Rosuc gives no visible reaction at mention of his cohort Elsa.
"I'm simply a middle man lady. A plea deal I will accept then, but I'll need it in writing and with the the official seal of the tower that I might know the deal is good. But I can provide you with the names of several providers and several prominent buyers of pesh."
Inside the library numerous people are coming and going as is typical. Dether is found in back sitting at a table with several books open in front of him, one hand beneath the table in his lap, the other holding the topmost book open as he scans through the pages rapidly, flipping through the pages quite rapidly. The nearby window is propped open letting in the cool air of the morning, the muted smell of the garden out back wafting in, though not much is growing in the late winter season.
Two dozen other individuals also sit at the tables or in small chairs against the walls. Some reading intently, others talking quietly among themselves. Master Isul gives a slight nod to Tomlin while still in the hallway to acknowledge you've located the man, then walks away to give Tomlin time to make contact and get comfortable.
Relaxing into his disguise, Tomlin wandered aimlessly around the library for a bit as he felt "Gavin" would. He had spotted Dether almost instantly upon entering the building, but made as if he only saw the man as he got close. A wide grin split the halfling's face he sauntered over to him while looking around the room as if in awe.
Ya find anything yet? 'Tis good to see ya again! Figured I might as well check out this here library since ya mentioned it. 'Tis huge it is! Ne'er a dull moment in this city, I tells ya. Why, last night I even almost got arrested! Was over at the Silver Spirits and the guard comes in an' arrests a few people. At first they thought I was involved but they let me go. Guess I need to find somewhere more relaxed. Maybe I try that bar ya say your friend was at, Wailing Spirits, ya? Don't suppose ya found her yet, no?
"Very well, I will work on having such an agreement drawn up, and we will speak further."
Serelina then beckons to Ian and the guards to leave with her, and immediately heads to Elsa's cell to attempt similar success.
Upon arriving, Serelina repeats her use of hexes in order to weaken the subject before attempting to read her thoughts with the already cast enchantment.
Ian walks towards Elsa's cell with Serelina.
"What'd you do to him before I got there? He folded like wet paper."
As Serelina sets in on Elsa, Ian watches the two spellcasters warily, as if afraid he'll become collateral goo on the wall at any moment.
"I methodically destroyed his will with magic, as I will now do here with this woman." With that Serelina begins her magical assault on the woman Elsa.
The woman tenses as Serelina makes her boast. "I will tear you limb from limb woman." she growls.
Elsa's thoughts at present reflect her obvious demeanor. Anger directed at you, and fear for Rosuc.
"Morning Gavin" Dether smiles cheerfully. His smile turns to a frown at mention of the events of last night, his forehead crinkling. "You are lucky to have not been held for longer."
Dether leans back in his chair, "I stopped by there the other night, but didn't see Lorine around. I didn't stick around... I don't really like the place, not sure why Lorine hangs out there sometimes. If you hear anything of her I'd appreciate it."
"As to the last, well how good is your old common?" Dether pulls one of the books from underneath the others, a very worn looking leather cover of a small book, maybe a hundred pages in total. Dether opens it carefully, ancient yellowed paper crackling at his touch. He sets it gently facing Tomlin open about halfway through. A hand drawn map scrawled across the two pages. A short paragraph in a very old dialect of common.
Gateways Thonin Dale opened but once every five years. I was privileged to accompany the warlord to a gateway to trade with the dwarves who had been the mountain behind their doors when they are opened for trade at the summer solstice.
The map itself shows a depiction of a pair of dwarves standing beside a gate into the face of a cliff, a wide trail leading down from it into a valley.
"This warlord mentioned, I believe was of the barbarian tribes, one who united them for a time more than a millennia ago." He taps one of the other books. "Though I can't be sure, there is just a brief mention of him here. At least I think it is the same person."
"However, there are no dwarven strongholds in the barbarian lands, and no mountains... or at least what we'd call mountains, and nothing like a mountain trail as seems to be depicted in this map." He drums his fingers. "So where is this place then? How do I place it?"
Tavrus retires to his chambers, and rests until around midnight, the time he customarily prays for his spells.
1)"Where does Bannali reside?"
2)"Do you know Hezek?"
3)"Where did you get your powers?"
However, I'd like to get the answers one at a time from you in case I want to change my line of questioning.
