Turel Garaldo |
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After Lunch with Bal Themm
Turel is silent after Bal Themm's accusation. It is only the truth she speaks. Perhaps I need to meditate further on what it is I truly want...
Day 10 - Planning a Heist
Turel responds to Ra-Khefer's hug in the only way possible: By fully embracing the dwarf, and allowing his precious ribs to remain intact. Once he has been released Turel shakes off the shortness of breath and stretches his muscles out for a moment.
"Concerning the location of the trade, I was told the brothel in the Veins district is at the corner of Goat and Cherry streets." He nods to Aleris. "I believe following Neb-at is possible, but more risky. If we are spotted then we risk him calling the thing off." He responds to Deseri with a small smile upon his face.
Qari Falexia |
Before Turel's meeting:
While looking for anything that might be useful on their next foray, Qari heads to Terkh's shop. After introductions, she gave a brief history of their successes (and a few setbacks) so far.
"I'd expect you get a ton of adventuring types in here. If any of them are offering any old historical tomes for sale, get word to me. I'm looking for more information on my kind. I've never heard of one of us that can do what I can do.". Emboldened by the group's successes, she gives the store proprietor a quick tutorial.
Charisma/Relationship check 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14
Deseri |
During her free time on Day 9 and Day 10, This is how I assume Deseri would learn a new skill.
Wondering down to the market place and slowly moving though the crowd. Spending time looking at the wears at each stall and trying to guess the prices before looking at the price or asking it. For hours she repeats this process.
When ever pressed for what she is doing she gives the same answer. I am trying to learn how guess what things cost. Anyone that asks why, I am with one of the groups cataloging the Necropolis and this seems to be a good skill to have.
At the super secret meeting
Scowling at the lack of an answer but not bothering to complain. The city is dumb. Foolish people thinking this is a good idea. Dumb church can not be bothered to fix its own problems. Great! I am again part of a lesser part of the tribe. We need to fix that. I want to be part of the tribe that gets to send people on ridiculous quests. Crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair. So we are going to a brothel? What is that?
Kito the Scholar |
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Crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair. So we are going to a brothel? What is that?
"A business where a person can rent companionship for a short time. As I understand it, the exact services provided are part of the negotiations." Kito answers in the same matter of fact voice she normally uses when reciting some tidbit of knowledge.
Looking to Turel, she asks "Do you know who the buyer is? If it is the person running the brothel, that would complicate things."
Turel Garaldo |
Turel, knowing exactly what a brothel was, still could not but flush slightly as Kito renders her description of the place.
I am fortunate I have not needed to visit one before...
He shakes his head in reply to Kito's question. "I know not who is buying the eggs, but if I was the buyer I would not draw attention to myself by doing that at my place of work. I think it more likely the buyer has an arrangement with the runner of some sort."
Kito the Scholar |
Kito scratches Thera under the beak.
After a moment, she asks "Do we want to intercept Neb-at before he gets to the brothel? Or is part of the plan to find out who is buying the eggs?"
Turel Garaldo |
Turel thinks a moment before replying, "Finding out who buys the eggs would make it easier to prevent such thefts in the future, I would think."
Harmose Al-Nefer |
Harmose taps his fingers on the table. "Am I hearing you right? You need someone to go into a brothel and get information?"
He pauses, get up and paces. "And you want it to be someone who will go in there, blend, schmooze the staff? Someone who everyone already thinks is an irresponsible, charming, brainless flirt?" Harmose looks straight at Turel. "That's what you want, right, brother?"
"I'll help you, but I need the full plan. Your heart is not fully in this, Turel. So why are you doing this? How did you hear about this? What is your goal here? Will the Pharasmites offer us any cover for this? We need more details. How did you get drawn into this?"
Kito the Scholar |
"Aren't we doing this to save the church embarrassment?" Nodding in Turel's direction, Kito explains "Turel was no doubt asked because he shows good judgement. They are no doubt depending on him to do this with a minimum of fuss in a way that the church can save face."
She pauses a moment, to think.
"Which brings up the question of who Neb-At is, and why they don't want to remove him from his job. Perhaps he has specialized skills?" she asks, looking to Turel.
Deseri |
Growling softly before speaking up in a harsh voice, I already asked that question. And stopping the man who is selling the eggs would work best to stop the selling of the damned eggs. Not the buyer but the seller.
Kito the Scholar |
Looking to Deseri, Kito admits "Yes, you did. I didn't hear an answer though."
Turel Garaldo |
Turel looks Harmose in the eye. "Simple, I was asked to perform this service for the Church. There were conditions I needed to accept before receiving the job, and secrecy was one of them. We all have our secrets right?"
