More Imp Shenanigans in Bloodloch

Malcanthet

@Rhyot @Iazamat @Galilei


(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Psst."

You peer about yourself suspiciously.

You say, "Yes?"

[HINT]: You are being spoken to by citizen234980.

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Yes?"

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Hey so you seem like a downright
reasonable, great person. There's been some sorta mistake and I've been
locked up in the cells, see?"

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Can you uh...let me out."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "What sort of
misunderstanding?"

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Oh you know, people are all uptight
and suspicious these days, they threw me in here hastily. Wrong person
and all that."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Oh yeah, people have
been really suspicious, but then all kinds of suspicious things have been
going on. What're you in for? It sure would stink if you were nabbed and
are indeed innocent."

** traveling to the prison where I encounter Iazamat standing guard **

--- Western prison cells --------- 9:13:0 ---
There are 2 colossal Teradrim guards here. Humming with energy, a crystal
aegis has been attuned to this location. An articulated fiend clings to
the wall outside the cells, a set of keys in its grasp. A sigil in the
shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. Resting on the
ground is a cube-shaped silver sigil. An arachnid Chiav patroller is
here, creeping about the passage silently. A crocodile-headed golem of
lapis and gold looms here, its stance both regal and menacing. Iazamat is
leaning against the western wall, arms folded over his chest and his gaze
intent upon the opposing cell. A massive sandstorm threatens to choke out
the life in this area.
You see exits leading north, east (closed iron door), south, and west

You incline your head politely to Iazamat.

You glance towards the west.

You peer about yourself suspiciously.

Iazamat acknowledges you with a nod of his head.

You say, "Greetings. Do you know of an imp being held hereabouts?"

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Nothing! I was just taking a walk
and these two people grabbed me and threw me in here. For no reason!"

Gesturing with a nod at the cell door, Squire Iazamat, the Desert Sun
says, "Fortuitous timing, he's just awakened."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "What's your name?"

Squire Iazamat, the Desert Sun asks, "You want to question him, I
imagine?"

You say, "He's imploring for my help. What were the circumstances of his
imprisonment, do you know?"

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "I'll tell you my name once I'm outta
here. Alright, so there's another guy standing out there all
menacing-like. I need you to knock him out."

Squire Iazamat, the Desert Sun says, "Project 1462 claims he was carring
a button engraved with 'MnL' - Might, not Light."

Squire Iazamat, the Desert Sun says, "He was questioned, but he's
apparently been evasive about the matter."

You say, "Ah, give me a moment to update myself and read that project."

** Reading ensues **

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Man, we Imps get a
bad rap just being who we are, don't we? Says in the city logs you were
just off to the post office."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "I KNOW, right? Absolutely
disgusting."

Iazamat falls silent and resumes watching the cell door, his attention
mostly fixated on the closed slit in the door.

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Well fella, I'm sure
we can clear this all up. I see this guy out here, he doesn't seem too
bad. You know the ones that look all tough are usually mush. However, I'd
rather settle things by clearing your name over bashing him a good one.
That'll just create more of a mess, and we don't want that."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Something tells me he ain't gonna
let me walk."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "You heard about all
that crazy Light nonsense going on? Has people up in arms. Rightfully so,
I guess. We can't have those light lovers besmirchin our good dark names
and causing mischief under our feet. -- Oh now, I dunno. How're you being
treated in there? Had a meal? Need something to drink? I can bring you
something if you'd like."

You say, "How long has this fella been in?"

You say, "Brought right here? I bet he's hungry."

You suck thoughtfully on your teeth.

Raising his voice so as to be heard through the cell's door, Squire
Iazamat, the Desert Sun says, "You can open that slit and speak with both
of us, prisoner."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Oh I see what you
mean. They're being extra careful."

"He was apprehended in early Midsummer, according to the documents,"
Iazamat answers, offering a slight shrug.

You have emoted: Malcanthet peers through the slit in the door to get a
good look.

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "See he even calls me prisoner. You
know he's made up his mind. C'mon just bash his brain in and lemme outta
here."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Well that's no way
to treat a fellow citizen, I mean, unless I was courting him. What's in
it for me? A lot of trouble will come with assaulting him, I gather."

Rumbling lowly, Squire Iazamat, the Desert Sun says, "She can't spare
you. Your silence is unbecoming, given your current position."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Next thing you know
I'll be in there with ya."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "You want gold? I got gold. You can
have whatever's on him, too."

You have emoted: Malcanthet slants a glance at Iazamat before peeking
into the slot again, expression unreadable.

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Nah, I've got piles
of that. More than I know what to do with."

A rather unremarkable Imp citizen is slouched against the far wall. He is
dressed in a cloak, the hood ripped off.

