"I am glad to hear you are able to accomodate her, though if you have to find a bed elsewhere, Utar, then that partially defeats the purpose," Harper explains.
The group exchanges extended introductions and pleasantries over supper, which, for a brief moment, run the risk of coming to a screeching halt as Obsben does not hide her disdain for a certain goddess while Utar and Graxx both reveal themselves to be men of faith. Disaster averted, merriment resumes.
A good half-an-hour passes before dinner is actually interrupted. Another knock on the door brings everyone to a momentary silence. Sagin looks around to see if anyone has any comments before stating: "Sagin will see who it is." The kobold approaches the door and cracks it open. A young male page stands just beyond it. He is well dressed in a tailored jerkin and fitted breeches, as well as a floppy hat. A pin rests near his left sholder depicting what CRAP knows to be the sigil from House Brokengulf: a gray mountain with a red trail and fort over a light blue sky. Sagin looks down at his own attire, or lack thereof, and visibly but silently wonders if he needs an upgrade.
"House Brokengulf summons the Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party to their estate posthaste." He extends a wax-sealed envelope to Sagin, who grasps it in a somewhat dumbfounded reaction. "Should I deliver word ahead of your acceptance?" The page waits at the door for verbal confirmation so he can run back to whence he came and perform his duties.
@Ori:
Harper gives Obsben a meaningful look that no one around the table notices. You know this to mean he in interested in whatever business is to be discussed at the Brokengulf Manor and that he expects to hear from you.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
@Lerus:
17. (26)
Obsben seems to not notice the look, but a subtle nod while peering back at the door soon proves otherwise. She then casually leans into a hand but made certain he could see her scratches behind an ear in two fairly long strokes, indicating he would hear from her from her within a day at the very latest.
Obsben peers curiously back over the door for a good moment or two, or at least its general direction. Then glances back to the others and says, "It sounds as if we're to start work together far sooner than expected, huh?"She grins softly, grabs a piece of bread, and then scooches to the edge of her seat as if just about to slip out of it. Yet she hesitates a moment more and looks searchingly to the party for confirmation before readying further for departure.
"We knew that House Brokengulf was going to call upon us. But, it's too early to judge the severity of what Ekmong needs of us without speaking with him first. Whatever it is, it does seem like something he wants done as soon as possible."
Already showing that she is integrating into the party quickly, Obsben indicates by both words and gestures that she is ready to join CRAP in whatever this summons may bring. Neya reinforces the urgency of the request even before knowing exactly what it may be. It then falls to Graxx to take the envelope, dismiss the courier, and read the message to all who are present (including Sagin and Harper.)
SUMMONS
Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party,
You are hereby summoned to the Brokengulf Estate to deal with a matter of utmost importance. An act of thievery most cunning has befallen the city of Phlan and the victim, one of Phlan's most illustrious citizens, has approached our esteemed House for help. In our wisdom, we turn to you.
Your arrival is expected posthaste. May you soon begin to pay your debt of honor to House Brokengulf.
Ekmong, First Advisor and Chief Steward HOUSE BROKENGULF
P.S. Be sure to bring this message with you. It serves as proof of summons at the gate.
Having little reason to delay departure (feel free to correct me here), CRAP gears up for a less relaxed evening than what they were expecting and prepare to leave. "Do not worry,"Harper says while standing up. "Sagin here will see me out. Until next time."
Once they are ready to exit the Leadstopper Residence, CRAP travels through the narrow streets of the city's residential district. Cool, early-evening air blows through these narrow streets in Phlan, which are bustling with famished laborers out for a meal, vendors hawking their wares, and grimy sailors looking for moorage at bar stools. The evening's peace is broken as a burly Black Fist guard pushes his way through the rabble and drives a nail through a sheet of parchment with a stout hammer, affixing it to a signpost. A cursory look at the sign reveals that it is written in bold, black print and none of the elegant script used in the message delivered to CRAP's HQ. A moment of curiosity makes CRAP wonder if this is a coincidence or if it relates to the task they are being summoned to tend to, but the note seems to pertain to a personal matter instead. It seems the burly man is looking for his lost cat. The signpost has a number of similar mundane signs nailed to it, all asking for small favors for little coin or offering simple services in exchange for another small amount. Although this might have a nostalgic feel to CRAP, reminiscent of simpler times when their services were requested for such tasks, the CRAPers look at the fancy invitation they received and think about how far they have come.
