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Message: <blockquote data-quote="KarinsDad" data-source="post: 5074628" data-attributes="member: 2011">"Hurry, hurry, hurry. Nobody ever has time for the pleasantries of life anymore. Oh well." the Goblin pauses for a moment and sighs."Well, if you want to get down to 'brass tacks', we'll do so. You may have heard of me. My name is Merrick. I own a fair portion of Khyber's Gate. I hear what goes on here, I influence what goes on here, and I decide prices. As you say, I am a businessman. But, I am not the only businessman here. I do have competitors. And it appears that one of my competitors has, as one would more colloquially state, 'sicced my dogs on you'. I happen to know that this was done by someone else because I happen to know that I did not do it." Merrick pauses to take a drink of what appears to be wine. Hasifar is taken back slightly by Merrick's sophistication and lack of more common unsavory Goblin traits."As to why I think it was one of my competitors, I have a specific competitor by the name of Ladoran who has recently been 'stirring the pot' so to speak. He has been buying large quantities of arcane components, decreasing the supply and hence, making it more difficult for honest businessmen such as myself to acquire such goods. Now, this in and of itself would not be a good reason to suspect Ladoran of such treachery as was perpetrated on yourselves. But there is, as the Bard is wont to say, more to the story. For you see, Ladoran is either an illusionist or a shapeshifter. I have not yet determined which, but the gentlemen who accosted you received their instructions from the rather large Minotaur over there who is keeping your friends company." Merrick points to the Minotaur on the left."Unfortunately for the perpetrator of this ruse, at the time of the meeting where my men received their instructions, the Minotaur was accompanying me. So, I think it highly unlikely that he could have been in two places at the same time. Additionally, I did not hire him for his mental facilities. He is not, quite frankly, capable of handling complex instructions for others. I would have sent someone more proficient with him to accomplish that and this did not happen. And that is where Ladoran comes in. I strongly suspect that Ladoran set up this ambush, for what purposes I do not know. I have no idea what he would have against you and your friends, but I do know that he would have no qualms starting up an altercation between myself and anyone else who may hinder my operations. As it is, this particular incident has cost me a good deal with regard to competent help." Again, Merrick pauses to take a drink."But, I think Ladoran overplayed his hand this time. Although I have no proof, only someone strong in magic or a shapeshifter could have convinced my men that the orders came from me. Considering the other extenuating circumstances, I am fairly well convinced that Ladoran is the one who has played both of us. So if you so desire, I will have Krugar escort you to Ladoran's residence and you may continue your discussion with him. If as you say, you want no further trouble and do not intend to intrude upon my business, then I opine that our business is concluded. I have given you the information you seek and now knowing the type of businessman that I am, you are satisfied with the service I have provided you for the trouble that you have incurred. If this is correct, then have a nice day sir. Unless of course, there is other business you would like to attend to?"</blockquote>

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