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Post by Sir Edmund Locksley on Oct 20, 2004 14:24:56 GMT
[ModNote: Continued from The Guardhouse.] *A new day, and new customers. When Catherine Barter opens her shop she already has a customer waiting, a tall man with black hair, pale skin and dark eyes.* *He greets her with a curt smile, then spends approximately half an hour inspecting every inch of her display, as if memorising her stock, before coming to the front of the store.* Good day, Miss Barter. I am the newly appointed Inquisitor to this area and my name is Locksley. As you are no doubt aware, the blacksmith which usually supplies the city guard with weapons is currently unavailable and their supplies are badly in need of restocking. I wish to purchase your entire supply of weaponry, as I am sure that you will agree it is safer in our hands. In addition, if you have any magic useful to keeping the peace, it is your civic duty to inform me of it. Fortunately the situation is not so advanced as to require comandeering, but nevertheless this is an emergency, so this will be cash on delivery. In addition, I would be grateful if you could tell me the whereabouts of a mage known as the Ringmaster... Local traders are often such hives of information. *Having delivered his request in the tone of an instruction, Locksley waits for her reply*
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Post by ringmasterrob on Oct 20, 2004 15:28:24 GMT
*Ringmasterrob is heading towards the Guardhouse, walking through the market square to confirm that a shop has indeed been burned down, and as he walks past the renovated shop he sees a man in inquisitorial robes talking with the shopkeeper, RMR decides that he should see this man first. Very quietly he enters the shop and is standing quietly behind this man, neither of the people in the shop have heard him enter and they continue talking.* *In a booming voice* "The Ringmaster is standing right here, what do you want!" *He grins a broad grin as the two people jump out of their skins. The man turns looking rather unamused.* "Sorry old pal, just a bit of a joke. Couldn't resist "
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Post by Sir Edmund Locksley on Oct 20, 2004 15:36:27 GMT
Miss Barter, if you would send your bill and stock to the guardhouse.... I must talk with this gentleman.
*Locksley pronounces the word distastefully, but remains civil to Catherine. He turns to the Ringmaster*
Well now Ringmaster, my name is Locksley, and I am the new Chief Inquisitor of the area. I understand that we have a common cause, the investigation of this string of recent murders...
I must inform you that this is now official watch business and that by witholding any evidence you will be commiting an offence.
The inquiries made up until this point have been disappointing, I wonder if you have any more light to shed on this matter.
*His speech is reasonable but tinged with disapproval. He decides not to mention the letter, neatly folded in his pocket, until necessary.*
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Post by ringmasterrob on Oct 20, 2004 15:41:59 GMT
*RMR regards the man with an instant distate and address his him in a mock obeying tone, mimicking him just enough to make him angry but not furious.*
"Edmund Locksley eh? I've heard you're an successful inquisitor, and to be that you have to be suitably unscrupulous and ruthless, but i'm sure you're actually just a big teddy bear. So what you're saying is, 'you don't like me and i don't like you so unless you obey my orders i'll make life difficult for you.' Well all I can say is that you look to me to be a complete git, no offence of course 'sir'.
However I have heard that you have a letter addressed to me, which apparently you can't read, the letter that is, I wouldn't dream of implying you were incapable of stringing simple sentances together. As it happens I have no more evidence than you do oh mighty inquisitor so if you could hand over that letter i'll be on my way."
*RMR gives a mock salute like the one he gave his employers in the forest and outstretches his hand to recieve the letter.*
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Post by Sir Edmund Locksley on Oct 20, 2004 15:49:21 GMT
*Locksley smiles a humourless smile*
Who would have thought that the Great Ringmaster could be such a child? This is not a game, but a matter of public order. You may call me ruthless Ringmaster, and I take it as a compliment, but which of us is taking these deaths more seriously?
As for the letter, yes indeed I have it, however it is police evidence and I cannot render it up to you as yet sir.
Nevertheless, I will give you this copy. We may keep the original for fingerprints whilst you may attempt to translate this one.
*He takes the copy from this pocket and gives it to Rob, looking into his eyes for any sign of recognition of a meaning in case he tries to hide it*
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Post by ringmasterrob on Oct 20, 2004 15:55:42 GMT
*The Ringmaster isn't bothered by being called a child, this man hasn't done a quater of what he has done in his life. Plus living like he does would probably have sent RMR crazy by now. He regards the letter and doesn't manage to disguise his total confusion at what it says.*
"Taking it seriously? just because I don't want to compare notes with a cold calculating evil genius type fellow doesn't mean i'm not doing my best to bring this killer to justice. As it happens I have been in Wolfenden and the surrounding areas longer than you have and it is in my best interests to see these problems finish.
Your 'methods' do indeed end up with public order, but often at the cost of innocent lives and spilt blood which is on your hands, if you can live with that then you are unworthy of anything more than dislike from me. Now if you'll excuse me I have business of greater importance than the high master of arrogance."
*RMR gives him a look of deep dislike, a look that may even have caused Edmund concern, the Ringmaster is rumoured to have legendary power but it does not show on his face. He remains as emotionless as when RMR first came in. RMR leaves, once out of the range of Locksley he regards the note, quickly remembering the origins of the letter, Watcher's code! He knows exactly who to see, and with Gaia on his side he quickly and undetectably leaves the marketplace, anyone following him wouldn't have a hope in hell of keeping up.*
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Post by Sir Edmund Locksley on Oct 20, 2004 16:04:48 GMT
*Locksley is disappointed to see the confusion in the Ringmaster's eyes, he hoped that this clue might lead somewhere. He gives another of his tight little smiles at the Ringmaster's tirade*
Evil? Ringmaster I believe in order and chaos. Goodness cannot exist without order, why else do we talk of rules of ethics? It is for others to take the praise, and without my pragmatism there would be no society for those such as yourself to protect.
