After your last deeds and a small period of rest you happen to cross by Varisia in your return to Absalom. There, you are acknowledged by Pathfinder contacts and requested your attendance to a meeting in Magnimar at Venture-Captain's Sheila Heidmarch home.
The day rises sunny and clear and the streets of Magnimar are bustling and lively as in their best days.
The house is magnificent and the servants let you wait in a small room for the other Pathfinders to arrive and Sheila to be ready.
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A tall, lanky, rather anemic-looking half-elf, limps into the room. He appears to be only a few steps from death's door; his skin hangs loosely on his bones, as if he has recently lost a lot of weight, and he has a sallow, waxy complexion. Despite this, his eyes burn with an inner fire, such that it seems sheer force of personality is what is keeping his body moving.
His garments, on the other hand, are impeccably tailored; he is clad in a tasteful red-and-gold courtier's outfit, and around his neck he wears a large golden gorget, set in the middle with a finely carved chunk of jade.
Looking around, he notes that no-one has yet arrived, and gratefully, he collapses into a well-cushioned chair whilst he waits for the others to present themselves.
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As the door opens, a man who can only be described as 'too much', walks in. Rising all the way from his black leather and brocade boots, to his purple and yellow breeches, all the way to his three different holy symbols of Calistria, Cayden Cailean and Pharasma, to his bright purple hat sitting on top of his massive frame, even his smile is excessive. Tossing a wide-brimmed hat, complete with a foot long yellow feather onto the coat hanger, he crashes in a coach and grins at the half-elf. "He-hey, Nummer! How's ya doin'! Been a while, ya know. Didja know they put honey in wine in this here place?", before pulling out a worn notebook and writing implements and putting them on the table. "Ya know, I've been puttin' some extra effort in them reports. Good that ya're here. Ya know how ta spell Rahadoumi?", he asks with the expression of a puppy.
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A lanky, wisp thin elf with prominent elven features; pale skin, eyes so blue they almost look black, long straight hair of very pale yellow, and of course long pointy ears enters the room. He wears rough-spun leather clothing and studded leather armor in shades of brown and green, long brown leather boots, a dark green woolen cloak, and a long bow over his shoulder. He carries a very long spear, but seems to have no trouble moving it through the spaces he occupies.
He pauses a moment, as if wondering if he should interrupt the private conversation taking place. Looking first to the flamboyant human he provides a polite nod, then with a slightly longer and more polite nod he addresses the half elf in elvish.
"Mae govannen, amin Lannior Llarm."
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Eveline is excited, this is her first mission abroad and away from the bustling city of Absalom. She has yearned to live a little and explore the world, live in the wilderness away from gazing eye. When the call comes to report to the Heidmarch manor, Eveline is happy to oblige. For the first time in a long long time she has felt happy.
She swings open the door, and for the briefest second she has a loving, joyous smile on her face. Right up until her gaze meets up with Lionel, her smile turns into that familiar frustrated frown, once Lionel especially is familiar with. Her face turns into disbelief as she spots Numair as well.
Eveline is a female halfling, a tall one at that, and has an extraordinary physique; a mix of an athlete and a glamour model. She has tried her darnest to guise the latter, but clothes have a strange habit of being ill-fitting–or rather 'form enhancing'–despite being tailored.
"The gods are toying with me," she whispers to herself, stunned for a moment at the door. Eveline snaps out of it quickly, and heads to nearest free chair (away from the couch, of course) and promptly flops onto it, starting to rub her temples as if she has a headache.
"Hello, Numair. Hello, Lionel. Hello, elf. It'd be polite to speak a tongue we others understand as well, don't you think?" Eveline starts off, showing her charming nature as a nice first impression, "I'm Eveline Bleakrock, and I'm the meanest little archer you'll come across."
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Looking to the newly enter Eveline.
No offense was intended milady. I am Lannior Llarm and I'm sorry, but the sound of the Talden tongue leaves a sour ring in my ears. It's so crude in structure, don't you think? Nevertheless, I understand it's a necessary evil, as they say. Perhaps you would allow me to teach you a bit of the Elven tongue sometime.
