Chissdir holds up his hands to slow down Karl. "I don't know piss all 'bout some lot o' dwarves like that. Jus' that the basement level o' the warehouse gots Dwarven design. Cogitations said as much. Said the stumpers..." he glances sheepishly to Drogan and apologizes before continuing. "He says they used it fer livin' n' conductin' business. Ain't nothing there makes me think they were anything else but proper criminals...smugglers. They were long gone before our faceman conned it from an old codger in a game o' cards."
"Okay, so maybe those dwarves are not your employers on this job and maybe they aren't connected to the dwarves I seek. Then do you know who is the contract holder? Few knew the target of your heist was coming this way. Someone if this place knows what we were sheparding."
♜♬♞♆
.
.
"Don't know the bloke's name, just the color of 'is coin." Chissdir shrugs. "He's a human, tlks like he's got a muddled accent... I've been ta Absalom, could be he's from there." He looks down the street where the others are turning the corner towards the Abadaran temple. "Herkel managed to talk Argento into offing your Tian Xa bird. Paid us 600 up front for it." He shakes his head and scratches at his stubbled face. "Whoever he is, the guy had it in for her. The items from the ship, that was business. Her? It was personal."
...
It's possible this mysterious employer works for the Pathfinder Society. They've been known to contact out to unsavory types to acquire pieces of historical significance.
-----------
The group arrives at the warehouse led by Drogan in his disguise. As Chissdir had described, the front of the building had two access points; a large shipping door with rollers for sliding and a single door. Both are closed but there is a man out front of the latter, seated in a chair and shuffling a deck of cards on a barrel.
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Karl (HP 20/20)
➢ Beckett (HP 17/17)
➢ Drogan (HP 14/14)
➢ Lavios (HP 28/28)
➢ Phedron (HP 17/17)
➢ Opillien (HP 27/27)
☦☀
Nosa and Beckett make their way around the corner and towards the Abadaran temple. Argus remains in deep thought and distress as he walks along between the two men and two women. He mutters prayers to himself, asking for forgiveness, "...oh, Seeker of Justice and Balance, forgive my hand, so ready to violence when faced with adversity. Had you not placed an intercessor, I may have killed my only link to those I hold dear... Please guide those stepping in to do what is cannot, and thank you for your divine equity..."
Ahead on the street there are less pedestrians, this being away from the market district and docks. Looming over the party's shoulders, the towering statue of the city's favorite son casts a long shadow.
Argus finishes his prayers and mentions, "Two blocks down and a left turn, it'll get us to the main street. The temple will be just down from there..."
Considering the battles behind, the thoroughfares seem ominously quiet.
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Nosatrub (HP 22/22)
➢ Beckett (HP 17/17)
➢ Velryssa (HP 32/48)
➢ Onura (HP 32/32)
Warehouse Crew Map (link)
》Page One (Street View)
》Page Two (Drawing - Warehouse Lower)
》Page Three (Drawing - Warehouse Upper)
Nosa considers Becketts idea for a moment.
Agreed. Who knows what other treachery awaits in the dark places of this town?
"Alright Drogan, it's show time. Hope Herkel isn't already here, but you know our luck."
"Aye, I do. Means I've got even odds te get us out of this without sheddin' any blood as I do to practically get us all killed." Drogan gives the soldier a wink, "My kinda odds."
I know these boys by reputation more than first hand knowledge, but I think I can whip myself up to be a bit of a ruff-neck and pass it off. Gods know I certainly have been around enough lieutenants to pick up a few things. Can't be a boss, he's too smart for that. Can't be a peon, not worth listening to. Gotta go middle ranged. Be vague, be confident - and be ready to fight"
Drogan applies a bit of wear to his face, applies a few odd, but subtle insignias to his clothing. Generally making himself appear as a man who is harried, road weary, and yet not to be trifled with.
"Just make sure when we walk in there that ye have my waraxe smuggled in with your gear. I don't want te spook 'im, but I'm not lookin' forward te being without it either. An' give me some of those glue bags we swiped from those bastards. If things get .... sticky, I'd like te let them know 'ow it feels for a bit. When everything goes down, stay quiet and stay in step. Say as little as ye ken get away with, but don't back down if ye get cornered."
Drogan smiles. "Showtime!"
