"I would hardly say I am not a proper noble," Pelleas remarks, ruffling his coat a bit. "House Markov has a long and rich history of service to the Chelish empire, despite our... ancestry." While Pelleas doesn't seem too indignant, he seems inclined to continue. "I am, admittedly, the third oldest scion of my House; I am usually left alone to my research, but my sister has fallen ill and my brother is far too busy in court. So... I am here, and I have been for the past week, making myself acquainted with this little town of Longacre." Finally pleased with his statement of the situation, he calms down as Cimri approaches with Castiel. He eyes the other aasimar with interest, but stays silent as he introduces himself.
"So, you are Cimri? What is this business you've called us here for? I'm quite ready to be done with it that I might return to Egorian, and continue my work."
Having sufficiently bothered Robert--the man was alright, in the end, if a little caught up in the pomp and pageantry of the Asmodean Church, and perhaps a tad conservative for Alic's tastes--Alicarus casts him one more wink and nods to Cimri. "If our friend the diabolist here can let old grudges lie, I certainly can as well. And do pardon our little wordplay, gentlemen, but I can't help needling someone when the opportunity presents itself--least of all myself."
The aasimar's words certainly seem to ring true, even if they are presented as humorous self-deprecation. Although clearly of angelic blood somewhere down the line, Alicarus is just as obviously a Kuthite for those familiar with such people. His white hair is long and thrown back to reveal many piercings and even some tattooing upon his face and neck--rings in his eyebrows, various bits of metal lined upon his ears, and even a pair of studs at the corners of his mouth. His clothing is dark gray accented with red patterns, and seems a mixture of clergical vestments and traveling clothes, with a dark cloak with blood-red lining over top. Draped about him is a long, spiked chain, its vicious barbs hooked into bits of his clothing and likely biting into the back of his neck to stay in place, although its ends hang near to the ground.
Alicarus clears his throat. "However, as for introductions, I think you're skipping me over, Robert. I hope you aren't so hasty in all you do." Alic smiles and raises his hands palm-out, spreading his black-nailed fingers wide. "Joking, of course, but please allow me to introduce myself. I am Alicarus van Zeredrinn Vorasik, although as I mentioned earlier I'm sometimes called 'the Ripper'--no actual origins with Cimri, exhilarating as her tastes may be. I'm a true follower of Zon-Kuthon, come to spread the good news of his faith where I may, although I'd wager my presence here has more to do with my... inquisitive nature, shall we say."
Finally, he extends a hand to Robert. "And I meant what I said. Let's put the past behind us, as men of the cloth and of mutual interest. What's a little heartbreak between fellows, after all? We both got everything we desired and deserved from our time with the woman, and now it's time to move forward. Friends?"
A Kuthite. Figures. But at least he seems to have a decent head on his shoulders. Hm, maybe I have heard of him while walking about town?
Clapping his hands in front of himself, Alexander speaks. "Right. So lets get down to business and listen to what Cimri has to say."
"The Ripper huh? A fitting nickname for a Kuthite. A pleasure to meet you my friend."
Castiel reclines against a tree, arms crossed, calmly studying his companions. It appears that we are a very... colorful group of characters, indeed. He perks up a bit at the mention of House Markov.
Pelleas Markov? Did you attend Aberian Arvanxi's gala last month?
Alic gives Vadim a slight bow. "I've always thought so myself, even if some believe it to be an insult. I'd share my personal thoughts on the name, but I don't believe now is quite the time."
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Darkin sighs his boredom once again. It's fine and all meeting these lovely scum, but i still don't see any profit... besides maybe a nice teifling in bed... but with all the other competition around, it doesn't seem likely that that's what this is for.
Darkin interjects himself into the group. "Oh, I know we are all just DIEING to meet you, but once again we must ask: Why where we all called here?
Fort Estazano - Dusk
The attractive human female speaks, "You all know me, Cimri Staelish, at least in passing even if only brief passing and now you all know each other.
I've been handling "jobs" for a number of years now and I finally have an in with an agent for a real mover and shaker in Longacre. The man goes by the moniker Razelago.
Some of you I know more intimately than others. One thing is for sure though, none of you will have any sympathies for our target. That is the main reason why I asked you all to assist me with this... well, I did not ask all of you but no matter.
Here’s the job, we break into Louslik Tannery, sack Ol’ Louslik’s office, take whatever’s shiny, and get out before the sheriff shows up. If we get separated, meet back at the Ash House by dawn.
If you get pinched, remember, you’re mute. Keep your mouth shut, and I’ll handle things. I got assurances that we won’t take any blame if things go south. But get chatty and I’ll let you rot.”
A beat passes and a crooked smirk appears on her face. Somehow, it makes her more attractive than she already is. She blows the hair out of her face with her breath and continues.
“If you don’t screw things up, we’ll all be drinking on Razelago’s coin come dawn. You can take your coin and go home when this is done Markov but you'll kick yourself in the ass when you find out that this little group is rolling in coin and influence in a few years time.
This caper is just a test to make sure that I can put together an operate a competent crew. The unrest these days is everywhere, Kitargo in Rebellion, the Glorious Reclamation yammering on about Iomedae. There is a lot to be done in this Realm and the Hellknights can't do it all. I assure you, there is more coin where this is coming from and we'll be on the inside track to get a piece of that action.
Any questions before we take care of business?”
Vadim tilts his head thoughtfully. "Hmmm... so we're being hired for a bit of breaking and entering. Seems like a large group for such a task, but alright, I'm game. I do have a few questions though. The basics you understand."
"First, will the place be empty or are their guards or workers that we'll need to deal with? Second, will this Louslik be present or will we not need to worry about the owner? Third, who is this Razelago that you claim can give us power and influence?"
