No longer having to hold the halfling, even for show, Mulligan releases the thief.  He loiters at the edge of the door, and in his guard guide, for a few moments more listening.  Eventually he fades away out of the room and back to the top of the staircase.  Once he is sure nobody is watching he’ll run his fingers up into his hair then drag his hands down over his face, as if pulling off a literal mask as he drop his illusion and returns to his normal guise.

     “A couple drinks?” He calls out to the nearest waitress, dropping her a wink and a smile.  One drinks are procured and tip given, Mulligan will return to the side of the door, eavesdropping on the last of the conversation and waiting for Shae to exit.

     “Haven’t we met before?” Mulligan will ask in his most charming way, offering her a drink and a smile...

Wakanaga gives another affable smile: "Well, why don't we agree to meet Kwayothé tomorrow? Get the unpleasantness out of the way quickly, and should you have need of a guide, I can make the other necessary introductions as and when. In the meantime, what is it that I can help you with?"

As Professor Templeton starts to relay the query he has, Wakanga briefly interrupts, and with a smile towards Shae: "I'm sorry, this might become a rather tedious and academic affair between wizards. I don't want to hold you hear any longer than necessary, go and enjoy yourself at the party. If I shan't have the pleasure of seeing you again tonight, I'll look forward to our meeting tomorrow." To Otto, he says: "You'll be watched. I figure you could make a break for it easily enough, given the skills you displayed. You're welcome at my party, as long as nothing else is stolen and I'll see you tomorrow too." He doesn't speak out loud what consequences, if his conditions are breached, but you probably don't want to figure out for yourself.

Thusly excused from his guests, Wakanga returns, his full attention on the Professor's request. Over the next half hour, the Professor relays the story of how he came into the posession of the pipe, and how he discovered Whiff and how he wished to free the Mephit, if at all possible. Wakanga is focussed throughout the discussion, and asks pertinent questions as to the details.

Once he has an idea of the situation, he states: "There are several possible avenues we could take: for one, I could dispel the magic on your pipe, thus breaking any enchantment that keeps Whiff bound to the pipe. It would however mean that the pipe itself is no longer magical, and if it were somehow acting as a tether for Whiff, it could lead to it being dispelled too. To be sure, I'd need to study the pipe for some time myself.

Secondly, there's the option to cast banishment on Whiff, once they are summoned. We'd have to explain to him that this is not meant as an attack, but as a way to free them from the pipe. They will then return to their home plane. Your pipe will otherwise maintain its magical properties, but you might need never see Whiff again. I believe that Lake Luo is one of the many places of Chult with an inherently strong connection to the elemental plane, so you might be able to track there and find Whiff again, but it's not guaranteed.

A third option, sort of as a compromise, is to enchant your pipe further. I believe there is a way to work some enchantments in their to amend the incantations that are currently used to summon Whiff for a minute, to instead allow you to bring Whiff to the material plane for a longer time-  the easier version, not in terms of arcane power required, but in terms of necessary adaptations to your pipe, would be to modify it so as to allow you to summon Whiff in its full elemental form, for up to an hour. The other will require some collaboration with some druidic friends of mine, but I believe with the right modifications and some of their special tobacco mixes, we might be able to modify your pipe so that smoking the special tobacco allows you to bring Whiff to your side as a familiar. He will be weaker than in the other case, and you'll need to smoke your pipe for a while for you to be able to summon Whiff, but once summoned, he will be by your side until or unless something happens to it. The special tobacco won't be cheap though."

Having thusly laid out the different options, he leans back. "Whatever you choose, let me know by tomorrow. I should be able to make the necessary arrangements and modifications before you set off three days hence then."

"Thank you, Prince Wakanga." Shae'd give him a respectful bow of her head. She appreciated him sharing that information about Kwayothé, believing anything could inspire that extra leverage in conversation. "Please let us know when we can accompany you for the introduction with Kwayothé at the Executioner's run."

Shae would purse her lips a little when the Prince would interrupt Professor Templeton's query. "Actually, I do seek some information of my own." Shae would add, offering a polite smile to the Prince. "For another time perhaps, as I know the Professor had been looking forward to your time." She'd gesture to the Professor.

Turning to Snively, Shae's smile would grow with warmth. "Once again, it was good to see you Professor." She'd reach out and give his arm a gentle squeeze before leaning in. "I'd love to hear what you find out, if you'd entertain my curiosity."

