It appears he's finnally caught on.

Kadaj lets out a long sigh.

Alright Bogart, that sounds fair. Twenty large, but this had better be good information, and naturally Ill keep your name out of it. Deal?

Well bugger me. Al'ight you got ya' self a deal mate. Know I'm gonna regret this. Since this bloke is likely gonna be way 'low the radar, give me some time on this though. 24 hours for what I can dig up for 10K, and the other 10 when I got somethin' more concrete like.

Naturally. Let me know as soon as you figure something out.

Kadaj disconnects the line and returns to Lust's shop.

Almost forgot I needed to do some shopping.

The smell of incense reaches Kadaj's nose as he steps inside the shop. Lady Lust her self is up and about, walking busily about the shop with a smile on her face, using minor cleaning spells to remove dust that isn't there while chatting with her virtual escort Xavier.

Ahem

Kadaj stands waiting for Lust to notice his presence.

She looks over her shoulder first to Xavier's projection, then to Kadaj standing in the door way. She smiles, a relaxed, rather pleased expression on her face.

Ah,Kadaj... always a pleasure. I've been expecting you. Come in, one shouldn't linger in doorways you know. What are you interested in this day?

Lady Lust, always a joy.

He begins to walk towards her.

Before I get into the usuals of our meets together. Id like to ask you if you know anything about that elf man that was just.....inside the shop. Aside from the obvious ofcourse.

Kadaj looks with an eager smile.

Hmmm.... it might be that I can. That depends on what it is that you want to know, and what you're offering for it.

Smiles sliley.

Whatever you wish for all that you have.

Mmm.... careful what you offer, you might find the price higher than you think.

A price I can simply refuse and re-negotiate. As can you. What would you like for this information? Money? My services for the night? Something out of the norm?

Alright, you want a price ....

I need something, something I think only you can get. A ritaul link, a hair, or something to that affect .... from that dwarf fixer of yours, Bogart. I'll take it on credit, because I trust that youll honor your debts. For that, I'll tell you what I know about Majere.

Strange. I thought he was a private fixer.. What do you intend to use it for?

What does it matter? Besides, that information would cost you extra.

Ever the diplomat. Very well. Its a deal. Ill get that to you as soon as possible. Now please, on about Majere.

Kadaj takes a seat, crossing his legs.

He is Tir nobility, and a Prince at that, albeit a minor one, if such can be said. He doesn't sit on the council, but he hodls the rank. His money comes from entertainment. He owns modeling agencies, as well as a well known clothing line. Elite, very big in the Tir. How he got into shadow work from that, I have no idea.

He's supposed to have a lot of influence with one of the higher princes, which would be how he earned his rank. He rose through the Rite of Progression from a Count to a Prince in a remarkably short time, meaning he must have greased the right wheels very liberally. He's popular with many of the lesser nobles. Sort of a poster boy' if you will. He started at mid rank, and rose high and far. Something they all aspire to do. That popularity gives him a lot of influence.

I also know he has some influence in the Seattle shadows. But again, I don't know how.


Etiquette Test for info gathering. Apply Loyalty modifer for contact and street cred, and a -2 modifier.

Ettiquite-5
Charisma-6
Loyalty rating-5
Street cred-6
modifier- -2
total=22

Roll=4,2,5,5,6,4,5,1,2,6,4,5,6,5,3,1,6,6,3,5,5,5
Total net success=13

Is that all dear?

I suspect that he works through either the Ancients, or the Laesa, the new elven syndicate coming out of Tarislar and the Tir. He has too many connections around here not to.

I can tell you that he is most definitely a powerful mage. I'm unable to break his masking, and I had a good friend of mine who is very good about that sort of thing try as well, to no avail. I am certain that he follows the lack Magic tradition. Make of that what you will. I suspect he may also be a vampire, despite the fact that he can walk around in daylight.

I also know for fact that he was somehow involved with a new leader in the Ancients, a woman named "Lillith". She died recently, along with a number of other senior leiutenants, where they're chapter house blew up. It was blamed on the Vory. There were Vors there at the ste, and there were some tensions between the Ancients and them just before.... but still... it seems off somehow.

Indeed. If you have anything else, do let me know dear? Im afraid I must step out for a bit. Lots of work and such. I thank you over so much for your help as always.

Kadaj tips his hat and smiles warmly as he makes his exit.

Sends a message to Bogart:

Bogart, once you've found the information on our target. Id like to meet in person, to discuss this. Over the phone seems dangerous right now. Let me know when you get it and Ill give you a place to meet.

