The Mortal Paper Fist said;
Ignore your upcoming headache and try to reason with him. Tell him their former band mate Dirt Flaxen disappeared under mysterious circumstances in the Kirin Empire and the Manehattan Music Management hired the EVA to find him, but we believe there's more to this story than they told us. So we want to talk with them to get the whole picture. Because if it turns out Flaxen is trapped in a bad contract and doesn't want to come back, we're going to respect that decision.

[Persuasion] You roll a 12 (required 9). Success!
**_
In an attempt to convince the shopkeeper, you argue that you are technically part of the scene; Manehattan Music Management sponsored your guild to search for Dirt Flaxen who vanished while on tour in the Kirin Empire. You tell him that you believe there might be more to the story than you were told, and that his former bandmates might have some insight on the situation.

Shopkeeper: "What kind of insight?"

You tell the diamond dog that you presume they know him well, and as such, could be privy to information about his manager that the company may have opted not to disclose in their request.

Shopkeeper: "How does that help you?"

You admit that while it may not help you find him directly, it would help you decide on where to look. Whether the pop star is being held captive, or trying to escape a bad contract, will change your approach.

Shopkeeper: "Go on."

You explain that if the former is the case, then you will have to be subtle in your attempts to track him down and bring him back to Equestria. But if the latter is the case, then simply making sure that he is safe would be enough for you.

Shopkeeper: "Hrm. You don't know the first thing about him, do you?"

You shake your head, and reiterate that this is why you are looking for Halfpipe Avenue. The shopkeeper stares you down for a few long seconds, then lets out a grumbling sigh.

Shopkeeper: "Alright. You don't smell like trouble, so I'll tell you where to find them. Don't make me regret this."

You promise that you won't before noting down a location in your journal: a street by the sea in the northern suburbs of Fillydelphia, about a two hours' walk away.

Honourshine: "Do you know anything about Flaxen?"

Shopkeeper: "Hard to believe anypony doesn't. The guy's been in the spotlight for around three years now. Every song he's put out has been a hit, and each album, a best seller of all time. He's already cemented himself as one of the most influential singers in history, his guitar skills aside."

The diamond dog turns to grab an album on the shelf next to him with his massive paws, and delicately swaps it into the record player nearby. Smooth jazz is replaced by an energetic mix of guitar, bass, drums and magictronic instruments you are not too familiar with, soon joined by the melodious vocals of an expressive coltish singer.

Moonflower: "Ooh, s'that him? He sounds pretty good!"

Shopkeeper: "He is. Writes his own stuff, too. Some ponies call him the _Sapphire Shores of a new generation* — not that they sound anything alike, but he gets about the same size of crowd."

You listen to the lyrics of the song for a bit, but don't notice anything usual; it seems to be about work days making free time all the more special, and partying on a seaside street during the summer nights.

— —
Previous Page: >3448383
— —