Phai Kareen |
Phai had been silent, pondering:"It was an former associate of yours. What makes you think he'll walk into such a trap unprepared? He may have contingency plans himself. Even without us secretly being on your side, if he comes here, you could have hired twice the amount of muscle and ambush him."
Shrugging with all four hands, she continued:"Mostly, I am worried about your possession. You evaded our question as to the nature of your property, but if he has means of damaging it, he may have arranged for some deception himself. Also, we could do the exchange, THEN steal back the payment he demanded, when your object is already here and save. That would give you some time to make sure it has not been tampered with. One way or the other, we would need to wait until after the exchange has been made before blowing our cover."
Phai looks at Vincent:"I see this as a necessary deed if we are to accomplish anything for the greater good. But I am not in the habit of excessive small talk or companionship with people I am supposed to murder. As such, I'd be fine either way, if you feel more comfortable waiting here until such time as we arrive, I doubt you'd miss out on anything interesting..."
Phai did not feel COMFORTABLE about the task set before them, that was obvious. She was not a killer, much less a hired one. She had killed, several times in self defence, or the lackeys of Lomrick. But not like this.
But the threat the Hegemony posed to her home was bigger than her, bigger than any single persons conscience...she would do whatever was necessary.
Basically, if there's a intermission or reason for Vincent to tag along, yeah, lets do that, because of pbp format. If we can "skip" right to the point of getting hired and being back here, then he can also wait. Not likely that he would actively participate in the hiring process. I know my character is already uncomfortable being hired as a hitman...so I figure a Paladin hired for betrayal-murder-deception could feel a little bit...worse.
Vincent Riker |
"I do not feel comfortable with such deception. That said, I do not feel comfortable with you three risking yourselves in such fashion without me there to help protect you if need be, and exposing your deception would only further endanger you."
And depending on the nature of this possession, my proximity might provide additional options.
GM Rednal |
'Good help is difficult to find, especially when it is hard to be sure it is not composed of further betrayers. There are many who would love to take control of my Gate. I have put into place a plan for... weeding out... such individuals in the future, but the very thoroughness it demands means I could not acquire other help fast enough to handle this matter. You four, on the other hand, came recommended from someone whose identity and motives I am reasonably confident in. As for the payment... that does not matter to me. What I desire is the return of my property and the punishment of the traitor - THAT is my price for allowing you through my Gate.'
Mr. Sarlu's mental voice was as even as ever, but there may have been a slight bit of... testiness... to it. Assuming your types of emotions even applied to whatever he actually was. Clearly, though, he was anxious for you to get to work.
Isen Kalla |
Isen nodded. He didn't like this - especially the fact that the 'property' was so ill-defined, but for now they had no other options.
Child-of-Planes |
"Right, okay," Child added, growing a bit frustrated at the situation. "We doing this now, or spending some time preparing?"
Vincent Riker |
"We should probably go get ourselves hired now."
Phai Kareen |
"Aye." was all Phai replied with.
She didn't like this one bit, and was worried for Vincent.
And Sarlu's habit of ignoring questions or withholding information was not exactly inspiring confidence, either. Phai liked to be prepared, and he was making that harder than it needed to be.
Plus, those Thugs who got away...we can only hope this guy supposed to hire us didn't ally up with them...or our cover will get blown real fast...
GM Rednal |
‘Excellent. Oulek has the remaining details you need. However, let me be very clear. No harm is to come to my property. Also, Basher and his verminous crew do not leave this place alive. See to these things and you may use my Red Gate. You’ll also earn a powerful friend in this city, and I treat my friends very well.’
With that, you could sense Mr. Sarlu's presence in your minds withdrawing - quickly replaced by Oulek's thoughts.