As the front gate to the Brokengulf Estate, you are asked for proof of summons, as indicated. Shortly thereafter, you are led to a medium-sized personal library within the main manor. Graxx and Utar have not visited this room before, not even during their infiltration of the manor when they first "visited" it. Neya has been here before. She was received in this same room when she came to Ekmong for information in a solo errand. This is obviously all new to Obsben.
For now, you are asked to kindly wait for a moment or two while Ekmong makes his way to this meeting.
Utar pulls and tugs at his armour. A hasty job of putting it on perhaps hasn't achieved the best result in terms of a comfortable fit. Or maybe it's just where they are. Being back inside the Brokengulf estate after their last visit...
"Anyone else feel like we've been judged and we're waiting on sentence being passed?"
After his slightly awkward attempt at sparking conversation, Utar turns to fussing over his own equipment. Checking Lightbringer is secured, readjusting his shield, tapping the pouch that contains the driftglobe.
"Not particularly."Commented Obsben, having happily found whatever seating seemed available (even if only the floor) and pulled out her book to start penning things down again. "I think that would require me to feel guilty for something, which hasn't been the case for several months. But if it would set your minds at ease, I could have Benny have a looksie around while we wait."She offers nonchalantly. "I also have a story here called 'How to train your Grey Render'. Achoo is so silly in it, but I do love her dearly and reading her story always sets my mind at ease."She adds, and if all are in agreement, she'd flit through a few pages and begin the recitation of a story that begun with various tribes of trolls, ogres, and other monstrous kin's tradition of assaulting some far away archipelago. And how one's village suppose idiot, the village chief's daughter 'Achoo', found a way to bridge the gap between the raiding horde and the inhabitants of Halfinalf; a village filled with a surprising amount of half-species of various races and planar touched.
The group has to wait no more than a few minutes but, during that time, Utar can't help but show how uncomfortable he is being back in this place. Graxx seems more relaxed, as does Neya, and Obsben has no reason to feel one way or the other. Perhaps to help pass the time, the halfling shares a summary of an interesting children's tale. Before she has a chance to perform an encore, or even introduce the party to Benny, a different door than the one CRAP used begins to open.
Ekmong wears a silk robe of lilac and golden threads. His well-trimmed chin beard shines as much as his sleek black hair. Horns that sprout first as eyebrow ridges point mostly up, but somewhat backward as well. His skin tone is a crimson red. He notices Obsben right away: "I see you have a new addition to your ranks, or would it be a replacement?" The tiefling of impeccable poise reaches for a decorated crystal bottle of liquor and begins to serve five doses in equally delicate glasses. He offers them to each of the CRAPers.
"Thank you for responding to my summons so promptly," he begins. "I understand it is quite the inconvenience to have your evening disrupted so. Nonetheless, your expertise is needed. I shall be respectful of your time and delve straight into it." Ekmong offers a second dose of liquor to those who are interested in it. "As you may know, Mantor's Library has recently reopened. It is my understanding that, in preparation for receiving the public once again, the library intensified their transcription efforts in the months leading up to the reopening. They took in many scribes to man up their desks and it seems a pair of them had ulterior motives. They stole precious tomes and implanted falsified copies in the library's shelves. By itself this could be considered a petty crime but it is the content of the tomes in question and pattern left behind in their false copies that escalates this to the level it now stands on. The Lord Sage of Phlan themselves is worried about the matter, but the Black Fist has all but considered the case closed after capturing one of the perpetrators. The Lord Sage is seeking alternative avenues to investigate the matter and has come to House Brokengulf for aid. I assured them I knew competent investigators who were willing to get their hands dirty if necessary."
