DM Kathy Tuesday September 20th, 2016 9:40:47 PM
You spend a relaxing evening resting, eating, repairing your gear, and sorting treasure.
The next morning, you go to check on your new building, the erstwhile Tower of Silver. True to their word, the halfling brothers have removed the unsafe third story and put up a temporary roof, which they are just finishing up.
"We heard you were back," Brice, the one who does most of the talking, comes forward to shake your hands. "Well, there it is, just as you wanted. I'll show you around, and if you're satisfied with the work, we'd like the other half of the payment as soon as you can manage."
Brice shows you around, although honestly there's not much to show you. The third floor isn't there anymore. The debris appears to have been carted away; all you can see is a pile of lumber--used, but probably still good for something. The temporary roof--essentially just canvas anchored by wooden planks--will keep the rain off until something more permanent can be devised.
"So, I guess the first question is, do you want us to build you a new third floor, or do you want us just to put on a permanent roof and have a two-story building?"
Var (Tom I.) HP:49/49 AC:17/T:13/F:14 CMD:21 Wednesday September 21st, 2016 10:37:33 AM
"Two stories aint very impressive... Less of a Tower and more of a Duplex of Silver." Var says
Lornak HP:38/38 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Wednesday September 21st, 2016 2:51:32 PM
"I agree. Why scrimp on space if this will be our new arena, so to speak, to conduct ourselves? I am mostly interested in a spacious cellar, however." Lornak says.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Wednesday September 21st, 2016 7:30:40 PM
"If we can afford it," Dušan agrees," I say we do it right and make a proper 3rd floor. Particularly if we are going to rent out the first floor."
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Wednesday September 21st, 2016 7:42:05 PM
"Let's expand! When people look at the Tower of Silver, they should think about us!" Asteria exclaims excitedly.
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 21) Wednesday September 21st, 2016 7:46:33 PM
Hmerrin walks through the updated building with the halflings, noting with interested the work on the lumber.
Seeing the used lumber pile, he spends a good deal of time sorting through for some nice pieces he could use to make a decent wardrobe.
As for the question of the third floor, he just nods along with whatever the others have to say.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 Wednesday September 21st, 2016 7:50:55 PM
At the mention of real estate development something strange comes over Toston and he clenches his tiny orange hands. The sun shines at just the right angle for his normally short green hair to take on a vaguely yellow color.
"Folks I think building a 3rd story would be a tremendous idea. Beautiful, but why stop there? Let's build a wall, an amazing wall. Build a wall, build a wall..."
Toston shakes his head as whatever that was passes and says, "I'm sorry I don't know what came over me the wall is a terrible idea but I'd be okay if we built out a 3rd floor, Wil did you see any spirits just now?"
Alizar HP: 23/23 AC: 16(T:12/FF:14) CMD:14 Wednesday September 21st, 2016 8:53:59 PM
Alizar arched an eyebrow at Toston and his strange outbreak, however, due to his own weird outbreak earlier, he decided to chalk it up to the strange spirits that probably still in inhabited the tower. Pushing the thoughts aside, Alizar nodded in agreement about the third floor. "Yes, I think we could do a lot of good with a third floor."
DM Kathy Wednesday September 21st, 2016 10:04:34 PM
Several of you muse that "Tower of Silver" really isn't an appropriate name. And it isn't: first, because the building isn't really a tower, and second, because the House of Silver no longer exists. You can give the building a new name, if you like.
Wilford asks about a storefront. "Well," Brice gives you a puzzled frown. "Well, you've got three storefronts already, Boarded up, of course, but they seem sound." [OOC: In my earlier DM post describing the building, there's a specific mention of three storefronts.]
Most of you would like to have a proper third floor built, and Brice nods, clearly pleased to have more work. "Right," he says. "Well, that's going to run you about 1000. We'd want half up front to get started, and then I'd want to talk to you about what you want--how many rooms, and where the stairs go, and so on. And, of course, we still need to collect the remaining 25 gold for the demolition job."
Curious, you pull the boards off and examine the three storefronts. [Yes, I know I'm hijacking you; sorry.] None have any structural damage that you can see, although all of them need to be cleared of broken furniture and cleaned out. This is not something you would need skilled labor for; you could probably do it yourselves, or hire day laborers. One of the storefronts has a substantial kitchen in the back, and could be used for a pub or tavern. One of them was apparently used as a makeshift archery range for the House of Silver; it might need minor repairs, but it's the kind of thing you could easily handle yourselves.
