(readied, Nosa)
(readied, Vel)
.
.
.
...
Nosa watches as Drogan tears around the corner, dating after the rest of his friends as they lend pursuit to the bandits. All around him the merchants and customers begin filtering out of the area as the blood of the dead assailants runs along the cobblestone walkways.
"Oh, my my my..." Argus mutters to himself, eyes darting back and forth with a mixture of fear and something else Nosa can't quite peg. "I never expected this, so much death..."
Nosa studies the old cleric's face and senses the second emotion; regret?
"Rest easy, father," Velryssa soothes, brow furrows in pain as she presses a bandage to get hip where the deepest cut exists. "I'm sure they'll catch them. But we'd better keep moving, maybe take an alternate route. These cutters were all too aware of this one."
"Right you are, miss. Right you are." A fresh peel off shouting comes from a walkway to their left. A pair of women bolt out of the way as three armed men stride confidently forward. The central figure - a human of taller build - rests a greatsword across his shoulder and is armored in studded leather. The two armsmen flanking him - also human - have crossbows trained on Nosa and Velryssa respectively. When they get within 15 feet they stop. "Drop your weapons," the central figure warns, then points at the priest. "Argus, get your frail arse over here with the bag."
"You...you s-s-said no one would get hurt, Argento." Argus stammers. Nosa can sense him moving back a step. Then the priest's voice takes on a commanding tone emboldened with divine energies. "NOSATRUB, DO NOT ATTACK."
》Will Save DC 14 Negates
》Failure - You are unable to attack with fist or weapon | you are free to move and speak and cast spells
》Success - No Effect
➢ Nosa (HP 22/22)
➢ Velryssa (HP 18/41)
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
"We need to get back to Nosa. He's protecting Argus and Val was chopped up good. Let's get the package where it needs to be."
Nosa shakes his head as if some foreign thought had intruded, but he is compelled to follow the priests command.
He glances at Val, looking to see what becomes of her.
While he cannot attack, he readies himself defensively and does not drop his weapon.
What goes on here? Speak Argus!
(readied, Nosa)
(readied, Vel)
.
.
...
Velryssa slowly draws her swords and tosses them to the ground then raises her arms as the two men with crossbows train the bolts upon her. "This is why I don't trust Abadarans," she grumbles.
"I'm dreadfully sorry..." Argus says, stepping around Nosa and Velryssa so he can face them. "I must have the bag. If these men get it, my..."
"Shut it, Argus." Argento commands with a sneer.Then he gestures dismissively to Nosa. "Keep your head, boyo, and everyone gets out of this alive." He chuckles and tssks as he observes the dead men littering the streets. "Well, nearly everyone." Another gesture, this one an emphatic motivator to Argus. "Get a move on, Argus. You family awaits."
The old man moves forward to retrieve the satchel from Velryssa. He leans in and whispers. "Forgive me. They gave me no choice." He shuffles back to stand alongside Argento.
"Well then, it seems we've completed our business. Good day." He sweeps a bow then places a firm hand on Argus' shoulder. "Come along, Father."
》The Forbid Action has worn off
》Argento and his men are moving off, the two crossbowmen still with their weapons at the ready. (readied actions)
➢ Nosa (HP 22/22)
➢ Velryssa (HP 18/41)
Shaking his head again as the effects of the priests command wear off, questions flood Nosa's mind.
He pushes them aside, and focuses on the problem at hand.
Lady guide me.
He turns to Val, winks, and nods to her weapon. You may need that. he says with a smile.
He then charges, shield in front, at the nearest crossbowman.
(Nosa)
(crosswbowman 1)
.
.
...
Nosatrub charges forward, shield at the forefront, but his opponent sidesteps the attack skillfully.
Argento brings his greastsword off his shoulder and down in a dangerous arc. But the blow glances harmlessly off of the paladin's shield.
The two crossbowmen, readied weapons on hair triggers, looses their bolts at knight and rogue. The first clangs off of Nosa's iron hide as he does the charge, but the second shot buries deeply into Velryssa. She coughs up blood, the bolt protruding from her chest.
But she grits her teeth, trying to stay in the fight, knowing she has not the lifeblood to escape, and quick draws a dagger to send into his gut of one of the crossbowmen.
