Jammers Summary: Chapter 1, Turn 20

----------- = Meanwhile, elsewhere...
*********** = Later...

Sitting down at the table, Kain brings a hand up to stifle a yawn. When the waitress approaches, he makes a motion that he'll have whatever's ready.

As everyone sits down for breakfast, Billy stalks into the 'Tankard. He stops just inside the door and looks around. Seeing the group enjoying their meal, he stomps over to the table, a dark scowl on the usually smiling face. As a waitress approaches to take his order, Billy waves her off. "I'm not hungry," he snaps. He looks over each person sitting at the table. "You want a job? I've got a job." He slams his fist down on the table as he sits down next to Radick. He is clearly having a hard time controlling his temper. You notice that he is clenching his fists so hard that his knuckles are white. He looks everyone over again, then, with a shaking hand, takes Radick's flagon and drinks it all down. He keeps his eyes closed for a few seconds, as the redness in his face seems to seep away. Billy takes a deep breath, then puts down the flagon, seemingly back in control of his anger.

Once Billy has regained his composure, Kain waits a few moments then asks, "Can you, ah, begin to explain Billy? It's obvious that whatever it is, it's profoundly disturbed you."

Grigree's sleepy eyes don't notice Billy's entrance until he slams his hand on the table, at which point they shoot open. "What's the problem?" Grigree asks, seeing there's no immediate danger. He then sinks back into his chair to listen.

Billy's sudden entrance and outburst distract Deigatt's annoyance that he has found a bit of bacon in his cornmeal. The minotaur's brown eyes turn to the halfling, waiting to hear the cause of his distress.

Radick pats Billy on the back and speaks calmly, "It's OK now, why don't you just relax a minute and tell us what happened." The serving girl walks by and Radick motions to her, "Two more of the same, one for me, and for my little friend here - and it's on him." Then turning back to Billy, "Come now Billy, speak up."

Billy takes a few seconds to regain his composure. He starts in a low voice. "I do not know how familiar you are with halfling culture. Though humans raised me, I have totally reintegrated into the halfling society here on Bral. Halflings consider each other to be family. Albeit a large family with many, many distant relatives, but family nonetheless." Billy's voice starts to rise in volume as his face starts reddening. "Last night, I was told of grave news.... Infuriating news... One of my kind was murdered. I know that it doesn't seem like much, but it was not the death, but the manner of his death that is so shocking!" Billy visibly starts to shake in anger. "To be strung up like some game hare is bad enough, but..." Billy sobs. "Skinned alive." Billy tries to say something else, but only choked sounds come out of his mouth. He takes a deep breath and seems to regain some control. "I... want... him... DEAD!" He slams his small fist on the table, rattling some plates.

Leera pulls a chair over to Billy's table and sits beside the furious halfling. "Billy... I can see... we all can see that this crime has upset you. I understand your anger. When bandits killed my mother I wanted them dead, too." She sighs and puts an arm around Billy's shoulders. Leera continues "The question you have to ask yourself is whether this vengeance you want is worth the risks. Your friend is dead. Getting you killed won't change that. And even if you do kill the culprits, what have you gained? What profit is there in vengeance, for you or for us if we help you?"

From the other side of Billy, Radick leans back and looks across to Leera, "Sounds like you loved your mother a lot." in a sarcastic tone. Then he shakes his head and leans forward towards Billy's ear. "Sometimes you have to follow your heart Billy. And if vengeance is called for in order to give you peace again, then let's get you that vengeance. Have you any idea who might have been involved?"

Kain comes up out of his chair immediately, an angry look upon his face. The chair tips back, balances on its back two legs momentarily, then falls to the floor. Gripping the table with both of his hands, he glares at Radick. "There was no call for that Radick, no need for snide remarks" he says in an almost-growl. "Your crass and callous words show an amazing lack of thought. Mockery of the death of a loved one... arrgh...appalling." Righting his chair without looking away from Radick, Kain sits back down. After a final glare at Radick, Kain tries, unsuccessfully, to eat his breakfast, pushing the bowl and plate away basically untouched.

Radick responds in a controlled but anger filled tone, "I do not mock the loss of family, I mock the thought that there be any other consideration than vengeance. This is not a situation where one weighs the options; you simply do what must be done. Leera's words suggested that Billy consider turning his back on this vengeance because it might be too risky and she stated she wanted to kill the man who killed her mother - well why didn't she?!?!? I did and my mother was a tramp who cared only for herself and the pretty gifts she got from her guests. Vengeance is something that cannot be denied, no matter how risky the task may be."

Kain, his anger spent, listens to Radick's words, then shrugs. "It makes little difference," he says slowly. "Leera's words were spoken to comfort Billy, at least that's how I saw it. Radick, yours seemed designed to comfort no one, only to antagonise a companion. The barbs on your words are exceptionally painful when pulled from the wound," Kain finishes, standing his spoon up in the porridge in his bowl.

Radick Turns back to Billy, "Now Billy, if you want vengeance or a payment I am with you either way. I would not force you to bear the same convictions and motivations, as I would have. In the past I have sought vengeance for murder, and I have hunted men for money - the only question I have for you is do you want this man dead or alive?"

Raken listens to the whole conversation with detached interest. "Not again," he quietly mutters. "I thought I left street wars behind years ago." He winces slightly at Radick's comments, and looses all interest in the conversation. He unconsciously rubs his cheek, then realises it and instead takes a quaff of juice.

Leera stands, walks over to Radick, grabs him, and twists him so that she is face to face with him, less than an inch away. She says something in a low voice that only Radick (and probably Billy) can hear. She then moves away, back to her seat, favouring Radick with one final glare. She pauses expectantly, obviously expecting Radick to say something.

"Your words don't sting as you intend them to, but if you wish to threaten me or lay your hands upon me again you had best be prepared to back it up." responds Radick through gritted teeth as he rises to his feet. "I'm going to look for a dear friend by the name of vengeance." Taking his axe in his hands he moves towards the door. As he walks past Leera he glares right back at her, "Consider yourself warned."

Holland shakes his head slightly and then raises his voice to ensure he is heard, "Radick, hold please. We must stay together."

After a few moments, Leera says to Billy "Please don't misunderstand me. If you feel that you need vengeance, regardless of the price we'd pay OR the money we'd earn, I'm here to help. I'm simply of the opinion that vengeance does no real good. It usually involves taking foolish risks with no real possibility of reward, except for this feeling of vengeance." Leera takes a deep breath. "And most people I've known have found that revenge leaves them no happier. In fact, a good friend of mine told me that it tasted very bitter." Leera pauses and looks around before continuing "However, Billy, I'm your friend and if you need me, I'll help --money or no money. Unlike some here--" she glares again at Radick "-- I value my friends."

Looking up at his friends and seeing what he has caused, Billy pleads, "Please, my friends... Don't argue amongst yourselves. We all know that what we say is not meant to hurt one another and if it does, it was inadvertent and unintentional. Please! Let's focus our anger on our foes and not on each other." Billy takes a very deep breath and a look of utter calm comes over his features.

Billy looks up at Leera with a possessed smile, "Profit? Why, my dear Leera, how does 450 pieces of gold sound to you? 650 if we leave the murderer alive..."

"There his little honour hin vengeance sought for reward," Deigatt interjects.

Billy continues "...It would be a shame, though. The murderer goes by the name of Gantius. He and his seven goons assaulted an innocent halfling, bound him and," <sob>, " skinned him alive... 50 gp a pop. 100 for Gantius dead. 300 for him alive."

"I will aid you hif hit his justice you seek, Comrade Billy, hagainst the killers hof your people" Deigatt says loudly. "But hif hit his even reward you har hafter, then hothers will have to do the chore."

Holland speaks in a soft voice, so soft that those further away have to strain to hear him, with a look on his face that none have seen before, "Who is Gantius and where can he and his henchmen be found?"

"I'd like to help." Jamila offers quietly, so as not to make to big a disturbance in such a public place. "If it can't be helped that these people die in our attempt to capture them, fine, but I won't be a party to murder."

Radick responds to Jamila's movements, "Don't worry, we won't be killing him unless we have to. But I wouldn't expect him to be taken without at least a severe beating." Radick pats Billy on the shoulder. "As Holland asked, where can they be found?"

Talus asks the halfling quietly, "Do you know why Gantius killed you friend. Has it something to do with the Red Masks desire to gain control of the market?" A little louder the half-elf asks, "Who is putting up the reward money for the capture or death of this Gantius?"

Billy seems to take some comfort from his friends. Seeing that he will have help confronting Gantius, his anger and tension seem to flow out from him. In a quite voice, he tells you what he knows. "Gantius can usually be found at a dive called the Twisted Thumb. You know? Where Wasp Street opens onto the Great market (#54)." Billy turns to Talus, "Anyway. Gantius is a member of the Red Masks, a murderous thieves' guild vying for control of the Rock." He now turns to Deigatt. "I guess those cowards thought to take out the 'toughest' competition first, namely the oh-so-dangerous, big and nasty halflings."

Just then, the Ariassa arrives and places a fresh mug in from of Radick and Billy. Billy takes out a gold piece and hands it distractedly to the waitress. Billy sighs, "The reward money is not what I'm after... Only for justice to be brought to those assassins. Gantius is the important one. The elders of my people would rather we get him alive so that we may judge him as is our way. The others? We can do what we want with 'em. I say we take them on board the 'Star and dump them onto some lonely 'roid." Billy takes a sip from his mug. "The reward will be paid by the halfling community. And just to put things in the clear, I didn't know the halfling that was killed. It's just that there are so few of us to begin with... Oh... We have today and tomorrow to catch those monsters. After that, who knows what will happen."

"Would not the forces hof Prince Handru be the right harbiters hof justice hin this matter?" Deigatt asks. "Hif we har certain this Gantius his responsible, then we should deliver him halive to the Rock's henforcers for judgement hand punishment, should we not? Comrade Billy," Deigatt says, "your people have suffered enough hof a loss. They needn't suffer more hof one by providing a reward to hus WHEN we happrehend this villain hand his followers." Deigatt looks to the others around the table. "Hif you would help hour comrade, then I suggest we form two groups-- one to meet with the halfling leaders hand find to more habout the victim hand one to seek hout Gantius hat the Twisted Thumb. Comrade Billy should be hamong the former group, hobviously. Hif we can identify why this particular member hof Comrade Billy's people was hattacked, we may have more hevidence hof the guilt hof this Gantius to present to the henforcers."