Drogan's steps are quick as he approaches the guard. His voice takes on a gruffer tone, his accent thickens. As the guard begins to speak, Drogan puts his hand of the guards mouth, pining him against the wall. He speaks just above a whisper, acting as if he doesn't want to call attention to himself or the party. "Oy, listen'ere, Sonny Jim. Ye've got a job te do an' I'm savy, bu' a'll also tell ye this - 'oo 'dye think owns this place? Oo d'ye think lets you an' your boys play hide 'n' seek in this city? That be me an' mine. I don' wan' git pinched meself, an' I've no mind te nix that contract we 'as with yours. So how about ye walk us in quiet like, find yer man Cogitations, an' tell 'im we just 'ad te break yer man Chissdir out a' the constables cuz a' yer fine notions a tactics, olroight? Savy?"
.
.
The two warriors opt for the longer path in order to maintain a lay of the land and the safety of larger crowds. The main thoroughfare curves right, personal residences and a trio of bakeries. With the change of avenue comes a change in the populace. Finer cuts of cloth and fresher faces those found down by the docks.
Besides the cleans smells of baked goods and perfumes, Beckett and Nosatrub both spot something out of place. Up ahead, 50 feet or so, one of the baker's shops is closed. From the carved signs out front and the symbology, they each specialize in different goods; pies, pastries and breads respectively. But the pastries shop stands closed for business.
Out front of the business, two women discuss something as one tries the door. Finding it locked they turn aside and head eastward along the street towards the party.
"I know I saw someone in there, Beatrix." the first lady says, fixing her hat with indignation..
The second lady rests a hand on the other's forearm. "Calm yourself, Rhea. Junipero is most likely seeing to his lunchtime prayers. We can return later."
The men glance back to Velryssa and Onura who bring up the rear with Argus between them the Tian Xa woman nods that the coast is clear behind them.
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Nosatrub (HP 22/22)
➢ Beckett (HP 17/17)
➢ Velryssa (HP 32/48)
➢ Onura (HP 32/32)
.
.
Warehouse Map (link)
》Page One (Street View)
》Page Two (Drawing - Warehouse Lower)
》Page Three (Drawing - Warehouse Upper)
The man out front of the warehouse eyes the ragtag group approaching. His cards lay on the barrel top and he stands from the chair. At his hip is a single dagger, hanging from a leather thong around his neck is a key and a whistle.
He listens to Drogan's rundown of current events and by the time he gets to the part about being Chissdir out of custody, his eyes are wide. Spotting his fellow among the party, a silent question passes.
"It's the bloody right of it, Three-draw. Best get to it. Fella here gotta proposition." Chissdir vouches.
The man at the door wipes at his lips and gathers up his cards. "Makes sense, then..." he mutters more in Chissdir's direction than anyone else's. "Herkel came in with his cockles flairin'. Grabbed up 4 of the boys n' headed out again. Something about finishin' the job." He scans the faces in the group, trying not to tremble. "Where's Argento?"
"Got nicked," Chissdir responds. "He tries drip dryin' the priest ."
Three-cards considers the info and heads for the smaller door to the interior. "Not surprised, mate." A couple of steps and he is at the door. "Better get inside then," To Drogan he says, "You can speak ta Cogitations, but figure you can have your place back. We're leavin' soon."
He leads the group inside where there's a small receiving area. Thru another doorway, they can see the warehouse interior. "Stay here for a tick. I'll go n' get 'im. Chissdir, do us a favor n' watch the front in case Herkel comes back."
It's not long before he returns, another human with him. This one is whip thin with a hawk-like nose and sharp eyes. "My colleague here says you've need to discuss our lease on the warehouse, Master Dwarf." He surveys the gathering but remains focused on Drogan. "We cleared out Eleazer as requested, and will be departing inside the day." He looks to Chissdir and back to Drogan. "And if it is compensation you desire for freeing our friend, I'm sure we can come to an agreement."
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Karl (HP 20/20)
➢ Beckett (HP 17/17)
➢ Drogan (HP 14/14)
➢ Lavios (HP 28/28)
➢ Phedron (HP 17/17)
➢ Opillien (HP 27/27)
...
He's curious regarding the group. Not threatened yet, just curious. Like a man researching an arrangement of puzzle pieces or a confluence of events.
Who in the abyss is Eleazor? No matter. Get the family an' get out before Herkl comes back. We can find the rest later. Set him at ease right now. It's all just business, clear and simple."