And this is all assuming he fails the DC 16 Will save on the spell. SR does not apply.
Serelina chuckles lightly at the threat and says, "Now... I could continue to destroy your mind, then your body bit by bit and eventually dispose of you as a shattered husk as we extract information, or you could be smart like Rousec and cooperate for leniency and perhaps even immunity... You can feel my presence in your mind, so I will know if you lie. Let us begin. Name all the sources you have purchased Pesh from."
Ya, I was lucky! But the guard was nice too. They didn't rough me up or nothin', jus' figured out I wasn't the one they wanted and let me go. Real civil like. Tomlin felt a subtle plug for the guard wouldn't hurt, given the volume of negative attitudes that seemed to be prevalent. As for Lorine, sorry to hear it. I'll keep my ear to the ground.
Tomlin put on a wide-eyed and somewhat puzzled look as he was asked about his skills in Old Common. He simultaneously scanned the map and short paragraph as Dether showed it to him, but at the same time made note of the other books in the pile to see if they pertained to the same subjects. In truth, the halfling cared little about ancient barbarian kingdoms or old dwarven trade routes, but hoped to see if the subject matter Dether purported to be researching was consistent.
Whoa...tha's complicated stuff there, ya? I dunno much about ol' common but mountain ranges jus' don't disappear. Maybe you're lookin' in the wrong location, ya? Could be someone made it all up too, for a story or some such.
The corpse of the half, part of the skin of the face and jaw missing, speaks with the same flat tone you are accustomed to from the dead. "I do not know. We asked, but he did not say."
Initially her thoughts are of disbelief that Rosuc would cooperate, this is replaced with a single name at the last question, Murdoch. And replaced again almost immediately by seething hatred towards you.
"You wretched woman. Is it a crime to drink and enjoy the company of friends in taverns now? The guard not have enough to do so it resorts harassing the common folk?" She strains against her shackles, her wrists beginning to bleed where the metal pulls tight against them.
"It's like one giant puzzle, studying the past. I don't think it is made up though. This book here", he pulls one of the other books out, also bound in leather, though of what creature the skin came from you cannot be certain as it is almost black, with flecks of gray, "speaks of Thonin Dale. At least if I've got the translation right, the whole thing is in an old dwarven dialect, I think. Unless by some odd chance it is from a different region of the world. But it only makes a passing reference to it. No clues as to its location."
"I think you are correct that the location isn't in the hills north of Akleta, but where then? The Chaggath Spine? That's a very broad area to cover though." He goes back to drumming his fingers again as he thinks.
Isul enters the room from the far side and makes as if looking about the room, carefully looking over each of the dozen or so people sitting. Dether does not give any reaction or seem to pay her any mind.
"You familiar with the small islands northeast of Akleta Gavin? One of them perhaps?"
With no knowledge of geography you are not sure if there are any such islands or not. There are the Ioso islands that are part of the empire, but those lie due east of Coran, and therefore southeast of Akleta. You do not sense any guile or subterfuge in Dether though, he has a genuine interest and enthusiasm about this puzzle.
"Do you know Hezek?"
Serelina cackles coldly at her struggles, "Tell me of Murdoch, where can I find him?"
Ach...I always wanted to see that part o' the world, but ne'er got hired by the right captain. Mayhaps someday, ya? The Chaggoth Spine, now that has mountains. Mayhaps dwarves too? Tha' could be the place. If ya don't mind me askin', wha' exactly do ya hope to find there in this Thonin Dale?
After Dether answers, Tomlin works to excuse himself as quickly as possible. The question about islands near Akleta made him realize his disguise has holes. He had casually seen Master Isul's form drift by as well; he felt his job was done. At the first opportunity that did not seem hasty he said, Ah, well I leave you to your search. 'Tis time for me ta poke around this city a bit more. If I get news of your Lorine, I'll look for ya here or the Mermaid, ya? Farewell!
Tomlin then makes his way back out of the library, pausing for a moment once out the door to see if Master Isul wished to speak to him. Otherwise, the halfling heads back to the Tower to assess the progress with the interrogations.
Ian watches quietly, curious about the Tower's methods of interrogation. He's used to more...blunt techniques.
"Funny how when we showed up, you started castin' a spell. What a law-abiding common folk you are," he smirks briefly, then the edge of sarcasm leaves his voice and he says flatly, "Ease up on your wrists," he gestures, "You're bleeding."