Argus turns back to see the battle unfold and wrings his hands in fear and desperation. "No, no, no..."
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Nosa (HP 22/22)
➢➢ Velryssa (HP 10/41) ➢➢
The Lady will judge you unworthy, and I will be the Shieldarm that will smite you down!
Then he brings his sword to Bear on Argento.
If you truly seek forgiveness father, then heal Val!
(Nosa)
(crosswbowman 1)
(Nosa)
(Nosa)
.
.
...
Nosatrub presses his attack, bringing his gleaming sword to bear. Although his swing is parried by Argento, the paladin senses the presence of his goddess urging him onward and protecting him against the villain.
The combatants trade blows, none able to connect in melee. But Velryssa, maintaining her distance, manages to graze her same target with another dagger.
Argus is visibly shaking with fear, hands wringing. "I didn't want this... Argento, please...you said no one would be hurt." Nosatrub's booming voice jars him, and he surges forward, shouting prayers to Abadar. "Great seeker of justice, protect your servant!" As he races forward, he passes through the line of Argento and his men. They attempt to cut at his apparent betrayal, but their blades hack harmlessly against against a nimbus of light. The priest rushes to Velryssa's side.
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Nosa (HP 22/22)
➢➢ Velryssa (HP 10/41) ➢➢
|
Turning to the others he quickly shares what Caster has seen.
"Far to the northwest, two of ours fight against many, while the others are leaving a burning building. Caster returns to lead us there. Ready yourselves if you intend to follow." he says, once more with Authority. With plain action in from of him, Phedron is able to focus.
(Nosa)
(crosswbowman 1)
(crosswbowman 1)
(Nosa)
(cmw Vel)
.
.
♜♬♞ All ♆☀☦
...
...
Nosatrub and Argento once again trade blows as the cramped quarters prove to defeat their maneuverability.
Velryssa draws her final two daggers and hurls them at the first crosswbowman, both blades bury to the hilt in his chest and send him to the cobblestones dead.
Argus focuses his mind and prays over the woman's wounds, healing her as tears stream down his weathered face. "Forgive me, mistress Velryssa...but my...my family..."
In front of Nosa, Argento roars frustration. "THEY'RE GONNA DIE! SHUT YOUR HOLE, ARGUS!!"
-------
...
The trio fight their way through the crowds and curious onlookers making their way towards the now raging fire. But eventually they reach the corner veering south and back to the site of their initial encounter with the ambush party.
There, some 60 feet away, they see a bloodied Velryssa being tended to by Father Argus. On the east side of the street, they spot Nosatrub Shieldarm squaring off against two opponents; a dangerous fellow with a great sword and a man with a short sword.
-------
....
The quartet depart the tavern, Caster arriving shortly thereafter to land on Phedron's outstretched arm.
Hera Karavas gestures to her men to get ready to leave. "We'll move north to go straight to the Abadar temple and secure it for your arrival." She turns to go but pauses to add, "The interested third party is a man named Argento; unruly black hair, uses a greatsword. He and his group of mercenaries travel the region to acquire artifacts for the highest bidder. He's as ruthless as they come, but we'd like him alive for questioning. Even more dire, he may be the only one who knows where Argus' family is located."
With that, she gives a swift gesture and Hera and get men take off at a run.
"And I fight this would be a boring visit to the Imperial Naval offices." Onura remarks with mock sigh and a lopsided grin. She nods her head to Caster. "Care to lead the way?"
With that, Phedron, Lavios, Onura and Opillien set of at a run, following the black hawk to their companions. They navigate the crowds until they reach one of the main thoroughfares lined with markets and stalls. There, some 60 feet ahead, they see a bloodied Velryssa being tended to by Father Argus. On the east side of the street, they spot Nosatrub Shieldarm squaring off against two opponents; a dangerous fellow with a great sword and a man with a short sword.
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Nosa (HP 22/22)
➢ Karl (HP 13/20)
➢ Beckett (HP 12/17)
➢ Drogan (HP 6/14)
➢ Lavios (HP 28/28)
➢ Phedron (HP 11/17)
➢➢ Velryssa (HP 23/41) ➢➢
➢ Onura (HP 14/14)
➢ Opillien (HP 27/27)
You would use his family against him?!!