'Our interrogations have revealed that Basher is actively recruiting aid at Baeboli’s Emporium, a bar in Zel-Argose near the Skytalon and the Grabel-Quoke marketplace. I should note that he is easily flattered and especially intrigued by arcane magic, which will serve you well if you wish to impress him. I will provide a cue for when you should strike down his crew at the exchange - when I communicate “Basher, you may have played this dangerous game well today, but sooner or later you will make an error,” act.'
Zel-Argose is a trading city... and if there's anything you'd like to buy before you do this, you can probably find it. XD Otherwise, poke me in the Discussion thread when you're ready to head to the Emporium.
Phai Kareen |
Phai interrupts when she feels Sarlu's mind withdrawing:"Since you have not seen fit to tell us the nature of your property, keeping it save may be difficult. We can't prepare properly.", she calls out, with a pouty voice.
Realizing her outburst, she hastens to add: "We'll still do our best. But if you want to make sure, Oulek best tell us these 'remaining details'."
Isen Kalla |
Isen nodded along with Phai. It was true, but he doubted even outright calling him on the point would make the man explain.
Still, he could usually talk well enough, and had Arcane magic aplenty. It shouldn't be too hard to catch the man's interest.
He hoped.
Child-of-Planes |
Child shrugged, figuring there was little way to make the situation more straightforward.
Vincent Riker |
Vincent checked over his companions and fixed up any wounds, then followed them to find their mark.
Check your health. Best to be topped up before we go into more danger, post how many charges you'd like if you'd like me to mark healing off of my wand.
Child-of-Planes |
I could probably use two charges.
GM Rednal |
After making your final preparations, including a bit of healing after that eel incident, your group sets out - albeit not without at least a few reservations about what's been asked of you.
A large domed structure of molded gray stone stands in this seedy part of town, its broad, windowless, door offering just a single entry point. A number of words in a rainbow of colors and alphabets pulses like a heartbeat above the door, each one spelling out: BAEBOLI’S EMPORIUM. The door glides open easily with a pull on the metallic handle, allowing a cacophony of drumbeats and wildly meandering music to pour forth from the low-lit interior.
This ill-lit anteroom appears bare, save for two drunken patrons sitting crookedly against the east wall. To the north, a broad opening leads onto the emporium’s main floor, where every manner of sentient creature indulges in vices both legal and otherwise. Standing impassively at a tall table in the center of this opening stands a heavily muscled, simian-faced humanoid, clad in cracked leather armor, his arms crossed over his chest and wearing a look of boredom and contempt. He held up a hand as you approached. "State your business here... and leave your weapons. You can pick them up again when you leave." he rumbled.
Child-of-Planes |
"Isn't it obvious," Child asks, "From the piles of weaponry? We're well-mannered thugs, excellent at hurting people, and we hear the pay here is good. I don't there's a chance you'd permit us each to bring one small pointy object with us, so we can demonstrate those skills to satisfaction for a potential employer?"
Vincent Riker |
The large auttaine stood beside the Suli and looked at the simian-faced man, then back at the Suli before he shrugged with a puzzled look on his face, clearly not comprehending.
Isen Kalla |
With a small sigh, Isen drew his own two-handed sword and passed it over. He hated being unarmed. Oh, sure, he had his magic if he needed it. But he preferred to mix steel and spell when possible. He didn't bother carrying smaller weapons, as a rule, either.
But if handing over the long-bladed weapon made people think he was less dangerous, he would pleasantly surprise them.
Phai Kareen |
"Leave your weapons, he says. WE are the weapons. These things, they are just tools.", Phai rants, as she removes her bow and quiver, carefully places the glaive and removes the shield, as well.
Then she crosses both sets of arms and stares at the man, waiting for him to let them pass.
Vincent Riker |
Noticing the others, Vincent proceeded to unbuckle his various weapon sheathes and bound them all up carefully, with his shield latched on top. After passing across the bundle, he rejoined his friends and gave the man a wide toothy grin.