"I do not know Hezek. But we met and spoke with him."
Elsa turns her head in the direction Ian's voice came from and spits. "You and your wench assaulted us. We are supposed to just stand there and submit to it?" To further make her point she twists her wrists against the manacles. Her face twitches with the pain of it but she does not relent.
For a brief moment thoughts of not one individual, but rather of a family enters Elsa's mind, and with that thought comes a new revelation. The Murdoch's are one of the minor merchant families, not even holding a seat on the council. They have very close connections though with the Alkanov's, a very powerful merchant house, holding the second seat.
His voice only a whisper so others in the room cannot overhear, "Well, that depends. If their are still dwarves their maybe start a trade business with them." Dether gives a grin, "If not, I put together an expedition and see what treasures we can unearth. Ever thought of giving up on sailing and becoming an explorer Gavin? It can be a very lucrative profession."
"Where did you get your powers?"
"Ian... perhaps you should assault her. I would like her to understand the difference between assault and arrest properly executed during a pesh deal as confirmed by her co-conspirators. In the mean time, we should consider where the Murdoch family gets its pesh from for a moment."
"Was thinkin' the same thing."
Ian walks closer, looming over her. "In the guard, we would have killed you on the spot. You're lucky this is the Tower, and you got a shot of coming out of this ahead."
He doesn't seem keen to hit her just yet.
Ah, 'tis a nice offer Dether, but the sea calls me at least for now. At any rate, I best move on with my day. I'll see ya around, 'specially if I run into Lorine!
At the Tower, the halfling stayed in disguise and upon discovering that Ian and Serelina were still interrogating the prisoner stood by out of sight to see if they needed "Evan".
"They were not my powers. They were..." the corpse seems at a loss for words for a moment, "its powers." The body once again goes still with the spell ended.
Elsa tries to keep her thoughts focused on her anger, but she is having a hard time doing so. Panic rises in her mind, fear and concern for Rosuc, imagining various horrid things you might have done to him, and that now are going to happen to her.
As Ian moves Elsa's head tilts to try and follow him. "What... what is it you want?"
"Well I'll have to research this more. If it turns out this place is located on the islands mayhap you can introduce me to your captain and I can negotiate for passage to that region. I'll see you around then though."
As you head towards the main entrance of the library Master Isul waves you into a side room and between a set of large book shelves. She whispers, "How many magic items or spells have you got on you? Between you and Dether there were 15 magical auras. The most powerful one is an abjuration, so form of magical protection."
The witch smiles and nods coldly at the change in attitude. "In return for your confession and leniency, you will provide truthful and complete information as to the questions we ask you. In addition, it is likely we can arrange to forgo the normal punishments in exchange for your working with Rousec in the field to help us disassemble various criminal enterprises related to the trafficking of pesh in the city. You will need to submit to magicks to verify that you are dealing with us truthfully, and your life will continue with little interruption. The alternative, is that we... coerce the information from you through the messy, messy methods that may leave you less... whole than you are."
Leaning in closely, she adds. "Now is your sole opportunity to have this go the easy way. After your displays so far, part of me hopes you will decline."
Tomlin ducked into the side room as Master Isul indicated. His brow furrowed a bit as she mentioned the number of magical auras, but the halfling was not surprised. He whispered back, Three, ma'am. The rest are contained in my haversack here. The other 12 must be his. I assess Dether to be quite capable; I'm not entirely convinced he was fooled by my guise or words. He asked me to join his expedition, seeking out some placed called "Thonin Dale". He may be just a treasure-seeking adventurer, but I suspect there is more to him. I declined his offer to join, and I am somewhat concerned that he would use such an opportunity to confront me about my guise. Tomlin let his thoughts registered with Master Isul, and answered any questions she might have. Afterward he asked, Ma'am, permission to rejoin my team? We have a number of tasks to accomplish unless you have other need of me.
"Be sure to ask Master Liam about Thonin Dale. He may know something of it. Return to your companions for now."
Elsa's voice is tense, "Oh.. okay. Rosuc is the one that makes all the deals. I... I just help with communication. But I will tell you what I can."
"Then let us begin with whom you communicate with and the specific nature of those communications."
