skullsmurfer
First Post
Eberron action, Pulp Story Plot.
Sundown at the Gorgon's Eye, Chapter 1
The Gorgon's Eye is the rattiest hole that ever blighted the depths of Sharn. The barkeep has red eyes, the wenches are scabby, and the bouncer has been to the dungeons twice; accused of cannibalism. You can visit everyday for a year and there isn't anyone who will recognize you. Amazingly, the ale is quite decent and if you order the stew , chances are good that it will stay in your belly. It is a fine place for when you want to get away to have a private conversation or a good game of chance. A savvy chap can meet loads of interesting mercenaries and adventurers here. It's been said that one can meet less savory types here as well, to purchase services and information best left to the imagination. Its a bad idea to ask the bouncer about this, but the barkeep won't mind if your coin is the right weight. Whatever your business, there are several cozy booths available for rental by the hour. The basement provides for lager meetings as well as a more discrete entrance. If you pay the bouncer, he will eat anyone who tries to interrupt. Don't ever cheat at cards, if you want to leave this place alive.
“I will have the Black Earth Mror Stout and three bowls of stew; piping hot and one at a time,” Thersyl ordered without even looking up from his parchment.
The orc-blooded wench sucked her teeth at him and spat on the floor before snatching up the coins and the token hidden among them. Thersyl decided to add a paragraph about the wenches being more dangerous than the bouncer. He's been publishing an underground pamphlet for years. The Sharn Anonymous stokes more and more controversy each time it hits the streets. The little rag sheet is the most fun he's had in decades. Some of his closest friends would kill to know who's been publishing the city's best-kept secrets. Some of his best enemies would pay to let him continue.
“You are early.” A man said as he tried to grab a seat.
“Have we been introduced?” Thersyl asked, raising an eyebrow as the bouncer stalked towards his visitor. He was dressed as a commoner, but he wore an expensive cologne and there are ring marks on his fingers. His hair has also been washed recently. That man is no commoner; City Watch, Guild, the Houses? Either way he might be trouble.
The hideously scarred bug-bear did not wait for the man to answer. The sap kissed the back of the man's head, and a moment later it was as if the fool was never there. The bouncer, Long-tooth, is getting a paragraph in the next rag sheet. That was fine work.
A mousy looking gnome strolled up to the barkeep and tapped the bar with a Token*. The barkeep waited until a few coins joined the token and then motioned towards Thersyl's booth. The bouncer and more than a few maids eyed the gnome until he found a seat. If the gnome hadn't produced the call sign he would have joined the previous visitor in an alleyway's garbage pile.
“So, you require a Private Inquisitive,” he spoke in a low but pleasant voice, “I will have to warn you, though, don't ever send another clown to meet me like that, it makes a bad impression.” (It's a rough guess, the gnome probably didn't know he hired a plant.)
The gnome cringed. He should know better than to let his face show his thoughts. Thersyl added a small percentage to his fee out of general principles and continued to add coin for every lie there after. Working for he Guilds is a hassle, the paranoia is an ever present companion in their business. Thersyl forgives them as long as they can pay. He smiled at the gnome, but the smile never met his cool green eyes. The gnome gulped and started to talk.
“My wife has been kidnapped, they w-w-want a manuscript from the Guild Library. I need to find them before the Guild does,” the gnome sputtered, “they don't care about my wife, she is not from an influential family. I m-married her before my family could object, I am a 6th son from a family more concerned with politics than feelings. We have children, I am desperate. I don't have much gold, but I can pay with information, valuable information.” (Gods, he's blubbering!)
“How did you find me and how did you get your Token?” Thersyl asked before the gnome could go any further. “I do not kill as freely as your Guild, but my prices are dear nevertheless.” (The basic tough guy act. This is not the standard Guild gnome I was expecting, I need to know more.)
“There is a file,” the gnome said nearly choking, “on dragons that live secretly in the cities...we can't track the dragons, it would be too dangerous, but they have agents...,” the gnome changed colors, “...we have tracked people who are connected to dragons as agents or facilitators,” the gnome took a breath as if he were in a lot of pain, “...you met with one suspected dragon 32 years ago, and six times again during the war...you were paid with a War-forged...it works as your bodyguard to this day...” (I am dead. This gnome is dead too. If I am lucky I won't notice the assassin before the lights go out.)
