The Closed Eye (DM: Halford, Judge: garyh)

[Graf]

"We are looking for a copy of the final issue of the 'The Screamer'. You sell reproductions?"

No sir! I sell the genuine article! The halfling perches himself on a small stool behind the desk.

As you are, a gentleman, I am sure, who knows much of arcana. As such this information is certainly already known to you but the magics that make text appear on the Screamer are quite temporary.

I preserve them, in the very limited time frame before they disappear, using advanced alchemical treatments and trade secrets.

The halfling waves his hand in a broad gesture as if he were cleaning the table in front of him (an action he does not seem to perform frequently) No reproductions here.

“As my pointy-eared associate so bluntly puts it, that’s our main business...”

“Furthermore, we’re interested in hearing about what clientele has shown noteworthy interest in the Screamer as of late - particularly within the last few months or so. Might any of your regular customers that purchase the paper perchance feature some of noble heritage? Or perhaps a few characters of the more… unsavory sort?”

Woe maintains a friendly and unassuming demeanor throughout, on the off chance that his questions should seem to make Marco uneasy or hesitant.

“Don’t worry, sir, our queries will cause you no trouble. On the contrary, we are looking into matters that might help restore business within this brand of media to standards.”

Diplomacy = 9 - I'm not really the sort to discuss my customers dispositions. He gives Woe a friendly wink. You can count on my standards.

[sblock=Insight:Everyone]The halfling seems to have missed Woe's point completely.[/sblock]
[sblock=Insight:Tander]21 the halflings insistence aside you don't think that he's got very high standards. In fact you think that gold might lower them appreciably.

He seems too practical to be moved by implications of improved future business; but is concerned about appearances and reputation.[/sblock]

"Indeed," Tander adds, "you seem to be a sensible businessman. We do not want to see the Screamer's reputation put any lower than its currently carefully calculated level of disrepute." Tander pauses, considering his unintended alliteration with a slight frown. "Anything you can tell us would be most appreciated."

Diplomacy 15

Well... the merchant seems to be trying to steer the conversation back in the direction of the sale obviously this is a very prized item. Owing to the irregularities around it's appearance there aren't as many available as normal. Quite few in fact. My copy... He rests his hand reflexively on a wooden chest nearby. Is a prized possession really.

While it's not the best read, in and of itself, I don't, personally read it really, too much serious scholarship to be done.
The halfling coughs.

But it represents the tolerance of our society. The inclusiveness that has made Daunton what it is.

I can say that, the rarity, combined with it's finality has brought a much greater degree of interest from individuals from all walks of life. Why, Millienas D'Rawth came in and bought one. While I'm not entirely certain I bet he might write a play about it... Wonderful to see him on his feet again, after... well... Good to see him up and about. He doesn't look nearly so bad as you've heard.

The halfling leans forward. He bought my second to last copy. I'd meant to save it as an investment but he just wouldn't leave. I parted with it eventually of course; I just had to close up shop and get to one of my little nephews birthday parties.

He's quite wealthy you know. Very persuasive man.

He joins the party, who have already engaged the halfling in conversation.

As Palindrome enters the shop you hear the vague echos of a child throwing a temper tandrum further down the street.

Palindrome enters the shop.

"Hello, Marco, old friend. I see you've already met my comrades. I'm sure my master would be most grateful if you would assist them."

Master Palindrome. Always a pleasure.

[sblock=Tander:Insight]Marco's bluff (17) narrowly missed your passive insight.

You keen eyes pick out a tell tail twitch on the halfling's cheek. His eyes reflexively slide toward his cash box and he subtly scoots his hand to wrap around a silver magnifying glass, tucking it quickly into a pocket.[/sblock]

[sblock=Diplomacy Check]1d20+7 → [9,7] = (16) [/sblock]

I was just telling them that I had a the last copy of the screamer. I wouldn't normally be convinced to part with it... but if Master Doddoddod is interested...

He looks over at Woe and Tander. And it's a matter of... he coughs... importance? A.... matter of good to the community....? We may be able to work something out.

[sblock=For GM's Eyes Only]Palindrome cases the joint to see if there is anything worth stealing, that won't necessarily be missed.

[OOC: BOO-FRICKIN'-YA! --> Perception 19, Thievery 27]
[/sblock][/quote]

Palindrome loiters near an expensive quill case with several exotic and expensive looking quills in it (including one that seems to float under its own power).
[sblock=Palindrome only]
You snagged a small parcel on entry. If it is what you think it is you've picked up some very fancy gorgon blood inks.

Quite hard to get since the traditional source, gorgon communities on the edges of the sunken mire, seem to have banded together, they're selling collectively now and the price has gone through the roof.
Just when wealither girls are starting to use them to write notes to each other (the paper under the ink turns to stone, which, apparently is a novely worth paying a great deal for).