Drogan waits a beat. Cogitations seems like a steady, reasonable fellow. He assumes the tough-guy schtick won't fly as well with him.
"Well then, i's nice te see you an' yours know 'ow te treat a man a' the business world, as business is all we're about 'ere. I been tasked te make sure our int'rests don't go sideways is all. Yer boy 'ere goes 'round 200 gold an' a favor we 'ad te call in te get yer boy out without no questions. 'owever, we're willin' te call it square in good faith if yer willin' te hand over the priest's kin. We've 'eard ye've got 'em 'ere - ye should really tend te yer boy's tongue. Argento's singin' like warbler in the constable's good ear. Says you brought 'em here. Says you aim te do not nice things to 'em here. An' that, mah fine fellow, is where parlay gets trixie. See, you an yours skarper off after all this, an' oo's neck is in the noose then, mah friend, huh? That be me and mine."
He snaps his fingers, "Jus'like that, quick as a whip we go from sittin' pretty, freely applyin' craft in our way, to cashin' in a world a' good will an' slicked palms jus'te get outta'ere with our skins. Now is that fair? A' think not. Hand 'em over te us. Ye got what ye were lookin' for. Yoo ken leave under our original contract as written, an' me an' mine go about the business of protectin' our interests 'ere. Savy?"
Drogan cocks his head, "Surprised? Argento would never sell ye down the river would 'e? No, 'e'd never do somethin' like that! Or would 'e?"
The dwarf walks nonchalantly, circling the man called Cogitations, "Any bird'll sing ye pluck iss wings hard enough, mah good man. An' they 'as some lads know 'ow te pluck with the best of 'em."
Drogan whispers in a tone more informative than intimidating, "Every man 'as a price in 'is head. Be a shame if you an' yours were still 'ere when they find 'is."
|
For the meantime, Phedron stays silent. He does however look around, taking in any clues.
The whole situation amplifies Phedron's anxiety. His muscles are drawn tight, ready to reach out for anyone who comes near in anger. There is a desire to force these men into compliance in the wizards emotions.
"My magic can only dazzle their minds for a moment now, but in time, there will be none of this conversing. I'll just crack their minds like an egg." he muses to himself.
The plights of those who make their wages by preying on the weak evoke little sympathy from him.
Warehouse Map (link)
》Page One (Warehouse Level)
》Page Two (Lower Level | PC Location)
.
Cogitations clasps his hands behind his back and goes about the business of his namesake, eyes staring at the ground in front of Drogan's boots. After a moment his thoughts reach their destination and he looks up into the dwarf's eyes.
"To be honest, master dwarf, offloading the family is our last provision before departure can be attempted." He shakes his head and his thin, angular shoulders sag. "Assuming your news is accurate as Argento is arrested, it only makes our need to leave before Herkel returns all the more urgent. If Argento is saying that we intend to harm the family...he is sorely mistaken as to the parameters of this little outing."
He gives a silent gesture to Three-draw and Chissdir, pointing to the front. "Sharp eyes, gentlemen. If you spot Herkel approaching, lock and bar the front and notify us straight away."
"And the lot who threw in with 'em?" Three-draw asks.
"Unfortunately they chose their fate and leader who they departed. I won't have a sullied reputation like Herkel's tarnishing my own. This job is done. We wipe our hands of it and walk away with the reputation that we are gentlemen, not barbarians." He gestures to the party and turns to lead them towards the warehouse interior. "And if our mysterious employer doesn't understand that? Well there's a great big world of vistas before us where opportunity abounds."
The thin man leads you down a set of well-honed stairs to a lower floor of clearly dwarven craftsmanship. Hewn stone and clever designs mark the traditions of dwarves who loved the work.
Phedron's keen eyes sweep the area as they go, cautious to hidden dangers. He sees that the warehouse is not under heavy use. While there's several crates and well-well-maintained pulley systems connected to the rafters, nothing seems out of the ordinary. When they make it to the lower level, he notes that there are three other men, armed work daggers, hard at work packing their things. Apparently Cogitations was truthful when he said they were readying to leave.
But that's not the most striking of features.
"Marpa, marpa, lookie! They've got a dwarf with 'em!" A child with moppish hair and a beaming smile emerges from around the corner. Soon after, a fair-faced girl younger but clearly a sibling peers around the corner. Seeing Drogan she smiles broadly.