Looking to both, "Until tomorrow." Shae would excuse herself for the evening.

     “Haven’t we met before?” Mulligan will ask in his most charming way, offering her a drink and a smile...

Exciting the room, Shae would place a hand over her heart in surprise. She'd blink taking a moment to gather herself, not expecting someone right outside the door. Blue eyes would fall over the performer from before. "Was it such a forgettable dance..." Her head would tilt slightly. "Yet memorable enough to wait outside a door? Then her lips would pull into a smirk and a brow would quirk.

 You're welcome at my party, as long as nothing else is stolen...

Otto thinks that's a bit harsh. He can stay at the party, but only if no-one steals anything!? And the prince must know that something has been stolen already! Wondering who the thief is, and what they might have taken, Otto vows to be the best secret detective ever! He keeps performing of course, but scans the crowd searching for anyone who might be... Oh look! a waiter! I wonder when dessert will be... My my, look at that dress! I think it's covering less than it's... Oh no, they invited that guy? I hope I'm not around when he... Oh look!

     “Dragon, demon, damnation itself: Nothing scares a man more than an opening line.  Some things can wound ones body, some things their spirit.  But opening lines?  A man’s very ego is in jeopardy with those, and that is where we’re all truly the most vulnerable,“ Mulligan replies, for distraction is usually a far better tactic than a straight answer.

     “I heard a brouhaha inside, I do hope everything is all right?” Mulligan asks, keeping up the veil of ignorance.  “Anything a singer, dancer, trickster, entrepreneur, guide, salesman, motivational speaker, detective, occasional pirate, amateur remover of problems, pilferer, sorry purveyor of fine goods, failed comedian slash jack of all trades could do to help?”

     “Besides staying by your side to protect you from all the lecherous, philandering, sleazy, fast talking, womanizing pick up artists that one as beautiful and gracious as you are sure to attract?”

     With that, Mulligan McScáth gives a grin and a shrug as if admitting everyone knows he’s guilty as charged but he’s just so darn smooth that nobody cares...

Shae would side step to make room for the curious halfling to pass on by. She indeed was glad she wasn't responsible for watching over him at the party. Not that she thought he'd try to steal from her, but if he, or any one else did, the joke would be on them. She had hors d'oeuvres in her pockets and a joker card tucked away.

Shae would gently take steps forward to coax her chatty company to move with her. She'd smile furtively as he danced around with his next opening words that admitted vulnerability, allowing him to continue as he pleased as he embellished with expressed concerns. "All is well..." Playing along to seem embarrassed, she'd let out an awkward chuckle and tilt her head away. "Oh I'm just clumsy and knocked a vase over." Though, catching a quick wink gave the impression she was just feeding the exposed ego.Taking hold of her dress, she'd guide him back down the steps.

Shae would pause to face him. "Then tell me, jack of all trades," She'd accept the drink in his hand. "Are you a master of anything?" A smirk would grow apparent on her lips. When he'd start, she'd swirl the liquid in the glass before putting it to her lips. She'd give him until she chugged it all back, which didn't appear to be extravagantly long.

Glasses:

"Thank you, Prince Wakanga.  I think setting Whiff free to live his own life as he sees fit is the most humane course," replies the Professor, "so the banishment option should work.  Let's just ask him."

Assuming the prince agrees, Snively will summon Whiff and speak to him in Primordial, laying out the options and asking the mephit's opinion.  Based on the response, he will make plans with the prince for the proper ceremony tomorrow.

Recalling the nightmare of hauling supplies thorough the jungle, somewhat eased by his floating disc, the Professor adds, "A magical container would be quite useful for conveying the supplies to the fort, and I have heard tales that you have a magical staff in your possession that could help keep me personally safer as we travel--a Staff of Defense, I believe.  Perhaps a loan of the items would be amenable to you, especially if I were to loan you this mirror for the duration of our travels?  If you recall the name of the commander of the fort, we could try it out together, right now, and you can see its usefulness."

     Mulligan of course allows himself to be maneuvered and steered by the beautiful and perhaps mysterious Shae.  She seemed to have more to her than what was apparent by their song and dance fo earlier.  Being sent out on a mission by the merchant prince?  Intriguing!