You are a devil and a fiend! Justice demands retribution!
Frustrated with his inability to land a successful blow, he none the less continues his assault.
|
|
He inclines his head to Hera Karavas. "We will see you there." the Andoran says with his trademark smile once again on his face.
Seeing Nosa already engaged with the man thy seek, he allows Lavios to run ahead. Phedron suddenly stops in his tracks and withdraws from his pouch a pinch of sand. Intensely focusing on the two combatants ahead, he sings his lullaby in hopes that Argento is not so strong as to shrug this spell off.
(Sleep, DC15)
"Great. There seems to be no shortage of a$@++%~s in this city."
"You hit my boy again, I'm gonna shove that sword so far up your ass you can pick your teeth with it. . . Thanks for saving this one for me son. . . So, you thought this little team of street urchins would be enough to take the Jade Ravens? Huh?! Pathetic.
.
.
♜♬♞ All ♆☀☦
Nosa and Argento trade blows once more, the two combatants evenly matched in skill. With his comrade dead, the remaining henchman is too rattled to land his own attack on the paladin.
Out of the fleeing crowds, from north and south on the street, Nosatrub's comrades dash into the fray. Lavios charges forward, trident threatening. Karl and Drogan and Beckett likewise get within attack distance.
From the south, Phedron indwells a pinch of sand with arcane energies and unleashes a spell upon the greatsword-wielding Argento. The magics overwhelms the man's defenses and he collapses to the cobblestones unconscious.
Faced with an unrelenting knight and three other warriors, the remaining henchman withers before Karl's verbal tirade. He tosses his short sword to the ground and drops to his knees and throws up his hands. "Quarter! I surrender and beg for quarter!"
Onura and Opillien race forward, coming alongside the wounded Velryssa to render aid. Opillien's hands begin to glow with a warm, orange glow.
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Nosa (HP 22/22)
➢ Karl (HP 13/20)
➢ Beckett (HP 12/17)
➢ Drogan (HP 6/14)
➢ Lavios (HP 28/28)
➢ Phedron (HP 11/17)
➢ Velryssa (HP 23/41)
➢ Onura (HP 14/14)
➢ Opillien (HP 27/27)
Nosa, eyes still burning, takes a step back and gestures to Karl.
He's all yours
Then he walks over to check on Val, giving a sidelong glance at the priest.
|
|
Phedron exhales with relief. Taking a moment to compose his stride, he walks forward with practiced modesty unable to resist some smugness leaking through.
"Thank you my friend."he thinks, letting gratitude wash through their connection.
Looking down at the slumbering Argento, he quips "Marsh, were you telling this man a war story? I recognize the signs: confusion, anger and finally boredom."
Immediately adopting a more serious tone, he continues,"How is everyone though? You all look like hell except for the big man here. Nosa, ." he says, waving an arm at Nosa. "We were alerted that a trap had been laid and came at once. We were also told this man has some information for Argus. One Hera Karavas is waiting at the temple and looks forward to questioning this one."
.
.
♜♬♞ All ♆☀☦
As the dust of battle settles the crowds along the street begin getting braver. They approach the fallen and the standing with ever more curiosity. But Onura is quick to begin warning them off in a commanding voice.
Onura waves away the onlookers and shouts, "Alright you whoresons, get back immediately! This has been a criminal enterprise stopped before it could threaten civilians. The Imperial Navy has jurisdiction and would appreciate your assistance in keeping this area cleared."
For the most part they listen. Those foolish enough to venture closer think better of it when seeing the armed cadre.
"D'you say that's Argento?" Velryssa grits out, blood still flowing from several wounds on her person. Upon confirmation she continues. "He's bad news. Blackmarketeer, specializing in rare artifacts." She coughs blood and grin through the pain. "Gives legitimate business people a bad name."
Opillien remains silent as he settles his glowing hands on Velryssa. The talismans and trinkets fixed to his coat and dreadlocks rattle as he begins working divine energies to heal the Tian Xa woman.
Argus is visibly trembling with fear. At Phedron's mention of information, hub fear turns to anger. He looks down at the ground next to Vel and spots one of her short swords. A heartbeat later he grabs it up and launches himself at the remaining henchman, spittle flying as he shouts, "WHERE ARE THEY? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH THEM?"