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Tough customer eh. Alright waddya
want? I can probably get it. Speak to me."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Information is far
more precious than gold right now. This guy's a big one, I'm guessing
it'll take a good thwacking, and then some, to knock him out cold. Say a
gal had something worth knowing though to bring her back into some good
graces..."

Squire Iazamat, the Desert Sun says, "You can request the Keeper grant
you entry, but I have my doubts he or the Council would give it. We need
to convince him to speak, else he's likely to be escorted to the torture
yards where they'll weaken his body and soul before a knight of the Keep
extracts the information forcefully - a painful experience, no doubt."

You have emoted: Malcanthet nods in agreement and voices it for the
benefit of the one who can't see her clearly. "Oh aye, that'll be messy.
I've seen their work before."

You say, "Though I do enjoy the art they are far too slow for my personal
liking in such things."

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "I got plenty of what, what's on your
mind?"

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Iazamat, "What's the most pressing
information currently needed?"

Iazamat forces a smile, eyes crinkling at the corners as he watches you
and the slit. "He must feel some, hn, racial bond between the two of
you," he points out.

(Tells): Iazamat's voice reaches your mind: "My guess is that we would
all like to know why he was carrying that button? Where did he get it?
What is his involvement with the rebels currently plaguing the city? What
does he know about them and their plans? Standard interrogations."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Look at him, assuming that
everything's racial, threatening to torture a good upstanding citizen of
Bloodloch. Just bash his head in, c'mon."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "It's annoying, this
is true. Typical of some, for certain. Tempting as that is, I'd still
need a sweet deal of my own. Names, maybe dates, places... some good info
on those rebels they're so worked up about that'll see my own place still
secure."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Maybe where I could
get a button."

You have emoted: Malcanthet merely smiles, all fangs, and leans against
the wall looking somewhat distracted.

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Always that button. I just found it,
okay? I can make you one if you really want one so bad. I'm good at
making buttons."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "A button in exchange for his caved
skull, deal, okay let's do it."

Iazamat lifts a hand and gently raps a knuckle against his temple, brows
peaking briefly after to indicate a question.

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "A button by itself
doesn't get much, but your butt in the pokey, as you can see. You found
it? It doesn't sound all that great a find to land ya here."

You have emoted: Malcanthet's brow furrows a bit as a sliver of
frustration shows, then smooths, and she forces her limbs lax once more.

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Yeah just my luck, right? I thought
it looked neat. Who knew it'd land me in here."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Well that's
unfortunate. What'm I supposed to do with that? Awful big risk. I like
you and all. You seem like a neat guy, but I don't think I'll be risking
so much for a found button. In that case, we'll go the honest route, eh?
The Keeper's a reasonable guy, I'm sure we can talk sense into him if you
explain."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "NONONONONNO - ahem, no. Please don't
bother the Keeper with this. He's a busy man."

The body of Galilei appears in a flash and her soul descends to fill it,
causing the previously expressionless face to fill with emotion.

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Ok, ok, I'll tell you something."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Iazamat, "So close..."

Galilei inclines her head politely to those around her.

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "But first, promise me no Keeper."

Iazamat looses a breath, his head dipping forward even as a hand reaches
for the back of his head, knuckles scratching at his scalp.

You say, "I don't think the prison has seen this much action in a while."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Also don't believe anything that
other foul woman out there says, they locked her up in here too, she's
guilty of terrible terrible crimes."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "I wont contact the
Keeper. Promise. Oh, this lady? What'd she do? Hrm, she doesn't look so
bad."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Well unlucky you, you're going to
have to bash her head in too."

(Tells): Iazamat's voice reaches your mind: "He can make amends, but only
if he provides what the city is asking after. He'll otherwise remain a
prisoner and, very likely, become something much worse."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "...maybe you can bash both their
heads together."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Mrpmf... My price
goes up with that."

You suck thoughtfully on your teeth.

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "My odds are
decreasing as more folk show up. I like bashing heads, but I'd also like
to win."

Iazamat lifts his head and acknowledges Galilei by dragging himself off
the wall long enough to offer a proper salute. "The prisoner's awake," is
all he says before resuming his post against against the wall.

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Ok how about this - you let me out,
I'll get the girl, you bash the big ugly one."

You have emoted: Malcanthet laughs softly, amusedly, and covers her eyes
for a moment.

Glancing at her, Squire Iazamat, the Desert Sun asks you, "Mm?"

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Alright. I'm
listening."

You have emoted: Malcanthet doesn't answer, merely shakes her head,
though her smile lingers. "Just thought of a funny joke I'd heard about
prisons, is all..."

Merrily, you say, "There was a guy who went to prison once. Had a
horrible stutter."

Grin growing briefly wider, you say, "But he died before he could finish
his sentence."

You cackle hellishly.

