Teatime finishes his cup of tea, and starts telling you the story as he knows it.
Obviously, the whole thing was weird from the start. They got the object from a bunch of kids playing shadowrunners whom Uncle Good Advice hired. The kids managed to get it from a gang hideout in the hills, which was once a mansion of a wealthy collector and antiquarian, who had the bad luck to goblinize into a troll, and get torched during the Night of Rage. His place was looted and devastated before he even died, indicating a set-up. He didn't dwell on the matter, because the item proved to be a genuine pre-awakening, or even atlantean era artifact. It's magic was weakened substantially, but still present... His appraisal - and he didn't have much time for it, unfortunately - revealed that it was once a highly magical object, made from magical alloys, or compounds, shaped and decorated through the use of magic. Teatime starts to ramble a bit here, talking about almost undetectable traces of artifice and artisan magic, elemental principles, ancient alchemy, and orichalcum flakes used in covering both the inside, and outside of the 'vessel'. You don't stop him, because even if it's not interesting for most of you, getting more info never hurts. And even though the old man is rambling, he stays on subject.
Whe he finally gets back to the stuff that interests you, it's because he ran out of breath, and had to pour himself another cup. Before he did that, though, a silent figure sneaked inside. The whole team froze in the moment you noticed that it's a girl dressed as a geisha - and the make-up hid her obvious slavic features rather well - and acting with the fluid, flawless motions of a wire-doll. She bowed down, and greeted you in perfect Japanese, and then refilled Teatime's cup. He stopped talking for a while, nodded a 'thank you', along with a perfectly accented Japanese phrase. And after she left, and one of the dragons at the entrance coiled around it's metal post in VR, he picked up the story.
The item was a pot. Not just a regular pot, but a highly magical one, and that indicated a special use, or meaning. Probably a ritual vessel of some kind, or even something used in healing rituals, but his money would be on elemental stuff. He noticed traces of ancient magic, and composition of the item usually connected with fire, and to a significantly smaller extent, earth. He digresses for a while about the elemental magic use in the ancient world, which was - in his own opinion - very important, and relatively easy to use. He notices Vabka's bored stare, and Yani's impatient expression, so he gets back to the point...
"
And the whole point is, whoever wanted this thing, was ready to kill without even blinking. Uncle couldn't get to the bottom of it, because the people involved don't talk with Awakened. Well, they do, but it's usually a >>Die you filthy trog.<< kind of talk. I can tell you more, but that would be... Well, precious information. One that would cost you a few thousands at the least. But we can make a deal. Uncle won't have anything against it, I assure you - I've asked him." He plays with his commlink for a while, after turning it on, and sends you an encrypted recording. The data that the troll fixer gave you includes a decrypting key, that let's you access it. It does confirm what Teatime said - the troll cut a deal with him, that would be valid only if you agree on it.
"
I want that thing. Not for myself, off course - you will still get it to your employer. I just want it for a day, or two, for non-invasive study. I had it in my hands for a few mere minutes, and examined it with a mere street-grade talismonger kit."His face flushes with blood rushing and emotions rising. "
Even if it's not a working artifact, I could find the principle behind it. Or at least learn a lot about ancient alchemy, enchanting and magic. Two days, that's all I need. And if you agree, I can answer whatever questions I can. For free." He slumps back down on his seat, turning his attention to the tea and food - or whatever was left of it. He's obviously waiting for your decision, but doesn't push it, giving you time to discuss it.
You can make some rolls, and resolve any actions regarding what he told you. Judge Intentions, Assensing, Knowledge skills - anything. You can also ask any questions regarding what he told you now.
