Shackled City, Act I - Life's Bazaar

[Scotley]

William Human Paladin

William is in an excellent mood this morning, perhaps owing to the return of the sun and a good breakfast, or perhaps it is the joy of being involved in a noble cause. He chat amiably with the others and once more compliments the bard's performance. "I woke with your music still dancing in my head." For a moment his eyes fall on the display of locks, but knowing little of such things he moves on to the door. He glances at the others, "No since wasting time out here." He tries the door and if unlocked and unbarred he enters the shop.

 

[Dichotomy]

Konstantine also feels quite refreshed this morning. Adventuring is everything I ever thought it could be. A fated meeting, pleasant drinks, a comfortable inn, and a marvelous performance. And even the sun has decided to shine its face upon our day. Only good things can come.

As William compliments the bard on her performance, Konstantine smiles warmly back to him and her cheeks become slightly flushed. "Why, thank you, William. That is the reason why I try so hard to do my best."

As the group reaches the locksmith's, Konstantine stares at the store in wonder. "Well, he must be the best in town. His business sure seems prosperous. I only hope that he can help us." The bard proceeds to follow William into the shop.

 

[Krug]

"Yes, we should let you do the talking..." says Eliara to the bard.

 

[Krago o'the Mountain]

Ghelve's Locks is indeed open for business, so the group of adventurers make their way inside. The storefront smells of wood and pipe smoke. Two padded chairs flank a hearth containing a small yet lively fire. The fireplace's carved mantle bears a tinderbox, a small vase of dried smoking leaves, and a finely wrought collection of pipes. A burgundy strip of carpet leads from the entrance to the wall across from it, where dozens - perhaps hundreds - of keys hang from tiny hooks. The keys come in all shapes and sizes. A handsomely engraved mahogany counter stretches along one wall. Behind it hangs a red curtain that neatly hides the rest of the store.

A gnome with salt-and-pepper hair and a neatly trimmed mustache and goatee stands behind the counter. He is also the tallest gnome you've ever seen, standing nearly six feet tall. He has bushy eyebrows, a creased face, and graven frown that make him appear rather frumpy and dour. But he says "Hello, how can I help you?" in a pleasant manner.

Responses?

 

[Krug]

Eliara looks around. Certainly, a lock for every purpose. She waits for Konstantine to work her charms.

 

[Dichotomy]

Konstantine looks around the interior. She is astonished and does nothing to hide the emotion on her face.

"Good morning to you, goodsir. This simply must be the greatest locksmith shop in the land. I have never seen anything like it! If I ever need a lock, I certainly know where to turn. Sadly, such is not my business here this morning. My companions and I are doing what we can to help the poor folk of Cauldron in these tough times, just as I am sure you do. I understand that the proprietor of this fine shop is Keygan Ghelve. Are you he?"

(OOC: For the sake of expediency, I will simply assume that he either is Ghelve, or fetches Ghelve. If not, disregard the rest until we speak to Ghelve.)

Hmmm, I wonder what will work best... He certainly seems pleasant enough, and he simply must want to help. After all, he will undoubtedly want to keep the reputation of his locks clear of any suspicion. Honesty should work best.

"Well, Master Ghelve, you surely have heard about the troubles plaguing Cauldron. The disappearances... My companions and I have been asked to help solve this dilemma, and I am certain that you will be able to help us.

"You see, from what we have gathered, the people simply went missing in their homes. But there was never any sign of break in. Of course, your locks could not be at fault, at least not based upon the reputation they have." There is no sarcasm in the bard's voice with that remark, as she doesn't mean to insinuate anything. "That means that it was something else. Perhaps magic. Or perhaps someone who knew a trick with your locks. Perhaps a disgruntled employee, or maybe you have had some locks or a master key stolen... If you know anything that would help us, we would be much obliged."

 

[Scotley]

William Baker Human Paladin

William assumes the role of 'strong silent type', doing his best to support Konstantine by looking capible and wise, nodding to emphasize her words.

 

[Mark Chance]

For the moment, Galen holds his tongue.

 

[Krago o'the Mountain]

Eliara looks around. Certainly, a lock for every purpose. She waits for Konstantine to work her charms.

Konstantine looks around the interior. She is astonished and does nothing to hide the emotion on her face.

"Good morning to you, goodsir. This simply must be the greatest locksmith shop in the land. I have never seen anything like it! If I ever need a lock, I certainly know where to turn. Sadly, such is not my business here this morning. My companions and I are doing what we can to help the poor folk of Cauldron in these tough times, just as I am sure you do. I understand that the proprietor of this fine shop is Keygan Ghelve. Are you he?"

The tall gnome nods at Konstantine's question. "Indeed I am, how can I help you today?"

Hmmm, I wonder what will work best... He certainly seems pleasant enough, and he simply must want to help. After all, he will undoubtedly want to keep the reputation of his locks clear of any suspicion. Honesty should work best.

"Well, Master Ghelve, you surely have heard about the troubles plaguing Cauldron. The disappearances... My companions and I have been asked to help solve this dilemma, and I am certain that you will be able to help us.

"You see, from what we have gathered, the people simply went missing in their homes. But there was never any sign of break in. Of course, your locks could not be at fault, at least not based upon the reputation they have." There is no sarcasm in the bard's voice with that remark, as she doesn't mean to insinuate anything. "That means that it was something else. Perhaps magic. Or perhaps someone who knew a trick with your locks. Perhaps a disgruntled employee, or maybe you have had some locks or a master key stolen... If you know anything that would help us, we would be much obliged."

William assumes the role of 'strong silent type', doing his best to support Konstantine by looking capible and wise, nodding to emphasize her words.

For the moment, Galen holds his tongue.

[Konstantine Diplomacy Check: Roll = 20, Total = 27]

Konstantine's pleasant words seem to have a profound effect on Ghelve, whose friendly smile melts away from his face. He remains silent for several moments, and his face becomes difficult to read, a strange mask of nervousness and regret. At last, with a swallow, he stammers, "Why, yes...th-the disappearances. They are terrible, aren't they? If only I could help in some way, but I can't. I truly can't. I know nothing about them, of course." Ghelve's voice is slightly strained, and he looks Konstantine directly in the eye. Then, he arches his eyebrow and gives a very deliberate nod towards the red curtain that leads into the back of his shop. Finally, he raises his voice a bit and says, "Now, if you please, I'll have to ask you to leave if you have no business here."

Responses?

 

[Krug]

Eliara steps towards the red curtain, nods to her fellows, and steps through.