Shadows of the Past

[Azel]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[X] Wait for your meeting with Iciuhca, to get some information from her first.

1.6.17.10.10.14 - 14th of the White Storm​

As the sun slowly creeps ever closer to the horizon, you contently make another pass around the market. Initially you came here so late was since you wanted to avoid the glut of people always found here at noon, but it had other benefits to be around when most traders were already packing their things back in. Like the cheap cui you where currently chewing on. Apparently it was some kind of delicacy from the southern mountains, but the trader was quite content to hand out the leftovers for a bean each, being all too eager to join the steady trickle of people going for the taverns at this hour. He also sold the little critters alive, though they seemed to be more fluff than meat when comparing the size of the living article to the roasted meat on a stick in your hand. Apart from that, even those trying to sell less perishable goods seemed quite ready to cut a deal at this hour, probably hoping for a few last earnings before night fell, making your purchases a bit less pricey then anticipated.

Gained 20 Wound Dressings
Lost 90 beans

The other reason for your presence today is still elusive, however. Next time you'd better set a proper time for such a meeting, though the date seemed enough last month. Somehow you just expected Iciuhca to just show up at exactly the right time, but even though you keep passing by the alley where you intended to meet her, there is no sign of the little sneak. Neither was anyone out and about to cheat his patrons like her, which is a bit surprising, given her implication that that this was a pretty normal and regular thing here. Neither can you spot any of the beggars you saw last time. What you can see, though, in both larger groups and more frequently, are guards. The bronze-tipped spears and bronze-reinforced shields making them stick out like a sore thumb.

You kind of expected more watchful eyes in the city after seeing how high-strung the gate guards were, though it's still surprising how short-tempered they behave. The groups have swollen to three from two watchmen and they tend to rudely order around everyone who so much stands nearby when they want to pass somewhere. The distance they enforce around themselves looks more then a little awkward, especially in the far more cramped side roads, since they seem to be all the more on the edge whenever there is less than an arm's length between a guard and a passerby. Given how they act and how someone like the Wise Men might decide to prevent the price of copper from rising any further, you think this is connected to the lack of beggars today.

As you spin that thread of insight further, your mood slowly curdles. Maybe waiting for Iciuhca was pointless, since she already sat in Xoxo and pried green stones from unyielding rock. Given her activities, this was hardly out of the realm of possibility, especially with how the guards acted. Though these worries are for naught, as at long last, a familiar voice calls you to an alley. "Yaxkin, over here."

After glancing around you, making sure that nobody else paid enough attention to hear that call, you follow suit. Iciuhca leads you a bit deeper into the small path between the houses, already cast in deep shadows as the sun which stands barely over the horizon can't reach the cobblestones here anymore. "Why the dark alley? You weren't so afraid to talk to me right next to a large street last month." Furthermore, it kind of feels wrong to have this talk here where nobody can see the two of you.

"Well, a lot of things happened since then." As your eyes get used to the lack of light, you see the mischievous grin of the street urchin before you. "Gonna cost you twenty beans to hear all about them."

"A deal is a deal." It doesn't surprise you that she wants the rest of her promised pay before going any further, and you came prepared for just that. A small pouch you drop into her outstretched hand and after a short moment of counting, you lean against the wall. "Then tell me what went on here in my absence. The city seems a bit tense."

Lost 20 beans

"You haven't seen the slums. People are pretty nervous there since the guards have started to patrol there lately. They never showed up before, but now you see them move here and there and arresting people. Seems Xoxo needs new workers badly."

"I just thought the same, what with there being no beggars around."

"Yeah, doing that near the bigger roads is chancy these days. They also got a lot of people in the slums riled up, since many beans there depend on nobody enforcing the laws. A lot of trouble is brewing there, especially since the old borders between the gangs are softening up. With the patrols, nobody can act that openly, so some started to muscle in on their rivals territory and some others got weaker when they threw their people to Xoxo. The guards are also recruiting left and right, mostly from caravan guards and tribals. Word is that even one of the Wise Men was killed by the bandits and that they stocked up the patrols to the south and north, but others claim that it's spirits work."