I appreciate the 'genius' though.
And Ringmaster, if you believe that there is such a thing as an entirely innocent life then you truly are a child.
*As RMR leaves he calls after him*
And just as a clarification... it's SIR Edmund Locksley.
*He sees RMR leave the square and calls over two guards*
Follow him, subtly. Dress as farmhands.
*The guards run off, but Rob will be moving too fast for them to follow*
Now, *turning back to Catherine* where were we Miss Barter?
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Post by ringmasterrob on Oct 20, 2004 16:10:22 GMT
*After brushing aside Edmund's taunts and setting of RMR thinks to himself*
"He's dangerous, I can wind him up all I like but there's something forboding about him. Why on earth would they send in a twisted man like him. Still if I was to do anything to him he would most likely end up compromising the mission. I suppose I could always make life as hard for him as he chooses to make it for me, we'll see who snaps first, i'm a lot older and undoubtedly wiser than him."
*RMR notices the two 'disguised' guards, one of them has not concealed his insignia properly, they both look completely lost and clearly have no idea RMR is anywhere near them.*
"Perhaps he's not as much of a threat as I thought, if THAT'S what he sends after me!"
*The Ringmaster waits for the guards to go of in completely the wrong direction before he stops. He turns and sets off to look for Midnight. His search will be a difficult one...*
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Post by Sir Edmund Locksley on Oct 20, 2004 16:17:06 GMT
*As he continues his purchases, Locksley sees the guards set off after Rob, and notes their poor disguises*
Thinks: Curses upon this situation. I have inherited a collection of buffoons as my assistants. Nevertheless, this can be turned to an advantage, it may make him underestimate me.
However, I must instigate new training, perhaps some reformed assasins?
Off you go Ringmaster, you're bound to come back, and you'll find me waiting.
*Snaps out of thoughts*
Forgive me Miss Barter, what were you saying?
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Post by Phinehas on Oct 20, 2004 20:19:20 GMT
[ModNote: Phinehas was last seen here.] *Phinehas strolls into the shop and stops abruptly when he catches sight of the haughty-looking, well-dressed man.* Another one.*Once again he strolls off into a corner to wait for Catherine to finish her business with the stranger.*
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Post by Catherine Barter on Oct 20, 2004 21:30:27 GMT
Well good sir. Not sure whether I can agree to that or not. What with the killing going on your asking me to sell all the weapons I have in stock to you and leave the common person unarmed and unable to protect themselves or family.From this being that from what I have heard not even the watch have been able to stop or even get close to.
*See's Phinehas enter the shop and nods in greeting to him.*
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Post by Sir Edmund Locksley on Oct 20, 2004 22:00:42 GMT
You would prefer, Miss Barter, that untrained villagers should have freer access to weaponry in a time of panic and fear that the official and organised guardians of their safety? Miss Barter this will lead to chaos, riots, and more destruction and death.
This is not simply to arm my own men, we are in the process at this moment of organising village militias, it is remarkable how well people react to some discipline and order in their lives. Gives them something to focus their rage and confusion on. The weapons I am purchasing will go some way towards arming them... I find that the traditional pitchfork lacks a certain finesse. In my plan, these people will therefore be obtaining the means of their protection for free from my own coffers.
In addition, from all accounts we are dealing with a lunatic who uses throwing daggars. When he runs out it would be logical for him to go to the local supplier of weapons for more... and I doubt very much that he will pay.
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Post by Catherine Barter on Oct 20, 2004 22:31:40 GMT
but will you be providing those with nothing to protect themselves with at least some form of defense. Other than a Militia trained by you.
*No matter how aristocratic Sir Locksley is there something about him that Catherine just doesn't like.*
People who feel undefended also tend to go looking for something to defend themselves with. I have no problem with selling you some of my weapon stock but to clean out all of them also leaves me defenseless and my shop.
*This isin't true as seen by Marcus last night. The shop is well protected when the shop is closed.*
Even a unarmed man can turn into a wild animal when his family or life is in danger. You take all these weapons then your going to have lot's of unprotected people here and lots of them wanting to gets there hands on weapons. Which will lead to buglery, robbery, theft what ever you want to call it.
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Post by Young Grimwold on Oct 20, 2004 22:43:11 GMT
*A new day, and new customers. After the events of last night, Catherine Barter is understandably distracted and opens her shop a few minutes later than she intended.* [ModNote: Can I please ask that you don't dictate the feelings, and actions, of another active member's character in this way? Unless what you wrote was pre-approved by Catherine Barter, in which case I apologise.]
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Post by Sir Edmund Locksley on Oct 20, 2004 22:43:42 GMT
Credit me with some intelligence Miss Barter. A Young Lady like yourself would never have survived this long as a trader if you ever left yourself defenceless. And I can assure you, my militias are the best trained I know, indeed I intend to have all the local residents trained if possible. But this is academic. It appears that you are unwilling to sell the whole of your stock. I therefore require only as much as your scruples will allow me to take. *He produces a bag of gemstones* In addition, I think that I saw some enchanted animating chains at the back of your shop, I will purchase these... providing you don't think they would be better in the hands of a farmer of course. *His tone is not sarcastic, but one eyebrow raises slightly* [OOC: Forgive me for suggesting Catherine's feelings. The sentence was purely to characterise Locksley by having him arrive so punctually that he noticed her being a minute late. I also intended to show a time scale which can easily get confusing by placing her encounter with Brinkatore on the previous night. Personally, I think that I gave very little of her feelings (distracted could mean anything), but do not wish to cause offence. I have removed it ]
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