Ekmong pauses here to give the group a chance to take in all the information. He then continues: "Now, despite your debt to this House, I do not expect you to do this from the kindness of your hearts or because you feel you must. House Brokengulf's reputation is on the line here, so it is in my best interest that you succeed. I will offer you no payment for a completed task, the debt owed will take care of that, but I am willing to offer you a stipend for the supplies you think you may need in performing this task."His eyes pan the chamber, being sure to meet all other pairs in the room. "To be clear, however, let me state the obvious. One theft investigation does not balance the scales when the other plate holds murder. Do we have an understanding?"
Not seeming to care on committing to an answer, Obsben just smiles lazily at Ekmong, and with a handheld out parallel to the ground just a little above her head, waved it side to side. Despite her lack of decorum however, she at least accepts a glass when offered, but only really sniffed at it once without ever taking a sip. And soon enough, any thought of consideration is cast aside to listen with rapt attention.
"Oh my me~" She said in the wake of Ekmong's question, and looks to the other members of crap. "You guys murdered a noble? And no stockades? Foof~ You guys are a lot more amazing then I thought."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Obsben's question catches Utar mid-sip of liquor resulting in a fairly explosive release of alcohol and a bit of a coughing fit. After recovering his composure and raising a hand in apology to Ekmong he sets his half drunk glass down.
"Uh, full disclosure Obsben. We didn't murder any nobles ourselves. Our actions exposed a clandestine element within the Brokengulf household, inadvertently causing them to advance their plans which lead to the regrettable death of Lord Brokengulf. We owe a debt. Repaying part of that now will start to settle the scales."
Pausing again for a couple of smaller coughs, Utar takes a pull from his waterskin.
"That's better. Ekmong, could we get a little more information? What's the end goal here, are we looking for the other forger or the book or both? Can we have access to the forgery or the captured forger? Finally, how does this tie back to House Brokengulf?"
"Oooh... That's makes more sense." Obsben half-mutters with a nod before letting her gaze wander elsewhere to the room. "Hmm... And somehow less sense than most things."She added more under breath as she raised her cup up to sip, only to catch herself and at least appear attentive to the ongoing questioning.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Ekmong watches as Utar masterfully summarizes the events that led to this meeting, and shares some praise: "I wouldn't have been able to put it so eloquently and concisely myself."Turning to the many questions shot his way, the tiefling first addresses the half-orc's: "The end goal will depend on whom you ask. I am sure the Lord Sage would very much like the library's tomes retrieved. From where I sit, House Brokengulf has a reputation to keep. In this case, since we are recommending the private investigators to be employed -- that's you-- it is in the House's best interest that you deliver a thorough investigation. Retrieve the books? Yes, certainly, but also apprehend the fugitive, arrive at an accurate motive, and provide proof where available. There is more to this story than just a pair of transcribers going rogue and you are going to find it."
He casts a wider eye around the room: "As for details on the tomes themselves or an opportunity to peek into the forgeries, I suggest you go talk to the Lord Sage directly. They are expecting you, well, the holder of the same summons that got you into this estate, at Mantor's Library. As for the officer in command of the arrest and the prisoner, I suggest you seek both at the Stojanow Gate, the Black Fist's headquarters. We are sponsoring you to do the investigating, and I suspect Phlan will be your oyster should you be thorough."
"Speaking of sponsoring," he concludes with a question: "Do you have any specific gear in mind I might be able to provide on short notice? If not, I may have a few general items that could be of aid," he teases.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Utar considers his next words carefully. CRAP work best when they're given a direction and allowed to knock heads along the way. "Uh, we don't normally work in such a clandestine manner, so any suggested items would be appreciated. But, our idiom is normally a lot more straightforward and if the reputation of House Brokengulf is at stake, are you entirely sure about what you're asking of us?"
