46 Black Market
QJ sat comfortably at his desk, ignoring the distraction of the Spider Queen hanging upside down over his bed. The gentle sway of her form and the soft sound of snoring made him cover a yawn.
"With Chainy taking my place as the 4th shooter, I can stay on top of everything and fill in where needed, on dps or shooter backup."
[Doubler Canyon Write-up]
QJ (Wrangler) BR: 9.9 Raid Leader and Shooter backup.
[Shooters] Our sharpshooters will cover the four leaves by moving to high ground and shooting over the middle of the raid. This is their only task. If a mob gets loose, then QJ will be responsible for finishing it while the shooters return to leaf duty.
Chainy (Rider) BR: 9.1
Maric (Rider) BR: 9.2
Dunnie (Rider) BR: 9.2
Junzo (Rider) BR 9.1
[Tank Group] Breeze will be the MT with Lil Jack in reserve. All other tanks will focus on their shitty dps.
Breeze (Chero) Current HP 33,643 (Defensive BR 9) (Offensive BR 6)
Bungee (Chero) Current HP 31,356 (Defensive BR 6) (Offensive BR 4)
Knotty (Cav) Current HP 43,711 (Defensive BR 5) (Offensive BR 4)
Ty Level (Cav) Current HP 24,773 (Defensive BR 5) (Offensive BR 4)
Lil Jack (Cav) Current HP 44,632 (Defensive BR 7) (Offensive BR 5)
[Healers] Healers will begin a healing rotation. Leeta, Travoli, and Niche will take turns healing MT, while our Shammys(Shonie, Shell, and Rox) will focus on slowing and [Parasite].
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[Parasite] is a shammy-only DoT (damage over time) that siphons health from the target and converts it into a low-level AoE heal. The spell may be stacked up to four times. Even with four stacks, it isn't very strong, but the continuous regeneration over more extended raids can make a big difference.
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Leeta (Medic)
Travoli (Medic)
Niche (Medic)
Shonie (Shammy)
Shell (Shammy)
Rox (Shammy)
[DPS] DPS will assist the MT (Breeze). Our focus here is maintaining steady dps while ensuring no one steals aggro.
Riker (Tracker) BR: 8
Dusk (Tracker) BR: 7.5
Wisk (Tracker) BR 8.3
Mika (Brave) BR: 8.5
Solo(Brave) BR: 8.2
(Ringo) (Slinger) BR: 10.0
Lotte (Slinger) BR: 9.6
Drax (Slinger) BR: 9.3
Potshot (Slinger) BR: 9.2
Sato (Scout) BR: 8.9
Plush (Scout) BR: 7.9
Luca (Gambler) BR: 6.6
Nightrain (Gambler) BR: 6.3
Nexxus (Raider) BR: 7.6
Bolo (Raider) BR: 7.6
QJ's desk hud buzzed while he was working; he answered immediately when he saw who was calling. "Hey, Ringo."
"How was your day off?" Ringo smiled brightly, noticing the spider queen hanging from his ceiling. "You must have had an amazing childhood, QJ."
QJ nodded in agreement. "Going to change the makeup of our groups for the Doubler Canyon Raid. The shooters, healers, and tanks will be separated. The rest of OP will be placed into the dps group." He shared his hud screen with her and waited while she looked it over.
"We're focused on improving our weapons between now and the raid. My BR will take a hit when I cure my vampirism." Ringo paused while she looked over the raid sheet. "Think we'll be able to take down your dad's record?"
QJ laughed and shook his head. "They did that with two wranglers and the [Snakeyes] strategy. No heals or tanks, just running the bosses back and forth between Hashtag and my dad."
"I've seen the video," Ringo admitted. They nerfed the strategy right after that, but it remains the longest-held record in Exodus, 1 hour and 11 minutes."
"Our last attempt was 2 hours and 4 minutes," QJ grinned at the memory. "You were shocked."
"I was," Ringo admitted. "We should break two hours this time. The third years will be attempting it at the same time we do."
"Want to head to Maelstrom prison in the morning?" QJ had already been there once but felt a return trip might yield additional resources.
"The prison?" Ringo leaned back in her chair; her Ace had so many cards on the table that it was impossible to keep track of everything. "Towards what end?"
"As Viscounts, we can pardon anyone as long as they didn't commit a capital offense. I thought we might find a shopkeeper there."
Ringo laughed suddenly. "A criminal to run our business?"
QJ nodded. "I thought we'd delve into the darker side of sales and purchases."
"You want to fund a black market?" Ringo asked. "Do you have an in?"
"I know someone with ties to the prison. I'll consult him, and we'll go from there." QJ didn't volunteer anything else, not willing to say that Ringo's date for the Star Crossed Ball was a former resident of Maelstrom prison.