"Oohh, Mr Cogiting-ationsy...will he play Stones & Mortar with us?" the girl asks.
From the corridor a melodiously feminine voice calls. "Oliver...Marpa... Eidano is ready to do some magic for you."
"But mama, they've got a dwarf!"
Cogitations smiles and waves the children on. "Back to your mum, little ones. We'll be along." Once they huff and comply, he turns to the group. "I want no money, just your assurance they will reach their father safely. Your group has a good reputation, master dwarf, I'd expect no less from their representative."
He turns towards Drogan and extends a hand. "I'll have your name and pledge upon it."
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Karl (HP 20/20)
➢ Beckett (HP 17/17)
➢ Drogan (HP 14/14)
➢ Lavios (HP 28/28)
➢ Phedron (HP 17/17)
➢ Opillien (HP 27/27)
Karl keeps up his façade, but inside he fears things are going to smoothly.
Time will tell.
No matter the outcome, he enjoys watching the dwarf work.
Thank the gods for a bard with phizzazz!
Drogan nods to Cogitations in affirmation. "You 'ave my solemn promise they'll see no harm if me an' mine 'ave anythin' te say about it. Ye do yer people well. Nice te see people know 'ow to conduct themselves like roight an' proper gents."
The dwarf sees the discomfort hidden beneath the soldier's stoic stance. Every time their host mentions Herkel, he has to fight back the urge to swallow hard.
While his eyes are always on where he children ran back to, Drogan wonders to himself "Dwarves made this place. Even if they weren't its original owners, no smuggler worth his salt would leave only one exit out of a safehouse. There MUST be some way we can get these people out in a bind."
"Will they be ready te go soon? meanin' no disrespect to you an' yours - but not all the players in'is game are as upright a gent as yerself, savvy?"
...
"A matter of an hour or so if we take everything," He points to the passage that's up and to the left of the party. "We'll use your escape route out of the city once you've departed with the family."
Drogan eyes the stonework around him and notes the telltale signs of workmanship signifying the purpose of the passage to the left. It lines up with what Chissdir described earlier regarding the crew's escape route out of the city.
"An hour may be close, but a'd rather take the time an' ensure the saftey a' those we're transportin' than less an' risk danger. Le's be quick about it though, savvy? Me an' mine are lookin' te make this clean as crystal."
Okay, family looks good. Have to get them out safe. I wonder is it better to take them straight to the temple? Or the ship? . . . Cognition seems legit, but let me listen to what he's saying. Gosh, I can see everything perfectly from this spot. Great obs point. . .
Warehouse Map Updated (link)
》Page One (Lower Level | PC Location)
》Page Two (Warehouse Level)
.
Karl listens to the words spoken as though from a distance. His primary focus is on the surroundings and the other men in the area and their conduct. Oddly enough, Cogitations gives a friendly nod to the old warrior to wander freely as he leads the others into a room to the right. It's in this direction that the kids returned in answer to their mother's call. The bearing in the thin, scholarly man is that of a field researcher looking forward to leaving behind a particularly ugly dig.
Karl's steps take him thru the other areas, the three men he sees apparently focused back on the task of exodus after Cogitations' approval. They have two crates packed, rings on either side of them with carrying poles leaned close by.
"Which is which?" one asks another.
"Crow mark goes north, Sunstreaker gets those," the second responds, pointing at a crate. Then to the second crate, "...this one goes east to Cora."
As the man points to each crate, Karl sees a tattoo on the man's wrist briefly peek out from under his sleeve; a sparrow in flight. Thinking back on his earlier meetings with the party, Karl remembers Helios Sunstreaker bore the same tattoo.
...
Cogitations nods agreement to the dwarfs appraisal and leads them further into the area, going thru the right hand passage from which the children emerged. "We have the option of taking the family with us thru the escape tunnel, but I wonder if taking them with you to the temple might be a better idea. That tunnel takes us well outside the city's walls."
They see the rooms connected to the area, the two children are there with a comely woman clutching then close. It's here they see another new face, another human wearing casual linens and bearing a shoulder pouch. His hair is shoulder length and his smile is ready. Cogitations waves a hand of introduction. "Eidano."
Then he waves a hand to the dwarf and raises an eyebrow. "Sorry, I didn't get your name..."
