Zan slips into the building after Soolam. She squints threateningly.
Duncan helps Soolam drag the thug into the building then takes charge, slamming the thug into a nearby wall. He draws a dagger and presses it to his throat.
"We don't take kindly to being stalked. Who are you and why are you following us. Make it quick and you will walk out of here. Waste any more of my time and I promise you, no gods will save you from me."
Wyaph enters the building with them, but stands near the door keeping watch. "Well done running the berk down! Bravo, my friends! Oh, Wyaph Cloudrunner, God in training," the bariaur says, pointing to himself and nodding politely.
"While you are at it, could you get him to return my jink? Or if they spent it already, they better hope it was on something glorious and worthy of my coin!"
Wyaph turns back the doorway and watches for any others that might be peery of what they are up to.
Zethaya, seeing the others dragging one of the thugs into the vacant building catches up and enters the building after them.
"And what else do you know about our... friends?" she completes Duncan's line of questions, implying the book and the cat.
Say - I'm glad we caught this peeler and all, but what about that sleeping fellow we left in the street with the airy guy? Right next to a bunch of witnesses. In the open. In this particularly rules obsessive city.
You see at least one person leave the crowd with talks of finding a guard.
> One man walks up to you and says, Oh dear. Does he have anything to do with those rude fellows who plowed through? It's so nice that you're helping him. What caused him to collapse?
”Chaotic oxoexodosis of the fratastat,” Aerin answered with breezy confidence. ”Horribly catchy I’m afraid. I’d give this man a wide berth until his physician arrives. Can’t be too cautious with these contagious lower planar diseases you know,” he explained while looking up and down the street in search of the rest of the group.
The man backs up quickly, muttering, Oh dear oh dear oh dear.. Um. Thank you, kind sir, for your bravery in handling this. I, uh, I hope it isn't contagious. It is, isn't it?
He moves back towards the crowd, and as he does, you can see the people he speaks with start to move away as well. After a short time, the crowd starts to disperse and becomes thinner.
I... Uh uh uh... I... He tries to back up as much as he can, until he hits a wall and resizes he's trapped. I was hired by the Council of Anarchy to follow you. You were spotted with The Book. We know The Book is a creation of Heirons, and we want to find him. Or the tiefling Meunscaal - she's his friend and she knows where he is. So that's why we was following you - you had The Book.
"And where are these people?" Soolam says pleasantly, tapping a dagger on the man's nose, while rifling through his pockets. The energy layering his knife goes out then, and his mind is once again open to the world around him.
After receiving his answer, Duncan takes the dagger from the thugs throat and sheaths it. He then goes about dusting the thug off and straightening his tunic. As he does this, Duncan asks his name.
"Listen (thug's name), I want to know everything you know about this Council of Anarchy, what they want with Heirons, and what you were going to do when you found him."
The thug had leather armor, a mace, a heavy crossbow, and 2 silver (which Soolam successfully took).
We... We're everywhere. We're underground. We're in the guards. We're selling clothes. We're drinking in bars. We're the Council of Anarchy, and we will keep this place from merging into Mechanus.
As for why we want Heiron - he owes us money. He hasn't paid our cut to sneak out his goods to Sigil or other places along the Great Ring. Nor has he paid his protection fee, per the Council of Anarchy Regulation 86759-A3. This is a procedural contractual follow-up, but we can't find him. We saw that you had one of his creations and knew you must have met up with him recently or were going to see him soon. So we've been following you in hopes you would lead us to him.
He looks back and forth between Soolam and Duncan, As for what we're going to do with him? We're going to get our money, and if we can't do that, we're going to take his stuff of equal value to what he owes us. And if we can't do that, we're going to extra pain from him at a rate of 1 Pain Unit per Copper Piece owed, per Regulation 1520-BF18.
"Sounds like our man has gotten himself into a bit of a pickle. We got no idea where Heiron is. We're tryin' to find him, cause' we got a job to give him his stuff back. So you can stop following us, or we can give you a Chiv in the Brain-Box. In addition, I'll let you keep your stuff."
Duncan looks puzzled after hearing the explanation. "So this Council of Anarchy has strict rules and regulations? Doesn't that kind of go against the concept of 'anarchy'?" Duncan is sure to put extra emphasis on "anarchy" and include air quotes.
"Come to think of it, isn't 'Council of Anarchy' a bit of contradiction? I mean it sounds like you folks don't seem to know how this whole 'anarchy' thing works."
In response to Soolam, he says, Uh.. Thank you sir. I'll not be following you cutters anymore. And I'll tell the Council we need to back off.
"I think 'anarchy' is to be understood as a relative term. Us not taking turns at a 90° angle is probably considered anarchy around this place." Zethaya muses, she then steps closer to the captive thug "How many people does your council consist of?"
Wyaph leans back from watching the street and asks, "Does this Council of Anarchy also have a regulation for returning jink they stole?"
The thug laughs at the Bariaur's question. Berk, if you got peeled by someone, it's your own fault. To Zethaya, he says, We Got dozens. There's no way you can stop us all.
"You tryna mess with us, addle-cove? Stop wig-wagging lies, and tell us the truth!"
