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Post by Drusinicus on Jan 14, 2021 1:49:58 GMT
"We come from afar and admire your culture, we would be honored to accompany you to your home for drink and rest." Drusinicus jokingly tells Aethyl, "He thinks I am dashing NOT you!" Then laughs!
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 14, 2021 1:53:55 GMT
Aethyl reaches out a hand and hauls up the young man. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.....?" He draws out the pause politely, to allow the young man to introduce himself.
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Post by Diocles on Jan 14, 2021 1:55:35 GMT
The youth introduces himself as Necho and leads you to his home, an apartment on the third floor of a sandstone building with a courtyard. He sets a modest table for you both, with black beer, black bread, and cheese. Necho stands and serves you both, and as you eat, he asks if there's anything you need to be more comfortable.
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Post by Drusincus on Jan 14, 2021 2:00:33 GMT
Drusincius looks from his glass of beer and says, "Friend, tell me more of this Ramses and the men you frightened you?"
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Post by Diocles on Jan 14, 2021 2:03:49 GMT
Necho trembles but tries to be brave. "Ramses is the neighborhood boss. What he says goes! I'm behind on my 'tribute'... that's what he calls it, so he sent a couple of his goons to collect. I think they would've killed me if you'd not come along. Ramses likes to put people into burlap sacks full of venomous snakes!"
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 14, 2021 2:04:54 GMT
Aethyl is grateful for a meal after his drinking session, and makes no effort to hide it. "Necho, my good fellow, our many thanks for your generosity! You do us great honor! But come, if you are able, and the tale is not to terrible in the telling, what has brought you to such trouble that Drusinicus should have to rescue you? You have no idea what a celebrity you have at your table!"
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Post by Drusinicus on Jan 14, 2021 2:07:12 GMT
"Someone needs to tell this, "Ramses," that there is a new boss in town who disagrees with his form of management."
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 14, 2021 2:07:34 GMT
Aethyl is mortified. "How uncouth! How boorish and vulgar. I don't suppose this Ramses fellow is the type who can be persuaded from his life of petty strutting....."
He looks searchingly at Necho, and meaningfully at Drusinicus.
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Post by Drusinicus on Jan 14, 2021 2:16:00 GMT
Drusinicus, always up for a fight, begs the young man to have Ramses seek him out to to discuss the possibility of a change in management!
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 14, 2021 2:19:21 GMT
Aethyl thinks for a moment.
"Tell me, Necho. Who exaclty is this Ramses, and how long has he been plaguing this neighborhood? it clearly sounds as though you aren't pleased with his manner of 'protection' and governance.
Why do the people put up with him? In my experience, a bully is usually some lout with a tiny handful of followers. rap him soundly in public, and the hangers-on will vanish until the next bully shows up."
His features darken somewhat, though he retains his joviality. "I really detest a bully. And if your kindness is any indication, I suspect the rest of this neighborhood will be equally grateful if he is roused from his roost, and sent packing in the manner and custom he so richly deserves."
With a growing mischievous smile, he looks at the other two. "well, what do you think, Necho?"
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Post by Drusincius on Jan 14, 2021 2:33:34 GMT
"Aethly, you forget that are in the company of a trained fighter who comes from the finest gladiatorial school! It would be against my very nature to reject such misgivings!" (Audible noise: A-Team TV theme music playing in the background)
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Post by Diocles on Jan 14, 2021 4:09:31 GMT
Necho explains simply that Ramses is the boss of the Dock Quarter of Breakwater, from the wharf to the river, that is, the northwestern part of town. "The council of elders rules the city in the King's name, but it's the bosses who run the streets. Crossing them in inviting death!" He touches Drusinicus' hand. "Do not sell your life so cheaply."
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 14, 2021 20:39:40 GMT
Aethyl scowls in annoyance. This news is less than welcome, and the growing headache brought on from his drinking session is not helping his mood. "We are friends of the King. And I can say with certainty that he would not be happy with this dereliction of duty on the part of the Council, nor this abuse of his citizens, especially under their watch, in his name, no less. This is now more than a mere nuisance. This is an affront to his Majesty, and to all he stands for! Necho, does this Ramses fellow have a network of spies, or just a band of ragamuffin henchmen who do his bidding? I want to meet with some others in this neighborhood who are tired of this, and who are stout of heart, and willing to to act."
He pauses, looking at Drusinicus.
"Drusinicus and I will help you, but the people who live here need to be willing to invest in this endeavor, and stick it out. As I said, it is no good if we send this fellow packing, only to have him replaced the moment we leave town. We need to know whom we can count on in a pinch. Because we aim to pinch him, and memorably."
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Post by Drusinicus on Jan 14, 2021 23:07:58 GMT
Drusinicus immediately interjects, "Aethyl is right and I highly advise these merchants learn how to defend themselves against these local thugs! Please, gather the others in the neighborhood for a meeting in the square so that we can discuss how to fix your problems. Let us meet within 2 hours!" Drusincus chugs his beer, laughs, and turns back to Aethyl and says, "This gives us more time to drink and I speak better in front of a crowd on a full gullet beer!"
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 15, 2021 2:21:57 GMT
Aethyl will ask Necho if this plan seems good to him, and will offer to accompany him if the people need convincing.
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