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Nosa (HP 22/22)
➢ Karl (HP 13/20)
➢ Beckett (HP 12/17)
➢ Drogan (HP 6/14)
➢ Lavios (HP 28/28)
➢ Phedron (HP 11/17)
➢ Velryssa (HP 28/41)
➢ Onura (HP 14/14)
➢ Opillien (HP 27/27)
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
Combined Loot
➣ 31 gold | 14 silver
➣ 1 Emerald Gem (on Argento)
➣ 5 Short Swords
➣ 10 Daggers
➣ 6 Sets of Studded Leather Armor
➣ 4 Saps
Special Items
➣ Scroll - Drawings of Father Argus & Velryssa | the words "Alive" and "Dead" listed respectively under their names (on every man)
➣ Masterwork Greatsword
➣ 3 Tanglefoot bags
➣ 3 Jars of Alchemical Fire
➣ 2 Potions of Featherfall
➣ 2 Potions of Jump
➣ 2 Potions of CLW
"Nice timing and entrance. . ."
Karl's blade point lingers over Argento's throat for several heart strokes counted by the old warriors eye. He moves it away and sheaths his sword in favor of a set of manicles, which he slaps the sleeping man into.
He turns his smoldering gaze on the surrendered henchman.
In a low firm voice, "Listen to me and listen well. That man standing behind you is an inquisitor. That woman over there . . . She represents a special operations group of the Imperial Navy. My name to you is simply, Marsh. There are several bearded nobles who are missing their children. I just left another city with several dozen blood let'ed, mutilated and burned people behind me. As you can see, all your peers are dead, or as good as."
"I suggest you start talking. And I mean right now. No bull shit understand me? You got that! Or I'll let him behead you slowly with the blunt end of his hammer and I mean slow. Where is the Father's family?"
.
.
♜♬♞ All ♆☀☦
Between the needle point of Velryssa's sword gripped menacingly in Argus's hand and the equally intimidating company of heroes, the henchman is quick to offer what he knows.
For the priest, the furor in his eyes dims momentarily, and when he regains his wits, the anger is diminished.
At Karl's accounting and near accusation, he looks sharply at him. "Hey, we ain't child killers, are you off your rocker?" Argus presses the blade harder, drawing a bead of blood. The henchman cools his tone measurably. "Look, don't know who you Jade Ravens r' after, but it ain't what we're about, see? Argento n' us, we're collectors. That's it. We gots a dance card ta get our mitts on a delivery comin' off the captain there's ship." The henchman looks Karl's way, despite his fear a look passes indicating what he thought of the old warrior's ad hoc title for Onura.
"Boss came up with the plan ta pilfer Argus' family for parlay. We get the package, he gets his family soon as we're out o' town." He pauses, looking at all the blood and his dead allies. "Boss said there should o' been only the fixer with Argus." He indicates Velryssa. "Fella who hired us said we get a bonus if we do for her. But we keep the priest in pristine nick."
Tears are streaming down Argus' face now. His anger recedes and his tone turns plaintive. "Where is my family? I don't want to kill you, but I will."
Hemmed in on all sides, the henchman attempts to save his life. "Look, ya got Argento, trussed up like a goose. But there ain't know way he'll sing for ya. You lot promise my life n' key me go, I'll lead ya to the warehouse where his family's at, tell ya who's in there, even help ya get in." His eyes glance to Argento's unconscious form then back to the group. "I got a chance ta v get outta town, light out for the country, better odds them getting put in the stocks or press-ganged."
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Nosa (HP 22/22)
➢ Karl (HP 13/20)
➢ Beckett (HP 12/17)
➢ Drogan (HP 6/14)
➢ Lavios (HP 28/28)
➢ Phedron (HP 11/17)
➢ Velryssa (HP 23/41)
➢ Onura (HP 14/14)
➢ Opillien (HP 27/27)
"Deal. Their lives for yours. And . . . a promise to never trouble this man again or take a child captive so help you as under contract with Asmodeous himself."
|
|
Phedron watches Beckett curiously.
"It may be best to restrain this bandit first, Beckett. Make sure to clear his pockets too. When he awakes he will be well aware of his foreseeable future and I'd rather keep his options limited."