Suspecting some kind of hidden motive that Ekmong isn't being forthcoming with, Utar waits for his response, trying to read the tiefling.
(OOC Utar doesn't not trust Ekmong, but something is being hidden here. I'm just looking to see if that hunch is correct. This is a sensitive matter and Ekmong has criticised CRAP before for acting first and thinking afterwards, so why entrust is with this? Either, Ekmong wants us to learn a valuable lesson and make him proud by creating a different, more considered CRAP. Or, House Brokengulf is down on its luck and needs to utilise the free work from CRAP on an all or nothing hail mary play. Or, House Brokengulf is in on the whole forgery thing and wants CRAP to a) fail and b) be suitable patsies when the excrement hits the fan. I might be a little too excited to play socially focused episode!)
At the question towards the end, Obsben looks off to empty space and whispered something with a frown, before then turning back to Ekmong with her usual unnerving smile. "Some scrolls of the abjuration and divination variety would be nice if you have them. Or even an item -- potions, a magic stick, whichever -- that serves the same purpose would be nice too. And.. hmm... and your three favorite suns, or.. platinum pieces, if you would."She expressed as much, rubbing her chin towards the end. "And something to make someone immune or removing poisons wouldn't be a bad one too."
DM's Screen:
29
(OOC: A quick reminder here: It is evening and the served meal is supper, not breakfast.)
"I am glad to hear you are able to accomodate her, though if you have to find a bed elsewhere, Utar, then that partially defeats the purpose," Harper explains.
The group exchanges extended introductions and pleasantries over supper, which, for a brief moment, run the risk of coming to a screeching halt as Obsben does not hide her disdain for a certain goddess while Utar and Graxx both reveal themselves to be men of faith. Disaster averted, merriment resumes.
A good half-an-hour passes before dinner is actually interrupted. Another knock on the door brings everyone to a momentary silence. Sagin looks around to see if anyone has any comments before stating: "Sagin will see who it is." The kobold approaches the door and cracks it open. A young male page stands just beyond it. He is well dressed in a tailored jerkin and fitted breeches, as well as a floppy hat. A pin rests near his left sholder depicting what CRAP knows to be the sigil from House Brokengulf: a gray mountain with a red trail and fort over a light blue sky. Sagin looks down at his own attire, or lack thereof, and visibly but silently wonders if he needs an upgrade.
"House Brokengulf summons the Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party to their estate posthaste." He extends a wax-sealed envelope to Sagin, who grasps it in a somewhat dumbfounded reaction. "Should I deliver word ahead of your acceptance?" The page waits at the door for verbal confirmation so he can run back to whence he came and perform his duties.
@Ori:
Harper gives Obsben a meaningful look that no one around the table notices. You know this to mean he in interested in whatever business is to be discussed at the Brokengulf Manor and that he expects to hear from you.
@Lerus:
17. (26)
Obsben seems to not notice the look, but a subtle nod while peering back at the door soon proves otherwise. She then casually leans into a hand but made certain he could see her scratches behind an ear in two fairly long strokes, indicating he would hear from her from her within a day at the very latest.
Obsben peers curiously back over the door for a good moment or two, or at least its general direction. Then glances back to the others and says, "It sounds as if we're to start work together far sooner than expected, huh?" She grins softly, grabs a piece of bread, and then scooches to the edge of her seat as if just about to slip out of it. Yet she hesitates a moment more and looks searchingly to the party for confirmation before readying further for departure.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx nods to Obsben and stands.
Graxx will approach the wax-sealed envelope gently.
"We accept." says Graxx.
Graxx looks down at the parchment and hesitates opening it. He looks back up at the messenger.
"You may go now." says Graxx if the messenger is not already gone.
