Taken Part 1 - RPLOG

Participants

• Bazalt
• Glein
• Leonidas
• Shliek

Date

18/2/480

Log

The request had only been up a few hours, but already there was discussion amongst those Freeswords present in the inn about it. The issuer hadn't given a name. Just the situation and a description of the child. What probably made this all the worse was the fact that the child was merely a year old. Still, not many freeswords were taking the job owing it's mysterious circumstances. Would this hold true for others?

Shliek stands in front of one of the posted notices, rubbing his chin and pondering. He furrows his brow, trying to consider on how to go about performing such an investigation with so little information.,

Bazalt sighs, staring at the notice. Ususaly, he'd not helping in these types of things.. but A kid?..Only an important persons Kid was taken, for the randsome rewards, or atleast that was his asumption. In anycase, BAzalt was here-waiting and somewhat hoping for a good outcome....as unlikly as it may be.

Amused at some inside joke, Leonidas waits by the board. "Doesn't it seem... Interesting to you, a nameless request to find a missing child?" The olm rasps, looking back to Bazalt, grin widening to an almost predatory smile. "But no mention of where they came from? It would strike us as... Suspicious. Perhaps if our would-be employer would surrender some more details it would lend credibility to their claim." He circles the group and stands, tail winding around his legs. "We wonder, then. What do you make of this?"

Nearby, a spider sits and shrugs. "Some people prefer their privacy." He says, standing up. "I watch teh person filing the request. They were the kind of distraught you'd find in a parent desperate for anything they can get." He states, walking over to the notice board. "Theres a lot a group of criminals or other such minded folk could do to a young mind like this girl's."

"Hm. Perhaps this one, or others interested should consult some darker forces in town, perhapss oil them with some coin. Perhaps they speak.", the little lizard says without turning to face the others gathering.

Bazalt Glances at the Olm. "Didnt think this-no I take that back... and blame Lyas." he shrugs "I assume the Parent is a noble, Or rich because otherwise why WOuld you take a child-and In that case hte noble would wnat be left unamed because of the public.. or something."He Glances about, three shadows? that was strange to him, meeting more than one other of his kind. "In anycase...I'm doing this for the child.."HE sighs again, looking at Glein and then everyone else. "ideas where to start?"

"Is that so?" Leonidas replies, attention turning to Glein at an easy pace. "You're certainly right, some DO prefer their privacy." the smile remains ever-present. "We wonder then what you assume would be made of such a... Suspiciously lacking request. After all, you are the one handling this... Incident." The nature of the situation goes entirely unaddressed - for lack of interest or otherwise, it's difficult to tell - though Bazalt's comment incites a wider grin. "Now why would a noble feel the need to take such an indirect approach if so? And the rich are fond of flaunting their name as a bearer of ultimately worthless material goods. But we won't jump to conclusions. If your client IS a noble, though, we find the political implications... Interesting. We suggest starting here, with the single lead that has been provided to us so graciously."

The spider shrugs. "Being they came to the Freeswords and declined to put their name on the request, I imagine it's more to save face. But nonetheless, speaking with those in the city's underbelly might well give some leads." He says, face flat and expressionless. No point trying to hide what he was behind false emotional actions and expressions. "And I am not the one handling the the task persay. I watched the request be made and be posted."

"Well then. Let's get a move on.", the reptile urges as he starts to move towards the door. "This one is not adverse to launching a joint investigation, and surely one of you has some shady connections. This one does, but this soul is not so good at the talking."

Bazalt Shrugs "Nobles and Strange. I'm not going to start questioning how or why they do what they do..." he Trusn to leave with teh lizard. "anyone know about how the child was taken? Or who might do this? any groups known for this? the guard seen anything?" he asks,tail flicking.

Leonidas smiles. "But you did see the poster. Perhaps you have a description for us? Something more... Useful to follow up on. To ask the guard to investigate a theft without so much as saying where something was stolen is what is called a, 'Wild goose chase' by some beings." The olm straightens his back, surprisingly holding some decent posture, though the motion s hold some inchoate quality. "After all, it is... Suspicious as a request on its lonesome. We would not know what to do with the child should we find it. Perhaps it may be worth a... Trade, if your memory is up to the task."

