Dyer's Absalom Beguiled IC

[grifter730]

Oberon

Oberon smiles warmly, but graciously declines the offer of wine. "I must stay focused. At all times," he explains.

[DyerMaker]

Oberon & Roark: Oberon is glad to be within the walls of the Church of the Dawnflower. Introducing himself to Belladonna and attempting to have a few questions answered. Father Roark excuses himself for a moment and then returns with ceremonial wine that Belladonna accepts but Oberon prefers to remain focused and does not imbibe. Belladonna responds to the kindness; Thank you for the wine. (she speaks with a prominent Varisian accent) Anna, she's my best friend. They took her last night. She arrived from Korvosa only three days past. Belladonna then breaks down in hysterical sadness.

Berengir & Maria: Molly seems genuinely stunned by Berengir's gesture. She pauses, then moves toward the bar with a sheepish smile. Berengir's instincts are well-versed and his hunch that Molly may not be the woman's real name is correct. Perhaps the name is an alias, considering her current profession? Molly takes a seat at the bar beside Berengir when Maria place a gold coin of her own beside the previous, mentioning information for payment. Molly looks slightly uncomfortable as the expression on her face changes from the slight smile to a more serious look. What kinda con are you two at here?, Molly suggests in a sarcastic, yet playful way. She accepts the drink that Berengir has paid for then ask the two; What type of information are ya look'n to have?

[Eldest]

Maria laughs, guileless, and serves her some of the good mead from under the counter. A con? Me? I don't give out money on a con, darling, I take it. No, I buy and sell information. I certainly can't keep this place open on mead sales alone. Come to me with something I can sell, and you get paid. Only string either way, I don't deal dirt on my contacts, and anything you sell to me, 'tis only for me. Sound like a fair shake? The coin's yours either way, think of it as payment fo'your time.

Spoiler

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When you try to add in the accent but you can't find spots for it...
If she accepts, Maria will mention the Black Saugin (sp) as "a particular hot topic, at this time" but otherwise doesn't have any open accounts. She'd still pay for anything worthwhile.

[Blinkbear]

Alice: Leonel squirms in his chair, anxious and impatient. (... cut for retcon...) Leonel calms slightly when Alice requests that he answer a few more questions:
Tell me more about Anna, please. What is her relationship to Bella? Where do they know each other from? How old is she? And how old is Bella? Can you describe Anna?
Anna? She's just a spiritual advisor for Bella. We are all from Korvosa. I've told you this already! Bella is nineteen. I don't know about Anna, thirty, maybe? How many more questions do you have? Anna again? She has pitch black hair, thin, religious tattoos, and always dresses nice.

Did Anna stay with you? If not, do you know where she did stay, and if she knew any other people in Absalom? Maybe someone else from the church of Sarenrae? Bella was going to meet Anna at the Docks, they never made it back to stay with us. Bella is lost in this crazy city. It's been four days! I'm not religious. I don't associate with these people, the Sarenrae.

Is Bella working or stay-at-home? If she's working, what is her job and who is her employer? What about you?
No, she does not work. She barely leaves our home, much less our street, the park ... that's all. Me? Import/Export. The highest quality seafood. That was my role in Korvosa and that is why the Consortium brought me here, so that you could have better shrimp. And yes, Bella was very excited to be in Absalom. She was taking to Green Ridge very well.

Alice smiles, apparently satisfied enough with her answers. "Well then, Sir. I will finally need a detailed description of Anna, and where I can find you. Then I shall immediately begin with my investigation."

Assuming that Leonel gives her what she wants, she will head next to the docks to make a first quick ask-around-tour to find out if someone has seen Anna or Bella in the last 4 days at the docks, hoping to get a first trail.

Spoiler: Some Crunch

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So, if I understand correctly, she can apply diplomacy to gather information. As she is going to the Docks, I assume that her trait Friends in Low Places triggers. As such, she can ask around in (1d2)[2] hours instead of 1d4, and people are generally friendlier to her there. Additionally, she has the Follow Up feature from the investigator archetype. This allows her to roll two times for the same period of time, gaining the results of both.
So, here are my two rolls:
(1d20+7)[25] and (1d20+7)[9].

