¶ Session 028 - 📜 The Rolodex, the Runner, and the Recluse 🏃
Following a lead in the sprawling city of Absalom, the Lads and Lass sought out "Large" Marge Oswald, a customs officer and Otto's employer, residing in the Petal district. The SOL's thought that she may be able to offer more information about the Black Court, or be able to assist with getting them to Ustalav to continue the search for Snax. With only a vague inkling of her home address, their investigation began at the Docks District, in the very Customs Office where Marge was employed.
¶ 🏢 The Customs Office
At the office, they were greeted by a receptionist named Grace. Otto, introducing himself as Otto Smithfield, fabricated a story about seeking "life coaching," a lie that caused his hair to visibly grow. Nitro, under the alias "Miss The Undertaker," and Clutch, using his own name, played along. Grace explained that Marge was a recluse who mostly worked from her home in the Petals district but was unwilling to provide personal information. While Otto kept Grace occupied, Clutch spotted an address book on her desk; elbowing Nitro and signaling for her to cause a distraction. Nitro launched into a bizarre and captivating dance routine, enlisting Grace's participation and successfully creating a distraction. With Grace's attention elsewhere, Clutch snatched the address book, securing Marge’s location. In order to keep a low profile from her "Wanted" status, Nitro fully embraced the "Miss The Undertaker" persona - using her hat of disguise to transform her into a black hat, shades-wearing, female orc barbarian.
¶ ⚡ An Unexpected Encounter
With their objective complete, the group departed for the Petals, the city's most affluent and fashionable district. As they navigated the pristine streets, a man in a peculiar, static-discharging purple coat collided with Nitro, delivering an electric shock. Panicked, the man pleaded for help, claiming he was being pursued. Ever the aggressor, Nitro responded not with aid, but with a leg drop that left the man sprawling on the ground.
Despite the violent introduction, the party, dubbing the man "Craig," decided to help. His four pursuers soon arrived, accusing him of stealing an important artifact from the Blackros Museum. In response, Craig brandished a small, clockwork cube, which unleashed a flash of light. While the party resisted its effects, the pursuers were left dazed and confused, allowing the group to escape with Craig into a nearby alley.
¶ 🤝 A Tense Alliance
Craig revealed the device was a tool of short-term amnesia, which he was taking to the Clockwork Cathedral for study, believing its power should be for public benefit. Wary of their new acquaintance, the party coerced Craig into accompanying them on their own errand before they would escort him to his destination. To help him blend in, Nitro gave his distinctive coat a "camouflage" makeover using makeup and crushed gems, bedazzling the name "Craig" on the back. The uneasy partnership continued as they walked, and after Craig mentioned he owned special sunglasses that protected him from his own device, Clutch deftly swiped the glasses right off his face. He declared them an "insurance policy," ensuring the party wouldn't be caught by any more surprise memory flashes.
¶ 🏰 Showdown at the Manor
They located Marge's manor, a surprisingly aged and ramshackle estate. Deciding on a direct approach, they knocked on the front door and were met by a man named Skinner, who promptly tried to dismiss them. At Nitro's suggestion, they had Craig use his memory-wiping device on Skinner, but it failed to work as intended, only causing momentary confusion. Finally, Otto managed to talk his way past Skinner, convincing him to summon Marge by stressing the urgency of their business.
Skinner retreated inside, closing the door and leaving the party to wait. Moments later, the door reopened to reveal Marge herself, flanked by Skinner. She looked over the motley crew on her doorstep and demanded:
Who the fudge are you?