Looking to the henchman, he's glad that Marsh made the call.
"Probably for the best, but likely just a matter of time before he's in some other scheme."
Finished with the crowds, Onura moves over to where they're questioning the prisoner. "You boys know who Argento is?"
"I know how much he's worth," Velryssa manages to grit out as she stands with Opillien's help.
"Navy has a hefty sum on his head. I know a few historians in their ranks who'll pay more for him alive." She adds, with a nod of appreciation to the the party. "Your patient hand will pay off for your pouches. And for Argus' family it would seem."
The man in question stirs from his magic induced slumber, but is groggy. The splash of holy water in his nose accelerates the process. He begins coughing and choking, his eyes flying open to find the from face of Beckett staring down at him. It's a matter of moments as Argento feels his bound hands and sees the array enemies be for him. He finishes his coughing fit and remains silent.
"How far away?" Argus demands, remaining focused on the henchman. "My family, how far away?"
"Not far from the temple." he replies, eyes warily darting to Argento, expecting the man to leap up and attack him. "We...we have a a way out of the city along the north wall. We pl..planned to cut the family loose, then cut n' run."
"Then we have a choice," Onura says. "We go to free the family then drop off the delivery. Or we go to the temple first."
"We can do both."
I will go to the temple.
"And the one with the bastard sword, who's he?"
The henchman looks from Phedron to Marsh and responds in turn. "Ten more at the warehouse where them kids r' at. Eight r' sword n' dagger types, like me. Gotta book worm name o' Cogitations, ya know, he thinks a lot. Then there's Eidano, he's gots magics he does. He n' Cogitations r' there ta inspects the haul. If it's good, we send the family to the temple." He swallows as Argento shoots him another look. But the henchman concludes as others in his position have done in the past; in for a copper, in for a gold. "The warehouse is a 2 story job. We blanked it from a ol' codger what lost his shirt in cod fishin'. We rentin' it as it were. Two ways in from the ground...n' our escape below grounds and past the north wall."
To Marsh, he adds, "Herkel? He Argento's man, thru n' thru. Nasty cuss too." He glances around at the bodies in the street. "You do him in? If ya didn't, there's one place he's bound..." His eyes look fearfully to Argus.
Velryssa steps over to Nosatrub and hands him her pack with the relics inside. "Get this to the temple," she says and nods to Onura. "Captain and I can make sure Argento gets into the Navy's hands. The rest of you get moving." She stoops down and grabs up her swords before Argus gets any ideas.
"I will accompany you," Opillien says flatly to the party, brushing thick dreadlocks from his face, talismans rattling. "Besmara will have something to say for those using children as leverage for piracy."
Argento grits his teeth and narrows his eyes at the henchman. "You're gonna burn n' rot for this, Revam. Either me or Herkel will see to it."
"I'm already gonna burn for bringin' me brother along on this ride. Herkel alreadies done fer him, eh? You shoulda stuck up fer 'im. Maybe me brother'd still be kickin'."
Argento spits on Revam, a snarl on his face. "He got it easy, rat. Remember that when Herkel finds ya."
-----
"Herkel won't find anyone if I find him first. See I'm not the kind that doesn't worry too much about the money. Maybe I should do you right now Argento. I've got no use for a piece of shit that hides behind kids like you. Maybe I should just take your hands . . . Mummify em . . . So I can use them for ashtrays. Navy won't need your hands and it will prevent you from harming anyone ever again."
"Mummified hands? Looks like you're the one with a cog outta place." Argento looks Karl up and down and scoffs. "If that's how ya can play a good game o' grabass, that's your business, paluka. But I'd prefer a challenge," He pokes a chin towards Nosatrub. "He's the one who fought me blade ta blade. Least I know he's not out ta pull his pud with how hard he can be."
A pause and he smirks. "I planned this caper ta use 'is kin ta stop the bloody business. T'was you lot who got in the way." He waves his manacled hands. "But ya don't gotta believe me, paluka. Why don't ya go see to your business, then ya come back n' let's you n' me dance. Then we'll see who's got the minerals."
"As for me mate Herkel. You lot know where he's gone. And ta hear ya talk all nasty, paluka. I think he's a man after your own heart."
