here. This is a map I made for one of my associates ages ago. The City hasn't changed much since then."

"The best cloth merchants can be found on Market Street near the bridge. The lower half of Market Street on the West side of town goes by the name of West Wharf Street now, and it doesn't sell much but sailing supplies. We are where Market Street ends, near the Aristocrat's district, marked "Rich" on the map for sake of space. I might also add that within the West Merchant's District, the North is the Banking District, and the lower segment of the Aristocrat's District is the Lawyers Row. Most of the actions of the Court occur in the northern-most section of the East Peasant's District. That includes most of the Jails,"

Edit: Added some other locations.

Edited March 14, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[Vash the Stampede]

We could split the party. On a more serious note.

Dreyrugr feeling a bit better listens to the conversations going on. He then looks at the map. "I suggest going to the markets and then the poorer area of town. Rumors circulate around easier in those types of places.

[legobodgers]

I agree with Dreyrugr, we should go to the poorer parts of town and the markets first.

[herrJJ]

We could split the party. On a more serious note.

Dreyrugr feeling a bit better listens to the conversations going on. He then looks at the map. "I suggest going to the markets and then the poorer area of town. Rumors circulate around easier in those types of places.

I agree with Dreyrugr, we should go to the poorer parts of town and the markets first.

"I agree. Searching the poor areas could easily bring us to that beggar. And if we get him once we surely will be able to get the name out of him. And if it has to be by force.

But before we do that we should gather more information. So visiting the market is important too." Nessa turned to Dill: "Do you think that 'master mind' is situated with the Lords? This would be crucial for our decision cause his position should be the last to visit." Nessa was getting stronger and stronger. It felt good, really good. 'You are doing just fine. Your brain is sharp and you draw the right conclusions. Feel the power and let it overwhelm you!'

[xxlrocka]

Drake looked around suspiciously. He looked at everybody in the room and he spoke.

"Has anybody thought that maybe a spy could be in this room? I don't know why I think so, but maybe a spy followed us into here."

Drake then looked at the map.

"If somebody is spreading rumours to the market people then the rumour-spreader is probably somewhere in the market. Dark alleys could have something that can help. Maybe footprints, or items the rumour-spreader might have recently used but thrown away."

[Kintobor]

Drake looked around suspiciously. He looked at everybody in the room and he spoke.

"Has anybody thought that maybe a spy could be in this room? I don't know why I think so, but maybe a spy followed us into here."

Drake then looked at the map.

"If somebody is spreading rumours to the market people then the rumour-spreader is probably somewhere in the market. Dark alleys could have something that can help. Maybe footprints, or items the rumour-spreader might have recently used but thrown away."

"Let's not rush to conclusions there, good sir knight."

She leans in very cautiously.

"It's not one of us. But as for someone in the room, yes, the assistant comes to mind, and perhaps the wife. We'll discuss it further outside." She whispers. A traitor in their midst and of course the guy frightened from the start comes to mind.

"Whenever you guys are ready, I believe my thirst for knowledge has been quenched. We'll head out when you guys are ready."

Edited March 14, 2013 by Kintobor

[Dannylonglegs]

"I agree. Searching the poor areas could easily bring us to that beggar. And if we get him once we surely will be able to get the name out of him. And if it has to be by force.

But before we do that we should gather more information. So visiting the market is important too." Nessa turned to Dill: "Do you think that 'master mind' is situated with the Lords? This would be crucial for our decision cause his position should be the last to visit." Nessa was getting stronger and stronger. It felt good, really good. 'You are doing just fine. Your brain is sharp and you draw the right conclusions. Feel the power and let it overwhelm you!'

"From what it sounds like, you met the were-raven in the West Wharf District, where you arrived this morning. The Master-mind could be anyone with a way of benefiting from this situation. I don't believe the Lord himself could be behind it, but he has many rivals in the city who could potentially benefit from the unrest this information's untimely release may cause, on that note, though, many of the crafts-guilds could gain more popular support from a more negative opinion of the aristocracy." The Hinckwell sounded quite upset.

Drake looked around suspiciously. He looked at everybody in the room and he spoke.

"Has anybody thought that maybe a spy could be in this room? I don't know why I think so, but maybe a spy followed us into here."

Drake then looked at the map.

"If somebody is spreading rumours to the market people then the rumour-spreader is probably somewhere in the market. Dark alleys could have something that can help. Maybe footprints, or items the rumour-spreader might have recently used but thrown away."

"Unless a spy is using magic, I don't see how one could be in here."

"Let's not rush to conclusions there, good sir knight."

She leans in very cautiously.

"It's not one of us. But as for someone in the room, yes, the assistant comes to mind, and perhaps the wife. We'll discuss it further outside." She whispers. A traitor in their midst and of course the guy frightened from the start comes to mind.

"Whenever you guys are ready, I believe my thirst for knowledge has been quenched. We'll head out when you guys are ready."

OoC: Sorry if I wasn't clear, but Bart, his assistant and Ave, his wife are down-stairs in the Tavern. You are alone with Dill in his room on the second floor of the inn.