Lornak HP:38/38 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Thursday September 22nd, 2016 2:02:06 PM
Lornak speaks his mind concerning the new floor; "I would think we would want a room a piece for each of us somewhere in the building for individual living quarters." He pauses to pull his hair from his face. "I for one would prefer the cellar or basement but a balcony might be prudent.
He then speaks about specific design suggestions; "We should also have extra living quarters for guests and separate spaces for storage. How is your ironwork Brice? We may have need of a cell or two as well." Lornak hesitates when he realizes how that suggestion might be strange. "To house our valuables."
He then speaks to the others about the existing rooms on the bottom floors; "We could leave the range and flesh out a training room within. I do not know if opening a tavern is a good idea if we want to keep a low profile."
Wilford Grimly (HP:34/34; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Thursday September 22nd, 2016 3:13:05 PM
Wil looks at Toston and thinks for a bit. "Looks like you got a bit trumped up. To be honest I did feel a cold chill and a spirit pass by but it spoke it vague terms and I have no idea what it was up too." "This shop on the left, I would love to take a look inside." Wil peeked and noticed the archery range. "Wow, this would be great. A little archery shop, we can call it Grimley's. We can paint a little archer over here," he said as he pointed to an outside wall. Wil suddenly summoned a ghostly old man. He stood, grumpy looking face. "Hey, I'm not in your head anymore," Cicero said curtly as the amulet on Wil's chest burned. Wil grabbed the amulet and put it on the outside of his cloak. "Ow.. why did you show up as an old man," Wil asked. Within a minute the old man dissolved and disappeared without answering. He looked a bit confused. Wil then stepped away and continued discussing the incident with himself.
Var (Tom I.) HP:49/49 AC:17/T:13/F:14 CMD:21 Thursday September 22nd, 2016 4:44:43 PM
"Dono how the city handles requests for basements... what with the protections on the City Below. Pub might get too rowdy, something a little more laid back might work tho. Would be nice to have a secure place to meet up with Boggs, or whoever." Var says, "Unless you guys wanted a place to work on your potions, would be quite the kitchen."
"Training room would be good, too, and an armory."
Alizar HP: 23/23 AC: 16(T:12/FF:14) CMD:14 Thursday September 22nd, 2016 5:34:25 PM
Alizar nodded at all the suggestions, "Solid ideas", he commented. "I require very little extra space for my own needs, so you should serve yours first. I have everything I currently need in my room. Would it be prudent to have some sort of legitimate 'front' for the building, to avoid attracting attention? I know this is Dirt City and all, but the size of the place will beg the question of what, exactly, goes in within these walls."
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 21) Thursday September 22nd, 2016 7:56:47 PM
Hmerrin is totally out of his element.
"Um, I'd like my own room," he chimes in at last.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Thursday September 22nd, 2016 8:01:59 PM
"A potion shop would be nice, but might detract from our other... hobbies. I don't need the kitchen just somewhere to set up a cauldron. Eventually a cauldron you could boil an entire troll in, but a simple cooking fire will work for now. Could we get a simple pot belly stove or equivalent on the second and third floors. Might be nice for winters, too."
Dušan looks up and imagines his room, "Skylights would be nice in a bed room. Oh and probably a study or meeting room on the third floor where we could discuss more privately."
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Thursday September 22nd, 2016 8:04:12 PM
"If I were to dream I might ask for a turret off of my room so I could brew potions where the fumes wouldn't bother others." Dusšan muses almost as an afterthought.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 Thursday September 22nd, 2016 9:14:02 PM
"What kinds of businesses have been known to cheat people in Dirt City?" Toston asks
"Have the banks been scamming people? Maybe what we do is we target the dishonest industries of Dirt City and we use the building as a headquarters for honest shops? Alternatively we could empower the people by turning it into a base for a coop, we could recruit partners & us & our partners would essentially communally own the shops, make the business decisions democratically and share equally in the rewards. We'd also vote on who to bring onboard to the coop." Toston suggests
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Thursday September 22nd, 2016 11:02:44 PM
Asteria nods along, not really understanding anything being said. "Yeah, rooms for everyone!"
DM Kathy Friday September 23rd, 2016 1:13:18 AM
You discuss options, plans, possibilities. The new third floor could be just about anything you wanted. The existing second floor already has a pretty decent kitchen, although the rest of the floor is something of a shambles. Together, the second and third floor would have more than enough space for a bedroom for everyone, a common living/eating area, the kitchen, and extra rooms for whatever you wanted to use them for. You would just need to work out what you wanted and where.
