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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 16 Jan 2006 04:57 PM |
AWAKENINGS
Business
It has always been a business. The angle of a revolutionary movement was always Pickstons idea. It would bring in people. People that were waiting to follow. People that were waiting to be used. Profits to be made, and made they were. Too much. Greed was a fickle friend. It turned on us. Used us. Now it was our turn to use it. Lord Nu'men saw this. He could feel it. He waited for the right mement for his bargain. It was all falling into place. The history of the Port was lost too many that lived there now. It wasnt lost to him. The Black Hand while operating independently, was an obstacle. One that had to be dealt with, and he did.
Evil
Funny how evil is viewed. Someone or something is evil until you have use for it. Until you can get something out of it. How many paladins came to the Hand for help? How many so called hero's looked to the Hand for aid? As soon as they got it they went back to trying to destroy us. How hypocritical. They need us. Always will. The Elves, the Heralds, the Guyvers....all of them. The most enjoyable part was that they thought they were using us.
Revenge
It was coming. It was final. Soon. Very soon. The Hand was going to tighten its grip. This time for good. The Masks were going to fall. Once and for all. The calm before the strom was well on its way.
Darkness
They could feel it. It was a pull. Something in the back of their minds. A purpose. A calling. Thieves, cut throats, the scum of the lands all felt it. Where or who it was coming from they could not yet make out but it was there. They all wanted to be a part of it. The chance would come. Blades were sharpened. Schemes were being planned.
Night will fall on the Port again. This time it will be darker. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 19 Jan 2006 04:22 PM |
(( OOC Disclaimer: the following is info only a few would know... yada yada yada... RP accordingly))
*letter addressed to Mr Jessup*
Mr J,
I spoke with Her the other day. She says she is willing to speak to the one we wish to get on our side. Although our “mutual friend” had apologized, I suggested it was done out of fear of her, and in any case, she said she does still hold a grudge. She also seemed quite keen on just speaking with them at all, having an apparent interest in the art they are able to wield.
I mentioned compensation, but she said gaining the knowledge she seeks would be compensation enough. All the better for us. Not only do we not have to worry about some form of payment, but this makes her all the more willing to help us.
I tried to explain to her how the situation has changed, without going into details, and why this other one should find it advantageous to trade sides since we are now “welcome” and they have no reason to wish us gone any longer, and that we are now in a position to remove all obstacles. But if there is more that you wish to use to convince them, I suggest you contact her to discuss such things.
I don’t think just threatening would be the way to go. Either they will be able to sense the changes, and will understand that this new arrangement we propose is advantageous to them, or there may be something we can do for them.
She said you know how to get in touch, and I informed her of where you can be contacted.
I assured her confidentiality was a priority, as she doesn’t wish to be associated with either side.
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: 24 Jan 2006 06:43 PM |
(( OOC Disclaimer: the following is info only a few would know. please RP accordingly))
*letter to Mr Jessup*
Mr J,
I happened to observe part of the meeting they had with the singer.
No doubt you already recieved a report from Friel, but I imagine you could use the perspective of someone loyal to you.
From what I heard (I couldn’t say for sure how much they discussed before I arrived) Friel wishes to keep the nightmasks around. To what end I am not sure, other than just having more resources available.
She is under the delusion that the nightmasks are not honor bound to completely eliminate us, and vice versa. Seems to think that there could be some way we could either join forces, or peacefully co-exist. My presence was detected after they met with both the singer, and Virallax himself... and she expressed such, in not so many words.
To which I informed her that, even if Virallax was interested in switching sides (one of the scenarios she offered him, and that he appeared to find inviting in some fashion) that our type of organization demanded loyalty, and there was no real possibility of him accepting. Not even to mention that such a person could never truely be trustworthy again.
So now, thanks to Friel and her useless attempt at converting / recruiting, they know we will be coming for them, (something they likely would have figured out anyhow, once the singer was no longer aiding them) but I believe our “tactics” remain hidden. All that Virallax knows for certain is that the singer no longer sings for them. And from his discussion with her, he suspects that they will have a hard time holding us off this time.
A few other points that stood out from what I heard:
First of all, one thing that was mentioned in passing by our so called friend, the bard:
She spoke of “giving her (the singer) Jessup”
Unfortunately I was not present for when that came up in the conversation, but only heard mention of it afterward, so I couldn’t say what she intended by it. Just be aware (and it now seems silly to say so, because I’m sure you already are) that she is not entirely trustworthy. She seems to not want to take a side, but also seems prepared to side with whichever was likely to win. Just so long as she is able to get what she wants out of the deal... and learning from the singer seems to be her only real desire.
As for the singer:
She said she would step aside, though she would not help us to, as she put it “win back the hearts of the populace”
She also said something to Friel about seeing to it that we learn, and quickly, for she is not convinced of our “suitability”
Nor does she seem overly fond of you personally.
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: 28 Jan 2006 09:50 AM |
(( OOC Disclaimer: the following is info only a few would know. please RP accordingly))
*letter to Mr Jessup*
Mr J,
I had the good fortune to come across the potential you spoke about, and he seems the type that will fit well into our organization. Though he was a tad jumpy when we were visited by someone listening in on our conversation. This someone left a note wishing us luck in our ventures, and asking us not to return to Midor (we were in the Unicorn inn at the time, and I suspect the note was from one of the fireknives) As we were not discussing anything sensitive, I was not worried about it, as anyone who would be capable of leaving that note, whilst remaining unseen, would likely already know the Hand. And if it were one of the redswords, I'm sure they would have seen to it we were escorted out of the city promptly... at the very least.
But as I say, he was a tad jumpy at that note appearing... that could be an issue in the future.
Otherwise, when I mentioned that we were looking for someone who has no problem doing whatever is neccessary to get a job done, he said it sounded like he would fit in perfectly. The only reservations he had was that it remains to be seen if we are the right fit for him.
He has agreed to meet with you to discuss the details, and I have sent word to Nico to arrange a time for you to meet with him.
I also thought his talents could be used in our little going away party, wether he became a member or not, and told him we would inform him when and where the party planning meeting would be.
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: 29 Jan 2006 10:11 PM |
"You haven’t much time Mister Jessup. Things look bleak I must say" the voice hissed.
"However it is just that occasion when one rises to the challenge."
~~The sound of water slamming up against the docks could be heard from inside the wherehouse. It was almost loud enough to drown out the moaning from inside the cells.~~
"I must say you are keeping quite tight lipped about your actions. A most wise decision. I speak from experience you see." The voice continues to echo from across the chamber.
~~The orcs red glowing eyes seemed to tell a story. One that had yet to be told. It was a tale of revenge. A tale of blood. A tale that few would survive to tell. All the more better. He didn’t want too many to live to tell the tale. This was a special story you see. There are no heroes. No villains. Just an end....that would be followed by a beginning.~~
"I think I shall enjoy seeing how this turns out Mister Jessup. I do so enjoy a good scrap. Though im afraid the tactics of you and your adversaries lack a certain flair." the voice spoke with a hint of chuckling.
"I tank ya fer yer hozpitality Mortiferz. I zhall makez zure ya iz repaid generouzly. I zhall zee to itz perzonally." the orc grunted. As he rose he took the blueprints of the P&J tour shop with him and stuffed them into his pack. He opened the door of the cathouse just as the a loud groaning came from behind him. It would be a sound he would relish hearing coming from his enemies. A sound that would no doubt become all too normal to him.
[moderators note: the automatic filters replaced one word with "where". I felt that "cat" might be better under the circumstances and still pass the filters ] |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 04 Feb 2006 10:24 AM |
The smell of burnt wood permeated the shop. A few candles gave the only sign of hope in the darkness. Scattered corpses were being piled in one place by thugs so brutish you couldn’t tell if they were human, orc or something else.
It mattered not to Terrance. He shouted orders to the men as if he were the king of the Port. They followed the orders as if he were. Mister Jessup stood watching. Cora cleaned her fingernails leaning up against a fallen column. Taking it all in. All that had happened. How it happened. Why it happened. Mister Jessup could not help but admire the plot. It was so intricate. So well thought out. Words not force would destroy the Hand. Few new how close that came to fruition. It would have. The Masks no doubt thought it would have.