Graxx looks to the others as he breaks the seal.
"This cannot be good..."
Graxx will read the parchment.
"We knew that House Brokengulf was going to call upon us. But, it's too early to judge the severity of what Ekmong needs of us without speaking with him first. Whatever it is, it does seem like something he wants done as soon as possible."
Extended Signature
Waiting until Graxx reads.the note, Utar looks to his own attire. "Best make ourselves ready and head on over."
Already showing that she is integrating into the party quickly, Obsben indicates by both words and gestures that she is ready to join CRAP in whatever this summons may bring. Neya reinforces the urgency of the request even before knowing exactly what it may be. It then falls to Graxx to take the envelope, dismiss the courier, and read the message to all who are present (including Sagin and Harper.)
Having little reason to delay departure (feel free to correct me here), CRAP gears up for a less relaxed evening than what they were expecting and prepare to leave. "Do not worry," Harper says while standing up. "Sagin here will see me out. Until next time."
Once they are ready to exit the Leadstopper Residence, CRAP travels through the narrow streets of the city's residential district. Cool, early-evening air blows through these narrow streets in Phlan, which are bustling with famished laborers out for a meal, vendors hawking their wares, and grimy sailors looking for moorage at bar stools. The evening's peace is broken as a burly Black Fist guard pushes his way through the rabble and drives a nail through a sheet of parchment with a stout hammer, affixing it to a signpost. A cursory look at the sign reveals that it is written in bold, black print and none of the elegant script used in the message delivered to CRAP's HQ. A moment of curiosity makes CRAP wonder if this is a coincidence or if it relates to the task they are being summoned to tend to, but the note seems to pertain to a personal matter instead. It seems the burly man is looking for his lost cat. The signpost has a number of similar mundane signs nailed to it, all asking for small favors for little coin or offering simple services in exchange for another small amount. Although this might have a nostalgic feel to CRAP, reminiscent of simpler times when their services were requested for such tasks, the CRAPers look at the fancy invitation they received and think about how far they have come.
As the front gate to the Brokengulf Estate, you are asked for proof of summons, as indicated. Shortly thereafter, you are led to a medium-sized personal library within the main manor. Graxx and Utar have not visited this room before, not even during their infiltration of the manor when they first "visited" it. Neya has been here before. She was received in this same room when she came to Ekmong for information in a solo errand. This is obviously all new to Obsben.
For now, you are asked to kindly wait for a moment or two while Ekmong makes his way to this meeting.
Utar pulls and tugs at his armour. A hasty job of putting it on perhaps hasn't achieved the best result in terms of a comfortable fit. Or maybe it's just where they are. Being back inside the Brokengulf estate after their last visit...
"Anyone else feel like we've been judged and we're waiting on sentence being passed?"
After his slightly awkward attempt at sparking conversation, Utar turns to fussing over his own equipment. Checking Lightbringer is secured, readjusting his shield, tapping the pouch that contains the driftglobe.
"Think we'll be waiting much longer?"
"Not particularly." Commented Obsben, having happily found whatever seating seemed available (even if only the floor) and pulled out her book to start penning things down again. "I think that would require me to feel guilty for something, which hasn't been the case for several months. But if it would set your minds at ease, I could have Benny have a looksie around while we wait." She offers nonchalantly. "I also have a story here called 'How to train your Grey Render'. Achoo is so silly in it, but I do love her dearly and reading her story always sets my mind at ease." She adds, and if all are in agreement, she'd flit through a few pages and begin the recitation of a story that begun with various tribes of trolls, ogres, and other monstrous kin's tradition of assaulting some far away archipelago. And how one's village suppose idiot, the village chief's daughter 'Achoo', found a way to bridge the gap between the raiding horde and the inhabitants of Halfinalf; a village filled with a surprising amount of half-species of various races and planar touched.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx responds first to Utar.
"My gut tells me we're OK, Utar. It shouldn't be too much longer now." says Graxx.
