A scared patrolman who doesn't protect against 'jinkblades'..very confusing. Again, I must ask: What is it that you *do*?
Rocking back on his feet to stand to his full height. As for me, I'm passing through the Ward, trying to get some chant on this Silver Mistress..
Spot: 5 (nat. 1) lol
Sense Motive: 6 (nat. 1!! 
)
He winces at the words "Silver Mistress."
Are ye daft?! Quiet!! Ye don't want te be raisin' the flag about that one. Three days ago she ran right down this road from the Mortuary! I saw her.. it with my own eyes I did!!
Don't know if she's a scribe o' the dead book or just some barmy that fancies breaking and entering. There's something wrong about that one... Every major location in the Cage is now tryin ta slip the knot from her
He then points to himself. Me? I'm a collector.
Slip the Knot= avoid a planned ambush
Scribe of the dead book = assassin
Collector? Who do you collect for?
Officially, them (he points to the Mortuary). But I've been cutting some slippery deals with Nerana (he gestures at the Necromancy Shop). She pays more.
What is it that you collect... Klar thumbs the bulge of a pouch at his side, from which the soft clink of jink sounds.
Deaders, of course. Giving a knowing look at scaly: So ye aren't from around here.
Avoiding the word "Clueless" as he finds that most sods who are find the term quite offensive.
Think what ye may...but in such times as these, one cannot be so sure, berk. He thumbs out ten jink and grabs the collectors hand in a firm grip, pausing as he palms the coin over. Next time you go taking deaders from another person, be sure they won't return. Two emerald eyes flare for a moment before crimson resettles into crimson flames.
The fiery half-dragon steps past the collector and into the dark alley beyond.
Disguise: 36
Spot: 12
Listen: 21
Search: 11
Thanks rounder, may the Lady's Shadow Pass Ye by.
Expecting the Half Dragon to be on his way, the collector is surprised as he heads for the dark alley.
Ye won't find anything useful there - it's just Narena's stash o' deaders.
This statement is confirmed by the stench of putrid flesh that violates Klar's nostrils as he enters the darkness. He hears a faint buzz... probably that of scavenging insects.
Rounder=Someone who knows his way around the planes. It ain't as good as being a blood, but it's a cutter to be respected nonetheless.
The draconian stares into the gloom for a bit before turning around. Probably so...
As he steps past the figure, Klar becomes a blur of movement, mace leaping upward to crack against the figure's head.
Can't always play nice...
Sneak attack:
AC: 17
Damage: 8 bludg+ 5sneak=13
Hoping to kill him instantly, so he doesn't make a sound.
The collector doesn't know what hits him. He slumps to the ground without incident.
Becomes a thing to be collected.
The man's hood falls off as a result of the fall, and Argint can now see his whole face. The exact same face as that of S..Selp Leh.
Klar pauses for a moment. What the... He commences with his task at hand, in order to keep out of sight.
Klar drags him into the alley, where he proceeds to search for gear and jink, while eyeing the condition of the other deaders--whether they are clothed or not, as to get an idea of how Narena accepts her deaders.
The collector steps out of the shadows, dragging a deader with his face smashed in beyond recognition.
Disguise: 35
Through the darkness, Klar can discern that the deaders mostly humanoid, and one rotting bariaur, have obviously been stripped of jewelry and other obvious valuables- though most of them still have their clothes on.
Oddly enough, the only thing on Edahs's body are 10 coins... the same 10 coins Klar just gave him moments ago.
Things aren't adding up...
Edahs drags the body into the Necromancy Shop, where he looks about the place, taking in the location and the proprietor if she is in.
Hm...things are getting more intriguing as time passes. 
Oh, Argint would've smashed the face in to ensure the body wasn't recognized.
For earlier in the alley...
Search: 5 (nat 1)
Spot: 20
Looking for the thugs he killed earlier
As he enters, he hears a distant buzzing sound, as if rain is falling. The store itself seems small for the large size of the building it's in. It's a dark violet themed store. Skulls of every variety line the walls, and float from the ceiling- there is one of a small dragon next to a well preserved head of a vrock. Magical candles provide subtle, though eerie. illumination. On the right wall are wands, rings, pendants, and other enchanted jewelry. On the left wall are assorted body parts, well preserved (and lacking the smell of the stash outside). Once again Edahs sees Edahs...or Sselp Leh- that SAME man working on stacking potions and scrolls on the middle shelf. He gives Edahs...himself, a short glance, then continues working.