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Ok well. RUMOUR has it that
sometimes there are notes left around, hidden from plain sight. And that
w - er, certain parties might use them to communicate. Leave signals and
such."

Rhyot arrives from the south.

If Iazamat understood the joke or even found it amusing, he gives no
indication. His gaze instead slides from you to Galilei and then back to
the cell.

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "That's already news
though. Notes have been found all over.. Ah uh oh, I didn't call him.
Pinky swear."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Eep! Quick, bash his head in!"

You have emoted: Malcanthet straightens and inclines her head to Rhyot.

Rhyot inclines his head politely to those around him.

You say, "Keeper."

Iazamat acknowledges Rhyot with a nod of his head.

Rhyot inclines his head politely to those around him.

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Sorry fella, big
cheese just walked in."

You give a pained sigh.

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "My conversation from him
hasn't been very illuminating. He's squirrely."

"Shadowlord" Rhyot Vyktaire, Warlord of Chaos says to you, "With the
Imp?"

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Look I told you what you want to
know. Mayhaps you haven't been SEARCHing hard enough. Now get head
bashing, lemme outta here."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Wish I could help
you. We're out of our league now."

After glancing cautiously over his shoulder, Iazamat makes a few
clandestine edits to a legal document.

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "A moment and I'll tell you
what he said, word for word."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "I'm not hearing any head bashing out
there."

Rhyot gazes at the imp through the jail cells. "The guards were supposed
to inform me the moment that the imp woke."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "You missed the part
where the Keeper walked in."

You suck thoughtfully on your teeth.

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Get him too!"

You say, "Sorry, I've been loitering and talking a bit."

"Shadowlord" Rhyot Vyktaire, Warlord of Chaos says, "What did he say?"

You shrug helplessly.

Squire Iazamat, the Desert Sun says, "He's only been awake less than a
quarter of a day. I caught him peeking through the feeding slit, which
may be why the guards weren't aware."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "He told me: "Ok well. RUMOUR
has it that sometimes there are notes left around, hidden from plain
sight. And that w - er, certain parties might use them to communicate.
Leave signals and such.""

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "That's only after I told him I
might bash Iazamat's head in so he could escape, which of course, I
wouldn't.. hah."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "He says he FOUND the button.
Will not confess to much else

You shrug helplessly at Rhyot.

"Shadowlord" Rhyot Vyktaire, Warlord of Chaos says, "Oh... he's confessed
to far more than that."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "HEY! WHERE ARE THE POPPING HEADS?!"

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Iazamat, "As I told the warlord, he
told me: "Ok well. RUMOUR has it that sometimes there are notes left
around, hidden from plain sight. And that w - er, certain parties might
use them to communicate. Leave signals and such.""

You have emoted: Malcanthet smirks and glances at the cell.

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Maybe they'll let
you have a last dinner. Any requests?"

Iazamat's brows peak, a look of fascination crossing his features.

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "What?! HEY I GAVE YOU GOLD
INFORMATION. GOLD."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "You didn't tell me
anything that wasn't already known, man! We've been finding notes all
over the place. And carvings in bodies. Unless you meant something more."

Rhyot folds his arms across his chest. "He will remain in this prison
cell. However, if what he says is true, we need to keep an eye out for
these... signals and notes." He gazes at the guards, "Slipping in your
duties, are we?"

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "I TOLD you, you ain't been SEARCHing
hard enough."

Comprehension flashes across your face.

You have emoted: Malcanthet peeks into the slot with a sly grin and winks
at the Imp inside. To the others, she says, "Apparently we need to SEARCH
harder for these notes and signals..." she supplies, offering a small
shrug.

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "OK NOW LEMME OUT."

You have emoted: Malcanthet blandly glances at Rhyot, then Iazamat. "He
says he wants you to start with his fingernails."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "LET. ME. OUT."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "He wont shut up."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "OUT. LET. ME."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "Wanting me to bash heads in
and let him out. I think letting him out to the torturer's chambers would
be suitable."

(Tells): "Shadowlord" Rhyot Vyktaire, Warlord of Chaos tells you, "No."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Soon, friend,
soon..."

Iazamat once again withdraws from the wall. "He'll be granted no such
leniency," he responds blithely, knuckles brushing against the air in a
motion of dismissal. "If he insists upon torture, he'll be broken in both
body and soul."

(Tells): "Shadowlord" Rhyot Vyktaire, Warlord of Chaos tells you, "He
will not be let out of this cell."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "Ah so the torture is to take
place inside? Can I watch?"

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "ME. LET. OUT."

