Chef aids the tying
Lily is subdued and tied up while Rubin and Kraull try to figure out their next course of action. Minutes pass, that feels like eternity. Two men burst through the back door where you wait, thinking. It’s Kain and one of his men.
Thank you, whoever you are. You helped to clean up our city, when I thought The Authority had too much of it. We secured some of their funds. We have given some back to the families that lost a lot from their extortion and tyranny. The rest, we would like you to have.
He tosses a backpack at your feet. Inside is a small “mint” of various coins, totaling the equivalent of 1200 gold pieces.
You decide to venture outside Lily’s tailor shop. What you see is both astonished by and frightening. The streets are in utter chaos...but the “good” kind. You see a small army of caped men, presumably with Kain, and they are working in tandem with city watchman. They are securing by manacles and rope lower Authority members. You even see a few town guardsman being manacled.
Kain looks to you, Sampson was a thorough man, at times overly so. We found records, of purchases, bribes and other devious deals. Town guardsman were involved, even a judge was involved. Sad really, but wealth and pride come before the fall. We also found out where Headquarters is located. It is about a month by horseback, two months by foot north by northwest from our fair city. I highly suggest you head there before word reaches back there...presuming it hasn’t somehow already reached them. If they have a judge, who knows who else they have in their pockets?
James’ eyes go wide as he watches what goes down, and listens closely to Kain.
My journey ends here, I was sent just for this. And to be honest, sounds like you guys are over your heads and I want to keep mine. I got family, ya know.
There are also a few items I think you might like from Lily’s personal stash. He hands you each a velvet, all be treated cloak. It is soft and smooth.
They will protect you...hopefully
Why thanks a bunch Chef divides the coins That does sound like something we should check out. Eh, Rubin, Kraull?
I'm happy to see taking this gang down didn't just allow the next gang to move in on their territory. At least not yet...Hey James, thanks for your help, take a message to the Captain, that this dreary little hamlet is dreary once more, and cleared of the taint of the Authority. And that we'll be heading to Authority HQ next. We should probably hurry and charge headlong into our next impossible task, but first I think we've earned a long night's rest. And to Kain, we appreciate the reward. It's hard to pretend to be a criminal without actually becoming one. Please keep a sharp lookout for evildoers so we don't have to come back.
Kraull looks disappointed when given the cloak, "Awww man. I already have one of these! I guess I can sell it."
"Yeah, I guess we can go to the Authority HQ. I ain't no genius, but we probably should come up with some plan or else we'll be splatter. I still ain't completely sure how I became a crime fighter, but that's life I guess."
Any ideas where to check? Maybe have a look at Sampson's papers for a way to get our foot in the door. Would be mighty suspicious to just saunter into the head honcho's place like we knew he was there.
"Well, we can come up with new names and Rubin can try to lie, but if they got descriptions we're toast. Or we can start beating up criminals and work our way up, but that'll just get us killed quick too."
Neither Kain nor James have any ideas.
Look, I understand if you cut bait, you’ve done a lot. The only thing I can think of is to say you witnessed Sampson get killed and wanted to tell the boss everything you know. Worse case scenario, you run like hell?
That sounds workable, we can figure out something more on our way there.
Maybe there's something in Sampson's notes about his dealings with headquarters, that we can use to infiltrate them. Anyway, shall we gear up and leave tomorrow? Like Chef says, we have plenty of time to think up a plan on the way, even if we hurry.
Kraull shrugs his shoulders and looks to Chef and Rubin, "You guys are the brainiacs, what do think we should do?"
Maybe get some cover? Petty theft and stuff so we don't look like nobodys that just popped up. Rubin and I could case out places and see if there any spots where they hang out and then see if we can wiggle in.
Hmm.. We could pool our gold to buy a few items to help us out. I think I have heard of a potion that makes one a good liar, so that would be helpful.
The town gives you each a horse to speed up travel towards HQ. You head out, and the first week goes by smoothly. The second however is different. The weather start to get nasty, it starts to rain, a lot. Visibility becomes crap, and off in the distance you can see 4 hazy forms of lights. You are unsure if they are stationary or are common by towards you. You sit atop your horses, studying the light. They indeed seem to be stationary and not moving.