[Hella Lugosi]

Roark nods at Oberon’s refusal and begins to put away the spare glass when Belladonna begins sobbing. Planting them down on a nearby pew, he places a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“I am so sorry about your friend. Sometimes it feels like this city is out take everything from you. But there are always people in this city who can help keep you safe. What was Anna like? Where was she taken, and by who?”

[grifter730]

In that other life from his past, Oberon would have enjoyed consoling this poor lady and taken advantage of her grief. Years of imprisonment and torture has a way of realigning one's moral compass. The priest seems to be handling it rather well, though Oberon couldn't be sure of the man's true motives. Seemed decent enough so far. Not wanting to pile on the questions lest he turn it into an interrogation, Oberon awaits for Belladonna to answer the priest's inquiries.

[crowe]

Maria laughs, guileless, and serves her some of the good mead from under the counter. A con? Me? I don't give out money on a con, darling, I take it. No, I buy and sell information. I certainly can't keep this place open on mead sales alone. Come to me with something I can sell, and you get paid. Only string either way, I don't deal dirt on my contacts, and anything you sell to me, 'tis only for me. Sound like a fair shake? The coin's yours either way, think of it as payment fo'your time.

Spoiler

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When you try to add in the accent but you can't find spots for it...
If she accepts, Maria will mention the Black Saugin (sp) as "a particular hot topic, at this time" but otherwise doesn't have any open accounts. She'd still pay for anything worthwhile.

"Tis true, no con here, Gods know I wouldn't last long starting a con by cracking my skull. As the College of Mysteries taught me, "Knowledge is Power". Of course, they meant that is a slightly more literal sense, but Knowledge is Coin too, to the right people. I collect knowledge, usually on request, and report it to my clients. Other times, I use that which I know to help people out. For example, I might be able to help a working girl get out of the clinker or reduce her sentence with my knowledge of the Laws of Absalom and the Hands of Absalom to grease.

[DrK]

Rufus

Getting the information on when the ship is due in and where the dock and warehouse is Rufus takes the money and tips his hat to Leviathon. I'll see yuo in a few weeks to pick up what you owe me." and he heads back out in the stench of Puddles. The mixture of salt, seaweed and sewage almost comforting to him so familar it was. He pats the fat pouch of gold before turning and striding purposefully towards Alice's shop. This is too big a job to do on his own and right now she's one of the few in town that he can trust.

With a muttered "best make a good impression under his breath he pauses briefly to pick up some flowers from a street vendor before heading to her quiet little investigator's office. Knocking gently he pushes open the door hoping that she's in....


Is Alice in mid afternoon?

[DyerMaker]

Maria: Molly pauses for a moment considering Maria's offer. Then nods in acceptance; You've got a deal, provided I can stop in ya pub 'er when the weather's bad or I be need'n to rest me feet. Is that agreeable? I can't think of anything colorful at the moment ... Some bloke handed me this placard to come to a party tomorrow. Might be someth'n good there? Molly produces a printed card. It is an invitation to a theatrical party for Lady Seichya of House Tevineg. The address of the home is near the edge of the Puddles and Foreign Quarter. The party begins at 10pm tomorrow evening. Molly mentions; The bloke says they'd need some entertain'n and thought I'd do well. Bloke said I had to have this placard to get in.

Alice: Leonel replies; I've mentioned that before, about Anna, She has pitch black hair, thin, religious tattoos, and always dresses nice. As for me, I'm either at home or working. (he scribbles the address of both; home in Green Ridge and his work in the Merchant's Quarter)
Visiting the Docks using her abilities to gather information, Alice meets and speaks with several individuals. One dockhand in particular was helpful to her cause. An Absalom native named Hogg; Aye, yes m'am. I was working the morning with the Varisian carrack sailed into port. She's a might' impressive boat, she was, cargo of 'em fish eggs and some rare lumber. I did see a nice look'n lass with dark hair and a pretty green dress. She has some handsome ink too. Aye, and there was'un lass met 'er here on the dock, a real spritely lass.

[Eldest]

Maria beams. There's a wise lass, spot o'good fortune already innit? Don't want to take away from your earnin's, though, if you was plannin' on goin'. And o'course you can rest your head hereabouts. Mind you, the roof leaks a bit in places.

Spoiler

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This will be expanded on, but I have finals to deal with.