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

Rhyot raises an eyebrow as he watches you relay information. "If he
insists on torture, I would bring the Commander and Lieutenant down here.
They've taken great offense to their Keep being infiltrated, their
Soldiers kidnapped, and their warhounds slain."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Make them go search and then you can
sneak me out."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "I kno - er, rumour has it there's
stuff they ain't found

You say, "Apparently, there are things around the city, clues, not yet
found."

Rhyot glances towards Iazamat, "Though as I think about it. A Teradrim
can do just as much damage as a Carnifex and I'm sure you've witnessed
the things the Commander can do." He turns his attention back towards the
cell and you, "Is that so?"

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "Though I certainly wouldn't
leave him unattended. He's sneaky, that one. Very adamant in trying to
get me to let him loose."

Already walking away, Squire Iazamat, the Desert Sun says, "If I'm needed
to make him speak, call upon me. I'll be scouring the city until then."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Ok I heard the ugly one leave, now
get rid of the others."

(Bloodloch): Rhyot says, "Just so that everyone is clear. The imp that is
imprisoned in the cell is, under no circumstance, authorized nor allowed
to be out. There also seem to be notes that must be SEARCHed out to give
away information to those who are causing the disruptions within our
caverns."

You nod your head at Rhyot.

(Bloodloch): Ishmar says, "Imp?"

(Bloodloch): You say, "Also signs. Maybe markings on things that nobody
might notice right offhand. Not so blatant as carved into acorpse."

(Bloodloch): Rhyot says, "If the imp dares speak to you and requests to
be freed, you are to deny such request and then inform me."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "I did think stringing him
along might be more helpful than to outright deny him. I'm glad I might
have gotten a tidbit, if that's all... Though I'd hoped for more,
honestly."

(Bloodloch): Mjoll says, "Never heard of him."

(Tells): "Shadowlord" Rhyot Vyktaire, Warlord of Chaos tells you, "You've
done well. I would sincerely hope that the thought of freeing him didn't
once cross your mind."

(Tells): "Shadowlord" Rhyot Vyktaire, Warlord of Chaos tells you,
"Otherwise, the information he spoke to you is quite helpful."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "I shall try not to be
offended. Never would I betray our city. However, he doesn't know that."

You grin mischievously at Rhyot.

You tap your nose knowingly at Rhyot.

"Mmmm..." Rhyot softly utters.

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Okok, I'll tell you one more."

(Bloodloch): Iazamat says, "I don't believe the Imp meant literal signs,
but rather /signs/ - telltale signals and covert glyphs or runes that
indicate their passing and signal to other members of their clandestine
group."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "A Keeper's worth?
They're looking at me rather suspiciously now.... I've been standing here
making eyes at you long enough."

(Bloodloch): You say, "Aye."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "MIGHT BE that RUMOUR HAS IT, that
there COULD POSSIBLE BE a note right where you stand."

You blink.

You perform a quick search of your surroundings.
A hidden note is revealed.

You cannot pick up a hidden note.

There is nothing to read on a hidden note.

Rhyot raises an eyebrow questioningly.

This note bears only a single letter: v.

You say, "Shadowlord."

You point accusingly at a hidden note.

Rhyot inclines his head politely to those around him.

"Shadowlord" Rhyot Vyktaire, Warlord of Chaos says, "It's the letter v."

You peer at a hidden note suspiciously.

"Shadowlord" Rhyot Vyktaire, Warlord of Chaos says, "I cannot pick it
up."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "See? Now lemme out."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "That's it? It's
hardly incriminating. Just a single letter."

(Bloodloch): Rhyot says, "It seems these notes might have letters or
phrases on them. As you find them, let me know what you find."

You say, "Nor I."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "I SEARCHed here, and it
appeared."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "It's part of a series, DUH, you have
to decipher it."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Um, well at least that's what I
assume. From rumours."

(Tells): "Shadowlord" Rhyot Vyktaire, Warlord of Chaos tells you, "That
is good to hear. I was not questioning your loyalty though. The
information gleaned is quite helpful."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "Now make them go search and let me
out."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "He says it is part of a
series, and that "DUH" we have to decipher it."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "You know, the rebels
are quite creative."

(Tells): "Shadowlord" Rhyot Vyktaire, Warlord of Chaos tells you, "Simple
enough once we find all the notes."

(Tells): "Shadowlord" Rhyot Vyktaire, Warlord of Chaos tells you, "Ask
him where the citizens are."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "HEY WHERE ARE YOU GOING."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "LET ME OUT."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to an Imp prisoner, "Have you heard any
rumors about where all the citizens might be held? Now THAT would be
useful information."

(Tells): Harshly, you hiss afar to Rhyot, "I shall."

(Tells): An Imp prisoner tells you, "I DON'T KNOW LEMME OUT."

** Had to log out at this point, but what fun!! **

Ayukazi

This Imp is just gold in himself. Pure gold.

Malcanthet

Right? I loved it!