Looking at the three pathfinder's it's clear there paths have crossed before and perhaps the last time things did not go smoothly. Again addressing Eveline.
Milady, it would appear the three of you have shared each others company before?
Lannior let's it hang there like a half asked question, waiting to see if any of them will share what there past experiences were.
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Eveline grits her teeth. "You could say so. Don't get me wrong, our missions have been high successes each time. It's just that... our ideologies don't really match." She glances at Lionel, who sports all those holy symbols.
"I should really keep my personal matters to myself, I admit. It's not my role to judge others..."
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Lionel's grin grows even wider as Eveline walks in the door. "What she meant to say's I'm tha meanest, period." He stands up, extending a hand to the newcomer. "As she said, ma name's Lionel. Nice ta meetcha, Lanio.", he says with a welcoming smile.
"An' by that she means she hates havin' fun." Leaning closer, he whispers loud enough for Eveline to hear, [smaller]"She has those crow's feet from frownin' all tha time.", grinning widely.
Sitting back on his chair, he nods at the elf's spear. "Tha's a nice one ova there. Maybe ya can teach me som elven fightin' styles'n'all!", he says, pointing to the corner where an equally ostentatious spear is leaning. A brocade scarf is hanging just under the head of the spear, which is shaped like a stylized wasp with an enormous sting.
"Where we done Pathfindin' before? Well, it all started on a dark night in Absalom, an odd quarters known as the Prescipice. We was investigatin' undead in the crypts of a school. Hella weird. Then we was chasin' somethin' to cure this Ulfen guy that's been cursed, an' we ended up bein' shifted to a boat in Ar-Icen, where them witches are.", he takes a breath and leans even further back in the chair. "Last thing we did is takin' down a snitch in them faith-hatin' guards in Absalom, some lady workin' for Rahadoum. Which I still can't spell." He tells the tales with enthusiasm, though not necessarily storytelling skill. "An' yaself? Where yo from, Lanio?"
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Lannior listens carefully to what Lionel has to say legitimately interest to hear the tales of adventure (even in common), then replies.
I'm from Kyonin originally, but I've been in Varisia for many years now. I've never been to Absalom, but I recently spoke with Lady Heidmarch about going there soon.
As the conversation settles down a chamberlain opens the office door and coughs "Ehem... the Excels Sheila Heidmarch is ready to receive you and awaits in his office" with a sign he points the group towards the door.
The light from the rising sun performs a splendid dance upon the windows of Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch’s Magnimarian manor house as she pours the coffee.
As you take sit around the office she seems to count you "Two of you are missing" she does not show any kind of feeling in her facial expression though "Anyway, we should proceed".
She makes a sign towards the chamberlain and her young servant brings in a platter of pastries and fruits before the Venture-Captain begins to speak about the mission at hand in her distinctively low, breathy voice.
“As I’m sure you’re well aware, much of the reason Riddleport was founded where it was is because of its easily defendable position as well as the enigmatic Cyphergate, which has baffled scholars since its discovery. The Pathfinder Society has a keen interest in the Thassilonian monument as well, since solving its mysteries would undoubtedly unlock a number of other secrets regarding that lost empire. The Order of the Cyphers has been amassing support from outside sources for some years now, and scholars from all over the Inner Sea have come to aid Elias Tammerhawk and the cyphermages.”
Heidmarch takes a bite out of a chocolate-filled biscuit before continuing. “Just recently, however, we received word from Elias himself that several of the visiting scholars haven’t arrived in Riddleport Bay as expected. It seems as though a band of raiders, led by the Vudran pirate Alejia Netrav, has been intercepting the ships at sea, killing the crews, and destroying the ships. While Riddleport is hardly a stranger to the likes of pirates, Overlord Cromarcky has declared it illegal for any ships that wish to return to Riddleport Harbor to attack ships bearing the Riddleport flag. Alejia’s ship is clearly coming from Riddleport—the attacks all took place just outside Riddleport Harbor—but attempts to identify her ship have been unsuccessful so far.”