The Hand were rabble. Thugs. Common criminals. Street rats. Not to Mister Jessup. It showed in who he chose to join. His members were not just your everyday miscreants. They all offered something that few had in them. Mister Jessup saw in them talents and skills that most would overlook. Most of all he saw in them the determination that was needed to attain the goal he had set out. Oh yes some would fall to the wayside. Choices would have to be made. But the ones who chose wisely would forever be looked on differently by the orc. They were his family. His only family. Nothing would harm them. Nothing would take them away from him. Cora had that same feeling in her. Mister Jessup knew it. Her eyes showed the suffering she had been through, more importantly the suffering she would bring to those who sought to topple the Hand. New members were already being brought in. Ones that had that dark gleam. That quality that set them above the rest of the “rabble”.
“How is it possible that so much blood can come from your husks?” Terrance asked aloud.
“Good grief it’s annoying. This clean up will take quite some time Mister Jessup. We havent even begun to start the upstairs.” Terrance moaned.
Mister Jessup just stood there and nodded slightly. A bright light slowly came into the room as the shops doors opened. There stood Nico. Face almost green as he looked at the corpses. With a deep breath he walked in holding a parchment. He walked as calmly as he could up to the orc and handed it over to him.
“Here are the blueprints you wished Mister Jessup. These are the only ones. The duplicates at the Nuilding and Housing office have been destroyed. I also have a list of the men that will be doing the remodeling as per your request. Mister Jessup opened up the parchment and grinned. Cora looked up at the blueprints.
“My room better have a bigger tub boss!” She mocked.
Mister Jessup snorted.
He folded up the blueprints and handed them back to Nico who then rolled them up and with a muttering of words the parchment vanished.
“Oh I almost forgot sir. The other parchment you requested. I must say it was quite hard to find. Though not impossible.”
Nico grinned as he handed a tattered parchment over to Mister Jessup. It was torn, had stains on it a looked as if a slight breeze might tear it apart. On it were the initials J. J. He opened it and there before him was a list. Cora smirked as she saw the list. As Mister Jessup scanned it he knew there would have to be some changes to it. Not too many. There at the top however in somewhat sloppy writing was “Night Masks”. Nico was already holding out a plume. Mister Jessup took it and put a line through it. With that a sense of calm came over the orc for a brief moment. It lasted mere seconds. Long enough. He rolled up the parchment as carefully as he could and handed it back to Nico for safe keeping. Nico bowed.
“I shall begin to take inventory sir. Ill be about if you need me.” The little gnome chirped and ran off to begin his business.
Jessup turned and walked out of the shop Cora behind him. They both looked at the rundown docks and smiled.
Hell’s landlord has returned to the Port. Many were going to feel it. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 06 Feb 2006 08:12 PM |
Work proceeded surprisingly fast. He'd had his doubts when Nico insisted that they allow Esteban to hide out in The Broken Mask when the man fled Midor after The Purge. He had a history, Esteban did: a history of getting on the wrong side of Jessup.
But Nico had pleaded and begged to let him stay, and before Jessup could make up his mind, this whole debacle with the Night Masks had reared its head and driven him out of Port. Perhaps that was just as well. In the past few days, Esteban had proved useful after all. Who would have guessed that in a previous life, he'd been a professional architect?
"...and a bigger bath for Miss Cora," Nico was saying excitedly to Esteban as the two of them pored over blueprints. "Oh! And if possible, maybe do the main area up so we can hold a play there. There's one that we need to put on soon, and I can't think of a better place to hold it than the new, redesigned P and J Wild Tours!"
Jessup sat back and listened to them in silence. Yes, they were going to make a comeback, and all Port would know it. A series of tours... Willom's play... special events and celebrations...
Port would never know what hit it. |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 10 Feb 2006 10:57 PM |
OOC: standard disclaimer: all that follows is information that only a select few would know... therefore please RP accordingly.
"I have the reports ready for you sir if you wish to hear them." Nico chirped.
The orc looked down at Nico and nodded.
"Firstly our agent dealing with the Fire Knives, the Chameleon has failed sir. It would appear the infiltrating the Knives are going to be more difficult than we thought. At least we know they are fully functioning now however. An odd task was given to our agent however sir. He was instructed to vandalize the Midor Temple with graffiti. Apparently he wrote that Midor sux and that the Knives had returned. Well perhaps luck will strike again and the Swords will deal with them for us. Now what do you wish to do about our agent sir....he is after all by all accounts in custody. Shall we attempt to free him? "
Mister Jessup gave a cold stare to Nico and without saying a word the little gnome continued his report.
"*cough* Yes well as to our other agents sir. They have both been contacted and are at this moment preparing to infiltrate our objectives. All progress thus far is good. No one is the wiser to our intent."
Mister Jessup nodded slowly.
"Lastly sir. The smell from the sewers is becoming quite overpowering. I sent Fat Sam down there to investigate the matter, however he returned with nothing to report. Lady Delving as well ventured down there and came up with nothing. What do you wish to do sir?"
The orc gave a slow breath.
"Contactz da workerz dat had been down der. Findz out from dem wha dey zaw an ifn dey haz any ideaz az ta da cauze of diz zmell. Findz out what partz of da zewerz were becomin da moz dangerouz. Ifn dey no wanna talk, bribe dem. Dey ztill no wanna talkz, zend Mr Hudzon ta makez dem talkz. I wanna findz out wha da deal iz down der."
"Right away sir!" Nico answered. He turned quickly and was about return to his desk when Mister Jessup grunted.
"Nicoz. I wan ya ta donatez zom gold on my behalfz to da famliez a Pawz. Makez it twenny five thouzan gold. Takez it to da Zeven Zizterz. Makez zure dey knowz who donatin itz." the orc snorted and walked upstairs.
Nico nodded quickly and ran to his desk to prepare what needed to be done. Thoughts of the sewers ran through his mind. Thank heavens he didn’t have to go in there. He giggled slightly to himself as to who would end up with the task of continuing the investigations down there. Whoever it would be....they better take some clean clothes with them. It wasn’t going to be pretty.
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 15 Mar 2006 02:12 AM |
OOC all that follows is information that only a select few would know...therefore please RP accordingly.
~ Nico looked at the parchment and read the name on it~
“Yes I know of this one sir. A former Paladin is he not? Of Midor as well!!1 Imagine that! “ Nico chuckled.
“ I shall begin immediately with the precautions. All the standard procedures I assume sir?”
~Jessup nodded~
“…..and….if he speaks of this to anyone sir?” Nico gulped.
~The orcs gaze moved from the fireplace to Nico and then back to the fireplace again~
“Yes sir…of course..any preference as to who it will should he break his silence?”
“Look at da name unda hiz.” Jessup said
~Nico’s eyes dropped down to the parchment and his face paled slightly.`
“Oh my! Eh….I mean of course sir…a wise choice indeed.”
~ Nico quickly flipped out his notepad and wrote down his instructions.~
“Now as to the matter of the play sir. Ms Sparrowsong has not given word yet of a definite meeting with the White Maiden and Sir Byron. I shall give her a few more days before we send out an agent to hear an answer. I understand Mr. Ravell is back from his task in the frozen wastes. I shall put him on alert for you.”
“As per request sir…..Mr. Fengus is now watching over Mr. Wilde for you. I’m sure that those two will have quite a few comical moments.” Nico kept writing in his notepad as he continued to spew out his information all the while Jessup stared at the fireplace.
“Also sir….I have yet to see Ms Delving to speak to her of the matter of Maldovia and your plan. Ill inform her fully on the situation and the task at hand. Our informant has set his wheels in motion sir. He should have something for us in a few days. By my estimates sir the timing for this must be impeccable. However…..the reward does seem great!” Nico’e eyes flashed of adventure ever so briefly.
“Well then…I believe that covers it all for now. I shall get right to work on this sir.” Nico bowed.
~Jessup nodded ever so slightly and leaned his head back. He thought back to his conversation with his guest that night. He could only smile.
"You present a far more interesting figure then your reputation held"
Those words echoed in his head. He had know idea. The secret of the Port was so hidden. Most walked about the great city completely oblivious as to what they were doing and where. While all the attention seemed to be going towards the events in Midor, little did anyone know of the events that were unfolding in the Port. It was just the way Mister Jessup liked it. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 18 Mar 2006 04:57 AM |
"Uhh, Mister Jessup?" Nico asked timidly. "Uhhh, there's a skull to see you sir."
Jessup stared at the Gnome in disbelief.