Graxx then turns and listens intently to Obsben.
"Your stories remind me of bonfire stories of my past. Please continue." says Graxx.
The group has to wait no more than a few minutes but, during that time, Utar can't help but show how uncomfortable he is being back in this place. Graxx seems more relaxed, as does Neya, and Obsben has no reason to feel one way or the other. Perhaps to help pass the time, the halfling shares a summary of an interesting children's tale. Before she has a chance to perform an encore, or even introduce the party to Benny, a different door than the one CRAP used begins to open.
Ekmong wears a silk robe of lilac and golden threads. His well-trimmed chin beard shines as much as his sleek black hair. Horns that sprout first as eyebrow ridges point mostly up, but somewhat backward as well. His skin tone is a crimson red. He notices Obsben right away: "I see you have a new addition to your ranks, or would it be a replacement?" The tiefling of impeccable poise reaches for a decorated crystal bottle of liquor and begins to serve five doses in equally delicate glasses. He offers them to each of the CRAPers.
"Thank you for responding to my summons so promptly," he begins. "I understand it is quite the inconvenience to have your evening disrupted so. Nonetheless, your expertise is needed. I shall be respectful of your time and delve straight into it." Ekmong offers a second dose of liquor to those who are interested in it. "As you may know, Mantor's Library has recently reopened. It is my understanding that, in preparation for receiving the public once again, the library intensified their transcription efforts in the months leading up to the reopening. They took in many scribes to man up their desks and it seems a pair of them had ulterior motives. They stole precious tomes and implanted falsified copies in the library's shelves. By itself this could be considered a petty crime but it is the content of the tomes in question and pattern left behind in their false copies that escalates this to the level it now stands on. The Lord Sage of Phlan themselves is worried about the matter, but the Black Fist has all but considered the case closed after capturing one of the perpetrators. The Lord Sage is seeking alternative avenues to investigate the matter and has come to House Brokengulf for aid. I assured them I knew competent investigators who were willing to get their hands dirty if necessary."
Ekmong pauses here to give the group a chance to take in all the information. He then continues: "Now, despite your debt to this House, I do not expect you to do this from the kindness of your hearts or because you feel you must. House Brokengulf's reputation is on the line here, so it is in my best interest that you succeed. I will offer you no payment for a completed task, the debt owed will take care of that, but I am willing to offer you a stipend for the supplies you think you may need in performing this task." His eyes pan the chamber, being sure to meet all other pairs in the room. "To be clear, however, let me state the obvious. One theft investigation does not balance the scales when the other plate holds murder. Do we have an understanding?"
Not seeming to care on committing to an answer, Obsben just smiles lazily at Ekmong, and with a handheld out parallel to the ground just a little above her head, waved it side to side. Despite her lack of decorum however, she at least accepts a glass when offered, but only really sniffed at it once without ever taking a sip. And soon enough, any thought of consideration is cast aside to listen with rapt attention.
"Oh my me~" She said in the wake of Ekmong's question, and looks to the other members of crap. "You guys murdered a noble? And no stockades? Foof~ You guys are a lot more amazing then I thought."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Obsben's question catches Utar mid-sip of liquor resulting in a fairly explosive release of alcohol and a bit of a coughing fit. After recovering his composure and raising a hand in apology to Ekmong he sets his half drunk glass down.
"Uh, full disclosure Obsben. We didn't murder any nobles ourselves. Our actions exposed a clandestine element within the Brokengulf household, inadvertently causing them to advance their plans which lead to the regrettable death of Lord Brokengulf. We owe a debt. Repaying part of that now will start to settle the scales."
Pausing again for a couple of smaller coughs, Utar takes a pull from his waterskin.
"That's better. Ekmong, could we get a little more information? What's the end goal here, are we looking for the other forger or the book or both? Can we have access to the forgery or the captured forger? Finally, how does this tie back to House Brokengulf?"