Glein smirks. He pulls down the posted request and reads it aloud. "'Seeking Freeswords to help recover daughter. She is a gray fox kit of 1 year of age. Will pay reward of 25,000 crowns upon safe return of daughter. Culpris must be captured and handed to the Guard, not slain.' The parent also was a gray fox. So I imagine that's a start. They didn't mention anything else when making the request, so I imagine starting by seeing what is being whispered by those vastly closer to such deeds would get us more gleaned than asking the guards, who migth know as much as we." He points out, as they walk.

Bazalt sighs "This will be.. imtresting.." he mutters. "someone clearly wants revenge... so...that rules out afew-" he stops and shakes his head. "Hrn, well I have no clue where to start, atleast, this is far outside my area of expertise."

"The underbelly of society is not a monolith." Leonidas replies, making no reaction to the poster; "We could ask in Shanty town, the mercantile district, academy, noble district - with nowhere to place the crime, it does not make it easier to find witnesses. "It would afford us the ability to rule out one or more possible venues of investigation if you had seen any... Distinguishing markings. Do not patronize us. You are acutely aware of what we are asking, we would hope. Such may afford a placement to the Thera'doran border's guards, or a more... Domestic family. We may have some rather useful information perusant to... Certain criminal syndicates that plied their trade some time ago here, and the routes that they had used. But we see no sense in giving up such, without sufficient reason. One missing child is little in a sea of runaways, kidnappings of young and old, murders, blackmail, slander... These beings have a rather... Apt phrase. 'Loose lips sink ships'." Bazalt's suggestion is met with a grin. "... Oh, we have an idea. Perhaps more specifically, a whom. But we expect a direct discussion with them may come as... Forward. Secondary contacts would be more useful - for now."

"Oh?" Glein asks, looking over at Leonidas. "And what would you suggest then? After all, I've given all I know of the matter." The spider replies. "Besides, I cannot think of many families having this many crowns to throw away on a request like this. More so if they're trying to keep as low a profile as they can. That tells me, that it is likely a domestic situation. Or at the very least, the victim resides here in Sweetwater."

"The diseased Pig would be a good place to start, this one believes.", Shliek says. "Many a lips will talk there of things we may want to know, for a price."

"And if they are indeed attempted to hold a low profile, and you are not managing this request... We may see fit to pursue that individual on our own time, to preserve that security." Leonidas replies; "Your observations are apt, though. There ARE very few families with that sort of money. There are fewer grey foxes. And fewer still who might see fit to remain entirely anonymous when seeking help for such a thing, yet seem content to have their charge returned to them through the guard. a child that young would be lucky to speak, much less tell the guard whom their parents are." He grins. "Tell me, 'brother in arms'. Did you perhaps hear about a string of robberies in the Noble district some years ago? Perpetrated by a syndicate that had established a tunnel network beneath the city to access crawlspaces without necessitating entry to the buildings directly?"

Glein actually looks at Leonidas and shakes his head. "I was not aware of such. I've not been in Sweetwater all that long, nor have I managed to learn of many facets of teh city, or it's people. But I have learned of some." He says. "That might well be a lead we can check. If they're still in use, we'd find evidence of such, especially if they think the tunnels are safe."

"This one is not sure why we would go crawling around in the tunnels if we do not yet even have a concrete lead pointing us there.", the little reptile chips in.

Bazalt glances at Leonidas. "Mrrhm.. my thoughts..." he sighs "but again I ahve not ideas we if apparnetly have next to no Evidence" he shrugs "I dont see how I can help..."

Leonidas's smile widens. "The city never provided a statement for the completion of the tunnel's removal." The olm turns to Shliek; "The extent of the network was never publicly announced either. And such an extensive tunnel system may bear use to... Certain individuals of less honorable persuasions. But of course, there IS no concrete lead." Looking back to Glein - "Is there?" his stride lengthens, tail remaining relaitvely motionless. "The originators of that tunnel have been in hiding since their 'operation' was uncovered. But suffice it to say it may benefit to ask around Shanty town as well. But I suspect that if this is a problem of the mercantile or political classes, carousing at a gala or high-profile event could perhaps afford a lead on someone that might be... Conspicuously absent, for 'family affairs'. Or perhaps to speak with those that have an apparent grudge with the absentee. Would that suffice to provide another alternative? We have made no guarantee that the leads may be effective. But we do not hear a wealth of further options for future investigation either."