Zan rolls her eyes at the exchange. Always someone trying to found a new faction, and not getting it.
Fine, the Thug says, Theres only ten or so of us, including my two friends you chased. And I the only money I can give back are these two silver pieces. He reaches into his pocket. Hey, where'd they go? Must've lost them when I was running.
Jysson, seemingly bored, decides to walk out of the building and go outside. A few minutes later, he comes back in with Aerin.
I got curious as to what happened to the other guy. We left Tiberius to keep an eye out, but we also made a new friend. She's outside; she wants to tell us something, but not around that guy. So we got to figure out what to do with him. I say we just tie him up and leave him here.
Zethaya steps up very close to the thug, purple energy flaring up in her hand: "The deal between Heiron and the Council of Anarchy is hereby concluded. You're even."
Seeing the thug's (possible) disinterest, Duncan slams him into the wall, dagger pressed to his throat.
"I suggest you listen to the lady."
Zethaya steps up very close to the thug, purple energy flaring up in her hand: "The deal between Heiron and the Council of Anarchy is hereby concluded. You're even."
[dice=CHA (Intimidate)]1d20 + 3
Late to the scene, Aerin asks Zethaya and the others, "What deal? I mean, I'm quite curious why we are chasing these fellows anyway."
The thug backs up against the wall as much as he can, which isn't much. Ok ok! We'll back off.
Soolam, having said all he needs to say, sits back and grins at the thug. "We can let him go now." He calls out. "I don't think he'll cause us any more trouble." He pushes himself off the wall, and sets off down the road.
Duncan stares down the thug as he answers Aerin's question.
"These fellows are with an organization called the Council of Anarchy. They saw us with Heiron's book and followed us, hoping to find him and shake him down due to a debt."
Noticing the rope strapped to the side of Zan's explorer's kit, he digs in is coin pouch, offering two gold coins.
"Can I buy that rope from you Zan? I left my rope out in the street, and Jysson's idea sounds like a good one. I'll leave the knots somewhat loose, just so he won't be able to follow us, but he can free himself after some time."
He then turns to the Bariaur.
"Sorry for your lost coin, Wyaph was it? How much did they steal from you?"
He then turns to the Bariaur.
"Sorry for your lost coin, Wyaph was it? How much did they steal from you?"
"Bah! It was just a pittance. I had merely hoped the thieves would have either been part of a grand conspiracy or at least put my coin to a gloriously scandalous purpose. But, neither seem to be."
The bariaur approaches the thug and claps him forcefully on the shoulder. "You seek anarchy among the ordered - that is a bold and daring challenge. You may be failing in achieving it in this life, but perhaps in the next, you will find the chaos you seek. Be wild and be bold, my friend!" And with another rather too forceful clap on the shoulder, the bariaur turns from him and looks to the rest of the group.
"However, the rest of you seem to be up to something of note. I know nothing of books or this Heiron, but I see greatness in your eyes. I am Wyaph, Buck of Jex and Glien, of the Cloudrunner clan, and lately of the Godsmen themselves! If I maybe of service to you, perhaps we may all achieve greatness together before our paths split."
Wyaph bows deeply to the others.
Zan declines Duncan's offer of coins and hands the rope to him.
She nods at Wyaph's introduction, then hitches a thumb in the direction of the door and the street, as if to indicate that the group does still have other things to do and should keep moving.
Zethaya returns the gesture, with a more subtle bow. "Pleased to meet you Wyaph, I am Zethaya. But our silent friend is not wrong, perhaps we should get back to our business. Jysson, would it be fair to cut Master Cloudrunner in on our deal, for his troubles?"
Jysson answers Zethaya's question, I believe we can accommodate him, so long as the rest of you don't mind getting a smaller cut.
Zan shrugs. She draws a square in the air, then draws a finger across her throat - perhaps indicating that the modrons and their allies will be harsher than anything the party would do, to a self-proclaimed anarchist found here.
Thank you Zan.
Duncan goes to work tying up the thug. After that's done, he goes to shake Wyaph's hand.
"I'm Duncan, pleased to meet you. We should head out and talk to this 'new friend' that Jysson mentioned."
You tie up the thug and leave him in the currently-empty building, safe in the assumption that he'll likely be found soon as the building is up for rent and someone will likely be along within a day or so.
Exiting the building, you see a tiefling woman waiting for you. She smiles as you all exit and says, "Thank you for coming out to see me. Please, let us walk and talk, as I don't want our friend in there overhearing what I'm about to tell you."
As you walk away, she explains further, "Your draconic friend back there told me you were looking for Heiron. He happens to be a friend of mine. He also said you have one of his prize inventions, The Book. Last I knew, he was selling it with payments to an accountant in Sigil. How did you manage to get a hold of it?"
The cat speaks up at this point, "That accountant would actually be me." Jysson explains. "I died some time ago and became a petitioner on the beastlands. My lord sent me on a mission to Sigil, and The Book sensed my presence. He called to me and I obliged, and that's when I learned that in my past life I was an accountant named Jysson and that I still owed a debt to Heiron.
