Killilli’s Dragon Heist

“Roughly A month or so ago, all that was left was a magic mouth spell to taunt us. I have no idea how they got in. Luckily, the Old Wolf hasn’t been in to see his widows collection since her passing, but I dread to think how it would break his heart to see something amiss. I would have asked around, but I was afraid it would get back to him. The mouth sinply said ‘Something borrowed, something blue, play my games, I have a few.’”

"Game," Kerri says, "did they say what the game was?"

Fenton shakes his head. “It merely repeats that phrase over and over. Once we have the item back, I intend to find a mage to dispel the mouth, but until then I fear word would get back to the Old Wolf.”

"Was it an actual mouth?! Maybe I can learn how to dispel it, and can do it on some business meeting if we end up using his money."

((Lyss is down to follow the brothers to discuss things.))

Cico follows along with the others to the nearby tavern.

"Fenton should just ask Mirt about the riddle," Cico says. "Unless Fenton is the actual target of the extortion, it would mean more to Mirt. His wife has been dead for awhile. Time to move on."

Something twigs in Cico's mind as he says 'time to move on.'

"Master Treewhirl gave me lessons on something she called tact, but it doesn't make much sense."

He ponders for a moment more as they approach the tavern.

"Who would know a trinket was of value to Mirt, besides Renton?"

"Oh! I had lessons on tact too! I thought they were great! The point of tact is - be quiet Aimee! No one wants to hear what you think about stuff, it makes them angry, confused or uncomfortable! Or all three! Were your classes the same Cico? Also Treewhirl is an amazing name!"

As they enter the tavern, Edvord begins to speak in a hushed conspiratorial voice to the party, "Lots of threads to pull on in there. Pieces of paper, multiple secret societies mentioned, and talking statuettes... Wonder what the tapestry looks like." Edvord pauses for longer than normal as the words sink in, "And then there is the matter of finance... Perhaps a little more information concerning the benefactor could yield better terms... And I must admit, my curiosity was stirred. Nothing wrong with keeping an ear the floorboards when dusk hits tonight."

Cico nods as Aimee speaks. 

"Not all thoughts should to be spoken, was one of Master Treewhirl's most frequent statements," Cico says. "She needed to work quite hard to convince Grandmaster Shadowmight to take me in when I was younger."

He turns and listens to Edvord as he speaks.

"Anything that gives leverage on Mirt will give us an edge," Cico begins. "Where do they play games in this city? The mouth mentioned games."

Aldrik takes you to a quaint little tavern overlooking the bay. The smell of fresh fish fills the tavern and they have a wide variety if ales from many other port cities. A boardwalk stretches out over the bay from the back of the tavern, and you are able to find a nice quiet spot to talk in private. The tide is high enough that you could dip your feet in if you liked, and the blazing summer creates crystaline reflections in the water.

"Well... that could have gone worse."

Aimee orders something to get the tomato soup puke burps to go away.

"Ya! We got two things to do, both equine related! The money part went blah, but hey, Horses!"

"I think it went extremely well," Kerri says. "Honestly I didnt know Mirt was so reasonable."

Cico continues with his line of thought without responding to what the others have said.

"Someone has something Mirt values. This person requires a ransom. A game to be played. Possibly wants something blue and borrowed as well. Why they're not just more specific is confusing," Cico says. "Whoever this is believes taking this figurine puts Mirt in their power. If they're correct, get the figurine and Mirt is in your power."

He looks around at the others.

"Where do they play games in this city? Is there a casino?"

"Does the thing need to be blue and borrowed or does that mean they want a blue thing and a borrowed thing?"

Aimee shrugs at the casino question and looks to Lyss for answers.

"Hmmm... let's see... There's Tarstie's, they aren't very nice, lot of stabbing. And the Gold Horn, more casual, good for tourists. The Mermaid's the big one, lots of rich folks. Never been in, though I've tried. Had some luck when others win big though. There's Silly Veen's that's for real lonely folks with lots of money. I'd guess if Mirt were to gamble, he'd be more likely to go to those last two than the first two."

Edvord orders a drink for himself, and sits there thinking, "According to my younger sister Evelyn, Aldrik and the old man shared a few more... embarrassing memories at the Mermaid. Stories for another day... But the old man might also enjoy the seedier side of the city, we just don't know for sure. Kind of flying in the dark here. Which brings me back to my opening point... we have no leverage or knowledge. Perhaps dropping in on our friend at night could shed some additional light on the problem. I have a certain... minion... that could be of use, along with other tricks in my repertoire. Why not pay a visit tonight whilst our memories are fresh?"

Aldrik nods at Lyss. "Good assessment, Lyss. I've ran across Mirt a few times out-and-about in town." He glances at Edvord a moment, then continues, "I've played cards with Mirt at the Gentle Mermaid. Damn near beat him the last time, the scoundrel, but had a... family emergency. And I've seen him once or twice at Siladene's, and he had recommended we have a nightcap there after that game at the Mermaid. I think he might be sweet on one of the workers there."  

"You're assuming the worst of him," Kerri says, "and might I point out it was your idea to go meet with him in the first place?"

Aldrik shrugs at Kerri. "There is nothing wrong with finding a comforting embrace at night, and I've only seen him be a gentleman while there. Besides, after his wife passed, who could blame him? He's a scoundrel at cards and blades. The rest, well, he's probably the most upfront noble you'll meet, present company included."

After, a moment, Aldrik looks to the rest. "Regardless, we've heard Mirt's pitch. I can probably get us into an audience with Lord Cassalanter or Lady Haventree, if we want to explore more options this afternoon..."

"Lyss, I want to gamble! I don't know how going to a casino will help us find the thing though? How would we even ask about it in a casino without the person that took it finding out?"