"The red haired man named Floon is missing and I was paid to find him and will be paid more when I bring back his whereabouts." Dori took another glance about the store, wondering if the others had made their way in or if they headed to the tavern without him. "Yes, this part of town looks like fun, but why has your shop avoided all the fun." The goliath turning back to Xoblob and extending a hand as he waits for the book. 

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean!  My shop has plenty of 'fun'.  I've had to do my share of cleaning up after a break in or call in the Watch after a thief.  I certainly don't know about a missing person .. why would I know?  I mean red hair .. well there wa.."  (He stops mid-sentence and suddenly seems a little nervous) "Well I certainly don't know about that and I think maybe our business is done yes?"  He scoops the gold up from the counter and hands the package out to you with both hands.

(Safe to assume by this point that some  of the others have filed in, if only to get out of the cold and find out what's taking so long.  Pimrick continues heading towards the tavern with Sariel).

Gargan

As Sariel and Pimrick head towards the tavern Gargan enters the shop after Dori to let him know their companions had continued on. As he sees the huge array of items of all sorts his instincts immediately kick in. He stops and begins to scan all the shelves looking for anything that might seem particularly magical and of potential value, in particular to return to the clutch.

Cloudfur

Upon spying the Beholder in the window, Cloudfur will wander in to Xolblob's after Dori.  He pokes and sniffs around the shop, checking out all the various tchotchkes on the shelves until he finds himself before the stuffed beholder.  There is just something so tempting about those eyestalks.....just........floating out there.........

*bat*

*bat*

Cloudfur feels overcome by the urge to bat at one of the low hanging eyestalks playfully until he hears the gnome talking excitedly.

"Floon.....fairly handsome fellow a little over 30 years old, reddish blonde hair somewhat long and wavy. He was dressed in brown pants, white shirt with some frills, blue overcoat. No hat though and smelled like a person, or perhaps lamb stew and ale.....last seen at the Skewered Dragon...."

*bat* 

*bat* *bat*

Many items in the shop have magical properties, though they are limited to minor enchantments.  You notice that some of the magical items have small placards describing their enchantment. 

There is a small idol in the form of a rather nightmarish looking clown, which gives you unsettling dreams when you sleep near it.  Beside it is a nightcap that, conversely, causes its wearer to have pleasant dreams.  Though it doesn't actually appear to be magical, there is a small brass orb, about 3" in diameter that is etched with a number of strange runes.  Looking down the shelves along the outside wall you find a small stone block, around 4" wide that looks heavy but is actually completely weightless.  You find a lump of coal whose placard insists that it is actually a valuable gemstone that can only be seen by its owner.  Nearby is a small, empty metal can which, when you pick it up and examine it, makes a sound as if there is liquid sloshing around in it. 

Finally you come to a small display in a corner which shows a small vial with ornate markings etched into it and the top sealed with wax.  it rests in a small wooden holder, inside a class case for display.  The placard says "A vial of blood from the bronze dragon Quelsandas, killed by Rangrim, Paladin of Ilmater, during the Rage of Dragons in 1373 DR".  If accurate this item is very old as the current year is 1492.

Cloudfur

The tabaxi will stop playing with the eyestalk long enough to pick up the nightcap and the vial of dragon blood and head over to the overly twitchy gnome behind the counter.

"So......Floon.......curly red hair, ploofy blue outfit like a peacock.....you sure you haven't seen him?" he'll place the items on the counter

"I will give you 5 dragons for these because they interest me at this moment...."

(OOC - I'll toss a persuasion in here just in case)

[Persuasion: 5]

Xoblob furls his brow and his gaze shifts from Dori to you, "Hm well I do appreciate the patronage.  However those two items would normally be 9 gold.  I'll let them go for 7.  If it's information you're really after, that would be much more expensive!"  