Eidano's gaze narrows and he speaks two words, "Ostendite mihi..."
A gentle wave of arcane energies wash over those present. Both Drogan and Phedron recognize a Detect Evil spell being cast.
"Forgive me, I had to be sure." Eidano said evenly.
Drogan breathes a quiet sigh of relief. It's good to know that the stink of everything they had seen so far had not left any lasting stains.
He reached out his hand in a greeting, "Na'ta problem. I'm well aware a' the way a' things. He waves his hand, whispers a word in the old tongue, and drew a small hound statue from his palm as a present for the children. "Grom Aetherwind. Names not worth much, but iss yers if ye want it. Seems the kiddos take fancy te ye. Means ye been treatin' 'em well. Iss good te see."
He turns his attention back to Cogitations, "Best place for 'em is with their pa, s'far as I ken figure. But tha' does put more weight te gettin' them out sooner over later. Got a funny feelin' word's hittin' streets about what guards 'ave been up to, an' that might mean trouble if someone thinks there's coin in it fer a snatch up. Anythin' we ken do to wrap up this whole thing? Loose ends scratch a smuggler raw, if ye catch me."
Nice base of operations here. I wonder how many other places like this there are in this city. Dwarven made and with care . . . must have been part of the original plan. Maybe a safe hold and a back door for bolting or flanking during times of crisis.
That tattoo . . . the same as Helios had. Kheegan and Hal were a part of his network. . . perhaps these are potential allies?
Karl walks easily over towards the man with sparrow tattoo.
"Hey pal, you ever run with a half-elf named Helios?"
Warehouse Map Updated (link)
》Page One (Lower Level | PC Location)
》Page Two (Warehouse Level)
.
...
They both study Karl for a few moments. Even if Cogitations had given them the go ahead, the mention of Helios by name gives them pause. But after beat, they share a look after and shrug.
"Run?" the first man says setting down a handful of gear and laughing.
The second man laughs too. "You could say we ran with 'im, ayup.."
"We blanked a noble's house, off'd with his collection of baubles n' a juicy deed for a farm in the north."
He snaps his fingers, eyes squeezed in memory. "Ophellius, right Dingus?"
"Ayup, that's the one. Helios 'ad us tearin' into the countryside on stolen horses...heh heh, I fell off twice!"
"Oh but that Ophellius, what a hooper...couldn't raise a fuss on the deed, darn bearded blanked it from another one..."
Dingus chuckles. "Ayup. I'd paid my share to see his face now."
The first one looks Karl's way. "You run with 'im too?"
...
The older sibling Oliver gingerly reaches over to take the little hound statuette, eyes like twin suns of excitement. "Bless my boots, a magic total!"
"Totem..." Marpa, his little sister corrects sweetly.
"That's what I said!"
Marpa just giggles.
Cogitations and Eidano exchange silent conversation, their eyebrows doing the talking. They both nod.
"It would seem it best to leave with all haste then." Cogitations rubs at his chin and calls out, "Madame Argus, you and your kin will be leaving soon. Make ready, if you will."
Eidano glances over his shoulder towards the room with the family. Those present can clearly see the tone of relief in his eyes. The magic-user turns sharply and stoops low with a grin. "You two get to choose which magic trick I perform! My gift to the two most well-behaved children I've met!" They whoop and holler, calling for the invisible man trick, the coiling rope trick and others as they retreat into the other room.
The woman, regal and dignified in her bearing, stands in the archway. "Argento? Herkel? They have decided to free us?"
"No, I have. It's been too long our little group has been willing to let Argento drag us further away from who we are. I take exception to the deviation." He smiles back towards her and offers a polite bow. "The good dwarf here and his men will see you to safety at the temple. Now, go and make preparations, you and the children leave in a few short minutes."
Elyria returns the bow. In her connection with the thin man, it seems that she's satisfied in something, the results of a previous conversation perhaps.
Back to Drogan and the others, "As I said before, that road northward beyond the escape tunnel is a rough area. If you're ready, Master Aetherwind, you and your men can depart with the family. Perhaps head deeper into the city to avoid unnecessary confrontation with Herkel. He won't recognize you I would assume, but why take chances, eh?"
It's only a few moments before Elyria, Oliver and Marpa are ready to go. The little girl steps close to Drogan and runs a quick hand across his dragon drum. She giggles and returns to her mother.