Rubin takes Chef's advice and finds a potion of Eagle's Splendor in the local apothecary shop (400g).
After chatting for the first day or two on the road, Rubin runs out of conversation topics and stops talking. He senses that Kraull particularly would rather just ride in silence anyway. Nevertheless they discuss some plans of how to infiltrate the organization. Hanging out in bars works for me. I'm a little tired of the rancid ale in the sleazy places, though. If this is the headquarters, then the gang must have some coin here, which means they probably frequent the nicer taverns, especially the bosses.
The journey starts getting miserable in the second week. All the fresh food is gone, inns are pretty much nonexistent here in the boonies, and it's cold and wet. Rubin reins up his horse as they come upon the mysterious lights. Head back with the horses a little ways. I will slink up ahead and see what's going on.
Rubin creeps up closer to see if he can make out the source of the illumination.
Chef mumbles and grumbles during the rain, wondering if there is an anti-ran spell or potion. When Rubin heads up, he waits tensely as the bard heads up.
Kraull does a two figure salute in approval to Rubin's plans while he goes back to daydreaming about food.
Rubin slinks his way towards the light. The sound of the rain seems to conceal every sound he might possibly make. He gets to within 30’ and he can see it appears to a tent, with 4 everburning torches affixed to the top. He can make out voices inside the tent, two different male voices. The pounding rain drowns out the conversation and all it is is muddled to his ears.
Rubin circles around outside the tent as close as he dares (30'), looking for clues about the mysterious campers.
Whatever he discovers, he then silently retreats back to the group. It seems like there's only two of them, although they have at least four magical torches, so they're probably very well equipped. I say we give them a friendly "Hello" from a safe distance and ask what their business is.
"Do you mean real friendly or 'Kraull is going to punch you out if you step out of line' friendly?" The half-orc asks with confusion.
Why not both? Chef is ready
Rubin cautiously circles the tent, keeping an ever watchful eye out. One, for any telling signs of who these tentman may be, but also for any dangers. He catches bits and pieces of information between the large raindrops hitting the ground, and the safe distance he is away.
Bounty...500 gold pieces per head...extreme caution
Chef is very careful as well, waiting to back Rubin up.
As far as I could tell from the bits of conversation I heard, they're either bounty hunters, or they are bounty being hunted. I couldn't quite tell which, but I'm guessing the first, since otherwise they wouldn't be advertising themselves with a brightly lit tent on an open road. Chef or Kraull, go ahead and make the first move, I'll go along with whatever you want to do.
Rubin readies his weapons, and clears his throat for any singing that may be called for.
Another thought occurs to me. Perhaps we are the bounty that is being hunted. Seems a little far-fetched. Only the "bad guys" would want us, and who of them would know we're in this area?
Chef gives Rubin an Invisibility Extract for possible sneaking and Kraull a Long Arm extract for long range bashing. Right, let us head up Chef heads towards the camp, making sure to stop a ways back. Ho there! May we share your fire? Or at least be able to pass by without hostilities?
Kraull nods to Chef's plan and follows, drinking the provided extract. As his arms grow longer, the half-orc just laughs to himself at the freakish sight.
The three of you get within telling distance of the tent and make your preeence known. About 10 sends later, two grizzly bearded men come out of the tent, heavily armored and armed.
Yeah, and just who in the hell are you three? I ain’t got no food for beggars
Oh no food needed, we are just askign if we can share your fire and if you don't want company we'll pass by.
You’re not? Well that’s a first. What’s yer name?
Bolognese. These are my traveling companions Kraull and Rubin
Kraull offers a slight bro-nod while he waits to see where this is going.
Ahoy there, top o' the evening to ya.
The two men raise an eyebrow at Kraull’s gesture, and whisper amongst themselves.
I’m Steve and he’s Paul. We’re local bounty hunters, tracking a dumbass who skipped bail. You seen a Tiefling around lately, carrying a spiked chain?
As you tell them no, they curse slightly. Frustration is apparent.
We ain’t got no extra rations or food, but you’re welcome to sit by the fire for a few to fry off. Then out into the wild with ya
You head inside the large tent, it’s a cramped fit, but at l wat your out of the rain. After a few hours, the heavy rain subsided and you can continue along your way.