The "makeshift archery range" is just that: makeshift. There are some painted wooden targets nailed to the back door, and space opened up to where archers could shoot from the front of the store space. The maximum range isn't much more than 60 feet. You could improve the target and the surroundings, of course, but you're not going to improve on that 60 feet without opening doors and firing arrows into the neighborhood.
Some of you are interested in opening your own shops in the storefronts, which you can do, but that's going to take time away from your adventuring.
Also, Brice is still waiting patiently for his 25 gold.
Lornak HP:38/38 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Friday September 23rd, 2016 12:40:53 PM
"Well, it looks like we may still have need of your services." Lorank says as he hands Brice 25 gold pieces. "I believe we want a entire new third floor."
Lornak starts to look around pondering what should be included and continues; "We may have to get back to you with specifics about the interior rooms but the roof will be a necessity."
Wilford Grimly (HP:34/34; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Friday September 23rd, 2016 1:10:25 PM
"We need to find some capable merchants the fill the rest," Wil added as he returned from the side of the building. "By the way, there is something smelly next to our building.. but.. that could be me.." Wil chuckled a bit.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 Saturday September 24th, 2016 2:49:29 AM
"Maybe Boggs or the merchants we escorted to Acid City could recommend honest people with which to do business?" Toston suggests
Lornak HP:44/44 AC: 17(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Saturday September 24th, 2016 2:42:21 PM
(OOC - updating meta data to Level 5!)
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Sunday September 25th, 2016 3:58:16 AM
Dušan nods in absent minded agreement to the coop suggestion as he continues to imagine what could be done with the new space.
"I'll miss Marsh House, but it's kind of exciting to be a part of the creation of a new space."
Var (Tom I.) HP:49/49 AC:17/T:13/F:14 CMD:21 Sunday September 25th, 2016 9:23:07 PM
Var Pat's at his pockets, and produces a coin pouch. He counts out the gold and hands it off to Brice.
DM Kathy Sunday September 25th, 2016 9:40:04 PM
Brice thanks Lornak and Var for his payment. "We'll get started, then," he says. "Though we'll need that 500 gold up front as soon as you can manage it."
The rest of you talk about finding merchants to occupy the storefronts. Toston suggests checking with Boggs, or with the merchants you just escorted to Acid.
Dušan gives some thought to Marsh House--where you still have a lease. It will be some time, however, before this building is finished; it's possible your Marsh House lease will have run its course by then. Anyway, it's something to keep in mind.
The Tonloe brothers are beginning work on your third floor, although they would still like their 500 gold up front. Your night guard, Cinzi, will presumably be coming on duty this evening, and probably wants the balance of her pay, as well. And, you should decide if you want her to go on guarding the place.
And, you probably want to start looking for merchants to rent the storefront space.
Where would you like to begin?
Alizar HP: 23/23 AC: 16(T:12/FF:14) CMD:14 Monday September 26th, 2016 3:59:26 AM
"I suppose I could move my clinic to the premises", Alizar says with a shrug. "I guess it would be more convenient. Would you all be ok with that?" He was feeling a lot better since returning to the city, he had time to meditate and contemplate. He felt stronger some how, spiritually and physically.
Lornak HP:44/44 AC: 17(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Monday September 26th, 2016 11:50:04 AM
"Weren't there some businesses that got robbed or citizens that got displaced before I joined this merry band? Lornak asks. "Would any of them have need of a shop of some kind?"
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Monday September 26th, 2016 3:09:29 PM
"That seems like it would do some good, Lornak. I still think Toston is right. We should ask the merchants since we have a rapport with them. They might even know some that have met with previous misfortunes."
Dušan looks at the sky and the lengthening shadows. "Should we wait for Cinzi and then call it a night? Pick this up first thing tomorrow?"
"This is my contribution to the 25 gold we just payed you and the 500 gold we owe you for the next set of repairs." Toston says, "I believe we each owe about the same amount."
"Yes lets wait for Cinzi and then call it a night." He says to Dušan
"I'm believe the good doctors has the cure for what ails us." Toston says in reply to Alizar's idea to move his practice to the building.
Wilford Grimly (HP:34/34; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Monday September 26th, 2016 8:17:34 PM
"65 gold 6 silver and 3 copper pieces?" I can cover that too, if that helps cover all our costs. "As long as we cover all the shops I have no qualms. Just want to see some businesses in here." "...and get some rest.. " He flashes a weary smile under his hood.
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 21) Monday September 26th, 2016 8:20:06 PM
Hmerrin just waits. He picks around in his ear for a while, and then just waits some more.