Child-of-Planes |
"Well then." Child unstraps the scimitar and its sheath from his belt. "Be careful with that, that's a family heirloom." And he reaches for the large sword strapped to his back, crossed with the polearm. "So is that." And he pulls the trident from its weapon belt. "And that. Lotta dead relatives in this family." And he unbuckles his polearm. "That one's not, but it was a gift from an uncle." And finally, he pulls the two throwing circles from his hips, smiling at the man's likely difficulty in finding a safe point to hold them by. "These are mine, but they've got sentimental value. And I'll be keeping the shield, if it's all the same."
GM Rednal |
The doorman didn't look terribly impressed by the talking - but he did take the weapons as they were handed over. Then he jerked a thumb at a door, placing all the weapons in a box below his desk.
Inside, a long sunken bar runs the length of this cavernous chamber, crowded with a diversity of strange, dodgy patrons. Diaphanous clouds of smoke rise toward the domed ceiling overhead where multicolored lights blink and pulse from hanging globes. Upholstered booths line the length of the east wall, while open tables stand to the west. The noise of jarring music and a hundred different conversations poses a challenge to communicating here. It's not clear where the fellow you're trying to meet it... but you might be able to find out by asking around.
Child-of-Planes |
"Right. I'll ask around, then. This might take a few minutes—so I'm on my own anyway. Isen, I could use your help. Phai, you willing to case the place for potential weapons or hidden guards? Vincent... I got no idea, but if you float your familiar around a bit, it might catch Basher's attention."
And Child assumes an innocent expression and begins asking around the bazaar about Basher (or anyone else looking to hire mercenaries), rather annoyed that he might have to murder a few of these people in the near future.
Diplomacy to gather info (Burst of Insight): 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 4 = 33
Figure I can push this along a bit...
Isen Kalla |
Isen certainly wasn't the most charismatic of humanonoids, but he was happy enough to aid Child's information hunting.
Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Phai Kareen |
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Phai didn't really need the suggestion from Child, she had already started to scan the other people present, their physiques, their movement...who of those were warriors, which one were posers, and which were scholars?
GM Rednal |
As it turned out, Child-of-Planes managed to be quite friendly with the locals indeed - and Phai wasn't much worse. One had to wonder if the two of them were more experienced in these sorts of places than either would really like to admit. It wasn't long before somebody noted that Basher was in a private room on the far end from where you'd entered, and they helpfully pointed out the way.
Looking inside, three wooden tables and a large, angular couch fill this private room. Two rodent-faced figures sit at one of the tables, nibbling from a platter of cheese and yeast-filled bread while sipping on berry-scented wine from slender glasses. A shaggy-haired bahgra sits on the couch, downing the contents of a frothy mug before ravenously feasting on a platter of barely-roasted meats. Eyeing Phai's four arms, he looked up momentarily and barked, "Are you the jugglers I ordered?" He held the haunch of meat before his muzzle, hair and hands greasy as a bit of fat fell from the bone, "Well, don’t just stand there — juggle!"
Child-of-Planes |
Oh, right, nobody tell the rest of the party that I used to be worshipped by a tribe of murder-bandits...
Child shakes his head. "The elf juggles; the blue one paints," and, as he talks, begins moving, climbing the nearest wall at impossible speed and stopping, hanging upside down, to half-heartedly tap-dance his way across the ceiling.
Unarmored climb (climb speed 15'): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
(Auto-succeed fly check if moving at least 15'/round)
Perform (dance): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
"And I dance? But these are hobbies. We're here regarding your other order—big folks, who can hit things hard, with spells and fists."
Vincent Riker |
As if to punctuate the point, Vincent's bulky arm whirred to life, pistons firing and clamp-like hand spinning a full rotation before coming to rest crossed with his other arm across his wide chest. A stern glare said enough, and concealed far more, than trying to add to Child's wit.
Phai Kareen |
"What he said. Seriously, I would even try and juggle for fun and giggles, if the guy at the entrance didn't take all my things for being too spiky, sharp, or bashy.", Phai added, lifting all her arms in a gesture of 'Not my fault'?
