Sunset: 1755
- No Greyhawk Events today
Relationship Forming
The 24th arrives with a cold wind blowing out of the north and both men are out of their beds by 6 bells in order to find the warmth of the common room. They decide that Talisian will head to the gaol to talk to Luciano, while Altan will talk to the locals about the situation. Finding that he doesn’t have to leave the tavern for another few hours, Altan is very happy. Talisien, however, bundles up and heads out into the cold morning air. He finds the gaol outside of the Mayor’s house—a small two-celled affair directly behind the main city barracks. As he heads toward the gaol, a guard stops him and asks him his business. “I’m here to talk to Luciano, the swordsman,” answers Talisian. He’s brought into that barracks house by the guard, who Talisian suspects is simply trying to get out of the cold and shown to the Constable. The guard explains the situation and the Constables, leans back in his chair and looks Talisian up and down. With a frown, he asks Talesian what his business is with Luciano.
Talesien:
I’d like to hear his side of the story. I’m hear in town to negoaite with him and Arney.
The Constable:
What’s your interest in him?
Talesien:
I believe I’ve just said. I would like to hear Luciano’s side of the story. Why he is being charged, does he think himself guilty. That sort of thing.
The Constable:
Why do you care?
Talesien:
I don’t care, but it’s my job to.
The Constable:
So, who’s your employer and why do they care?
Talesien:
You know, I’ve heard that the Twisted Heron Tavern has the best Bitters around. Have you heard the same thing?
The Constable:
Huh?
Talesien:
I’m new in town and I’ve been looking around for some good food and drink. Any place you’d recomend?
The Constable:
Look I’ve got a job to do. You want directions, go ask the locals? I thought you wanted to see Luciano?
Talesien:
Oh I do. Believe me sir I do. You just seem to be having a bad day is all. Always nice to have someone lend an ear ain’t it? I’ve had days when I’ve wanted someone to do the same. Just thought I’d offer it to you is all.
Talesian talks the man’s ear off and eventually is allowed in to see Luciano. Luciano is about 6’ tall, 150 perhaps. Italian looking with an eyepatch. Currently, he’s seated on the floor of the chilly cell, huddling to keep warm.
Talesien:
Luciano…how wonderful it is to meet you. I’ve heard you’ve had some trouble with a smith around here eh? Well I’ve come offering a way out and possibly a job. I’ve heard you’ve been on and off of work? That true? Are you interested?
Luciano:
Interested? In a job? Mate, I’d be a Red-Bellied woodpecker in the middle fo the fuckin’ desert if I coul’ do tha’. Can’ you see I’m up to in arse in a shitload of trouble? How can I take thi’ here job?
Talesien:
Oh great job it is. You’ll love it. A man like you. Looks like you’re always one for adventure, travel and all. Yes all that. In any event, I need for you to tell me something. Now remember, everything you tell me has to be true or I just can’t help you at all and then my job is on the line. I’m assuming that you don’t want me as a cell mate there do ya?
Luciano:
Look I don’t know you from a hole in the wall. Why do I care if you’re in here? What do you want from me?
Talesien:
Your side of the story mate. That’s all I want from you. I’ll do the rest. You’ll have steady income if you help me out and just tell me the truth.
Luciano:
My side of the story. Ain’t nothin to tell. A friend bought a sword from him. Worse piece of shit I ever saw. Broke early on. Anyways I tole him he should git his godl back. Well, he goes back and the cuss of a man tells him to go fuck hisself. So’s what could I do. I made sure tha’ all th’ guards knew tha’ they shouldna trust his work. His boys mebbe, but no him. Well’s next thing I know I’m in here and he says I owe 12 gold for some sword that I asked him to make! Now, why’d I be so friggin’ dumb as to do that. I’ll tell you what. I ever git out of here and th’ man’s a dead one, he is.
Talesien:
Come on now. Cut the bullshit and give me something to help you out with. Did ya ask him to make the sword for ya or not.
Luciano (getitng angry):
Why ‘ould I do tha? Th’ man couldn’t make a decent sword if his life depended on it. I know my life depends on my accursed sword and woul’ never get it from him!
Talesien:
I need to be sure you’re telling me the truth. Don’t take this personal alright mate. If I can’t be sure I can’t help you and you don’t get a job. You’re sure you didn’t ask him to build you a sword? It’s your word against his and right now you’re on the losing end of this deal.
Luciano:
Hell yeah, I’m on th’ loosin’ side an all. He’s a Master, I’m an wanderin’ swordsman. No one gives a lick for me. (sarcastically) Him? He’s got a family? He’s got kids. He’s roight up-fucking-standing person of the community, he is! Who cares about Luciano the One Eyed anyway. Never mind the he’s put his gods-be damned life on the line for them fightin’ swamp monsters!
Talesien:
I really need to hear you tell me that you’ve never ask him for a sword.
Luciano:
Fine. You’re dense. I get that. I DIDN“T ASK FOR A FUCKIN’ SWORD FROM HIM!