Gargan

Gargan takes immediate notice of the blood of Quelsandas, such a treasure would be a worthy addition to the clutches trophy hordes. He watches as Cloudfur takes the blood and proceeds to negotiate for it, biding his time until the Gnome offers a sale before he interrupts - "Friend, might you allow me to acquire the vial of blood myself? Such a relic would be of particular interest to my family and my people back in Tymanther, given our ancient associations. I will gladly purchase the nightcap for you in recompense..." Turning briefly to the Gnome he finishes "At 7 dragons for the both, that seems a fair price." Turning back to Cloudfur again he adds "What say you friend?"

Around this time, Sariel and Pimrick find and enter the Skewered Dragon. This place is a far cry from the tavern you left, and looks like a ruin.  It is much smaller and dimly lit.  Both of it's front facing windows are smashed, and a ship's anchor is lodged in the roof.  Through the windows, you can see a group of haggard patrons drinking from huge tankards.

Cloudfur

The tabaxi looks at Gargan as they approach and make the offer.  He squints his eyes a bit and looks between Gargan and the gnome and slowly reaches in to his pouch.

Without breaking eye contact with Gargan, he will place 10 dragons on the counter and push it slowly towards the gnome.

He will pick up the nightcap and place it on his head, the vial of blood he will pick up, lick it, give to Gargan and smile.

Then he'll turn to the gnome..... "So......floofy blue outfit, flaming red hair, smelled like lamb stew......" and reveal a toothy grin "...or perhaps my large clumsy friend here will forget how big he is in this tiny little shop...." insinuating Dori might start playing bull in a china shop.

Persuasion 20

The gnome sweeps the gold into his pouch and leans over the counter, looking around to make sure no one else has entered.  In a not-quite whisper he says "Ok listen I don't know a lot, but two nights ago I saw the man you describe outside my shop with another person dressed similarly.  They had obviously been into the spirits.  They stopped for a minute just outside and were suddenly jumped by a group of men wearing dark clothing or armour.  I didn't recognise either of the men or their assailants, though one of the men in black did have a tattoo of a snake on his neck.  They bagged their heads and hauled them north up Zastrow street.  That all I know and you did NOT hear it from me!!"

Gargan

Gargan nods silently in thanks to Cloudfur, taking the vial and polishing it before carefully wrapping it and placing it in his backpack. He notes to himself I must ensure I repay the favour to Cloudfur, even though he does not understand its meaning.

Dori nodded at the gnomes appropriate response, "We must get the others from the skewered dragon and look down this Zastrow street. " The goliath making his way outside

Gargan

”I agree, thank you good sir for both your help and your wares.” He bows slightly to the Gnome and follows after Dori.

Cloudfur

Cloudfur will not thank the gnome for the not information he clearly did not give them and wink leaving 4 more dragons on the counter.  Then with his new nightcap perched upon his head he will stride out the store towards the Skewered Dragon.

As the others left the store, Dori followed along, not planning on leading unless Pimrick or Sariel had left some fresh prints in the snow on their way to the bar. 

Cloudfur

Standing outside looking around he says "I think the Skewered Dragon is right around the corner.  Also Volo didn't mention Floon had a friend with him when he was taken, does that seem odd to anyone else?" and he will head towards the tavern to look for Pimrick, Sariel, and the man with the snake tattoo on his neck.

Gargan

”He didn’t indeed, I believe there will be a lot more to this errand than Mr Geddarm told us. Although we already knew that didn’t we.” He finishes with a grin as he walks alongside Cloudfur.

"Everything is weird." Dori offered as the three continued on. It wouldn't be long before Pimrick and Sariel came into view. "Thanks for waiting. Now let's hurry inside." The goliath pushing open the door and making way for the others behind to follow. A single hand raising, finger pointing ahead. "A round of drinks for my friends and information on the beautiful red haired man named Floon."

Cloudfur

As soon as they are inside he will scan the patrons for anyone with a neck tattoo of a snake or any suspicious behavior.

[Perception: 13]