Graxx respectably takes both the drinks when offered to him.
Graxx ponders the next move can be and does not completely understand the discussion of scales but he nods his head in agreeance with Ekmong's words.
Graxx thinks of Captain Aleyd.
"Do you know of who in the Black Fist captured this first thief?" asks Graxx.
"Do you have any surface-level information about the tomes in question?" Neya asks. "Either way, it seems like we are interested in investigating."
Extended Signature
"Oooh... That's makes more sense." Obsben half-mutters with a nod before letting her gaze wander elsewhere to the room. "Hmm... And somehow less sense than most things." She added more under breath as she raised her cup up to sip, only to catch herself and at least appear attentive to the ongoing questioning.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Ekmong watches as Utar masterfully summarizes the events that led to this meeting, and shares some praise: "I wouldn't have been able to put it so eloquently and concisely myself." Turning to the many questions shot his way, the tiefling first addresses the half-orc's: "The end goal will depend on whom you ask. I am sure the Lord Sage would very much like the library's tomes retrieved. From where I sit, House Brokengulf has a reputation to keep. In this case, since we are recommending the private investigators to be employed -- that's you-- it is in the House's best interest that you deliver a thorough investigation. Retrieve the books? Yes, certainly, but also apprehend the fugitive, arrive at an accurate motive, and provide proof where available. There is more to this story than just a pair of transcribers going rogue and you are going to find it."
He casts a wider eye around the room: "As for details on the tomes themselves or an opportunity to peek into the forgeries, I suggest you go talk to the Lord Sage directly. They are expecting you, well, the holder of the same summons that got you into this estate, at Mantor's Library. As for the officer in command of the arrest and the prisoner, I suggest you seek both at the Stojanow Gate, the Black Fist's headquarters. We are sponsoring you to do the investigating, and I suspect Phlan will be your oyster should you be thorough."
"Speaking of sponsoring," he concludes with a question: "Do you have any specific gear in mind I might be able to provide on short notice? If not, I may have a few general items that could be of aid," he teases.
Utar considers his next words carefully. CRAP work best when they're given a direction and allowed to knock heads along the way. "Uh, we don't normally work in such a clandestine manner, so any suggested items would be appreciated. But, our idiom is normally a lot more straightforward and if the reputation of House Brokengulf is at stake, are you entirely sure about what you're asking of us?"
Suspecting some kind of hidden motive that Ekmong isn't being forthcoming with, Utar waits for his response, trying to read the tiefling.
Insight - 28
(OOC Utar doesn't not trust Ekmong, but something is being hidden here. I'm just looking to see if that hunch is correct. This is a sensitive matter and Ekmong has criticised CRAP before for acting first and thinking afterwards, so why entrust is with this? Either, Ekmong wants us to learn a valuable lesson and make him proud by creating a different, more considered CRAP. Or, House Brokengulf is down on its luck and needs to utilise the free work from CRAP on an all or nothing hail mary play. Or, House Brokengulf is in on the whole forgery thing and wants CRAP to a) fail and b) be suitable patsies when the excrement hits the fan. I might be a little too excited to play socially focused episode!)
At the question towards the end, Obsben looks off to empty space and whispered something with a frown, before then turning back to Ekmong with her usual unnerving smile. "Some scrolls of the abjuration and divination variety would be nice if you have them. Or even an item -- potions, a magic stick, whichever -- that serves the same purpose would be nice too. And.. hmm... and your three favorite suns, or.. platinum pieces, if you would." She expressed as much, rubbing her chin towards the end. "And something to make someone immune or removing poisons wouldn't be a bad one too."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx listens then says to himself…
”Stojanow Gate… Got it..”
Graxx thinks to himself that this may form more relationships with the Blackfist and he may come closer to freeing his tribesman.
”I’m interested in hearing what items you think may be useful to us.” says Graxx curiously to Ekmong.