"That can be a bit of a risky gamble. If we talk to the wrong person, we might tip him off that we're onto something...We know where he'll be tomorrow, at some point he'll have to go to his office." Ivello pauses for a moment, and then nods.

"I think the safer option is to wait for him there."

(OOC: It's late into the night, shortly before midnight)

"Decisions, decisions..." Ellaly drummed her fingers on the book thinking. "This is not only an evidence - it's the means to make the man talk. By the way, I did not mean that in the bar we have to ask directly where he lives, no. But a new group of scavengers that came across some artifact and now searching for the best deal - what can be more natural here? So, unless you seriously think we should return the book and need help to break in, I would do just that - shop around for the best broker."

Unless there were better ideas or the final verdict was to return the book, Ella, true to her word, returned to the bar. She would search for the company - or lone wolfs - that look (or talk) like successful scavengers. If any let slip something using Thieves’ Cant - even better, but lucky scavengers work too. Once found, she would try that legend - she and her friends got something they wish to sell. Who would those mighty adventurers recommend to deal with and (if Zodor's name does not appear) tell that she heard that name, so, what people think about him?

Maddie follows Ella down to the bar, but let’s her go off on her own to work her magic. She’ll sit at the bar itself and order a pint of something, to enjoy slowly.

The whole time she watches Ella, and watches the room to make sure she’s safe...

Perception: 16 + guidance: 2 

As you return to the tavern area proper, it's much like you left it when you went into your rooms. Most patrons have returned to their residences at this point, and those remaining are roaring drunk. Deceiving them is no issue at all - even the bartender himself is smashed. Getting useful information out of them in this state is another task all together.

After a few duds, you correctly sit engaged with Thornvik, a dwarvish man who, although he is probably the most sober in the tavern besides yourselves, is still barely able to remain seated."Zodor? What's youse wanna go to 'im for? Lousy scoundrel. Not as crummy as that Draev fello', but theres better to work with in this dump lass." He laughs, shaking his head. "Zodor. Hah! Tha' pissant was in 'ere earlier you know. Probably passed out drunk on 'is floor by now! Can't hold his spirits for shit that one, imagine he'll be 'avin a late start to his day tomorrow!"

"Now. If you think you've got a nice catch, Elena Marsoft is the broker you want to look out for. Halfling lady, about ye high." He holds up a hand about three feet off the ground in demonstration. "Looooong blonde hair, weird gray eyes though. She'll get you a nice deal!"

As Maddie keeps an eye on things, nothing really appears dangerous to her. Excluding the barkeep and yourselves, there's maybe another dozen or so people in here.

Not all eager to attempt socializing with the tavern denizens, Maphira will wait in the room. If she hears trouble, she'll rush to join the others.

(wait... what's so incriminating about the book? Forgive me if I misunderstood, but aren't all his dealings perfectly legal?)

(Brelish nobility are given first refusal on all salvage. Basically, brokers must first make offers to them before going elsewhere. Based on the date of arrivals(when the broken gets the salvage), the names(not Brelish nobility), and the date of sale(when the broker sells off the salvage), you are able to tell that he is not giving Breland's noble families first refusal on all salvages.

The brokers are able to sell the salvaged goods, because they have a letter of marque granted by King Boranel to plunder the ruins of Cyre. This marque guarantees first refusal to Brelish nobility. If a broker goes around this, and sells to someone else before offering it up to the Brelish nobility, they're essentially violating a contract between themselves and the King of Breland.)

(Ah, I see. I failed to connect those bits of information.)

Maddie watches her girl work the room, impressed. Ella seems to be as at home here (knowing what to say and what to do) as Maddie had felt in the Chapel.

Seeing that there seems to be little threat, she orders a simple snack to go with her drink, and continues to watch...

((OOC: maybe a silver or two for a drink and snack?))

Ellaly nodded and seemingly hanged on every word, interrupting only once: "Passes out?! You are right, he is a weakling. But does it mean he is still here?"

When Ella returned she retell the information - as little as it is - to the others. "Well, at least we know now where we "found" his book. Right here, when he passed out and "lost" it in the crowd. Even if it was not him but a changeling, we can pin that on him. The question is, was it an honest over-drink or did Zodor disappeared forever?"

The dwarf gives you a funny look. "Still here? You got wool in your ears lass? 'e left here. Was sayin' he probably passed out 'is floor. Y'know, at 'is home." If there's nothing else you need to ask, you continue to exchange a few pleasantries and then take your leave, returning to your party as noted.

When Ella heads back to the room, Maddie finishes her drink and snack and follows shortly after.

Once everyone is back in the room, Maphira will offer up her thoughts. "This isn't really my area of expertise, so forgive me if this sounds silly but...Could we not just blackmail him with the ledger? Even if we can't find him tonight, surely at some point tomorrow he'll be at his office."

Then Ella simply returned."That's the idea, Maphira. But some more information never hurts."

"Did not press too hard - even if drunk, they could remember later some bits of conversation. So, we have a book, we know that Zodor can get drunk easily. We know some names of competitors. And we know that he can be so drunk, that if we go to him now, we would not learn anything. Looks like we have to wait until morning after all."

Madik nods her agreement, “Good work... It sounds like we need to pay this guy a visit in the morning then”.

"Sounds like we'll be able to get the information we need no problem. Shall we split off into our rooms for the night and then meet in the morning then?"

“Here...”, Madik throws Ivello a key to one of the other rooms. And she tosses a third to whoever else wants it.

She’s fine to share, or stay on her own. She also has a bedroll, if there aren’t enough beds between the rooms.

”What is it? Almost midnight now? What time should we get up? Sounds like our guy won’t be up early, if he’s had a skin full!... If we plan to get breakfast and head out just after 8, does that suit everyone?”.

Ivello snatches the key out of the air and nods. "The earlier the better. I want to have eyes on his office as soon as possible so we can catch him the moment he goes in."

After, he'll head to the other room, also fine to share with anyone. Regardless of whether anyone joins him he opts for his own bedroll, not trusting the raggedy cot this establishment called a "bed."

Separating to your chosen rooms, you all settle in for the night. The rooms are about as comfy as you would expect in a place like this. The beds are lumpy, and incredibly stiff, while the fabric used for the sheets are rough and scratchy.

Waking up the next morning, you're greeted in the main tavern room with a breakfast of simple, slightly stale bread, and what seems to be the leftovers of whatever stew was made last night(price for this was included in the rooms, so you've already paid). Besides you all and the tavern keeper and a single server, there's only two other people in the room. One is a middle-aged halfling man, groaning over a streaming mug of coffee while holding his head. The other is seated at the bartop, a human woman engaged in quiet conversation with the tavern keeper.

[[What would you like to do from here?]]