Pyrrha |
A half suspicious, half surprised brow arches over Pyrrha's observing eye as she tilts her head slightly at Varrren's compliment. Then her eyes swing to Variel as she remembers his connection to Varrren before looking back address him. Diol-lle, or thank you in the common tongue she says with a slight nod.
Slyly Pyrrha turns back to the topic at hand before anyone solidifies the bounty angle, Six-fingers, you keep eluding to it, but just how much do you think is a fair value for your information? I just want to hear it in case we want to save ourselves time and just pay you the weight up front.
Jon, The Evil DM |
Mephiston knows that while Absalom is not particularly keen on bounty laws, there's something of an unofficial agreement that vigilante activity or taking care of dangerous individuals—especially in the Puddles, where guards rarely ever venture—will be compensated by the city in some fashion, even if a formal bounty isn't posted. They tend to turn a blind eye as to why such a thing was done, as it isn't usually very helpful for them to ask about it. They may not be happy about it, but presumably they believe anyone willing to come to them for the bounty can't be too despicable considering they've come to speak with the guard.
"My price? Well, it depends on what exactly you want to know. However, the going rate starts at 7,500 gold measures. Like I said, I don't come cheap."
Pyrrha |
This is going to be a waste of time,
but I'm ready, Pyrrha sighs in haughty, disdain. I think preparation would be valuable to us here. More research on our intended target, his contacts, the Puddles layout, and anything else you all think might be of value. After we are armed with information, we can determine an angle of attack. How long is considered appropriate for the situation and circumstance? She asks openly to anyone else.
Tosguld Gatewatcher |
"I can consult the rare few guards that patrol near the Puddles and perhaps some of my civilian contacts to glean more information." Tosguld offers.
Mephiston Thrune |
Mephiston can't help smiling a little. Legal grey areas are the best kind of grey area. And no one expects a known Chelish agent to be particularly nice, so he doesn't have his reputation to worry about. "As long as we're actually going after someone who's a troublemaker, the city won't make a fuss. We may even make a profit out of this aside from the information. The sooner we get this done the better. Otherwise, we might find the information we want thoroughly outdated."
Variel the Old |
"Then is set: we got ourselves a deal." the elf smiles as he spits on his right palm and extends the hand to SixFingers.
Returning his attention to the others, Variel shrugs "All of that sounds fine and dandy. I can't add s&+@e, tho, I'm too new to the city... But perhaps me and one of you brave younguns want to take a stroll 'undercover' through the Puddles to get a first-hand impression."
"If our irons are showing and we take care we should be fine, no matter how s~+!ty Absalom's slums are."
Crack-jawed Ahto |
"A stroll to the Puddles, it is then," Ahto replies. "It's a rough part of town, but we're a large enough group that we might be allowed to pass unmolested...unless someone mistakes us for a new gang muscling in on their turf, that is."
Jon, The Evil DM |
"Didn't hear about anyone from the Coins coming down this way. Is there something you needed, or you just stopping in to say hello?"
What are you guys looking for? Roll whatever you feel is applicable for what you want to look for and I'll post the results of what you're looking for.
Crack-jawed Ahto |
Ahto scans the area as the group moves, focusing his senses on spotting anyone surreptitiously watching or tailing the group. He also keeps his eyes peeled for any gang territory markers, especially ones affiliated with their mark, Grozz.
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Knowledge-local, gang signs: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Azulth the Slayer |
In case it wasn't clarified at some point, Azulth is going to the Puddles.
Azulth frowns as the water soaks through his boots, but he doesn't comment. It had been some time since he wandered through the Puddles, as his work had taken him elsewhere lately, but he recalled some of the place. The ruined buildings, the gloomy air, and of course the ever-present water. He shakes off his reverie and focuses on keeping sharp eyes and ears, staying aware of potential trouble.
Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (6) + 21 = 27
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21 Noting dangerous neighborhoods/buildings, gang signs, the like.
Mephiston Thrune |
Mephiston heads down into the Puddles, silently slightly jealous that his familiar can fly freely through the wet and muck. "Scout around us carefully," he orders quietly. "It may give us some insight that we might miss tromping around down here."