"Master Aetherwind, we are ready to go home," Elyria says firmly.
.
S+!+! S~#~! He said Ophellius. This better be a Pathfinder smuggling ring, here's hoping anyway. Best keep talking. Maybe I can find out more.
"Heh heh heh, yeah! but it wasn't stolen horses he was falling off, but rather comely wives. I tell you. Its not gonna be the hangman's noose in a field that get him, its gonna be a scorned woman in her bedroom. You know what I mean? Gods that man is led by the brains between his knees."
Damn, I am slipping. Play up the grey hair bit.
"Oh no, you ole geezer. I'm sorry. Heh! I got Helios mixed up with that one of human sidekick of his---"
Karl reaches out towards the man working his fingers as though trying to pluck the name from the air.
"That guitar playing bard he was paired up with for a stint. Name escapes me for the moment."
Karl tosses up his hand in dismissal.
"If Helios played his lute as well as he works his tongue he would have put me out of my gig---I play the fiddle myself, that's how I met him."
"Heh heh, you have to forgive my case of CRS. I saw your tattoo there got my mind working, but mixed up the faces with the names in my head."
|
Beckett approaches the ladies and bows.
"Please excuse me madam. We couldn't help overhearing your conversation. There has been some problems with miscreants troubleing the good priests of the temple... and we are on the look out for anything unusual. Did you say that there was a problem at this shop?"
Beckett peers at the establishment.
Warehouse Map Updated (link)
》Page One (Lower Level | PC Location)
》Page Two (Warehouse Level)
.
...
There's a hint of suspicion in the smugglers' eyes as Karl covers over his lapse in memory. But narrowed gazes give way to mutual understanding. The two share in Karl's chuckle at the nature of Helios the wandering do-gooder half-elf.
The irony isn't lost on the old warrior that he'd nearly lost the conversation on a misplaced truth versus the charades he and the team have been forced to perform the last several days.
Gods, has it only been days?
The two men, Dingus and Sheehan, are glad for the talk, but are soon reminded by a another human wearing casual linens and bearing a shoulder pouch, his hair shoulder length and his smile ready, that they've moved up their schedule.
The newcomer nods greeting, "Eidano, you must be with Aetherwind and the others. The family is ready to go, waiting near the stairs topside." He points back to the main passage.
...
It's only a few moments before Elyria, Oliver and Marpa are ready to go. The little girl steps close to Drogan and runs a quick hand across his dragon drum. She giggles and returns to her mother.
"Master Aetherwind, we are ready to go home," Elyria says firmly.
Cogitations bids silent farewell to the family and heads into the main chamber after Eidano. "Please send Three-draw and Chissdir down as you leave. We'll be departing now."
The one called Beatrix answers, "The proprietor is normally open this time of day. His pastries for afternoon tea are fresh for the..." She finally manages to take in the two forms of Beckett and Nosatrub, her breath catching as she reaches for a fan and opens it sharply. Her tone becomes smooth and inviting as she smiles broadly. "*ahem* ...they're fresh for the taking, good sirs. Absolutely fresh for the taking."
The second lady, Rhea, places a hand on the other's arm. Both woman are in their 30s and well-groomed. "Now it does seem that Mr Junipero is untimely with his closure, but we could have sworn there were men in there."
"I saw them too."
"No you didn't, Beatrix..." She reaches a gloved hand towards Beckett and grasps his forearm. "Miscreants you say? Well if one were so inclined to label them as such, I'd agree. These shadowed sorts had an ill-favored look about them."
Beatrix slips a hand under Nosatrub's arm and agrees hurriedly, "Hulking shadows intent on some mischief if poor Master Junipero had to close his shop at midday, wouldn't you say, millord?"
Through haze of rival perfumes and the brazen ladies that they belonged to, Beckett spies a singular shadow pass quickly in and out of the front window of the pastry shop.
"Psst, why aren't we moving?" Velryssa asks from a few feet away where she and Onura watch the corner with Argus. "Did you boys get hungry"
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Nosatrub (HP 22/22)
➢ Beckett (HP 17/17)
➢ Velryssa (HP 32/48)
➢ Onura (HP 32/32)
|
|
Beckett smiles knowingly, while still watching through the window.
"Please do excuse my base appearance, madam. Those miscreants did attempt to ambush our good knight here and those under our charge."
As the Inquisitor speaks, options cascade through his mind.