"Uhhh, a floating skull, sir... claiming to have information on the Aristi... shall I let it in....?"
He suddenly sat up in interest. "Yez, letz hear what it haz ta say."
It was, indeed, a floating skull. Grinning with malevolent delight.
"Darrrrrling, I just absolutely had to tell everyone!" the skull crooned. "I've told all Buckshire and all Port! Someone in Port told me to come here and tell you! A lovely woman, named Margaret. Such a dear."
Jessup narrowed his eyes at the skull speculatively.
"It's about those do-gooders, darrrrling! Those Aristi! Such a juicy little secret I have to tell you!" If it had had eyes, they would be glinting with sinister glee. "I know where they're hiding, darrrrling! A lovely quaint place called Haven in the northern Midor Mountains! You can get there by a bay on the east coast... hidden by cliffs, with some old metal ships docked in the bay. Ikarian Bay, darrrr-ling."
Nico coughed to hide his surprise.
"Oh, you have to thank that marrrvelous man, Xaranthir. Or is he named Frobozz? If not for him and that Herald Markus, I would never have known such a delicious little secret!"
Jessup leaned forward, his expression unreadable.
"I have," the skull chattered, "sooo much more to tell you, darrrrling!" |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 18 Mar 2006 03:36 PM |
The rain came down in sheets as he stood there. All that could be heard were the waves pounding against the metal ships that were docked there. His eyes fixated on the tunnels. Wating. Two deep red rubies glaring. Nothing else could be seen. Waiting.
"sooo much more to tell you, darrrrling!"
And tell she did. Everything. Some say gold, gems, magic are what is most valuable to people. Not to Mister Jessup. No no. It was information. That was the key. Knowing what was going on at all times. The eyes and ears of the of the Hand were everywhere. Where those eyes and ears were, so were Mister Jessup's. Who needed scrying. All one needed was the proper channels. BAM! There it was all laid out for you. No crystal ball, no hocus pocus, and best of all no arrogant casters.
So now he had the information. He just needed things to happen naturally now. Sooner or later....someone was either going to walk into those tunnels or someone was going to walk out. Who would be the lucky person. Oh how their life was gong to change. If they were really lucky....they just might live too! |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 19 Mar 2006 11:43 PM |
The passed three days had been rather active for the Hand. Information was flowing freely throughout the Port. With the exodus of so many from Midor, fresh information was coming with them. More skulls to crack. More pockets to pick. More people to blackmail. Yes indeed business was good.
Esmerelda had proven a valuable ally. Not only had she divulged a precious secret, but she also was an excellent assistant. Mister Jessup loved the way she called him "Darrrrrrrling!" He had heard that others were thinking of ways to get Esmerelda. That would not happen as long as Jessup was around. She would find a welcome home here at the shop.
Getting comfirmation of what she said was even more enjoyalbe then Mister Jessup thought. Lady Friel had provided the necessary help with Lady Adams. Mister Jessup's admiration for Lady Friel had gone up another notch. That woman was a master of deception and intellect. Yes indeed. And then there was poor Markus. Sadly he was the dupe in this whole event. Needless to say Mister Jessup enjoyed seeing a paladin squirm. How he loathed them all. Their self-righteousness. All their preaching. And for what....nothing. Look at them now...scurrying like rats from a sinking ship. All of them. Not knowing where to turn.
Leaders were popping up everywhere. Mister Jessup had learned of a new one thanks to the Eel who was fast gaining favor in Mister Jessup's eyes. His name was Jerac....a priest. Just another useless sack of hot air in Jessup's opinion. Nevertheless he had set the wheels in motion to find out more about this one.
As night fell Calbert had begun doing his final inventory check while Mister Jessup sat eating his roast. All of a sudden Nico burst in to the main hall shouting.
Mister Jessup! Mister Jessup! I have wonderful news sir.....wonderful!!
Jessup looked up. He had planned to punish Nico for apparently not being honest about Willom and his association with Lillian and this Jerac fellow. He however waited to hear the little gnome out before he decided what to do.
"Calmz down Nicoz. Calmz down. Haz a zeat an tellz me what ya knowin" Jezzup snorted.
Nico took a deep breath and smiled. Taking a seat he commenced to make Mister Jessup smile with the following.....
"Well, I was at the mage tower today with Terrance. You know how he likes to read. Well he came across a very interesting spell that enables one to transport oneself to any visible area." Nico said excitedly
"We studied up on it as much as we could and with that knowledge we set off for that bay Esmerleda spoke of. After some botched attempts sir I was able to transport myself down the cliffs!!! Nico said with glee.
Jessup raised one eyebrow and nodded to Nico for him to continue. Continue he did!
"It was most revealing I must say. It is the Hush Tunnels down there. Sadly, they are so immense I fear that one would get lost going in there. Its as if those tunnels reform every minute. I could not hear anything in there either. Im not positively sure that that is the entrance perhaps its merely the exit. In any event I was able to locate a small rowboat and take it to a nearby cove. Hmmm.....it was located.....lets see.".
Nico furrowed his brow as he pulled out a map of the lands. With a small snort he pointed to an area that Mister Jessup new quite well.
"Right there sir. It is well hidden indeed. A large cluster of blink dogs are there as well. Beautiful creatures indeed. We simply must get one!!!".
Jessup could only nod while staring at the map. The room fell silent. As Jessup raised his head a great smile was on his face. The mystery of the Tunnels was unravelling. He could practically picture himself there. Only a matter of time now.
"Ya donz wellz Nicoz. Mizta Jezzup be moz proud a ya.!"
Nico beamed. He bowed with a flourish and ran upstairs to the lab to see If Esmerelda needed any help with her inventory. Jessup in the meantime began plotting once again. Who would it be this time. He laughed. Oh this was going to get good. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 04 Apr 2006 12:18 AM |
Late in the night a visitor delivers a dark metal scroll case into the hand of Jessup.
Jessup takes the case and nods to the courier. It is late in the night and only the moon shows through the windows on one side of the building. He walks to the window and spins the case around slowly with his hands on either end.
"yez" he says, moving his right hand slowly off of the right end cap while holding with his left in the middle of the case. He takes his right hand and runs a finger along the middle of three bands on the right side end cap.
A mechanism is faintly heard to release within the case.
He spins off the end cap and slides out a rolled parchment. He sets the case down and unrolls the parchment.
"The mirror gave me this to share. The nineteen ninth fourteen seventh five sixth and the Nineteen fifteenish thirty-sixth Fifteen twentythird Five fourth blade appear to be Nine fourteen close three fifteenish six six five nineteenth sixteen fifteenth fourteen fourth fifth fourteenish three fifth with the woman known as Fourteen one twentieth one twelfth twentyfifth nine one. She was responsible for Eighth one fourteenth fourth twelfth nine fourteenth seventh the three fifteenth nine fourteenth used to make the sixteen twentyone eighteenth three eighth one nineteenth five of the planned fifteen sixth sixteenth eight one fourteenth one seven five in the sixteenth fifteenth eighteenth twentieth." |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 05 Apr 2006 07:00 PM |
"Fat sam has a report sir. Shall i show him in?" Nico asked
Jessup nodded as he looked up from his dinner. The chubby dwarf entered the room with his eyes fixated on the massive roast the orc was eating.
"Nico zayz ya haz zumtin ta reportz eh? Wha ya gotz?" Jessup snorted.
Sam 's eyes fluttered back to reality lips moist as he tried his hardest not to stare at the meal.
"Oh aye sir. Ya I gots a report from one a our field agents...He don good. First off, this Jerac Duvados fella. Word is he used ta be an inquistor a the Red Swords. We danna know why he bolted Midor but now hes formin' som' new kinda alliance with all them exiled priests an such of Midor. Our agent also said hes unitin' with tha forces a tha White Maiden an tha Bryan or Baron fella. He may be tha one runnin tha whole show."
"We also have uncovered a small shelter fer them exiled priests. Its located near Buckshire. I hads a look with Leon and its ther' allright. Not too many jus a handful. Didnt stay aroun' long enough either ta see wha' they was up ta. They more or less was tryin' ta orginize themselves."