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
Faust Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Tosguld Gatewatcher |
"I am Captian Tosguld Gatewatcher." He introduces himself and any who accompany him. "I wondered if you or your men might know anything about a half-orc named Grozz. Through an odd set of circumstances, his crimes have come to my attention."
Variel the Old |
Variel doesn't seem to mind the mud and water as the group heads through the Puddles, the elf has been in far more awful places. The smell, though, forces him to button up his coat to cover his mouth and nose like a scarf would.
"Pretty inviting, I bet the tourism is flourishing around these parts." comments the ranger when the group finds the tiefling tails "That dragon head seems to be much more present than the rest of symbols... Well Ahto, if we were psychotic murderers in need of a hiding place, which gang would we seek for protection?"
Perception: Anyone stalking us: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (7) + 27 = 34
Kn. Local: Gang signs and tiefling tails: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33
Crack-jawed Ahto |
"Well...." Ahto replies in a hedging tone. "The Puddles, as far as districts go, is one giant rat warren - the rats, in this case, being gangs of thugs, robbers, and bullyboys. We need to make a few inquiries about Grozz...not because anyone's likely to tell us, but because asking questions will most likely draw the attention of him, or some of the goons he works with. We'll most likely never find him if we can't flush him out."
Jon, The Evil DM |
"Either way, what sends you after him? Must be something nasty for you to be coming from the Coins to deal with 'im."
It's likely any gang members you might find would at least know of someone who knows Grozz, given his relative position of authority in the area. Given this knowledge, it seems you're in luck; several of you spot some prying eyes beginning to investigate your presence from within the nearby buildings.
Tosguld Gatewatcher |
Mephiston Thrune |
"We're going to need to see what they know one way or another," Mephiston says. "It seems wiser to move on our terms rather than theirs."
Azulth the Slayer |
"I'd just as soon act now," Azulth mutters. He keeps his gaze forward and tilted slightly down, not turning to focus on the eyes he's noticed. "Ready when you are. We're looking to just make one or two of them talk, right?"
Mephiston Thrune |
"I believe that was the intention, yes," Mephiston says. He slides his mace from the sling at his hip. "I believe it should be fairly easy to outmaneuver these thugs."
Varrren |
Varrren grimaces slightly, "While I am not averse to bringing violence to those who prey on others, we do need information from them. Perhaps we should try a non-violent initial approach first?"
Variel the Old |
Variel's hands casually move until they are placed over his belt, close to his guns. Spitting to the ground and turning on his heels to unconspicuously scout the place.
"This is as good a place as any other. And I don't think they'll want to fence words, so be ready and leave at least one of them breathimng, fellas."
Crack-jawed Ahto |
"Manners are for the civilized, Master Varren," Ahto replies. "These boys have been cutting off tiefling tails and hanging them on door-posts. I doubt they'll be willing to have a friendly chat. We'll have to bust a few heads and let them know who's got the upper hand before they'll tell us anything, I'll wager."
Mephiston Thrune |
"Possible," Mephiston agrees. "And it could give us time to set up a little surprise for them if we can get them talking a little bit. Just in case they turn hostile." The spy's tone makes it clear that he fully expects them to at the first chance.
Mephiston Thrune |
"If you can vanish, I would do so Pharasmin. I'm going to take a position to jump these fools when they approach." Mephiston waves a hand and vanishes into thin air. He moves with almost disturbing silence, moving around to get into position to ambush the thugs when they come toward the group. If the others wish to speak with lowlifes, he's not about to complain, but he's going to be ready to deal with them if they make trouble.
Stealth (Invisibility): 1d20 + 23 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 23 + 20 = 54
Variel the Old |
Any non-prying-eyes filled building close buy? In particular any with a ground level window we can jump through? As much as I love a brawl, covered positions seem like a good idea for a shootout
Variel walks up to Ahto and Varren, whistling as he does so "If the Pharasman and Chelaxian are going to vanis-... He just did, we are the ones in charge of being bait. Let me be the first." he adds with a confusing smile.