Tomlin nods sharply as he is dismissed by Master Isul. Normally he would salute, but such an act would draw undue attention here. Keeping to his guise, he headed back to the Tower, stopping a few times along the way to make sure he isn't followed. Only then did he slip back in the Tower to meet up with his companions and see the status of the interrogations.
The halfling found a quiet spot in the Tower, and pulled the materials the Mithril Rose paladin gave the group regarding Radgar the Butcher. He then begins reading through the journal to see if he can discover any clues to help the search for the vile man.
Ian gives Serelina a nod once it's clear the prisoner will cooperate, and goes back to finish his morning exercise routine and get armored up with the help of a Tower assistant, then eats breakfast. He's been like clockwork since his arrival, and this is the first morning he's been late at it.
After that, he seeks out Serelina again to rejoin her.
"Get anything good from those two, somethin' we can move on?"
Tavrus delivers the results of the dead interrogation to Tomlin, and sees if their erstwhile leader has any idea of how long before they must head out again.
"Rosuc, he's just a middle man. Hooks up suppliers with distributors. I have a little trick I know that allows us to communicate with both while sitting in the noisy tavern, so as to keep things on the low down. But the Murdoch's are one of two main suppliers. The other one always sends a different man or woman each time. Whoever is extremely paranoid about it."
Her mind echoes those thoughts to a greater degree, Wiser than Rosuc and I.
"Then there are the distributors. I only know of couple of their names." she counts off on her fingers as she thinks them through, "Ivori, Yeldo, Resh, Elyee, Gharit."
The research journal contains numerous arcane symbols and drawings. You are able to discern that the journal primarily contains research on conjuration magic, but without training you aren't able to make out more than that.
The log on the slave trade contains meticulous notes regarding the illegal practice of it in Coran at the time it was written. Documented are dates, names, times, and locations. These are sometimes marked with snippets of conversations, which a casual reading of the comments themselves suggests nothing out of the ordinary, but written next to each of these in the margins are possible hidden meanings or undertones.
Near the end of the entries are several names, most have a check mark next to them, though two do not.
x Delkimum
x Elmunt
Firyin
x Ineris
x Kereby
x Issnem
Diguri
x Ashtin
The last third of the book is blank, the pages never filled.
"We will ask you to provide written descriptions of these individuals, including those you do not know the names of, as well as any whereabouts they are known to frequent. In the mean time, what other locations did you use to transact your trade?"
Nay, no idea how long yet before we move. Tomlin's answer back to Tavrus was absent-minded, as the halfling was deeply lost in thought. The cleric's information about the half-elf's answers was part of it. IT'S powers...who is IT?? Maybe Hezek knows more since they met. But at least as much of his thoughts reverberated concerns about the finding in the book from Radgar's wife. We need to talk to the Masters. It seems Radgar's wife's quest brought her into the realm of the underworld. Firyin's name we know...he's deep in the criminal-on-criminal violence we were dealing with before. Looks like we'll be dealing with it again...Shannath Digiri is their Mistress.
"I... I can write that information for you." For a moment her thoughts flash to what might happen to her if any of these individuals find out she gave this information, but she squelches the thought.
"We'd sometimes meet at the Iron Gullet, but Rosuc preferred The Silver Spirits."
{b]"Tell me more about the Murdochs... is the entire family involved? What individuals have you encountered?"[/b]
Tomlin removes his guise as Serelina and Ian finish up their questions for Else, then the 4 group members converge to compare notes on their respective finds. The group then makes its way to request a meeting with Master Liam, with Tomlin noting that other Masters may want to attend, their time and schedules permitting.
Once allowed in, Tomlin gave his usual formal greeting to the Master Liam . He then proceeded to share all the group had discovered, noting Master Isul's directive regarding Thonin Dale and the conversation with Dether, the answers the half-elf gave with a particular emphasis on "it's" powers and the interrogation of Else. On the last he makes particular note of the role of the Murdoch's and Alkenov's, and attempts to assess what the Masters would like our next move to be in regards to the pesh trade. Finally, he notes the findings in Radgar's wife's journal.
"Uh... I don't know. I only know of three that are involved. I didn't even know who they were till Rosuc told me. I don't think they know he knows who they are either."
Masters Isul and Liam meet with the group inside the tower. Master Liam holds a small worn book in his hands.
Listening to the report, Master Isul looks at Master Liam, raising an eyebrow at the information regarding the half-elf, asking questioningly, "Domination... or possession?"
