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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 30 May 2005 12:55 AM |
OOC: standard disclaimer: all that follows is information that only a select few would know...
therefore please RP accordingly.
~~ Nico finished reading the notes to Mister Jessup and looked up to await his answers....Jessup stared at the scars on his ankles...wiggled his feet...good as new. The physical pain was gone....but the mental pain would not leave him until the job was finally done. Nico cleared his throat.." Sir? Your answers? " Jessup looked up quickly...."Zend word to Mizta Connz to zeek me outz az zoon az im canz...diz needz ta be dealt wit...alzo...zet upz a meetin wit da High Zcholarz and Mizta Wezterovenz...i need ta dizcuzz a few tingz wit dem in diz zituationz." Nico scribbled down Mister Jessup's requests. "And the Southern Office?" Nico adjusted his spectacles as he peered up asking. Jessup Snorted and replied..." Inform dem ofz a new job that will require dem to relocatez ta Brandibuckz fer a timez...onze dem be der...haz dem contact uz. Tell dem ta do diz az zoon az pozziblez az we muz act quickz on diz. Tha be allz fer now Nico...many tankz."
"Of course sir....i shall send these out immediately. Oh...i almost forgot Master Sam said dinner will be served promptly at six this eve sir...will you be dining alone?" Jessup noded. "Yez...juz mizelf." "Very good sir." Nico bowed as he walked out of the shop. Jessup continued to stare at his ankles. It was time to deal with this Eleanor person. But who to use for this job......a smile slowly crept onto Jessup's face. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 30 May 2005 07:25 AM |
OOC: standard disclaimer: all that follows is information that only a select few would know...
therefore please RP accordingly.
*Letter marked “urgent” addressed for Mr. J. The letter is sloppy and appears to have been written in haste*
after speaking to Eleanor in PR, and then later aquireing access to place of residence, following info was uncovered:
discovered letters addressed to Luther McLath, Elvalia Mellebin, and Tolith Winebeared confirming the following: permanent death of malakai (means of disposal to be decided by all parties if bid is won), whereabouts of Johe and other halflings, and ways to protect brandibuck by turning over malakais possessions to Ka’azim and Ladriel for study on how to do such. Also, questions are to be shared as deemed fit, with the exception that one is reserved expressly for Elvalia
figures that show funds they have aquired... much of it has come from Ferein and Bregodim, as well as large amounts from Luther and Eleanor.
They seem to have a considerable amount still in reserve, with Ferein pledged to continue to support.
also of note, was mention that Ferein is unhappy with Rasputins involvement with the BH, stating his actions are not consistent with those of a priest of Elbereth
Eleanor mentioned burying him in a place nobody would ever find him. The Elves may very well have much influence in this decision. (correspondence from Ferein would seem to indicate this possibility... also Elvalias comment that she plans to see ‘him’ taken care of)
My entry to her residence was definitely detected, though I do not believe she will be able to pinpoint it was me, and unless she is very anal, it should be hard to determine what info was uncovered
See you at the auction
C |
"I'm not closed-minded, you're just WRONG." - Bucky Katt
My characters n portraits |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 30 May 2005 10:59 AM |
OOC: standard disclaimer: all that follows is information that only a select few would know...
therefore please RP accordingly.
~~Note to C.~~
We are pleased to hear of your findings, it is unfortunate that you were detected. These things are unavoidable however. We wish you to proceed with your current job as talked about earlier. We are sending another to work with you. He will approach and reveal himself to you when the time is right. Rest assured we have complete faith in your abilities to accomplish this task alone, but with the current state of events..our time schedule has een pushed forward.
Signed
Nico |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 30 May 2005 10:51 PM |
| ((heh.. love this thread)) |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
--
<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 31 May 2005 06:50 PM |
OOC: standard disclaimer: all that follows is information that only a select few would know...
therefore please RP accordingly.
~~~All over the land of Vives whether it be in the Port , Midor, Icy Vale...all agents recieve the following note....
Fellow Agents,
It has come to the orginizations attention that the assassins known as the Night Stalkers has become a top priority. Their whereabouts are unknown...how they were able to infiltrate the Port under our noses has raised some alarm. It is with a sense of urgency that we find out any information about this group. A warning to all Hand members that this group of assassins is not to be taken lightly. Unless infromed otherwise they are to be dealt with extreme caution. Find out as much as you can about this orginization....avoid contact with them until we know more of them. Only in the case of self defense is bloodshed approved. They will be dealt with accordingly.. Early reports are that they were sent by the lord of the Undercity. The mages of Naillamne are also another possiblity. It is no secret that there is a contract out on the head of one of our members Jack Flashblade. We in the Hand protect our own. An assault on him is an assault on all of us. The act of violence that transpired in the HQ the past day was not only an act against our members but our standing. A message will be sent. This group will be dealt with in the harshest of manners, rest assured we will have our revenge.
