Darkmeer:

"Yeah, I think a nice lunch is just what we need, thanks. Go ahead and bring us what you got, nothing too heavy though please. We got plenty of work to do after this." Having said that, Borden will wait for the waitress to leave before saying, "From what we have, I would guess that Keygan is as much a victim of this as the kidnapped children. Like the divination foretold, I think that the next step is behind that curtain. I was thinking that maybe we can send a messenger with a note for Keygan to let us into his shop at night. Whoever is watching the gnome might not be so prepared for an attack then. What do you all think?"

"I say we go back now," the lizardman declares. "The spy will be gone later."

"If'n we go back as a group then we risk alertin' any watchers. But, I agree with Kysstaa in that a bold move now might net us the learnin' we need. Tis sure that time be not on our side. Dreav's confounding mists may be the key. If'n he can get back in the shop, all disguised, maybe with another in disguise, say Borden, posin' as slavers wantin' stouter locks for their slave in tow, such as Kysstaa bound in figment manacles; then a surprise rush behind the curtain to subdue the foe may win the moment. The rest of us can be scattered about, maybe waitin' fer a signal or set time to come in.

Dreav nods to Moonpate, "You understnad the Mists too well sometimes, Diviner."

Kysstaa flicks his forked tongue approvingly.

"Good plan, Mister Moonplate. Good plan."

Eager to find out what's going on, Feli rubs his hands together.

"Yes, that seems like a splendid idea, one worthy of telling after we've pulled it off!"

back from holiday, broke my wrist so can hardly type. expect less text from me.

ALL:

OOC:

Here is my disguise check and i'll make checks for anyone else that wants them: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Moonpate will stay outside, following the group from a discrete distance and playing the part of a slightly drunk window shopper. He will have his trusty tankard in hand (filled with a lively spirit of course), wearing a kerchief of sorts around his bald head so he isn't so obvious a mark to any Laughing Fools goons that might be about. When his stalwart companions enter the gnome's shop Moonpate will be roughly 30 feet away, watching the entrance for any signal to enter.
This plan can certainly be modified if others have ideas. Also, he can use his mage armor scroll on Dreav for added protection since he will be in the thick of it, if he feels it is warranted.

Feli will try to cover any other doors or windows at the back or side of the building if possible to make sure none leave or enter.

"Sounds like a solid plan to me, responds the disguised Borden as he walks down the street staying slightly ahead of those who are not disguised so that their ruse has a better chance of working. Hidden under his massive smock was his short sword, which he kept a hand close to because they didn't know the nature of the enemy that was hiding behind the locksmith's curtain. With the application of some dirt and the use of a few smocks bought from a local vendor along with a few articles of clothing from his own collection, Borden was able to pull off that of a traveling merchant from Calmishan.

As they headed towards the locksmith's place, he slows his pace to fall in line with Moonpate as he casual says, "Okay, the signal we will give will be the sounds of combat because we don't know what awaits us behind that curtain." When he finishes, he picks up the pace, ever so slightly, to pull ahead of the undisguised group as they close of the locksmith's shop.

Disguise:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Okay, as I understand it, Dreav will be masked, with Ky'sstaa in chains, and Borden representing a Calishite merchant looking for better locks. At this time Moonpate will be "drunken window shopping," with tankard in hand, whilst Feli looks around back for an exit (and will find that there is no back door, only second story windows).

So, knowing this, go ahead with the plan, and describe the entrance the three make, and Feli tell me where you end up after seeing no back door to the shop. Moonpate, I'll need a Charisma based Stealth check, as you're trying to blend more than hide.

Non-Campaign note:

After circling the building and not finding anything, Feli will carefully watch for anyone spying on them or the locksmith. He'll then wait nearby for a sign, trying to look somewhere else.

Perception1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Stealth 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

After the first sign of something happening inside, Feli will rush inside, shortbow ready to fire at any obvious targets.
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

oooh threat!
confirm 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Dreav walks in dressed as a local merchant. Looking around, Dreav smiles at the locksmith. "Greetings! I am looking for something special today."
Perception and Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Charisma based Stealth Check: 1d20=20

Looking suave tonight.

Keygan looks up from the lock for but a moment, the same lock as earlier, but apparently further along than the first.

"What can I do you for you today, fine sirs? It'll take me a moment here, this part's real delicate."

Borden:

Kyssta hangs his head low, pretending to be defeated.

Bluff 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

"Greetings to you as well fine sir. We have some 'merchandise' for sale and heard that this was the place to be."
Bluff to get inuendo of "slaves for sale" 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Hoping that Keygan's admittance was a plea for help and that he won't blow the whistle on his obviously bad costume, Borden says"Yes, some merchandise to sell and some to buy. I, in particular, am on the look out for a decent lock. I am rather new to these parts and heard that this shop is the place to go for locks."

Sorry, DM's been sick. I will have post up in the morning after I transcribe it. Not a good time for me... again. Sorry for the delays.

Thanks for hanging in there for us, DM.

Ghelve, looking towards Borden says "Well, for what you're probably looking for will be difficult to make. It'll probably take about three weeks, total. We're talking a special Manacle-type lock, aren't we? I'd have to get some special things out of the back."

Looking towards Dreav and Ky'sstaa,
"You know those things are rather unreliable as slaves, at best. That's why we generally avoid it here in Cauldron... that and his fingers aren't likely near nimble enough for the lock work I'd require of him. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to go get a few of the parts I need for the manacle-lock styles I have."

