[IC] Death & Taxes (Session 2)

Nekurr gently looks at Hoggie's hand and then up to the gnome . He waves his hands, trying to get the mosquitos away "I wouldn't call just an activity illegal exactly... It's just a token of appreciation from the good men of this town to Fortuna, isn't it?" The cleric looks around for a place to sit "Mind if I join you good people?" he asks politely before trying to figure out which on of them is Erfan Anyone here has one of those repellent things we're heard about? These little devils are driving me crazy?

The three men ignore the offer to join them at cards. "I'm Erfan Eswyse," the Gnome says. "Skeeter repellant costs 25 silver. Enough for the both of you, I reckon. If you prefer repellant soap, you can try the general store 'cross the way."

Tronus grunts a few more times and stops, "Okay enough..." he looks at his two helpers and their arms... "We need a different approach I think we're not got the brute force probably the Mayor's brother has."

"Sorry ta interupt, not Oi'm sure ya could always use someone new in da pot?"

"Disappointing..." Nera pouts, trying to think of a way to remove the bed. "Probably shouldn't ask about it, doubt I can squeeze under..."

"Don't listen to 'em, boys," the Gnome tells the other card playes, leaning in. "It's... what d'ya call it...? Entrapment." He pops up from his stool and gestures toward the building. "So, you fellers wantin' the repellant or you fancy tryin' your luck with Tabbins' soap over yonder?"

"You can make it a double-sale, if ya give os a fair shake?"

"Sure, sure. Always happy to offer a discount to you po-lice types." Eswyse says, opening the door to the establishment and stepping into the darkened interior. "Keeping us safe from ourselves. Right?" The inside of the cottage includes an assortment of jars, flasks, and bottles along with some bundles of herbs being hung out to dry. You see a couple of cots in a small adjoining room. You also spot some hair on the floor; old Eswyse seems to be a barber, too.

The Gnome pulls up a stool and grabs a bottle from a higher shelf (albeit one Bruv could reach with ease). "Afraid I'm down to a single bottle of the stuff, so you'll have to share. Should be enough for both of you for a day or two, though. That'll be 23 silvers, if you please." He turns back around and faces you with a defiant look. "I'm sure you're quite disappointed, eh? No contraband anywhere to be found. Be sure to put that in your report to the baron."

Nekurr hands over the silvers and listens to the gnome talking about weird stuff that they are not related to... that is, until he mentions contraband! They know these people dislike poachers which could prove useful. "Why do you mention that? Have you seen a lot of contraband here lately? " he looks at the little man as he takes the repellant. "We were following some poachers when we got lost in the swamp. Nasty people those three."

The Gnome seems a bit puzzled by the mention of poachers but recovers quickly. "Oh... You're after poachers is it? Well, they do come here from time to time. Try to throw their weight around, demand this, demand that. Often need healing, then 'spect not to hafta pay for it." He shrugs and chuckles. "Mayor usually locks 'em up till one of us can escort 'em to Nornholt for trial." Nekurr and Bruv get the impression he's being truthful.

"Maybe we can get Bruv to...magic it away. Guess I'll just loo- do other things. Still got that ledger to look through." She does not sound enthusiastic about the prospect of pouring through this ledger.

"Look, 'parently word 'as gotten 'round abou' 'oo we are.

Bot we're not 'ere lookin fer contraband. Our business is as much out-reach, as anyting. Our cart of goods we 'ad as gifts, was largely lost ta Lizardfolk tho... Surely ya can sympathize with 'at?

Let's change da subject, no bizness.

Wot can os outlanders expect at da festival t'noight?"

Bruv & Nekurr"So you were following poachers and got attacked by Lizardfolk. And now you're here to lick your wounds, is that it?" He chuckles. "I heard you came in the back way to try to catch us out or something. It's the kinda thing I'm a mite likely to do. I appreciate your creativity, at least." The Gnome shrugs his shoulders and leans on the counter. "Well, the festival's as good enough a place to forget about the Lizardfolk and poachers as any. We do one each month, but tonight's the big one: The Founder's Festival. Happens on the full moon after the harvest. What can you expect, lessee... Lotsa food, lotsa music and dancing, some games... Razorwing races, wrasslin' a greased pig..."