I can afford to be wrong here. So soon after the attack. The authorities will look the other way if I batter down an innocent man's door... but if I am right...
Beckett's eyes burn as a shadow flits past the window.
"I must beg your forbearance once again, ladies. I am afraid there will be no pastries today."
With that, Beckett slams his shoulder into the door.
Beckett curses... checks to ensure that Karl is not within sight... then kicks the door right by the lock...
Drogan nods.
"Aye, Miss. We'll git ye home soon as we can. But ye've got te listen te everything me an' mine say te ye, savvy? Hopin' everything will go smooth, but it might not. If we say run, yoo gotta run. If we say hide, yoo best hide good an keep quiet."
He takes a step closer to her and holds her hand in a comforting fashion.
"I give ye my word we'll do everythin' in our power te keep yoo safe. Le'ss git moving. Git ye home by supper time."
Drogan gives her a wink and then heads for back up for the door.
》Page One (encounter)
》Page Two (city map)
.
Beatrix and Rhea melt in the face of Beckett's rugged but cultured responses, but they flee at the display of strength as he smashes the door in on Junipero's Pastries shop. The thriving of his shoulder disappears as he and Nosatrub spot five figures in the shop's shadowed interior. One is familiar, the surprised and scowling face of Herkel turns to find the intimidating silhouettes of Beckett and Nosa in the doorway.
"Meddling wretches, kill them!" Herkel spews.
The four men with him, each with demeanors more suited to their immediate leader than to the likes of Chissdir, bring around their loaded crossbows to point towards the doorway. Three are on the other side of the shop, one is closer near a central display case.
To the back and left over a half wall and the service counter, an older man bound and muffled throws himself aside as he recognizes the beginnings of a battle.
"Ah, hells..." Velryssa mutters behind the two heroes. "I just got patched up..." But the distinct sounds of steel clearing leather can be heard.
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Nosatrub (HP 22/22)
➢ Beckett (HP 17/17)
➢ Velryssa (HP 32/48)
➢ Onura (HP 32/32)
Nosa, extremely uncomfortable and confused at the advances of the ladies is glad to see Beckett spring into action. He chuckles slightly to himself as his friends first kick bounces off the sturdy door. The second kick, bursting the door reveals the enemies within.
Looks like we draw weapons together again my friend. Let us bring righteous vengeance down here! Inquisitor and Paladin!
Lady guide my arm. Let my sword ring true and justice be served for all!
..
Bearing steel and tooth, the knight charges into the fray, powerful swing taking the first man in the midsection and turning aside his crossbow. Blood sprays and the thug howls in pain. Though severely wounded, he's still in the fight.
The other four opponents are 50 ft from the doorway.
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Phedron smiles, both are the pleasant turn of events, but also due to the encouragement provided by the kindness still existing within the hearts of this here.
Now heading for the door he holds Drogan a moment, "Let me keep a few paces ahead. I'd like to keep them at least an arms length back in case this Herkel turns up."
Striding ahead, he sends Caster out ahead through the house for the exterior door. Emotions of caution and alertness are sent through their connection.
It's now that Phedron is most suspicious about unseen corners, now that they have precious cargo.
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Looks like we draw weapons together again my friend. Let us bring righteous vengeance down here! Inquisitor and Paladin!
Beckett grins widely. But then his smile fades with a curse.
"Crossbows... May the pain bring purity, my lady..." he mutters
Then he runs into the shop, covering half the distance to his enemies, channeling the sun's rays from the window and into his foe's eyes!
Round 1
(missed)
(B1) - miss
(B1) - hit
(Nosa) - miss
(Nosa | gets AoO) - miss
B2 - Dazed
(Beckett) - hit
(Beckett) - miss
》Page One (encounter)
》Page Two (city map)
.
Beckett kicks in the door, but the two tries it takes to bust it in spoils the surprise. The men are in the process of diverting attention from the north windows and pivoting their crossbows when the two warriors spill into the shop.
Nosatrub draws first blood with a devastating down strike on the first bandit. A canyon of ragged flesh and blood staggers him but the man appears to still be in the fight.
Beckett bellows his challenge and hurls a flash of dazzling sunlight into the eyes of another bandit, him. The man's crossbow wavers as he bats ineffectively at the beams of light.