Var (Tom I.) HP:49/49 AC:17/T:13/F:14 CMD:21 Monday September 26th, 2016 9:12:33 PM
"I still got loot to sell from Acid City, should be enough to cover everything." Var says
DM Kathy Monday September 26th, 2016 9:42:06 PM
You start sorting out the money, and wait for Cinzi. Suppertime comes, and delicious smells begin wafting from nearby homes and taverns. And, to be fair, not-so-delicious smells; not everybody in the Backstab Quarter is a cordon bleu chef. The Tonloe brothers pack their tools and leave, promising to return on the morrow.
The sun is just setting when Cinzi arrives. She has acquired leather armor from someplace, and carries a crossbow and a short sword. Her long hair is pulled back into an efficient knot. All in all, she looks like a guard who means business.
"Hey, you're back!" she exclaims. "The place is still standing, as you see. Had ta chase away a few squatters, but nothing big. So, um....." she shuffles her feet a bit. "Um, do you want me to keep on guarding? I mean, I kinda like the work, but you're back now and all, and so...."
Lornak HP:44/44 AC: 17(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Tuesday September 27th, 2016 11:38:53 AM
Lornak hands over his portion of gold needed by the Tonloe brothers to whomever is collecting it. He continues speaking about possible tenants with Dusan; "The merchants are an agreeable lot. If they feel comfortable using our space then that is a logical choice." He smiles. "It would be apt to find a merchant "assassin" in the backstab quarter." and chuckles.
Alizar HP: 23/23 AC: 16(T:12/FF:14) CMD:14 Tuesday September 27th, 2016 5:33:06 PM
Alizar agreed with Wil, having a permanent eye on the place that they could trust would be useful. "Cinzi, if my mates here agree, would you consider staying on?"
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Tuesday September 27th, 2016 5:39:30 PM
"I think we should keep her." Asteria says with an agreeable nod in regards to the issue of keeping Cinzi or not. "She's done a great job so far, and we'd get more sleep! Also, having another girl around would be cool..." Asteria mutters that last part a little more quietly than the rest.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Tuesday September 27th, 2016 6:16:35 PM
"I wouldn't mind having an extra set of eyes around here." Dušan agrees, "How much will we have left over after we pay off the second floor?"
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 21) Tuesday September 27th, 2016 8:26:07 PM
"Guess you're stuck working for a living," Hmerrin chuckles at Cinzi.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 Tuesday September 27th, 2016 8:30:01 PM
"I too vote to keep Cinzi on staff." Toston says, adding his vote. At this point it seems that everyone is in agreement so he just shrugs.
DM Kathy Tuesday September 27th, 2016 9:59:28 PM
You decide to keep Cinzi on, and she grins some more, obviously very pleased. "Well, I'll get started for the night, then!" she says. "You owe me 3 gold so far for the time you were away. Um...I don't need it right this minute, but sooner would be better than later."
[OOC reminder: you hired Cinzi for 2 silver per day, which works out to about 6 gold per month. He wages probably aren't going to break the bank.]
The sun is setting, but you still might be able to catch some of the merchants, if you want to talk to them. Or you could return to Marsh House and discuss plans for the new building.
Wilford Grimly (HP:34/34; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Wednesday September 28th, 2016 11:52:16 AM
"What do we want to do guys? I'm beat but we can go talk to a couple merchants. Not sure what we want to do with this addition? I'm going to really use this archery range."
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Wednesday September 28th, 2016 5:11:31 PM
"My vote is to be responsible tomorrow and celebrate our return tonight. I'm definitely looking forward to a good night's sleep in my own bed."
Alizar HP: 23/23 AC: 16(T:12/FF:14) CMD:14 Wednesday September 28th, 2016 7:36:01 PM
"I definitely vote R&R", replied Alizar
Lornak HP:44/44 AC: 17(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Wednesday September 28th, 2016 7:38:06 PM
"Agreed. We should take care and plan our construction." Lornak says as he turns to leave and head to Marsh House
Var (Tom I.) HP:49/49 AC:17/T:13/F:14 CMD:21 Wednesday September 28th, 2016 7:50:08 PM
(OoC: sorry guys, work got away from me yesterday. We can make believe that Var was gobsmacked by Cinzi in her armor.)
"I could go for a pint or two." Var says agreeable at Dusan's suggestion.
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Wednesday September 28th, 2016 8:29:18 PM
"We deserve some celebrating for all the kicking butt we did! I vote to drink." What barbarian doesn't like to down a few drinks? Asteria is all for some partying.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 Wednesday September 28th, 2016 8:32:22 PM
"Perhaps a libation is in order?" Toston asks.