“You will provide me with a copy of the ransom manuscript,” Thersyl cut him off with a raised hand, “further, I will require a copy of the file you mentioned and lastly, if you want to live to die of old age with your wife, you will have to forget ever speaking to me about this. I need to inform my bodyguard of a change in plans. When I return, you will have an answer for me, yes?” (I can't believe I am doing this. I am too young to die. )
The gnome didn't even nod. He had his hand over his heart, like he had just faced down a lightning rail. Thersyl noted a wisp of smoke rising from his ears, mouth and nose though he was still obviously alive. Death Magic. Guild Oaths*** can kill a man. This one managed to break one on the fly. Maybe he isn't too much of an amateur. Thersyl is still going to charge him for the consultation, but the information he is offering will cover the rest. His bodyguard is going to earn his keep this week if he is dealing with a Guild. Thersyl walked past the bar and paused long enough to allow the war-forged to read the signs he was making with his hands. Watch for Danger, Guilds, House Retainers, Changelings and anybody else. He ordered cheap grog, signaling the barkeep to prepare for a raid and then returned to the table.
“I-I-I will meet your price, but I will have to ac-accompany you.” The gnome struggled to speak. “they will know I am missing in a -m-m-matter of hours.”
“You will not join me until tomorrow, the Guild will need to think they still own you until at least then. I will also need a ritual sample from you and your wife.(In case you are playing more than one hand). My bodyguard will require an appointment with your office at the end of the week, make it so. Forget about me until then.” (The appointment is just busy work, his Guild will probably set up an ambush there at any rate.)
“But....”
“No, you broke your Oath and lived. If you can do such a thing, you can keep silent and sane until tomorrow.” (If we are both still alive, I might explain a few things too.)
They shook hands and they both spoke a small, but powerful word. 500 pieces of gold later, it' s a contract. He will pick up the items later with a third party. The gnome wasn't a total amateur after all. Thersyl strode through a side door and promptly disappeared. His bodyguard was seen going out through the front accompanied by a half-elf matching Thersyl's description while at the same time attempting to look like someone else. Guild agents reported seeing Thersyl at three other places in the City of Sharn. The Inquisitive is worth every bit of gold he has ever gouged from his clients.
*Thersyl is a professional and he does not even think about the names of people or organizations he works for. It leads to bad habits.
**The tokens are magically constructed and can only be carried by Authorized Guild personnel using discrete meeting places secured by secret contracts. Many a tavern owner would kill for such a contract as it provides a hefty stipend and some protection from the Law. Other organizations provide Tokens as well and it is an established practice at many establishments that provide such services.
***The Houses and Guilds secure their employees against temptation with Binding Oaths as they progress towards more sensitive areas of operation. Some of these Oaths will kill or incapacitate an oath-breaker. The practice was developed in the Mror Holds and the gnomes picked it up and put it to use in their own organizations. It is rumored that a modified Warding Spell can pin-point an Oath-breaker as they enter their place of work, but there hasn't been any proof, yet.
Sundown at the Gorgon's Eye, Chapter 1
The Gorgon's Eye is the rattiest hole that ever blighted the depths of Sharn. The barkeep has red eyes, the wenches are scabby, and the bouncer has been to the dungeons twice; accused of cannibalism. You can visit everyday for a year and there isn't anyone who will recognize you. Amazingly, the ale is quite decent and if you order the stew , chances are good that it will stay in your belly. It is a fine place for when you want to get away to have a private conversation or a good game of chance. A savvy chap can meet loads of interesting mercenaries and adventurers here. It's been said that one can meet less savory types here as well, to purchase services and information best left to the imagination. Its a bad idea to ask the bouncer about this, but the barkeep won't mind if your coin is the right weight. Whatever your business, there are several cozy booths available for rental by the hour. The basement provides for lager meetings as well as a more discrete entrance. If you pay the bouncer, he will eat anyone who tries to interrupt. Don't ever cheat at cards, if you want to leave this place alive.
“I will have the Black Earth Mror Stout and three bowls of stew; piping hot and one at a time,” Thersyl ordered without even looking up from his parchment.
The orc-blooded wench sucked her teeth at him and spat on the floor before snatching up the coins and the token hidden among them. Thersyl decided to add a paragraph about the wenches being more dangerous than the bouncer. He's been publishing an underground pamphlet for years. The Sharn Anonymous stokes more and more controversy each time it hits the streets. The little rag sheet is the most fun he's had in decades. Some of his closest friends would kill to know who's been publishing the city's best-kept secrets. Some of his best enemies would pay to let him continue.
“You are early.” A man said as he tried to grab a seat.
“Have we been introduced?” Thersyl asked, raising an eyebrow as the bouncer stalked towards his visitor. He was dressed as a commoner, but he wore an expensive cologne and there are ring marks on his fingers. His hair has also been washed recently. That man is no commoner; City Watch, Guild, the Houses? Either way he might be trouble.
The hideously scarred bug-bear did not wait for the man to answer. The sap kissed the back of the man's head, and a moment later it was as if the fool was never there. The bouncer, Long-tooth, is getting a paragraph in the next rag sheet. That was fine work.
A mousy looking gnome strolled up to the barkeep and tapped the bar with a Token*. The barkeep waited until a few coins joined the token and then motioned towards Thersyl's booth. The bouncer and more than a few maids eyed the gnome until he found a seat. If the gnome hadn't produced the call sign he would have joined the previous visitor in an alleyway's garbage pile.