She makes a pause to drink a sip of coffee, then continues “I needn’t explain to you that the Pathfinder Society is also very much interested in the secrets of the Cyphergate, and that the deaths of these knowledgeable scholars have severely hindered progress in unraveling the artifact’s mysteries. The unexplained attacks are beginning to wear on the other sailors of Riddleport as well, and if something isn’t done about the matter soon, there will be no shortage of civil unrest, if not anarchy.”
Sheila stops there observing your reactions, visibly still not revealing what she exactly wants from you.
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Despite the Venture Captain's low key demeanor, there is a sense of excitement in the air. Lannior hangs on every word. Up to this point he has only ever done odd jobs for Lady Heidmarch. Only days before he was set to go to Absalom to receive training at the Grand Lodge, he was instead being entrusted with a real and important assignment by the Pathfinder Society.
Despite wanting to do cartwheels of excitement. Lannior holds his cool. Casually taking an apple from the platter, he rubs it on his sleeve, gives it a bite and then gives a knowing confident nod to the Venture Captain.
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The sound of loud footsteps and armor clinking and clanging down the hallway is prevalent as a large young human male enters the room. He drops his bag to the ground and rests his shield against the wall.
The shield emblazoned with what appears to be a giant dark green octopus face. A multitude of tentacles dangling from the bottom of the portrait. The creature seems to be glaring with a series of ten eyes painted upon the beast.
The young man nods his head full of brown hair. Greetings, I am Ranor. What is this I hear about pirates?
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"Quite grave," Eveline comments, hearing of the scholars' demise. She does seem concerned, but more about the fact they might have a trip to Riddleport at hand. Instinctively, she picks up a very rich-looking creme-filled pastry from the dish.
When Ranor enters, Eveline has already bitten into the pastry and only waves a hello to Ranor, not wanting to spit her mouth's contents.
Sheila observes calm as Ranor enters the room, waits for him to take sit and then greets the man "Greetings pathfinder. Your colleagues will update you about the current status of your destination. What we need you to do is..."
The woman turns to the window and looks to the horizon “In a few days, a ship called the Topaz Titan is scheduled to arrive in Riddleport Harbor from Minkai, bearing the acclaimed Tian scholar Hirako Gurukaza—who is also a former member of our Society."
After a pause she turns to you again after and continues "We fear that he may be Alejia’s next target, and your task is to prevent her assault at all costs, both ensuring Hirako’s safety and shoring up our relationship with Tammerhawk. I have heard rumors that some of Alejia’s cronies have been storing their stolen goods somewhere in the Wharf District, so that might be a good place to start your investigation."
And yet, she drums the table with her fingers as if she wants to add something more "While in Riddleport, keep a low profile and try to avoid pulling any of the crimelords into the situation. Tammerhawk would appreciate discretion and subtlety if possible. Regardless, there is little time to waste, as there is no knowing exactly when the pirates will choose to strike the Topaz Titan.”
"Any questions?" Sheila looks at you inquisitively.
"I am unsure their goal is to avoid the Cyphergate being investigated Lionel. When I spoke to Elias, he was very cryptic about why someone would want to hinder his efforts so much, but if I had to take a guess, I’d say this is a direct attack against Elias, rather than the scholars themselves. I doubt that the Topaz Titan’s crew is aware of the threat Alejia poses.” says Sheila concerned.
"As for who these people are... Elias is the Speaker of the Order of Cyphers, the people who is researching the ancient Tassilonian gate. Hirako Gurukaza is a former Tien Pathfinder scholar that wants to join forces with the Cypermages on their research." she makes a worried pause then continues "Alejia is a Vudran pirate... while she is a lowly pirate, Alejia possesses more enemies than friends in Riddleport, having backstabbed many business partners to get to where she is now. Her sudden disappearance and recent activities have only spurred public resentment of her, and many would like to see her dead. In any case, don’t be surprised if your investigation gets you entangled with some of her less savory ex-associates.”
Sheila turns to Eveline "No way, the ship is already sailing from Minkai. We have to press on. Trade between Magnimar and Riddleport is strong at present, and there are ships leaving several times a day to traverse the Varisian Gulf for the City of Cyphers. I have arranged passage for you on a Taldan cargo ship called the Opparan Opal that will be leaving within the hour. Hurry to the docks, and you’ll be in Riddleport before you know it"
"Any further question?"