"Deigatt," Billy says calmly, "I agree with you that the forces of the Prince should be alerted in such cases, but this case is slightly different. You see," Billy hesitates. "How can I put this... OK. The halfling that was murdered was a... businessman. Gantius is a member of the Red Masks, a notorious thieves' guild. I am assuming that the halfling wouldn't agree with Gantius on a less than legal proposition (why else would Gantius approach the halfling?) and so, to be taught a 'lesson', he was tortured and killed. Now halflings fight like they were possessed when cornered, and the Red Masks are forcefully pushing us into one. Push us, and we don't back down. We unite and push back! The Red Masks have agents everywhere. Arrest one and he is set free soon after, none the worse for his crime. They only understand their brand of justice: violence. Though I abhor it, I think that in this case it is necessary. As for the reward? I've been given, shall we say, the first opportunity to earn it. If we don't get Gantius, someone else will as well as the reward. And anyway, we need it to get our Company started on the right foot."

Talus looks troubled, "I heard quite a bit about the Red Masks yesterday. More than just thieves; they accomplish their tasks by extortion and murder. Just the sort of thing I hated at home." The young half-elf freezes for a moment, then continues, "I wish to help Billy and put an end to the threat of the Red Masks, but if we capture or kill Gantius, his... associates will likely seek us for revenge. Also, what about the Rock's justice system? It is not the best, but if Gantius' associates make an issue of it we could all end up as farmers on the underside for five years."

"So what you're suggesting, Comrade Billy," Deigatt says flatly, his thick eyebrows hanging heavily over his eyes, "his that the first mission hof hour newly formed company should be to hinvolve hourselves hin a dispute hamong thieves? Perhaps I ham misunderstanding this tongue hagain, but I cannot see how doing so would start us hout hon hany foot. I suppose," Deigatt grumbles, "that this distraction will keep hus from hour planned visit to our hillithid friend."

Holland shakes his head slightly and then raises his voice to ensure he is heard. "We will go together as Deigatt has suggested; however, I do not see a need to confer with the halflings. I think we should travel in two groups. One group will enter the Twisted Thumb in pairs. The other group will split up, half covering the front entrance and the other half moving around to the rear of the building to cover the rear. Gantius and his gang will either surrender or be subdued, if any attempt to flee they will be subdued by those waiting outside." Holland adds, "I recommend that most of the 'muscle' be in the group that goes inside, perhaps; Deigatt and Radick, Italapate and Talus and finally Billy and Grigree. Of the other group, perhaps; myself, Kain and Nilaroo outside the front door and Leera and Raken outside the back door." Holland falls silent, looking to the others at the table for comment.

"I'd be willing to stand as protection for Leera and Raken at the back door." Jamila offers "Not saying that they can't protect themselves, but if they are busy casting having someone to be there would be a good idea."

Leera nods... "Yes, that sounds good." She pauses and looks at Raken "Raken, do you have any spells that would prove useful in this situation, or will you be relying on your blade?"

Raken almost laughs at Holland's plan. "Then we will walk to our deaths," he says in a low, even voice. He has a deadly serious look in his eyes.

Radick looks in shock as Holland describes his grand plan. "It would seem that Raken is the only one who understands what we are dealing with. This is a cutthroat, a member of a very powerful group who could wipe us out without much trouble at all. He is in a place that is going to be filled with his brethren, and you suggest we just walk in, ask him to surrender and then take him by force? For one so wise, you are indeed foolish. He is like a lion, and the tavern is his den, would you enter the lion's den with your blade drawn and expect to live? No. If you wish to defeat this beast of a man, we must draw him out, gain his trust, and take him down quietly without any attention being given to who did it. Remember that with our contract we will be returning here often, and I do not like the idea of having an enemy waiting for me every time I come to a place I would call home base. I can draw this man out, and if not then you guys can try it your way. But if I am going to do it, it must be alone, or dare I say it, with the assistance of Leera and Raken." Radick seems to have calmed down somewhat and now his mind is racing with schemes and plans, you can almost see the wheels turning.

"I hagree," Deigatt says after Radick's comments, "that you three humans har well suited to this deception. Hit requires a guile that happears to be the crux hof your race. Hand while you reconnoitre hat the Twisted Thumb, Comrades Billy hand Kain hand I could consult with this hillithid has we had planned. We could meet here this evening to make further plans."

Leera turns and resumes addressing the group as a whole (conspicuously NOT looking at Radick) "I should be able to take out a few of them with two of my spells. Do any of you suppose a distraction in the Tavern might help too? You could strike while Gantius and his gang are startled."

Holland adds, "It is my suggestion for those who wish to help Billy. I also suggest that we allow them the opportunity to surrender before we start any attack, it is only proper." Holland adds quietly, "Billy, personally, has been offered the bounty for these captures. I, personally, will help him and donate any funds I receive to the Company fund. If anyone else, personally, decides to help they can do whatever they wish with the funds that they receive, though if everyone wishes to help, I think that my plan is our best bet."

Holland asks Billy quietly, "Do you have a description of Gantius? Do you have the names and descriptions of his 7 companions?"

"Sorry," says Billy. "I really don't know who this Gantius is. As to your plan, I tend to agree with Radick. We shouldn't just go smashing in and starting fights on their home turf. I would be too conspicuous if I went in also. The best would be to send someone else in and find out who this Gantius is and then get him when he leaves. However it galls me that I won't be able to confront Gantius directly at first, I am not a strategist and so will leave the decision to the experts. Before finalising anything, though, I think that we should check the Twisted Thumb's layout first."

"We should hattend Comrade Raken's suggestions before making a plan for hattack," Deigatt says. "He happears to have knowledge hof this mask group we seem so eager to hattack. Yes, yes, I ham willing to participate hin this herrand despite hits reeking hof dishonor. I have hallied myself with this company, hand hit would not do well for me to stay here while the rest hof you fight to your hends."

"No, Deigatt, I do not know these fiends personally," Raken says coolly. "I... have had experience with gangs such as these. First off, if we are to proceed with this little...war, let us find someplace a little more...private." He motions that they should continue upstairs, where they can converse in private. He scans the room, trying to ascertain if anyone not part of the party is taking unusual interest. Fortunately, the room is empty except for Ariassa the waitress, leaning against the bar and yawning as she wipes it down with a rag.

"Halso," Deigatt adds, "has we har happarently taking hon this battle hin pursuit hof compensation, har we not hunder hobligation to notify the Lady Moune hof this venture before we begin it?"

Holland frowns when he hears that Billy doesn't know the descriptions and then listens as Raken and Deigatt speak he then says, "Without knowing their descriptions it complicates things somewhat. Under this circumstance, I believe Radick has the right idea," turning to Deigatt Holland adds, "We are not accepting this job as a Company. Billy was personally offered the job and each of us have a choice whether to help him or not. As I recall, we can do as we please with our personal time."

Everyone (except Jamila) gets a sick, queasy feeling in your stomachs, almost as if the magic of the scroll was warning that Holland's attempt to circumvent the intent of the contract would fail.

Holland stops and braces himself by placing his hands on the table and after a few seconds says, "And perhaps I am wrong." The queasy feeling passes away.

"You all ok?" asks Jamila, "It's just that you all look a little bit ill."

"Hit may well be," Deigatt adds, "that Lady Moune might have some hinsight regarding how to deal with these villains, given her familiarity with this city."

Leera says "Radick, though an insensitive lout..." here she pauses and half smiles at the 'Axe'... "is apparently a good strategist. It appears that it would indeed be premature to throw ourselves into this affair without knowing our enemy. It does seem that I would be well suited for infiltrating the Twisted Thumb, but I would prefer to do so disguised in illusions. I can alter my appearance for a period of approximately half an hour. I suggest that I go to the 'Thumb' and get an idea of the layout. If I happen to learn who Gantius is, I'll do so, but I won't draw attention to myself." Leera pauses, and then continues "I'd really appreciate having one of you warrior-types nearby in case I run into trouble."

"I'll take you," Grigree says, surprising the group after his silence. "My kind all look alike to your people. They won't identify me. Especially if you can change my colour some," he adds with a smile to Leera. "I've also got some non-combat skills. May come in useful."

Leera nods, "Yes, that sounds good." She stops and thinks for a moment and then continues "I don't think I can change your appearance very easily with the spells at my disposal right now...." She pauses again and adds "Well, I suppose I could if... yes, I won't at first, but if it looks like you're going to be needed to do something that'll draw attention to you I'll whip something up."

Leera checks her pouches and looks around the room before asking "Well, shall we go and take care of this chore now? Maybe someone else will come and watch our backs outside the tavern? If we come running out in a hurry we'll be glad to see a friendly face waiting for us. Raken? Holland?"

Radick steps between them and the door, "That is fine, and Leera, you are right, I am insensitive, and I can be downright cold at times. As for who should address this Gantius, unless you have some experience with the type of scum that would commit these acts, I suggest you let me be the person who makes the contact. You and Grigree can stay near the door and keep an eye on things. I may say and do some things that may seem appalling to you, but just let me do my thing, and remember that it is all just an act." He then turns and leads the way out.

"Sounds like sound planning," Billy says. "Good luck!" As Grigree and Leera leave for the Twisted Thumb, Billy turns to Deigatt and Kain and asks, "Might as well go see that illitid... What do you think?"

"Hit his good to see you've controlled your temper hagain, Comrade Billy," Deigatt says. "By hall means, let hus visit this hillithid. You har ready, Comrade Kain?"

"One moment," Kain asks. "I... ah... need a couple things." Going up to his room, Kain comes downstairs shortly, wearing his sword and with his small rucksack slung over one shoulder. "Now I'm ready," he smiles weakly.

Standing up Holland says, "I believe I will go memorise some more suitable spells for subduing," Holland says to Radick, "I will be either in my room or here in the commons when you return with the location of where we can quietly apprehend Gantius." Holland then heads up the stairs to his room.

As they move to leave Radick says to the other two, "Go ahead if you wish but I need to pick up something on the way. It will be better if you two enter separate from me.... I need to enter alone."