Master Liam considers, "Sounds like it. The nature of such magic would require close proximity to direct a dominated invididual, either by verbal or mental communication. One of the patrons at the tavern? Someone watching from a window? If it was possession though... that gets more complicated, depends on the form. Some have limited range, others do not. May or may not be worth searching the nearby buildings."
Moving on to the topic of Thonin Dale, Master Liam opens his book and thumbs through the pages. The book contains annotations and figures, a notebook of cross references. "There are a couple of minor references to Thonin Dale in the old histories. A rather reclusive dwarven kingdom tucked away in the spine, purportedely somewhere west of Tanen Falls. They were crafters of fine jewelry and arms and armor, but not much else is known about them. Whatever mountain trails once led to their doors are no longer known."
The Tanen Falls are near the pass through the Chaggath Spine to Akleta, near a portion of the pass known as the long canyon, a stretch of the road where rock walls rise on both sides of a narrow path. It has at times been a problematic location for caravans due to being a desirable ambush site for the mountain denziens.
"Sounds like you are making good progress on the pesh problem, but the Murdochs? You remember Aurelion di Alkanov and his companion Tunny I'm sure. Tunny Murdoch. Both of them work for the tower and have been sent south to deal with a minor issue in Issust Hold." Master Liam scratches at his nose. "When we considered them for service to the tower Aurelion was committed to the cause. He was not on good terms with his father, wanted to lead his own life away from Anton's influence. Tunny on the other hand, we would have rejected, but he was committed to Aurelion above all else. With that devotion in their friendship it was felt that as a pair they would be of value. Perhaps we should call them back for some insights into this situation... but that could take days. They won't even have arrived at the Hold yet. Would you like us to bring them back here?"
Unfolding a sheet of paper Master Isul glances over it, "Of other interest in this pesh business, it appears this gang war going on has stepped up again. There was a skirmish at a warehouse not far from here late last night where a bag of pesh was found by the city guard, along with five dead. A half-orc, three humans and an elf. The half-orc, elf and one of the humans had bite wounds on them, and burn marks around the bites, several also had claw marks on them, the skin seared by acid. Whoever else was involved fled as the city guard arrived. Hmm, there was also a section of the warehouse wall that had a large hole broken out of it."
"Hmm, other things going on. There was also a wagon with the corpses of four medium sized humanoids found near tiny town. The entire thing was lit on fire and burned. The guard are still looking into that issue."
She scans further down the page, "And we have something on Lieutenant Banmor. You recall Miss Ashtin from the public meeting? Had her caravan robbed on the road to the Hold? Her caravan captain returned to Coran sometime last night. The merchant council sent us a brief report. He was taken captive by a band of mercenaries out in the deseret, along with the caravan wagons. He was treated well, though kept blind folded most of the time, held captive for two days then released in the forest next to the south road. The head of this band though was called lieutenant Banmor by many in this rogue mercenary band."
vs DC 10
Tomlin nodded and made a mental note of the buildings around the Barren Mermaid as Master Liam suggested a check of them. Another lead to look into...the list does not get shorter As the topic switched to Thonin Dale, the halfling could not fully suppress a frown but held his tongue as Master Liam switched to the issue of pesh. Sir, Aurelion I trust though I assess him as a bit naïve. Tunny....his devotion is to Aurelion but maybe less so to the Tower. I do not know the importance of the Issust Hold mission the two were sent on, but we could use whatever information we can about these merchant houses. One or both may be implicated in the drug trade.
The halfling paused a moment before going on, Sir, what is your guidance regarding Dether and this Thonin Dale he seeks? The man is more than he lets on, and potentially a powerful force for or against our efforts. But I do not see a connection between his stated goals and our interests. If there is more that you would have us do though we will see to it.
As Master Isul took up her report, Tomlin continued to listen impassively. The leads covered areas of interest but were leads only in the scantest sense: little in the way of clear, actionable follow-ups. But they may be a good as it gets. Ma'am, where might we find Miss Ashtin? A description of this Banmor filth might be helpful. We will also return to our efforts directly against the criminals. The captured drow, "Zov" mentioned a chapel where leads to one of their leaders might be discovered.