With a shrug, Glein starts walking. "Standing around debating possiblilities does little to get us closer to the answer either." He points out. "So, if we want to make progress, we'll just have to take a chance." He states, folding the request and pocketing it. His path was taking him towards Shanty Town. It was a likely local for getting something.

Shliek shrugs. "Fine, fine. Shany town it iss.", Shliek says when he noticing the bearing. "A bit more of a walk, but this one supposes that the locals will be just ashelpful. Maybe."

Bazalt simply Follows, glancing at hte Olm. "tunnels?...Intresting.. you think they were used for this?" he taps his chin.

Leonidas quirks an eyebrow. "... Oh, immediately towards the shanties?" The olm grins, looking back to Bazalt. "Only if the child was from a noble family. Merchants often frequent multiple estates, often in the Maritime district for those traders operating on the sea." He replies, grinning. "For all the enthusiasm, we feel that our... 'friend' knows more than he lets on. Or finds themselves duty-bound. Nobility and merchants convene regularly, after all... Or perhaps, there are simply a lack of contacts within the walls of this city for them to tap. We will see."

If Glein knows more or not is hard to tell. Maybe he just tires of rambling on possibilities. Either way, the group soon finds themselves in the shanties district. For now though, the trick was finding the right people to talk to. All without upsetting the balance of things. Or more importantly, being blatently obvious about it.

"Sooo.. is anyone occupying a soul capable of talking to disreputables?", Shliek asks. "This one is not in a proper soul."

Bazalt shakes his head "nope" he glances around "and how do we go aroond asking about this without making ourselves a target? i.. dont usualy do this so I dont know how-or where to start..." he glances around, more to get a bearing than to look for anything. "you two any ideas?"

"We may. However, our preference for working alone for our contact's... Safety is of course a concern." Leonidas replies. "It has been some time since we have been in this particular area, but there is no sense in simply standing around in Shanty town."

Glein recommends teh group splitting up, talking to those they can without too much risk. After all, a lot of people who are 'contacts' in such a place tend to be skittish about group meetings. After a short time the group reconvines and prepare to share what they managed to learn.

"I hope someone was more fruitful in their questioning than this one.", the lizard grumbles, having come up with nothing on his own.

Bazalt shrugs "well I didnt expect to learn anything and, of course didnt, as i said, outside my area." he simply states, looking around.

Leonidas is a little late to return, slinking out from an alley. "Apostasy holds benefits when speaking with the disenfranchised." He states, a predatory grin crossing his visage. "No, we found little of interest, but perhaps we may interest you in a small introduction to The Pub?" He suggests, a hand settling to his chin as he watches. Projecting his voice to the shadows present, rasp gone, and replaced with an oddly androgynous voice, he continues: {For privacy and to avoid tipping off those present that may use this to our detriment, we have word that our contact has a friend that frequented the pub and a man was heard bragging of the exploit there. Kindly inform the physical of this in as discrete a manner as possible, we will lead on should you consider this amenable.}

The spider nods. "I got very little usable information myself, but I think we could all do with visiting the Pub. I imagine a drink and a chance to mull over what we have and do know is of worth?" Glein says, gesturing for Leonidas to lead the way. The journey itself wasn't overly long, and the exterior of The Pub wasn't exactly the most appealing of things. If anything, it clearly spoke to the destitute state of the area it was in.

"Yes, let's do that.", Shliek agrees. "If anyone would be willing to talk, that'd be the best place to find them.", he says.,

"If you see no better alternative, and i suppose it's pobbiel we might learn something there." The wolf nods, turning to the lizard and speaking quietly to him, about what Leonidas had said, someone more willing to talk.

Leonidas is already making his way back down the alley, towards the location in question. "We would care to remind you, if you see any... 'Brutality' while we are there, do see fit not to play hero. We are not here to make ourselves obvious or to police anyone. Nobody here is fond of such authority."

