Noticing the guards starting to fan out and begin their patrols, Pavanna takes wing and flutters around in a roundabout manner before descending down to land on Morvena's shoulder.
"They're starting to spread out across the grounds," the little bird chirps softly to the group of three waiting outside. "Hopefully they'll be done quickly!" With that, she's off again, once more taking a rather roundabout route to find a suitable spot to perch and watch the proceedings.
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"You mean you're freeing us?!" The burliest of the group asks, his eyes wide. "Men, I know not what drives this militia guard, but this may be our only chance. Let's move!"
The six prisoners follow you carefully out of the Salt Works. Remy edges a little too close to the dwarven captain on his way out, his intentions of elbowing him in the head a little too obvious, but one of others pulls back his arm just in time.
The situation outside is a little different. The guards have made their way back to the front of the Salt Works to meet Padraig, Geoffrey, Morvena. Issil and Grel have just made their way outside as well, the six prisoners in tow.
"You there!" The Chelish guard yells, the other three guards rushing ahead to see what's up. "You have no jurisdiction here. What are you doing with our prisoners? Where's Kossrani?"
Remy and the others look over at Grel nervously.
Issil gives Grel a look. You know, that look.
I'll back you up whichever way you want to go on this.
"Your prisoners? How rude! Why, I've looked up and down this city for the past week and I find my poor assistants working at a dingy salt mill!" Issil stands dignified and tilts her head downward at the guard. "I've come here to reclaim what is rightfully mine. Kossrani already knows that and has signed off on it. You want more information, go tell him what he told me, Lady Nomaan!" Issil scoffs, turns and bids the mercenaries to follow her.
Geoffrey heart is in his throat as the guards announce their presence. Still knowing Issil had a plan he decides to back her up fully, moving protectively in front of her eyeing the guards with a disdainful look, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "You would do well to follow my mistress' wishes here."
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"I assure you, everything has already been handled just as my mistress commanded it," Morvena adds, smoothly interjecting a few words as well. "Perhaps you were simply not deemed to be of...sufficient rank to be informed?"
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Grel gets a look of a teenage stockboy caught between two angry old ladies fighting over the last rye at the bakery "Hold on.. I'm just doing my job here! I was told to escort these ladies to the Salt Works to reclaim their property, and that big drunk Dwarf gave us the go ahead." Grel points his thumb back inside.
Grel suggests we all head in to speak with the Dwarf to get this straightened up. Once everyone, especially the 4 guards, gets inside, Grel will shut the door to muffle the sounds of a fight. He sneakily slips his dagger to the one that seems like he was the leader at the back of the group.
As the guards figure out the Dwarf is passed out/KO'd, Grel will start things off with an acid splash to a guard's face (the clearest shot he can take).
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"Seems a little too convenient," the guard says. "Your assistants have been here for nearly a week. Why did it take you this long to find them if they're so precious to you? And Kossrani wouldn't just sign away our only laborers." Then the guard looks Issil up and down. It isn't clear if he's sizing her up, or checking her out. "Wait here. I'm going to speak with Kossrani and get this straightened out. You two, stay with them. And watch the workers!" Two of the guards wait outside with you while the other two begin to walk into the front office.
"Unbelievable! Questioning my methods..." She turns to Geoffrey. "You and Grel, go speak to Kossrani so we can get things straightened out. I'll keep these two entertained."
Issil approaches the guards are gives them her best smile. "Now then. This has been embarrassing enough. What do I need to do to keep this quiet, hmm? I can certainly make it worth your while..."
Come on Grel, finish this quickly!
Geoffrey nods quickly, "Yes Mistress." Once inside he waits for Grel to make the first move.
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And here we go...
"My mistress is ah...a woman possessed of some very particular tastes and talents," Morvena continues, hoping to either stall or help distract the two remaining guards as 'Grel' and Geoffrey accompany the other two. Unfortunately, Issil's bluff was leading into unfamiliar territory for herself but she wasn't completely naive; she'd spent one rainy afternoon reading through a very interesting bit of literature that she'd discovered hidden among her mother's undergarment drawer and it had been a rather eye-opening experience.
"And she's a very good...teacher. We can attest to that, yes?" Morvena continues, now nudging Padraig a little with her elbow. "So when she says that she can make it worth your while...well, you can take that to the bank, good sirs."
Try as she might, Morvena can't quite hide her nervousness. She curses silently, wishing that she possessed more of a mind for enchantment magics than what she did...
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Geoffrey and Grel head into the Salt Works with the two guards, Grel carefully closing the door behind him.
