It was just another stinking night in the vomit and blood-stained Broken Goblet Tavern. The usual stench of unwashed bodies, filthy clothes, numerous dregs of souring ale in empty bottles, and a thick cloud of pipe and cigar smoke all mingled to create an atmosphere so fetid that even the rats avoided the main room.
The two newcomers standing at the bar struck up a casual conversation, and soon discovered they had a few things in common. Lack of regular income, a desire to to increase their wealth with no questions asked, and the difficulty of finding fruitful work or making the right contacts. Comments led to more questions and eventually they decided to take a table and talk in earnest.
After a few more drinks Rhicke sized the big woman up, and then spoke guardedly about his long-term plans. Lashar-kai listened and ventured her opinions, and then spoke in more depth about her reasons for coming to the Roaring Shore. As they continued to cautiously compare notes and speak of plans it became clear that they had much to gain by entering a tentative partnership. Rhicke spoke of the opportunities arising from the aftermath of the recent war with Amn, and of his desire to find unusual items that would be welcomed by unscrupulous merchants, less popular churches seeking relics, desperate mages needing ingredients, or even members of the nobility with unusual habits.
They discussed a number of other items that if bought at a good price should make a decent profit - provided that no taxes were paid - ranging from exquisite jewelry, glassware, and silks to weapons of war. Lashar-kai also spoke quietly of her desire to meet the infamous Hellstorm crew. If she and Rhicke were going to get into the import business they would need more contacts, a good ship and a crew willing to circumvent embargoes or official routes for bringing things into Baldur's Gate.
They decided to stay in touch with each other through messages left at the more discreet Swordarm Inn, then shook hands and sealed their arrangement. Lashar-kai left a little coin with the orc Krauser who often stood watch outside the tavern, and asked him to inform any of the Hellstorm pirates that she sought an audience with them.
It was time gather more information and shake some more trees to see what could be exposed.
/// Any regular Roaring Shore inhabitants feel free to add here, or send a PM if interested in assisting us.
DM's I wasn't sure if this should be in the general Roaring Shore rumors thread, or kept as a separate more focused one.