"It was through my doing that these fine cutters are here today. I asked them to help me return The Book to Jysson."
"Oh, so you intend to return The Book! How wonderful!" She says, excitedly. "I'm sure Heiron would love that. Heiron is currently hiding inside the Counsel of Order's main building, which is the building closest to the Gate to Mechanus. Once you enter, turn left down the first hallway past the receptionist's desk. Go down three doors and enter a storage room. He's hiding in the closet in the storage room with Mordenkainen's Mansion cast on it. Knock on the wall five times and then give a low whistle, and he'll open the door to speak with you."
How you get to him is up to you.
Assuming you're going to stake out the place for a little bit before entering, then you can make an Investigation check:
Getting into the building at night will be more difficult. The place is kept locked up and guarded. However, if you're quiet and hidden, you don't have to explain anything to anyone.
If you plan on heading straight there and just entering the building, you can ignore the above check.
"Forgive my prying, but why would he be hiding? And if he is hiding, I must wonder what makes you so trusting as to give us this information?"
Zethaya decides to examine the building a bit closer before leaving.
"The Council of Order's main building? Doubt the Council of Anarchy would have the stones to chase Heiron in there," Duncan muses with a chuckle. To the tiefling woman, he asks "Does Heiron have any friends in the Council of Order that would have helped him hide in the building, or perhaps anyone in the Order that knows of his presence? If not, is there someone within the council with a bit of clout? Not the head of the council, but someone important in the council?"
Being the cautious sort, he will insist to stake the building out before going in.
"Sneaking in at night would be risky. We can easily get in during the day, we would just have to convince the receptionist that we belong there."
"Aye, either entering by day or night sound like a challenge. We could perhaps distract the receptionist and then charge past, seeing which of us can force our way in far enough to reach this person you seek!"
Unsure if the group would find charging through the best option, Wyaph does return to Duncan's ideas, "Or if you prefer subterfuge, I have only just met all of you, so I do not know who is the most charming among us, but there is no challenge I will not face! I have never tried to lie my way into a building before, but if it will prove my worth to you, I accept this challenge!"
Soolam looks for any windows, or alternative entrances to the building.
"I can co-ordinate things from a high vantage point, if you like." Soolam suggests. "If I can sneak past, I can get to the ceiling and warn people silently, as well as watching for any approaching people. Zethaya and Aerin, you think you can bluff your way in?"
"Forgive my prying, but why would he be hiding? And if he is hiding, I must wonder what makes you so trusting as to give us this information?"
Oh, he's hiding from the Counsel of Anarchy. He's been skimping on his "protection fees" and they got mad at him. It happens from time to time. As for why I trust you? Your friend told me you were looking to give back The Book. I can see the silent one over there holding it, so I know you have it. And since you just spent some considerable effort chasing down some of their cony-catchers and leaving them tied up for the city guard to find, you can't be that bad.
And if I'm wrong, well, Heiron can hold his own pretty well when he's cornered. Not just any old berk can make a sentient magic item. Best of luck!
To the tiefling woman, he asks "Does Heiron have any friends in the Council of Order that would have helped him hide in the building, or perhaps anyone in the Order that knows of his presence? If not, is there someone within the council with a bit of clout? Not the head of the council, but someone important in the council?"
She answers Duncan, Probably, but I don't know all his friends. More likey, he just made himself invisible and snuck in to cast the mansion spell. It ain't the first time he's hidden in that building from the Anarchy.
"Ah yes I should have thought. Well, we have some good news for him then."
-----------------
To Wyaph: "I'm sure I can come up with a story. But some additional information about the building could be useful to make something convincing.", something in her voice has become notably more confident and measured in the short time since Wyaph met her.
She answers Duncan, Probably, but I don't know all his friends. More likey, he just made himself invisible and snuck in to cast the mansion spell. It ain't the first time he's hidden in that building from the Anarchy.
"Don't suppose you know anyone in there, or perhaps know of someone? Someone with enough influence that saying their name would give a receptionist pause. Here's what I'm thinking: we simply walk in and walk past the receptionist. If he or she tries to stop us, we claim we have an appointment with said person, and say that if we are late, aforementioned person will know the reason why some lowly receptionist stopped us."
Duncan then cocks his head to the side, a thought occuring."I wonder, in a society so strict on rules and order, if it's considered rude to show up early to an appointment?"
Then, addressing Wyaph:
"I like the idea of someone distracting the receptionist, not so much us charging past, charging tends to draw attention. Walking past like we belong, there's something."
Then, addressing Wyaph:
"I like the idea of someone distracting the receptionist, not so much us charging past, charging tends to draw attention. Walking past like we belong, there's something."
"Charging the receptionist would certainly be distracting," Wyaph says with a shrug. "I offer my assistance and defer to your wisdom on this. Furthermore, if any locked doors bar our path," he pats the top of his head and horns, "they will fall before me!"
Zan rubs her forehead like she's getting "that headache." She looks around for a moment, then holds up the book as if it's a familiar tome, takes on a very bored expression, and struts back and forth a few times, as if to demonstrate that looking like a Guvner - pretending that you belong - is perhaps an easier way in.