The Firstborn — IC

[Namelessjake]

"It might be better to try feeling out their employees first anyway. See what we can learn without tipping them off that we’re looking into things," Alierin suggests in response to Tesni.

[Scratcherclaw]

"Yeah, I don't think it's a good idea to try and talk to the owners just yet," Aeron agrees. "Their employees will definitely be more willing to talk, even if it takes a bit of coin or a favor."

 

[FinalTemplar]

As the others step outside, Dess half-turns towards them with his hands in his pockets. Speaking in elvish, he begins; "So we've got two options, at least for my leads. First, I've personally done supply drop offs for Cutter's Weave. It's a textile shop run by Sunti, down in the Low Docks. I might be able to talk to someone there... I think one of my friends still works there." He says, smiling softly. He clears his throat just then and continues; "Or, we could head down to a little dive bar named "Scodon's Ring". I've never been there myself but I've heard that Bereg runs it, or owns the building. Smugglers and their ilk hang out there, I imagine because they can hide there from law enforcement. Maybe we can shake someone loose." He says, raising an eyebrow.

[Namelessjake]

"Both sound like good options, Cutter's Weave first?" Alierin suggests.

[BartNL]

"Let's try your friend first, Dess. W-we can always p-pick a fight later." Vaugn jokes, though it's clear from the tremble in his voice that he does not want to 'shake someone loose'.

[Scratcherclaw]

"Agreed," Aeron says as the other two have given their preference. "It sounds like there's a lot less trouble to run into at this textile shop. Plus, I don't know about you, but I've had my fill of dealing with smugglers for awhile." He winces, the prior night still fresh in his mind.

 

[Fialova]

"Yes, it does sound the more pleasant option," Tesni agrees, as she listens to Dessarius' suggestions. Such an odd concept, smugglers. I know Sisera explained it already to me, but I am still not sure I fully understand. Will be interesting to see what these odd folk are like in person, but perhaps later.

[FinalTemplar]

"Well then, follow me." Dess says with a smile, and he leads them down to the Cutter's Weave, trying to pick the fastest route.

OOC

Does this require a roll?

[ratwizard]

You depart Kauza & Son's, following the blacksmith's navigation as he winds you through throngs of passersby. Your destination ends up being quite close — in fact, only a couple minutes' walk down the same avenue replete with artisan shops and specialized wares.

Cutter's Weave hosts a street-facing storefront with what looks to be an adjoining workshop behind it. All in all, it's about the same footprint as Kauza's business. The door to the storefront swings open and a pair of young pair of orcs step out, hauling away a long carpet rolled tightly with haste in their step. A middle-aged orcish man on the porch leans against the wall near the door, pulling from his pipe as he scans the street. At your approach, he pays you noticeable attention, his eyes lingering on each of you, though he does little other than than take another puff.

[Namelessjake]

Alierin eyes the orc in return, no stranger to receiving long stare downs from particularly antagonistic orcs. "You want to take the lead?" Alierin asks, looking to Dess and then to the door. "We're here to talk to your friend after all."

[Scratcherclaw]

Aeron nods at Alierin's suggestion, looking at Dess. "That's a good idea. They'll be more receptive to a familiar face, I'd imagine." The last time we marched into a store and started asking questions didn't go so well.

[FinalTemplar]

Dess leads the crew into the shop, giving a quick yet polite nod to the orc at the door. He steps into the shop, taking a quick look around to see if anyone he knew was working on that day.

[ratwizard]

The man standing by the door takes another pull from this pipe, offering you little other than a nod before he turns to watch the street again.

Inside, the textile store is dominated by a series of wooden shelves forming aisles across the floor, each holding rolls of burlap and linen and other bulk goods. There are spools of thread in many colors, as well as the raw dye for sale as well. One wall is full of carpets and rugs, some simple, some complex with designs embroidered into their patterns. The shelves are bifurcated by a center aisle which extends straight from the entrance toward a counter, behind which an older orcish woman sits, her hands deftly threading a needle through garments. Further behind her against the back wall rest a pair of wooden looms and a long table full holding hand tools.

"Good morning," she says, turning to face you, standing with hands clasped together earnestly. Her attention is focused on Dessarius in particular. "What can I do for you?"

Dessarius

You don't know her name, but you've seen this storekeep a couple times on previous pickups for Idrial. Mechanically speaking, I gave you a +2 circumstantial bonus on your Reaction Roll.

[Fialova]

"Hello, good morning," Tesni says, stepping into the surprisingly-large shop with a smile on her face. My, what abundance they have here. This seems to be more linen than my entire town back home ever had, all in one shop. She must be quite wealthy. "We came seeking some information, and Dessarius here said you might be able to help?" she continues, motioning towards their companion in question. 

[ratwizard]

"Ah, I see," the older woman says, following Tesni's gesture toward Dessarius, whom she gives a courteous nod. "Yes, what is it you are looking for? Are you... taking up the art of the needle yourself?"

[Namelessjake]

As the group enters the textile merchant's shop, Alierin's thoughts turn to her mother's attempts at teaching her to mend clothes. I had skill and knack for wielding a needle but never the patience. Daggers are much more interesting as far as pokey metal things go however, she thinks.

Yes and I brought all my friends carrying arms and armour for morale support, Alierin thinks at the older woman's question, though she bites her tongue, not wanting a repeat of the group's previous interaction with local shop keepers.