The package you've picked up is probably worth 30gp (1d3=3x10=30gp) at current market prices.
[/sblock]

 

[KenHood]

He looks over at Woe and Tander. And it's a matter of... he coughs... importance? A.... matter of good to the community....? We may be able to work something out.

Indeed, my good friend, not only is it a matter of good to the community, it is a matter vital to the very life and limb of the community (as it were), or rather, vital to the very life and limb of members of the community that possess said newspaper.

Palindrome dances a gold coin across the back of his knuckles. Flips it in the air, and performs a quick vanishing trick. Unfortunately, the coin pops out of his fingers and bounces on the floor. Without missing a beat, Palindrome sweeps up the coin.

[sblock=Skill Check]Palindrome performs a coin trick. (+7 Thievery [Sleight of Hand], +1 w/in 24 hours) (1d20+8=13)

Pft. Lame![/sblock]

While I cannot impart the details (client privilege, you know), I can say that some vile maniac is going about finding all who own a copy of the Screamer and murdering them. Why, I have heard the fiend chops his victims into bits, fries them up, and serves them WRAPPED in said paper! Like so much fish and chips! (Though with bone chips, rather than the potato sort.) Truly, not something for one weak of constitution to consider!

In fact, now that I consider it, the short-lived nature of the writing on the paper has prevented what would otherwise have been a massive murder spree, since the villain can only find, skin, chop, and cook so many people at a time. But still, congratulations are in order on your alchemical treatments to preserve the Screamer. I'm sure you'll get many days--or perhaps hours--of enjoyment from it.

At least until nightfall...

Hey, how much do you want for the floating quill?

[sblock=Skill Check]Palindrome bluffs Marco. (+6 base, +1 w/in 24 hours) (1d20+7=26)

COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO! I am the Peter Pan of Bluffs![/sblock]

[sblock=For GM Only]

[sblock=Palindrome only]
You snagged a small parcel on entry. If it is what you think it is you've picked up some very fancy gorgon blood inks.

Quite hard to get since the traditional source, gorgon communities on the edges of the sunken mire, seem to have banded together, they're selling collectively now and the price has gone through the roof.
Just when wealither girls are starting to use them to write notes to each other (the paper under the ink turns to stone, which, apparently is a novely worth paying a great deal for).

The package you've picked up is probably worth 30gp (1d3=3x10=30gp) at current market prices.[/sblock]

YEEEE-HAW! Take that, mom! Crime does pay!

I think I'm going to weep--but in a very manly way. [/sblock]

 

[nerdytenor]

Tander smirks slightly at Palindrome's comments. Realizing that Palindrome is not joking, but rather attempting to trick Marco, he immediately relaxes into his usual vacant expression, nodding earnestly at appropriate points in order to add credence to Palindrome's story. Tander's natural honesty makes him less than convincing, however.

[sblock=Skill]
Bluff 8 - doh!
[/sblock]

 

[Dunamin]

Picking up on Palindrome’s ruse, Woe plays along to see what it might gain them.

“Well, I suppose the proverbial cat is out of the bag now…” Woe scratches his chin as if looking for proper words, then snaps his fingers as a look of clarity washes over his face. “More like dire lion, actually. Out of a straitjacket.”

“If the rumors about this vile culprit are to be believed, the resemblance holds true enough for the presence of razor-sharp claws and wicked fangs, judging by the marks left on the chewed bones of former owners of the Screamer.”

Woe paces slowly past front door and windows, tapping slightly on them to test their sturdiness and leaning close in to inspect how well they would keep intruders out.

“Say, it might be prudent of us to warn this Millienas D’Rawth… A play-writer, you say? There will certainly be drama about if we don’t get in touch with him in time. Where could we find the fellow?”

Aid Another: Bluff = 4 (no bonus to P's result)

 

[hafrogman]

Tristan watches silently as Palindrome lies his way through the conversation, keeping a steely expression, but not desiring to sully his own honor by taking part in such a base deception.

He calmly waits for the shopkeep's reaction before deciding how to follow such an elaborate tale.

 

[KenHood]

“Say, it might be prudent of us to warn this Millienas D’Rawth… A play-writer, you say? There will certainly be drama about if we don’t get in touch with him in time. Where could we find the fellow?”

Palindrome looks up from the floating quill.

"I don't know if warnings are in order. After all, based on the particulars of the case, anyone with a relationship to the paper could be a suspect (even our good friend, Marco). If someone were to let Mr. D'Rawth know he was being investigated, he might flee. (And don't you think it curious that Mr. D'Rawth was conveniently incapacitated for a while, but 'doesn't look nearly so bad' as we've heard? Hmm.)"

"But even our master playwright is not the only suspect. Why our murderer could be a distributor, writer, or purchaser of the paper! If only we knew the identities of these people, we could make Daunton safe! I curse the fate that leaves us so poor of leads!"

Palindrome sighs.