Leera replies "I suppose, but be aware that I can't stay there forever... my illusion will wear off. I can renew it, but only twice. Perhaps we should wait until you're almost ready to enter? How long will you be?"

"Shouldn't take long. Just remember that some of the things I do and say you may not like, but I am on our side." responds Radick softly before he takes off.

Radick then heads off on his own.

Leera and Grigree head off to the Twisted Thumb.

As Leera and co. head off Jamila says "May Fate be kind to your endeavour" Turning back to Nilaroo and Talus, Jamila asks "So do you think it would be time to wake sleeping beauty and let him know what's happening? Or do you both have other plans for today?"

Kain clears his throat. "Ah...perhaps you all could go speak with the Lady." Turning to Jamila, he explains. "We're... well... independently employed by House Moune. She, well," Kain scratches his chin looking for the right words, "needs to know what our plans for work are to be."

When Kain is ready, Billy heads out the door of the Tankard, and Deigatt follows, his axe strapped to his back.

Raken straps on his scimitar and joins up with the minotaur outside of the Tankard. "Ready to go meet this brain-biter?"

Kain walks along with his three compatriots. After Raken's comment, he says, "Well, I've heard little but bad about these illithids. They eat brains, as you've... ah... said Raken. Grigree said something about how they were slavers. But, well, what do they *look* like. Should I be ready for an abomination?"

Billy turns and moves in the general direction of the Seeker's Library of the Spheres. "I think that it's this way..."

As the meeting ends and everyone departs Talus stands with a resigned expression on his face. The half-elf walks to the door and disappears before anyone can question him.

"I had planned to look into some other shipping opportunities, but it seems that we are involved now in a guild war." Nilaroo rumbles. "I have no problem taking the time to inform Lady Moune, and then heading by the Twisted Thumb. Jamila, although I have no objections to your company, I would suggest you not come along lest you too be bound by magical contracts. You see we are bound to House Moune in more than the figurative sense. I will ask for advice from Lady Moune while I am there. I might suggest you assist our intrepid scout group, as they're on street back guards. If you, however, think that you might wish to join our company, you might come along at that, so as to meet the woman who is our sponsor."

"I think I'll join you Nilaroo, and visit this Lady." Jamila replies. "It might be interesting to be apart of this Company. I won't enter this tavern, but I'll stay close outside."

Jamila checks in Italapate's room upstairs and finds that he isn't there.

Nilaroo soon returns from his quarters carrying his two handed sword. "I will swing by the Twisted Thumb after my conversation with Lady Moune, and then return here if all is quiet." he says to Holland on his way past the mages door.

Date/time: 10:00 am 17th day of the 4th Month, 5049 OC

Chapters 21-23, Group 1

Radick leaves Leera and Grigree behind and heads to the market.

After reaching the 'Twisted Thumb', Leera (and Grigree) wait for Radick to arrive. When he does, maybe ten minutes after them, Leera says to them "If there's trouble, I'll try to get away. If I succeed, meet me out here. If I can't get away, for goodness' sake, help me!" Before entering, Leera pauses and steps inconspicuously into an alley and changes her appearance to that of an elderly crone dressed in rags.

Grigree enters the "Thumb" and moves towards the bar. Finding a stool near the edge, he orders a drink and turns around in his chair, facing the main floor. The barkeep looks up from the customer he is speaking with and sends an ale Grigree's way. Grigree scans the room, and keeps an eye on Leera and Radick.

Grigree sees the barkeep(B), a middle-aged human male with very short, black, wavey hair wearing a white apron speaking quietly with another, taller middle-aged human male(4) sitting at the bar. The serving wench(W), a human female who looks like she has a bug or two she'll pass on for a fee is nibbling at a bowl of porridge on the bar.

Three more human males sit at the table by the door, two appear to be old men(1,2), well past their prime. The third is on the young side of thirty(3). A rapier in its baldric hangs from the back of his chair as he plays a quiet game of Dragonchess against one of the old men.

In the back corner three more figures sit, nursing ales. Two appear to be human, one blond(7) and one with brown hair(6). The third is an old, scarred half-orc(5). His hair is grey and sparse, showing the scar from a sword cut to his head. Swords and daggers hang near at hand for all three.

Leera enters the tavern a minute or so after Grigree and proceeds to look around. As she does so the serving wench calls out, "Head back to the street, trash, no scraps here for beggers!" Leera feigns deafness and replies "No, I don't want any meat."

"I said get out, ya old bitch, before I toss ya out." the wench replies sourly.

Radick steps in behind Leera and approaches the bar, an almost indecent smile upon his face. With a slight hesitation he looks about the place, and takes in the various patrons, then he winks and smiles at the wench. "Get me an ale lovey, and don't spill a drop of it." Radick then turns and moves straight to the table at the back. Grabbing the empty chair at their table he spins it around and sits across it hanging his arms over the back of the chair.

The wench completly ignores Radick and starts walking threateningly towards Leera.

Leera pauses and pulls out two gold pieces. She cackles "He He He, I want stew, with plenty of greens, and these little darlings (she rubs the coins together) will get it for me! Bunarha will eat well tonight, yes I will!" She then shuffles forward and tosses one of the coins to the wench. "Step lively missy!" She cackles again and moves off to find a place to sit.

The serving wench catches the coins then grabs Leera by the arm and starts dragging her towards the door. "Get that begger trash out of the bar, Arirellan." the bartender growls. Tossing Leera into the street the wench says sourly "And don't come back, ya old hag!"

Seeing that Leera is handling the situation, Grigree relaxes back into his chair, and continues scannig the room. He smiles slightly to himself, but doesn't otherwise react to his crewmates' antics. Instead, he watches the reactions of the other patrons.

Meanwhile, Radick doesn't seem to pay any attention to those events as he faces the gentleman at the table. He smiles and says "The name is 'The Axe'." Pausing a moment as he notes their cold stares, he reaches into his shirt and draws forth the carcass of a rabbit. "Might any of you know someone who could help me with skinning a little furry creature?" he says through a bit of laughter.

The half-orc snarls, "This is a private table."

"Well, then if you could just direct me to a fellow by the name of Gantius, I will leave you ladies to enjoy your tea." Radick stares coldly into the half-orc's face. His manner has changed swiftly from the entertaining, jovial person who entered to a deadly serious man who sits there now.

The three men playing dragonchess get to their feet and hurry from the tavern.

With a savage growl the half-orc stands, grabbing the table and flipping it over into Radick's face. Radick is hurled backwards out of his chair and sprawls on his back onto the floor. The other two, not surprised by the half-orcs sudden, savage move leap to their feet, drawing blades.

Round 1: Radick rolls toward the center of the tavern as his hands grab his battle axe. He rolls out of the way as the blond man's dagger slashes towards him and then launches himself past the blond fellow and lets his axe slash deeply across the man's gut as he rolls towards the wall. "This is no way to treat a prospective employer." he mumbles as he dodges out of the way.

Grigree watches the battle.

Seeing the chessplayers exit the bar post haste, Leera (as Bunarha) pokes her head back into the bar to see what's happening. When she sees Radick flat on his back and in danger, she quickly looks around for the watch but sees nothing about which resembles the watch.

The waitress moves behind the bar for safety as the bartender and his friend watch the fight with interest.

Round 2: Radick glances at the approaching foes and realizes that he is now with his back to the fireplace. He steps towards the bar area slightly but then changes direction and finds the blond's dagger waiting for him. The blade sinks deep into side and leaves a burning sensation after it. As the dagger lands Radick's axe whips out at the blond gentleman and whiffs over his head.

The half-orc and other thug pause, weapons out, having surrounded Radick. The half-orc snarls, obviously about to say something when in from the street come a group of six figures in black chainmail They stand, blades and maces drawn, near the door before heading toward Radick. All have the crest that appears on Radick's ring emblazoned onto their chest plates. Those nearby can hear the clink of the armor and the weapons.

Round 3 Trying to keep the injured blond between himself and the half-orc, Radick again strikes but this time he feints at the blond gentleman and dives and rolls past him, striking at the half-orc's leg just above the knee but finding his target is no longer there.

The half-orc has already turned from Radick, and hurled two knives at the chainmail figures as he and the brown-haired thug rush them. The knives simply pass through the figures as they move to stop the thugs' assualt, landing on the floor with a distinct thump. The figures in chainmail swing their swords and maces hard at the thugs silently, except for the clinking of their armor. Their blows pass through Gantius and his companion harmlessly.

Round 4 Radick pauses, only a moment, to check the extent of the wound received. Looking at his foes about the room he quickly determines that he must end this quickly. Suddenly he draws his battle axe into position and turns to charge the blond man but that individual has already vanished, leaping over the bar and through the door behind it.

Grigree gets up and throws himself crosswise at the half-orc and the guy next to him, knocking them both to the floor.

Leera (still looking like the withered hag, Bunarha) steps forward through the doorway. As she does so, her hands, moving with grace and dexterity that belie her appearance, extract from a pouch a few grains of red, blue, and yellow sand. Stretching out her hand, she releases a blinding wedge of multicolored light. The light envelops the chainmail figures as well as Grigree, the half-orc and his friend. Grigree and the thug fall unconcious where they lay following Grigree's leap, but the half-orc growls as he tries to roll to his feet. Leera cries out 'Radick, this way!' "

Round 5

Radick dives towards the half-orc sliding behind him as he rises. Radick's battle axe snakes upwards between the bastard's legs slicing his lower stomach region. Quickly Radick rolls out of the way to the side to avoid any response. Unfortunately, the half-orc is quicker, despite his wound his sword arm reflexivly swings about as he spins to face Radick, and slices clear to the bone on Radick's right bicep, Radick collapses to the floor unconcious and bleeding heavily.

The half-orc continues his spin as Radick goes down, turning to face the crone who is obviously a witch.

Leera mutters arcane syllables and then takes a threatening step forward towards the half-orc. As she does so she gives him an unobstructed path to the doorway. He pales and flees the tavern.

The men in chainmail continue swinging and dodging blows from invisible opponents for a moment, then vanish.

The bartender and the man he was talking to continue to watch events from the bar as the waitress cowers behind it.