As they stepped in, Glein nodded. "These are people who police themselves in their own way. And we've no authority or right to step in on that." He says. Sitting at his normal table, the man Leonidas had been told about, the 'buddy', a snake with a scarred up face was deep in his drinks.

Shliek finds a seat for himself to order some ale. "A fine establishment, indeed.", he mutters as he taps his claws on the tabletop.

Bazalt sits with the others, shrugging. "I'm not in the mood to make everybody here hate me." is all the wolfs says, sighing. He just wanted any info so he could be gone.. get this over and done with.

Before entering, Leonidas looks back to the group. "We will speak with our contact. Do not crowd us. Such would only serve to bring discomfort. We will directly speak with you if something arises." With that, the Olm makes his way in and approaches the Snake, setting himself down. "A friend said you saw someone bragging about a kidnapping earlier." He greets, ordering a mug of ale. "Strange how people take pride in something so mundane; there are dozens of kidnappings here daily."

The snake looked up, and huffed. "Yeah, it was the damnedest thing. Guy, some mutt of some kind was awefully happy about it. Like he was getting back some whoever he took the kid from." The snake says.

Shliek tilts his head, listening in from a distance as the snake starts to talk, but does not interfere with the interrogation. He drinks his beer nonchalantly.

Bazalt ears flick but he otherwise involves himself in idle chatter among the group-if only to not look TOO out of place even if he attempts his best to listen in on any intresting conversations in the pub.

"Mutt?" Leonidas asks, taking a sip of the ale and gesturing the mug towards the snake. "Revenge? Awfully... tame for someone coming out of Shanty town. Most here would just prefer to leave a nice message of it. A dagger in the heart, perhaps. We haven't heard of a kidnapping like that for some time; it has... piqued our interest." The olm leans back into his chair. "After all. It's rare for somone from here to go after a noble directly."

"Noble? Guy was stupid enough to kidnap a nobles brat and bring them here? The guy deserves to hang. I didn't look at him clearly, but Creators damn it, I don't want to have hte nobles come down here and burn us out. WE ain't got anywhere else to go." The snake grumbles.

Bazalt Sighs and leans on the table, loooking bored.

"You do remember where those tunnels go, don't you?" Leonidas prompts, shaking his head. "What makes this even more intriguing, though - the nobles don't seem to want to make this 'official'. The report that was posted back in Firmament? No name. No location. They don't want to be found out." He replies, leaning in conspiratorially. "So, did you see where that loudmouth went?"

"Nah, I didn't. And it ain't the slummer in me protecting him. Shit like that, that's just suicide." The snake says, shaking his head. "Sure, stealing from the nobles is all well and good. They can afford hte loses. But stealing a kid and gloating? Worst move I've heard of." HE states, taking a heavy draw on his mug. "All I know is he came here, had a few drinks, gloated, then left drunk. Where he went after that, I couldn't tell ya, I was too far gone myself."

"Sounds like he's a local then.", Shliek murmurs. "But that only retricts the area to this town.. thats a lot of doors to knock on."

Bazalt sighs and Taps his chin, humming "can only hope someone seen him..but who knows...Or.. he's gloating cause he's in league with powerful people..."

"Well, if you hear any more, let us know." Leonidas replies with a smirk. "We have a little dog to hunt down." The olm replies, rising from the table and making his way back out, a slight gesture of his hand beckoning the others to follow. {Almost certainly.} The olm projects.

Glein nods, and stands up. {Or he could have come here to avoid being recognized. It sounded like he wasn't a regular here.} He remarks, opening the door and letting the rest out first.

Shliek downs the rest of his drink and moves back out into the cool night air. "So, how shall we go about this now?", he asks.

Bazalt heads out, shrugging. "asking around raises suspision...Perhaps.. we should risk waiting afew days to see if any more information pops up?" he says witha Shrug. "seems to me that we've done all we can?"

"We intend to seek out this pup. If they are still here, there may be others who saw them staggering through. It is possible they know little if revenge was an easy motivator." Leonidas replies; "A cold trail is of little use. Further we have a certain... Contact that may care to know of these developments." The olm knits his fingers. "We have information enough to proceed for a short time. Perhaps check if there are further clues in more... Reputable associations. There are further options still should you choose to exercise them."