Turel nods in agreement to Kito's statement. "That is an apt way of putting it. It does trouble me to know such secrecy is necessary, but in my judgement I believe it is justified. As for stopping the seller..." Turel turns his focus to Deseri, "That is what our job is here, to prevent the sale of the crocodile eggs by Neb-At and returning them to the Golden lake, with harm being brought to him."
He finally addresses the rest of the party. "If anyone has any qualms about helping me, I do understand. This is an uncomfortable position I am in as secrets foster mistrust. I would not expect you to react any differently."
This is a troubling development. I fear the truth will come out anyway and then trust will truly be destroyed.
Harmose Al-Nefer |
"Touché." Harmose raises an eyebrow. "You're right we all have had our secrets. You've learned the darkest and deepest one that I was hiding, and still love and support me. How can I do any less for you? I'd follow you into hell itself if you asked it of me."
"Still, while I trust you, I must admit that my trust of the church of Pharasma is a little less. It bothers me not knowing all the details." He pulls out a notebook and starts taking notes. "Let's start with what we know. There is a keeper of the sacred crocodiles, Neb-At. He's stealing eggs and selling them. For what purpose? Spell-components? Sacrilegious snacks? Aphrodesiacs? A pet crocodile franchise? It doesn't matter. Someone in the church knows, and is concerned enough to stop him, but doesn't want their hands dirty. That person also wants this kept quiet."
Wild ass guess time!
Harmose looks at everyone. "I have a theory. My theory is based on what I know of aristocracy and privilege. People tend to look the other way when a thief is highly connected. Who is this Neb-At connected to, Turel? Who is trying to avoid embarassment here?"
Harmose looks through his notes of the various Pharasmite officials that they've met, but one name pops out at him, above all the others. He taps a finger on it. "The High Priestess who laid down the laws of the Necropolis, who addressed us all the day we got our first assignments. Her name is Sebti the crocodile."
He looks Turel straight in the eye. "Is this coincidence, Turel? Is Sebti this man's lover? Sponsor? Cousin? Or is Neb-At's protector someone else?"
Deseri |
Huffing in agitation while glaring at the ground. It is not that I distrust you but this is not a lot of information to go on.
Lifting her gaze back to the others while trying to keep the agitation out of her eyes and voice, It is apparently an important egg but from what it sounds like we are supposed to return the egg while doing nothing about the man selling the egg. Without keeping the man who regularly sells these eggs away from the eggs this cycle will repeat itself.
Letting her eyes settle on Turel she starts to rapidly ask questions not really allowing time for them to be answered. Is this something the church has had people do before? What was the outcome of those egg rescues? Is this Neb-At man willing to get violent if his money is being threatened or does he not care since he simply has to wait for another clutch?
Her voice raises slightly in anger as more questions fly. And we are not allowed to do anything to him? At all? Even if he puts himself in a position where we can get the eggs but he may be injured?
Pausing to close her golden eyes while taking a deep breath and uncrossing her arms before continuing speaking, I have joined you tribe and I will help you how ever I can but I intend to try to not walk into this blindly. But if I have to walk blindly I will. And the church will get these same questions.
Harmose Al-Nefer |
Harmose nods to Des with approval, then looks back to Turel, waiting to see his brother's reaction.
Aleris Somciel |
Aleris gives Harmose a look of amusement. "You would volunteer to go to a brothel! But I guess I can allow it this time, for the good of the group," she teases. Then her expression grows serious once more. "And Turel, I already told you that I'd help however I can."
It's the least I can do for all the help you've given me...and the trouble I've given you.
"Harmose's theory makes a lot of sense...if they could replace Neb-At then they would've already done it, but they can't. And since Turel was told to make sure he didn't get hurt in the process, well..." she shakes her head. "All I can say is that we'd better be careful about this. I'd rather not make enemies in the Pharasmin church or with any of the nobility here in Wati."
As Deseri fires off a rapid series of questions to Turel, Aleris flinches and for a moment she could almost swear that she saw a bit of steam rising off the young woman.
I...I don't think I've seen Deseri upset like this before! Scared or sad yes, but not angry.
"If violence is out, maybe we could try something else?" she interjects quickly, hoping to avoid an argument or tense feelings. "Maybe if we can spook him badly enough he won't ever think of selling the eggs again?"
Deseri |
Not turning her gaze from Turel, I never want violence to be the answer. But this man is allowed to continue doing this. Even if we take the eggs we cannot touch him. I can think of nothing a man like that would fear. This seems like a scolding. He has apparently done it before and will do it again regardless of what we do.