     "I am a master of myself, and my domain.  And even that much is more responsibility than I know what to do with," Mulligan admits with a chuckle.  "But seriously, being able to just demand what you want is boring.  Have you ever seen a happy, carefree king?  No, they're all grumpy and sour, worried about keeping what they have.  What a dour life."

     "It's those of us who work for a living, we're the ones who know the value of a smile.  And what a smile you have!" Mulligan adds as an aside, pausing a moment to appreciate it.  "Masters?  They miss out on all the simple pleasures in life.  No, that is no life for me.  If I was to ever want to master anything it would be those very pleasures! But tell me true...  aren't those pleasures more enjoyable when you have to work for them?"

     "And speaking of work...  Just what does the charming Shae do besides dance with scoundrels and meet with merchant masters?"

Mulligan summed it well enough for Shae with the first line. She respected those words. The rest was more... fluff. She had finished her drink by his second paragraph, covering her lips to let out a quiet hiccup, as to not interrupt. Of course, offering a polite smile, her free hand moving to her chest as if to try to suppress any more from surfacing.

When the man of many words would mention work, Shae's eyes would light up. She'd cheers the empty glass in his direction, then hold it out to him to grab it. When he'd reach for it, she'd fumble it. As it fell, just before hitting the ground, Shae's sweet smile would turn into a smirk. She'd wink, snapping pairs of fingers on each hand.

The cup would burst into a cloud of pink smoke and purple sparkles between them. "Meet me at the Executioners Run tomorrow morning and see for yourself, Silvertongue." As it cleared, Shae had split off into four mirrored copies of herself, leaving the party in different directions.

Shae had plenty to prepare for.

(RP fluff magic: Minor Illusion and Mirror Image.)

     Mulligan quirks an eyebrow at the display of magics and realizes this woman has him outclassed in that department.  Hands down.

     "Impressive," Mulligan says, and actually lets his jaw drop as four of her are suddenly there and leaving in different directions.  He spares a moment to have a private thought about then, then says to himself "Executioner's Run..."

     Part of Mulligan is tempted to deny the lady her spectacular exit and chase after her...  But it was a great exit and he did have a job to do.  He was also being paid to provide entertainment during the party and the party was not yet at an end.  He went through his typical routine of tricks and stories and songs to amuse, entertain and on occasion distract the crowd... And took advantage of what opportunities presented themselves to pickpocket another patron or three, for good measure.  The Halfling would be the likely suspect, afterall.

((Based on what he knows of the Executioner's Run, Mulligan is either trying to find a mark who is likely to have an invitation on them which he could steal, or looking to make some coin so as he can buy one, bribe someone or counterfeit one as the need may be.  He'll also talk up several people about the event to get the run down of the spectacle - etiquette expected, dress code followed, etc etc etc.  Investigation?  7 - Not his strong suit.  But he's sure to have a contact who would know!?!))

In Wakanga's Office: 

Professor, as you summon Whiff, and lay out your thoughts, he assures you that serving as your familiar would be a most pleasant existence, as it would be able to always experience the world around them. On the mentions of banishing them to theland of Ash and Smoke, the mephit almost squeals, desperately indicating that it didn't want to part with the Professor, before disappearing again.

"Well, I guess that settles that then, what do you think, Professor? Either way, you can leave your pipe here, I shall have it ready three days hence. As for transportation, I can offer up my bag of holding. I won't be able to part with my staff though, as I need it to keep myself safe within this city. I am sure between your allies, you'll be quite safe enough."

At the party:

After Shae's fabulous exit, and with both the merchant prince and Professor Immersol Templeton engaged in private discussions, the party starts to quieten down. That is, until Mulligan starts to pick up his act, and three full coin purses, again.

Otto, even though you watch the performer and are almost certain that he's playing some sort of trick on these people, you're unable to figure out what is going on.

Do you wish to do anything else?

Otto stays for the contracted period, then departs and makes his way to his humble residence. Finally alone, he takes out the staff that he valiantly liberated from captivity and which he has been charged to protect by none other than a merchant prince, and inspects it closely. As before, it is one of the very rare things that manage to hold Otto's attention, and he examines every part of its surface, talking to it as he does so, feeling the connection between them grow stronger...

(OOC: Is spending time sufficient to identify and attune to a magic item?)