Anz wha ofz diz lady diz Jerac een zeen wit?" Jessup asked
"Aye, tha word on her is tha she is close ta Jerac. She got a bit 'o tha scamp in her as well. Good with her fingers she is. Our agent heard she was good with some a tha traps in tha catacombs. Thos ain fer novices ya know. She may also be responsible fer tha crap with tha purple badgers....were not sure just 'ow but it 'ad ta do sumthin with a potion she was tricked inta makin'. Its tha whole Frobozz business nico was sputterin abouts. Our agent is gonna keep close eye those two fer us. Hell keep us in tha know. I also gave 'im tha package ya wanted me ta gives 'im. He was greatful.
"Gooda...keepz me in da know Zam. I wanna makez zure dez Midoranz no get any clozer ta da Port. Leazt....not fer nowz!" Jessup grinnned.
"will do sir. Thank ye." Sam said as he licked his lips, stomach growling. As he turned to walk out he was stopped by the words of Jessup.
"Ohz an Zam. I truz da leelte inzidentz in da Plaza willz not 'appen agin eh? Mizta Jezzup doz not like ta haz ta be worried boutz hiz membaz makin big mezzez. Be tankful Lady Delving waz wit ya. Youz an Leonz triez not ta git inta too mucha troublez eh?
"eh Yes sir.....sorry bout tha'. I promise it won 'appen agin. Its all taken care of now sir. Tha propa hands been cleaned so ta speak." Sam gulped.
With that he slowly faded into the shadows of the giant hall of the shop. Jessup looked down at his plate and saw a rather noticeable chunk of his roast missing. With a low growl he looked up where Sam was standing and saw just the smallest traces of juice from his meal resting on the ground. He shook his head. No time for that. New alliances were apparently being formed. The question was...how would the Hand profit from this.....perhaps a meeting with this Jerac was needed. After all you cannot get the full measure of a person without meeting him in the flesh. Be he a frail or not. This Jerac had the influence to get out of MIdor and stay alive as well as unite some of the exiles. This was a new pawn in the great game. Now was the time to see where he planned to make his next move. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 09 Apr 2006 09:38 AM |
The missive had looked innocent enough, and Jerec had actually intended to do exactly as it asked and meet Nico again to discuss the La Sapienza situation. But Lillian had taken one look at it and commenced to get angry. Very angry indeed.
"You can't honestly be that dense!" She flung up her hands in exasperation. "You're going to meet him alone? Do you know who he works for?"
"I hear you did the same in the initial stages of research for Willom's play," he pointed out.
"That was different. I didn't know he'd be there or who he was. And do you know who he works for?"
Jerec shook his head. "It should be fine, Lillian. I've already spoken to Nico twice."
"You've spoken with him twice?" she demanded.
"Yes, and I know who he works for."
She shot a glare at him and dropped into a nearby chair, only to spring up immediately and resume pacing.
"If you insist on this foolishness, tell him you will meet at Asashi. I'll bring backup," she decided.
Jerec arched an eyebrow. "I thought we were trying to appear innocuous and helpless?"
"We are. Bring your friends from the woods. We'll need snipers up on the hill."
"So now we're helpless but with formidable allies everywhere?" he asked, amused. "I hardly think that makes us appear unthreatening."
But she was too furious to be reasoned with. "Make sure you wear body armour. What did you say to him the first two times? Is it too late to try to persuade him that you're simple and soft and stupid? We're going to have to find some concealed weaponry for you. You'll need to have a look at the scroll supply as well. Faloman came home, though he's still a purple badger; I might be able to talk him into stripping any spells he might have on him, especially scrying ones. If he gives you anything to drink, make sure I test it first in case it's poison. At the first sign of trouble, run straight to the flying machine on the coast and don't look back."
"You're going to have to write all that down. You lost me at 'make sure'."
She changed course in mid-step and made a beeline for the nearby desk, writing swiftly on a spare sheet of parchment.
"Lillian, you're overreacting," he complained as she thrust the note at him. The ink hadn't yet dried and it was starting to run.
"Read that. Memorise it. Do not deviate from it," she said in a drill instructor's voice, ignoring him.
"It's just going to be a talk about some books." He rubbed the ink off his fingers with a frown. "Really, what could possibly happen that would require all this security?" |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 11 Apr 2006 11:53 PM |
"Survey team from Midor....and an Inquisitor to boot! Oh my this is rich Mister Jessup." the voice hissed like a breeze squeezing through the cracks of a window.
"....and...he was the one to interrogate that bard you say? This is getting better by the moment!" he chuckled.
"Yez. Mizta Jezzup will be zpeakin ta Willomz vury zoon on dat matta. Mizta Jezzup doz not like liarz. Brudda or notz. Der muz be a punizhment fer diz." the orc snarled.
Oh please send him down to me. I've got a brand new device to try on him. It literally takes the breath out of ones lungs. Then to top it off I pump it back in to the lung. Then....it explodes, all while the victim is alive. I assure you it is quite painful." The voice said from across the table.
Jessup looked up still distracted by his meeting. Hes hook his head with a slight grin.
"Nah juz yetz. Mizta Jezzup muz now begin to plan wha I gonna doz wit diz new playa in da gamez. He no like da uddaz Mizta Jezzup dealz wit. Him no gonna undaeztimate da Hand. He alot like Mizta Jezzup in zom wayz." the orc started to smile.
"Yez. Alot likez Mizta Jezzup" he beamed.
"Timez ta zpeak ta Lady Delvingz. I believez diz tazk I haz be perfectz fer herz."
"Oh splendid. Do tell her I said hello Mister Jessup. I do miss her. It does get lonely down here in this wherhouse. But Business is business. One must not get distracted. Now then...time for some more tea!" the slender figure rose and walked to the center of the table and l;ifted a teapot that glimmered like no other.
"You know this is a replica of his teapot. It truly is a magnificent teapot he has. Solid mithral. Truly a sight to see." he said as he poured Jessup another cup.
"Now then Mister Jessup tell me...what do you have planned for our dear father eh?" he said with a gutteral hiss. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 17 Apr 2006 10:57 PM |
((OOC Disclaimer: This is NOT known to anyone except 3 characters, and is not even SUSPECTED by anyone else, so please RP accordingly!))
Willom finished telling his account of how he had lied to Jessup regarding Jerec. Tugging his beard nervously, he concluded, "I—I only thought I was helping you. And I didn't think he could ever find out about me knowing you... but somehow..." He shook his head. "He has."
"Well, you did tell him that you knew Father Duvados, just not how well," Iris pointed out.
There was no admonition from Jerec. Only a thoughtful silence as plans spun and wheeled and formed in his head.
"Well," he said quietly, "there is only one thing to do, then."
Willom looked intently at the other man. "What?"
Serenely folding his hands in his lap, he replied, "You must not wait for him to find you. You must go to him and confess the entire truth."
Surprisingly, there was no horrified exclamation. Nodding slowly, Willom exhaled, looking frightened but determined. "Yes. Believe it or not, we HAD come to that conclusion ourselves."
"Fat Sam told us that Mister Jessup was not around right now though," Iris added.
"You need not be alone in this. I will come with you to assure him that what you say is truth," Jerec told them. He did not add that it was essential that he be there. They lacked the ability to defend themselves adequately from the wrath of the crimelord, and if worst came to worst, they would need him there to bail them out.
Willom quickly held up his hands. "No. Please. Father. This... this is my trouble. Of late, I've become particularly good at finding it. Sooner or later I need to learn how to deal with it."
It was a bad time, Jerec decided, for the bard to choose being noble. If he went alone, as things stood now, it could only result in disaster.
"No, I think it's best if I come," Jerec repeated, with a little more force this time. If they didn't take the hint, he might have to tell them outright. He had hoped that he could make it seem like a suggestion rather than an edict. The less they knew, the better for them when the time came.
Fortunately, Willom caved in. "Well... if you insist," he sighed. "Though I must tell you that you'd do far better to have as little contact with Mr. Jessup as possible."
Iris nodded in agreement. "From what Sam said, Jessup is very angry right now."
Inwardly, Jerec flinched. He had hoped to keep a low profile, but he knew from his initial and only meeting with Jessup that it simply wasn't going to happen. If it were only himself that was at stake, he would have found a way to disappear long ago. As it was, he had his people to consider.
"The thought had occurred to me," he admitted. "I fear it would only draw more attention, not less, to me."
To him, and to his followers. And that was unacceptable. Standing slowly, he made his way over to Willom's side, his voice dropping to nearly inaudible levels.