"Spirits? Why should they try to kill the Wise Men?"

"Why not? Heard from some hunters that the spirits are getting restless and they wouldn't care if the guy they murder is a Wise Man or not. Some think that the Blight and the Creeping Night are spitting out spirits left and right, thus the tribals raiding the caravans for weapons against them. However, all just hearsay, since I'm not going out to check for 30 beans."

You allow yourself a short sigh. Even though you have a small role in this whole mess, it's dubious that your actions near Xoxo had any impact on the course of events, but you still feel far too involved in all of this. "Anything else interesting?"

"One more thing. Some guy is going around and asking for good fighters who can keep their mouths shut. You didn't hear this from me, since I only know it from eavesdropping, though he seems to plan some kind of raid on a special caravan. Something coming from Ticehuactepetl to the east and moving to Zacatl. No idea what he's after, but he told the guy he wanted to hire that he could have a fist full of Tlaltepoztli, so it must be something pretty expensive."

"Never heard about Ticehuactepetl before. Another city?"

"Probably. Heard the name on the market before, but can't tell you more about it either."

Given your recent windfall, you have a rough idea of something that might be worth that much, though you doubt that the Wise Men would allow a caravan full of spirit parts to pass their city. Maybe it was silver they transported? Though that would leave the question of why they did so, since from what Noche told you, silver is mostly used as money. Which would mean something very expensive being traded for it. The timing for this probably could not be better. Just another bandit attack near Tlamaca, easily chalked up to random chance. Something to maybe mull over later, since Iciuhca looks a bit impatient at you.

"So? Worth your beans? Don't quite know what else might interest you, so ask away."

Do you have any further questions for Iciuhca?

[] Yes
-[] Ask if she heard something about a trader named Xihuitl.
-[] Ask if she heard something about stolen codizes.
-[] Write-In

[] No

---

AN: A little glimpse at what is going on away from the artisan district in the city. You can ask her about pretty much anything you might be interested in, but she might not have informations about everything.

 

[Azel]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[X] Yes
-[X] Ask if she heard something about a trader named Xihuitl.
-[X] Ask if she heard something about stolen codizes.
-[X] Has she heard any rumors about particular spirits? Like that Silver Peccary?
-[X] What news in specific on the Blight and the Creeping Night?
-[X] What mercenary groups does she know have joined the Wise Men's call for guards?
-[X] What are the various underground criminal factions in the city? Which ones have the upper hand right now and which ones have been subsumed? Who commands each?
[X] Pay her an extra 10 beans, 20 if the intel is good.

1.6.17.10.10.14 - 14th of the White Storm​

It might be a bit delicate to inquire about these things with a random little thief like Iciuhca, though on the other hand, who else would know better what is going on in the slums? Matlal probably has his own sources not unlike her and this Xihuitl figure must have made his own inquiries, if he can provide you with more detailed information. None the less, it can't hurt to provide an additional incentive. "I've picked up an interesting rumor recently. If you can help me to put that in context..." As you trail off, you rattle your money pouch a bit, eliciting an intrigued look from the girl before you.

"What about? I can check a few things over, if you want me too."

"Just what you already know for now. Did you ever hear the about a trader called Xihuitl before?"

She goes quite for a bit and then slowly nods. "Think so, but I'm not sure. Could be one of those who sometimes hire 'guards' from the slums, though they usually go to the larger gangs for those things." Given the way she spoke the word 'guard', you can easily imagine that protecting things is the least likely task they would get. Not really surprising that someone working with the enemies of the Wise Men isn't feeling that the law applies to him.

"You've told me about the gangs, but who are they? Tell me a bit about the more important ones, where to find them and who is in charge there."

"Well, there are three around who really matter, most others don't have much power outside of their areas. You've got Tlemaco and his men in the north, mostly extorting the smaller farms there and the hired help. They also do some smuggling and fencing, if you need to get something stolen out of the city, so I guess they also work with some traders. Might be your best bet to find that Xihuitl guy. They are mostly left alone by the others, since they also offer their services to the other gangs."