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"If we are to leave in an hour, we've got no time to mingle here! Let's go, folks!" Eveline says, hurriedly starting to pack her belongings and securing her weapons, "any contact on the ship we might ask about Riddleport and the contacts? Give us a tour around the town without going on it, you understand me?"
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Lionel quickly puts on his hat, a massive grin on his face. "So, if I got this right, we're huntin' a pirate who's chasin' a man who's arrivin' ta investigate an ancient artefact, and we may be fightin' more pirates. And you're askin' us if we're ready?", he says, standing up and picking up his spear. "That's not a rh... an actual question, innit?", he says, holding the door for others to leave as he puts on his hat. "'Cause, I'm down for that, if ya askin' me."
After four days sailing through the Varisian Gulf, you observe a massive arch of stone raising over a dark harvor in the distance.
The ancient arch known as the Cyphergate is impressive and Riddleport harvor is full of ships today.
After the ship docks the Grandmaster enters the vessel and starts doing an inventory. You observe some pirates laughing and drinking some rum on the docks buildings. The streets are covered with wood, and horrible puddles of salty water scatter around the sandy streets of Riddleport.
Where will the pathfinders start their investigation after Aleija?
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During the entire journey Eveline has kept to herself, away from prying eyes. Aboard a ship for nearly a week with a crew consisting solely of males she felt insecure. After the four days of solitude she emerges back to the deck, though sun's light seems to be a bit too bright to her for a while.
"This cesspit of a town would be a much more attractive travel destination if they'd only get rid of the scum," Eveline comments seeing the shanty town, immediately showing her disapproval in the most joyous way possible. Due to her small size and disproportionate assets, she feels reluctant to even wander about the town and ask people about Alejia and the general opinion about her.
As Numair wanders off to start his query, Eveline ponders. "I don't know about you, Numair, but I'd prefer to see Elias first. He could give as the rudimentary information we need, as well as a schedule and shed some light on why his scholars have been targeted."
"I don't know, Numair, we could raise suspicions if the first we do is ask about Alejia. If we aren't discreet, she'll hear about us too, asking questions about her," Eveline says to the tall elf, warning him about being so rash. Regardless, Eveline tries to be useful and asks about Alejia and her group of pirates and their whereabouts.
It appears the folk in Riddleport like her appearance, much to her nuisance. This does yield information, though, of which she is happy. All those pinches and intrusive touches could have been left out, however.
It is not difficult to find the Wharf district. After a bunch of questions you find yourself navigating through the pirate city streets full of freaks of all kinds. You fear to uncover your research by random placing questions and finally decide to go inside one of Riddleport's known Gambling Halls.
A woman running the Ghoulette table, a game of chance that uses an animate, insulting head, seems the most receptive in the local and playing some interest in the game rapidly gives you with the privacy and attention needed to casually ask about Alejia.
"Oh! Before they took to their latest unlawful deeds, Alejia and her crew were well known among the pirate gangs of Riddleport." says Lix, the roulette operator "Alejia’s crew is known for its ruthless tactics and efficiency in commandeering and sinking targets, often switching or altering ships to conceal her true whereabouts."
The woman looks at you as she activates the roulette one additional time "I have seen it acting once. But why do you have interest on her person?"
You arrive at the Cypher Lodge, an elaborate building sitting over the northern extreme of the Cyphergate arch. The majesty of the ancient Tassilonian ruin causes a meaningless of humanity feeling on its presence.
The scholars in the lodge seem quite busy moving around with thick documents, but you are well received and soon Elias opens his office for you "Welcome Pathfinders! We are so happy you are here to try help us with this problem! I do not know why they are pursuing as in this manner but I fear Aleija might get his hands in the Topaz Titan with Hirako on board. What can you do to secure the ship and our scholar?" the middle age human seems terribly worried and physically exhausted, as if he has not slept during the last weeks. He looks at you with pale eyes through his rounded glasses.