Keeping his calm stance, the Old focuses on his Pack link with Pyrrha to alert her of danger Remember when I casted Pack Empathy? Cool stuff, but if mire than five hours have passed it won't work. DM decission here. before marching towards the closest piece of rubble that could pass for cover between him and the conspicuous thug eyes and draws a handful of gold coins Let's say, 20 and waits for Varrren and Ahto to react A courtesy round of buffing or whatever
"Listen here, you punks!" he yells to the best of his lungs' ability "I got a pouch full of gold and a mind full of anger! Wanna piece of this? Come and get it, I dare you chummers!" he says before throwing the coins to the ground and drawing his pair of irons.
Crack-jawed Ahto |
"Just so you know, slaughtering them probably won't get us any traction; most likely, it'll get us embroiled in a gang-war. We want to show them we're too tough to be messed with, and that cooperation is in their best interests. I'm not saying you can't shoot 'em, just don't aim for vital organs if you can help it."
Ahto takes a slightly crouched fighting stance, his gauntleted hands raised to strike.
Varrren |
Varrren mutters under his breath, "And so we will advertise that we have gold, and threaten and challenge them all at once. Well done, Variel. I see you are still nearly as impetuous as a human..." Withdrawing a small vial from his waistcoat, Varrren takes a defensive posture, but directs his attention to the opposite flank to ensure they will not be encircled unawares.
The vial is an extract of Kinetic Reverberation
Jon, The Evil DM |
As the group clearly begins to prepare for combat, they all notice some more movement from those inside the buildings. A flurry of motion also comes from one of the large cracks visible in the ground, and several figures emerge in a vague circle around the group. Dressed in damaged chain and leathers, most of them wield daggers or clubs along with a mace or two. One man, a half-elf, holds a nasty look morningstar in one hand and a heavy gauntlet on the other hand. "What the hell are you doing here? Tail Takers already started muscling in on my turf, now you're here trying to take up the scraps? I don't think so."
Varrren |
"Quite the contrary, my dear boy. We do not want your 'turf'," Varren says, making the air quotation gesture with the hand not holding the vial, "we simply desire information regarding a resident here in the Puddles. You will, I trust, forgive the impetuous nature of my young friend here; he gets a bit jumpy when he is being stalked." He offers the half-elf a harmless smile as he adjusts his spectacles, "Perhaps you could be of assistance? The sooner we find the information we seek, the sooner we stop disrupting the normal order of business on your turf."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16.
Variel the Old |
"Take up the scraps? Do we look like a gang?" Variel answers from behind his improvised cover "Must tell you, son, you looked like you were about to jump us... but I am no friend of those Tail freaks nor we want to take your turf from you or anything, we only want information and I'm willing to pay with gold for it, better than starting a bloody turf war over nothing."
Crack-jawed Ahto |
"You gotta beef with the Takers? Good. So do we. Better yet, we're not trying to claim turf in the Puddles. Point us in the right direction, and we'll be doing you a favor, no charge."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Jon, The Evil DM |
The half-elf with the morningstar pauses, slowly swinging the weapon around. "You don't look like Absalom's city guard, that's for sure. If you're not a gang, then who are you? You don't look like you belong here, which means you're either rich and stupid, or you've got a damn good reason for being here. So, which is it?" He motions for the other gangers to lower their weapons, but he doesn't seem to drop his own guard. "I've got a problem with these upstart bastards, sure. You've gotta convince me I'm not gonna have a problem with you, too."
Crack-jawed Ahto |
"If you were the ones we were lookin' for, the fighting would've already started! Is that a good enough answer? You can watch us leave in their direction, once you point us that way. I don't even need to know who you are, or the names of your crew here, unless you want me to drop some mention of you as real players in underworld next time I hit a tavern or two in one of the other districts."
He shrugs. "It's up to you. Information that costs you nothing potentially rids you of one of your problems. You might want take the offer..."
Jon, The Evil DM |
"You make a good point." The half-elf hangs his weapon on his belt, slowly dropping his guard. "If you're taking care of the Tail Takers, you can't be that bad. I'm willing to make that bet." The man folds his arms across his chest, then nods slightly so the others in his gang back away from you. "Name's Delanis. What is it you want to know? The Tail Takers have been encroaching on our turf slowly, for the past few months. I'm not sure where their main base of operations is, though, so I can't help you there. Or are you after something else?"