[DyerMaker]

Roark and Oberon: Looking up at the priest from her seat on the church pew. Belladonna speaks about Anna; She, she's been my friend for many years. She came about a ship from Korvosa, our native Varisia, to spend time with me. We were leaving a pub near the Docks, The Doxy, when men grabbed us and placed hoods on our heads. I lost consciousness. When I awoke, I was in a smelly place, a sewer maybe, chained to the wall. It was horrible. Belladonna again becomes upset in the retelling. Anna was gone. I was there for what seemed like another day. When a man came to take me, again with a hood, and bound my hands in rope. The knot he tied was loose. When I felt the sun on my body, I pushed into the thug with my shoulder and got away. I was chased into the Bazaar when we met, you and Oberon. How can I ever repay you?

Berengir: Molly turns to speak with Berengir; So, wait, you and Maria both hire folk for information? Are ya working together or do ya compete for the same chalk? I gots to know who to do the tell'n. But, I do appreciate the drink. If there ain't noth'n else, I'll be tak'n my leave.

Rufus: Reaching Alice's home/office, he finds Alice walking south.

Spoiler: OOC

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Rufus would be meeting Alice on her way to the Docks. To keep the series of events in order, let's let Alice decide if this conversation with Rufus takes place on the walk or when she returns from the Docks.

[grifter730]

Oberon found it peculiar that Anna had already disappeared by the time Belladonna awoke. A good-natured person like Belladonna would assume the worst befell her friend. A cynical person like Oberon, however, assumed Anna was in on it, perhaps luring young ladies for whatever nefarious ends might land her a coin or two. At least they got a single clue, the Doxy. But that's a long shot to an answer.

After Belladonna calmed a bit, Oberon finally spoke up again. "I'm glad that you've returned, and that you fought for it. No need to repay me. Perhaps in the future you can visit one of my self-defense classes so you can better protect yourself against assailants, free of charge. But for now, just a few more questions, if you don't mind." If she motions for him to proceed, Oberon will ask:

"After you attacked your captor, where were you when you were first able to see again? Perhaps we can look around the area to see if we can find out anything."

"Did you ever overhear anything the guards might have said? Even something you didn't understand, any unique words, or meetings or anything that might be helpful?"

"Would you feel safe if we took you back home, or do you think they were specifically targeting you? Do you have family or friends who might be concerned you're missing? Perhaps we can contact them."

[crowe]

So, wait, you and Maria both hire folk for information? Are ya working together or do ya compete for the same chalk? I gots to know who to do the tell'n. But, I do appreciate the drink. If there ain't noth'n else, I'll be tak'n my leave

We work together, but really we don't compete directly. It more like I dig for dirt, and Maria sells it by the shovelful. Sometimes she needs me to find a useful bit to complete the big picture for her, sometimes I find a bit that she might find interesting.

[Hella Lugosi]

As Belladonna explains her situation, dark theories begin to flood Roark's mind. He knows the worst this city has to offer, and hopes that this woman hasn't fallen victim to it. Putting them out of his mind as Oberon speaks, he nods in agreement. "There's no need to repay us, though I wouldn't object if you decided to throw a few copper pieces into the collection plate." Aside from that, he lets Oberon continue uninterrupted as he questions her.

[Blinkbear]

Alice smiles upon noticing Rufus approaching her home, when she is on her way back from the docks. She walks up to him.

"Hey Rufus, how are you?" She asks warmly after giving him a friendly hug.

[DyerMaker]

Oberon: Belladonna takes the last sip of wine from her glass and attempts to answer Oberon's questions; I, I was so confused, maybe a small park, the sun was to my left and then at my back. I don't know, I just ran and ran until I saw the Bazaar in the distance. I kept running.

The guards, they were not like guards, but more Cerulean, perhaps. They spoke a tongue I did not understand. It was harsh, like angry. All the men were angry.

Yes, my lover, Leonel. I don't know if it is safe, but I would like to go there. He has good work and would reward you for escorting me home. I have a cat too. I named her Anna. We live in Green Ridge.

Father Roark: Contemplating what Belladonna may have gotten herself into. Father Roark listens intently as she answers Oberon's questions and his ears do not ignore the fact that this Leonel, the lover, might make a charitable donation to the church.