Leera looks around and after acertaining that no one in the bar has hostile intent, she rushes to Radick's side. Drawing her dagger, she slices a strip of his leather legging and uses it to tie a tourniquet around his right arm, above the wound.

The gentleman who watched the events from the bar gets up and walks towards Leera, his hands held wide in a non-threatening manner. "I am Koanidd," he says, "This man will die if not given aid. I can heal him, for 50 gold." Leera glances at him warily, she sees a human male in late middle age, tall and thin with long brown wavey hair and green-brown eyes. He wears a brown cloak over a suit of ringmail and a mace hangs at his side.

Leera stands and replies "For obvious reasons I don't think it would be a good idea for me to identify myself or my companions. Suffice it to say that we are members of an adventuring company based on the Rock. I personally don't have 50 gold with me, but you may have all the gold that I do have, and all the gold that the injured man has, as well. Whatever else is needed to make up the 50 gold you will be paid. I give you my word." Leera looks around again before continuing "Please, heal him while I obtain what gold I can."

"I'm afraid I don't work on credit, hag." He smiles grimly, "I'll wait till you see what you come up with."

Leera frowns and rummages in her pouches and pulls out 22 gp. She then rifles through Radick's belongings and takes whatever gold he's carrying. She mutters, in a low voice, 'The others had *better* pay me pack for this..." As she mutters, she can be seen to glance anxiously at Radick. It is obvious that she is concerned over his well-being.

As she does so, the man lying on the floor sudenly rolls to his feet. Leera looks up from Radick at once but before she can react he's out the door and into the street. Shaking her head in frustration, she continues looking inside Radick's clothes.

Finding nothing of value in Radick's pockets, Leera turns to Koanidd and explains that she has only 22 gold to offer at the moment. "I give my word, though. You will be paid. If you go to the Royal Playhouse at highsun tomorrow, you will be met by one of our company. He will pay you 35 gold. The extra should compensate you for the wait. Now please, heal him."

He laughs, "No credit, do I look a fool? I will take his ring, battleaxe, and those bracers in addition to the gold. That should come to around fifty gold in value." He grins at Radick ashen face, "Quite a bit of bloodloss, eh?"

Grigree sits up suddenly, grabbing for his swords and looking for foes. Finding none, he rubs his eyes and realizes Leera (still in crone from) is rifling through Radick's clothing as he lies on the floor.

Grigree shakes his head, trying to clear it, then looks back at the scene next to him. He attempts to stand up, but slips in some spilt ale, which he finally notices is also all over his fur. "Noi' jetat," he mumbles to himself, then carefully gets to his feet. From this new height he notices the blood all over Radick. Grigree rushes over to Leera and asks, "Is he dead?" All the while he keeps an eye on the man with the mace.

Hearing Grigree moving Leera looks over at him and calls "Friend Hadozee, have you any gold? Our friend is sorely wounded and this gentleman cleric (nodding toward Koanidd) demands fifty gold to save his life."

Grigree kneels down next to his friend's body.

Leera continues "I have only 22 gold. Our friend (glancing at Radick) does not seem to be carrying any money. Do you have 28 gold? Else we must carry him back to our friends to see if any of them can heal him."

Giving the man standing next to him a questioning look, Grigree says, "Do your magic, healer. You'll be paid."

Leera says to Grigree... "Come, it's obvious he's more interested in taunting us than in earning our money. If he's not willing to wait 24 hours for the rest of his money, I say we leave now and take our friend (nodding at Radick) with us. One of our own healers will do the job and we won't owe this man (looking up at Koanidd) anything. I've stopped the bleeding, after all."

"How many times do I have to say no credit, " the priest sneers, "I'll not see more then the 22 you give me know if I were to accept your offer. You are unskilled in the healing arts, I see, your friend will not survive more then twenty feet past the tavern's door. I have made a fair offer, but will be happy to ignore the axe, if I can have the gold, the ring, and the bracers. Or give me fifty gold and your friend will not even lose the arm. Of course, your friend might not die, he might just lose his arm." He concludes with a wan smile.

At this moment Nilaroo and Jamila enter the bar; they see the obvious remains of a fight, though the only body down seems to Radick. Grigree and some begger crone are crouching over him and speaking to a man standing nearby. Radick's clothes looks like they've been rifled through. The bartender has gone back to washing mugs with an occasional glance at the scene while the serving wench has taken a straw broom and is sweeping up the mess at the far end.

Radick continues to lie on the florr, blood oozes out past a tourniquet that was applied to his badly mangled arm, and additional blood flows from a wound to his side. Although his clothes appear to have been rifled through, they still rest on his body, despite the bad wounds he has received. He is unconscious, or dying, or maybe even dead, but he certainly isn't dancing a jig. Radick's axe lies by his side, and from the blood on its blade he clearly did not let his foe get away unscathed.

Leera (the beggar crone) hears someone enter the tavern and leaps to her feet, her hands dipping into her pouches. She immediately sees that the newcomers are friends and calls out "'Pon my word, but it's good to see you two! Our friend here is sorely wounded... we've paid this good cleric to heal him." Before either Jamila or Nilaroo has an opportunity to say anything, Leera continues... "We've not mentioned our names or the name of our company while we've been here... let's not give the fiends who did this (glancing down at Radick) a means to track us."

Jamila nods in response and has a quick look around the bar, while keeping an eye on the priest.

Leera glances nervously around before speaking once again "Speaking of which... we didn't kill any of them, but merely drove them off. I suggest we get out of here before they return."

And with those words, Jamila moves to get a better view out of one of the front windows so she can watch the street for any sign of trouble. With the occasional glance back at her comrades, she places one of her cutlasses beside her on a table for easier use.

Meanwhile, Grigree reaches down to his belt and pulls of a pouch. Tossing it up to Koanidd he says, "Take what you need."

Koanidd takes the puoch, smiling, and opens it. He quickly removes the 28 gold he needs and tosses it back at Grigree's feet. Then he kneels next to Radick and pulls a small black medallion out from inside his clothing and pulls its chain over his neck. Grigree can see that the medallion has coiled cobra carved upon and etched in gold paint. He places his right hand on the wound on Radick's bicep and begins murmering to himself. The torn and ripped flesh quickly melds together, leaving only a small white line where the slash had been. Then he examines the cut on Radick's side, frowning. "Your friend has been poisoned, I'm afraid. I can heal the wound but the poison has already entered his blood, but whether he lives or dies will depend upon how strong he is. I'm afraid I have no antidote, nor can I identify the poison." He looks towards Grigree, "Believe me when I say that if I had such I'd be happy to sell it to you." he then places his hand on the wound in Radick's side, which quickly stops bleeding and seals as well as the first. As Koanidd stands and places his medallion back beneath his armor Radick wakes, still weak from loss of blood but concious and able to move. Koanidd meanwhile has returned to the bar and hs interruppted conversation with its tender.

Seeing Radick's eyes flutter open, Leera kneels down beside him and says "Friend Axe... you have been wounded and poisoned. We have payed to have the wound healed, but we must quickly get you back to our friends to see if any can cure the poison. The men we fought have been driven away, but may return at any moment. Two of our companions have already arrived." She nods in the direction of Nilaroo and Jamila. "None here know our names or the name of our company. Let us keep it that way." Leera stands and offers Radick a hand "Can you walk?"

Radick looks up at Leera as she kneels beside him, through gritted teeth Radick mumbles, "I can stand, if you'll be stepping back out of my way."

Leera smiles and moves out of his way. Then she says "Let me freshen up a bit before we go..." She looks down at herself, shrugs, and undergoes a transformation from a withered hag to an impressive female Giff. She calls out "'Pon my word comrades... let's get the flock out of here!"

Radick grabs his battle axe and struggles to rise as he looks about the area. Seeing Leera's shift to giff form, Grigree standing near the bar and his other teammates in the room, he quickly searches the room with his eyes and then swears under his breath. "What happened to them? One was down and the damned half-orc was gut-slit. Don't tell me they got away." Radick looks right at Leera with a look of frustration combined with anger and all covered with a definite attempt to hide a burning pain.

Seeing that Radick is not moving toward the door, Leera calls again "Axe! They're gone... never mind how. Let's just get out of here before they come back with twenty of their closest friends!" Moving (hopefully with Radick) toward the door Leera (the Giff) says " 'Pon my word, I promise... when we catch up with them you can skin the one that poisoned you..."

Radick looks about the room after hearing Leera's words, "Damn!" Radick then turns to leave, he pauses a moment and then reaches to open his leather armor. He reaches deep inside and pulls out a pouch. Pulling a platinum piece from the pouch he tosses it to the barkeep, "Sorry about the mess." He then stumbles towards the door and moves out following his companions.

Leera then says to Grigree (while exiting the tavern) "I'm sorry you were caught in my spell. I didn't think you'd dive for them that way."

Grigree shrugs. "No hard feelings. Just glad it wasn't a fireball," he says with a small smile.

Picking up her cutlass from where she placed in upon the table, Jamila follows as the others exit the tavern, and keeping an eye out for anyone that might try to follow. She occasionally glances to the roof tops of the surrounding buildings in the off chance of catching a glimpse of any watchers.

Once out of earshot of the tavern, Jamila says "Getting help for the Axe is important, but would it be wise to go back to the Broken Tavern just now in case someone follows? We don't really want any reprisals hitting us just now, specially where we are staying."

Radick who is lagging behind the others, states quietly. "Leera, go and get me something for the poison if you can. Meanwhile I will go to the office of Gaspar's Reclamations. Bring whatever you can find there. The rest of you can tail me, but leave space so as to not draw much attention to our association." Radick spits on the ground and smiles to himself, "I'm not through yet, or else I'd be spitting either blood or black foulness." Radick looks down upon his blade. "Looks like we might get through this one after all."

Leera (still looking like a Giff) nods and asks "I suppose that our best bet is that one of our healers, either Italipate or Raken, has returned to the _Broken Tankard_. I don't know whether either of them has the means to cure your poisoning, but I can't think of any other way." Looking glumly at one of her pouches she says "I certainly can't buy an antidote... I used all of my money to have you healed. Perhaps you could pay me back? If not, I'll hope that one of our healers is at the Broken Tankard."

"Perhaps we may need to sacrifice the magic darts to barter for a priest..." Nilaroo suggests as Leera moves to return to the Tankard.