As for the woman named Eleanor. It has yet to be decided what to do with her. We will withold our judgement on her for the time being. You will be informed when we deciede to act.
Any questions please send word to HQ.
Nico
Scribe and Accoutant of P&J Enterprises |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 01 Jun 2005 06:11 AM |
OOC: standard disclaimer: all that follows is information that only a select few would know...
therefore please RP accordingly.
*letter left for Mr. J*
Eleanor may have already sent you a letter concerning this, she said she would, but I thougt it was worth sending you one myself anyway.
Malakai is alive and back in his tower. Eleanor had a run in with the deamons at some point it would seem. that, and who knows what else, helped her finnaly realize that the crazy wizzard had to be alive to keep the demons at bay. its nice to know she isn't as thick as I once thought.
However, she also said that Malakai had no knowledge of how to make usable weapons against the demons. though she says he IS 'bound' not to harm the halflings again, (whatever that means) and even assures that he will help fight the deamons in the future. Perhaps he would be willing to research a useful weapon to use against them now.
In any case, she said to tell you she appreciated your help, and whishes to see the Hand compensated accordingly.
oh, and one last thing, she claims she doesn't write anything down that she wouldnt want anyone to know, and not to break into her home in the future.
take that with a grain of salt.
Cora |
"I'm not closed-minded, you're just WRONG." - Bucky Katt
My characters n portraits |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 01 Jun 2005 05:58 PM |
OOC: standard disclaimer: all that follows is information that only a select few would know...
therefore please RP accordingly.
~~A note addressed found on all agents of the Hand~~
Fellow members,
Early reports on the group of assassins that attacked the HQ are saying that these murderers are indeed somehow related to if not are the Night Masks. Once again our bitter foes have appeared. Apparently they have recruited well and have up the stakes against us with these new recruits. The question still remains who hired them. All agents are to track down those that were present at the attack. Eleanor Thorn, Alton Highill, Jubei, and the elf known as Calia are to be questioned for what knowledge they have of the attack. Again this is a top priority. All agents are to procced with caution. We of the Hand are preparing an expedition to the Undercity to confirm rumours of the Lord Nu'men's involvement.
Nico
Scribe and Accountant of P&J Enterprises |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 05 Jun 2005 08:33 PM |
OOC: standard disclaimer: all that follows is information that only a select few would know...
therefore please RP accordingly.
*sealed envelope, addressed to PAJWT*
Mr. Jessup,
After an abridged luncheon including representatives of other associations and enterprises in Ferein this afternoon, myself and the other business persons concluded that a brief visit to the Offices of an entreprenuer named Nu'men, would be beneficial to all those involved. Unfortunately, it was not entirely that. The trip there and back was fraught with difficulties, both large and small, and the service was lacking. Nu'men was a curious fellow, being rather deliberate, to the point, and completely inflexible with his requests. Apparently, he has in his possession an item known as a "Tear", with which he would not even be open to negotiations without the concession of a particular article. According to this gentleman, a member of our association, a Captain, must be slowly and greviously released from all troubles, and have it be clear enough to be heard even by His employees. This point cannot be emphasized enough. Luckily, the workplace lost no employees today, even though there were a few who wished to provide the Captain his pink slip. Aside from these setbacks, I think that this introduction with Nu'men will provide us a stepping stone for further exchanges, and an insight into his intransigency and potential desires for the future.
Upon my return, and to my utter joy and surprise, I found that Mr. Jaxon was having coffee and cake with a number of his employees/associates. As it had been a long time since I had seen him, I sat in and reacquainted myself. I was sad to hear that he is facing the same difficulties as we, but pleased to know that he is keeping good contact with you and the Port offices to help resolve the problems. As you so flawlessly predicted, a strategy for resolving the difficulties with the aggressive agency would be to have an individual, employed by either one or both of our organizations, pose as an employee of these veiled aggressors. Mrs. Delving, with whom I have introduced myself, fully, informed Mr. Jaxon's assemblage that you have informed her of a contact that will be able to fit the requirements established. Namely, inconspiciousness, avowed silence, intelligence, and a proclivity to deal with situations in a timely and efficient manner. I can think of one who would fit this description, whom I am confident would be very happy to fill this position. Of course, I am sure you already have this planned. This being said, I look forward to our future meeting with the entrepreneur, and any other work you may have for me regarding our difficulties.
