AvB - The adventures of Scribly

[Moranica]

Scribly doesn't change back, but he visibly relaxes and sits down.

"Everything goes well so far. I don't think any have suspicions yet. That will change of course, once I withdraw my application.

From what I've gathered, he was a strange man. .... And an easy kill", Scribly says with a fake grin.

In truth, Scribly didn't feel comfortable at all in this skin. There were to many uncertainties, to many question marks. But he would finish this of course. Finish it and get paid.

[Monodominant]

He nods and stays quiet sipping from his wine.

"I did not expect anything better from him or any worse from you. Good job so far." he says and smiles dispelling whatever though was occupying his mind.

"In any case, do you need anything from me? Any support or clarifications? Have you had any problems and who has so far approached you? It would be useful to know the people that Mardher had in his pocket so I can ensure their downfall when he is removed fom the scenes..."

[Moranica]

"Indeed, I understand. There was something odd about him when I killed him. It seemed he had green blood."

Scribly also tells him about the farmer and Master Erek and Virek. "The last two might easily be swayed to a different course I think."

[Monodominant]

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I admit I was not expecting you would tell him about the green blood...

"Green blood? That is very strange. I hope you did not somehow botch the attack!" he says irritated.

"And also, green blood or not I hope the body is more or less intact! We need it for the suicide attempt and pulsing veins with green blood wont be very convincing! Did you use any weird poisons that could have caused a reaction?"

[Moranica]

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I was doubtfull as well. But then I thought about Scribly's insecureness with this business and I figured he might let it slip.

"The body is well intact and when I investigated there were no signs of him being someone/thing else. Furthermore, this staff and family show no problematic signs at all."

"And of course I didn't use any poisons. Those would show on an autopsy."

[Monodominant]

He frowns and the wrinkles of age on his face deepen.

"I dont know what then. Perhaps he had done some kind of infusion to himself to improve his natural abilities or he was some kind of doppleganger all along?" he pauses.

"I know little of what might his green blood mean, assuming you are not just mocking me or trying to get a higher fee for your services..." he says seriously.

"But enough of this. Anything else of interest? About Mardher its interesting... the man is a brigand. He used to be part of an adventuring company until he setttled down 4-5 years ago... or so he said... since he settled down he created one of the most powerful unions that can choke Aldhaven via the food market... let alone the mercenary company they say he runs behind the scenes... he is a dangerous man to have as an ally, let alone as an enemy." he pauses again.

"Still if you fooled him there is hope..."

[Moranica]

"Fear not, whatever he had done, he was just as easy to kill as any other man. So I don't charge any extra for it. But I wouldn't like to find anymore surprises."

"I believe I fooled him appearance wise and he liked my political speech. He might come after me though, after I withdraw. Should he do so, and I get an option to frame him for "my" death. Do you want me to do so?"

[Monodominant]

He calms down somewhat when you present that idea.

"Well now... that would work well... you could frame him but nothing too obvious... just make sure he doesnt end up actually killing you!" he says not some with interest but with a calculating tone.

"It would be good to have some piece of evidence with which I could tie him to the murder and it would fit better than assassination... he doesnt probably have a significant motive but just as long as I can threaten him it should be sufficient for me to play him!" he smiles and finishes his wine and then refills his wine.

"I do admit I like the way you think my friend... by the way, tell me of his gathering. Can you please compose a list of who was there and if anything important was discussed?"

[Moranica]

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Can I?

Or would you like a story with what's been given?

[Monodominant]

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You can assume that you write names etc, you are provided paper and quill with inkwell.

The point is more up to you if you tell him everything about everyone, any details. I mean your PC is pretty devious for all I know he could choose to expose this guy and stay as Master Erek for ever!

[Moranica]

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thought about that one as well. But I decided scribly needs more experience with aldhaven for that. And if he should. He would sub a noble.

He tells him everything.

[Monodominant]

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I hope you like the plot and the twists so far :D

He listens with interest and takes down some notes asking you pointed questions about some of the guests as you tell him everything.

"May I ask why you want to risk further by meeting the Lady Regira?"

[Moranica]

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Very much indeed!! Has kept me on edge the whole time, making me think a lot. It is exactly what I like so much about the Aldhaven game.

"Yes, she will be part of his reason to withdraw from the elections. I have to admit, I really dislike her, so it is fitting to involve her in his downfall. You see, when they meet, he will confess his love and she will break it. I'll make sure of that. He will not sleep tonight and drink. Then he will arrive drunken at the meeting and withdraw. .... "

Scribly had planned this from the dinner on, but looks carefull for any reactions from his employer.

[Monodominant]

His expression doesnt change.

"Interesting idea... gives an extra twist to the reason he is leaving the race... I didnt care if people believed I bribed him but this works also nicely..." he tells you.

"On the other hand what if he has already done so in the past or if they do share a relationship if not their beds... what do you know of Lady Regira if I may ask my friend?"

[Moranica]

"Very little actually, but I have noticed she is qute the character. I will simply twist and turn until I hit a soft spot. In the end she will either hate him, be disgusted by him or thinking he kept misunderstanding her and running out in the end. Either way, it will give her a firm push so that should they find a suicide, she might offer a couple of reasons."