Tosguld Gatewatcher |
Varrren |
Varrren straightens, taking his hand from the hilt of his rapier, and smiles in a kindly fashion, "Excellent. My name is Varst. My companions and I are seeking information regarding the whereabouts of a certain person with a less than wholesome reputation. A nasty piece of work named Grozz. Perhaps you can help us find him?"
Jon, The Evil DM |
"That freak? I don't envy anyone who's going after that nut case. Yeah, I can point you toward him. He has a safe house he stays in down in the Siphons; it's practically a maze down there, but he's marked the walls so he can find his way around down here. He's not the only thing you'd have to worry about down there, though. We don't hole up all the way down there, but other gangs do. I don't know where the Tail Takers are based, but I'd take half a bet they're down there somewhere along with the Bloody Kings and the Wildlings. I've heard rumors about a band of wererats down there too, but I can't say I know for sure. Some people say they've seen some crazy old man down there with a burnt face, too."
"Just follow Grozz's markings, if you can find them. That'll lead you to him."
Jon, The Evil DM |
"The mark is a skull with a cleaver stuck in it. Imaginative, isn't it?" The leader shrugs, placing his weapon back on his belt. Some of the gang members back off, the atmosphere less tense than the beginning of the interaction was. "They're not too well hidden, Grozz is confident that his visitors won't be a problem. Why, exactly, I don't know. However, no one else has killed him yet. They might be hard to find at first, but farther into the Siphons they're easy to stumble across. The big guy can't go around getting lost, after all. Even if you do lose track of 'em, once you've followed a couple you'll probably find your way to him eventually. Just keep backtracking, right?"
"Good luck. You'll need it."
Mephiston Thrune |
Once the group moves away from the thugs, Mephiston flickers for a moment and reappears with the group. "Well, that was remarkably boring. I suppose I can't complain about back alley thugs being reasonable people though."
Crack-jawed Ahto |
”There are smart folks on the streets, folks who know how and when to pick their fights,” Ahto replies. ”The ones that can’t be reasoned with either find themselves on the outs, dead, or become so dangerous that even the seedy underbelly of society is glad to be rid of them. Grozz looks to be one of the last kind. You’ll have plenty of excitement once we find him.”
Mephiston Thrune |
"Yes, yes, I could tell that much just from listening to them talk. He certainly has made a lot of enemies, hasn't he? I do like when eliminations are for the public good. Murder for murder's sake is such a waste."
Jon, The Evil DM |
Sorry for my long absence! I'll explain in Discussion, but I'm back now.
As the group reconvenes and shares information, they take their talk back to Tosguld at the Naughty Nymph. They learn of the wights that Grozz supposedly keeps to defend his inner sanctum, and about the marks he leaves so he can easily get back to his lair beneath the city. The party heads back out into the Puddles and finds the entrance the gang members mentioned to them earlier. They get more weird looks and there's more than one time it looks like some stragglers are looking for a fight. However, once the full party rounds the corner, they disperse and let the party continue unscathed. Once they head down deeper into the Puddles, they grimace as the cold twilight air hits their now wet boots. They find the hatch to head down into the Siphon proper, and as they pull it up the water drains down into the room below them. As they drop down, they're surrounded on all sides by damp stone and the smell of mildew. Two stagnant pools of water lie on either side of them, with a tunnel heading back into another section of the Siphons. However, they clearly spot a small cleaver carved crudely into the stone outside the door.
Roll20 is updated!
Mephiston Thrune |
"Oh joy," Mephiston mutters, absently brushing off his cloak. "Exploring this place is going to be entertaining I'm sure. Stay close Faust. I believe I'll need your help." He grumbles a little, then goes to check the door leading further in.
Perception (Aided): 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 16 + 2 = 25
Faust can't possibly fail to Aid Another on a lot of skill checks, so I'm adding the +2 from that automatically
Varrren |
Varrren looks around, distaste clear on his face, "This is a lovely part of the city. Shall we get this over with?"
Perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24.
Apparently the gross is very distracting.