---Southern Offices, P&J Enterprises |
Do not ask of them questions. You will receive three answers, all of which are true and horrifying to know. |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 23 Jun 2005 04:29 PM |
OOC: standard disclaimer: all that follows is information that only a select few would know...
therefore please RP accordingly.((apologies for lateness, brain isn't operating at full speed))
*sealed envelope, addressed to PAJWT, c/o Mr. Jessup*
Sir,
During a second, and poorly staffed venture into Undercity, things did not fare well for the enterprises involve. Instead of a civil negotiation with Nu'men, our associates attempted to obtain the Shard by force. He did not take this kindly and eliminated any chances of its negotiation, permanently. We were of course invited to stay in his domain for a rather long and drawn out period, particularly with regard to a talented lady by the name of Solitare. He insisted, quite forcefully in fact, but many were hesitant to stay any longer, being eager to return to their work ((read: to stay alive without unending torturous pain.)) Another lady, by the name of Alianda, interrupted his offer so that we might be on our way. Of course, the cost-benefit analysis of her position does not bode well for the future of her business.
This exchange could have been avoided, and the shard returned, but for a Mr. Caiaphas. Apparently, he was given the wrong information during the trip, so was mistaken about what strategies and tactics were to be used for this particular situation. It is ironic that this gentleman's current profession is that of public relations ((read: Bard)). Needless to say, his reputation and political standing were severly damaged, along with the loss of some faculty.
However, prior to this event, Ms. Delving informed me that she would like to take Mr. Caiaphas on for some part-time work and training, so that he may develop his abilities and put them to good use. Apparently he showed promise, and his goals were concurrent with those of our enterprise. She did ask for my advice on the subject and I approved his temporary position on the condition that his training be strict with all measures to be taken for loss prevention. I should also warn you that Ms. Delving may be running into a bit of trouble given a situation developing in the Guyver workplace. I have taken care to address part of it already with Ms. Delving, though your advice on the subject would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I have still not been informed of the date for our exclusive trip into Undercity. By this time I do not know if it would be in our best interests, as it does not appear that Nu'men is associated with the industrial sabotage upon our facilities. This, and according to my latest reports Mr. Jaxon is intent on sending an employee of his organization to infiltrate the saboteurs ((read: Night Stalkers/Masks)). I would ask your advice on the situation and how you would most like to deal with it.
Finally, the good news is that productivity has increased this quarter. The Southern Offices have reached a new level of efficiency, a condition that we intend to repeat indefinitely. Good luck sir, in all your dealings.
----Southern Offices, P&J Enterprises |
Do not ask of them questions. You will receive three answers, all of which are true and horrifying to know. |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 24 Jun 2005 07:56 PM |
OOC: standard disclaimer: all that follows is information that only a select few would know...
therefore please RP accordingly. ( also apologies for lateness, but as this thread is for enjoyment factor anyhow, guess the timeliness is not an issue )
*letter marked URGENT*
Mr. J.
Today an elf by the name of Virallax paid me a visit and asked me to pass on a message:
“tell him we are very grateful for him looking after our...interests so well, but we expect him and his out of Port by months end otherwise we will have to...collect all he owes us...and he will find that a most unpleasant experience”
he then proceeded to enter P+J’s and kill slick. We don’t know if anything else was tampered with.
Connavar took slick to the temple around the corner and got him restored. The priestess asked no coin for this, but wanted you to know they were helpful, although I feel I should add that they held no regard for your name when I dragged Connavar in there last week and mentioned you then. They simply asked the full price to restore him.
In any case, something needs to be done, and soon.
Will await your orders.
C
*letter to Cora*
Lady Cora,
We thank you for this information as well as your bringing Mister Jessup's snake back to life. Please infrom Mister Conn of our gratitude. As for our friend Virallax,
it was only a matter of timeas to when we would see him again. It should make our job of finding him and the Night Masks much easier. Mister Jessup should be returning from the Undercity within a day or two. We have sent word to him and im sure he wont be happy at all. In any event, pass the word on to Mister Jaxon as to your run in with him. It should prove useful to him and the Guyvers. Until then, use caution. The Masks are sure to strike soon.