"Hey, boss." The face-tattooed guard walks up to Kossrani. "Hah, sleeping on the job again. Classic, lazy dwarf! Wake up, damn it!" He nudges the dwarf in the arm a few times, then sees the sap-shaped bruise on his neck. And just as he does, Grel unleashes a splash of acid from his palms. The other guard screams as the acid soaks through his shirt, burning the flesh off his muscle tissue.
"Hey! What the hell!" Face-tattoo brandishes his mace as he turns to Victor. "What are you, some Thrune-hater in disguise? You'll pay for that! Guys, we need some help in here!" He calls.
Back outside, the two guards are bewildered by the faint screaming that they just barely hear over the loud hum of the salt furnace.
"Sounds like trouble," one says to the other.
"What are you talking about? I didn't hear anything." Captivated by Issil and Morvena's bluff, the other guard ignores his companion's worry.
"Lady, you can make it worth my while all you want. I'll be staying at the Tooth and Nail Inn. Ask for Alabaster."
The other rolls his eyes. "Ala, you idiot. I know what I heard. Let's get in there and check it out."
Meanwhile, the rescued mercenaries form a huddle at the edge of the Salt Works, some trying desperately not to laugh at the whole ruse, and others very, very confused.
____
-- Bold is up --
Issil, Grel
Green, Red (-9), Blue
Geoffrey, Padraig, Morvena
Yellow
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Grel shrugs his shoulders at the man in Red "Sorry man I'm just doing my job like I said, if you want answers you better ask your mates outside." He raises his hands and sends another glob of acid at the man's face.
Afterwards he takes a step behind Geoffrey and draws out a sap.
Geoffrey shakes his head slightly at the guard, "You should have listened to us..." He syas as he steps forward swinging the flat of his blade at the guard.
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Issil grins at Alabaster. "Nice name. I see your friend is a bit too worked up. Let's see if I can get some of the stress out."
She looks at the other guard. "DROP, and give me fifty push ups."
Issil casts Command on Alabaster's friend. Will Save DC 14 to resist.
I'm almost out of time here...
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"Just doing your job? What do you mean -" The guard is interrupted when another ball of acid flies into his face. The resulting scream of pain eclipses even the loud buzz of the salt furnace, and the guard falls to the ground unconscious.
"Push ups? Sounds like a great idea! Gotta stay fit, you know! Come on, Al, get down with me!" He gets to his knees, then into a plank, then begins cranking out push-ups. ".. And ten, eleven.. twelve..." He elbows soon give out and he falls prone, gasping for air.
Back inside, the remaining guard swings back at Grel desperately. "Boss, you gotta wake up! This guy just killed one of us!"
Grel takes a light hit across his thigh. And back outside, Alabaster has heard enough to be convinced something is amiss, and he throws open the door, his eyes flickering over at his dead companion. "Captain? And.. And.. What was that guy's name again? Doesn't matter. You guys are trouble, and you and I have a date later, miss, so it looks like I'll have to just strike your little halfling friend instead!" He swings his mace at Padraig.
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-- Bold is up --
Issil, Grel (-3)
Green, Blue
Geoffrey, Padraig (-8), Morvena
Yellow (prone)
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"Hey! I will have you know, we charge extra for that!" Morvena exclaims, indignant as Alabaster steps over and gives Padraig a solid whack with his mace. She steps forward and wags her finger at him, sending a small green dart zipping towards him...
...or rather, she tries but only succeeds in zapping the ground next to her foot.
"Tsk tsk... I guess it's just you and me." Issil readies her whip and giggles.
Geoffrey steps forward and swings his heavy sap at the remaining guard...
Geoffrey steps forward and swings his heavy sap at the remaining guard...
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Geoffrey easily smacks the green guard with his sap, bruising his arm, while Morvena indeed nearly hits herself with her acid dart!
Having caught his breath, Albaster's friend remains prone due to Issil's Command magic, though he seems very confused. "Why am I .. on the ground? Albaster, you idiot, help me up!"
-- Bold is up --
Issil, Grel (-3)
Green (3 NL), Blue
Geoffrey, Padraig (-8), Morvena
Yellow (prone)
Grel quickly rushes from behind Geoffrey, ducking behind the Green stooge and bringing his sap into his face with a thud. Come on Geoff, finish this guy already!
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Issil readies her shield. "Stay down if you know what's good for you."
She stares at Alabaster and shakes her head. "Tsk tsk, no one told me you like to play rough..."
She wraps her ankles around Alabaster's mace and tries to disarm him, bringing the mace to her. She grins. "If you want this, you'll have to beg."
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Grel's sap attack hits hard enough to knock the remaining guard inside the Salt Works out cold.