Talesien:
Got some fight in you. Good. You’ll need it for the job. Do you have anything that was made by him? I know you don’t like him and you don’t trust his work…just answer if you have anything made by him.
Luciano shakes his head and walks away from Talesian.
Talesien:
I’ll take that as a no then. Listen mate, don’t take it personal. I should be back sometime today.
Luciano:
you do that. The conversation is just so entertaining!
Talesien:
Oh ah…just one more thing. Where do you work? I’ll need to ask your guard friends some questions too.
Luciano:
Where do I work? Whereever someone’ll hire me. ‘at aint’ happenin’ in this town anymore, is it?!
Talesien:
Heh…how about this. Where can I find the guys you’ve been telling not have swords made by Arney the Smith
Luciaco (looking at Talesian as if he’s dense):
Ummm…. the guard barracks, mebbe? That’s where I’d go looking for guards! The front gates? There jes’ might be some there. How about outside my fuckin’ cell! I’m sure there’s one or two wanderin’ around the fuckin’ gaol an’ all!
Talesien:
Whats the name of the guy with the broken sword?
Luciano:
O’Malley. ‘though’s he’s not a regular, he’s not. He’s a swordsmen like me. Last I saw him he’s in Hardride. Gettin’ a new sword—least trying ta git a new job to git the money fer a new sword. Hard to be a swordsman wifout a sword innit?
Talesien:
I’d imagine. Thanks. I’ll see what I can do for ya.
Luciano mumble something incoherent and sits down again, while Talisien heads back toward the tavern to find Altan—and maybe some warmth. Sure enough, he finds both. Altan hasn’t left his spot and is talking amiably to fairly well accoutered merchant who also came to town last night. As Talisien watches the scene, he notices Altan reach toward the man’s purse and calls out loudly, “Morning, Altan. I see that you’re up!” Altan mutters a curse and turns toward Talisien, letting the purse go. The Merchant raises a cup of tea toward Talisien, who glances back: “I’ll be seeing you around Robert.”
Talisien ignores Altan’s glare and sits down immediately filling Altan in on his conversation. Altan listens patiently and thinks for a moment and then responds:
Altan [tentatively]:
Ye know, mate, there’s more’n one way t’ getta job done. This blacksmith fellow don’t respond t’ polite requests, we can find ways t’ make him want t’ help us. Take away somethin’ he don’t wanna lose. Give it back when he cooperates.
Talesian:
Aye. There are. I would hope your not suggesting that we take someone hostage though…are ya?
Altan [more excitedly]:
Oh yeah. Grandkid’s‘d be best, o’ course. If he has ‘em. Wife’s good if he don’t. ... Not hurt ‘em, mind. Just make him think we will. If he ain’t a complete jerk-off, he’ll roll quick like.
Talesian:
Ya know…I just don’t like the sound of that. If we HAD to, I don’t mind stealing things. Something necessary for him to do his work perhaps, but I just can’t kidnap a person. He’s already after Lucanio because he spoke ill of his work. I think kidnapping will focus his attention on us and after his loved one returns, whats to say he goes happily back to work? I don’t see him to be the type to leave it be.
Altan:
Can’t, eh? Well, in that case, another thought occurs t’ me. Smith’s the problem. We gotta get ridda th’ problem. Ain’t no one t’ press charges, ain’t no charges t’ be pressed. Or don’tcha like th’ sounda that either?
Talesian:
We’re to kill a man over a 12 gold piece sword? I’m not opposed to making him miss his court date, but murder? How about if we really need to, we can tie him to a tree that day?
Altan [resignedly]:
Hah! 12 dubloons is a fortune back home, friend. Tell some street kid that lost his old man over a two bit loafa bread that 12 dubloons ain’t worth gettin’ killed over. ... Y’know, yer really limitin’ our fuckin’ opitions here. Tyin’ him to a tree ain’t gettin’ th’ bloody charges dropped is it, mate? ... But we’ll play it yer way fer now. Talk to him, all nice like. See if he’s a big a wanker as they say. Mebbe he’ll surprise us, but way I figger it, th’ bloke’s scum, and we don’t need t’ play nice with him.
Talisien nods and flatly states that he’ll go to the gate to talk to some guards. Altan nods and just replies: “You’re action, mate. I’ll see you later.” With that Talisien heads back to the main gate and finds the one guard there. With little incoming traffic, there’s not much to do, so Talisien walks up to him and asks about Lucanio.
Guard:
Yea, what about ‘em?
Talesien:
Well he’s in prision right now. I’m sure you’ve heard about it. I’d like to confirm his story.
Guard:
Aye, it’s good someun ‘‘ookin’ into it, it is.
Talesien:
What do you mean?
Guard:
Seems as no un has bothered making a’ effort. I was thinkin’ tha’ he’d be up da river wifou’ any advocate or nufin.
Talesien:
It seems that way to me as well. What can you tell me about why he is in prision?