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Numair shrugs.
"As I am sure you are aware, recently, she has been making enemies. Unfortunately for her, she's messed with the wrong group. My employer has issued a termination contract on her. Consequently, it would be in everyone's best interest if I find her quickly. Less messy that way, at least..."
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"Right, Elias," Eveline begins, wondering if anyone else followed her to the Cypher Lodge, "we were sent here in a hurry, and some of my colleagues strayed to the streets to gather information about Aleija and her croonies. They try to dig up her whereabouts, so we could strike her first. While my social abilities would prove to be... effective in this town, I decided to instead to check up on you, so you know we are here to help you."
"You could start off by telling us about what you know about Aleija and the incidents, in case you have more details than our captain Sheila Heidmarch. When is the Topaz Titan meant to arrive, and what can you tell us about the ship Aleija commands?"
"Well, I have no idea of where she is" Lix approaches to you and whisppers "But I have heard recently, some pirates paid dockworkers to look the other way as they led a gagged and blindfolded person from a large crate into a derelict warehouse on the edge of the Wharf District."
Elias checks a calendar on his table "Let's see... if today is... well, that means you still have 2 days left before the Topaz Titan’s scheduled arrival"
"Well, Aleija has been around here for some time. They were already well known before the attacks started. It took us some time to discover they were behind the attacks." Tammerhawk makes a pause while passing his hand over one book in the table "If Overlord Cromarcky discovers I have requested the help of another organisation in order to solve this problem my reputation will be ruined and my possibilities to become the new Overlord will disappear. Please hold this as secretive as possible."
"As for Aleija... while she appears human from a distance, she is actually a vishkanya from distant Vudra, making her blood and spit deadly poison against foes. In addition to her charming wiles, Alejia is known for her elaborate disguises and magical ability to alter her appearance. That's all the scholars around have known about her" the Order of the Cypher leader looks at Eveline worried.
"Aleija's ship is the 'Lionfish'. It is an old vessel in need of some urgent repainting. Despite relative neglect it has remained in good shape over the years. Its crew members are not the most learned sailors in the Inner Sea, but they replace rotting wood and patch the sails when necessary, and their raids ensure that they are well fed and have plenty of rum. We have no idea where the ship is docked or sailing at this point" finishes the old Elias.
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"I truly hope my colleagues realize to keep their research as low key as possible, lest they openly admit looking for Aleija and announce our organization's name out loud. I can only expect such foolishness from one of my colleagues..."
"You've given me a lot more information than I had anticipated possible," Eveline says with real amazement, "but this Lionfish has not reached the docks of Riddleport as of late, right? It must have moored elsewhere, maybe on some uninhabited island? It could easily hide in the archipelago, I imagine."
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Lionel remains in the background, staring at the pirates as Numair questions the dealer. He crosses his massive arms on his chest as he casually studies the surrounding people.
Unfortunately, he's a bit out of the water on this one, not being too familiar with the customs here. "I doubt that was the mutual fun version of a gag an' a blindfold, now, wasit?", he says, looking at Numair and Lannior. "Best we go there an' give a man a safeword.", he grins.
The worker shrugs when Numair says goodbye to her "Well... goodbye then I suppose. I hope you have your things done with Aleija"
Elias nods in agreement at Eveline "I guess so. If they are planning to assault the Topaz Titan, they are probably docked elsewhere but the docks. I am sorry I cannot tell you anything else about whom might be their contacts or where they might have their base in Riddleport"
With that the old man just adds his farewell "Goodbye, and let me know of any real advance. Remember not to take the attention of the Overlord please!"
The party gets out in the middle of the busy streets of Riddleport.
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"Hello, Numair, Lannior, Lionel," Eveline says with a concerned face, "I hope you've been discreet in your endeavors. I and Ranor went to the Cypher Lodge and spoke with Elias Tammerhawk. He expressed concern about the Overlock Cromarcky, and how he should not learn about another organization taking part of the investigation. It could create complications to Elias' research."