Radick draws forth the pouch again as he leans against Grigree. He tosses the whole pouch to her. "Just get moving."

After recovering her money from Radick, Leera starts to head off toward the 'Broken Tankard'.

"I'll make sure that none follow her back to our rooms." With that, Nilaroo sets off after the giff figure.

Radick then breaks away from the others and begins to walk directly towards Gaspar's Reclamations. He takes about four steps then suddenly doubles over, grasping his stomach as abdominal cramps ripple through his midsection. He struggles to stand straight, then collapses in an unconcious heap.

Radick hits the ground hard, but he doesn't feel the pain of hitting the ground, he is already unconscious. As he lands his body covers most of the battle axe, but the tip of the blade and the tip of the handle both are visible. His hands are to either side of his body, and each is partially covered by a throwing axe from his waist. He does not move, although his signet ring seems to shine in the light of the day.

Leera (still looking like a Giff) leans over Radick, trying to determine whether or not he's still breathing. Looking up, she asks of Grigree and Nilaroo "Can you carry him to the nearest temple? He's still alive."

"Yes." Nilaroo responds tersely. "Can your spell extend to him also, make him into a rug or something?"

"Sorry, no." Leera says after a moments hesitation. "She holds the back of her hand above his lips, "At least his breath is steady."

Nilaroo hoists Radick as easily as if he were a small child, then frowns. "There temples are all further from us then the Broken Tankard, indeed we will pass close by on our way there. Let's stop and see if one of our own healers can help him, first."

In agreement, the group quickly skirts the Great Market along Grand Street then ducks into the alley leading to the Tankard shortly thereafter.

Date/time: 11:30 am 17th day of the 4th Month, 5049 OC

Chapters 21-23, Group 2

The Library of the Spheres(#16) is nearly across Bral, near the Arena of Frun(#34) in the nicest section of the Middle City. The view as you walked up Park Street was simply spectacular, only the palace and a few of the noble villas are better situated.

The library itself was a large rectangular building with a tower rising several stories up from its center and a few outbuildings. A set of short, broad marble steps lead into the buildings cavernous entry hall. This marble floored room was empty except for a few benches, and a desk and chair at its far side, next to the only other door to the room. A short, bespectaled gnome with wrinkled face and white hair sat at the desk scribbling madly on a series of scrolls while refering periodically to several books laid out before him. You stand silently for several seconds, unsure if you should simply go through the door or speak to the gnome.

Suddenly, he looks up and sighs. "I'll never get any work done this way. What do you want?" he raises an ink stained hand, "No, wait. Let me guess. A halfling, a minotaur, and two humans. You must be adventurers. Well, we're fresh out of treasure maps and we haven't any artifact hunts on today. Try back next week." He bends again to his work.

Deigatt bends slowly down and whispers loudly to Billy, "His this being halso a halfling like yourself, Comrade Billy? He looks hoddly different."

Billy whispers back, "No my friend, though similar in size we are quite different... You probably think all short people look alike, it's an honest mistake..."

Kain hides a smile behind his hand as he pretends to cough. Looking at the gnome, he almost smiles again, but manages to keep a serious look on his face. "Actually..ah..we're not here for any maps, nor are we, well, here to help you find anything." Looking down at the desk, Kain says, "The four of us are looking for someone, and..hmm..we were told that he'd be found here. Kain pauses long enough for one of his friends to interrupt him in case he shouldn't continue. "Estriss," he says softly, "we're looking for Estriss."

The gnome looks back up, and says "He's in one of the research rooms, I believe. I'll take you to him." He gets up and leads you through the doors, which open into a hallway. He quickly gets you loss as he makes several quick turns and moves through a series of doors, all the while mumbling something about the impossibilty of studying for his doctoral exams with all these interrupptions.

After five minutes of walking through the library's maze like interior (and passing several other folks of several species) he opens a door into a small room with a table and chair. "Estriss? These folks asked to see you." Five or ten scrolls are scattered across its surface and the humunoid creature sitting there stands and turns to face you. Its skin is purple, mottled and glistens as if moist. Roughly humanoid in shape something about the way it moves seems alien, and four short tentacles descend from where a human's mouth would be. Its eyes are large, white and pupilless, its skull pronouced and bulbous, resembling a human brain in its texture. The creature wears a long purple robe clasped at the neck by an amythest broach.

*Thank you, Wilhelmn.* the creature says, then you are startled to realize it hadn't been speech, but rather the words seemed to flow directly into your mind. The gnome turns without ado and leaves the room.

Kain tenses when the illithid's words touch his mind, and there is a curious sensation in the room, much like standing in the middle of a briar patch. Almost as suddenly as it appeared, the feeling is gone however.

*You are a curious group. How may I help you?* Estriss "says" after the gnome leaves.

Closing his jaw, his teeth clicking together, Kain starts to speak, then stops. Finding that words escape him, the young man turns to his more worldly companions, looking for their help.

"Umm... Hi... Please excuse us if we are a little bit nervous... We are not used to be so close to one of your kind..." Billy indicates Kain with his thumb, "My friend and I are looking for a... Well a teacher, I guess... You see, we can... Well, DO things... And well... I guess a little guidance would be best..."

Deigatt remains quiet, eying the alien creature and its surroundings curiously.

Raken spends several minutes closely scrutinizing the Illithid. He stands as still as a statue; the only way to tell that he is still living is the very ocassional binking of his eyes. He keeps his eyes on the illithid when Billy speaks up. "My friends," Raken begins finally, "are here for knowledge. I am here for...insurance."

*I'm afraid I don't sell insurence* the Illithid says and you can sense a chuckle in his "voice". The tentacles writhe animatedly, is the creature amused? *And your ability to do things would seem to be rather universal. Indeed, in all my studies I've discovered no sentient species which can do nothing. How may I specifically help you?*

Despite himself, Raken breaks a small smile at the Illithid's comment.

Kain looks a little pale, but makes his introduction. "Ah, my name is Kain. We were..ah..told that you might be able to help us with a few question we had. Billy and I can, well, do things that seem magical, but they aren't. Neither of us are magi or priests, and by asking around..we found that this seems similar to some tales told about the illithids. Since we were also told you were.. ah.. err ..different than other illithids, we thought to see if it might be true. The.. ah..comparison between what we can do and what illithids are capable of, that is."

Billy adds, "I've heard of many names for what we do... the Way, Paths of the Mind, the Talent, Psionics, the Second Sight, the Third Eye... Other than fanciful names we don't know much else... Other than we could DO stuff."

Raken notes this but remains quite and in the back, allowing Kain and Billy to have their time with the Illithid.

Estriss wriggles his tantacles about in a fashion you can't dicipher, is it hunger, amusement, fear? *Two budding minds, I see.* he returns to the table and motions with a three fingered hand towards the other chairs.

*The powers you describe do differ from magic, whether priestly or wizardly in origin. All magic comes from power sources external to the wielder, where as the power you describe, the Talent, comes directly from the mind.* He pauses to let that sink in. *Perhaps you could demonstrate what sort of powers you are capable of?*

Kain takes the offered chair with a nod, then says, "Ah.. a lot of what I can do makes changes to my body. Some have no visible effect, so I won't bother with those, just describe them if you want me to."

Placing both hands upon the table, Kain slowly fades from sight. After a few breaths, he is back, still seated. "I can blend in with my surroundings," he explains. "Next, I can become much smaller than I am now." Standing and concentrating again, Kain begins to shrink. The effect is visible at first by the baggy look his clothes begin to take, but then the change is dramatic. When he stops shrinking, Kain is only about two feet tall, his clothing in a pile about his feet. Hanging his shirt and vest about his shoulders as best they will, Kain takes his normal form, adjusting his braies and swordbelt.

Going back to his seat, Kain rolls up his sleeve, drawing a dagger from his boot. Drawing a line down his forearm with the blade, Kain sheaths the knife and covers the wound with his free hand. The effect takes longer than the first two, but when he removes his hand, the cut is completely gone. "Healing wounds, I can also accomplish. Though I'd only focused upon myself, I belive I can heal *others* also."

"As my friends could also tell you, I can adopt the characteristics of the falcon. Wings, beak, eyes, and the like." Looking about the small chamber, he says, "I wouldn't want to disturb the books by bringing my wings into being here, though." Unused to speaking so much, Kain pauses and clears his throat before he picks up again.

"Should I become seriously wounded, I can place myself into a trance-like state for a day, and heal all my wounds." Looking to Raken, Kain shrugs and states, "That's why I tried declining your offer of healing onboard the _Flowfish_." Ticking off on his fingers, Kain continues. "For the abilities without visible physical change, I can make myself stronger, hardier, and more nimble." Another finger comes up, "My body can become a part of any ..ah..place. It's hard to explain, but I can breathe water using that ability, or make myself used to cold or heat." A third finger is counted. "I make myself lighter. So I can walk on water, or slow a fall." Kain says, "Also, I can sense other people's minds." He shrugs, looks slightly confused, then adds, "I can't actually do anything but the sensing, but it's something I can do."

Billy looks on in amazement as Kain demonstrates his various talents. When he is done, Billy turns to the illithid and admits, "I seem to have fewer talents than my friend, here. I can only do a few things... I can change my appearance. I can induce sleep in others, I can heal myself and others and I can transform myself into anything of my approximate size and weight... I'm sorry if I don't demonstrate, but I do feel a little tired and exercising my abilities takes alot out of me."

With his brown eyes open widely, Deigatt watches Kain's demonstration of his powers and, after Billy has spoken, asks, "What kinds of magic are these?"

*It is not magic, the power comes from within their minds. Sentient brains hold a great deal of power, more perhaps then we can imagine.* The illithid had observed Kain's display calmly, *For one unsure of what his powers are, you have already learned much. Most never get beyond a devotion or two. I can tell you that the skills you listed are called 'psychometabalism' by those who follow this path. There are other sorts of skills, telepathy for instance, which allows you to read, probe or even harm another's mind. Each group of skills is collectively called a discipline. It would seem both of you follow the discipline of psychometabalism.* The illithid pauses for a moment. *Do I understand that you wish me to take you on as a students?* he finally asks.

Billy looks over to Kain before saying, "If you have the time and desire, I would indeed appreciate it if you could teach me more..."

