Day 3 MA: Preparing for the excursion (Lady's library)

[Thaddeus]

"A chance to explore outside the Cage, what berk would turn it down? As I said, I'm also a lover of scholarly pursuits. This burg may not have more knowledge than Sigil, but sounds like it has some that we don't. Maybe I can find something that will please Al-Jasem and the Great Khan.

I don't have any particular interest in Netherese magic, but I'll gladly add my efforts to your research. Or maybe I'll get somethin' worth sending to the Sensorium. Haven't added a good recordin' in a while. Perhaps once we find what you are looking for or whilst looking, we may happen upon some other dark.

[L'Orr-hui]

Something did catch the flayer's attention

''Who is Al-Jasem and the Great Khan?''

[Thaddeus]

"Ah, yes. They did, and often do, cross my mind. They're my benefactors.

Thaddeus sits back into his seat and holds up a hand, displaying a lone ring set with a golden orb. Upon closer inspection the orb appears to house the swirling sands of a desert within.

"Al-Jasem is a Dao from the Elemental Plane of Earth. He has deigned to impart a fraction of his power for my use. In exchange, I pass along knowledge and provide my expertise with the occasional task. The Great Khan is the leader of the Dao.

[L'Orr-hui]

''Hmm. I cannot understand why one would bind themselves so to another's will.'' The illithid commented ''But aside from this I think you will be able to serve as our diplomat''

They raised a finger

''However I do not have the means to finance everything, I will do the research and find the key but do not expect this to be an all-paid resort''

[Thaddeus]

"Oh yes, I know. I've had quite a few proposals, but I kept myself single. HA! I'm hilarious. There's still far too much to experience out there to settle down just yet. He looks up at the ring on his hand, the obvious correlation not escaping him.

"But, in truth, we're all beholden to someone's will here in the Cage. I've just chosen to get a little bit more in return than most." Thad reaches over to give the napping Cornelius a few gentle strokes. "As for payment, I expected as much. My payment will be the journey and the wealth of knowledge we obtain... And perhaps we'll run into some jink along the way. To be split fairly of course. There's always ways for a cutter to earn.

Do you think it is only they who have knowledge that we want? I'm sure one of their greybeards would pay for some firsthand accounting of the current events in the Cage.

[L'Orr-hui]

''If we, for reasons that now elude me, ever are in a situation where spoils can be rightfully claimed then it will be divided fairly'' they stated firmly

[Thaddeus]

"Now that's settled, I am a bit curious. What's this case your investigating?

I ask because I came across a peculiar one last night. One of these Rilmani bashers had gone and nicked some sod in Suicide Alley." He thinks while lifting up a book about the race native to the Outlands.

"Would've been 'nough, 'cept he went and sawed off the deaders jaw afterwards. And when I tried to stop him, he went on and on and on about The Balance." He makes air quotes while thinking the words, The Balance.

[L'Orr-hui]

''I am bound by confidentiality in this matter, I am afraid. Unless my patient allows divulgation I cannot give any specifics''

The flayer did not look up form their work when they replied

''Taking jaws might be a sign they are aware of the ability to speak with the dead and seek to prevent it.'' They frowned ''I heard something similar from another source...''

[Thaddeus]

"Sounds reasonable, practical even... but still pretty messed up you ask me."

[L'Orr-hui]

''Yes...but this also means premeditation. Assassins do not usually take the jaws of their victims because they are unknown or cannot be identified. Either the victim knew the assailant or knew something the assailant wanted to keep quiet.''