To the right side of the store is something that seems out of place - a Suit of antique armor with an Axe attached to the right gauntlet. The Suit stands upright with no supports, as if the wearer is invisible. But ultimately, the half dragon decides that there is no wearer - because the suit doesn't budge.
In front of the small shop is a counter with skulls and more scrolls, along with a stacked bookshelf on the far corner. Standing behind the counter is the most unusual of .... people. It seems like a baby's head attached to a small Lim-Lim's hooved posterior. The character floats eerily in the air with wide unblinking eyes and unusually sharp teeth, badly concealed by unusually red lips. Hair is randomly strewn about its scalp - as if someone pulled a full head of hair until most of it was gone. It seems more like a construct than a living thing. From its neck hangs a jug of sorts.
It opens it's tiny mouth to speak.. yet the sound that it emits is booming and harsh, more likely coming from some other source than this small frame.
Greetings Changeling. My mistress is unavailible at the moment, but she requests that in the future - you refrain from murdering her servants. She thanks you, however, for returning the shell.
I am called Queezrow. How may I serve you?
Murder is debatable on the matter... Says the silvery form of Argint as he reveals his full nature. No use for disguises here...
I do, however, have some questions. One, do I still get paid for the deader in my hands? Two, are Edahs and Selp Leh her creations? If so, I have spared one and slain the other. Three, when can I expect the proprietor to be available? Argint's tone is neutral as his nature, as though this is just a matter of course to tote a recently slain figure in as a bartering chip for negotiation.
The doppleganger positions himself so that he can keep an eye on the possible origins of the true voice, which are the suit of armor and the other servant.
What a pleasant surprise! A figure with tree seeing. 
Diplomacy: 18
Knowledge(arcana): 8
Knowledge(local): 8
Spot: 10
Listen: 23
The hollow man is the mistress's property - it is me who should be asking you to pay for it's death - though out of courtesy for a potential first-time customer - I will not. The Mistress would rather you pay for something you'd like. Perhaps I can help you find something in particular- or perhaps you can give me a general idea of what you fancy, and I can make suggestions. You will find that our prices are fair, though non-negotiable.
He doesn't answer the question of the two being her creations or not.. simply 'property.' Much like Argint, Queezrow's tone is completely neutral and businesslike - declaring a murder as a matter-of course. Once again, the the voice is booming- impossibly loud for so small a frame.
Argint recognizes a crimson snake insignia on the suit of armor as that of one of the Mercykillers - a faction that disintegrated as a result of the War.
As if reading Argint's thoughts about the suit of armor, he asks:
Are you interested in Vhailor?
A quiet one...your proprietor must have paid a pretty stinger to get that suit.
Is he house security?
Argint appears abstractly interested, though he studies the figure a bit before looking around the room at the other items. He ignores the issue of payment as well, letting the matter slip.
Wouldn't happen to have an item for speaking with the deceased or looking into the moment prior a sod was slain?
Bluff: 26 to mask interest
Search: 6 just lookin' around
Btw, those pictures are AWESOME! Glad to have the visual appeal...I'll see what I can do for Argint's personas. 
It most certainly is not. The suit of armour is spiritless, though one can be placed inside of it. I assure you, the Store is already secure enough to withstand another Faction War.
He says this more as if it is a common fact, as opposed to a boast.
It is one of our pricier acquisitions, though we are willing to part with it for a mere 25,000 jink.. spirit included.
We do have certain payment options to alleviate the cost. For example, normally the mistress would disregard 2,000 of the jink were a buyer to sign a contract, selling his/her body over to the mistress after death. For an unusual speciman as yourself, we can increase that to 4,000.
He looks at Argint in what may be considered a hungry manner- as if he is a piece of property, or a juicy hunk of meat.
By the way. Matters elsewhere have, regretfully, made my Mistress's absence from the store indefinite.
OOC:
Thanks!! Btw: keep doing spot and search checks.
The discourse about his body as a token rankles Argint, a being who appreciates the intricacies of many forms. 'Mere' is not a an accountable word in finances. Salesmen use it to disarm their customers...perhaps you should better appraise your customers, lest they become less frequent. His voice is level and sure, like he was informing a student of business etiquette, not making a threat.
I do wonder why you overlooked my true query: Do you have any trinkets for dialogging with deaders and/or perhaps viewing the moments that lead to their demise?
Spot: 20
Listen: 25 (nat 20)
Search: 24 (nat 20! 
Bluff: 35 (another nat 20. O.o not complaining
Sense Motive: 8
Edit: ignore the first roll...went barmy and tried to roll simultaneously.
A thin line of bloody drool emerges from his unmoving lips.
