The Master Of Zooz

[karkarinus]

You seem curious to know what lies within the Palace, Master Tiu." Says Kalmer. "We are indeed a resourceful fellowship, and perhaps we could repay your hospitality by attempting to discover its secrets for you? I myself was wondering to some extent about the Palace, and if there was some kind of alternative entrance to it. A sewer system, perchance? The Palace must have waste disposal systems and such like, and that would mean outlets to the Lower City. From there, I'm sure we could find some way in."

 

(ooc> after awaiting a response, he also asks) ic> "In what way does the city of Memtuz depend on the witch community in that area? What is its main source of trade? And what information do you have on these petrefacation incidents?"

[Malchik]

He grimaces. "I know of no sewers in Kolokon. Here the waste drains into huge underground tanks. Certainly I can let you into the tanks for this embassy but if they connect I would rather not be looking for a connection. It is certainly beneath the level of the sewage. You can walk around the palace and see if you can find a way in. I dare not do it as I am too well known and while it is not illegal it is not encouraged. "

 

His mood lightens.

 

"Memtuz, as it's companion city Selma, is basically a brothel for the witches. You may not be aware that a witch may only marry one man and as soon as she conceives she has to sever her husband's head at the neck. It means men are very rarely found in Ooo and the witches are human after all. So Memtuz is full of young men who make their living from the witches. The men call themselves 'the Professionals'. It is really the only source of income other than a little fishing. I doubt if you want details of how they are organised but, should you wish it, I recommend you talk to the young man in our embassy emporium. He knows all the details."

 

He is serious again. "No one knows anything about the petrefaction except by report. Who would go into the swamps at this time?"

[phawk69]

T'skar glances at Tiu, her head tipped a little to the side, "Is there a way into the Palace by rooftop? Kalmer noticed that there is nothing on the roofs, is this some kind of decree, or is it that there is a danger being up there at night? And what about gaurds on the Palace grounds?”

[Malchik]

Tiu looks shocked. "I have never studied the roof tops. I assume there must be access but I am sure it will be guarded from inside."

[phawk69]

"Can you tell us anything of the Tribunal? What were the two who were chosen this last time like? And the girl who appears at the window, how old would you say she is, and has she always been the same?" T'skar presses.

[Malchik]

Tiu considers. "The children are barely of walking age when they are chosen but they do not join the triumvirate then. As I understand it they are educated until 16 and married. When a member of the triumvirate dies the oldest suriving member of these relationships takes over. This information is published by the palace and so ought to be reliable. The girl you see at the window wears a great deal of make up and ceremonial robes. She always looks the same but that must be because of the accoutrements. A girl cannot stay the same age after all."

 

The meal continues and then he adds. "If you stand facing the palace entrance. the window at which she appears is three floors up and to the extreme left. It is not so easy to get a very good look you understand."

[phawk69]

"What can you tell us about the lower city? We didn't take much time there, and were wondering if there is anything worth seeing there on our way out," T'skar asks politely.

[Malchik]

Tiu shrugs. "I try to spend as little time there as possible. It is crowded, noisy and unhealthy. The only reason I go, apart from when I leave the city, is to look at the Kolokon Flag archives. That's the city newspaper. They have a vast store of information about Bashkher, some out of date and some unrealistict but much of it at least based on fact. I use it to find out about who the other city representatives are. They do the same with me, of course.

[tiaxanderson]

Tiax, who has been listening and eating all this time, uses the pauze to speak.

(OOC -> Actually my internet connection was dead the last days.. (tomporaly fixed now....))

"I am quite curious, as to how they disabled all magic power in the High City. It must take some powerfull wards to do so."

'I can't imagine a machine lending them power let alone doing it by itself.. Powerful magic is at work here.'

[Malchik]

Tiu nods. "Rumour says the wards have been in place since before the High City was founded. The High City used to be part of the domain of a powerful wizard. There were many problems between him and the would be inhabitants. In the end he was destroyed by his own wife, although she died in the struggle too. It is believed she set the wards to stop him using his power but for what reason no one knows. The wizard used to live in the palace. It was the only building here then. It was a long time ago of course."