“So, you require a Private Inquisitive,” he spoke in a low but pleasant voice, “I will have to warn you, though, don't ever send another clown to meet me like that, it makes a bad impression.” (It's a rough guess, the gnome probably didn't know he hired a plant.)
The gnome cringed. He should know better than to let his face show his thoughts. Thersyl added a small percentage to his fee out of general principles and continued to add coin for every lie there after. Working for he Guilds is a hassle, the paranoia is an ever present companion in their business. Thersyl forgives them as long as they can pay. He smiled at the gnome, but the smile never met his cool green eyes. The gnome gulped and started to talk.
“My wife has been kidnapped, they w-w-want a manuscript from the Guild Library. I need to find them before the Guild does,” the gnome sputtered, “they don't care about my wife, she is not from an influential family. I m-married her before my family could object, I am a 6th son from a family more concerned with politics than feelings. We have children, I am desperate. I don't have much gold, but I can pay with information, valuable information.” (Gods, he's blubbering!)
“How did you find me and how did you get your Token?” Thersyl asked before the gnome could go any further. “I do not kill as freely as your Guild, but my prices are dear nevertheless.” (The basic tough guy act. This is not the standard Guild gnome I was expecting, I need to know more.)
“There is a file,” the gnome said nearly choking, “on dragons that live secretly in the cities...we can't track the dragons, it would be too dangerous, but they have agents...,” the gnome changed colors, “...we have tracked people who are connected to dragons as agents or facilitators,” the gnome took a breath as if he were in a lot of pain, “...you met with one suspected dragon 32 years ago, and six times again during the war...you were paid with a War-forged...it works as your bodyguard to this day...” (I am dead. This gnome is dead too. If I am lucky I won't notice the assassin before the lights go out.)
“You will provide me with a copy of the ransom manuscript,” Thersyl cut him off with a raised hand, “further, I will require a copy of the file you mentioned and lastly, if you want to live to die of old age with your wife, you will have to forget ever speaking to me about this. I need to inform my bodyguard of a change in plans. When I return, you will have an answer for me, yes?” (I can't believe I am doing this. I am too young to die. )
The gnome didn't even nod. He had his hand over his heart, like he had just faced down a lightning rail. Thersyl noted a wisp of smoke rising from his ears, mouth and nose though he was still obviously alive. Death Magic. Guild Oaths*** can kill a man. This one managed to break one on the fly. Maybe he isn't too much of an amateur. Thersyl is still going to charge him for the consultation, but the information he is offering will cover the rest. His bodyguard is going to earn his keep this week if he is dealing with a Guild. Thersyl walked past the bar and paused long enough to allow the war-forged to read the signs he was making with his hands. Watch for Danger, Guilds, House Retainers, Changelings and anybody else. He ordered cheap grog, signaling the barkeep to prepare for a raid and then returned to the table.
“I-I-I will meet your price, but I will have to ac-accompany you.” The gnome struggled to speak. “they will know I am missing in a -m-m-matter of hours.”
“You will not join me until tomorrow, the Guild will need to think they still own you until at least then. I will also need a ritual sample from you and your wife.(In case you are playing more than one hand). My bodyguard will require an appointment with your office at the end of the week, make it so. Forget about me until then.” (The appointment is just busy work, his Guild will probably set up an ambush there at any rate.)
“But....”
“No, you broke your Oath and lived. If you can do such a thing, you can keep silent and sane until tomorrow.” (If we are both still alive, I might explain a few things too.)
They shook hands and they both spoke a small, but powerful word. 500 pieces of gold later, it' s a contract. He will pick up the items later with a third party. The gnome wasn't a total amateur after all. Thersyl strode through a side door and promptly disappeared. His bodyguard was seen going out through the front accompanied by a half-elf matching Thersyl's description while at the same time attempting to look like someone else. Guild agents reported seeing Thersyl at three other places in the City of Sharn. The Inquisitive is worth every bit of gold he has ever gouged from his clients.
*Thersyl is a professional and he does not even think about the names of people or organizations he works for. It leads to bad habits.
**The tokens are magically constructed and can only be carried by Authorized Guild personnel using discrete meeting places secured by secret contracts. Many a tavern owner would kill for such a contract as it provides a hefty stipend and some protection from the Law. Other organizations provide Tokens as well and it is an established practice at many establishments that provide such services.
***The Houses and Guilds secure their employees against temptation with Binding Oaths as they progress towards more sensitive areas of operation. Some of these Oaths will kill or incapacitate an oath-breaker. The practice was developed in the Mror Holds and the gnomes picked it up and put it to use in their own organizations. It is rumored that a modified Warding Spell can pin-point an Oath-breaker as they enter their place of work, but there hasn't been any proof, yet.
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