You head towards HQ, and the rest of the way goes smooth. Sunny days warm your backs and your spirits. You arrive at HQ, which is a bustling town. Throngs of merchants are crowding by pavillions and stalls. You see armed guard throughout the area. Their armor has patches showing the holy symbol of Abadar, the god of traders and merchants.
Good smells fill the air of bakers, and the occasional inn cooks. There are a few bars open, but business there is probably busy after sunset. You are unsure where HQ is to be precise, and asking the wrong person may get you thrown in jail...or worse. .
We might try getting jobs and integrating ourselves into the area? Perhaps pick a bar and be cook,bouncer and entertainment.
After all we've been through lately, performing in the bar for a few coppers actually sounds pretty nice. It would be a good opportunity to overhear rumors, as well. The question is, is there anyone willing to hire us?
Rubin enjoys some freshly-cooked food at one of the market stalls, and looks around for bars and inns.
We also need a place to stay. Unfortunately, we probably shouldn't rent the swankiest rooms available, to stay somewhat incognito.
Demonstarte our skills, no doubt a good way to integrate ourselves and keep an ear out.
"It shouldn't be too hard to get job at a bar. We should start at a dive, they'll probably hire us no problem. Might even let us sleep in the back." Kraull says with confidence as he flexes his arms.
Sounds good to me, Rubin?
Chef will begin trying to find out the local news and of any places where the party's skills would be useful as their cover.
A dive..(sigh)...I suppose that is our best bet, though.
Rubin begins scoping out the town's bars with Kraull and Chef.
After some meandering through the bustling town, you find a couple dive bars and a “mid” class bar with patrons who aren’t your average blue collar man. The first dive bar presents no such luck. You find work in both the second dive bar as well as the “middle class” bar. Rubin would be the entertainment and Kraull would be the bouncer at The Dragon’s Tooth bar. However Chef would be the actual chef at the other bar, The Purple Fairy Inn.
Work would start in 3 days, giving you enough time to find lodging and maybe make a few contacts.
Well at least we have a start. Chef says as they meet up. I can keep an ear out at the Purple Fairy as perhaps see all who dines here.
"Well, we need to find a place to sleep, but I guess nothing nice." Kraull says, grumbling at that last part, "I guess you guys need to start asking around about stuff too? I'd help, but you know, I ain't no fancy talker."
Whaddaya mean I only get paid in tips? Rubin questions the surly gent running the Dragon's Tooth. Well, no matter, I can rake 'em in. We'll see you in three days.
Back out on the street: I've got an idea to try. If this gang runs this town, they've probably got a protection racket going to shake down the local businesses. Let's see if we can score any information on that front.
Rubin looks around for the most reputable-looking purveyor in the market stalls. He looks through some merchandise, asking about prices. How are the "taxes" around here? I'm a newcomer, thinking of opening a woodworking business. I had to move out of the last place--got on the bad side of the local "tax" collectors. How's the situation here?
We we can find some cheap inn with hopefully no bugs in the mattress, we do have our own bedrolls after all. Chef sharpens his cutlery.I can chat people up on where we get our food and who controls what Chef will look around for an inn that they can stay at , or at last a good meeting spot for them.
Chef and Rubin hit the various stalls, and peruse the merchandise. Rubin’s stops at a stand selling handmade goods including fancy soaps, candles, and various artisanal goods. The lady working smiles as Rubin approaches.
Looking for something nice young man? I have a jasmine scented candle to help relieve your stress.
She listens to his story about “moving on”.
Well, to set a stand up is a one time fee of 2 copper piece, paid to the town hall treasury. Than there is the once per month fee of 1 copper piece. Other than those, we get to keep what we make. Hope that helps.
As she speaks, you get the idea that she is almost staring past you, towards a man standing about 10 feet from you. He wears studded leather, with a longsword on his hip
- - - - -
Chef finds an inn, for the modest price of 5 copper per night or 30 copper for a week. The rooms seem okay, even if minimally furnished. Bed, nightstand, that’s it.
Chef comes across a series of 5 stands, all centrally locates together with various produce on its tables. Lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, freshly killed chickens. Four men work behind the tables, as a young woman is taking money from sales
You notice a small coin pouch is exchanged between the young woman, and a man you just bought a few apples. You see the woman give a “teeth clenched” smile to the patron