That sounds like rather useful friends to have. Even if the bribe for the gate guards was lost in the deluge of money you moved around with your haul of spirit parts, it would be nice to not have to face their scrutiny in the first place. Something for later though, as Iciuhca goes on in her explanation. "The western part of the city is more or less answering to Xelimaitl and his people are mostly thugs, thieves and petty bandits. Word of mouth is that they have a few camps outside the city, from which they raid caravans that nobody will miss. They bribe the guards pretty generously and pick only small traders as their victims, so they where kinda left alone until now, but now... With what's going on in the west, they lost a lot of power. Can't throw their weight around anymore like before, so they are loosing their standing. Can't raid caravans that easily, since pickings are slim and Tlamacas warriors plenty, so they ain't getting much cash these days. If it goes on like that for a few more months, they are gone for good."

"Sounds like a group who would be pretty eager to do anything to stay in power. Though that doesn't sound like people who would shy away from something anyway." A short shrug is the only answer to your musing.

"Last guys are Huezacotl." You stare at her for moment, yet she nods. "Yes, the rats. Tell them, not me. Sneaks and thieves mostly, but they hold a lot of sway in the southern part of the city, mostly in the slums between the southern road and the artisans district. Though they have eyes and ears everywhere and happily sell what they hear to the highest bidder. Rumor is that they work for the Wise Men. Other rumors say that they have someone from the Wise Men who tells them things. Nobody can agree if any of that is true or maybe even both are. Can't say how strong they are, but they are important at least."

You sigh quietly, since you can mostly answer your next question yourself by now. "So if I told you that I heard that somebody stole some codizes and they are still hidden within the city..."

Iciuhca just snorts, seeing the same thing immediately. "Then good luck talking to all of them. Just walk in their areas and ask for them, then people will point you to someone."

"At least I know what to expect. Thank you." You give her a curt nod and then another thank you of a more physical kind. The primer on Tlamacas underworld is certainly worth it.

Lost 20 Beans.

After counting her extra pay, the girl looks back to you expectantly. "So, pleasure doing business with you. Want me to keep my ears open for something special?"

"News about spirits, especially around the Blight and the Creeping Night. And it would be good to know a bit more about the mercenaries coming to Tlamaca." While the first part of your request just got you a curious look, the other seems to have shocked Iciuhca a bit. As you think back over the course of your discussion, it does sound a bit questionable to even your own ears. Almost as if you where working with Tlamacas enemies and preparing to attack it. Which wasn't entirely wrong either.

However, if there is one thing you've learned in the city, then that a few beans can make someone remarkably uncaring about such things. And true enough, by the time where the girl has stashed her extra pay, she is already back to her usual reserved manner. "I can try. If you want to see me before next month, ask Xelimaitls goons. I run some errands for them now and then, so they can tell you where to find me." Then she turns and walks away, leaving you alone in the dark alleyway.

What will you do now?
[] Find Xihuitl. He can tell you more.

[] Approach one of the gangs.
-[] Tlemacos men
-[] Xelimaitls men
-[] The Huezacotl

[] Write-In

---

AN: She didn't have anything on the other topics right now, but she will check and report anything she finds to you next month.

 

[Azel]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[X] Find Xihuitl. He can tell you more.

1.6.17.10.10.15 - 15th of the White Storm​

While you where it first slightly apprehensive of finding a specific merchant somewhere in Tlamaca, it proved ultimately rather simple. After a few tries, you found someone among the merchants on the market who knew him and the quick lie that you wanted to approach Xihuitl to buy something rare was easily accepted. What exactly he trades with, you still have not the slightest idea, but all that mattered was getting the directions to his home.

As you stand before the self same building, you are not quite sure if it matches your expectations or not. It is indeed close to the artisan district, but in a stretch of nothing but ruins that divides it from the nearby slums. Only the slightly overgrown foundations can still be seen, the remaining stones above long ago picked away, probably to repair houses elsewhere. Just a single, two-storied building still stands, surrounded with a rough stone wall. Given the size of the enclosed area, it looks a bit like a tiny village in the middle of the city, complete with a gruff looking man standing guard at the gate.

