Art Collector

> Scripts > Open Roles > Art Collector

Did you need something? I’m a bit busy at the moment.

Hey. I have something you might want.
Is that what I think it is? Give it here!
Oh my. That is…absolutely wonderful. You’ve done well to bring this to me. Now I only need one more piece to complete the set!

Why all this effort? What’s so special about this photo?
What’s so special about any kind of art? It’s the power to provoke! And this, my friend, is the most provocative piece of art I have ever seen.

Where was this taken?
In the studio of an old world photographer. A man by the name of Benjamin Spader.
Of course, he was shunned as a “pornographer” in his day.
I reckon they thought the same of Michelangelo’s David or The Birth of Venus. Philistines, every last one of them!

What do you need it for?
It’s not I who needs it. It’s the world! Art is the most crucial piece of humanity we lost in the Great War.
I plan on bringing it back, piece by piece.

Maybe I could lend a hand.
Perhaps. You see, two hundred years ago, the final photo was confiscated by a group of priests, on the grounds it promoted bestiality.
Nonsense, of course. According to Spader’s journals, the photo in question is a pin-up girl dressed in a cat outfit – clearly a postmodern commentary on euphemisms and Pre-War slang.
Nevertheless, this art piece and others like it were locked away, the keys divided among three local priests.
Normally I have someone who handles these affairs for me, but they’ve yet to return.
Your job is to go to South Boston and see if you can’t pick up where he left off.

Hellos

Go on. I need to *ahem* examine this photo further. In private.

Oh yes. Look at that detail. Mm-mm-mm.

The animal props look extremely realistic, don’t you think? Although there’s no proof they existed in the old world.

I prefer a little surrealism in my photos. I feel it captures man’s true nature.

Is there anything else you need?

find holotape

You’re back. Did you do as I asked?

Here’s your holotape. Hope the data on that thing was worth it.

Holotape? I don’t recall asking for a tape. Let’s take a listen.
Oh my…this doesn’t have much in the way of artistic value. Historical value, maybe.
Unless there’s a secret code hidden on the holotape – maybe even a clue telling us where Spader and his people kept the real artifacts.

(Not what you’re looking for?)So is this what we’re looking for or not?
No, I’m afraid it isn’t. I prefer visual art. And this…well, it’s a little too personal for my tastes.
I think it’s best you try to find a buyer at the auction house.
I’ll mark the location on your map. Don’t worry, it’s more of a lowbrow crowd, so I’m sure you’ll find a more suitable client there.

(Where’s my pay?) Job’s done. I expect to get paid.
No, the job is not done. I asked for art, and what you’ve brought me, while very intriguing, is not.
If caps are what you want, I think it’s best you keep the tape and find a buyer on your own, at the auction house.
Our business is done.

(Sarcastic) Oh yeah. It has their names, their home addresses, and where their diary keys are hidden.
You jest, but I wouldn’t be so sure. Maybe this trunk they’re referring to is the location of an actual tree.
But if it’s not, then I think it’s best you try to find a buyer at the auction house.

(I thought you’d like it) It wasn’t what I was expecting, but…
But you thought I still might value it. Unfortunately, you’re wrong. I’d like to think I have a little more class than that.
However, the people at the auction house might be willing to pay for it. I think it’s best you try there.

post-hellos

The auction house is hit or miss. I can’t guarantee you’ll get more than market value for that holotape.