Wakanga's Office:

The merchant prince sees a questioning look on the Professor's face, but adds: "All in due time. I'll make sure to show you the modifications once they're made. And no need to delve into the private history of my associate or his commander: The order of the gauntlet has representatives in town, but if I remember correctly it's Niles Breakbone and his company in Camp Vengeance. He's a veteran from the north and quite a devout man. Undoubtedly a decent and disciplined commander, but I think he got more than he bargained for with the Jungles of Chult."

Ushering you politely out of his office, the merchant prince is signalling that it's getting late and that he's hoping that while making your preparations, many of them will answer themselves.


Otto's abode:

As Otto gets more attuned to the staff, you learn that your attraction to it was not random, but that it is in fact an artifact of magical origin. The staff is imbued with many wondorous properties, but what fills you with the most joy is that the magic within is not bound by any runes or other constraints, but wild and chaotic like your own. You're sure that the staff once belonged to a powerful priest of a civilisation long gone, who used it to impress the locals.


A shabby inn:

Mulligan, your night has been a success overall, even if you didn't get to make away with the thing you really had your eye on. Still, with all the purses, you should have gotten yourself a bit of breathing room for now. You can't help but replay the events surrounding the two guests of honour though, and Shae's invitation to join them at the Executioner's run tomorrow. From your time here, you know that it's THE meeting place in the city, where all classes mix, and tanners can rub elbows with wealthy merchants, all joined in their enjoyment of the bloodsport that the city's executions had become.

Although, it's not really fair to call them that: While some die or get horribly maimed, over half make the gauntlet and are then absolved of their crimes, the gods having shown their favour. In a city where assassinations were legal, if asked and paid for through the proper channels, this was in its own way a rather efficient and enlightened system. Above all though, it was a cheap source of entertaining the poorer masses. In order to keep things entertaining though, the events are usually advertised several weeks in advance. While the criminals are not yet known, posters had already announced that the star of tommorw's run would be Crimsonhorn, an older war triceratops, which is sure to draw a crowd.

Getting there won't be a problem, as all citizens are welcome. But getting good places there would be tough, as most of the good spots are taken up a good two hours before the event starts. You might be able to find an official with palms in need of greasing, to make sure you got a good spot. Alternatively, Shae might have the option to extend her invitation to the merchant prince's viewing box. Ah, well, a problem for tomorrow.

    "I'll be needing a bath!" Mulligan calls out to the Inn's grumpy and complaining innkeeper.  "A clean one!"

     Mrs. Myxlplyx, the plump, early elderly, constantly complaining and always hustling gnome owner of the establishment immediately started tearing into her most troublesome guest, whom was secretly also her favorite.  The list of complaints was endless - He tracked mud in again, he still hasn't paid for last weeks rent, he wasn't half as smooth as he thought he was, his snoring was more pleasant than his singing, and so on...  They were almost as constant as her list of complaints about her ailing body and the uselessness of her husband.

     "And I'll be needing my clothes washed too.  With soap!" Mulligan added, bending down to give Mrs. Myxlplyx a kiss on the cheek and a slap on the tush.  Just as she started tearing into her tirade about how she had cockroaches who were better tenant than he was, Mulligan dropped a pouch with 10 gold into her hand.  For the first time in at least two months there was silence...

      "I'll see what I can do but only 'cause I am in a good mood.  Don't you be thinking this will be a habit, me taking care of you!  And don't you be thinking I won't be charging you extra for all the..." Mrs. Myxlplx carried on and on, long after she had already left the room to go send someone to fetch some clean water and to start warming it up for the tub. 

     Mulligan smiled after her, leaned over the bar and helped himself to a mug, and started strategizing for the morrow...  If I can shine myself up well enough, he thought, and if Miggson is working the upper tier...  They were talking about some kind of job heading into the jungle, sounds a bit sweatier than I like my work but it would give Huthgarz and his crew enough time to find someone else to focus on...  And spending time with Shae....  

     Mulligan's thoughts drifted on like that for a while as he bathed and had his best clothes cleaned up for what may come...

Glasses:

"Well it was a partially successful night," thought Snively, settling into his cushioned bed.  Looking around his comfortable apartment, he sighs.  "I'll miss the comforts of this place, but I am ready for a new adventure.  Tomorrow is soon enough for packing," he muses, settling in for a restful (and bugless) night's sleep.

