Ends Meat (Boddynock Judging)

[Halford]

At this point the group hear a door slamming and see a frail elderly man hurrying over to them, his wispy grey hair an unruly mess and what appears to be a sleeping foot long lizard casually tucked under one arm - it appears comfortable.

"Oh patrons! Marvelous, do excuse me, I had a hatching so..." he trails off and then smiles politely,

"Four tickets then? I'd be delighted to give you the tour. All contributions go to housing animals abandoned by wealthy, pardon my language, numbskulls who should know better."

He pauses,

"Hmm, you are awfully well equipped for sight seeing." His face falls,

"Oh, I suppose you are the fellows Ped hired? The mercenaries." he pronounces the last word with distaste.

"I suppose you want to ask me about these robberies, come to my office." He sighs, "I suppose you need not pay for entry. This way this way."

He leads the group into a cluttered office filled with ramshackle piles of files and takes a seat behind a massive desk gesturing for the party to seat themselves in some worn old leather chairs faceing the desk - all bear unpleasent stains and the whole place smells of various animals.

The lizard, which Ciprinius recognizes as a Moniter, now awake takes the opportunity to clamber onto the desk and regard the party with mild interest.

 

[Voda Vosa]

"Hello there beauty" The druid says to the moniter lizard, as he extend his hand to reach the reptile. "I love reptiles, they are marvelous." he tries to put the lizard
on his shoulder. Carpio hisses with envy. "Good man, if there are some hatchlings that need your help, we can wait the needed time" the druid declares.

Handle Animal: 20

 

[Walking Dad]

Midias looks at the menagerie owner and the druid. Better let him do the talking. Two animal lovers, two half-orcs. Maybe there is a priest or healer I can talk to, he thinks.

 

[Halford]

"The hatchlings are fine for the time being, they'll do well in the incubator - had a wizard knock it up years ago marvelous thing. Anyway, I suppose you have questions."

Ciprinius is able to coax the lizard into his grasp easily, and the creature slumps happily atop his shoulder blinking lazily.

"Heraldo's a loveable lump." Perkiss says fondly, apparently referencing the lizard.

 

[Voda Vosa]

"Yes he is." Ciprinus says, completely lost in the adoration of the lizard. He seems to suddenly notice where he was. "Yes, the questions. Would you mind to describe the night of the robbery? or anything yoyu notice about the breakthrough?"

 

[Halford]

"Not much to tell they broke in, must have climbed over the gate then picked the lock to my workshop - next room over from this. They opened up the medicine cabinet and helped themselves. Took hundreds worth of healing potions, a few cures for disease, a couple of love potions - for reluctant breeders, that sort of thing. I don't know what I'll do next time there's a bout of red ache or the shakes."

His voice rings with sincerity and distress.

"You can take a look if you like, though I cleaned up pretty good after the watch came and looked around."

 

[Voda Vosa]

"We will my good sir. Now, is there someone you suspect to be the thieves? Someone who wishes to harm you or your business? I would like to know how are your relations with your fellows merchants. That if I'm not venturing too much in your personal life, of course." asks the druid, patting Heraldo's head. Carpio seems to lost interest in hanging from his master's chest, and decides to take a ride by himself outside. The snake crawls down and exits the room.

 

[Halford]

"Someone I suspect, no, no, not really. Aside form being a bit too concerned about money for my tastes the rest of the association are fine enough. Of course the menagerie was here long before any of their stores, I suppose they had to make me a member. They just don't realize that some things are more important than their own comforts, these animals need people to care for them, it was people who tore them away from their lives and they couldn't go back - its the least we owe them to ensure their comfort here."

Perkiss replies, watching approvingly as Heraldo nuzzles against Ciprinius's hand.

"You've a way with animals there son, I often thought I should have persued your calling, but... Well, not meant to be I suppose."

 

[Voda Vosa]

Well, you know, it's never too late to attend to the call of nature my friend. I see a noble task in what you do Perkiss, we will make a routine check for clues, and leave you without further inconvenient. Ciprinus places Heraldo over the desk and steps up

 

[Halford]

"Oh certainly, certainly, would you like to see the workshop?"

Perkiss says smiling.