Ahh sincerest apologies, I do tend to get carried away.
It's unclear if he's speaking about getting carried away talking about Vhailor, or getting carried away looking at Fresh Meat. He.. it still seems oblivious to the bloody drool falling from its mouth.
Yes, we do have trinkets - he gestures to one of the walls, and out comes a necklace made of very sharp teeth.
With this necklace, you may speak with the departed spirits of empty shells thrice daily for up to half an hour.
A most useful item. We are selling it for 2,500 jink - non-negotiable.
As for viewing moments that lead to their demises - I have no particular item to help you with that, though perhaps I may apply some necromancic divination - This however, completely depends on the situation (how long one has been dead, how the shell died, and the sort). I will also require the shell of the deader, though I can make no guarentees -divination, unlike Necromancy, is an inexact Art - and it goes by a case to case basis.
As the construct is speaking, Argint notices for the first time that there are concealed curtains in the shop at the far wall (behind the counter, behind Queezrow). The blackness fades perfectly with the wall. It quickly becomes obvious that there is more in the shop, and perhaps more to the shop than first appraised.
The necklace allows: Stories - Bones Tell 3/day
When the creature names its price, Argint replies. How many deaders would be the equivalent cost?
Nonpulsed by the banter, the doppleganger sets the body down and begins turning toward the door. Too many liabilities and variables in that equation to make it mutually beneficial. You cut your customers a harsh deal with your rigid establishments...perhaps you've been dealing with deaders too much to realize marketing as a fluid transaction His temperment is bland and unemotional, his featureless face further making any reading difficult.
There is more than one way to haggle.
Bluff: 17 keep emotions masked
Diplomacy: 25
We take 50 jink for each shell... that didn't originally belong to the Mistress. He responds to the first question- placing emphasis on the last part.
The sound of rain or perhaps better put- a thousand insect legs scuttling on the ground grows louder.
Aaah, A pity you feel that way. The booming voice echoes at the second comment. Without further negotiation, the necklace levitates from the counter back to the shelf. The sound of the insects scuttling/ rain pattering grows to a small roar.
Perhaps another time. We have several locations - do come again.
As he speaks the last two words "come again" Argint gets the strangest feeling.
OOC: make a Will save
I will certainly thin-- He stops at the sound of the bugs.
Bugger.
Will: 7 (nat 1)
Listen: 24 to discern noises origin/originator...though I think I'll found out soon enough
Finally, something to balance out the trifecta of nat. 20s
The roaring of the rain gets deafening for just a short second, to the point of pain, then abruptly disappears. There is an odd sensation at the back of Argint's neck, near the base. It feels like something just entered his body from there, but when he goes to feel the back of his neck, involuntarily, with his hand. There is nothing unusual.. at least on the outside.
Argint feels indescribably different - though subtly.
Oh no...the DM gets his fun. 
Jk! Knew I would have to pay the 'loth for those rolls...
Int check: 9
Knowledge(arcana):10
Excuse me
Argint turns and quickly, but steadily, walks out of the establishment and around into the tavern of Dusties, only transforming himself into a grey skinned, dull cloaked figure as an afterthought...
Disguise: 28
Standing in the middle of the Necromancy Shop, he is slightly disoriented.
Argint: Excuse Me
[b]I'm sorry, are you quite alright? Is there anything else that I may help you with? Queezrow asks, his voice thick with feigned concern.
OOC: aaah simultaneous posts
Argint: No
Very well, please do come again.[/b]
The mouth of the dragon skull opens simultaneously with the door. As Argint walks out to the side alley, he finds another hooded collector standing in front of the Alley. This collecter's robes are exactly the same as Edahs's. His face cannot be seen underneath the hood.
No...
Edit above. Headin for the White Casket. Quick.
Argint is back on Blackshade Lane. It is almost Peak, and the contrast of the bright Sigilian sky to the dark Shop- both physically, and in mood- is blinding. He sees the White Casket ahead.
Dreer enters the Casket. Just another Dustman looking for an open spot at the bar.
Any Seer's Guild buildings nearby--and what is their status on tending to their own medically?
No Guildhouses in this area of the Hive. They provide healing for a price, though if one is mortally wounded, they will heal him/her back to stable condition free of charge.
Two Dustie guards give him the nod as he enters. The bar is not quite what one would expect from a regular bar, and everything one would expect of a Dustman bar. Subdued, gray,... boring.
Several Dusties hang around by the bartender(ess).
There are a few tray-carrying skeletons serving the patrons.
Of interest:
-the rather beautiful bartender(ess) - dark hair, gray eyes, pale skin - possibly planetouched.