Harmose Al-Nefer |
"Thank you for your trust." Harmose grins at Aleris. "I could knock him out pretty easily, but spooking him... Oh, I wonder if we can go all out storywise?"
Knowledge Religion, Crocodiles: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Harmose raises an eyebrow. "Wasn't there a story, Turel, about Osiris? Didn't he have his man parts chewed by a crocodile, much to the chagrin of his wife Isis when she tried to revive him? I'm wondering if we can use that legend to our advantage here."
Samy, if there are other legends about crocodiles and their sacred powers, lay them on us! I want to be devious here.
Turel Garaldo |
Turel nods as the details of the story come flooding back to him. "Yes I have heard that tale before." He turns to face Deseri and smiles at her. "I believe if you look at the final part of the tale, you will find the answers to many, if not all, of your questions."
Deseri |
Crossing her arms again and leaning back into her chair looking rather defeated. I understand that it must be done Turel but not why it has been allowed to continue since it is clearly a bad thing.
Aleris Somciel |
"Busting heads is about the last thing we want to do here it sounds like," Aleris replies. "We'll have to be careful and subtle about how we solve this problem. That's why I said we should try and spook him...otherwise I can't think of any way to try and keep this from happening again that doesn't involve violence."
Aleris Somciel |
"Kito has a point," Aleris agrees, trying to not to smile at Ra-Khefer's blunt assessment of his own skills. "You don't always have to strike to kill or even do any real damage. But we probably need to decide on more of a plan before we can figure out how each of us can help - or even if each of us is able or willing to help."
She looks around at the rather large group. "As much as I hate to say it, this might even be one of those 'too many cooks' moments," she says regretfully. "All 8 of us tend to stand out a bit even at the best of times. Unless some of us can do some work in the background to help."
As a player I'm not actually suggesting anyone sit this out unless they want to because that would be rather boring for them, but even Aleris can be pragmatic from time to time. That is all!
Turel Garaldo |
Turel rubs the back of his head, lifting his scarf aside. "Yes that would draw attention to ourselves. Perhaps we can split into teams and head to the brothel at different times. We can use magic to stay in contact with one another."
Harmose Al-Nefer |
"You'll want someone convincing in the first group." Harmose smiles, and puts his arms around Turel. "I am a spoiled RICH brat who is taking my teammates on the town, celebrating our good luck. You, Polux and Ra-Khefer? I'm dragging you along despite your better judgment because I'm so damn charming." He grins maniacally.
"Aleris, want to play at the jealous girlfriend, intent on getting me out of there? You can bring in backup -- Kito, Deseri, and Qari."
Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Yep, Harmose recognizes Aleris's slight jealous streak. But he's trying to downplay it to save her feelings.
"When Aleris shows up, we can create a big distraction so that the rest of the team can do their thing in the brothel."
Turel Garaldo |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Turel smiles in reply, "Yes, I agree with this. Trust me, I will be only focused on protecting you from those who would prey on you here, until Aleris shows up." His eyes gleam in anticipation, "Then, we shall turn into the predators."
Harmose Al-Nefer |
"You're protecting me?" Harmose grins wide. "Oh, this will be delightful! We should figure out everyone's roles once inside. Is anyone good at sneaking around? I also think we should get a private room to 'entertain' Neb-At in... but first, we need to decide exactly how we're spooking him."
Aleris Somciel |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Ouch...I deserve it though. Guess I could see this as a light slap on the wrist from Shelyn.
"That would work and be pretty believable - if anyone else has seen us around in the city or in the Tooth & Hookah then they might already know that we're engaged," Aleris chuckles. "It'd lend weight to me showing up to drag you back 'home'."
Bluff: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Although she's smiling, it's a rather sheepish one and she's not making direct eye contact as she speaks. She's certainly a bit embarrassed by Harmose's suggestion but doesn't seem angry.
"And the others are there as backup like you said. Angry on my behalf, worried about the other three that you dragged there with you, or just curious...any of those would work."
Kito the Scholar |
In reply to Aleris, Kito admits "It isn't someplace I've ever had reason to visit."
Looking to Harmose, she asks "What should we expect, or do you prefer we be surprised?" He sounded like he has visited one before. Hopefully I haven't misinterpreted his comments.
Deseri |
Still sitting with her arms crosses. So we are spooking him somehow? In a way that he would never be willing to do this thing that he has never gotten in trouble for?
Angry Deseri has not noticed where this is going to happen. I look forward to her realizing what a brothel really is. Cause she is not thinking it is what it actually is. Also I do not want to be a really be downer with how Deseri is being right now but the minimal info and the man apparently being able to do what he wants with no real consequences bothers her a lot.