Nico
Scribe and Accountant of P&J Enterprises |
"I'm not closed-minded, you're just WRONG." - Bucky Katt
My characters n portraits |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 25 Jun 2005 03:16 PM |
......No one said a word...everyone just stared...they knew that they would get the same fate if they even made a sound....Redbeard just watched in horror as blood dripped all over his tavern floor as the Mask's limp body was being taken out over the orc's massive shoulders...Connaver followed and behind him a grinning Cora. As they stepped outside Candy gave a shriek....with a stern look from Cora she simply covered her mouth and went back to work peddling herself. Gariert along with Betty the fish lady were frozen in terror, the patrons around them began backing up. Whispers and the sound of feet running could be heard everywhere. The three were acting as if they were invisible......they just didn’t care. They made their way to the entrance to the alleyway that led to Johe's shop and the Pearl. The tour shop was right there. Jessup looked up..there was a balcony window...perfect he thought. With a grunt and a point they got to work. Connaver pulled out a rope and handed it to Cora. With a boost she made her way up the side of the building. Mister Jessup bent over and stripped the body clean of everything...its eyes, ears and nose included. He popped them all in a small satchel. As Cora made her way up the side of the building, Connaver handed Mister Jessup the large note he was instructed to write....it read the following in the victims own blood..."HERE IS YOUR ANSWER". Below it on the victim's stomach, was the imprint of Mister Jessup's large hand in black.
"All set!" Cora shouted down as she lowered the rope. Connaver watched as Mister Jessup tied the other end off around the dead Masks neck. He walked over to the street lamp and tied it around ever so snug. With a loud grunt he pulled on the rope slowly the body lifted....all of a sudden a growl was heard from the orc and the body flew up the side of the building as if it weighed a mere 2 lbs...Cora smiled and adjusted the body as if she were decorating her own room, tilting her head form side to side. "There...perfect!" she said. She quickly lowered herself down. The three stood gazing at their handiwork. Mister Jessup looked at the two.
"Mizta Connz! Findz leetle Johez...tellz im i wanz a meetin wit im az zoon az pozziblez. We haz ta zet a plan in motionz."
"Yes Mister Jessup!" Conn noded.
"Lady Coraz! I wan ya ta findz out all da infermatinoz on da Mazkz ya canz....we needz ta locatez der baze..uze forze ifn ya haz too...da time fer da zoft approach be ova. I wantz a lizt a all da buzinezzez da Mazkz are involved inz. Ifn dey even mentioned in da zame breathez az da buzinezz i wan ta knowz. Ztart wit all da tavernz..every townz an zity. No plaze be left unqueztioned."
Cora gave a stern look and with a blink of an eye vanished from sight. Conn gave a slight bow and was off as well. Jessup walked into his shop where Nico was catching up on some bookkeeping. "Good news Mister Jessup...we made a nice little prof......" He caught himself before he could finish..he could tell it was no time for this kind of talk.
He caught himself before he could finish..he could tell it was no time for this kind of talk.
"I wantz ya ta zend wordz ta all operativez Nicoz....haz dem be on full alertz...we iz goin ta war wit da Mazkz.i want da boyz ta be readiez ." Nico nodded as he quickly began following the orcs orders.
Jessup sat in his chair and grunted...Slick slowly slithered his way toward him...still moving slow after the Mask had brutally cut him apart the snake gave a hiss. Jessup smiled. Slick always had a good sense of smell. Jess reached in his satchel and pulled out one of the eyeballs he had removed form the Mask. He tossed it on the ground and watched as Slick quickly swallowed it up.
"Patienze Zlickz....der gon be plenty fer ya ta eat zoon!" |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 26 Jun 2005 05:46 AM |
OOC: standard disclaimer: all that follows is information that only a select few would know...
therefore please RP accordingly.
*note delivered to Mr J*
Mr. J.
It would appear we are chasing down the wrong worg.
After a little heart to heart chat, with an acquaintance of our decorative wall hanging, it would seem that these fellows are small time, and in no way related, other than in name, to our dear friends who have been round lately to pay us visits.
And unfortunately, they, just like us, have no idea where our new friends can be found.
I shall continue with my task, and keep you informed on any new developments.
C |
"I'm not closed-minded, you're just WRONG." - Bucky Katt
My characters n portraits |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 26 Jun 2005 02:26 PM |
**The following letter was delivered to the PJ building, by an excited young boy who was braging about the amount of gold he got to carry a piece of parchment**
Jessup, i am looking for some new items and have heard you have some new powerful things. Even though i know you’re very busy i shall try and meet with you at your building. Some people have spoke of some troubles in port i was wondering if you had heard. Soon it will be so people can’t even walk in the day let alone night.
I am having some work done at my tower so we shall be out for some weeks.
When you get a chance i am looking for a diamond buyer. I have quite a number of them. Looking and trying to find them at the same time is proving difficult. Love them or hate them they are good for the pocket.
Killing monsters doesn’t seem as rewarding as it did a few months ago. Everyone gets hurt and they seem to be all over the place anyway. Even people who are meant to be heroes are ending up in graves. Putting that aside i managed to get you some raw giant.