Behind Behind the warriors Onura slides into the shop, drawing her short bow from a haversack at her hip. She aims for Nosa's opponent to clear the knight's path, but her shot is thrown off by her effort to avoid hitting Nosa.
Velryssa shoves Argus behind the wall outside to keep him safe and steps into the shop to hurl a dagger at Nosa's combatant with the same intentions as Onura. This time, the shot is true and buries into the man's chest.
¤¤¤ Enemies ¤¤¤
Wounded, blood a macabre painting upon his clothing clothing and shredded armor, Nosa's opponent brings up his crossbow to fire at point blank range. But the bolt slams into wood floor at the knight's feet.
The rest in the room unload at Herkel's command, their crossbows sending bolts downrange. The dazed man does nothing, and only one bolt finds a target, hitting Beckett squarely in the chest and punching thru his armor.
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Nosatrub (HP 22/22)
➢➢➢ Beckett (HP 9/17) ➢➢➢
➢ Velryssa (HP 32/48)
➢ Onura (HP 32/32)
Nosa senses the opportunity to end this fight quickly and strikes.
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Beckett gunts under the force of the blow.
"Thank you, my Lady." he smiles, and allows the impact to drive him backwards. With a heave, he rolls to the cover of the wall, yanking free the bolt with a howl of pain and a roar of "devil spawn!"
Beckett props himself to a seated position with his back to the wall. Fumbling with bloodied fingers he withdraws his wand of healing.
"Everlight, grant the rebirth of the dawn to your servant, that I may continue your work of cleansing!"
He then jabs the point of the stubby wand into the hole in his chest with an intake of breath through clenched teeth.
Beckett then looks up at the ladies with a smile and nonchalant wave with a bloody hand.
"Perhaps it would be prudent to withdraw, for now, dear ladies. It appears that there is going to be a bit of a tussle. Normally, I would escort you personally, but it seems that I may be detained here in the service of our good sir knight."
He then yanks the wand free from the closing wound with howl of pain a fresh spray of blood.
Nosa howls in rage when he hears his friends cry of pain and attempts, once again, to end the man in front of him so that he may aid Beckett.
With his enemy defeated, he turns and races toward his next foe.
Round 2
(B2)
(B2)
(Nosa)
B1 - Dead
(Nosa)
(Beckett | Cover)
(Beckett | Cover)
Everyone misses!
.
Nosatrub steps forward and sweeps his sword across the bandit as he fires at him. But he bleeding enemy, desperate to survive throws up his crossbow to block the sword. But he's not so lucky the second time. Nosa's follow up cuts into his shoulder, breaking the clavicle and severing the main artery underneath. The man falls dead to the wood floor.
Beckett dives left and hops over the counter wall to seek cover, activating his precious magical implement to keep him in the fight.
Onura and Velryssa press into the room and continue their attacks, but both dagger and now shot miss their marks.
¤¤¤ Enemies ¤¤¤
Herkel snarls in rage and reloads his crossbow. "Keep firing you fools! I see the priest outside the door!"
The rest reload and fire their bolts, two at Beckett and two at Nosa. Miraculously, all for miss!
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Nosatrub (HP 22/22)
➢ Beckett (HP 17/17)
➢ Velryssa (HP 32/48)
➢ Onura (HP 32/32)
.
...
Deciding on the best course of action, the party gathers the Argus family and head for the exit. On their way out they confer to Chissdir and Three-draw that Cogitations is ready to go as well.
"Listen, ya didn't have ta do what ya did," Chissdir says awkwardly. "Just wanted ta say my gratitudes, gents. And ta apologize to you n' yours, miss."
Elyria looks to be angry but in the end smiles. "I'm glad our discussions didn't fall upon deaf ears. Now run along, and help the people."
The two smugglers seem emboldened as they enter the warehouse.
Salutations completed, the party sets off with Phedron in the lead and Caster high overhead to spy their see destination.
After tense minutes of working their way thru the daylight crowds, Caster sends word that he sees conflict ahead; stabbing darts and blood and the food of baking. He also sees the two-legs that are part of Phedron's caste going into the wood seeking of baked food.
♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗ ♗
➢ Karl (HP 20/20)
➢ Drogan (HP 14/14)
➢ Lavios (HP 28/28)
➢ Phedron (HP 17/17)
Not wanting to become a human pin cushion, Nosa, shield held high in front of him charges at the crossbowman to Herkel's right.