Qari Falexia |
"I'd be happy to support Aleris in my role. I still wonder how we can scare this fellow off without hurting him, though. My talents are more toward directly damaging, not scaring..."
Polux |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Polux laughs hard at Ra-Khefer's suggestion to break some knees even as he looks from Harmose to Aleris and back - "Didn't we have a magical eye patch or something that would improve one's chance to... Huh... 'Spook' another someone" - he raises an eyebrow, trying to remember - "Did we sell that?"
Samy, does Polux know anything about the place?
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Samy |
Polux knows that the brothel is fairly rundown and decrepit. A high class establishment it's not. Its activity levels are below average, so you would probably have a handful, maybe half a dozen patrons in the common room on a typical evening inspecting the ladies. Wealthier sorts of people, such as adventurers for example, would have little reason to visit the place unless they happened to have a fetish for dirt and grime and the smell of bodily secretions. It's not renowned as a meeting place in particular, but that's probably why it was picked as one. If there's one thing brothel staff generally do uphold it's a level of privacy for their customers, so it's a good "no questions asked" sort of place.
Harmose, I'm drawing a blank on crocodile myths right now. Feel free to make something suitable up if your creative bone is feeling like it.
Deseri |
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The termites things had me giggling, just so you know.
Grumbling to herself mostly but still audibly, We could tell him if he ever does it again will will take him to that lake and hold him down while the sacred crocodile eats what makes him a man.
Turel Garaldo |
Turel hides a smile on his face as he replies to the impetuous, golden-haired lady. "While such a fate is certainly well suited for him, I was requested to not have him harmed in any way Deseri. Besides it is more than what a man possesses that truly makes him one."
He sighs and rubs his head again, showing how nervous he is about this mission. "We do need to also locate where the eggs are being stored. I suggest when the first group arrives, Polux and I will search for the room where they are being hidden while Harmose....questions the other patrons."
Polux |
After sharing what he knows about the place with his companions, Polux presses on in response to Turel - "I'm up for a good search" - he smiles - "In a place like that we are bound to find interesting stuff"
Deseri |
Glaring at Turel, I know that. I do not like it but I know. I meant it could be used as a threat.
Aleris Somciel |
"I think something like that is bound to be our best shot at making this work like Turel's contacts want it to," Aleris agrees. "Harmose can distract everyone while Polux and Turel look for where the eggs are hidden. At some point we girls barge in and make an even bigger scene to keep people distracted. Once the eggs are safe, then we pull Neb-At aside for a little spiritual lesson," she smiles. "And hope it sticks. Oh! There's also Neb-At's contact to deal with too..."
She looks thoughtful. "I wonder if Neb-At sells these eggs to the same person or people all the time or if it's always different? If he's supplying just one person or one group, then maybe we can do something about that. If there's no demand, then there's no incentive to supply in the first place."
Polux |
"I think that's it then?" - Polux presses on - "Are we ready to go?"
Ra-Khefer |
About to leave for the hotel, Ra realized what was waiting there for him and turned back.
"I guess I could just stand there and look imposing. If you need me." He said reluctantly.
Polux |
"And get to the knee breaking if needed" - Polux laughs.
Harmose Al-Nefer |
"Okay, so this is NOT a nice brothel, right Polux? Clearly, I'm here not just for the normal reasons, but also to slum." Harmose smiles. "Who should I include my message spell on? Should it be on Kito and Aleris, since they're the only ones who will understand me if we run into problems?"
Meanwhile Harmose has shifted his normal robes into something more suited for the purpose: a gaudy, tight-fitting pants and a sleevleless vest that shows off his tattoos. "Am I suitably ostentatious and sleezy now? What do you think, Pol?" He grins as he spins to show off the look. "I don't know about all of you, but I'm ready to party and then prophesy for a certain crocodile egg stealing thief."
Turel Garaldo |
Turel nods in agreement. "Let us proceed then. Harmose, my brother, lead the way."
Polux |
"Indeed" - Polux nods at Harmose in appreciation - "I would say your outfit is adequate to where we are going" - he adds with a chuckle.
Deseri |
Raising an eyebrow at Harmose's change of clothing but choosing to no say anything, Where in the Abyss are we going?
Qari Falexia |
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Qari must admit she was a little excited to see the group's plan, or lack of a plan, in action. She'd never been to a brothel, either. That could be a fun experience, even if they fail their mission.
It was also going to be a hoot to pretend to be mad at the fellas.
This was much more exciting than dealing with a nasty swarm of undead cats.