While you are not the only one traversing the rather bare stretch, the others most likely unskilled workers coming and going to work for the artisans, you are the only one not giving the building a wide berth. Thus the guard sees you coming for a long while and annoyingly seems to have nothing better to do then stare directly at you all the while, making you all the more self-conscious before this meeting. Only as you finally stand nearly before him does he speak to you. "And what do you want here, tribal?"

At least he sounds mostly bored and not actively hostile. Just a man doing his job, so you reply in a even manner. "To speak to your master, Xihuitl. My name is Yaxkin and a common friend told me to come to him for a matter of acquiring something."

He gives you a once over and then just nods before turning around. "He's expecting you. Been so for a few days." With a lazy wave he motions you to follow and thus you walk behind him at the same leisurely pace when he opens the gate. Behind it, you see a curious plot of land. The grass is kept short and in small pockets strewn across it stand flowering shrubs, surrounded by flowers. A few of them you recognize, but most of them elude you, though it looks not as if the purpose of this place is to grow them for anything save to look pleasant. There seems to be no other rhyme or reason for where a given thing is planted. As you draw closer to the house, you note that the engravings on its sides are likewise kept meticulously clean, even when the images clash horribly with what you know about the owner. The walls show scenes of hunting and of war, not trade, giving a small hint at whom this house might have belonged to when it was built.

As the guard opens the door to the house, you are first ushered into a pretty normal and boring corridor, before the next door dumps you into a room even weirder then the outside. You distractedly nod at being told that Xihuitl will meet you in a moment while wondering at the things on display. The walls are hung with richly died fabrics, some with artful pictures of men and beasts drawn on them. One even shows a group of hunters accosting something that can only be a spirit, though you don't recognize what kind. A few wooden cabinets stand on the walls, displaying shimmering stones of all colors, carefully cut into intricate shapes and some set in rings or pendants of silver and gold. Other shelves contain more familiar items like bright feathers, right next to other alien things like shimmering shells and a small plate with matte shining pearls stacked on it.

"I see you are already admiring my collection? Rest assured that I can acquire all these things and more, if something strikes your fancy." You give a small start at hearing the unfamiliar voice and bring you attention back to the door. There stands a man, while not fat, most certainly well fed. Streaks of grey run through his closely cropped beard and hair and the warm smile seems right at home on his round face. In contrast to the colorful display around you, his dark red robe looks almost plain.

"You are Xihuitl I assume?" It's slightly awkward to get caught staring like that, yet he doesn't seem to mind. After a short nod in confirmation, he motions to a set of three chairs sitting near the window, which you missed entirely while admiring the things around you.

"Indeed and you must be Yaxkin then. Matlal told me that you would come." As you sit down, you study him a bit closer. He seems a kind man, but the glint in his eyes gives away that this is mostly a mask he wears. It would take someone cunning to amass the wealth around you and it's unlikely that Matlal would trust any random trader with his business. Which begs the question why someone like him would take the risk of associating with the enemies of the Wise Men.

However, that was a riddle for later. For now, you would have to see what exactly he wanted you to do. Finding a few codizes couldn't be that hard for someone of his means, so there must be a catch somewhere. "Yes, he said I should retrieve a few missing codizes from you, though he didn't say much about how this came about."

"Ah, yes. Quite a vexing story. Have you heard about the theft two months ago? Tlamaca was abuzz with the story." After wracking your brain a bit, you nod. There was some rumor about a thief being caught and brought before the Wise Men for stealing from some vault. "You see, the man managed to acquire a few rather rare texts when sneaking into a ruin that the Wise Men where exploring at the time. Many hidden chambers from before the Fall litter the hills to the north-east of Tlamaca and nearly all of them contain something worth having. Beside the codizes, our enterprising sneak managed to take a quite a bit of gold and jewelry from there and being a clever sort, he hid all of these things in a few places strewn about the city, planning to sell off the codizes and some other artifacts and then leaving for somewhere else."