Alabaster turns a bright shade of red when Issil performs Kintargo's most seductive disarming. "H-hey... Give that back!"
He moves up to Issil. "Date or no date, you cannot just go and grab a militia man's weapon. I should turn you into the guards!" He lunges now with this fist aimed for her stomach.
.. And harmlessly hits her flowing hair instead.
-- Bold is up --
Issil, Grel (-3)
Blue (disarmed)
Geoffrey, Padraig (-8), Morvena
Yellow (prone)
Geoffrey nods in appreciation of Grel's quick actions, before he dashes to the door yanking it open.
Seeing the door is actually open Geoffrey takes advantage here, swinging his sap at the guard...
"How did it go? Did the others learn their lesson about kidnapping my assistants?" Issil feigns shock as Geoffrey goes for the KO blow. "Oh my!"
Morvena sighs. "I know she said you would have to beg for your weapon back, but you really do jabber on and on...I suggest you take a moment to calm yourself and think your next move through carefully," she warns, snapping her fingers and conjuring a brief flash of light Alabaster's face.
_______
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Alabaster scowls as he feels Geoffrey's sap smack him in the rump in a painful blow. He falls to his knees, shielding his eyes from Morvena's miniature sun. Despite his earlier confidence, he's quickly learned the Silver Ravens recruits are not to be trifled with. "I submit!" He pleads.
Push-ups looks at him with disgust as he gets to his feet. "Are you mad? What do you suppose Kossrani will do when he finds out you let the prisoners go? I, for one, will not go down so easy! Pitiful traitors, die for Thrune!"
He rushes Issil, aiming for her head with his mace.
She sees it coming and leans left, dodging the spiked weapon entirely.
-- Bold is up --
Issil, Grel (-3)
Alabaster (disarmed, surrendered)
Geoffrey, Padraig (-8), Morvena
Yellow
______
Grel quickly rushes outside to help with the last of the guards. Once outside he quickly adds to the confusion. "You guys are screwed, your friends in there really sold you out to Kossrani. If I was you I'd run home and take your family out of the city before the night is over."
Geoffrey elbows his way through his companions, levelling his sap at the lone defiant guard.
Issil yawns and twirls her whip. "What's that Grel? A deal is a deal, and these assistants are back with their rightful mistress." She gives Alabaster a wink. "See, that's a good man. Just relax and Lady Nomaam will show you mercy..."
Issil backs up 5 feet and tries to trip mister push up.
Issil frowns as the whip fails to wrap around him.
"This would be so much easier if we could make them bleed a little," Morvena frowns as she takes a step back and tries to summon the sun again - this time for Yellow.
_______
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Yellow's vision is masked in a haze when Morvena's second flare attempt succeeds. Geoffrey bruises the guard with his sap. "You don't deserve to call yourself a Citizens' Group member," he grumbles, flickering his aching eyes over Alabaster and Grel. He then drops his weapon and raises his hands in submission. "And perhaps I don't, either. I'm not paid enough for this. Al, we need to move before Kossrani realizes what's happened."
The prisoners step forward from the edge of the Salt Works. "I hadn't realized there was so much dissent in the Chelish Citizens Group. Militia fighting militia? What do you intend to do with us?" Remy asks. "And with them?" He looks at Alabaster and the other guard.
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Issil chuckles. "Good idea. Run along before this gets worse." She grins and coils her whip.
"My dear, dear assistants. You're coming with me, of course." She grins and nods.
I got a job for you, but play along!
"Alabaster, was it? Expect a guest at the Tooth and Nail Inn later today. After that, you and your friends should lay low. Kossrani will have much explaining to do, and you should stay away from that nonsense."
She looks to her teammates. "Is there anything else you need to do here? All of this salt residue is ruining my dress." She stretches for a bit.
Geoffrey waves the mercenaries to follow behind him, "Don't worry about the guards, just follow me."
As the group prepares to depart Geoffrey pauses to confer with his fellows, "I don't want to kill these guards but they did see our faces, and there is no way to guarantee they won't betray us later. Why don't we just send them down the river in one of these boats ? They will drift downstream and then they will have to re-enter Kintargo. It should raise some questions right?"
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Grel looks back and forth between the mercenaries and his allies, shrugging his shoulders as the ladies and Geoffrey take charge of their new charges "Don't ask me, I'm just hired help." He flips up his sap and smiles, tucking it into his belt.
He then turns to the two guards on the ground, collecting up their tossed aside weapons "You two, inside, pronto." He waves in the rest of his group that isn't taking the mercenaries away.