Isen Kalla |
Isen considered the idea of Phai juggling. It would be an exceptionally impressive show. Maybe something with blunted knives or swords...or maybe different objects, he understood those were more difficult to to do...with a shake of his head, Isen focused back on the present.
GM Rednal |
Basher belched as Child mentioned the need for people with... violent capabilities. "Too late! Don’t need any more help. Already hired a couple of mercs to do the job! Now, unless one of you can juggle, shove off!" he replied. He didn't seem terribly receptive to your offer - and if you wanted to try convincing him, it would take quite a bit of talking...
...as a complex Diplomacy check! I think the writer was having fun with these. XD Give me seven Diplomacy checks - each of you can contribute no more than three rolls, since you've come as a group and need to convince him as one.
Child-of-Planes |
"Well, I can't speak for everyone. But if you'd like to see us off to a challenge of strength against whoever you mistakenly hired first, we'd have no problem with that."
"And of course, it depends on the job, but... pardon if this is sensitive information? Rumor has it you might be moving against a certain Mr. Sarlu. In which case, this is a job we're especially interested in, and we'd be willing to work for half our normal rate. The blue one and I both nearly died, not long past, thanks to orders this man gave, and we'd welcome a chance to visit his home alongside your men."
Whatever, I'm pretty. Diplomacy! +Shard: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 13 + 4 = 34
Diplomacy? +Shard: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 4 = 30
Diplomacy. +Shard: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 13 + 4 = 37
Also I'm out of spirit points and can't surge for other people, alas.
Isen Kalla |
"Mercenaries? Interesting. We, however, are as my friend said, something a little different to simple mercenaries, and I think our goals are aligned." It was difficult to muster the enthusiasm to try and convince the man, given Isen's doubts regarding the job, but they had few choices.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Diplomacy + Surge: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 9 + (3) = 20
Phai Kareen |
"Not sure if I think half-off the usual rate is worth risking out hide. But then, you would not hire people if you didn't expect trouble. If you are confident the goons you hired are good enough for the job, why not go with Childs suggestion of some gladiatoral action to settle things. Surely, that would be more entertaining than juggling. The winner will prove their team to be a worthy outfit for the job, and the vanquished...well, I'd have to see our opposition first to say something nice about them."
Assist Child: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Assist Isen: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Assist Vincent: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
I get to contribute 3 rolls, but it never was said what type of roll. As such, I'll assist everybody else. Or try to.
Vincent Riker |
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
Vincent shrugged and retrieved three torches, lit them and attempted to juggle.
Sleight of Hand? (untrained): 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 2 - 1 = 10
As they clattered to the ground, Vincent snarled in anger and proceeded to snap the torches one by one before storming away and sitting down in a chair in the corner.
Child-of-Planes |
Well, at least Vincent showed off that he's good at snapping things in half. Maybe that counts for something!
Vincent Riker |
That was the idea :D
GM Rednal |
*Snrk*
Child-of-Planes was pretty good at talking people into things, wasn't he? Isen wasn't too shabby, either, and you could see the bahgra reconsidering as you made your case.
"Well, maybe I'd be smarter to go with you lot after all. Still, I signed a contract... those boys insisted on one." Basher took another bite of his meal, chewing thoughtfully for a moment. "I tell you what. You convince the two I hired that they should forfeit the job, and I’ll hire you instead — same fee, mind you, and not a coin more. They already negotiated the deal and you’ll live by it if you want in. They also said they'd be in the hookah bar. Go on and have yourselves a ‘friendly’ chat with 'em. Last one standing gets the job. Just bring that contract back with you. I don't want any trouble with the Auditor if she finds out I broke my word on a written agreement like that. You can get away with a lot in this city, but contracts are taken seriously no matter what your status is, and it isn't worth the risk."
Child-of-Planes |
I swear I didn't intentionally to max diplomacy this time! It just happened!