"I could go for a drink myself." The gnome agrees.
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 21) Wednesday September 28th, 2016 9:15:53 PM
Relief washes over Hmerrin's face as the conversation finally moves off of merchants and business and houses, and towards drinking and partying.
"NOW, we're talking!" he chimes in excitedly. "Let's go!"
DM Kathy Wednesday September 28th, 2016 10:12:16 PM
The question of Cinzi's employment settled, you adjourn to your favorite tavern for a few rounds and perhaps a bite of supper. Then you return to Marsh House where you are undisturbed for the remainder of the evening, and indeed the entire night.
You (perhaps) discuss plans for the new building. [OOC: Those discussions are probably best handled through email.]
In the morning, however, your thoughts turn to contacting you merchant friends, or possibly Boggs, to find tenants for your space. Where would you like to start?
Lornak HP:44/44 AC: 17(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Thursday September 29th, 2016 3:09:55 PM
Lornak thoroughly enjoys an evening of food and drink with his compatriots. On the way back to Marsh House he decides to sing to get under Hmerrin's skin and to poke fun at Toston;
"Papa was a rolling stone. Wherever he laid his hat was his home." "And when he diiiiiiied, all he left us was a Gnome!"
When he wakes the next morning he is fully rested and alert, a nice change of pace from the happenings on the road. He lets in the fresh air and greets Vin. The owl creeps open one eye upon hearing him and then closes it slowly and turns its head away. Lornak smiles and leaves it to its slumber.
When the group seeks out their merchant friends he offers to put in a good word with Zeb Cader for them to provide exclusive items from Acid City. "I know I am not the best for friends with Mr. Cader but after our encounter I'm sure our relationship is strong enough to at least suggest a partnership."
Wilford Grimly (HP:34/34; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Thursday September 29th, 2016 4:31:46 PM
"Ai," Wil laughed with a bit of a pirate accent as the drink buzzed through him. Lornak's song, though annoying, was just the thing he needed to cough up a lung after laughing too hard. "Oy, I haven't had this much fun since I played with Mr. Whiskers when I was a little over ten years old. He was a wharf rat that I found after my family was kicked to the street. Mr. Whiskers kept me entertained for years." Wil suddenly became quiet. Embarrassed about spilling information about his childhood.
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 21) Thursday September 29th, 2016 6:58:04 PM
Hmerrin gets plastered. There is really no other way to describe it.
When Lornak starts his song, the teen responds by holding his hands over his ears and bellowing "LALALALALALALALALALALALALA!!" until everyone is done.
Being a male human teenager, the concept of 'too far' has not really made an appearance yet, and Hmerrin is quite willing to repeat the antic as many times as anyone else cares to test him on it.
The next morning, well, is not so good. The fighter quietly offers Bogg's name as his first option, but he's in no condition to argue about it and slowly follows the group, squinting painfully at the morning light.
Var (Tom I.) HP:49/49 AC:17/T:13/F:14 CMD:21 Thursday September 29th, 2016 7:36:22 PM
Var enjoys a night out with the group, even breaking into (very bad) singing along with Lornak once or twice.
The next morning Var begins loading up a cart with the weapons, armor and other valuables they picked up in the past few weeks, and heads out to sell them. "Be back later." He says briskly.
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Thursday September 29th, 2016 8:58:22 PM
Asteria drinks and is merry, but opts to not sing with the group. After a night of excitement and many days of fighting, she is just ready to sleep in her own bed.
The next morning, Asteria wakes up refreshed but reluctant to leave the warm sheets of bed. She personally doesn't care what they do next, but offhandedly mentions that maybe finding some merchants first might be a good option.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 Thursday September 29th, 2016 9:00:23 PM
At the end of Lornak's song Toston says to him, "I'm a gnome you know..." and lets it trail off.
Despite the song, Toston manages to have a good time out with his friends.
He then returns to his room in Marsh house where he spends a cozy night resting.
The next morning he is ready to find some tenants for their tower. "I'd recommend we go to Boggs first. Maybe we do a blend of Crescent Moons people and reguar merchants for tenants." He suggests over breakfast.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Thursday September 29th, 2016 11:53:33 PM
Dušan laughs merrily with his friends and sleeps soundly back in his own bed. The next morning he wakes refreshed and ready to commence with business.
to Toston's suggestion, Dušan says, "Couldn't hurt to have some of the "right people" around here that knew our business. Maybe we wouldn't have to barge in on Crescent Moon quite as often if there was an office here."