<<<<(Kadaj] WIll do mate. - Bogart >>>

Right. Ive never been up against a drake before. Ill need to get more information on them. Kitai knows alot about that kind of thing. She's striving for her master to turn her into one....pathetic. But, do with what you will. Its a shame someone so strong and.....delightful as her would want to waste her time like that.

Kadaj lets out a long sigh

He begins to dial Kitai's number.

Konichiwa Kadaj. To what do I owe the pleasure today?

Kadaj is taken back at first. It never seems to fail. When ever he sees her its like hes looking at....her again. He quickly recovers and smiles warmly.

Hello Kitai. Its an absolute pleasure to see you again. I need to speak with you. It is urgent. Can I meet you somewhere, dear?

If it's urgent. Why not the Rubber Suit? Half an hour?

Etiquette - Street - test for Knowledge of the Rubber Suit OR Local Area Knowledge

Ettiquette-5
Local Area Knowledge-4
Total-9
Roll-3,1,1,2,5,4,6,6,6
Total Net success's-4

The Rubber Suit is a nightclub n the fringes of Downtwon and Everett, near the gambling casinos. It's well known for being a remake of old flatvid "Godzilla" movies, where the tables and chairs resemble half wrecked buildings in Tokyo. The AR screens display a mix of Japanese Mo obsessions, the old monster flat vids, and soft core porn. The Suit (named for the man in the rubber suit of course) has a reputation of being a proving ground for up and coming yakuza, who go there to see and be seen.

Very well, Rubber Suit it is. See you then.

Half an hour later - Seattle - Everett - Friday April 12th - 2130- The Rubber Suit

The 'Suit is very busy on a Friday night, with stylish asians strutting their stuff. Street racers tear down the road only a few blocks away, while Japanese gangsters in suits and slacks show off their chill personas for girls in miniskirts.

Kadaj gets a number of pointed looks, as the mostly human crowd does it's best to not make room for him. He hears kuwarahito muttered behind his back a number of times. However, this is certainly not the place to take exception to the slander. One hundred to one are always poor odds.

Inside the club is better, as the darkness accented by flashing lights and colored lasers make it difficult to see very far at all. Using astral sight, he is quickly able to find Kitia in a small corner booth off the west side of the dance floor. She stands and bows her head as he approaches.

Hello Kitia. Needless to say, this meeting needs to stay private. Most of all, Dont say a word to Dreg. His assiociates would try to interfere Im sure of it.
Im going to need all the information on Drakes and Draco forms that you have. If you wish for me to explain, I will, but not till after you finish.

Etiquette test -4 + loyalty and street cred

Ettiquite-6
Charisma-6
Street Cred-6
Loyalty-4
-4 modifier
Total-18
Roll-5,1,1,2,6,6,5,6,5,3,2,5,6,5,3,5,2,6
Total net success's- 11

Kitia regards him for a momnet before slowly sitting and nodding.

Very well Kadaj. But understand that what I am about to tell you is all closely gaurded by dragon kind. This must stay between us.

The drakes are the servants of the dragons. They may take a metahuman form, but in their true selves, they are a lesser dracoform. Not all who are drakes are aware of their true natures, but when they reveal themselves, to themselves, their masters soon find them.

They have the same firey breath as their masters, and share many common abilities. They can shape change at will into their draco form, although they are much smaller than a true dragon. I dont believe the western variety has from limbs besides their wings, abd I do know that the eastern drake, like their masters, have no wings to speak of, and four limbs.

All drakes are magically gifted, but they may be adepts or magicians of any tradition, much like other metahumans. They have strong armored hides, as well as astral armor like a spirit, and they are dual beings.

What you must most importantly understand is that the drakes are servants of dragons. If one is trifling with you, then you shoudl assume that a dragon is involved. It is a rare drake that has nothing to do with a dragon. Those few are usually in league with the Draco Foundation. Dunkelzhan's legacy and former Voice have decided to make it their business to interefere with the traditions of the dragons. I believe they will eventually pay the rpice for it. But for now, they are recruiting drakes, stealing them away from their rightful masters, and turning them to their pown purposes.

So if you are involved with a drake, it is likely that you will become involved with some very dangerous parties.

Is this ... something you Master has you doing?

Kadaj can tell that she is fascinated by the idea of doing a dragon's work, especially where drakes are concerned. She seems to want to hear more as she leans forward acorss the table, eager for Kadaj's tale to be told.

Kadaj smiles.
Excellent, as long as I can make sure "someone" think Albinion is responsible.