"This Aleija, she's not a human, but a Vudran vishkanya. Elias said her race is venomous, so if we are to confront her, we should pack up extra antitoxins. Also, her ship's name is Lionfish, and it is docked somewhere else, Elias didn't know where. And the Topaz Titan will arrive to Riddleport in two days time, so we don't have that much time."
"So what did you uncover?"
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Lannior looks around to make sure there are no extra ears around and then in a whisper relays what they learned.
We found a helpful lady at one of the gambling dens. She told us
Alejia and her crew were well known among the pirate gangs of Riddleport, and they are known for ruthless tactics and efficiency in commandeering and sinking targets, often switching or altering ships to conceal her true whereabouts.
More importantly she overheard that some pirates had paid dockworkers to look the other way as they led a gagged and blindfolded person from a large crate into a derelict warehouse on the edge of the Wharf District.
When we were back in Magnimar Venture-Captain Heidmarch also mentioned some of Alejia’s cronies have been storing their stolen goods somewhere in the Wharf District.
With a sly grin he adds Sounds like a match.
I suggest we seek out some anti-toxin, then head to the Wharf.
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"It would be a coincidence. Worth checking out, though," Eveline comments. She idly fiddles her bow, knowing it'll see some action this week. "It was a good thing I refrained from joining you. I imagine I would have felt... uneasy at the gambling den."
"Before I forget, Elias did tell the ship, Lionfish, looks like a wreck but is maintained in sailing condition. The guise might be a deliberate maneuver."
The morning has passed while you were gathering information and after your meeting and a little snack it does not take much effort for you to reach the pointed out warehouse.
The foul, mucky weather is enough to make any possible source of refuge look at least a little more hospitable, but the tattered sides of this rundown building have clearly seen better days. The waterlogged boards that hold it up have numerous holes that have been boarded over with newer
planks.
The warehouse’s few windows are high off the ground and intermittently broken; those still intact are far too grimy to see through anyway. While the building itself hardly looks like a viable base of operations, a flicker of light can be seen from within. The east and west loading doors are closed, as well as the narrower south door, which has a sliding peep hole built into it at eye level.
The side door looks like it sees considerable traffic, and the flimsy lock holding it from the inside hardly seems to hold the thing shut.
The light reflects in the nearby water as a mirror creating a carousel of lights in the warehouse font wall.
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In a hushed tone, Lannior shares with the others.
Look. The side door looks like it sees considerably more traffic. That lock looks flimsy, even though it's holding it from the inside, it hardly holds the door shut. I bet we could easily get in.
Perhaps one of us should climb up to a broken window and see what's inside before we go in?
I'm not a great climber, but there looks like enough handholds with all the extra boards nailed onto the outside. I'll give it a try if you want?
He looks at the other for affirmation.
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"I could climb up, I've done this once before," Eveline says, making sure her wardrobe can take the scraping against the wooden building, "although I don't like it."
Once she's good to go she starts climbing on the surface of the wall, first checking for good handholds and potential hazards.
Once up there she tries to make herself stay up there, out of sight from potential bad guys. She signals what she can see to her colleagues in simple hand gestures.
Eveline climbs the warehouse wall with ease. It is difficult to look through the broken windows but through some of the small holes remaining she is able to observe some light trembling in the interior.
You can hear some sounds within, enough to say the building is occupied. But the visibility through the window is too bad to say the nature or location of the inhabitants.
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Eveline holds one hand on the ledge of the broken window, and turns to face her colleagues.
"There are some people inside, but I can't see how many for sure," she says with a hushed tone. She almost loses balance while hanging on, but manages to grab on back to the ledge. With a sharp exhale she gets ready to climb higher to the roof. She makes sure not to slip and saves the heroics for later. Quietly she mumbles how she could be a much better climber if her physique would allow it.
With plenty of professionalism Eveline resumes her climbing. Her little hands find holes in the wall with ease and it does not take much time until she is positioned in the roof of the warehouse, just at the edge.
The light is fiery at this time of the day, but fortunately chill weather of the north keeps the halfling woman comfortable. The roof is made of wooden boards as a whole. Despite the crumbling aspect of some patches and the general careless look, the roof is functional and there are no apparent openings from where to look inside the structure.