"Do not meet him without me, if at all possible. It would be disastrous. I have a plan."
So much for maneuvering Willom into it. It would have been safer if the bard had been unaware; any retribution that would have resulted would have only fallen on Jerec.
"A...a plan?" Willom's eyes lit up with hope. "Really?"
"As it was with my last plan, however, I cannot let you in on the details," Jerec continued.
"I have never really mastered the entire working concept of plans, so I will trust you to this," Willom said eagerly. "Just tell me what I must do and I shall play the role."
Iris eyed them both suspiciously, a slight frown creasing her forehead.
For a long moment, Jerec regarded Willom in silence, as if weighing the consequences. Then, with a nod, he stepped into a nearby tent, emerging some moments later with a phial in hand. Willom eyed the sparkling liquid with curious trepidation, but asked no questions.
"Make the appointment first," Jerec said briskly. "Tell him that I shall be there. Say that you will confess the truth."
Willom's only reply was a nervous nod. It was Iris who said, "Since Nico is being punished, I suppose we should track down Sam to make an appointment."
Fleetingly, Jerec wondered if they knew that he'd been the one who had been responsible for Nico's current fate. That it had worked at all had surprised him. He had not thought that Jessup would fall for that particular suggestion.
The fact that he had was a dead giveaway to a vital truth: he was mortal. He was not infallible. There were ways around him, if one was cautious and smart about it.
His attention still on Willom, Jerec went on, "You must become a nervous wreck. Drink that first—" he handed him the phial, "—then get yourself drunk."
"And when I return from the Seven Sisters after a month of healing, I drink that potion?" Willom said simultaneously. Then he blinked. "I'm... I'm sorry?"
"No, you heard me correctly," Jerec said calmly.
"Willom will have no problem becoming a nervous wreck," Iris said. "It comes quite naturally to him."
Jerec turned towards her. "Iris, I trust that you will be able to play the long-suffering consoler and make the act convincing?"
Willom was counting off his fingers, his expression still incredulous. "Become a nervous wreck... no problem. Already there. Drink potion. Okay. Drink Alcohol. Got it."
Iris nodded to the priest. "Of course."
"And my motivation for all of this is... Mister Jessup?" Willom asked.
"Yes," said Jerec firmly.
"Do you need more?" Iris asked pointedly.
"I... I don't suppose I'm to know what exactly is IN this phial?" Willom asked, his agitation increasing.
Jerec lowered his voice even further. "Do you recall what I made you say regarding the Black Hand and Maldovia?"
The bard nodded slowly, the phial forgotten. "I do recall much of it, yes, though I was somewhat distracted by my bleeding all over the table."
Iris stepped over to his side, wordlessly putting a hand on his shoulder.
So this was it, then. Everything was in place for Operation: Nightshade. Months ahead of schedule, the war had begun.
Raising a finger, Jerec pointed at the phial. "It will help you remember. Amongst other things. That is all I will say about that," he said ambiguously.
Willom placed his hand over Iris', looking at the phial with a raised eyebrow but making no further remarks or inquiries.
He was learning. Perhaps he, too, sensed that war was coming.
"Now... no part of this plan is going to involve me... um... hacking things off of myself, will it? That has made special appearances in your plans before, you know," Willom whispered nervously.
Jerec shook his head. "No physical harm will come to you. Not if I succeed."
Willom exhaled a heavy sigh of relief. "Oh, I am already in LOVE with this plan!"
"If..." Iris murmured.
"Wait... wait a second," Willom did a double-take. "IF you succeed? And just what happens if you DON'T succeed?"
Jerec's expression became more grim than usual.
"Then ensure," he told the bard gravely, "that you are standing closest to the exit." |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 18 Apr 2006 02:30 AM |
"You have to jesting Mister Jessup. The Bard? A middleman for the Hand?" the voice chuckled.
"He is mad! Simply mad. Oh you know how those thespians are. Always dramatic and all." the dark figure sipped his tea as he continued to marvel at the story.
"He can barely write a play let alone be something like that. Complete drivle."
"This talk of the weapons however. Now that is most curious. As you know...my dealings with Maldovia were more local to the Port. However it would not surprise me that that is true." the figure admitted.
"It iz. I haz zpoke wit zomeone who wouldz be knowin diz. I haz zeen zom a da weaponz themzelvez." Jessup retorted while fiddling with this glowing red stone.
"Buried deep in Maldoviaz. All powerfulz weaponz. Created by one Mizta Jezzup haz known. Railzton."
"Him? Oh really he is so full of himself you know. Ever since my dear friend Mr Loccard met his end this fellow thinks hes the second coming of Valinor. I really dont fancy him at all." The figure said with disdain.
The orc just nodded slowly and continued to stare at his gem.
"Tell me more about this Jerac fellow. He seems rather interesting for a priest. Most of the ones Ive met can put even me to sleep.?"
"Im wan zomtin. Dey all doz. Alwayz willz. Why diz one be no differentz fromz da White Lady an 'er alliez eh?."
"Really? How do you know?"
"Two meetinz wit me? Why elze a forma priezt a Midorz meet wit me? Da zecon timez 'im comez alonez an fer wha? Ta protectz Willomz? Pleaze." the orc snorted.
"Nah...im wan zomtin."
"Yes that is rather odd. You dont see that too often. Id gather to say he is either a complete dullard or a most conniving bastard." The sight of white teeth shown across the table in the shape of a smile.
"Yez....he be a zmart onez. Trixy he be. Whicha makez him all da more valuablez to Mizta Jezzup. Priezt wan zomtin. Zo doz Mizta Jezzup. Mizta Jezzup tink da priezt gonna be da one 'elpin me getz it too." Jessup leaned back in the chair.
"Well this is getting juicy I must say! I cannot wait to see how this turns out. But....tell me....what are you going to do with the Bard?
There was no reply. Nothing. Nothing but silence. The dark figure squinted and looked across the long table. All he saw was a set of white teeth glaring back at him in the shape of a smile accompanied by a low growl. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 25 Apr 2006 06:00 PM |
Emile had a rough night. He lost quite a load of gold to Esteban. He thought he had him. So close. dang that ace. The liquor in his body amplified his anger. The smell of tobacco wafted from his clothes as he stumbled home. He replayed his last hand with Esteban over and over again n his head. So close. His anger seethed. Too much. Way too much. He would have to let it out. Yes all of it.
As he approached his shanty he saw one lone candle flickering in the window. He almost smiled at the thought of his wife being up this late. It was too good to be true. He clenched his fists and grit his teeth.. He imagined her asking him where he had been. There would be no verbal response from him. There would only be the sound of bone bearing down on flesh. This almost relaxed Emile as he opened the door. Enough to forget the night. No. Only one thing would help that. He would need his wife for that.
He took a deep breath as he opened the door. His eyes were almost bloodshot. Then he stopped. It was as if he had run smack dab into a brick wall. There in front of him sitting down at his dinner table was a man in black. A stud piercing in his chin. He sat there gazing at Emile with a quiet smile on his face.
"How are you this evening Emile?" he asked.
"Who the hell are you? What are ya doin in my house? Where's my wife?! I swear if ya has done anything to her i'll....
"You’ll what Emile?!?" The man cut him off.
"You’ll beat me up like you have beaten her up over the past three years? Is that what you will do Emile? Perhaps you'll break one of my hands like you did to her. Wasn't that what you did to her Emile when she accidentally knocked over your favorite ale mug? No, no, perhaps you’ll burn me like you burned her when she overcooked your dinner. It was with a butcher knife wasn't it Emile? You set it in your fireplace till it was white hot. Pressed it against her backside. That was a doozy Emile!" The man said with an eerie calmness.
Emile just stood there. He could say nothing. It didn’t really matter if he did. He could already feel a blade pressing into his kidney.
"Time ta go Emile." the voice said from behind him.
"We gots plans fer ya mate." the voice said.
Emile felt the liquor in his belly start to bubble. He wanted to vomit. Sweat started to pour from his brow.
"P-P-please....no. I di-didnt mean to do it. I was j-just ang..." he stammered.
"We know Emile. You were just angry. Well guess what. Now your wife is just angry. Angry enough to save up just enough gold to pay you back for all those years of heavenly bliss you gave her." The man in the chair said.
"Im afraid she has had quite enough of you. Quite frankly so have my associate and I. So try not to throw up on either of us please. I'd hate to see my friend lose his appetite, though I'd wager nothing could cause that." he said with a wry smile.