"I take it that didn't go quite as he wanted."

Xihuitl just sighs and shakes his head. "The good man thought that the codizes should be worth their weight in gold, but nobody could pay such a ludicrous sum, not even me. By the time I managed to haggle him down to a more reasonable sum, the Wise Men had picked up his trail and found at least one of his caches. They didn't care about the material wealth he took, but very dearly wanted their codizes back. He panicked, took as much gold and jewels as he could on short notice and tried to leave Tlamaca. The guards where waiting for him at the city gate, knowing exactly who to pick out among the caravan he tried to hide among."

While you thought it a empty boast when you heard that the Wise Men allegedly know everything happening within these walls, there seems to be some kernel of truth to that assumption. But how did they track that thief so flawlessly that they could even anticipate his panicked flight? Maybe Tezcatl wasn't the only Wise Man hiding among the population, which was not a reassuring thought. Yet at least their information sources where not perfect or you wouldn't have this discussion in the first place. "So they didn't find the codizes? Didn't he tell them where he hid them?"

"That is both the intriguing event and our opportunity in this sordid tale. They didn't find them. He told them about all his hiding places in an attempt to get lenience for his crimes, unsuccessfully I might add, and then guards where quickly moving to empty them out. They got most of the gold back, but the codizes where already gone. If it was pure chance that they where found by someone else or a planned theft, I don't yet know and I've spend quite some money and effort on figuring this out over the last months. Whoever took them is quite adept at hiding his trails. All I know is that the codizes are still within the city, but other then that I'm guessing just as much as the next one."

You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose. This didn't sound nearly as straightforward as you had hoped for. "Why send me then? I can poke around a bit, but why do you think I can do better then you?" It was not doubt in your abilities, but someone of his means throwing his wealth at the problem should do a lot more good then a single woman who didn't even know that many people in the city, where he had at least occasional contact with the local gangs.

The smile he puts on looks very reassuring, but in his eyes you see cold calculation. "To be honest, I don't know, but Matlal seemed pretty certain that your aid would be invaluable. Why he thinks so, I have no idea, but I have learned long ago not to question him on these things. I've done rather well for myself by heeding his advice and not prying too closely into his affairs. Ah, which reminds me..." As he trails off, he turns around and opens a draw in the nearby cabinet, taking out a small leather bound codex. Not something from before the Fall, but a entirely new tome, though probably a copy of a older text.

"He was also very insistent that, should you have success, you should not try to study them on your own. The material would be too advanced for you, according to him. To make up for that, this here will be your payment." He taps the codex laying on the table between you. "The exact words I'm supposed to tell you are 'A useful skill to have and a good base for further studies'. As I've said, I learned to not pry too closely, so I can't really tell you more about the contents." After giving you a long moment to look at the codex, he pulls it back away. Then he fetches a small pouch from the folds of his robes and drops it in place of the tome. "That are 8 Tlaltepoztli in there, the price I originally wanted to pay for those four codizes. If you can find out who has them, he might be amenable to sell them for that sum or you could use it to bribe people into helping you. I do not care to be honest and whatever you have left afterwards, you can keep."

You are a bit hesitant to take that much money from someone you've me not even an hour ago, but he doesn't stop you from pulling the bag over and opening it. It contains just the sum he said, but where most Tlaltepoztli you've seen so far where tarnished from changing hands so often, these glisten and gleam like freshly forged bronze. "And that's all? Is there nothing else you can tell me that could help me?"

He just shrugs and leans back in his chair. "Sadly not. All my leads seem to go nowhere. I could tell you a bit about the larger gangs in the city, who are the most likely people to have them by now, though that is all. However, if you want to know something specific, just ask. I do not like to disappoint my customers, let alone an old acquaintance like Matlal, so consider my contacts at your disposal for the duration of this business."

What do you do now?
[] Write-In

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AN: The knowledge about the gangs he alludes to is the same info-dump you already got in the last chapter from Iciuhca. Since I don't want to write another two dozen info-dump chapter, ask away any questions you have for him and I will answer them in the thread.