Jammers Summary: Chapter 1, Turn 21-23, Group D

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

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