"Off we go mate!" the voice behind said as the blade pushed in him a bit more.
The man rose form his chair and picked up a small sack of gold that was on the table. He tucked it into his pack and walked past Emile through the door and into the dark night of the Port. Darkness. That was all that was left for Emile.
Home is where the heart is they say. Not for Emile's wife. For three years home was her own hell. Everyday she woke praying he would change. Everyday she wrong. With every beating she took a bit of her humanity left her. It continued this way until she could not take it anymore. She decided to deal with the matter once and for all. This was her hell.
It was time for Emile to see his. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 27 Apr 2006 12:20 AM |
He could feel the heat of the candles on either side of his head. So hard to swallow he thought. The gag in his mouth was so tight he could feel the leather strap start to rip open the sides of his mouth. He tried as hard has he could to move his hands but they were strapped in so tight he had lost feeling in them long ago. He could only see out of the corner of his eyes. There wasn’t much to look at. It was dark. Only sound he could hear was the beat of his heart. His breathing had become calm. Have to get loose somehow he thought. He struggled a bit more. He could feel the strap on his left ankle start to give. Finally. Just a few more minutes and he should have stretched it out just enough to get that foot out. He tried to take a deep breath. One more tug. Just one more. He strained as hard as he could trying to stretch out the strap.
“Oh a fighter. I love it.” She said.
“I hate boring clients. You Francis are not boring.” She beamed.
Francis stopped struggling. He could hear his heart beat begin to speed up. He tried to swallow again but he couldn’t. It was like he was choking on his own saliva. He coughed. He could feel the streams of spittle coming out the rim of his mouth.
“Oh is that too tight on you? I’m so sorry Francis but I can’t very well have you screaming and yelling down here all day. It doesn’t really matter. These mines have been abandoned long ago. Condemned by our dear queen. Rarely do people come in here. Even if they did Francis. We are far below. Too far for them to venture.” She said with glee.
She walked to the door of the makeshift room. She slowly closed it.
“Now then Francis where to begin. Will it be the eyes or the toes? I’m thinking the toes. I want you to see this. It really is amazing. I have tested the limits of pain on many. It still boggles my mind at how much one can take.” She said as she walked over toward the table well Francis laid.
In her hands was a giant pair of sheers.
“I got these from the Port Botanical Gardens. They do wonders on tree branches. Real good on toes and fingers too.” She said proudly.
Francis tried to look for her but the strap on his forehead limited his vision. He could only hear her footsteps as she circled the table on which he lay. She stopped at his feet.
“Now then which one to start with. Hmm. Maybe will just start with a foot.!!” She exclaimed.
Francis could feel the sheers rubbing over his toes of his right foot . Back and forth, back and forth. Then they stopped. The sound of the sheers being opened could barely be heard over his heart. It was thumping so loud and hard now he thought it was going to burst through his chest.
Pain. He could feel the straps on his body being strained to new lengths as he spasmed. Every muscle in his body contracted. He coughed. His mouth foamed as he tried to let out a wail of agony.
“Ahh now that wasn’t so bad was it. Did you see how it just popped off?” she chuckled.
“Oh!! Im so sorry Francis. That strap on your forehead. You couldn’t see could you? Oh don’t worry dear, you have another. Ill make sure you see that one go..’ She smiled.
Tears were filling his eyes. He could think of nothing but the pain in his his right leg.
“Now where? Fingers? Hands?. Or maybe well pick an ear hmm?’ she said as she dragged the sheers up the inside of his legs passed his pelvis. She stopped them right at his belly button. She twirled it around there drawing a few drops of blood. She moved the sheers up toward his ribs. She pressed in. It plunged in until the size of them was caught between to ribs. Blood spewed. Francis moaned in pain once again. She slowly pulled the sheers out humming a song the whole time. She moved the sheers up again all the way to his face.
He could see the ends of the sheers hanging over his left eye. He could barely make out her face. She dangled the sheers over his eye and giggled.
“Which ear Francis? Which one will it be?” she asked almost pleading.
“Ya know ya really are a sick twist Katie” a gruff voice from the corner of the room said.
She turned around brandishing the sheers with a scowl on her face.
“Who’s there?! She said.
“Forgive my friend madam. He does tend to voice his opinions without thought of another’s feelings.” Another voice said.
As Katie turned around again she saw a thin figure staring down at her. He had a stud in his chin. Hair was slicked back. He was dressed all in black. Before she could raise the sheers in defense the man had put a blade up against her throat.
“Now do be a good lass and drop the sheers.” The man said.
Katie could not look down. She felt the mans blade centimeters away from opening up her throat. She dropped the sheers.
Francis tried to look over and see what was going on. He could only see shadows. The pain of losing his foot had subsided. His whole leg had gone numb.
“Now then Katie. You are going to go with my diminutive friend now. We have plans for you. Be a good girl and behave. Id hate to see that lovely dress of yours covered with blood.” The thin man said.
For the first time Katie started to understand how her victims must have felt. No control. None. This was maddening to her. She could not stand it.
“Roight then Katie. Off we go eh? We has plans fer ya!” the other voice said.
Katie slowly glanced at Francis strapped down on the table. A sense of disappointment came over her. It did not last. With a shove she was on her way out of the room into the dark night of the Port.
Francis could not believe it was over. He struggled to see who his rescuers were but still could not see much.
His heartbeat was now starting to slow down. Then he saw a face come over him. A man. He had a stud in his chin. He looked down at him as if he were watching a play. He had a small grin on his face.
“Francis?” he said
Francis did not recognize the man. He tried to nod and say yes as best he could.
“Oh. Terribly sorry. Let me loosen that gag.” The man said.
He could feel the gag come loose. The taste of blood filled Francis’s mouth.
“She did say your name was Francis did she not?” the man asked again.
Francis gurgled a yes as best he could.
“Hmm. Francis Beckworth?” the man asked again.
Francis blinked a few times. He gasped.
“H-ow d-d-did you know?” he asked.
The man laughed.
“This is my lucky day” the man said.
Francis looked on in confusion. Then the man placed the gag back in his mouth and started to tighten it again.
Francis screamed. He struggled. To no avail.
“Oh my dear Francis. How unfortunate for you. It seems you owe Mister Jessup quite a sum of gold. You sir are delinquent in payment. Tsk tsk. I had been instructed to find you and pay you a little visit. Well….here I am!!” the man said with a broad smile on his face.
He leaned in right next to Francis’s face and whispered.
“You had your chance to pay Mister Jessup back Francis. Time is up.” The man stared at Francis for a moment then blew out the two candles that were right beside his head.
His heart started to thump again. He tried to yell. The blood that had poured out of his body could be heard trickling to the ground. Footsteps toward the door. The creak of it opening. Then the slam of it shutting. Nothing but darkness. Tears filled Francis’s eyes once again.. Off in the distance he heard the chuckle of the thin man……it would be the last human sound Francis would ever hear. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 27 Apr 2006 04:42 PM |
Mert kept looking over his shoulder
He figured if he could just get across the desert, he’d be alright. At least a bit safer.
He had a very unsettled feeling... like someone was following him, only he couldn’t be sure. Out here in the desert, his senses just weren’t what they were, compared to the paved streets and alleyways of Port. All this wilderness... he wondered why anyone would come out here if they didn’t have to.
Off in the distance some manner of animal howled, or roared... or something. Best not to think about what made the sound.
He looked back again... a bit too long this time, and tripped over a large rock. Quickly, he scrambled to get up, spitting sand out of his mouth and cussing under his breath as he brushed himself off.
Another worried look in the direction he just came...
Mert set off again, at a slightly quicker pace. Passing Enders tent, he briefly entertained the idea of spending the night there, and setting out first thing in the morning. He wasn’t particularly fond of trying the trek across the desert in the middle of the night, but he wanted to be as far away as possible before they discovered what he’d done. Besides, with every passing minute, he was more and more convinced they knew already. Someone just had to be following.
Well, he was mostly right.
He gave another long apprehensive look behind him.
Just then a calm feminine voice cut through the air just ahead of where he was, causing him to stop dead in his tracks.
“Ya know... out here in the desert, there are a lot of dangerous creatures. You should really be lookin out for whats in front of you.”