- A circular table of dusties off to one side with 12 of them sitting within the circle, discussing something of apparent importance.
There are more than a few empty tables. The main decoration within the otherwise drab bar is the insignia of the Dustmen etched with some red pigment onto the gray stone ceiling.
Signaling his intent to the gorgeous 'tender, Dreer sits down within earshot of the circled crew, his back against a wall, their table on his left.
When she walks up, the Dustie asks for, The regular, as he's an occasional patron of these parts.
Dreer is a low-level factioneer in the Dustmen, seen around at odd intervals and with no real friends. Anyone who has talked with him, the bartender(ess) mainly, would say he is quiet but affable.
Knowledge(local): 25
Listen: 24
Spot: 10
Search: 15
Aras steps out into the morning, having just finished a hearty breakfast. He stretches, feeling his strong muscles ripple with the movement, and smiles to himself, enjoying the feeling of raw physical power.
After the death and dissapearance of most of his newfound companions, he knows he should not feel this good, but he has some form of purpose in this strange city now, and that pleases him.
Three days, he has, before his rendezvous with the Elf, and in that time he plans to learn - not just about the strange woman-creature who attacked him, but also about this whole place.
This being decided, he strides briskly off in search of a tout.
Argint:
Her black lipstick glimmers to compliment her shiny teeth as she smiles a weak smile at Dreer (weak are about as good as smiles get from real Dusties).
Right then.. How've you been? She asks, noncommitedly. The dustman robes, ironically accentuate her athletic build, making her even more pleasing to the eye.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile:
It doesn't take long for Aras to spot a bariaur tout shouting the name of her profession right in the middle of busy Smith street. Her voice sticks out amongst the droning hum of the rest of the Cagers going about thier day.
Aras approaches the goatwoman and greets her, Ho there, tout. I am what I believe you folk call a "clueless." I seek to remedy this situation, to learn about this city - its ways and peoples, and also to learn of a beast that is shaped like a human woman, but can sew destruction with fire and assume the form of water. Is there a place of learning or a wise sage that you might guide me to?
As the Hobgoblin talks, his habitual beard-scratching occurs.
His ashen eyes glisten with appreciation for her beauty, Dreer smiles wanly as well before answering in his soft tone. Eh...just been banging around the Cage, lookin' to stay away from th' silver scriber...you are still the only sparkle worth scanning in the Ward." Though his eyes are shimmering with affection, they are sharply contrasted by the dark outline of exhaustion undearneath each orb.
He may be quiet, but he's still smooth.
Diplomacy: 21
Bluff: 22
Listen(to other table): 20
As the Hobgoblin talks, his habitual beard-scratching occurs.
The woman scratches her chest-hairs for a moment, in contemplation. Then replies.
That depends cutter, how wise is the advice yer needin'? Ofni can help ye if ye need teh find yer way around. Can do much more than that... maybe ye should try some bars, or the Festhall if ye want to know the dark.
He may be quiet, but he's still smooth.
Diplomacy: 21
Bluff: 22
Listen(to other table): 20
Behind him, Dreer cannot make out the particulars of the conversation, though he did catch certain...unusual words:
Baator......Gehenna.... open the doors.....Aasimar.. heretic.... Resurrection
Well, I have a couple of days to spare, so perhaps I can visit both this Ofni you speak of and the Feastha.... sorry, Festhall. That is the correct pronunciation, yes?
Which would you advise I go to first?
Which would you advise I go to first?
She coyly crosses her arms.
Well, yer already talking to Ofni. I'll show you how to get to the festhall later... after some compensation. Ask me anything you'd like cutter. I'll probably have the answer... given enough jink.
I hope they aren't too sore...it would be a shame to see you in pain. The innocent look in his eyes denotes the harmless intention of his remark.
Bluff: 22
Diplomacy: 26
Knowledge(local): 19 (on other conversation)
Gather Info: 26 (nat 20) (on other conversation)
Listen: 23 (on other conversation)
Aras describes to Ofni the encounter with the woman-beast in as much detail as he can remember, accompanied by a small embellishment of his own martial prowess and a great deal of expansive hand-gestures.
So, do you know of such a creature?
Bluff: 22
Diplomacy: 26
Knowledge(local): 19 (on other conversation)
Gather Info: 26 (nat 20) (on other conversation)
Listen: 23 (on other conversation)
Bluff? oh you silver-tongued (and skinned) devil, you!
She smiles and says nothing more, walking back to her post, but she turns around for a quick second, and lets out:
If yer looking for someone ta share a drink with, I'm free in about an hour.