With all the workers i have here you would think i like lots of company. Another one of life’s little things to annoy me. This morning i found one of my item traps had been set off, i was surprised not to find a corpse as it was a nasty trap but the item was still there so i think they got the message. Coming to my tower to steal things i laugh. Ha.
J
**when the letter was received it was dipped into sprits and taken to Jess** |
Its easy clinging to your moral high ground when you have everything, try it when you have nothing left.
Cain Angus |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 26 Jun 2005 02:33 PM |
Jess read the following letter.
Jessup, i am looking for some new items and have heard you have some new powerful things. Even though i know you’re very busy i shall try and meet with you at your building. Some people have spoke of some troubles in port i was wondering if you had heard. Soon it will be so people can’t even walk in the day let alone night.
I am having some work done at my tower so we shall be out for some weeks.
When you get a chance i am looking for a diamond buyer. I have quite a number of them. Looking and trying to find them at the same time is proving difficult. Love them or hate them they are good for the pocket.
Killing monsters doesn’t seem as rewarding as it did a few months ago. Everyone gets hurt and they seem to be all over the place anyway. Even people who are meant to be heroes are ending up in graves. Putting that aside i managed to get you some raw giant.
With all the workers i have here you would think i like lots of company. Another one of life’s little things to annoy me. This morning i found one of my item traps had been set off, i was surprised not to find a corpse as it was a nasty trap but the item was still there so i think they got the message. Coming to my tower to steal things i laugh. Ha.
J |
Its easy clinging to your moral high ground when you have everything, try it when you have nothing left.
Cain Angus |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 26 Jun 2005 02:52 PM |
OOC: standard disclaimer: all that follows is information that only a select few would know...
therefore please RP accordingly.((apologies for lateness, brain isn't operating at full speed
*sealed envelope, addressed to Southern Offices, P&J Enterprises
Sir,
We commend your efforts in dealing twith the Fey folk and the shard. The Underscity is a treacherous place ruled by one with less than stellar reputation. While a private journey is stillin plans, it has been placed on hold for now as a moore urgent situation has arisen in the Port. As to your current task we wish you to ewxpand your duties to the Icy Vale. Reports are coming in that there is something strange going on there. The disappearence of some Rightous Swords has raised the eyebrows of Midor. To further our interest in the area, the weather has become cold beyond recorded time. We wish you to investigate these matters as cautious and privately as possible. It is our specualtion that the worshipers of Helkris have something to do with this matter. If thi sis the case i cannot advise you enough to watch your step. The tensions between the Naruthians and the followers of Helkris has been on the rise as of late.
With regards to the situation in the Port, It has come to our attention that a new group or guil d is set on removing the Black Hand form the Port. Needles to say we shall not be so easily threatened. Though they share the same name as the Night Masks, it would appear that that is where the similarities end. All agents have been put on alert. We advise you to do likewise despite your distance form the Port. We have put one of our best agents on the matter to uncover any information leading to the dissollution of this group. Should you hear anything to aid in this effort we wish you to send word as soon as possible.
Nico
Scribe and Accountant of P&J Enterprises |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 27 Jun 2005 04:25 AM |
Crack. Crack. Crack. Jake was rather accustomed to the sound of bones breaking. A sadistic grin warped his rather plain features, and he muttered through his teeth.
"This would all be over if you just told me what I wanted to know..."
"G'aaagh! Please, please stop! I'll tell you anything.. Oh god.. my arm... my arm..." A frail looking man with a lot of scars was writhing, trying to pull his way out of Jake's iron grip. Jake's grin widened into a sneer.
"After the Masks were driven out of Port, they scattered.. most of us turned into thugs, pickpockets. I even think a few work in Midor, I heard a rumour. But some disappeared, and they.. they.. I don't know.."
"What happened to them?!" Jake pressed harder. He felt the familiar sensation of a man's arm slowly being wrenched out of its socket. "If I rip your arm off, I'm going to beat you to death with it!"
"Fine, fine! The rest.. the rest came back something else.. I don't know what.. They're killers now, contract killers, word has it they're the best. They'll ice anybody for the right price."
"Anybody, eh? What do they want with Port?"
"I don't know!" The man's face was quickly reacquainted with the ground.
"WHAT DO THEY WANT?!"
"I don't know! I really don't... I heard somethin' about some faction wars against the Black Hand and some halfling, but otherwise I don't know nothin', I'm serious!"
Jake dropped the man on the ground.
