RPG - Dentin: A Study in Sterling

Games Forum Games
1

You lay on the couch in your home listening to the muffled sounds of the city above you. From a small window near the ceiling of the room, light tickles through occasionally blocked by people passing by completely unaware of your presence. The light illuminated the dust in the air as it fell. It was still warm, despite summer nearing its end, and for that you were grateful. The book you had been reading lay open and facedown on your chest as you took a break to admire the day.

Your peaceful resting is interrupted by a sharp knock on your door. You begin to get nervous, assuming it’s your landlord here to collect the rent money you still didn’t have. You contemplate how you could escape. The only window out was much to small for you to squeeze through and there were no other doors out. You decide you will have to pretend you’re not home and hope he decides to leave on his own.

“Mr. Dentin?” The voice on the other side of the door did not sound like the angry, raspy growl of your landlord. It was smooth and pleasant, but wholly unfamiliar.

“Mr. Dentin?” The voice calls again. “Are you home? I need your help.”

4 Likes
2

“No, no, Ms. Mayor, I could never~” Dentin holds both hands up, rejecting the key to the city. It was the least she could do after he solved the mystery of the moon, but his sensible nature would never allow such opulence. “And a bag of money? Oh, my, its just that I have no need for it anymore, ma’am” Since figuring out why the shadows went away, he had earned a place to live, free meals and an unlimited library card. It was quite an enjoyable routine, would say. “Well, I think that BANG BANG BANG” His ears perk, his tail quits swaying. “Excuse me, ma’am did you say some BANG BANG BANG”

Dentin jumps from the couch, knocking down the novel that was laying on his chest. There’s some drool on his cheek fur, and he isn’t sure what time it is. The knock on the door is heard again, and he realize it must be time to pay (his rent). The mouseboy’s eyes dart around the room, checking for escape routes. The window is too small - and he had tried, and failed, that before. Aside from the main door, currently blocked, the only real solution Dentin has is the ol’ reliable: cry, beg, embarrass himself and promise another month of free chores. It has to work again, right?

His brave plan is dashed when he hears the voice calling to him from outside. That’s not what he expected. And in need of him? His services? His paid services which reward him with currency to guarantee another month of roof over his head? That service?

“O-one moment, I’m on my way!” He replies, then slaps his face with both hands, before assessing the situation. A client. He has to look his best, even if that’s not very good. In a rush, Dentin grabs his nicest trench-coat, a ragged, dark brown piece of cloth that has never seen better days, and a beret that covers his currently messy hair. Fishing inside his pockets, he finds a mint and put it in his mouth. That will have to do for now. Then, on his way to the door, he picks up the fallen book, as well as any other out of place object, putting them on top of the desk, the sofa, drawer, or any other surface.

Luckily he keeps things clean and organized, but that tends to be Dentin’s Organization, which might not make much sense to outsiders. That’s just going to have to be part of his charm. With a deep breath - feeling the cool air in his mouth, Dentin opens the door, trying to sound professional.

“H-hello, welcome to Dentin’s Agency, how may I help you…?” Only one stutter, he aced it, the mouseboy thinks to himself.

4 Likes
3

The man on the other side of the door appears relieved to see you.

“Hello, my name Alexander Brookes.” Alexander is a bear-kin. He’s bigger than you, but his soft fur and pristine clothing gives you the impression he was likely unused to any kind of physical labor. “May I come in?” Without waiting for a response he pushes past you and enters your apartment.

“I imagine you’re a very busy man, Mr. Dentin, so I will cut straight to the point. There has been a murder at the Brookes’ estate. We would like to hire your services to find the killer.”

Options [Choose one and formulate your response with it]:

  1. Agree
  2. Turn Alexander away
  3. Press for more information about the murder
  4. Ask about the pay
  5. Ask why they came to you
2 Likes
4

He has to look all the way up, and also stand on his tip toes, to truly ‘face’ Alexander. Not that Dentin already hasn’t to look up to talk face to face with his own folks, but this was absurd. Still, despite the surprise - both from having a client and from him being so colossal - Dentin’s eyes could help but not focus anywhere, instead picking up random details. He was tall, yes, but fancy looking, pristine even. Alexander was not someone who has ever done blue collar work, or maybe any kind of work. His manner of speaking is also of those who enjoy a lush life, empty pleasantry followed by insincere flattering and then straight to business. And the word “estate” seals the deal in whatever doubt there might have been about his financials. Broke people don’t have “estates”. Mr. Brookes could be the ticket to lush meals, but also to unending trouble; fancy people are also the messiest ones.

Adjusting his beret after being pushed aside, Dentin attempts to reassert himself. A murder is a golden opportunity to both make or break a career, but that’s for people who have a career in the first place. Why would someone in such a position resort to an unknown like him? Dentin has a few guesses in mind, but figures out it might still be worthy to probe - that is his job, after all

“M-my condolences, Mr. Brookes, that is a ghoulish business, yes it is. If I may inquire, however, I can’t help but be curious about your visit, as you’re not one of my usual clients, you see. What brings someone of such notable estate to my humble abode?”

[Ask why they came to you]

3 Likes
5

Alexander rings his hands together slightly nervously. “It is precisely that reason, that I’ve come to you. You see, this matter requires some… delicacy and to go to a more… high profile detective may bring with it some unwanted attention.” It seems he is choosing his words carefully. “I trust, though, you are more than capable of handling this job, while maintaining… discretion.”

The man pushes further into your abode and sits on the couch you had just been sleeping on moments ago. “I apologize that at the moment I can not provide more details. Unless we are sure that you’ll be taking this job, we must retain some privacy. You understand, I hope.”

Even while sitting, Alexander was almost as tall as you. The bearkin fiddles with the button of his shirt sleeve. For such a large man with seemingly a powerful family, he lacks a certain aura that you’d expect.

“I know how this must seem, but it truly has to be you, Mr. Dentin.” He looks unprepared to leave without your response.

Options:

  1. Take the case
  2. Reject him
2 Likes
6

*That’s a lot of Ds* the mouse boy thinks to himself, watching as his soon-to-be patron enter his home, and make himself comfortable. On one hand, Dentin is not one to leap into danger with little to no planning - or leap at all. On the other hand, his pockets are very, very light.

“Privacy is the name of the business, Mr. Brookes.” He replies, hearing the metaphorical ka-ching of coin falling in his purse. Although, considering the secretiveness of Alexander, floating the idea of payment wouldn’t be the smartest choice, not this early into the conversation. Besides, its always a good reminder that this is the first job offer in…a long time, for Dentin. He can hardly afford to be picky.

Pulling up an old, creaky stool, he its in front of the bearkin, pulls up his notebook and clicks a pen. “I’d be happy to lend you an ear, Mr. Brookes as well as offer my services. Paid services, of course.” He winks, clumsily. There’s something in this conversation that he can’t quite put his finger on yet, but its better to let Alexander talk and give him rope to hang himself, rather than prod and press fruitlessly.

“Now, Mr. Brookes, what can you tell me about the incident? Spare no detail.” With business in mind, Murder Business in mind, Dentin feels more confident, more talkative.

[Take the case]
[Press for more information about the murder]

1 Like