He walks towards the back, slowly. He parts the curtain to the left, and turns to say "Anything else I can get you?"

Sense Motive

If you beat DC 15:

Scratching his chin, Dreav ponders the locksmiths words.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Smiling, Dreav says, "Well, they are horribly unreliable...and they smell. Perhaps you know where I could find someone more interesting?"
bluff check to get the point across of where are they in the room. 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Kyssta continues to keep his head bowed, his reptilian eyes downcast.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Seeing the curtain open, he glances into the next room only briefly before saying, "Hmmmm, well the lock was just first of a list of things I need. I'm also looking for a few extra items that you might be able to help me find."

Sense Motive:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Perception(to look into the back room):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Keygan sighs, and he walks into the back room. You hear some shuffling through some metallic pieces, and Keygan softly yells in reply to Dreav, "I don't really have any slaves, but I hear that the warehouse near the Cusp of Sunrise has a high-end slave market. They are more of indentured servants, really, as they sold their freedom to pay off debts. Sort of a limited, acceptable, type of slavery. Typically it's a seven or eight year contract, then they are freed."

To Borden, Keygan replies, "What're you looking for, friend? I've got a lot of different lock pieces back here, but the manacle locks are the ones that are hardest, sir. They've got to be high quality, yet compact. And, they've got to remain out of reach of the prisoner or slave, lest they find a way to pick it. Hard locks to make, indeed. What else are you looking for?"

Borden:

Everyone not in the shop:

As Keygan continues work in the back room, Borden pulls out a scrap piece of paper and a bit of charcoal and begins to write, as if writing a list of items that he needed.

What the paper says:

When he has finished writing the list, he calls to the gnome in the back room, "I have a list of everything I need here." Folding the paper in half, Borden waits for the gnome to return before handing him the note.

Everyone not in the shop:
** spoiler omitted **

For DM:

Everyone not in the shop:

** spoiler omitted **

For DM: ** spoiler omitted **

Moonpate:

For DM:

Moonpate:

Charisma roll: 1d20+2=13

Feli is somewhat startled by the approaching guards so he doesn't really try to blend in.

To himself he mumbles:
"Of course... guards at this very moment."

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Keygan comes back into the room and takes the note from Borden, takes a mental note, and scrawls something onto the paper himself and handing it back to Borden. He looks up and exclaims "I'm sorry, sir, but that type of lock was banned years ago in Cauldron. One cannot use that sort of thing, maybe a follower of Loviatar might find a use for such a thing, but not someone respectable like me! Now, get out, all of you. I'm closing the shop for the rest of the day! First those freaks thinking I have something to do with the kidnappings, then you and your... 'list!'"

Borden:

Outside the shop:
The guards pass by, hardly taking notice of Moonpate, but they do stop to question Feli. "Hold, citizen. Why are you skulking about, in broad daylight no less? You got something to hide?"

The guards are armed with one-handed spears, large wooden shields, leather armor and shortswords. The "Captain" of the bunch is armed similarly, but with a chain shirt. All are wearing the black and yellow cloaks and tabards with the city's symbol, an internally spiraling circle, blazoned on them.

Feli and Moonpate:

As he's approached by the guards, Feli takes a bow and adresses them:

"A good day to you sirs. I'll try to keep it short as not to keep you from your work. One can see you are hard working and well performing guards of this fair city. My business here is completely innocent, that I can tell you straight away. I wouldn't even think of misbehaving in any sort of way. To answer your questions: Although I'm not skulking around, which I guess indeed is something for the night, I'm currently waiting for a few friends to show up, I'm supposed to meet them here. Also I'm not hiding anything, I wouldn't dare! Except maybe a story I could tell you about a hero from the far far south. If you have some time left I could tell you about him."

Feli and Moonpate:
** spoiler omitted **

For DM:

Moonpate:

One of the guardsmen sneers at Feli, "Ain't you one of them newcomers in with that scaley one from that caravan? We got word of your kind from the gates and the caravan checker. What're you doin' with a yuan-ti, anyways? I think you're in cahoots with 'em. Maybe we should arrest you for just that."

Feli: Sense motive.

Taking the note and slipping it into the folds of his clothing, Borden maintains his ruse as he says in his thick calimshite accent, "Well, I have never been so insulted in my life! Used by Loviatar cultists you say! This type of lock is very common among the elite of Calimshan! You my good sir, have just lost a customer. GOOD...DAY!" With that, the disguised Borden storms out of the shop. As he passes Dreav, he gives a slight nod and wink.

Upon exiting the shop, Borden halts for a second at the number of guards standing around his friends as he tries to get a feel for the situation.

Sense Motive:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

For DM:

"Your loss." Exiting the shop he whispers to Borden, "try to remember that we don't know them."

Everyone exiting Ghelve's that wishes may also make a perception check on the guards, as well as a Sense Motive.

There are a total of 5 guards. 4 rankers and 1 officer.

"Cahoots? No sir! No cahooting here I assure you. We're the honest kind of folks."

OOC:

Perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

I will casually close the distance to the guards to be within 15 feet behind them, making sure to appear completely uninterested in them, looking blearily into my tankard for inspiration, wonder, and the meaning of life. If there is a crowd gathering, I will be sure to mingle within.

For DM:

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27