[NSFW] Of Snakes and Souls (Zazutobi & Red-Scarlet)

[Red-Scarlet]

"Hrm," Callie let out. "I've got a few connections with people who traffic in potent items and ancient relics. I doubt any of them would've given that information away, but they might know someone who does. You at all familiar with Nadier? Or... Fuck, Mahadi."

Mahadi, Master of Mahadi's Emporium, is a well-known figure to just about everyone. To the common city folk, he's the man behind much of the goods they see in shops-a wealthy and somewhat eccentric individual who uses his money to make more money. But the more influential you are, the more you know that his businesses aren't his main ends. He relishes the money they make, but only so far as they can acquire him power, and the power he has acquired consists of massive stores of artifacts and information.

"You might be able to guess Mahadi and I rarely see eye-to-eye. He's a greedy, megalomaniac businessman who's only goals are for himself. But if anyone knows what happened... It'd be him."

 

[Zazutobi]

Saresh sighed softly saying "Most of the relics in the ancestral vault are not as unique or potent. Most of them just sentimental or historically important to my family. Even the amulet that was stolen had been used practically in old times when my family had been noble servants to the Emperor. Interrogations can get lies from the living, but the artifact gave truth from the dead." That bit of family history adding a bit more darkness to her ancestral line though Saresh herself was already well aware of it.

"Mahadi is a familiar name. I know of a few who have used him to appraise artifacts before. I do not think he would have the knowledge of our vault's contents itself. But he might know who has been looking for an artifact similar to the amulet." Saresh replied. "However he will not help without proper remuneration. And I have little more than what I have on my person at the moment." Saresh said.

 

[Red-Scarlet]

She nodded in agreement. "He's not the kind to let anything of value go easily. But who says we have to ask him directly? He doesn't do all his work on his own," Callie said. "We can track down some of his goons and get them to talk. That'd be a hell of a lot easier. Which does mean we either need to know a spot they frequent, and all my info on that end is out of date, or we need something to lure them in."

 

[Zazutobi]

Saresh thought about it then looked to Callie. "My guess would be taverns or brothels. While he is a vulture and opportunist he does pay those beneath him quite well. So nothing too low scale but nothing nobility would frequent. The Star's Glass, or the Whistling Pony would be our best bet." she said before looking to the gnome expecting her to make mention of how a noble knows about those semi seedy places.

"Such institutions do not escape the attention of the upper class. We just ignore them since if we were to crack down on them they would simply be replaced. Better the dens of debauchery that know how to keep within their lane than those desperate for power."