Yes. Albinion has me doing some strange things as of late. But I suppose its more exciting than running errands. So you say they can take forms? Is it like a dragon who is able to take mutliple forms?

No, with a drake, they take only two natural forms. They may be able to change their appearance with magic if they have the Talent, but otherwise, it's one metahuman form, and their dracoform.

And what about abilities? Other than magic, you mentioned that they have simialar abilities as a dragon?

Fire breath, in most of them. I've heard rumors that some have other abilities, such as controlling animals, but that may be simple sorcery. I don't know. I've heard rumors of some having the same venom of a dragon as well. With drakes, it's better to plan on what you don't expect, than to expect anything.

Right, thats a good thought. What else should I or should I not expect?

Kitai looks a little confused for a moment, but continues on. I'm not sure. As I said, those are the few commonalities that drakes have. Anything else would depend on who their master is. Drakes can be just as individual as people. It's not like I can just list it's abilities and habits like it were a hellhound or something.

Kadaj thinks for a moment.

What would you say if I told you it was Rymyu's drake?

Kadaj smiles wickedly.

Her eyes beging to go wide, but she gets control of herself quickly. I would say then, that you should tread carefully. If you have dealings with a vassal of Great Ryumyo's, then you must be careful of your footing. He will take proper etiquette to be very important.

Roll eitquette -5 + positive modifers (streetcred/loyalty)

Ettiquite-6
Charisma-6
Street cred-6
Loyalty-4
Modifier -5
total 17
Roll- 4,3,5,3,2,6,6,6,5,3,5,6,3,4,6,6,5
10 Net success's

Anything a drake of Ryumyo's doing in Seattle is going to involve the yakuza. He doesn't control the syndicate here because they broke away from his Watada-Rengo years ago, but he's been trying to regain control ever since. Some say that he has spies in Shotozumi's highest ranks. If he has a drake here, that means he'll be involved in whatever Ryumyo's plans are for Shotozumi.

You should be careful in any dealings with him then. Word on the street is that the yakuza are none to pleased with your Master and his Vory ties at the moment. Things are getting very tense between all the syndicates lately.

My plans exactly

Dont be concerned Kitia. I can handle myself, and as agreed, this conversation never happened. I will be quite able to take care of the situation. Though I am flattered that you worry about me.

Kadaj smiles.

Well, I suppose thats all I need to know, unless you have something to add, my dear?

Only that you should perhaps watch your mirrors when you leave. I didn't realize things were so tense between you and the yakuza right now, or I would have chosen someplace else to meet. Watch you back Kadaj-san, and good luck.

Domo. Kadaj reaches for her hand and gently kisses it.

Take care of yourself, and as usual, call me for anything.

Kadaj heads out the door. Still waiting on Bogart to return his call, Kadaj decides:

I wonder what Catch is up to?

Kadaj begins to head across town. He drives around the block. Hes learned all to well the Dreg likes to make attempts to kill two birds with one stone. Once hes sure that Dreg is no where in sight, Kadaj parks his car aross the street and heads into the building. Once to her apartment on the third floor, Kadaj taps her door with his cane three times.

The door opens a moment later, Catch on the other side. She's wearing only a black nightgown, and looks a bit pertubed. Behind her, there's a person sprawled out on the couch. The tell-tale drop of blood on her cheek speaks of an interrupted evening.

Kadaj. Well... nice to see you. A phone call next time might be appreciated though. I'm having take out tonight.
She herks her thumb back towards the groaning form on the couch.

I was just in the neihborhood, and thought Id say hello. I do apologise for the rude inconveince. May I come in or would you like me to come back?

She glances over her shoulder at the figure on the couch. Another time ... and a phone call next time if you please. You can't jus drop in on a lady unannounced and expect her to be alone. What did you need anyways?

To discuss something important, that I wanted to get your advice, and see if you'd like to help me. Ofcourse It will be entirely up to you, and a list of demands for trade are expected. Call me when you're less occupied. Kadaj gives a warm smile. Then steps back and bows his head. Good day Catch.

Kadaj turns on his toes, and heads towards his car. Climbing in he gets one more glance around to make sure Dreg isnt around to suprise him. Suddenly an idea came to him.

Grog..

He looks for the number in his pocket given to him by Majere. Dials slowly.

The comm channel clicks open after a few rings, unsurprisingly showing a black screen. Grog's voice comes over the line, sounding cautious.

Uh.. 'ello Kadaj. What uh... what's up man?