QJ informed her of the Alliance signing and what happened at Setters Canyon. "We'll meet up at the Keep at 0630 when the server comes back up."
"Sounds perfect, QJ" Ringo waved and cut comm.
The following morning, QJ arrived at the OP Keep shortly after the server came back up.
[Welcome to Guns and Gore, The Phoenix Server]
Location: One Problem Guild Keep
Time: 0602 hours
Server Population 13,757 Your Current Level is 32.
[Phoenix Server Message] New future raiding opportunities have been made available in the Ancient Spider City of Arachnia. [The Six Kings: part one] is a 55-65 level mini-raid that challenges the first King of Arachnia. This is a ten-person instance with a minimum participation level of 55. Please see the server forums for detailed information.
QJ muttered a curse under his breath when he read the patch notes. "What the hell is GnG playing at? Maybe I should call Felix and see what's up; the bastard stiffed me on my T-Rex."
Briar Rose was bustling despite the early hour. The siding on the main manor had been replaced, along with a new roof. The sounds of construction echoing from the estate's interior made QJ curious enough to peek inside.
"Damn..." QJ shook his head in wonder, the grand staircase had already been replaced, and dark elf workers were tearing up flooring and wall paneling.
The scent of something pleasant caused QJ to sneak through the stacks of tile and construction material into the kitchen. "Not good..."
The kitchen had nearly an inch of standing water in it. Despite that, Dave the Baker was hard at work with two pans of pastries laid out neatly on the oversized counter. He was liberally splashed with flour and assorted baking ingredients.
"Master QJ," Dave wiped his hands on his white apron. The black galoshes he wore over his shoes clunked heavily as he splashed across the floor. "Bit of a pipe issue this morning. I turned on the water, and it started spraying everywhere."
"Just call me QJ," he glanced at the half dozen filled water containers nearby. "Did you fill those?"
Dave nodded. "There's a well next to the Aji's Cottage, so I filled up and brought them in here. Don't worry, QJ, they sent for a plumber already."
"Well... Keep at it, Dave; I'm looking forward to your delivery." QJ exited the kitchen and took the back stairs to Cedric's room.
Ced answered the door on the second knock. Since the last time QJ saw him, several small changes have occurred. His hair was trimmed shorter and appeared to be a few shades lighter than before. In addition, the start of a small mustache and wire-rimmed spectacles gave him a scholarly appearance. "Good Morning, QJ."
QJ entered when Ced gestured for him to come in. The small suite boasted a galley, bathroom, and walk-in closet. Immediately, he realized this was one of the servant rooms. The focus was on practicality rather than luxury. "Need some advice in the 'not-exactly-legal' department."
Ced grinned and sat on the small sofa next to a floor-to-ceiling window that offered an impressive view of the front courtyard's fountain. "Fortunate for you, I happened to work in that department. What do you need, QJ?"
"Me and my partner have a few high-end commercial properties in Maelstrom. We wish to keep one and trade the others."
Ced raised an eyebrow. "Maelstrom properties are very valuable. Renting them out is a better idea than selling them. What are you looking to trade?"
"I want to create a network of black market vendors. The Maelstrom deeds should be enough to seed the venture." QJ brought out a list of the properties that they owned.
Ced used his hud to bring up a map of Maelstrom. "I know just the guy... The only problem is that he's in prison."
"Not a problem," QJ replied.
"For a capital offense," Ced added.
QJ muttered a curse under his breath. "He killed someone important?"
Ced nodded. "One of Morbin's Captains was on the take; apparently he wanted a bit more than usual."
QJ frowned. "And the fix was to kill the Captain? Why not pay him off?"
"The 'more than usual,' was one of the women who worked as a fence." Ced watched QJ for his reaction, satisfied when his new boss furled his brows in anger. "They're gypsies, fiercely protective of their people."
"Son of a bitch..." QJ walked to the window, his blue eyes scanning the courtyard below. "What's his name?"
"Dax... Gypsies get a bad rap wherever they go. Sure, they do some pickpocketing, thieving, and grifting... But they never turn their back on friends.
[OP: Ringo] You start without me, QJ?
[OP: QJ] Nope, just checking the progress of Briar Rose. I'll be right there.
Ced raised a hand to stop him from leaving. "Don't go to Dax with the Maelstrom properties. Let me handle the deed trades. You should be able to get similar properties in at least ten or twelve cities that are further away from the capital."
"We'll start small with a half dozen or so. Set up the trades, and I'll see Dax. How long do you think it will take?"