"How do I contact them?" |
- [Rob], Balthor, Jake, and Thomas. |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 29 Jun 2005 04:13 AM |
Black whiskers poked out from each side of the peculiar gnome's face as he walked into P&J's dragging an unnaturally large sack behind him. He pulled a tiny note from his pocket, read it carefully, looked to the right, nodded, and started shuffling for the stairs.
The eccentric little gnome dragged himself and his large bag all the way to Mister Jessup's door, knocking briskly until Jessup answered, a scowl on his teeth, his hair in disarray, and a rather unpleasant odor emanating from him.
"Mister Jessup," the gnome spoke proudly and clearly unaware of his own mission, "My name is Bingles and I am a pest control specialist. A mister... 'John Holden,' was it, says you have a terrible rat problem in your basement, and hired me (and paid in advance, I might add) to help you out." He pulled a folded note from his pocket and gave it to him. "He also asked me to give you this note. Now..."
The gnome began digging through his pack, pulling out a variety of large and small mousetraps. "Would you say your rats are this big, or.. this big?" |
- [Rob], Balthor, Jake, and Thomas. |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 30 Jun 2005 03:45 PM |
......Normally Conn would be dead. He wouldnt have even made it out of the shop. Slick would be feasting on his eyes. He would be nothing more than tales in a tavern...."whatever happend to ol Conn?" theyd ask. "Didnt he get thrown in the Midor prison?" another would say. "No...hes livin somewhere near Icy Vale i tell ya" still another would say. Now was not the time....he would learn you dont leave the Hand. Thats why there was a mark on him. One that was nearly impossible to take off him. Later....more important things first.
Azure Lights, Night Masks, Fire Knives, Vestlat, Gukathel, the Rightous Sowrds, Vidus. Jessup had survived them all. The list was long. Tired. So tired. He couldnt really blame Conn. He saw how Jessup lived his life. Virtually stalked everyday of his life. By someone or something. Conn new one day Jessup would slip....and when that happens Conn would be next. No sir..not for him.
It was still early for him. He still had a choice. He would rather take his chances with Jessup's mercy that with that kind of life.
Thats if Jessup survived. He new the talk. He was getting old. Too old for this kind of business.
Though he transformed the Hand into what it was today, some thought he had lost a step...after all Pick was gone. Ripe for the pickings many thought...the Silver Runners....Night Masks....Fire Knives....all chomping at the bit. Conn was playing the odds.....walk away and Jess dies...no retaliations...clean slate....new life. Smart move.
Jessup looked at his old shop, where it all started....in his head he heard the advice of his beloved partner...."Funny thin bout death Mista Jessup....no matta how much ya prepar for it....you aint neva gon be ready....no sa...not me mate....ya see..im grabbin death by the balls ....take it ta im! Afta all Mista Jessup..if ya gonna go...make sur ya go goin at im, not away from im!"
" Ritez at dem.....no merzy." Jessup snarled. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 30 Jun 2005 04:17 PM |
Conn sat and scratched at the mark of the hand branded in the back of his head. He had sat there and told Jessup that he was out, that he couldn't live in the shadows anymore. He had sat there and told Jessup that he was not cut out for this life. That he wanted nothing to do with the upcoming battle. He had expected Jessup to kill him. To yell at him. To tell him we would be hunted to the edge of Vives..... Instead Jessup had let him go. Had let him leave.
Conn sighed as he sat there pondering about his life. He had joined the hand looking for power, adventure and riches. Those thing he never found only pain and death. He could no longer live a life he didn't believed in. Cora was right he was soft. He knew that if Jessup did not die in this coming battle that this would not be over. Conn had made his mistake and now he knew he would pay for it. He scratched at the mark. It seemed to burn as he thought about what was to come.
"If i am to die.. i die a free man and clear of conscience" He said aloud as he strolled off toward his room. |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 30 Jun 2005 04:38 PM |
Hans stood right behind them, straining to hear every whisper.
Jessup and someone else, someone Jessup called Jakez.
"Tryin' to hire 'em was no deal, by the way. They're not taking any contracts until they've moved back in."
"Dey knowz wha wez are plannin'. Dey zee it zomehow."
"But they have a few lined up already. Some of the Hand already accepted contracts to stand aside. He didn't bother to tell me who, but I don't trust anyone enough to send a messenger."
"Ifn wez livez through diz, I gonna bring ell to dose dat betrayed me."
...
"Ah, just the dwarf I was looking for."
"Mind if I take this in private?"
"Sure"
(Inside)
*Casts a spell on Hans*
"I said private. Now why don't you go outside, stand at the door, and not let anybody in." |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 30 Jun 2005 05:22 PM |
"Tomorraz I gotsta give ya a few keys, Baltorz, an' one udder t'ing jus' in case dis all goes sours..." Jessup's slur wandered through the lobby of P&J's.