Mert slowly turned his head to look in front of him, eyes widening as he looked upon a short figure leaning against the stone archway, her arms crossed casually, and a disturbingly pleasant smile on her face.
Mert just stood there for a moment, a dumbfounded look on his face. He’d seen her around Port now and then, but never had the opportunity... or misfortune, to meet her before... and didn’t particularly want to now.
“Where ya goin Mert?”
Mert quickly glanced around, hoping to find some means of escape. But all he saw was sand and rocks, and plenty of it. No trees, no rivers, pretty much no cover of any kind... not that it would matter. Even if they were in a dense forrest, it wouldn’t have been any use... he was a city boy. Give him a good alley to dart down, and he might have some chance... but this? He looked down at the sand, while inwardly cursing himself for missing the last boat for the day.
“What’s the matter... cat gotcher tongue?”
Reflexively, Mert’s hand shot up to cover his mouth, his eyes widening slightly as he thought about the possibility of getting his tongue cut out.
“Wh.. I’s jus’...”
“Makin off without giving us our cut?” She finished the sentence for him.
He gave a nervous smile.
“I dunno wha’ ya mean... I ain’ ”
She cut him off again, still with a pleasant tone and a slight smirk “oh come now, you know we have eyes everywhere in Port. You didn’t really think you’d be able to make off with a stash that big without giving us our cut of the whack, now did ya?”
Mert bit his lip as his left leg twitched nervously.
It occurred to him to try another tactic.
“I’s gonna give ya yer cut. Jus as soon as I fenced it...”
“Whats wrong with our fence Mert?”
“Nuttin, nuttin... I jus’... gots ta take care o’ some bisness firs’...”
She grinned, shaking her head slightly. “You know... you’re a real bad liar.
And as fun as this conversation is, I have things to do... so I’m just gonna cut to the chase.
You’ve been here before...”
Her eyes dropped to his hand, where there was a pinky missing. Mert quickly tucked his hand in his pocket.
With a slight smirk, she continued.
“And you know what happens when you try to play by your own rules in our town.”
With these words, Mert swallowed hard. A few beads of sweat running down his face as he became suddenly aware of someone standing close behind him.
“Plus there’s that ...tiny little matter of the nobleman’s brother you killed...”
Mert started stammering “Na... hey... look... tha’ wasn’ my faul’, he was gonna... he jus’... ‘e ought’n ‘ave been...”
“But he was.
And ya hushed him.”
Her voice was very serious now. Merts eyes darted to and fro in the darkness, praying for some way out, and trying to see if there was anyone else about.
“You don’t go killin members of noble families Mert. Not unless we give the say so. Makes business a lot more complicated.
Do you have any idea how much it’s gonna cost Mr J to clean up the mess you made?
Even if you gave us all of the take, that wouldn’t even scratch the surface.”
Merts breathing became considerably more labored, and he was now sweating profusely.
“So here’s what we’re gonna do.
We’re gonna give you a job... and you’re gonna do it.”
Mert waited a moment, expecting there to be more to it than that.
“Wh.. uh.. ...ya mean, ya ain’ here ta break m’ kneecaps... er cu’ off a finga... er... cut out my tongue... er sumfink like dat?”
“Nope...”
For a brief moment, his face showed a hint of relief. Then if faded as he asked warily, though he wasn’t really sure he wanted to know the answer. “Wha’ kina job?”
“All in due time Mert, all in due time...
For now, you’re gonna be a guest of Mr J’s.
My... associate here, will escort you back to Port...”
She turned to leave, pausing to say one last thing.
“oh, and no funny business eh?
If I have to come after you again, I can guarantee things will be a lot... messier.” |
"I'm not closed-minded, you're just WRONG." - Bucky Katt
My characters n portraits |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 09 May 2006 12:53 AM |
“Emile…..Eeeeeeemiiiiiiiiiiilllleee…..wake up….wake up Emile. Oh my dear Emile. You look terrible. We must fix you up before your journey."
Emile slowly opened his eyes. His eyelids felt as if they weighed one hundred pounds each. He ran his tongue across his bloody and cracked lips. He coughed. Dried blood from his face flaked off as he winced in pain. The sounds of chains rustled as he started to move around. His arms lifted above his drooping head. He hadn’t even realized he was suspended in the air by those very chains. He coughed again this time taking a deep breath. The bitter taste of salt was in his mouth.
“I would ask you to cover your mouth when you do that, but do to the current circumstances I’m afraid that would be impossible wouldn’t you say?” The voice chuckled.
Emile lifted his head to one side and tried to rest it on his shoulder to have a closer look at his host. As he squinted he saw the figure of a man. Not too young, dressed in fine black leather with a flowing cape. His skin was porcelain white. Not a blemish on it as far as Emile could see. His long hair was pitch black and combed back and tied into a pony tail. As he walked closer to Emile he felt a coldness come over him. Not the type of coldness one feels when traversing through the icy north lands of Vives but a cold as if every last bit of hope one can carry within himself was slowly being sucked away. A sudden feeling of complete and utter futility. Emile tried to place the face but he couldn’t. The man reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a red kerchief. He dabbed it on his tongue and started to wipe away the dried blood that had covered Emile’s face.
“*sigh* "Heavens Emile you have made a complete mess of yourself, because of this we have delayed your trip. We cant very well take you loooking like this and expect someone to accept damaged goods now can we?” The man said as he continued to wipe away on Emile’s face as if it were a desktop being cleaned.
It felt like sandpaper going over his face. Emile was so exhausted he could not even shift his head out of the way. He merely kept it where it was, resting on his left shoulder. His eyes staring at the man as he went on with his work.
Emile cleared his throat. It was like tiny daggers pricking the insides of his throat as he did.
“Who are you?” he asked.
The man smiled some more and took a step back to examine his work.
“Hmm. It’s a start. I’m afraid you’ll have to stay here a couple of more days while we patch you up”. He said ignoring Emile’s question.
“That isn’t going to pose a problem is it Mister Jessup?” the man asked aloud.
“*grunt* Noz. Da udda twoz coulda uze zom rez az wellz. Dey iz in juz aboutz a badda zhape az Emilez erez.” A voice said from the opposite end of the room.
Emile’s heart practically burst as he recognized the accent. He gazed to where the voice was coming from and saw before him the notorious crime lord sitting in a chair with his legs crossed. He was wearing finely tailored black suit with a dark red vest. A small red rose was in his front pocket. Aside next to was another fellow. Another well dressed man. A dark suit as well was worn with a light red vest. His soft colored hair was barely visible beneath what was a rather audacious hat. His hands were clasped behind his back and appeared to be holding an umbrella. His eyes were motionless. It was as if they never blinked.
“Well that is good news then.”The man in front of Emile said.
“I wouldn’t want to deliver the packages in the conditions they are then. Only a few days….four tops. They will be good as new by then my dear Mister Jessup.” The man beamed.
“I only wish I could go with you on this trip, it has been so, so long since I have seen my great city.” The man said with a look of sorrow on his chiseled face.
“Hmm yez..perhapz it not da bezt a timez fer ya ta be goinz thoughz eh?” the orc replied.
“Quite right my friend. Quite right.” He sighed.
Emile felt his eyelids starting to slowly slide down. He struggled to keep them open. He wanted some sort of clue as to what was in store for him. It was not to be however. As he slowly drifted into unconsciousness he heard the voices speaking in what seemed to be garbled tongues.
".....via. Thes..three…..wi.. b…..rec… well….”
“..Pitiez….dey willz ….notz…longz enou…..zee…..all…….caz….t….alin…rz..”
Emile was out. He dreamt of a Miggin’s pie early in the morning. The sounds of Bald rick complaining about his turnip. Betty the fish lady yelling at yet another customer. So many things he remembered.
All things he would never see again. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 26 May 2006 01:57 PM |
Criptus lost his left eye over three years ago. It was sort of a parting gift from a Fire Knive assassin just before Criptus dragged his blade across his throat. He never cared to think about wearing an eye patch. Why should he? Who was going to stare anyways. This was the Port. Stuff like that happens all the time. You see people missing arms legs and other body parts everyday. What’s an eye? It didn’t really matter. What did matter was what his right eye was looking at, and that was a close to 280 lb orc verbally tearing into him. Criptus stood there motionless. He just took it. No sense in loosing the other eye.