Shae strides off, eventually converging on the establishment she was staying at. Each mirror image would approach a separate door, but only one would open. Once inside, she’d not only drop her magic, but she’d drop her dress too. Stepping out of the delicate bundle of fabric, Shae would dip to gently pick it up and then hang it by her bedside. She would pluck the snacks from the pockets and set them out on a ledge just in case Mushu some how managed a visit. Then with a gentle wave of her hand, she’d use her magic to clean her dress. Next, she’d tend to herself.

There was excitement in the air and an adventure to be had, it filled Shae with anticipation for what was to come. So, even after a long sudsy bath, it was difficult for her not to move around the room without some pep to her step. Shae bounced and hummed to herself as she’d round up her supplies to take inventory. It felt like ages since she’s done this.

After laying out her equipment and checking it twice, Shae would find herself drawn to the window again. Letting out a big and deep exhale, she’d lean over the windowsill and stare out at the night sky. The moonlight casted a gentle glow against her skin and it was as if it’s light made her flesh shimmer like a million dancing stars.

Closing her eyes, Shae would whisper melodic words beneath her breath. A gentle breeze would blow through, kicking her hair up around her shoulders before settling. With a small smile tugging at her lips, Shae would pivot and tiptoe away to slip into her bed for the night. 

Shae, just as you're about to turn in, you hear flapping and scratching from the window. As you look outside, you find Mushu there, squeezing through the window. Your smile quickly fades as a jumbled series of images and a constant sense of danger and urgency flood your consciousness. Fang was in danger! As more images follow, your worry increases, as you see Fang in a cell. From the discussions earlier, you have a pretty good inkling where Fang might turn up tomorrow! It just so happens that you'll see him sooner than you thought.

About to crawl into bed, Shae gasps in surprise from the sudden ruckus at the window. "Mushu!" She'd reach her arms out to take him in and take a seat. As the visions and sense of urgency for Fang flooded in, her heart would sink and her brows would furrow. Blue hues would dart back and forth as she'd look at his familiar before settling her expression. She'd exhale a breath and stand back up, heading over to grab the snacks she hand picked for Mushu. "Thank you for coming to find me." There was a small smile tugging at her face. "I've got some pocket snacks for you." She'd offer. They may not be as fresh as what Fang finds, but it was the best she had. Maybe there wasn't much they could do at this moment, but Shae's mind was already working out possible scenarios in her mind. She paced as gave the familiar treats and when he was full, she'd give chin scritches and belly rubs, settling back in bed. Eventually she'd fall asleep.

The Next Morning, Outer City:

The throng of people heading out of the Beggar's Gate is aclear indication for the much awaited spectacle of today's Runners. You see all manner of peoples, from families of simple workers clad in bright tunics to wealthy merchants carried by sweating servants on shaded litters. Street vendors outside of the city walls are selling snacks and vying for the attention of the city dwelling crowd and parents unable to resist their children's wishes, seeing as they want to make the day memorable. Outside of the city walls, you see the Beggars' Palaces, two large and crumbling ziggurats rise tall over the low huts and houses made of clay and adobe. 

As you get closer, you see that the sides of the pyramids are densely packed with shops and flimsy tenements of straw and bamboo, up to about two thirds of the height of the ziggurats. The upper third is less densely crowded, instead giving way to a rickety hanging bridge connect the tops of the two ziggurats about a hundred feet above the streets.

Before too long, you reach the edge of the Executioner's Run, with even more vendors nearby. Shae and Professor Templeton, you arrive to be met with two muscular guards in white linen garb and a decorative belt made of pearls, asking you to follow them to their master. Otto, the halfling that you ran into yesterday in Wakanga's library, is there just a few feet behind them.

Mulligan, you're not met with an escort as you arrive. Instead, you try to head to one of the side entrances to the viewing terraces, to speak with one of the servants cleaning out the animal pits and taking care of the Runners for the night before. He's a kindhearted, if simple half-orc and lets you know that Miggson is already inside, but that he can go get him, if "Sidi" wishes.

     Mulligan clasps hands with the Half Orc and exchanges some casual banter about the weather, the runners and the like. After a few minutes he clarifies “Miggson’s already inside?  No need to trouble yourself, I can just go on in and find him.  I know the way...” ((Persuasion 16 ))

     Assuming his smooth talking works, an assumption he’s arrogant enough to always make, Mulligan gives the Half Orc a friendly clap on the arm as he heads past to make his way up...

 ((Whistles innocently about his deserved arrogance...))