"What udder t'ing?" The dwarf raised his eyes, a little curious. For all intensive purposes, Balthor was inheriting the Tour House in the event of Jessup's death. Granted, there was a good chance that the Tour House wasn't gonna be there if that occured, but the end result was that everything in the building would belong to him.
"You remembaz how we raise'd Sirac? All what was left of him were his finger?" Jessup grinned widely.
"Aye, I remember. Same way we saved Daimon, wit a little vial o'blood." He sat back, still speculating at what was coming next.
"I'm gon' give youz a fingah.. If they's git mez, I want you ta bringz me backz..." A low chuckle crawled out of the half-orc's throat. Balthor just grinned.
"They ain't never gon' git us, will they?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "Awright, I'll do it."
"You gotz ta do it, though." Jessup slammed his hand down on the table, extending his little finger. "Just me pinkiez."
"Uh... Well.. Awright.. if'n you say so." He dug through his pack, retrieving his prized great-axe. Taking a stance, he raised it over his head. "Now, stand still..."
"WHOOOA?! Gimmez a break!" Balthor stood there seriously, and slowly his stern, focused look broke into a little grin, and finally shattered into raucous laughter. After sharing a good laugh, Balthor put the axe away and retrieved a knife, enchanting it with fire.
"Fire'll work good. It'll help cut easy an' it'll cauterize the wounds so they don't bleed an' go bad." He turned back to Jessup who had already returned to the ready position. Balthor brought the knife over Jessup's hand.. "This is fer old times!" And struck precisely where the knuckle parts from the hand. A clean split.
Jessup growled in pain, and cracked his neck. "G'ah. Mez okay."
A little wary, Balthor picked up the finger, waving it around a bit. "I don't usually keep body parts around.. This' kinda weird."
Jesssup sat back in his chair, grinning. "We'z gon' make it through this weekend, Baltorz. We'z gon' survives an' then nobody will hide from Mista Jezzup's revenge."
"I'll bet they won't, lad. You an' me, we'll git 'em. Take care'a yerself, Jess, 'til next time."
"You too, Baltorz. Stay safez.."
Balthor stood, offering a smile and a wave, and wandered out. |
- [Rob], Balthor, Jake, and Thomas. |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 30 Jun 2005 05:35 PM |
I grew up on the streets.
Living on the streets of a city like Port Royale isn't what most people expect. Heh. Most people can't fathom what happens out there every day. I know guys'll split their own mothers' back if the price is good enough. And I know guys who'll sell their own father if it means they can eat another few days. Life is gritty, life is nasty, and all you people who sit in Ms. Miggins and chomp down your meat an' ale pies and joke, and think you know about the dark side just because you've been in a few dark alleys don't know the half of it. You don't even know the half of that.
When you're in, you're in. If you join up with a boss, you don't leave. That's your job and it's your job until the bitter end. If you make a mistake, if you betray your boss, you're going to die. But there's ways to dies for each level of betrayal. And some are more gruesome than I'd care to say. Others are so gruesome they're only whispered about.
Word on the street is a nasty thing. You want to kill a guy, you spread a rumour that he's takin' a little too much of a cut from that week's business. But that might only work once or twice until you hear the rumour that you're a dirty liar and a snitch. That's why the word on the street is solid. Guards lie, newspapers lie, everybody lies, except us.
Too many people working for Mister Jessup backed out on this fight and they'll get what's coming to them. Who knows what information they sold, how fast they turned belly up. But they'll be dealt with. I might even live long enough to help. Of course, that's not a guarantee.
Because I betrayed Mister Jessup too. I told somebody else our business, and for that, I'm as good as dead. I admitted it to Jessup myself. But I'll stick through this and fight. I'm a warrior, I'm not going to die hiding under a rock. I'll die fighting these bastards and taking as many as I can with me.
Heh. They better watch out. |
- [Rob], Balthor, Jake, and Thomas. |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 30 Jun 2005 07:36 PM |
OOC: standard disclaimer: all that follows is information that only a select few would know...
therefore please RP accordingly
*letter for Jessup*
Mr. J
Was in Johes place, to discuss possible courses of action. Johe had used one of those seeing spells to check the place, and he saw something way up in the rafters that he thinks was some kind of magical eves dropping. We suspect they have been observing our actions and discussions the entire time. Would explain why we have hit dead ends at every turn.
Suggest using such spells or scrolls and thoroughly checking the area when further discussion is needed.