Kain nods in agreement, then echoes Billy's statement. "Though I have some abilities, I haven't really learned anything. If we have the time, and your assent, I would gladly take any knowledge you wish to give."

Deigatt leans toward Raken and asks, "Do hall demihumans possess these mind-powers, Comrade Raken? Do you? I must confess I've not seen the like hof them hon Geb, not even hamong the humans." The minotaur tugs at the earring hanging from his left ear.

Raken, somewhat uncomfortable with so many telepaths, looks up at the towering minotaur. "Fortunately, powers such as these are rare among humans. I do not possess them." His voice drops to an even lower whisper. "Between you and me, they give me the shivers. Such power should be for the gods, not played with by mortals..."

The illithid nods to Billy and Kain, *I would be happy to help you stretch your powers. You will find no better guide then yourselves for the disciplines you currently follow, You must consistently meditate and experiement with your powers to expand them. What I can help you to learn is the other disciplines, telepathy or clairsentience, for example.* The writhing of the tentacles seems almost apolegetic this point, *We can discuss the matter of my payment at a later date. I sense your friends are uncomfortable with this discussion, perhaps we can arrange to meet at another time? I expect to remain here doing my research for at least another month.*

"That would be fine with me," Kain agrees. "Ah..is there any location in.. ah.. particular that you'd like to meet? Here at the library again?" Kain looks to his companions. "When d'you think that Billy and I would have the chance to come again? Would tomorrow be too soon?" He asks this last question to all, the excitement he feels visible in the way he sits forward in his chair and the way his words fall quickly one after the other.

"Hit would be prudent to check first with hour comrades," Deigatt suggests. "Perhaps they have hobtained some service for the Silent Star."

"I don't know if I will be able to be present tomorrow," Billy says. He clenches his fists. "Still have some debts I have to repay to one person in particular. I hope you didn't forget..."

"Oh, no, Billy I hadn't forgotten. I'm sorry if it seemed as if I had." Kain shrugs, "I was just hoping to get started on both tomorrow."

*Tommorrow would be too soon for me, at any rate* Estriss says, *My research beckons and the training you request will take some time. Is there a place I can leave a message for you?*

"House Moune," Kain says after a look to his companions. "If you leave a message there, we'll be sure to receive it."

To the illithid, Deigatt says, "I, too, would present myself hin need hof training hand hof knowledge, Lord Hestriss." He glances briefly down at his comrades before continuing: "I have left my homeworld hin disgrace, hand I must strengthen myself before I return there, strengthen myself by learning that which I do not know. From you, Lord Hestriss, I hask hinstruction hin the ways hof magic. My mentor, Parthan, taught me much, but his tutelage was brief, hand my knowledge hincomplete. Pending my commitments to the Company hof the Silent Star, I hoffer myself hin service hin hexchange for what tuition you might provide me." Deigatt raises his closed right fist to his chin and bows his head quickly until his fist touches his chest.

*I seem to be attracting students right and left. You must understand that I am a researcher, a historian if you will, rather then a professional tutor. Your service will do me little aid, at the moment, friend minotaur. I will, however, consider your off.* the illithid replies.

"History contains himportant lessons," Deigatt replies, looking up again. "Hand consideration his hall I request, Lord Hestriss. We har residing hat the Broken Tankard hat present. Hour ship his the Silent Star, hand we can halso be contacted through House Moune."

*Please feel free to contact me here. We can begin your lessons after you've finished this other affair you have spoken of.* Estriss says, *Perhaps I could employ you as research assistents in exchange? At any rate, good day.*

Saying their goodbyes the four depart.

Standing outside the Library of Spheres, Deigatt looks down at Billy. "Har we to return now to the Broken Tankard?" he asks. "Hor does the heat of vengeance still burn your heart, Comrade Billy?"

"I think it would be best if we went back to the 'Tankard", Billy says looking up to his tall companion. "Once we get all the necessary intelligence, we can start having fun." Billy rubs his hands in anticipation.

Deigatt shakes his head quietly following Billy's comments.

Raken lets out a quite groan. "Billy, have you ever been in a street war? They can get very ugly very quickly. Let us hope that we can slay this bastard quickly and quietly, without rousing the attention of the thieves guild. I don't want to be around if things go bad..."

"Your caution his wise, Comrade Raken," the minotaur says as the four begin walking down Park Street. "The best war his won without fighting. Let hus head back to the hinn hand meet hour comrades. Perhaps Comrade Hitalapate has bought himself a brightly-colored wig."

Date/time: 11:30 am 17th day of the 4th Month, 5049 OC

Chapters 21-23, Group 3

The svelte Zakharan and the hulking, ape-like gromman make quite a pair walking through the streets of Bral, though not so unusual as to draw more then the disapproving stares of a few older human ladies (obviously assuming Jamila is "working" and willing to go with an ape to boot...)

Noticing a few of the stares, Jamila moves a little closer to Nilaroo gives a big grin at one of the older women, and sticks her tongue out at another. "He swings!" Jamila calls out.

It's a relatively short walk to House Moune's offices(#55), and after a short wait in the reception area Standish, Lady Moune's Senior Agent, appears.

"Thank you for coming," the a thin, balding man in wirerim glasses says, "You've saved me a trip. The Shipwrights have informed me that your vessel will be finished by tomorrow morn. The Lady Moune would like to meet you there, say 10 am? She wants to introduce her representative personally."

Nilaroo replies "Well, Standish, I do not know that the company will be free at that time. There is a small personal matter involving Mr. Two-Thumbs that has now encompassed us. I have come to pass the details on to Lady Moune, so that she will not be suprised by what may yet occur, and may offer what advice she has on a somewhat delicate situation," the gromman rumbles. In addition, there is another who may wish to join our company, and therefore would like to see a copy of the contract to which we are bound. Is the Lady available this morning?"

Standish smiles weakly, "I understand the desire to deal with the final authority when possible, but I'm afraid your company will have to get used to speaking to me concerning your affairs. Lady Moune is very busy, only very rarely will she be available." He takes his glasses off and polishes them. "I'm certain that she will not be willing to add another to the contract so soon. Its strictures do work both ways, afterall and we do not know this young lady. Perhaps later, though if she wishes to join your company that is of no moment to us, it has no bearing on the contract." He replaces the glasses and motions to some wine and glasses on a nearby table, "Please, help yourself. Now, what "delicate situation" may I help you with?"

Quickly Nilaroo brings Standish up to date on the situation. "So, as this guild war has now encompassed one of Billy's community members, we now stand to collect a bounty if successful. Do you have any information that might increase the odds of success, and minimize the chance that one or many of us gets killed?"

Jamila stands slightly back, as Nilaroo speaks with Standish, so as to not get in the way. She smiles slightly when Standish looks at her, then turns and has a look at the painting on the wall.

Standish frowns, "I'm afraid my experience with street wars is very limited. But, I can assure you that turning these Red Masks over to the magistrate would be very dangerous. Without direct evidence he would likely charge you with assault and release them. Especially as the Halfling's guild would undoubtably fail to come forward. Best to keep the magistrate out of these sorts of affairs, that is the Bralian custom." Standish smiles, "I suppose you have at least chosen the stronger side. The Halflings' leader is known to be one of the city's Underbarons, while the Red Masks are a new group, barely above gang status." He shows you to the door, "I wish you luck. Please try to have at least one of your company at the SILENT STAR in the morning, afterall she will be your responsibility from that point on." He shakes Nilaroo's paw before you depart.

"Shukran, Master Standish." Jamila says as she leaves with Nilaroo, "It was a pleasure to meet you" she says with a smile.

"So," Nilaroo rumbles to Jamilia as they walk towards their next rendezvous point, "at least we know that this group is not all that well established. However, that means that they may be more willing to take risks to enhance their reputation."

"Yes, at least that is something." Jamila replies, "But still they have the element of numbers and this is their home ground."

It doesn't take long to find the Twisted Thumb, just like Billy said it's right where Wasp street opens onto the market and pretty close to the Moune offices. Once outside the tavern, Nilaroo and Jamilia make for a sweetmeat stall in the Great Market which can provide them a surveillance point for the next few minutes.

"I don't think it would be wise to stay here for too long" Jamila mentions quietly to Nilaroo as they glance towards the tavern and munch on sweetmeats. "If it was me that ran this organization, I'd have lookouts around my known hangouts." Without attempting to be conspicious, Jamila lets her gaze wander around the area looking for possible places to overview the area, and not stopping if she sees someone watching.

"Well I for one could do with a drink," Nilaroo rumbles. "Let's go in and see for ourselves." He waits a moment for Jamilia, and then proceeds towards the tavern door.

As the two of you walk across the street a man in his late thirties comes rushing out of the bar, shoving a shortsword into a scabberd. He has short, brown, wavey hair and wears a brown cloak over a yellow tunic and red trousers. He instinctively stops running as he enters the street.

"Perhaps Nilaroo, that might not be the best think to do?" Jamila replies eyeing the man that has just exited the bar.

Wordlessly Nilaroo pushes through the door, hand on hilt.

With a slight shrug of her shoulders and a last second check to tighten her sword belts, Jamila follows Nilaroo inside....

Date/time: 11:30 am 17th day of the 4th Month, 5049 OC

Chapters 21-23, Group 4

Holland: After memorizing his spells in his room Holland returns to the common room where he sits and waits to hear of what transpired at the Twisted Thumb.

Talus: Talus heads towards the Greater Market. He then noses around asking questions here and there looking to contact the Red Masks. At the third tavern he visits the barkeep suggests that Talus might find the company of a certain streetwalker entertaining. "Her name's Asterwen," the grizzled old barkeep says softly. "Hair black as midnight and eyes like Toril from a million miles out. She's aged better then fine wine, that lady has. She usually walks down by Clipper Street, where it opens into the Market(#45)."

Talus heads that direction, and soon spots her walking through the market, an inviting sway in her hips and more inviting stares aimed at every male that shows potential as a customer. The barkeep's description was accurate; slim with long black straight hair and blue eyes. She's wearing high boots, a green blouse and a green short skirt. She's clearly reaching the end of her years in the trade, but her autumn beauty stills seems worth the coin.