Ced's con-man smile flashed as he started using his hud. "Only a few minutes. There's a list of properties for sale within the Berg Kingdom." He swiped his hand a few times and scrolled through a long list of cities. "Three different merchants are selling shops in multiple cities.
[Ezra Charles]
(Common Store) Laredo, 244,000 Credits.
(Common Store) Winchester, 288,900 Credits.
(Common Store) Black Tomb, 290,000 Credits.
[Deacon]
(Common Store) Carson, 199,900 Credits.
(Common Store) Bullet City, 385,000 Credits.
(Common Store) Yarima, 210, 500 Credits.
[Black Ray]
(Common Store) Yunz, 405, 500 Credits.
(Common Store) Tuscano, 389, 500 Credits.
"Aren't those high-priced?" QJ asked.
Ced shook his head. "A common store in Maelstrom starts around 900 thousand. You should be able to trade any three properties in exchange for all of these."
"Approach the sellers. I know Ezra Charles; you might want to drop my name to him."
Ced nodded. "I'll contact them and find out what our options are."
QJ activated his [Return to Keep] icon and stepped onto the courtyard in front of One Problem's Guild Keep a moment later. He immediately spotted Ringo coming down the steps. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
Ringo waved it off. "It was only a few minutes. What did you find out?"
While they headed to Keep's Maelstrom portal, QJ filled her in on everything Ced had told him. He also mentioned Dax's current circumstances and how he landed there.
Ringo considered his words as they walked down the path to the platform. Since the Maelstrom portal was part of the Guild Keep Property, it was only accessible through the rear courtyards near the gardens. "Together, we could put up four properties. Three would cover the costs of the other stores and the fourth will be the Maelstrom HQ."
QJ nodded. It was exactly what he had in mind; he cast a sideways glance at the OP guild leader. "It's like you're reading my mind."
Ringo flashed him a grin and opened her hud. A moment later, a familiar blond-haired woman appeared before them."
"Viscountess Ringo," Chancellor Ivy looked like she was just getting out of bed. She was sitting at a large desk with a cup of coffee in front of her. "What can I do for you this morning?"
"Good morning, Chancellor," Ringo greeted the Chancellor with a polite smile. "QJ and I were trying to locate an acquaintance of ours. But, unexpectedly, we've discovered he's charged with a capital offense."
"Capital Offense?" Ivy clucked her tongue disapprovingly. "What's his name?"
"He's a merchant named Dax." QJ volunteered. "Good morning, Ivy," he added.
"Morning, QJ." Ivy smiled warmly before bringing up a separate hud. "Dax, the gypsy? Oh, he killed one of Morbin's men. He probably would have been executed if Morbin hadn't been exposed."
"Could he be released into our custody?" QJ asked.
[Group: Ringo] I didn't realize you and the Chancellor were on a first-name basis.
[Group: QJ] Sure. She's a commoner, very down to earth.
"Since it's you asking, I'll make a few inquiries," Ivy replied.
"Thank you, Ivy. We'll stop in and visit him; let us know." QJ flashed her a smile which she returned with interest before cutting comm.
[Group: Ringo] Getting on her good side is smart; make sure to add her to your dance card at the Star Crossed Ball.
[Group: QJ] Shit...
[Group: Ringo] What?
[Group: QJ] This guy Dax... If he crossed Morbin, then he might be dead on the other servers. I'll have Anna look into him.
[Group: Ringo] Is this the butterfly effect of us revealing new content?
[Group: QJ] Could be. I'll record the interview and submit it in my weekly report.
[Group: Ringo] You are reporting to someone? For free?
[Group: QJ] Felix Soma, and nothing is free.
[Group: Ringo] Soma? He's a big deal in GnG development.
The Maelstrom portal platform was located near the entrance of the market area. Vendors were already busy setting up in preparation for the day to come; however, it was still too early for shoppers.
Ringo and QJ walked together, talking casually while pointing out the variety of odd goods laid out in preparation for the crowds.
The prison was much the same as it had been during QJ's last visit. The squat three-story building had much more going on below ground than above. The construction consisted of rough gray rock cut into meter-long bricks. The front door was dark brown oak reinforced with metal strips. The desk sergeant looked up when the pair from One Problem walked in.
"Viscount QJ, nice to see you again." The same burly blond-haired guard with the handlebar mustache greeted him.
[Group: QJ] This is Tucker, the shift sergeant.
QJ offered the huge man a hand. "How's business, Tuck?"
The guard's white teeth flashed in surprise. "Business is good, Sir!" The man shook QJ's offered hand.
"This is Viscountess Ringo; we want to visit with Dax." QJ watched Tucker glance sideways at the OP guild leader.
Ringo flashed a big smile. "A pleasure, Mr. Tucker."