C |
"I'm not closed-minded, you're just WRONG." - Bucky Katt
My characters n portraits |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 30 Jun 2005 10:24 PM |
((OOC:Mozarts Requiem plays in background))
A spirit once at rest. Those that understand chaos know there is not peace in death, only the end of action...
From beyond death.... the spirit of Pickston could sense the dire circumstance of his friend Jessup. Once legendary in the lands, reduced to a decaying corpse under the sea. His body entombed by a powerful sea creature offshore from the port, an owed favor to an enemy of Rickticks made good upon. The Aboleth chuckled to itself at its success made possible by the vigilance of the paladin Arcane. The halflings body now secured away from the favor of any of the miriad of priests that vowed unwavering friendship to the halfling.
Aboleth: "such a pity you fought with fairness as never before Rickticks. Such a folly... then you were never the wisest of your kind. Thy lack of wisdom hast forever damned... *alarmed* I sense something strange...." |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 01 Jul 2005 05:17 PM |
Roosters announced the dawn as it broke the horizon. Vic, pulled his cloak on and the hood over his head as he left the Cleric's residence. He had been staying with the kind man for several weeks under a false identity and personna and had inserted himself as a new Silver Runner recruit.
He took up an axe and looked at the forest, which lay beside the Island stronghold. As he chopped a dead tree he glanced up at the two story building in the middle of the stronghold. He could hear the rustling of guards and merchants beginning to stir on the small island community. He noticed the rotund Pirate, who he had been instructed to scout, walk out onto the second story balcony and scan the area. Aggitated, Captain Bones threw down an empty rum bottle from his perch at one of the guards below.
Vic had been on the island for weeks....watching...waiting, silently taking note of Bones' actions, his "tendencies."
Vic had been eager to visit the island and he was very appreciative and honored to have Mister Jessup send him here on a solo mission to become a "recruit" and relay information of the plans and interests of the Silver Runners...especially Bones.
Today was the day, Vic thought to himself. He fit in pefectly with his newly made associates...he had even earned the respect of a few of the training Captians and was to meet with Bones for the first time ever this very day!...
quickly he gathered the chopped wood from the forest and hiked to the tavern where he sold the wood for 50 pieces of gold and a free breakfast of biscuits and preserves.
As he ate, jawing with a few of the patrons, a man with a pegged leg hobbled in carrying a sack. "Oi! here's dis weeks mail!" the cripple read aloud:
"Russton Hobbs...one letter"
"Henry...Sparks...one letter"
"Jack Willenthur.... one letter" ..Vic took the letter, and tipped the cripple a gold coin, "Thanks, Mate!"
Vic turned the letter over, noticing the waxstammped Hand emblem which sealed it shut.
A confused look crossed Vic's face as he read the one sentence. He thought to himself, "Mr Jessup is just going to have to wait. I cannot come back to the Port...not today at least...i am to meet with Bones in just one hour.... three weeks of scouting and posing as a recruit.. I at least have to meet him...if nothing more than to study the surroundings in his barracks...to find out just how vulnerable he is. I will set sail for the Port tomorrow."
"Mr. Jessup will be most pleased with my findings on the isle."
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*Elsewhere in Vives*
Gene sat at his desk in his room and watched a dove that landed on his window seal. He studied it and thought of his youthfull days when he had the energy of a young man and adventuring was the passion of his life's desire...searching for lost relics and artifacts, hundreds of years lost....lost time...lost memories... lost friends..but never forgotten.
Sad memories clouded his mind as he snapped out of his trance, wondering how long he had been lost in his thoughts. He stood up stretched his limbs, then he heard a knock on the door. It was one of the cooks from downstairs...it must be lunchtime. Though he was not hungry, he took the food and sat the foodtray on a bench next to his desk. He starred at the steaming hunk of meat, still on the bone and the bread which accompanied it.
"BAH!"
He sat back down at his chair and looked back outside his window where clouds were beginning to block the sunlight. The dove flew off as rain began to fall and Gene, weary and tired from many days of adventure and the toils of everday life decided to return to his bed and forget the world outside his window.
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*on the other side of the globe*
Elrendur, reading by candlelight in the Tel'Elena tower, yawned and closed his weary eyes. He snuffed out all of the candles at his desk until the room was completely black. He spoke several words and bright light flickered about him, illuminating the room. He smiled and rolled up several scrolls and parchments he had penned earlier that day. He undressed himself and folded his robes neatly, laying them on a table. He slid into his bed and again spoke several words, reversing the light spell and again, all was black. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep dreaming about one of his former adventures with Gregor and Calia in the lush Jungles near the Great Desert. |
"PLEASE!!! Bury me with it!" |
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