[Monodominant]

"Well let me just warn you that Lady Regira's full name and title is actually Duchess Eleonora Regira of Brunsgrove. Since she is in Aldhaven she is not allowed to use her title and reverts to Lady. She is here with her associate Count Yerman and a group of influential merchants and nobles from Brunsgrove forging alliances and treaties. At least thats what I know the Count is doing, I dont know much about her and what she does with that group..." he explains.

"Unlike the whole gnome ambassador situation this is kept under the rug. They have been here for a year or so and I dont expect they will be leaving until the King is dead and whatever they hope to gain and agree on is signed by the new King..." he pauses again and looks at you.

"So whatever you do make sure you are careful... getting involved with her and causing a scandal may end up bringing more inquirry than you would expect..."

[Monodominant]

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Disappearing POST APPEAR! I command you!

[Moranica]

Scribly's eyes slowly start to bulge the more he hears about Lady Regira. After the information Scribly stutters a bit, followed by a silence as he searches for words.

"I.. I .. I might reconsider then. Might not be a good idea to get my head in to deep. ... then again, it might make her more sensitive to comments."

[Monodominant]

He smiles.

"On the other hand your idea has merit. If people here that Erek came on to her Ladyship him killing himself both for being turned down and for the shame this would incur fits..." he says with a conversational tone.

"In the end this is your show and your choice. It may dangerous but it would make it even smoother why you dropped out and why you killed yourself or somehow you ended up on Mardher's list of people to remove from play. I admit my dear boy that working with you is interesting to a degree I had not expected! It makes me not care only for my winning the nomination but also about how you perform..."

[Moranica]

"Why thank you, I appreciate the compliment. Should my play go right, I'm sure it's wispers will reach your ears. If not, I guess you still win."

"Now I would like you to go over the details of the meeting once more. Who should I expect there?"

[Monodominant]

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I wrote an awesome post, forum gave me 503 and back button did not bring me to submit reply page...

WHY INTERNETS GOD WHY!!!!!!

So, as I have already said (in the poor lost post) I will give you what your employer says in descriptive for this scene as it setting info and avoid going by 1st person just this once.

Also, you will notice some changes between what the "election" is for and what I had written when we started this plothook. Reason being that since then Rizban has actually fleshed out even more the more political-social structure of the city and detailed the City Council.

As such the only thing that changes is that you are influencing the setting of Aldhaven EVEN more with your involvement to this process :D

Your employer explains that the election is for the position of City Councilman in charge of Guilds. Generally Aldhaven has a clear municipal structure where the City Council is responsible for the day to day running of the city and the affairs of the state for anything not involving the nobility.

The council is structured as follows. There is the Council Chairman who has final say in everything and is elected by the Councillors. Under him are the Aldermans which are senior Councillors and each is specialised in a particular area and below them are the Councillors themselves that have particular duties and responsibilities that are more narrowly defined.

The meeting you have today is more or less unofficial. You will be meeting with the Alderman responsible for all commerce as well as the Councillor that was in charge of Guild Relations up to now, who is stepping down due to old age, plus anyone those two choose to bring along. Its more of a meet and greet with the people you may end up working with and they will probe you on your policies and indeed ask if you plan to run. Maybe if they are bold they will also ask you whose support you have already got in your pocket and how you will respond if you lose.

He explains that he also had such a meeting yesterday and he knows the third candidate, who is insignificant and has little or no support, had the day before him.

Lastly he tells you that to the best of his knowledge Erek has not met the Alderman or the other councillor before so any minor character errors should go un-noticed.

[Monodominant]

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Forum is acting crazy today! Cant get a single post without getting ERRORS!

[Moranica]

“Excellent, that part should be a walk in the park. Unless they bring someone troublesome with them. Have you had your meeting with them yet?”

Scribly sits back and enjoys the last peaceful minutes of the day. He would have to shine the next coming days, his life could depend on it.

[Monodominant]

"Yes I had it yesterday. I met with the Alderman Avila and Councilman Stohr and a young man from the Chairmans retinue though I dont recall their name. I stated my backers and that I intend to run and then we spend around 2 hours chatting and eating. Frankly speaking it was a boring affair..." he pauses.

"I can tell you know that I have sights in the Alderman's chair so who knows... maybe after some time as Councilor you can be my hidden ace once again" he says leaning back.

Seeing you relaxed he calls his servants who also bring you drink and food.

"No reason not to have everyone believe we truly did meet as the people we are supposed to be eh?"

[Moranica]

"So far, I have enjoyed this business deal as well. And if we finish this properly, I’d be glad to work with you again. Of course, since you will be more powerfull and rich by then, and I more experienced, my prices will rise a bit.”

Says Scribly , grinning, and drinks and eats, till it’s time to go back.

[Monodominant]

"I can imagine by then you will be even better at what you do and more scrutiny is always to be expected for higher positions!" he says continuing to smile.

The food is fine and the next couple of hours pass easily. He returns to his book, unless if you ask him something more, explaining that you should both stay in the room for the appearance of the meeting but he doesnt have much else to discuss.

[Moranica]

Scribly just relaxes a bit more, going over possible scenerio’s, until it’s time to leave.

“See you soon, City Councilman.”

He leaves and heads back home.

[Monodominant]

He smiles at your comment and inclines his head.

His servants escort you outside where you meet also your bodyguard and you return home without any problems.

[Moranica]

Onto the next meeting!!

Lady Regira, I believe?

[Monodominant]

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Nop. Now is the casual evening with the councillors.

Lady Regira is tomorrow morning and the final official who is running is tomorrow afternoon.