"It could be worse," the thug thought to himself.

"At least I'm not on patrol, guarding this Duckie Wheel (what in blazes is a Duckie Wheel?) ain't so hard. I'm off my feet, meeting new people. Sure, most are rude, but that Institutionalised bunch are friendly; especially that Seraya lady, she's real nice." The thug smiled, belching softly as he remembered her last dinner.

Taking over Delos did not seem possible, yet people were paying the increased taxes and some even paid the exorbitant excess to get some crafting designs pushed through. He even thought he heard whispers of those jester people wanting to bring Phileo in as part of their group. Perhaps the boss was a visionary. (Judgement on that was being withheld until profits are actually seen.)

Interrupting the thug's reverie, the dark shadow of a fellow on patrol cast across the Duckie Wheel's platform. Before our erstwhile Wheel guard could nod in greeting, a sharp dagger his neck, the guttural whisper, "I don't wanna do this to ya, but ya know da boss don't like us fraternising..." was the last thing he ever heard.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Phileo smoothed down the front of his horrendously cheap suit and combed his hair back. Stepping into the makeshift tent, he was surprised at the gathering. Perhaps thirty or more adventurers showed up - why such interest in this decrepit little city? As the questions and insults started flying he tuned them out, content to merely smirk at the assembly. They'd surrendered their weapons, and words had never hurt the thug boss before.

"If they were willing to surrender their weapons, they could also pay to get them back."

A great chest was brought in, placed ready to accept the gathered folks' gold, but before Phileo could give the order, the lid flew back. To the thug leader's horror, a great gleam of gold filled the room, the aureate blaze preceeding the glorious form of Lord Prospero, returned at last.

Phileo tried to run and convince his thugs to do the same, but it was not to be. While the gathered crowd cried for Phileo's head, the newly returned Elder God saw an opportunity - make the crew work off their debt. While honest work was almost a fate worse than death to Phileo he begrudgingly agreed. In life there is always hope.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Summary: A group of thugs led by a boss named Phileo tried to take over Delos, extorting residents and customers alike. The Lord of Wealth's timely return to Sapience saw the cartel dissolved and now working to pay their debts.


Penned by My hand on the 24th of Ero, in the year 713 AF.