"Right, then." Child led the others out of the room. "Maybe we can convince these thugs that their time is better spent elsewhere?"
Phai Kareen |
"That. Or maybe our Juggler could simply aquire their contract. Without a contract, there's no trouble with the auditor. If there is no need to exhaust ourselves battling them, we'll be left with more options for any problems arising later.", Phai explains, carefully watching Bashers reaction:"If there is an expectation that they could turn coat and work for Sarlu instead after finding their contract void, and we SHOULD take care of them, making sure they won't, I think that would be an extra job, worth extra pay - considering we are not to re-negotiate the original deal, and share 2 people's payment among 4 of us."
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Just trying to come across as greedy/testing the waters, which in fact is true in this case, but also checking if he would be okay with us simply aquiring the contract and if he is afraid of Sarlu hiring people.
Vincent Riker |
Vincent looked up from his fuming when the bahgra mentioned money and in a deep, slow voice he asked, "What is the pay?"
Isen Kalla |
Isen wracked his memory to see if he could remember what a job like this would likely be worth. If the man was underpaying by too much and they didn't kick up a fuss, it might cause some suspicion.
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
GM Rednal |
Basher fixed his gaze on Phai for a moment. "Off-worlder." he huffed. It definitely didn't sound like a compliment. "Talk to them, pay them off, stab them... I don't care. Whoever has the contract gets the job." He bit into another large hunk of meat. Hookah bar's out the door and around the corner to the right."[/b]
Isen Kalla |
"Noted," Isen said with a small bow. "Let us go and re-negotiate." He headed to the entrance to reclaim his sword. He assumed that there would be a short discussion as to just how they would take the contract.
Phai Kareen |
Phai lingered a bit, to see if Vincents question would be answered, before following Isen, wordlessly.
Strange customs, they have here...the one won't tell us what is his precious possession we need to protect, the other won't even tell us how much he'd pay, so that we could consider if it's worth causing trouble with the original hire-ees...we'll need to be more secretive and withhold all information we can, if we plan to blend in...
Child-of-Planes |
And I think I already walked out the door?
Vincent Riker |
When Vincent noticed the others had left, he shrugged, stood slowly and shuffled out of the room after them.
GM Rednal |
Exiting Basher's room and looking around the corner, it was clear you didn't need any further directions. A well-attended hookah bar rises a foot above the main floor here, tiled in psychedelic patterns partially obscured by the drifting smoke. Patrons recline on two long couches upholstered with mismatched hides from exotic alien beasts. Some have pipes to their mouths, while others sit in languorous oblivion, swept away by narcotic euphoria. Elaborate water pipes sit before the couches with two bored attendants walking from client to client, tending to their needs before returning to a rectangular counter stocked with various powders, rock crystals, shredded leaves, and less identifiable substances. The crowd (filling the area near to capacity) made it difficult to see much, but you did notice a pair of what looked like Lizardfolk talking quickly and quietly to each other near the front and occasionally gesturing at the drugs on display.
Child-of-Planes |
Child saunters over to the lizardfolk, trying to get through things with as little resistance as possible. "Excuse me, sirs," he began, with a hasty grin, talking just too fast to allow interruption, "But I hear you might be employees of a certain Basher? Our group of seasoned problem-solvers has just had word with him, and we'd like to buy your employment contract off of you, with Basher's blessing."
So uh... I realized I have a lot of unspent cash, and Child would rather spend a bit of his coin horde than get a reputation as the bad kind of thug.
Vincent Riker |
Vincent wandered over to grin at the pair from over Child's shoulder and nodded.
Buying out the contract is pretty much exactly what I had in mind.
Phai Kareen |
I thought we get them drugged up and Isen steals it...but whatever works.
Not certain if the lizards would react favorfully to this kind of offer, Phai decided to stay in the background, not clearly associating with Vincent or Child. Without weaponry, she felt...moderately useful, and hoped to be able to at least use surprise to her advantage IF there was trouble.