Berengir: After explaining the working relationship between himself and Maria to Molly. Berengir contemplates his knowledge of Nobility and things Local.

Maria: Molly thanks Maria for allowing her to rest at the Lion's Pride when appropriate. She then mentions; Would you rather attend this party? I mean, if you really want to go, we can work something out? Maybe 20 gold measure for the invitation?

Alice and Rufus: Coming back to her office from the Docks, Alice notices a fond acquaintance, Rufus knocking on the door.

Spoiler: Dialog

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Feel free to RP your conversation. Please.

[Hella Lugosi]

Roark silently offers to refill Belladonna’s glass as she finishes it off. “What happened during your time in captivity? Were you kept alone, or did anyone visit your cell at any point?” Whoever had captured the two women had enough space to keep them separate, that would suggest multiple cells – perhaps even more unfortunate captives. “I advise we take you back to Leonel and make a judgement on whether you’ll be safe there. If one of them escaped, that means he may be able to lead the rest of his ilk back to this church.” Roarks grits his teeth - he'll have to make preparations for if that time comes.

[grifter730]

"I can stay for a few days if you'd like, in case your church gets ambushed. But yes, I agree that we should take Belladonna back home," Oberon smiles warmly at her. "It wouldn't do for a person to worry about their missing loved one. After that, I'd like to go back to the Doxy and see if I can't pick up any rumours about people being abducted. It's possible that you were simply targeted randomly, but if I find out anything, perhaps it may give you some peace of mind."

[crowe]

Maria: Molly thanks Maria for allowing her to rest at the Lion's Pride when appropriate. She then mentions; Would you rather attend this party? I mean, if you really want to go, we can work something out? Maybe 20 gold measure for the invitation

Berengir Lok

Berengir gets that deja vu feeling as Molly offers the invitation. Almost immediately, Berengir sees something he has seen before to, on Molly's face. Berengir had seen it on a starving woman's face once, when she standing in front of a bakery. She wants this so badly, and she can't afford it. Funny how 20 gold seemed like such an enormous amount nowadays, Berengir distinctly recalled his grandfather paying more than 20 gold for a pair of shoes, that he didn't like. You owe her Ber, she helped you out and you tanked her deal. Berengir draws a sharp intake of breath, which causes him to wince a little from the crack it got earlier. He drums hands on the bar to ease the pain and says to Molly:

20 Gold? Aw, you are sweet darling, but it's not worth it. These "parties" can get a bit theatrical, quite a few ladies have quit the party worse for wear, the blue bloods are a bit rough with their brushes, I've knew one girl who couldn't work for a month after some fop tattoo'd her for her critique of his masterpiece. It will take 20 marks just to hire good protection for that sort of party.

If one pays close attention, Berengir has 7 fingers splayed out on the bar.

Spoiler: OOC

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Berengir Lok
Wiz1 (Diviner)
AC: 14
Init: +3
HP: 2/8
Action: Bluff and Diplomacy to negotiate the deal with Molly
Bluff: (1d20)[7]
Diplomacy: (1d20+4)[7]

Spells:
0: Spark, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost
1: Heightened Awareness, Colorspray, Sleep
Effects: Probably a little drunk

[Eldest]

Maria looks over at Berengir, amused. Then she fell into their usual good-guard, bad guard routine. It'd been a few weeks since they'd needed it. Down boy. Let me do mah talkin'. Turning back to the lady, she smiles warmly. I ken do seven afore and seven after, once I gots some salesable talkin's from the party, and a week's rent soes you know I ain't cheatin' ya, and you're gettin' a generous offer with that. I'd need masks, good clothes, and possibly a lout about to provide a lady protection. I'm good for it, you ken ask just about anybody on the street. An' besides. She gets a wicked grin. Sounds a bit o'my type o' fun. Already got the whip for the party.

Spoiler

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In anticipation of Crowe's roll failing, sorry crowe... I honestly don't mean for her to beat up on Berengir like this, trust me that she actually likes him and he's just having a bad string of luck?
Second Round of Luck used (5/7 left)
Bluff if needed: (1d20+8)[19]
Diplomacy: (1d20+11)[21]

[DyerMaker]

Father Roark: Offering the young woman a second glass of wine, she kindly refuses. Belladonna replies; I remember Anna being in the room for a moment, but I was not in a cell, or it didn't seem like it. It felt more like a stone column that I was tied to in an open space. ... Yes, please, escort me to Leonel. We must go at once.