A couple of weeks ago a ship in the Port just blew up. The “Storm Lady”. A trade ship bound for Midor. You should have seen the waves it caused went it went up. They made it all the way to the docks where they barreled over them onto the surrounding walkways. Criptus was one of the hundreds gathered to see the giant vessel go up. He wasn’t watching it go down. No, he was watching the faces of those gathered. Just a glimpse of a strange expression was all he would need. He was so good at reading reactions. Even with one eye. This time however as he walked through all those gathered he was unable to catch notice of anything out of the ordinary. Bad news for Criptus. Which leads us to the present.
Remember the angry orc yelling? Ya…that.
”Zo wat yer telling ‘ Mizta Jezzup iz dat one a da biggest trade zhipz in da Port blowz upz, an ya canna tellz me who be rezponziblez?” The orc asked.
Criptus just nodded.
“Ya realize Criptuz dat da ownaz a dat zhip pay Mizta Jezzup lotz a goldz ta enzure da zafe pazzage ta Midorz no? Ya realize dat it be becuze a dat da Zilver Runnaz do notz toucha dat zhip?’ the orc leaned his head forward looking into Criptus’s one good eye.
Criptus just nodded.
“Not onliez haz Mizta Jezzup lozt outz on da gold paymentz of dat zhip I now also haz ta takez time ta findz out who be rezponziblez fer diz. Timez dat coulda be zpent on udda tazkz! Whoz waz in charge a da dockz on dat weekz? The orc snorted with s low growl.
“ That would be Karragin sir. He worked the docks that week.” Criptus responded.
Jessup went to his desk and opened up a drawer pulling out a medium sized sack. He walked back over to Criptus and handed it to him.
Criptus took it and looked back at the orc with a questioning look in his eyes.
“ I wantz ya ta deliver a mezzage fer me. Locatez da ownaz a da Ztorm Lady. Givez dem dat zack. Tellz dem Mizta Jezzup will getz to da bottemz a diz. Doz rezponziblez zhall pay dearly.” The orc bellowed.
Criptus nodded and opened his mouth to ask a question.
“Sir, I just hand them an empty sack?”
“Noz! Dat zack gonna haz Karraginz head in itz when ya handz it ova! Ya falla Mizta Jezzup?!” he shouted.
Criptus nodded.
“ I wantz a leadz on who waz rezponziblez fer dat jobz in one weekz Criptuz or elze Mizta Jezzup be zendin yer udda eye ta dem folkz nezt weekz!”
Criptus nodded again and turned to go deal with his task. As he walked out of the shop he glanced over to the end of the docks. There was Karragin. All Criptus could think of was better him then me. After all….he had his one good eye to worry about. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 29 Jun 2006 01:50 AM |
"Daaaaaaarrrrling, the chubby little dwarf is here to see you. He says he has something incredibly important to tell you. I just couldnt tell him no darling, hes wearing the most delicious little red cavalier outfit I have ever seen!!!" Esmeralda clacked.
"Zend 'im inz." Jessup said as he looked up from his plate of very rare roast.
A portly small figure emerged from the doorway. It was Sam. Fat Sam. Though not too many called him that. He did have a temper when it came to his weight. He was dressed in a red and black cavalier outfit. It looked as if it were two sizes too small on him. No matter. Sam wasnt hired for his looks. He was one of the best spies Jessup had ever hired. As for traps and locks? Well being taught by the infamous Pickston Rickticks had its advantages. No one had better fingers than Sam. If there was a lock that couldnt be picked by him....no one could pick it. Traps? He knew more about traps then "Fingers" O'Brien. Few could set them like Sam. Rumor had it even the Elven followers of Tarik had admiration for the trap setting abilities of Fat Sam. To top it off, he was a dang fine chef.
Beggin yer pardon MIsta Jessup, I has som' news fer ya bout them pair ya put me on." Sam said as muffin crumbs fell from his beard as he spoke.
Jessup looked up with one eye as he shoved another heaping of the roast in his mouth.
Sam cleared his throat and began his report.
Roight sir, I fallawed tha lass ta tha Mider Burial Grounds. Ther she met up with tha otha fella. Tha 'orrible bard with tha missin' finga'. Well they was nah alone. Ther were thes two ugly lookin creatures tha was ther talkin ta 'em. They looked like som' kinda undead er sumtin. They said tha it was time fer them two ta pay ther debt ta tha masta. They told em tha tha masta was comin' ta see 'em personally like." Sam rattled on.
Jessup had stopped eating and was looking squarely at Sam. Esmerelda floated above the big orcs right shoulder seeming to completely ignore the whole story Sam was reciting and had fixated on the ruffles on the shirt the dwarf was wearing.
" Jus then sir it appeared. It was wah ya thought. It was tha thing tha was in tha tomb in tha desert. Mos likely tha thin' Lou and tha fat paladin had set free sir. Anyways, It said it was time fer them ta repay tha debt. It shot this 'orrific red beam out at the fella cus he was tryin ta resist tha whole thin'. The lass jus stood ther starin' at the floatin' thin'. They both fell ta ther knees an bowed ther head ta tha creatua'. It said tha they had ta retrieve sumtin'. I wrote its down fer ya sir." Sam said as he reached in his coat pocket and handed the orc a parchment with something written on it.
The orcs eyes widened a bit and he held it up slightly so that Esme could also read it.
"Oh bother!" she said with a clack of her boney teeth.
" Tha thin' said then tha they had two months ta retrieve tha item or else they would become one a his undead servants foreva. They is ta look ta tha Emissary fer guidance. Ifn they came through with tha task they would be set free. After he said that tha two monsters tha was with tha creatua began ta chant and tha thin' vanished in a red blaze. The two monsta's quickly scurried back ta tha Mider tomb. Tha was when I left an came 'ere sir ta report this ta ya."Sam bowed as he finished the report.
Ya don wellz Zam. Mizta Jezzup iz moz pleazed wit diz. I zhall informz ya a tha nezt ztepz. Fer nowz, continua keepin an eye on tha pairz." Jessup grunted as Sam bowed once again and made his way out of the shop.
"Didn't I tell you darling? Wasnt that the most delicious little outfit ever?!?!Esmeralda chirped.
Jessup sat there quietly for a moment then smiled and winked at Esmerelda.
"Informz Lady Delvingz I wan her zin charge a diz matta. Zhe iz ta haz all report ta herz on diz matta. Zhe can 'and pick who zhe wan on diz. I wanna knaw wah dez two findz out about diz itemz." Jessup said.
Of course darling, Ill do that right away. Just as soon as you finish your dinner. No more visitors for you tonight. It will upset your stomach. I dont want a cranky lord of the underworld in the morning. Now you just finish up your meal and ill prepare you a nice spiced rum for you.' Esmerelda said as she gave a clacking kiss to the orcs cheek and floated off muttering about fabrics and leathers.
Jessup stared at the parchment Sam had given him. It had been a very long time since he had seen this name written down. Not since Phibrizzo had he even heard this name come up. It seemed that this was going to take some time to figure out. No matter he thought. He wasnt the one with the two month deadline. |
ONWARD AND UPWARD! |
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Re: *** THE BLACK HAND ***
Posted: 08 Jul 2006 11:07 AM |
(( OOC disclaimer 'n stuff like tha' ))
* a letter is delivered by what looks to be a half witted street urchin *
*written in very messy script that may have taken days to write, and may take days to cypher*
Oi mista J
I bin lookin' inta tha lil shoppin' trip we wus talkin' about. I gots a pritty nifty idea fer gettin' there 'n back. Even gots tha ennertainment figgered out, so our frends ain' bored an' gettin' in our biznis. Only thing wut's buggin' me is tha brite lite wuts ova tha "store" , cus you an' me gots such sensitive eyes an' stuff. But I figgers, jus' like 'lectric traps gits their bang frum tha quartz, ya gots ta reckon that there lite gits it's bang frum sumwhere. Prolly tha same place where tha lookers git their seein frum if'n ya gits me drift. I'm pritty sure tha wire goes thru tha trap door b'hind tha statue uf yer favorite fella in tha store. If'n there wus a way ta cut tha powa fer a hour or so, we'd be set. Any idea's ya mite 'ave on that wuld 'elp a lot. I'll keep lookin' on my end. I gits reel thirsty evry day about noon, I culd be foun' at tha bar where me frends used ta 'ave a place.
My bestest to tha lil black lady.
JJ |
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