Drogan nursed his wounds. It was odd for him not to chime in, not to spit insults in the face of gutter trash like Argento. It felt wrong to sit silently by, but his head swirled. Maybe it was an after-effect of the illusion, the fall from the rooftop, or maybe he was just tired.
More families torn apart? Will this end in cruel markings sketched on bloody floor tiles too? Will the priest see his family again in this life, or will he have to wait 'til the next? What does any of this have to do with the looming darkness that brought us here in the first place? Somewhere in the back of his mind - the gravedigger's tune softly played.
He hears the others talking about plans, throwing threats. He could feel the priest's hatred more than see it, but it all felt far off - like he was somewhere else. Somewhere on the other side of all of it. He looked down to see the dislocated shoulder he only now could feel through the parting adrenaline cloud. He braced himself beside a nearby shop wall, took a breath, and slammed the injured joint hard against it. There was a loud pop and he shouts back into reality.
Without a thought, he walks calmly to where Argento has been restrained - Punching the self-called 'Collector' in the jaw. Not breaking stride, the dwarf says, "The more we sit here, the more danger there is fer those kids. Captain, send yer boys to take tha' trash away. We've got a family te save and a gods forsaken artifact te get to the proper authorities - pref'rably sealed in a wall somewhere."
Argento spits blood on the cobblestone and chuckles to himself. "Enjoy it, rock-humper. Your time'll come when you'll hope the ones holdin' your chains have the b$%%!+~s ta treat ya right." He puts his eyes on Velryssa and Onura. "Looks like we get ta dance with the courts. Bet I've got just the right tales ta spin ought to buy me some breath."
Onura ignores him and nods to the others. "As he says," she grips Drogan by the shoulder as though to restrain a response to Argento's continued prodding. "... time is wasting. Move your hoops and get the father's family to safety. When you get to the temple ask for Hera Karavas. She's the agent from the Navy."
----------
➢ Nosa (HP 22/22)
➢ Karl (HP 13/20)
➢ Beckett (HP 17/17)
➢ Drogan (HP 6/14)
➢ Lavios (HP 28/28)
➢ Phedron (HP 17/17)
➢ Opillien (HP 27/27)
.
.
.
.
.
Map (link)
》Page One (Warehouse Main)
》Page Two (Warehouse Lower)
》Page Three (City Map)
》Note: North side of warehouse butts up against the city wall
.
♜♬♞ All ♆☀☦
Onura and Velryssa bid you good luck and cart off Argento to meet his fate with the local authorities. The henchman, who you find is named Chissdir, rests a bit easier with him gone.
"I, I could sketch ya a map o' the place?" he offers along the way. Opillien shop spares the materials and the man sets to work. Soon you have reasonably legible depictions of the warehouse space and the level beneath it.
According to Chissdir, the warehouse had been run by a group of dwarven merchants who had to leave the city suddenly. Rumor has it they headed for Kaer Maga. That name tells Drogan all he needs to know. The city of Kaer Maga has a reputation for harboring smugglers of all stripes; especially dwarves. Chances are, the tunnel leading out of the city was a smuggler's device.
Knowing the previous owners were dwarves also explains the better accommodations below ground. From his drawing, it looks like room for study, eating and sleeping. According to Chissdir, the family is in the sleeping quarters on the northeast corner.
"Your family's got the run o' that lower level." he mentions to Argus. "Cogitations even reads the lil ones a story each night." He shakes his head and frowns. "I know it don't make up for the hurts, guess it jus' helped me sleep easier knowin' Argento kept Herkel away. He ain't half bad, Argento. He's jus' change o'er the years. I thinks a few years back he wouldn't o' had dealin's with the likes o' Herkel."
He falls to silence for a moment and follows the party's directions. "Back when we was bad boy yardies, Argento'd never o' let Herkel do me brother in."
》Scouting / Tracking Checks
》Perception Checks
》Alternates Methods of entry?
》Approach to Temple?
》Perception Checks?
》Other?