 

[Graf]

[sblock=ooc:irradic posting]Everyone has been much more consistent in their posting than I have been.

Apologies.
Some unexpected life events have been sucking a lot of time.[/sblock]

The halfling clambering down from his stool and moving over to the quill case seems to be quite alarmed by all this.

"that's ... well... that's quite a terrible thing. To be going on."

His eyes go wide when D'Rawth's names comes up. "He's already been here.... You know I always said it was odd that he survived the attack on the monastery when so many died"

[sblock=History 10]It's common knowledge that D'Rawth was selected by Mayor Brunt to lead the abortive attack on the monastery on Mykronos' Sanctuary; the attack was disastrous, close to a hundred mercenaries, adventurers, and assorted brave souls transported to the isle in the waning days of the Day of Darkness. Even accounting for resurrections less than 10 survived. [/sblock]

[sblock=Who is D'Rawth]

[sblock=History 15]An adventurer of some renown, he was an early companion of the five and, one of Aurelia Carenvale's many paramours.D'Rawth was a rake and a showman, a swordsman and a mage; who's signature move on the battle field involved teleportation[/sblock]
[sblock=History 20]It's commonly believed that he clashed with both Threehammer and Esthanapiros which was what caused him to leave the group.

The dwarf over matters of honor and the mage, apparently, had difficulty with his swelled ego (a charge that could also be leveled at Esthanapiros himself).[/sblock]
[sblock=History 25]D'Rawth never adventured again, though he would remain in the public eye for years; he often held soirees for adventurers at the large, rundown manse he purchased in Overgrowth and ran a successful business tutoring lordlings in swordmanship.

He was linked by rumor to several saterical plays.

He lost his arm, and apparently, was badly scarred in the ill fated raid. In the year since the he's been seen rarely; always wearing a heavy black cloak in public. He no longer takes students.

His stock in Daunton is not good; he was apparently pelted with rotten garbage by a mob and disappeared. [/sblock]
[/sblock]

The halfling all but runs back to his little chest, quickly producing an over sized piece of paper. The SCREAMER it proclaims across the top; it appears to be covered in hand written text on both sides, ink alternating with charcoal. Words are crossed out and smudged out, articles are delineated by scrawled lines (also smeared out in at least one place).

I would be more than willing to... lend this to you. Until the crisis is resolved, of course. The halfling pulls out another sheet of paper, scrawling SOLD OUT: THE SCREAMER in neat letters. He then pulls out another, and writes the same thing, this time using a carefully ground red ink.

[sblock=The Last Screamer]

Brunt lies!
Hidden L'irkash wedding ritual.... cultists summon elemental abomination, and offer younger daughter as payment!
Brunt lies again!
"Elite" squad of guardsmen shake down halfling streetdwellers, real crooks lounge nearby. Why are they laughing? SECURE BECAUSE OF BRIBES!
Brunt wastes tax money, and MOCKS the gods.
Priest: Brunt's sacrilege dooms Daunton to more dark days.
Slum-dwelling Jade refugees, convert to local religions, but ONLY FOR FOOD!

There is a short article where where every word begins with 'b' (and the writer has apparently not been troubled to make up new words as when there was nothing appropriate); the first line reads
Brunt's boluminous bunions burst balefully! Blasphemous bundles bring bawdy brotestations.

Hand drawn eye-like markings have appear near two articles, The L'irkash wedding ritual, and "Elite" squad.
[/sblock]

 

[Dunamin]

Woe accepts the paper and skims it through carefully, checking whether it matches his recollection of past dealings with the Screamer and taking particular note of this issue’s “eye-signed” articles. If satisfied that this is the real deal, he nods to the halfling with a smile.

“We appreciate the kind gesture and cooperation, good man. Fear not, for you behold the salvation to Daunton’s tribulations manifested in my handsome mortal frame.”

“With my spear as a beacon of hope to shun the wicked and protect the well-paying, you may rest easy this night, knowing that the finest most outstanding warrior of the realms is out restoring peace to the lands and looking utterly dazzling while doing so.”

Despite his partial awareness of what utter garbage he is spitting out, Woe has started to pose at this point, but he eventually snaps out of it and looks Marco straight in the eyes.

“Naturally, we trust your discretion in this matter until the crisis has been resolved. Not a soul must know what we have told you, lest rumors reach the ears of the madman, deterring our efforts to bring him to justice.”

“And of course, we don't want to start a panic, now would we?”

 

[Graf]

The halfling nods amicably.
He's hard at work scratching out his forth sign, this one says "NO FURTHER DEALINGS WITH SCREAMER" in golden script. The ink seems to shimmer and flicker in a most attention grabbing manner.

 

[Dunamin]

When the paper has been passed around for everyone to look at, Woe stores it neatly rolled up and offers a few parting courtesies to Marco.

“Well then, gentlemen, shall we be on our way? I think we have quite the number of visits to go through after our recent discoveries.”