Master Liam thinks for just a moment regarding the information in the journal. "Didn't the drow prisoner mention Firyin? Part of the gang war maybe? I don't know who did what checking on Radgar after he escaped, but I expect the information is nothing new, but there were no leads to follow at the time. It may be time to round up some informants, see what they might spill."
Master Isul speaks up again after considering, "We will have Aurelion and Tunny called back. Their present task can wait."
"I agree that Dether doesn't currently represent a threat or something to spend our time on. A wealthy individual it seems, but treasure hunters abound."
"Also, the two Pesh captives have agreed to assist us in return for leniency. Fairly standard... they agree to continue their activities only while working for us and gather information. They must submit to truth spells when debriefed. In exchange, they remain free. I was going to suggest that Brother Tomlin could manage them while retaining his disguised identity... that he had previously been turned as they now have been. The one called Rousec is ripe for further questioning once paperwork is drawn up and signed, he should have more direct information and would then be subject to truth spells by agreement. Can the clerks draw up the appropriate papers?"
Tomlin responded with a sharp Yes sir! to Master Liam’s directive, but appeared lost in thought for a moment as Serelina included the information and request related to the captive drug dealers. He nodded absently in concurrence with the woman’s suggestion that he keep up his guise with Rosuc and Elsa to control them. After that portion of the conversation was complete, and the meeting was about to break up, the halfling looked back up at the Masters, his customary intense look back about his eyes.
Sir, Ma’am, request permission to release Zov and Vaek back into the population. Understanding the gravity of his request, he paused a moment before continuing. I believe I hate the idea of releasing such scum as much as anyone, but we are at a loss for solid leads to take us to these criminals' nests. My intent would be to use the Tracking Magic supplied to us previously, apply it to an item or items both Zov and Vaek would keep and then track where they go upon release. Finding their lairs could address at least three issues. First, both are on opposite sides of a gang war killing people in the city. Second, both are likely involved in the pesh trade, and third, known associates, namely Firyin and Shannath Diguri are our only leads related to Radgar’s whereabouts. He paused again before continuing. I know the gravity of which I ask and do not do so lightly. But I believe our ability to act on these leads may be our best opportunity to address three of Coran’s most pressing concerns.
Having made his request , Tomlin stood impassively while waiting for the Master’s response.
Ian stands by, listening but not interjecting. Sometimes his brow furrows in concentration, sometimes he stares impassively.
Finally, when Tomlin proposes releasing Zov and Vaek, he nods.
"I think I agree. Vaek at least. Kicking in doors has been productive."
"We will have the appropriate documents drafted up Miss Serelina. They will be ready when you are in need of them."
Master Isul looks stunned for a moment at Tomlin's suggestion, while Master Liam gives a slow nod. He glances at Master Isul and waits patiently, and after a moment the witch also nods, "Yes. Yes. I think you are right. Both at once? Or just one at a time? They may very well suspect a trap in this, and expect to be followed. It will need to be convincing that they believe they lose the tail."
Tavrus stands to the side, listening but not really tracking the intrigue. Preoccupied, he wonders, What is going on in Issust?
He tried not to show it, but inwardly he was relieved the Masters' concurred with his plan. He realized it was bold, and he didn't want to incur their wrath. Ma'am, first one and then the other, but with not much time between them. Vaek makes since to be first, since he is directly related to the criminals. I suspect both are rather adept at losing a tail, but convincing them makes sense. Ma'am, permission to assign two plain-cloths guards to attempt to tail both at a distance. They should be able to lose the guards' tails, and the unwitting guards can be lightly admonished for their "failure" to maintain the ruse.
"Feel free to pick out two to tail them."
"Excellent plan Brother Tomlin. I would suggest shoes to be enchanted... most people forget that they are even there, only wear one pair regularly, and they are the least likely item to be left behind for someone attempting to flee."
Tomlin nodded grimly in agreement with Serelina's plan. Shoes it is; he will be given back the items we have of his as well. The two guards chosen should not be inept, but not especially skilled in tailing either . The point is for Vaek and later Zov to lose the those tailing them. Whomever is available today will work. He should be released this afternoon. Later today we can re-interrogate Zov as needed, then release him tomorrow.
Tomlin's look grew grimmer as he thought a bit more. And Vaek should still lose his hand. He is a criminal, and should be punished. Furthermore, if we want to make it look like he is being appropriately released, it should fit the part in all ways. Are we agreed?