[Piraeus, Themistocles Curve]
A small, and very seedy-looking, tavern faces the walls.  For some reason, the tavern always seems cloaked in shadows -- no matter the time of day.  Skulking figures slip in and out of the place, their demeanor always quite aware and suspicious.  You also see a shabby sailor who is sitting.
Obvious paths: southeast, west.

>l sail
A shabby sailor has a drawn weathered face.  You can't tell if it is from his age or former occupation.  He's the archetypical old sailor.  The years of salt-breezes and intense sunlight have given him a rough, ruddy complexion.  One whiff of his breath leads you to consider if his red face and rheumy eyes might be attributed to the perils of too strong a worship of Dionysus.

He's dressed in what may have been a white tunic and you can't help but note he has golden rings dangling from his left ear and more on the right.  Moving your gaze toward the center of his face, you note several more rings in his nose.  It's a wonder he can eat with all the metal attached to his lips.
>
The shabby sailor leans over to you and whispers, "You should get yourself some body art!  Just go to the inn near Megas Harbor and knock on the door."
 

[Piraeus, Zea Harbor]
On this shady side of the harbor, weeping willows overhang bordering fences.  Spreading wisteria, exploding in indigo, climbs some of the time-greyed fencing.  A tall, screened gate disrupts the fence.
Obvious paths: northeast, south.

>go gate
[Piraeus, Yard]
The small and shadowy yard is fully enclosed by a wooden fence.  Not much grows in the yard, just some pathetic tufts of grass, a few bushes and a dark oak.  Simple, wooden stairs angle up along the side of a house -- the branches of the tall oak threatening to supplant it.  You also see a gate.
Obvious paths: none.

>climb sta
[Piraeus, Top of Stairway]
A steep, narrow staircase ends up right about here.  This simple landing is barely large enough to hold two, maybe three, people.  Or one chubby centaur.  Next to the landing looms a dark and leafy oak.  A solid-looking door bars further progress.
Obvious paths: none.
 

>knock door
You knock on the door.
>
After a moment, you hear rustling behind the door.
>
A shutter in the door slides open and you notice a pair of beady eyes peering out.
>
From somewhere near the eyes, you hear a combative whisper, "What do you want?"
>'Nicanor sent me
Someone says, "Nicanor?  That old dog!  Well don't just stand there.  Come in, Come in."
>go door
[Needles and Pins Sanguinary Puncturing, Hallway]
The planked and slightly dusty hallway is totally barren of furniture and decorations.  The flooring is quite worn and creaks when walked upon.  A weathered oaken door leads further into the building.
Obvious exits: out.
>
go door

[Needles and Pins Sanguinary Puncturing, Parlour]
The planked flooring is dusty and dirty with deep scars.  Brownish stains discolor the center of it.  In the far corner is an old desk, while two simple chairs stand towards the middle.  A silver candelabrum stands atop the desk -- slender, black candles casting flickering amber light across the mottled plaster walls.  You also see Monty and a grimy sign.
Obvious exits: none.
order
>Monty says, "Order what?  I do an occasional piercing."
He holds a scribbled list out to you and you see...
 
 

>order 4
Monty says, "Shut yer yap!  You keep moving yer lip, I'll get the upper instead."
Monty reaches out a dirty hand and grabs you by the lip and makes a quick jabbing motion.

Ouch!  That hurt.
>order
Monty tells you, "One to a customer.  OUT!"
A pair of thugs step from the shadows and lift you bodily up!  With irresistible force, they carry you out.
They dump you unceremoniously to the ground.
 

...and all this for RESEARCH!