Oberon: Oberon mentions to Father Roark that he might stay at the church for a few days. He then encourages Belladonna and questions her about her captors. I do not know, she replies. The young woman stands and brushes some straw off of her dress. Noticing that her dress is torn in a few places, she pouts a bit and sighs.

Berengir: In an attempt to sway Molly from attending the party, Berengir elaborates on the details of such an event and why attending is a bad idea. His attempt falls short as Molly places her hand on his and speaks with sincerely, Oh deary, ya don't have to fear fer me. I'm new to this city, but I been at this fer a while. The tone of her voice and plain speaking is enough to make the half-orc blush.

Maria: Interrupting Berengir just as he finishes, Maria pauses for Molly's retort. Then, provides a solution of her own. Offering Molly 7 gold up front and 7 gold after. Molly pauses for a bit as she looks the placard over, then looks at Maria, then to Berengir and back to Maria. Tells'ya what. If ya bring me back some of those fancy biscuits ya got yerself a deal. ... And, I'll be stay'n here tonight, get'n drunk with you two. She smiles, ever-so-slightly, holds the placard toward Maria and waits for her to speak.

[Eldest]

Maria nods, smiling. Sounds like a deal. She pours a trio of drinks. To the start of a wonderful partnership.

[DyerMaker]

Ryl Aufein: The sun was setting in Absalom as Ryl stood across the street from the newly built Church of Asmodeus in the Ascendant Court district of the city; only two years post construction. The wind blew slightly from the south. Tradewinds brought a nice breeze into perpendicular streets this time of year. Ryl had been in the city for 10 days and was no closer to finding his family members than he was hiding within the walls of the church in Westcrown. His mind wandered as he pondered crossing the street. The sidewalks were crowded this time of day and Ryl tempered the sensation of feeling invisible among the masses. Any given person, on any given day, can be elated with joy or amiss due to some tragic circumstance. Ryl whispered this thought within himself as he watched the crowds sway like schools of fish in the Inner Sea. His process was interrupted by a verbal grunt. Was this a daydream or an actual noise. Ryl was momentarily confused as he was swept from his current state of torpor. Guurrr. Looking down an elderly human man in dirty robes looked back at Ryl as he sat pretzel-style on the sidewalk, his gaunt features and wisp of grey hair upon his nearly bald head gave away his apparent age. His eyes were not quite blue, but not green, somewhere 'tween the two. Guurrr, he grunted again at Ryl with his raspy baritone voice.

[Hella Lugosi]

"Thank you, Oberon. If you can spare the time, your protection would be most valuable." Roark nods politely as Belladonna's insistence. "Yes, of course. I can't imagine how worried he must be." He turns back to Oberon. "Assuming you have no further questions, I say we make our leave. As you say, first to Leonel, then to the Doxy."

[crowe]

Maria nods, smiling. Sounds like a deal. She pours a trio of drinks. To the start of a wonderful partnership.

Indeed, partner

[dantiesilva]

Spoiler: OOC

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Not sure what colors have been taken so far so unless told otherwise will use red

It's so odd looking at all of these people and woundering what each of them is dreaming about each night. Do they fear the unknown beyound the walls of this city, perhaps the poorer parts of town where the guards patrol less because it is harder to control the gangs? Maybe that one is dreaming about slaying a vile demon. Ryl thinks as he watches a little child swinging a wooden sword as if it were a real weapon, and no doubt in the boys mind it was. "An ancient artifact passed down since the dawn of time in his family who were once the proud guardians of an empire." Ryl muses aloud a warm, kind smile on his face as his eyes followed the child until he was no longer within Ryl's eyesight.

In truth Ryl was a bit jealous of the boy who seemed to not have a care in the world, while he had been on the run but a few years older than the boy from unknown assassins trying to destroy his family for some unknown reason. It is that innocence that keeps me moving each day in the search for my family, I have to protect them from the same fate that befell the rest of us. Ryl told himself, though in truth if he ever found his family members who were said to be in this town he really wouldn't know what to do. Simply settle down and never reveal himself to them, always staying close though in case they ever needed his aid? Reveal himself to them and hope they would accept him into their small little family? No these were the ideals of a child, something that had been stripped from him, he would stay close to them however he could never let them know who he truly was or who he served now. They would not understand why he served the Lord of Hell, few outsiders ever understood the true battle from the dawn of time and the sacrifice that was made to protect man from being destroyed by monsters beyond their understanding so long ago, but he had a few pieces to the story, and knew that sometimes evil was necessary to bring about a brighter world.