Talus pauses a moment to admire the view, then walks up to the lady and introduces himself in a quiet voice, "Greetings Asterwen, I was told you may be able to help me."

"I understand you have a lot of... contacts around the market," Talus pauses and looks directly into her eyes, "I understand you know how to contact the Red Masks."

"Ahhh...you are a checky one lad, and this our first date and all." She grins wickedly and places her hand on a decidedly privete part of Talus' anatomy. "Cross my palm with a coin and I'll lead ya to heaven."

With a blush at Asterwen's actions, Talus makes a sliver coin appear in his hand which he hands over to the streetwalker.

"Do I look so ugly, lad?" she leads you towards an alley, then pulls you down it and behind some crates. She makes a show of raising her dress in the front and pretending to undo Talus' trousers but simply pulls him against her as she wraps her arms around his neck. "Move a bit so it looks real, boyo." she whispers, "and tell me why you want to contact the Masks."

With a hot red face the half elf whispers into her ear, "It is not that you are ugly, but that I am rather short of funds. That is why I wish to contact the Masks. In the city I was raised I learnt skills in locks and traps, of picking pockets, and of finding treasure. Come to the Rock I am short of funds and would like to ply my trade, but I do not want to walk others territory uninvited."

"You've got to pay to play on this rock, boyo. Still, it was good of you to come clean. Saved your neck, that." she bumps hard into Talus and nibbles his ear. "Be here at midnight. Someone will meet you." She gives Talus a quick kiss then walks out from behind the crates back onto the street, lowering her skirt and smiling back she calls, "Nice one, love! Look for me again!"

Talus breaths a sigh of relief as the (not too arduous) ordeal is over for the moment. The half-elf finds something to eat and then takes a circuitous route back to his room. He keeps an eye out to see if he is being followed.

Italapate: Italapate sleeps in the next day... he had eaten and drunk far more than he had been used to. He woke, stretching languidly. Then he threw on his new jacket and left the inn. He wandered out into the street and proceeded to meet his friend. It seemed unlikely that anything useful had been turned up, but Paco was good at finding stuff out. At the least he might give Italapate enough of a lead to follow, at best he might have something concrete to tell him. Italapate shrugged and headed down the street...

If he was really fortunate, maybe some of his old friends might have some info about the rumors the Company was bandying about last night...

He finds Paco standing outside the sweatmeat stand as promised, munching on askewer of sugered skavver. Seeing Italapate he nonchalantly suanters over, "Hey, how's it going?", he left hand furtively motions to one of the many narrow little alleys between stalls. "Those crates are back here." Paco says as he heads into the alley.

Italapate follows. "What crates?" he mumbles.

"You won't like this," Paco whispers, "There's a blacksmith shop around this bend ahead, we can talk freely there." The bend is about 3 stalls down, and Italapate can here the ringing sounds of the anvil in the same direction. Paco is apparently learning a great deal, the cloth stall walls make these alleys poor places to hold a council, as anyone can hear, but behind the blacksmith the anvil should provide a nice covering noize for the conversation.

"Okay, man," Italapate says just loud enough to be heard by his friend. "What's going on.. what won't I like?"

Paco turns, and Italapate senses something behind him, spinning, he sees a man with a short, wooden club in hand about to hit you in the head with it. Even with the half second of warning Italapate is unable to get out of the way in time, the club grazes his right temple, blackening that eye. Italapate stumbles and glances back to see Paco drawing a nasty looking throwing knife. Another man comes out of the curtains behind the first with the club. Both wear grey, nondescript clothes and are carrying short wooden clubs which can be easily hidden in clothing...

Round 1: Italapate spins on his back, his legs helicoptering to swipe Paco's legs. The legs connect, Paco falls down with an "Ummph!", Italapate says "Paco, what in the Nine Hells is going on?" The close quarters hinder his opponents, the club strike swinging for where 'Pate's head had been before he dropped gets tangled in the blacksmith's tarp instead.

Round 2: Italapate murmers a curse and makes a quick motion at Paco, who gets a look of complete terror on his face as he turns and scurries away. One of the club wielding thugs lands a solid blow to Italapate's ribs.

Round 3: Italapate yells "I don't know what Paco told you guys, but I am _on your side_! Back off! I have money and information for whoever your boss is!!" while leaping to his feet and backpedaling away from the thugs. The look on their faces makes it obvious they aren't interested. One reaches towards his neck and pulls a wicked looking throwing knife from a necksheath as the other swings again, but misses.

Round 4: Italapate reaches into his pouch pulling out a ball of yellowy beeswax. "Back off, freaks, this fireball will take us all out!" He waves his hand, chants in his native language "Coyo hanka urua thoya" Then throws the ball. The thugs both dive to the ground, as the bit of beeswax goes past them and lands somewhere in the alley behind.

Round 5: Italapate runs Like all the Devils in the Nine Hells are on his heals. In moments he bursts from the myriad alleys behind the Great Market's stalls, finding himself in front of Char's Bakery(#53) on one of the wider, customer filled walkways on which the stalls front. The thugs aren't visible but can't be far behind.

He looks around, quickly finding a stall that sells simple cloaks. He pilfers one, leaving a copper piece in its place. He then wraps the black sack-cloth cloak around him, covering his head and moving slowly through the crowd. He makes his way back toward the Broken Tankard. Paco has betrayed him, and he has a plan to find out why.....

In the common room at the Broken Tankard:

Holland has been sitting in the common room for about fifteen minutes when Italapate suddenly enters, wearing a black sack-cloth cloak over his normal clothing.

Italapate nods at Holland, then walks over to the bar. He orders a small amount of wine, honey, a chopped hot pepper, and fish oil to fill up one of his empty vials. He slides a silver piece to the proprietor in payment. He then walks back toward Holland, shaking the vile vial vigorously. He throws his sack-cloth cloak over the back of the chair with a sigh, still shaking. "Have you ever had a day, Holland, where all the great spirits in the Happy Hunting Grounds lifted their legs and pissed all over you?" As he looks at the wizard, a swelling and darkening eye is clearly visible.

Holland watches Italapate's antics with a guarded smile and listens dutifully when he speaks. Holland then replies, "That is quite a shiner you have there Italapate. I must admit, I have had such days that you speak of, usually for days like that the best course of action is not to get out of bed.. What happened to you?" Holland lifts his hand in an attempt to hide his sudden grin.

Italapate stares at Holland for a moment, uncertainty is obvious by his unguarded expression. He fiddles with the vial for a moment. "I met with a friend... a _former_ friend of mine. I thought I could trust him to get some information for me. He tried to kill me. I was only able to escape because of my wits. Someone on this Rock wants to kill me, and I have no idea who..."

Holland's grin immediately vanishes, "Have you done anything lately that would warrent a death sentence? Perhaps it would be for the best if you were to remain in hiding until we cast off on the _Silent Star_.."

Before Italapate can answer Talus returns to the inn, seeing Holland and 'Pate he strides over to them.

Holland motions for Talus to come join them, his guarded expression suddenly wary of everyone in the common room, his gaze scanning over the common room before drifting to the front door. Except for an old, white-haired human male nodding over his soup at the bar and the bored looking alesman, the room is empty.

Holland says, "Italapate, tell Talus and I what happened."

Italapate quickly relates the events at the market.

Once Italapate finishes Holland says, "What news do you have Talus? Anyone try to kill you today?" Holland falls silent as Talus speaks, a look of concentration on his face.

Talus grins and replies, "Not yet, but the day is young. I have also been pursuing Billy's vendetta, but from a different angle." The half-elf glances around the room to make sure none are able to hear and continues quietly, "As you may have deduced, I was a thief. Using that background I have been attempting to make contact with the Red Masks. I have a meeting set up for midnight."

Italapate laughs... "Billy's vendetta? Billy? _Our_ Billy? What is he ticked off about? Run out of ale here last night?"

Holland sighs and quickly relates what has happened.

As Talus finishes Holland asks, "Italapate, do you think that these men were from the pirate eelship that got away? It would explain a few things. What did you ask Paco to find out for you?" Holland says, "I have been sitting here pretty much undisturbed. I had planned on heading town to the 'Thumb and checking on the others but now I am not sure..."

Italapate had been silent for a moment, thinking very intently. "It is very likely that whoever is out to kill me has very little to do with the eelship, or if so, only coincidentally." 'Pate looks up again, looking Talus and Holland in the eyes. "I have told you the truth when I told you that my parents were slain by slavers. They snuck slaves onto the Rock in a secret path to freedom. Someone found out and killed them. They, whoever 'they' are, believe I might have had something to do with that ridiculousnous. Paco may have helped them before, but I don't think so.. in any case, he is helping them now. I changed my look to hide the fact that I was back, then announced it to a bastard traitor... I think I will need another change. Holland, do you have a cantrip to grow out my hair,change its color.. I _know_ you have that... This time, however, something a little more serious.. I think my life is at stake."

Talus looks thoughtfully at Italapate, "Maybe you should try another tack. Instead of hiding go on the offensive. We could capture Paco or one of his friends and... ask him a few questions. Otherwise you will spend your life running."

Italapate shakes the concoction in his vial thoughtfully. "Oh, I plan on going on the offensive, Talus. However, not right away. I need to lay low, and pick my moment. Then I will get the information I need from him."

Talus says, "I am going to have a long night ahead of me, I must make some preparations and have some rest." With a glance at Italapate he asks, "Could you please describe this Paco character just in case I run into him tonight."

Italapate sighs. "Paco is a slightly dumpy looking, paleface human. Dirty blonde hair, scruffy beard, about my age. He is frequently dirty as he works in his father's carpentry shop, though that is not the craft he is truly training for...." Italapate shrugs. "That pretty much describes him. Why do you think you might run into him?"

Talus also shrugs, "Who knows, but the information may come in handy if he is connected to the Red Masks."

Holland says quietly to Italapate, "You know. I have several subduing spells. We three could go and capture Paco quite easily and learn what we would from him." Holland continues with a small smile, "I can easily make your hair grow and color it, though we should do that in more private quarters. I can also change your overall complexion, perhaps give you a darker skin tone or the like..."