"If you are ready to begin, then I bid you good luck. I must now attend a meeting of the guild-heads in the room over. The Lord himself will be attending. I pray that you stop whomever is behind this as swiftly as possible. Also, a word of advice: before you stop looking and draw your conclusions, make sure to prove that the one you've caught is indeed the mastermind and not a pawn. Good-Luck and Ennoc's speed."

The party thanked Dill and returned to the First floor of the inn, where even more people had arrived. You realized that many of them may be guild-heads or other important people from what Dill said and how they're dressed. The Bard was playing the song again, "Fair Lass of Sailor's Haven" and the whole bar seemed to be chanting with him. In the corner, alone, Bart sat with an ale, meekly humming the tune, and at the wall, Ave clapped and cheered the bard on.

The tune is somewhat similar to Greensleeves, and every 2-part grouping sounds like "There is nothing on Earth that we share! It is either Valjean or Javert!" from Javert's last song in Les Miserables.

Oh, my fair lass of Sailor’s Haven

She had a strong heart, was never craven

In her arms I would always be free—

With two beautiful eyes like the sea

We weathered the waves

That blasted the shore

We kept strong and brave

Although we were poor

We saw other ports

And traveled the world

We toured the grand courts

And time simply whirled

And No-body could take her from me—

Oh, My love and the Crystalline Sea.

And after some time

We confessed our love

I swore she was mine

To the old gods ‘bove

We purchased a house

In ol’ Sailors Town

She bought a new blouse

And she wore it ‘round

I had one final trip for the key—

One last trip on the Crystalline Sea

But on that last trip

My craft hit a storm

The riggings did slip

The main mast was torn

But from the flotsam

I tore to the top

Though my limbs were numb

I would never stop

I pulled myself from the debris—

I’d find my love across the sea

It took several years

To make it to home

But I heard no cheers

My old friends were gone

The land and the waves

Had lost their appeal

I stood o’er her grave

I just couldn’t feel

Her heart in the corpse that was she—

Was as cold as the depths of the sea.

What would the Party Like to do? (If I skipped over a question, or you weren't finished with Dill, I'm sure Bart or Ave could answer your questions just as easily. Of course, you'd have to phrase them differently. )

Edited May 2, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[herrJJ]

Nessa walked over to Bart for her thirst for knowledge was not yet satisfied: "Barty, for a second. Just say me, in trust, why are you that nervous. All the people here are to busy on singing and chanting, my group of people is over there. So we are sort of alone. It is very important. And for the first, I don't think it is something with your nerves. So please, just speak up voluntarily. If you have to say something I suggest you do so to prevent worse things to happen!" Nessa's words were at least very expressive.

Edited March 14, 2013 by herrJJ

[Dannylonglegs]

Nessa walked over to Bart for her thirst for knowledge was not yet satisfied: "Barty, for a second. Just say me, in trust, why are you that nervous. All the people here are to busy on singing and chanting, my group of people is over there. So we are sort of alone. It is very important. And for the first, I don't think it is something with your nerves. So please, just speak up voluntarily. If you have to say something I suggest you do so to prevent worse things to happen!" Nessa's words were at least very expressive.

"I-I-I..." Stuttered the Hinckwell employee. "Well, I'm actually quite relieved and relaxed now, if you want the truth."

And, from the looks of him, he might have been telling the truth. He certainly still seemed more at-edge than the average man, but he was far less jumpy than before. Looking at the man now, in the dim light of the inn, Nessa could see worry lines forming on the man's face despite how young he was, and he couldn't have been older than 16 or 18.

"The stress of my job really gets to me. I do almost everything for Dill, from filing his paperwork and working out contracts to hiring heroes to do the work I can't. The one thing I'd hate above anything else though is to disappoint the man. He was a saint to my mother (my father died before I was born) and he gave me this job here with him so that I could support her." He looks down into his ale, sadness in his eyes. "If there's any way I can help you heroes out, though, just say the word and I'll do it immediately." He stammered, "Do you need help getting around Town? I could be your guide. I'm not too busy at the moment. Dill is in a meeting with the lord and whichever guild-heads aren't down here with us, so I've got the day free."

Edited April 7, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[xxlrocka]

Drake looked around and smiled. This was his kind of thing. Drake wished to go to the bar and sing along too!

OOC: Unless I can't, but not doing it would ruin my day.

Edited March 14, 2013 by xxlrocka

[herrJJ]

"I-I-I..." Stuttered the Hinckwell employee. "Well, I'm actually quite relieved and relaxed now, if you want the truth."

And, from the looks of him, he might have been telling the truth. He certainly still seemed more at-edge than the average man, but he was far less jumpy than before. Looking at the man now, in the dim light of the inn, Nessa could see worry lines forming on the man's face despite how young he was, and he couldn't have been older than 18 or 20.

"The stress of my job really gets to me. I do almost everything for Dill, from filing his paperwork and working out contracts to hiring heroes to do the work I can't. The one thing I'd hate above anything else though is to disappoint the man. He was a saint to my mother (my father died before I was born) and he gave me this job here with him so that I could support her." He looks down into his ale, sadness in his eyes. "If there's any way I can help you heroes out, though, just say the word and I'll do it immediately." He stammered, "Do you need help getting around Town? I could be your guide. I'm not too busy at the moment. Dill is in a meeting with the lord and whichever guild-heads aren't down here with us, so I've got the day free."