The OP pair followed the prison guard as he grabbed a torch and a large iron ring. Dozen of skeleton keys rattled when he stopped and unlocked a steel door that was bolted, padlocked, and barred with a heavy timber.
[Group: Ringo] Is this familiar?
[Group: QJ] Nope.
The door led to stairs that descended sharply. A dank, musky smell hung in the air, followed closely by the smell of something sweet and metallic.
[Group: Ringo] QJ... I smell blood.
QJ swore under his breath, noting that Ringo's fangs were extending, and her eyes glowed red in the torchlight.
[Group: QJ] Hold on for a few minutes; we'll take care of it when Tucker leaves.
The stairs wound downward in a seemingly never-ending spiral until the air around them grew stale and oppressive. Finally, after several minutes they were met with another reinforced door; this one was opened with a single key.
Tucker pushed the door open and stepped back. "No guards past this point unless we are retrieving a prisoner."
Ringo hid her fangs under a scowl. "How do you feed the prisoners? or do welfare checks?"
"We don't," Tucker replied. "Upper-level prisoners are tasked with meal delivery, and as for welfare checks, no one cares. This is the murderers' row.
"We'll go in by ourselves," QJ gestured for Ringo to move through the door before following. Almost immediately, the door slammed shut behind them with an ominous clang of steel on steel.
"I'll wait here; pound on the door when you're ready to leave." The muffled voice of Tucker carried through the barrier.
[Group: Ringo] QJ...
"Damn." QJ glanced down the torchlit hall. Cells lined both sides of the corridor, as far as the eye could see. None of the cells had doors.
The first set of doorways was only a few meters away; both were empty. QJ ducked inside the nearest and rolled up his sleeve. Ringo gripped his arm greedily and began to feed.
"Interesting..." A man's voice carried from the hallway. He stood there, bathed in the firelight, nearly naked, dirty beyond reckoning, with long dark hair that hung over his eyes. "A vampire and her familiar?"
QJ ignored the prisoner, letting Ringo finish before rolling up his sleeve.
[Group: QJ] Sorry, I should have taken care of this at the keep.
"Nothing like that. I'm immune to vampirism, and my friend here has been temporarily afflicted." QJ smiled pleasantly as if discussing the weather. "We are looking for Dax."
"Immune? Are you a Cursemancer?" The man immediately bowed respectfully. "I meant no offense."
"None was taken," QJ faked a smile, even though the stench of the man was overpowering. "We are looking for Dax."
"You found him," the man replied. "Who are you two?"
[System Message] Special Quest Available.
[Gypsy Favor]
The Gypsy King has been incarcerated in Maelstrom's dungeon. Free Dax by hook or crook and earn the favor of the Gypsy community.
[Group: QJ] Gypsy King? My source left that part out.
[Group: Ringo] Going to name you the quest King, QJ. You're always a good time.
[Group: QJ] True.
"We're your new business partners," QJ replied.
Dax's smile showed that he was unconvinced. "Does that mean your head will be on the block next to mine on Black Monday?"
Ringo shook her head slightly. "We'll pull strings to get you out; in exchange, we want to use your contacts for the sale and purchase of rare items."
"You're talking about a black market." Dax scratched his filthy hair with his jagged fingernails. "There's a lot more to it than just knowing my contacts."
QJ fished out a bottle from his inventory and handed it to him, along with a spare set of basic clothes.
Dax pulled the stopper on the bottle and inhaled, his eyes closing as the sweet smell of brandy pervaded his senses. "Peach brandy? I approve!" He took a long pull from the bottle and then clung to it like it was a gold brick. "You'll need capital, and store sites in at least a half dozen cities throughout Berg."
"We'll have it. Our people have feelers out for eight different properties, not including the one in Maelstrom that will act as our HQ." QJ glanced at Ringo. "Am I forgetting anything?"
Ringo nodded. "We're going to want to have a small associate outlet from the network that operates out of our Guild Keep."
Dax rubbed his hands together as if envisioning a house made of money. "You are the guild that took over Thunder Keep? Sending a vendor there will be easy, providing you let him in."
[System Message] Quest Updated.
[Gypsy Favor: Faction Quest (Gypsy).]
(Part one )Secure the release of Dax from the Maelstrom Dungeon.
(Part Two) After Dax is released, bring him the deeds to at least six independent stores throughout the Berg continent.
A few minutes later, QJ and Ringo pounded on the heavy, steel door leading to the stairs. Tucker peeked through the bars and immediately opened the door.
Returning to the outside air was a welcome relief when the duo finally exited the prison.
[Group: Ringo] We have a few minutes, logging out or heading to the Keep?
[Group: QJ] Logging out. See you at roll call.