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Nosa (HP 22/22)
➢ Karl (HP 13/20)
➢ Beckett (HP 12/17)
➢ Drogan (HP 6/14)
➢ Lavios (HP 28/28)
➢ Phedron (HP 11/17)
➢ Opillien (HP 27/27)
"Smugglers. There's nothin' sadder 'an when a good dwarf goes bad. However, PLAYIN' a dwarf gone bad is somethin' I'm particularly good at.
If it squares with you lot - I ken pretend to be one a' the merchants that scampered off. Might get us in the door no troubles an' get a look at what's inside. Then again - if ye want to just put a boot through the front door, I'm more than willin' to oblige ye."
Karl was quiet on the outside, however on the inside he struggled with the urge to simply end the man known as Argento. The world would be a better place without him, but Karl thought on the man Mr Dobbs and what he had seen on the ship. The Lady herself had appeared. Dark paths seldom led one to salvation from dark places. He had to remind himself of that.
The mission to save the Father's children was a personal one. It was probably not the wisest venture to undertake at the moment, but it was the right thing to do.
"Father, heal us if you can. I would ask that you return to the temple, but I can't demand it."
"Let's hand out those potions too. They might come in handy."
Argus wars within himself, clutching the gold key dangling from his belt as he prays. After a moment, he nods. "I know...I know that my presence may cause more harm than good...might endanger my family." He looks Karl's way and sighs. The gesture ages him 20 years as exhaustion takes hold. "I will ask Abadar's benevolence for you and your friends..."
Opillien looks to the group. "Do we go with Master Drogan's plan? I would be glad to aid in this deception."
"Thank you Father."
Karl motions to the men going after the family to move away from the others.
"We are flying by the seat of our pants on this one. I think Drogan has a good plan. If nothing else it gets us in the door. Getting inside a safe house is the hardest part. So I am ready to follow your lead Drogan. Hopefully this doesn't have to get too bloody, but I will be damned if I won't do just about anything we can to save that woman and those kids and get em . . ."
Karl looks away sharply, refocuses and turns back to the circle.
"Ahem . . . back to their dad."
"Sounds like the one called Cognitions can be reasoned with. Am I right Chissdir? How rough are these boys inside? If we kill Herkel will they lay down arms? We don't need to kill em all, we just want the hostages."
Chissdir goes quiet, eyes cast downward, then mutters. "I jus' wanna bugger off..." The conflict in him is palpable, to the point that his jaw tightens and his hands shudder. But the moments pass and he finally nods. "Ya bleed Herkel, yup, the others will hang it up..." He takes a deep breath and finishes. "...especially if I go with you."
He pauses and looks at the retreating form of Argus. "I ain't offin' me mates. We're thieves, proper criminals... I know for most the difference means nothing, but we're not killers. Herkel's different. He changed things when Argento brought him into the group." He looks to Karl and the others. "Cogitations, ya can reason with him. We'd follow him if Argento goes away for all day. Him n' the spell tosser, Eidano. He's a bit wonky in the noodle, like he's off in another world. But he's not like Herkel."
To Drogan he says, "I'll back your game."
...
As you turn to follow Argus to the temple you listen to Chissdir's words. A feeling of open sunlight settles on your shoulders and draws you to glance towards the bandit. Before your eyes, you see the misty for of a woman, clothed in gentle and dim rays of light, rest hands on his shoulders. After a few moments, she smiles down upon Chissdir then fades away.
I'd like to believe him. But what good is a smuggler's word who will promise his mother's head on a plate if it'll get him out of this?
Surprising the jaded dwarf, it seems Chissdir is on the level. Perhaps he sees this as a way to reclaim his old life...however noble the life of a thief can be in the first place.
"I know what you mean Chissdir. You do this for us and you and your mates are in the clear. Fair and square. Herkel will likely need to be sorted out, but there's no need for additional blood shed we don't want to kill unnecessarily. I would like to know though who hired you for this job. I don't think Argento's would have signed on knowing who he would be messing with. You personally would have no way of knowing this, but those dwarves and the people they've been dealing with have been capturing entire villages, torturing folks, blood letting kids alive and worse. This is a big thing and I'm not just talking out my ass."
"I get what your saying though. You were probably a property only crew. Hitting big commercial heists- no women, no kids types. That makes me worry what Argento and Herkel have been getting into. Either of them Stag Heralds? Or associated with a Dobbs? How long have they been working with the dwarves?"