Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: [DS] Noctu: Report
Message-ID: <1993Jan15.021355.8101@atlantis.uucp>
From: aaron@atlantis.uucp
Date: Fri, 15 Jan 1993 02:13:55 GMT

ADMIN: [DS] will now denote the activities of the Demon Spiders and associated
gangs, since they are now semi-detached from the [MI] thread.


Noctu sat in his new headquarters, in the Low City.  Shatoc knocked on the
door and entered.  "Report," Noctu said.

"The gang war going on between the Elf Scalpers, the Trigolet Clan, Golden
Violence, and Norad's Pummelers has so far failed to yield any noticeable
body count.  None of the gangs are yet enthusiastic enough to go too far
beyond name-calling and the occasional skirmish."

Noctu sighed.  "Very well.  Have Mule Trigolet killed, and leave one of
Golden Violence's coins by the body.  Similarly, have younger Norad's wife
scalped and her body left prominently displayed in front of the Spitting
Cobra.  Obviously, be very covert.  Things should heat up a little after
that.  Next?"

"Bethor Rinch, of the Night Martens, claims that no opportunity has yet
arisen to dispose of Hot Seccho.  He says that Seccho is rarely alone, and
never vulnerable."

Noctu pondered.  "Hmmm.  Rinch's human blood may be weakening him.  He may
not prove as useful an ally as I have hoped.  Perhaps try another member of
the Martens--one of the humans--and see if he is more amenable.  I leave
that to your discretion."  Shatoc nodded, and continued.

"Clivia reports that Yirma's death took place as scheduled, before she
could sell any of her information about you.  Stiletto will be blamed, but
nothing will be proved.  One of Yirma's girls is taking over the brothel,
but business will probably fall off as a result of the death."

Noctu nodded.  He regretted killing Yirma, but she had outlived her
usefulness, and was a risk.  After the Elstree fiasco, the Demon Spiders
had had to relocate to this Low City dive(currently the subject of furious,
but inobvious, remodeling).  "Any news of the half-elf or his companions?"

"Spelkort the Fence claims to have seen someone answering the half-elf's
description shortly after his escape from the Shrine.  According to his
story, he manifested suddenly from an amulet that one of the Grunge members
had brought in.  We're currently looking for the Grunge boy in question,
but he has proven elusive.

"The girl, Elstree, was seen a few days ago on her way to the Buff',
apparently on a healing mission, accompanied by Queriche and Delmara, as
well as the child, Little Rat, and a Buff' boy.  Rumours say this is linked
with Kron's return from the Shunned Center.  Delmara has since been seen
performing some mysterious 'cure' on former Joystix addicts.  Her church is
gaining an astonishing number of followers as a result, and has been more
than repaired of the damage we inflicted upon it."

Noctu hissed.  "They will all get what they deserve, eventually.  But now
to more immediate business.  What's this rumour I hear of someone beating
up Black Bullies?"

Shatoc nodded.  "Three Bullies attacked a man in their territory a few
nights ago, and they were soundly trounced.  Two of them died from their
wounds, and the other seemed to have been spared to deliver a message.  It
was intended, strangely enough, for Chicele.

"The man identified himself as Nercrum, and the survivor claims that he
survived several fatal wounds, including a slit throat."

"Speculations?"

"If Nercrum sent a message to Chicele through the Black Bullies, then he
must know of some connection between the Bullies and the Alley Creepers. 
We are the only such link.  So he must either know of our organization, or
be incredibly ignorant.  In either case, he may prove useful to us if he
has come to seek us out, and if he has the capabilities described."

"Hmmm."  Noctu pondered for several minuted, Shatoc waiting patiently. 
Then he said, "Send a message to this Nercrum that Chicele will meet with
him.  Chicele is to pose as the leader of this organization, and we will
see if Nercrum can tell the difference.  We will allow him to prove his own
usefulness--if not for the Alley Creepers, then elsewhere in our
organization.

"One more thing.  Is there any news on the Dark Blades?"

"Nothing recent.  They may be linked to the disappearance of Verden, the
Third Merchant.  A recent series of slayings whose evidence points to
Rameshanders may have been engineered by them, but there is no concrete
link other than Verden.  We have been able to find out nothing more about
their organization."

"Well, perhaps this Nercrum can help us there, too.  We shall see. 
Dismissed."

Noctu sat in darkness for several hours after Shatoc left.  He had heard
nothing from his mistress recently.  Not since he last failed her.  But he
would yet prove himself worthy to return to the Underwurlde.

-- 
---Alfvaen(Still looking for "October's Baby")
"I'm gonna follow my feelings...I'm gonna follow my senses...I'm gonna follow   my compass!"  --Lone Justice
Current Album--Elvis Costello & The Attractions:Almost Blue
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