Guard (asks):
Ye didn’t talk him now?
Talesien:
I did. I wanted to know your side of the story.
Guard (Surprised):
My side? I don’t have no side. This between Luciano and Arney. I haf nuttin in it.
Guard ( Surprised ):
My side? I don’t have no side. This between Luciano and Arney. I haf nuttin in it.
Talesien:
Ok. Well did you hear about O’Malley’s broken sword? Were you present for this?
Guard:
Me? No, I ain’t a regular, ju’ a guard.
Guard:
Me? No, I ain’t a regular, jus’ a guard.
Talesien:
Are you a friend of Lucaino? Or do you just know em?
Guard:
Friend? Hmmm….Yea, I guess so. So’s as much as he’s aroun’ here. Don’t know tha’ he has many friends ‘n all. Talks about this O’Malley likes he’s one. Alls I know is tha’ he and the regulars ten’ to stay aroun’ our bar.
Talesien:
So I could probably find a bunch of his friends at the bar eh? Well that sounds like him. Also, what do you think of Arney’s work?
Guard:
Well, loikes I said afore, I don’t know tha’ he has any friends aroun’ here. He’s no’ here too often. As to Arney, he made my sword an’ all th’ ofer guards. He’s th’ only smith in town, ya know. Got no choice, got it?
Talesien:
Great. Thanks for your help. Appreciate it.
The Guard nods and Altan heads toward the Roasted Acorn.
Inseide, the tavern isn’t different from any other palce that Talisien has seen. The place is empty, but for a single person nursing some soup, so Talesien will head to the bar keep and ask him if he has knows Lucanio.
Barkeep:
Yea, I seen him a time or too—always with the patrolmen, he is.
Talesien:
Did ya hear he’s in jail?
Barkeep:
I did hear somethin’ of the’ sort. Had some kin’ of tiff wit Arney. Was spoutin’ off about it as well. His sword broke or somethin’ Kinda loud about it. Jenn’s alway’s hangin’ aroun’ him and his friends when he shows up. She’d know.
Talesien:
Jenn eh? Know where I can find Jenn? I need to speak with har about Lucanio’s predicament.
Barkeep:
She’s on at 2:00. Have another beer an’ wait.
Talesien:
In at 2 eh? I suppose I have no choice then do I?
Talesien (to the bar keep):
Hey you know of a good lawyer in town? Can you tell me where the office is?
Barkeep:
Yea, there’s a gal from the city that mov’d in ‘bout a year ago. Goo’ rates an’ gets th’ job done. Name’s Margerie.
Talesien:
Sounds good to me. You know where her office is?
He give the address and about that time, Altan walks in.
Talesien:
Greetings partner! How are ya?
Altan:
Bored. Hungry. Came fer lunch. Not much t’ this damned town. Got a line on a piranha-type lawyer though if ye want it.
Talesien:
Do ya? Well let me have it please. I might have two to go check out then
2 Ss on Quick roll
Altan [sotto voice]:
Damn! This fuckin’ place is crawlin with guards. Like cockroaches with th’ damned lights off.
Talesien:
I can’t imagine that they don’t have much more to do around this town though
Altan:
So ye want the god besotted lawer’s name or not?
Never mind!
Altan:
Name’s Wylliam. Word on th’ street is he’s a real bear. If ye think Luciano’s not completely full o’ shit, he’s our man.
Talesien:
I don’t think Lucanio is lying to me. Although, there seems to be none in this town that can verify his story. I was about to go talk to another lawyer about his rates. After that I plan on talking to Jenn and seeing what she knows about Lucanio.
Altan:
Look, mate, this’s yer game. Play it yer way. But ye ask me, Arney’s a lyin’ piece o’ crap. Ye rent a hellfire an’ brimstone lawyer like this ‘ere Wylliam t’ rant at ‘im an’ threaten t’ bring in a truth mage, he’ll roll like a one-bit whore.
Talesien:
If he’s lying to me. If he his telling the truth, we’ll only afirm him by threatening to get a truth mage and/or a lawyer.
Altan:
Definitely a point. You go on, mate. I’m gonna get lunch.
Talesien:
It’s a plan.
Altan:
Don’t drink outta any strange Chamberpots.
With which, Altan goes to get lunch. Talesien ponders over the meaning of what Altan has said and when he has determined that it has no meaning he leaves the bar to find out Margerie’s rates. Is not a long trip and when he returns he finds Altan’s still there, with an ale in front of him. He shakes his head and takes a seat not too far from Altan and engages Jenn in friendly banter. By the time an hour has passed, she’s talking readily about Luciano (not that getting her to talk about him was tough). He finds that she doesn’t know the date of the trial. It would depend on when the magistrate will be there. She’s excited that he’ll be getting Luciano out and offers to help in any way that she can. Unfortunantly, she doesn’t know Arney and none of the regulars are in town, but most of the guard that are in the tavern probably know Luciano as well. Talesian thanks her and tips her well; then he’s off to see Arney.