"Thank you, Bart. Indeed we could use the help of guide. Though I think your bodywear could possibly reveal the Hinckwell as our employer. Do you have any chance to disguise yourself? And with that: how known is your face around this city. I guess a lot. So some changing in your appearance only wouldn't do it." Nessa waited for a short time before she asked the most important question. "How experienced are you in combat? Can you assist us if we run into a battle?"

[Dannylonglegs]

Drake looked around and smiled. This was his kind of thing. Drake wished to go to the bar and sing along too!

OOC: Unless I can't, but not doing it would ruin my day.

OoC: of course you can.

Drake, pleased with atmosphere of the inn, moved closer to the bar and sang along to the Sailor's song. The tune was haunting and melodic when sung by over a dozen men and women, each adding-in his or her own distinct sound. The Lyrics were simple enough that Drake had no problem keeping up with the Brendenton natives. The Bar-keeper, a portly, older man handed Drake an Ale. "The Clothes-Guild-Head ordered rounds. He seems quite pleased with himself today."

Edited March 14, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[Kintobor]

Karie was getting impatient with Nessa.

"Little miss contradiction over here obviously forgot that she said that tagging Barty along was a bad idea! And Drake, best you got away from that stage, that bard's singing is so bad it's hurting my own talent."

The team obviously wasn't aware that a paycheck was on the line, as well as her own reputation.

[Dannylonglegs]

"Thank you, Bart. Indeed we could use the help of guide. Though I think your bodywear could possibly reveal the Hinckwell as our employer. Do you have any chance to disguise yourself? And with that: how known is your face around this city. I guess a lot. So some changing in your appearance only wouldn't do it." Nessa waited for a short time before she asked the most important question. "How experienced are you in combat? Can you assist us if we run into a battle?"

"Well, umm, I'm afraid that if subtlety is your objective I can't be too much of a help. Anyone who's anyone knows I run Dill Hinckwell's errands. I've met all the guild-heads, all the nobles and aristocrats of importance, most of the more wealthy merchants, most of the Church officials, the Bankers, many of the mages... Anyone important in this city would be likely to recognize me as a Hinckwell in or out of this uniform. Perhaps if I wore a hood or something, but I'm not sure where I could find one without purchasing one, and I'm not even sure how effective that would be." he sighed, feeling useless for once.

"I've never lifted a sword in my life, and I hope I never have to." came his reply, again, seeming unpleased with himself.

Edited March 14, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[herrJJ]

Karie was getting impatient with Nessa.

"Little miss contradiction over here obviously forgot that she said that tagging Barty along was a bad idea! And Drake, best you got away from that stage, that bard's singing is so bad it's hurting my own talent."

The team obviously wasn't aware that a paycheck was on the line, as well as her own reputation.

Nessa turned to the girl that pretended to be a 'leader' for some god's mistake and pointed out a very important fact of her question to Bart. "So therefore I asked him about some disguise." She put more emphasis on that last word. Halfly turned to Bart: "But as he stated himself he would not be of that great help. No offense, Bart. Some people are for fighting, some are not. This shouldn't bother you." Nessa felt sorry for the young guy. "But you won't be useless at all. You might tell us some spots we definetly have to visit. No one of us had travelled to Brendenton before, so your advice would be worth gold. Perhaps we can check on you later to discuss other targets of our investigation. Being an informant is honorable, too, if it leads to victory for what it is that counts only. But this is a decision for our so beloved party leader." With the most disgust as possible Nessa said her last words.

Edited March 14, 2013 by herrJJ

[Dannylonglegs]

Nessa turned to the girl that pretended to be a 'leader' for some god's mistake and pointed out a very important fact of her question to Bart. "So therefore I asked him about some disguise." She put more emphasis on that last word. Halfly turned to Bart: "But as he stated himself he would not be of that great help. No offense, Bart. Some people are for fighting, some are not. This shouldn't bother you." Nessa felt sorry for the young guy. "But you won't be useless at all. You might tell us some spots we definetly have to visit. No one of us had travelled to Brendenton before, so your advice would be worth gold. Perhaps we can check on you later to discuss other targets of our investigation. Being an informant is honorable, too, if it leads to victory for what it is that counts only. But this is a decision for our so beloved party leader." With the most disgust as possible Nessa said her last words.

"Yes, I'm afraid I'm no fighter, but I do know the city like the back of my hand, as a result of my taxing occupation." he chirped. "Just tell me what you're looking for, and I can tell you where you need to go to find it, I hope."

[Kintobor]

Karie could tell Nessa was ready to rip her throat out. She looked about the inn, trying to find her party members, and then clutched her fists. Nessa wasn't worth her effort arguing with. In a calm voice she replied to the ranger:

"Very well then. If you so wish for us to leave, we shall. You may assist in getting Drake away from the bar, and I will see you outside. We're going to the Market Street." She turned her attention from Nessa to Barty.

"My good man, what's the fast way to Market Street?"