"Looks like we've got a couple choices here, lets see which you guys prefer." He says holding one of their maces. "We can cave in your heads here with your own maces and dump you down in that salt pit as a message to the others. Probably the easiest I'd say on our end."
He smirks a bit as he waffles back and forth "Or you and your two sleeping friends on the floor here can steal a little boat down on the river and get outta the city. Because when your boss here wakes up with a headache and a note for who's responsible for it you'll at least have a decent head start."
He hands the other maces out to the group "Well? Make your choice quickly now. Some of us have places to be."
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Leaving Issil and Geoffrey to take charge of the rescued mercenaries, Morvena trails after 'Grel' as he marches the remaining guards back inside. She looks thoughtful as 'Grel' briefs them on their options, considering the paths ahead.
It *would* be much more expedient to simply kill them...but I suspect that Geoffrey and Padraig would probably object. But they've also seen our faces...hmm...
Almost idly, Morvena conjures one of her acid darts but holds the power of it in her hand...twirling it around, the green light dancing across her face. She smiles, but there's no warmth to it. "Indeed. You have lived here long enough to know the prices usually paid for failure. You and your friends are fortunate that my own companion is much more inclined to leniency than Thrune and his dogs...or myself. Leave this city and do not return."
Geoffrey smiles as he hefts his blade, "I spared you...this time. I stand with my mistress. I will not spare you a second time."
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Alabaster and his companion, whose name you learn is Edgar, comply with the demands and surrender their weapons to Grel - both light maces. They stand ashamed with their heads low, Al's eyes widening only when Issil offers him company for the night. Unfortunately for him, the rest of you have much less enticing intentions.
"I have lived in Kintargo for years, and it seemed following Thrune's demands was the only way to get by. A one way trip out of here doesn't seem like the worst thing in the world," Alabaster reasons.
Grel strips Kossrani of his equipment, including a masterwork heavy mace, a composite longbow (+2), two potions of cure moderate wounds, and two tanglefoot bags. In the front office is also a lockbox containing the proceeds of black market salt sales so far: 67 gold pieces.
The two guards agree to the terms, having little choice, and pass back through the doors and the rescued mercenaries, who happily watch the duo hop on a small boat. This was cathartic for them.
Watching the two sail downriver, Grel smashes the lock to the Salt Works.
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"It's late," one of the mercenaries says, glancing up at the night sky. "I know not exactly who you are, but our intentions seem aligned. Thrune and his dogs," he smiles at Morvena. "I like how you think. I'm Forvian Crowe, and this is - or was - Crowe's Glory, until we were thrown into that Salt Works after Remy decided to drunkenly challenge the dottari to a brawl. And yourselves? You seem much too organized to be mere bandits. And you don't seem like most militia," he eyes Grel.
Remy steps forward. "We need to move out, and quickly. The patrols will be by any moment. I'd like to get back to my family. They must be worried sick."
Grel ushers everyone out "I gotta lock up, be right out." He slams the door and after about 30 seconds comes out, and snaps the key off in the lock to the front door.
Grel intends to CDG the two unconscious guards with his dagger to ensure the faces of his allies remain unknown. He does his best to try doing this out of sight or knowledge of the others.
"You're right. We aren't allies of Thrune and it does look like we could work together. I'll let our pitch man Padraig fill you in on the details." And with that Grel puts up his hood and blends into the shadows nearby as the rest of the group makes their way out.
Issil shrugs as Alabaster takes a boat cruise. "A shame, I wanted to reward him before he left." She eyes the mace. "Beautiful."
She looks at the mercenaries. "We need some security, and we heard you guys are looking for work. Let's head to the office for the night, and you can visit your families tomorrow morning, yeah?" Issil tries to keep it vague as she heads in the direction of the coffeehouse.
Geoffrey grabs the longbow, slinging it over his back. "Looks like I have a spare bow here. Grel you look like you could use this." He hands the shortbow to the man once he has returned to the others.
Once the group is underway he watches keenly for any signs of patrols along with Grel.
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Pádraig Henry points his chin at the nascent rebellion's officially designated recruiter, "Morvena, the beautiful lady there with the parrot on her shoulder, will work out all the details, but yeah, I think Crowe's Glory would be an excellent addition to The Cause."
He looks over the band of mercenaries and asks Alabaster, "Say, you guys have any experience in guard duty or special operations? We could use some help in the areas of security and partisan activities."
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"Parrot!?" Pavanna chirps indignantly before she can stop herself. "I am a beautiful songbird, not a parrot!"
Then she pauses and chirps again, now sounding amused. "But if this were the Shackles instead of Kintargo then I would definitely be a parrot! And those scurvy dogs would've been walking th' plank instead of takin' a boat ride, arrrr!"