Behind him, Dreer doesn't know for sure what they are discussing, but judging by the recent assasinations, as well as the attack on the Mortuary, they are likely forming theories about their attacker(s).
Although talk of Baator and Gehenna does seem a bit farfetched- no devil or demon in particular is known for doing what the silver mistress does.
It's also very odd that Dusties - who strive for the True Death- would speak of 'Resurrection.'
So, do you know of such a creature?
She shifts her weight onto one side, paralleling the coming shift in conversation. Her voice, all of a sudden becomes hushed and husky.
I've never seen anything like this- first the killings, and now major areas of the Cage being burned. These aren't good signs. I'm worried there might be another Fac--- War.
that'd be doppleganger, not devil, thank you.
And yes, bluff doth have its advantages.
He nods slightly, his grey eyes twinkling with the Dusty limit of emotion--not much, but shows his unmasked interest. You are always welcome at my table. His sparkling eyes and answering smile emphasize the statement with an innocent coyness.
Dreer sighs, reclining against the seat's back and drawing a sip from his cup. He alternates studying the roof mosaic and the beautiful maid, seemingly content to wait for her break. She certainly doesn't make my emotions a lie, if only my name and history are...True Death would be worth it if such company was more common than the desiccated sods in the Mortuary.
He smiles at his current standings, all the while probing the conversation to his left.
Bluff: 32
Diplomacy: 28
Listen: 18
Gather info: 7 (nat 1...sorta distracted at the moment
Knowledge(local): 11
Dreer hears some more words "Lord.. .." someone
Between that, and the other muffled conversations, he can't make out anything else.
No new insights on the cryptic words that he previously heard.
Hah, well, war may worry you, but it could mean employment for me! You see, I have yet to find a reliable way of earning my keep here, and my main talent lies in the hunting and killing of sentient beings.
However, this woman-creature... she has attacked in many places, yes? And all in the same manner?
Now, forgive any naivete on my part, I am, as you know, a stranger here, but.... would it not make the most sense that she is some kind of supernatural assassin being hired by one or more parties to either eliminate competition, settle scores or perhaps even stir up this war you're talking about?
Seeing as that last one seems like the only one worth investigating, as the others would simply involve private business and conflict between those concerned, what persons or groups, either within the city or without, would benefit from this war?
The bariaur-woman furrows her bow for a short second.
Well peach, that's a valid idea, but I'm not sure, and instead of giving you Slaad Stories like everyone else, I'm gonna put you on the right road. Visit the Civic Festhall (she gives directions.)
.. and ye can't miss it. Ye may just find the what yer lookin' fer if ye look hard enough. Now about what I DO know... just about anyone would hire assasins against the Hardheads, maybe the Indeps or Chaosmen would strike against the Guvners, but what's really strange is that someone's taking hits at the Dusties... no one really has a beef with the Dusties, so I don't know why the Mortuary was attacked- it's more likely someone was stealing something...OR covering something up-- rather than simply taking a swipe at the Dusties..
She starts frothing at the mouth, getting very excited by her 'enlightening' conjectures.
Sense Motive: 17 "sizing up" the bartender's feelings/motivations (I know it's an odd use, but invaluable to the cautious doppler
Dreer continues to look around the room, seemingly disinterested in his scoping of the room and more deep in thought.
Scoping the bar, furtively focusing on the squad of Dusties to his left. He's looking to see if he recognizes any of the factioneers and their standing, while checking for other spooks such as himself, utilizing detect magic (focusing on any auras and concentrating esp. if illusion or conjuration are involved).
Spot: 24
Bluff: 23
Knowledge(local): 24 on anyone he recognizes
Sense Motive: 10
Search: 11
Spooks=spies
From what Dreer can gather from her body language, and subtleties in the tone of her voice - she seems mildly interested in Dreer, though she may be wary of his transient, erratic nature, as well as the bold way he throws out compliments - she may be a woman who prefers a more subtle, gentler kind of lovin'
A few other loners sit at the bar, though none are of particular interest. Soft Magic is detected on a few Dusties at the round table, though (perhaps by some form of nondetection) the magic is generalized, rather than specific - meaning that Dreer cannot focus on particular items.
There is, however, discernible magic on the skeleton servers's joints.
Duty? Sorry cutter, I ain't no paladin, and more importantly, I ain't no berk thas going to dance with jinkblades. I've gotta worry 'bout my own hide 'fore I end up counting worms.
He shifts uneasily. Aren't you from around here?
Counting Worms = dead
jinkblades= mercenaries