Taken back to the real world by the sudden distinct Gurr like sound Ryl began to reach for his crossbow he kept hidden inside of his robes, however when he saw the poor elderly man his features relaxed as he bent down so he could see the mans odd eyes. "Hello sir, are you trying to get my attention? Perhaps you want me to get the guards, or maybe you think because of my robe that I am a girl. Though I can assure you I am not." Ryl says trying to lighten the mood slightly and appear friendly and helpful to the man, though something seemed off, odd even and he made sure to let his special friend know this from where he was hiding in the shadows away from the people. "I am sorry sir but if you can not tell me more than such a simple gurr I must bid you ado for I do not understand what it is you are asking of me." Ryl explains as he stops crouching and returns to his full height, which is still rather small for most males of his race.

Spoiler: OOC

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Eioldon Perception check (1d20+4)[17]
Eioldon Sense Motives check [(1d20+4)[23]

[grifter730]

Oberon

Satisfied that he's probably gathered as much information as possible from Belladonna, Oberon nods at Father Roark as the priest was getting up to go. "I'll try to check on you daily for the next few days, just to make sure you're safe once you're home," he says to Belladonna. "First, let's make sure we get you home safely. Perhaps we can cover with a simple cloak and hood to help mask your identity?"

Spoiler: OOC

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The plan is that Oberon and Father Roark will escort Belladonna home, and then visit the Doxy afterwards.

[crowe]

Berengir enjoys the shot and slams it down with gusto, producing another wince.

When he gets a chance, he takes Maria aside, out of earshot (and lipreading) of Molly and Scab.

I hope you are up to this, kid. These "parties" are the big leagues, some of the most powerful families in Absalom attend them. This is where the real business in this city gets done, you can make coin off of just seeing who attends and who talks to whom, let alone what kind of deals go down.

[DyerMaker]

Father Roark & Oberon: Roark thanks Oberon for agreeing to stay around the church for a few days. He then agrees that taking Belladonna to her boyfriend in Green Ridge and then visiting The Doxy was the next course of action. Oberon lays out a plan to hide Belladonna's identity as they proceed to escort Belladonna home, and then visit the Doxy afterwards. The pair move toward Green Ridge, weaving their way through the edge of the coins and into the adjacent Green Ridge. Belladonna tries to explain which way to turn and what roads to take, but she's not that great with directions and the three of you seem to zig and zag your way through the district. The two of you hear a loud CRACK from the south as Oberon feels a sharp pain enter his back. The monk takes (1d8)[6] points of damage. Belladonna reacts with fear and pulls away. (You are now in combat. I'll have a map up soon).

Alice & Rufus: Standing outside of Alice's office, Rufus fills her in on a job he's been hired to do for Leviathan, leader of the Black Sahguain, a gang with formidable power 10 years ago but is now merely a shadow. The job includes taking a number of Chelish refugees / slaves to a warehouse owned by Leviathan. Rufus needs a bit of help and direction with this. Standing there as the sun sets. Alice and Rufus both hear the crack of a pistol a few blocks to the west.

[Blinkbear]

Alice & Rufus: Standing outside of Alice's office, Rufus fills her in on a job he's been hired to do for Leviathan, leader of the Black Sahguain, a gang with formidable power 10 years ago but is now merely a shadow. The job includes taking a number of Chelish refugees / slaves to a warehouse owned by Leviathan. Rufus needs a bit of help and direction with this. Standing there as the sun sets. Alice and Rufus both hear the crack of a pistol a few blocks to the west.

Alice jumps and instinctively steps towards the entry of her house and tries to pull Rufus with her. Then, she realizes that the gunshot had not been near but a few blocks away. Conflicted by her curiosity and her instinct to stay out of every gunfight she stares at Rufus while trying to remember if someone she knows live in the general direction. In particular her new client - maybe he had gotten into something shady...