Italapate smiles. "That is exactly what I was thinking, longer hair, darker skin.... I was wary that Paco would be prepared at this point... my plan was to convince him that the... item I gave him was poisoned. Convince him to tell me what he knows in exchange for this..." he holds up the noxious concoction, wrinkling his nose exaggeratedly, "... the cure. If you think that we can accomplish that goal without waiting, however, I am willing to listen. I warn you beforehand, though, Paco has proved to be untrustworthy... who knows what he will say to protect himself. Just don't listen to his lies like I did."

Holland says concerning the change of appearance, "That is easily done," taking a look around the commons again Holland says, "I have a spell called _Color Spray_. It allows me to affect up to 6 individuals. Depending on the person, the spell will either cause the individual to fall unconscious, be blinded or be stunned for a period of time." Holland continues, "More than likely the individual affected will fall unconscious. I also have a spell of _Invisibility_. We could go find Paco and with _Color Spray_ subdue him and then cast _Invisibility_ upon him. We three could then take him to some location and question him. I have a recent addition of the spell _ESP_, that will allow me to read surface thoughts, though I would need to memorize it. You could ask him questions while I stood somewhere where he could not see me, I could attempt to pick up on his surface thoughts that your questions evoked. Even if he lies or refuses to answer, he should initially think the truth."

Italapate leans back, crossing his arms, thinking for a moment. "All right. The easiest time to find Paco is in the mornings when he 'apprentices' in his father's smithy. His father runs a small shop, and leaves him alone in the smithy at times. If we leave right now, we could probably catch him cleaning up for his lunch break... I mean, I would assume that he had to move it back to the shop so his father did not become suspiscious..." Italapate stands. "I know a back way so we won't be seen..."

Holland stands as well and says, "What item do you think Paco has? Talus would you join us please?"

Italapate shrugs, "I gave him a little remnant from my parents shop that he coveted. It isn't really poisoned of course, I trusted him when I gave it to him. But if he could double cross me, he would imagine anyone could double cross him... I was hoping to con him into giving me the information I need, as I am not that good at beating knowledge from someone."

Talus stands with the others and nods, "I will come with you. I also have a colour spray spell memorised, as well as a sleep spell."

Holland smiles, "Between the two of us we are loaded for owlbear. I will use my spells first, save yours for secondary use. We might run into some trouble on our way back."

Looking at the two as they are walking out the rear of the Inn Holland says, "Where do you guys think we should take Paco after we have captured him? Back here to the Inn? We can't take him to the _'Star_, she is still being refitted..."

The three walk close together through the streets towards the carpentry shop of Paco's father.

Holland says, "Oh, and Talus, if you would like an extra pair of eyes tonight during your meeting or just to make sure that your back doesn't start sprouting daggers, I would be willing to lend you a hand."

Talus replies, "I appreciate the offer, but they will have watchers out. If you are discovered, they will certainly try to kill me. I will just have to take the risk."

Holland frowns and says, "I don't like the idea of leaving you hanging out alone like that but if you think it is best.." Holland pauses and then says, "Where is your meeting and how did you set it up? I ask because, if you don't return I want to be able to try and find you."

Talus smiles humourlessly, "If I disappear I will probably end up in a jettison. The Red Masks will undoubtablely have some suspicion upon me that I may be an infiltrator... which I am. I will probably be out of contact for the next few days, so don't be too concerned, though I will try to get back."

Italapate shrugs, "On the other hand, I am, fairly well versed in the underbelly of the Rock. I could fit in well, especially once I disguise myself. As for where to take Paco, it is a well-honored tradition that we take him to an out of the way alley and....'ask' our questions. Y'know, Talus, you should avoid being seen by him, just in case Paco has a connection to the Red Masks, he never mentioned it, but they've been recruiting... He could blow your cover. Let Holland and I deal with him unless we need your help."

Talus nods in agreement, "Good point. I will just try and stay in the area in case you need backup."

Holland replies, "I don't want to be seen by Paco when we question him, I am going to have to concentrate on him heavily and if he sees me he might figure out what I am doing and attempt to shield his thoughts. I will stand behind him or in the shadows or the like," Holland then pauses and looks at Itapalate with an arched eyebrow and says, "Are we going to let Paco live afterwards? I am not sure if I would like someone who would betray a friend to have seen my face at all, linked to Red Masks or not, and live to plot against me. His crime demands balance."

As Holland finishes his statement, the three turn onto Windlass Court in the Low City, Paco's father owns a shop at the far end.

Italapate's eyes grow wide, evidence of his youth and naivete against his cultivated image. "I... I hadn't thought about that. He and I were friends for so long, I did not consider _killing_ him. I mean, I know his father... he was always tough, but friendly. He has no clue about Paco's.... hobby. It would tear out his heart." Italapate looks away shaking his head. "Can't you weave a spell to make him forget me or something? Change his wicked ways?"

Holland pauses as his eyes go glossy for a moment, "Hmm.. No, I don't have any spells that would have such an effect. Just as a leopard can not change its spots, you can not change a person's ways. It would take magic much more powerful than I have to effect such a change. Paco has made his decisions and it befalls him to pay the consequences."

Italapate shakes his head then shrugs. "I think this mess is more complex then I thought. If... if you think that is the only way to deal with the problem, then that is what we should do. I need to know who is after me and why." Italapate looks up, his eyes suddenly aflame, his dark brows creased deeply between his eyes. It is as if he has suddenly put events together, and come to a realization that should have been obvious. "Paco... is working with the people that killed my parents. Damn him!" He slams his fist into his open palm. "No problem, Holland, no problem at all. Paco is dead."

Holland nods his head and says, "That would partially restore balance, just remember we need answers first."

Italapate moves easily through the beginnings of the Low City's lunchtime crowd. The variety of beings is overwhelming, huge giff moving through the same streets as dwarves and gnomes. Italapate ignores all of it, his eyes set forward on a goal.

A powerfully built man was leaning against the doorjam of his shop puffing on a pipe while idly whittling a piece of wood. The beauty and complexity of the carvings guarding the door bespoke of far greater skill than the occasional whittled piece.

All Italapate saw was a landmark. Pretending to study the wooden gargoyles, he looked behind him. Making sure that Holland and Talus still had him in their sights. Italapate grinned at the old carver, nodding at the handywork.

Then he turns and makes his way across Windlass court, to the space between buildings across from Strombardi's Carvings (#105). The back alley was filled with garbage from the surrounding businesses. Italapate moved carefully and quietly over the various hazards.

Eventually, the heat of the few small smithys hit. Marshal's (#104) was the biggest, but not the only. Italapate saw the window he remembered, knew from several adventures as a child. He signalled for Holland and Talus to take their hiding places anywhere they could find them. His thieves' sign cant was horrendous. Probably not even close to proper communication, but he trusted he got his point across. Then, he jumped lightly to the low window, moving into the darkened room exposed.

Holland moved as close as he could to the window, keeping an eye out for anyone coming down the alley from either direction, while pulling out the needed items to cast his spell and waits for Italapate's signal.

Talus stays further back, but positions himself so that he can see both Holland and the window. The elf keeps and eye on the street to see if Italapate's actions have raised any alarms.

Once in position, Holland tries to hide himself from observation behind a large keg filled with garbage, though he makes sure that he has a clear view of the window and the alley.

Italapate discovers, in fact, that Paco isn't there at all after he slips quietly inside. Paco's father is present, working on some long beams but otherwise the shop appears to be empty, he doesn't seem to see or hear 'Pate's approach.

Italapate steps out of the shadows. "Hey!" he says loudly enough to be heard over the clang of metal on metal from the nearby smithy. "Where's Paco? You give him the day off today or what?"

Paco's father looks up, "Hey there, 'Pate. I thought you'd left the Rock. Yeah, I'm afraid Paco took the day off. Said he had some courting to do down at the market," he laughs, "How could I say know to that? He knows how much his mother wants grandchildren."

Italapate shakes his head sadly, then steps forward to put his hand on the man's sinewy shoulder. The sadness in Italapates voice is genuine. "I hope someday that might happen, but its not likely." He turns, clasping his hands at the small of his back. "I don't know how to tell you this, but Paco is running with a bad crowd, and its going to cost him his life. Maybe you heard about the halfling that was murdered last night? Red Masks. Paco told me yesterday morning that he was part of the Red Masks, and how happy he was that he was able to (sorry, sir) quote 'pull the wool over my foolish old man's eyes'. I couldn't believe it when he said it, said that you didn't have a clue. I respected Paco, sir,and I am only telling you this for his own good."

Italapate continues to pace nervously, betraying a friends confidence should not be easy, even when one fears greatly for that friend's safety. "Some friends of mine know the halfling and are assassinating every member of the Red Masks they can find. One of the targets, one of the murderers described at the scene had to be Paco! I _have_ to find him, clear up this horrible mistake before someone kills your son for revenge! I have to find him, sir, can you help me?" Italapate spreads out his hands pleadingly.

'Pate feels the fist smash into his jaw, then he feels his back slam into the wall with bruising force. It is only when he feels the water splash onto his face, however, and the throbbing ache begin that he realizes just how hard Paco's father had hit him. "Get out, 'Pate, and don't come back. Paco is not a Red Mask, not from this neighborhood. Who do you think I pay my insurence fees to? The Halfling's Guild, of course. Paco knows they deal straight, they gave me the loan that started this buisiness. I don't know what sort of sick game your playing, but I know the sort of trouble you used to cause and want no part of it. You leave my son alone, or so help me I'll see you dragged before the magistrate!" The man stands above 'Pate, an empty bucket in hand, a furious, savage look on his face.

'Pate realizes a childhood of pranks and lies has made him the most untrustworthy of tale-tellers, the boy who cried wolf, as it were. He climbs to his feet, offers Paco's father a hurt look, then quickly walks out of the shop. Sure enough, a sling stone is embedded in the shop's doorjamb, a sure sign insurence fees to the Halfling's Guild are paid up. The shop, at the end of Windlass street, is certainly deep in the heart of the Halfling's territory.

Holland and Talus see Italapate walk out and head down the street. After a decent interval, and checking for tails they quickly join him. 'Pate, in a foul mood and with an obviously swelling and bruised jaw shakes his head no to their questions. Lacking knowledge of Paco they decide to see how the others are doing, so 'Pate leads them back to the Broken Tankard.

Date/time: 11:30 am 17th day of the 4th Month, 5049 OC