What's the layout of the place? Are there any easy access points? Are we keen on doing this at night? Has anyone cased the place before? Should we case it? When are we doing the job?
Castiel scratched his chin thoughtfully. He should grow a beard. He hadn't had one in over a decade, and the change might suit him again
Robert couldn't believe the implication of Cimri's words so he has to confirm, "You mean to break into the tannery, when?"
"Ooh, the big one has good questions," Alicarus says. "That's all quite important. I'm certain we'll succeed regardless, but the more we know, well. And I suppose it's worth asking, we're doing this tonight?" He pauses and another thought comes to him as he absently twists one of his earrings, which apparently aren't regular piercings, as fresh blood begins to drip from the hole. "And why exactly would we get separated?"
"For the separation... I would hazard a guess if only the sheriff arrives." Alexander states. He begins to ponder about who this Louslik is, and what his Tannery is about.
And what is this about the Ash House? As he continues to wonder about that location.
He even tries to recall if he heard who the Sheriff is.
Nodding in thought, Alexander looks that he is alright with doing this. "Right, I am interested in this job alright." He gazes around the fort. "So where exactly is this Tannery anyway? Being from out of town, I do not have all that much knowledge of the town and the surrounding area." He sets his gaze onto Cimri when he finishes speaking.
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Argog nods, cleaning his nail with a strange knife, looking at the woman that had talked to him he asks, You say much about gold and things, however I would like to see the building before we attempt to break into it, also of interest to me is do we have a drawing of the inside of the building, and a good description of what we are trying to take and/or kill? Also are we stepping on any of the Hellknight Orders toes by doing this?
The man known as Argog yawns and stretches showing off 4 arms heavily corded in muscle, neck like a tree stump and legs that look to have been made of trees. When he stretches you can finally see him at full height, he stands at 7 feet even, and must weigh 300 pounds or more in all of that armor with those weapons of his. Once the yawn is over he slouches again losing more than 5 inches in height and covers his body once again with his cloak hiding his arms. There is no doubt about it, he has had time to practice this move to make himself look different than he is.
"So are we going in tonight? What's the reason for the rush?"
Fort Estazano - Dusk
Cimri answers the questions in the orders they came, "There may be guards and workers, that is why I wanted plenty of men with me. That may or may not include the owner.
You'll find out who Razelago is soon enough.
At night? Oh my new Aasimar friend we are doing it tonight. There is a front gate or we can climb the walls to get in. We can case the place before we head in, I figured we would in case we see another means of entrance.
Well my love", she winks at the Ripper. "We have three buildings to search. I don't think we should hold hands while we search them all. In my experience, most jobs do not go smoothly.
The tannery is a mile west of Longacre. If the Sheriff arrives it is because we were sloppy and let someone escape us from the tannery.
We are taking anything and everything of value, the strongbox for certain, you can carry that big guy", she replies to Argog.
"There are a few small buildings. I don't have any layouts but we shouldn't need them.
Hellknights? I doubt they have any interest in a tannery.
The reason for the rush is twofold. First, it took a few days longer to get a crew together than I thought it would. Second, in case anyone gets cold feet or a guilty conscience there is no way for them to betray us. The last, and best reason, is because I f$@*ing said so. You are my crew and I am the Leader.
Right Darkin, this crew should be able to pull this job off with ease.
Any more questions?".
Robert notes the lack of acknowledgment from Cimri, filing it away in his memory palace for a later reckoning. He then considers his present attire to see if anything besides his symbol of faith will identify him to anyone. Luckily, his robes are mostly back and should blend nicely in the night. He then reviews his spell complement to see if he has the necessary tools. A spell to change his appearance should be appropriate.
"I am not squeamish about blood. But is this Razelago fellow preferring no murder for this job?"
Fort Estazano
Cimri grins at Robert, "You never were very squeamish about blood were you lover? One of your better qualities I think.
Our patron cares not one way or the other at least he has not indicated so to me. If anyone gets in our way it will be up to us to be merciful or not..."
Vadim smiles warmly, which seems completely out of place. "A no witnesses job! How wonderful! Very well then. Just give me a moment to get ready." He pulls his tabard of, folding it up and stowing it away in his bag so that the noble crest of his lady will not be associated with their little raid.
"I prefer putting the blame on someone else like these Iomedean dogooders hahahaha"
Yes. Putting the blame on them will do nicely. Robert congratulates himself on this latest plan.
That could be very exciting.! Castiel grins at Roberts's plan. but, difficult to achieve .
He ignores the point that Cimri apparently has ... close... ties with many in the group. It would be in gentlemanly of him to press the issue. And, besides, pressing the issue would give her even more power. This little game was far from over.
Let us, then, to the Tannery. I would like to case the place before we go in.
"Certainly. Knowledge and victory go hand in hand, after all." Alicarus shifts his chain slightly, and it pulls free of his clothing to drape in his hands, where he deftly coils it and slings it over one shoulder. "As for difficulty, there's no fun in something easy, and nothing learned from it. I think many find it particularly fitting when I say, 'No pain, no gain,' hmm?" He grins and gestures to the exit of the old Fort.
"I agree. Lets see this Tannery and figure out what is in store." Alexander smirks slightly, and then raises an eyebrow when he realizes what Robert said. "That sounds like a perfect idea. Pin blame on the people that are actively bring chaos into these lands. Might be as easy as donning robes of white and having a sword badge upon our chest." As he thinks out loud of methods to proceed with such a plan.
"I agree. Lets see this Tannery and figure out what is in store." Alexander smirks slightly, and then raises an eyebrow when he realizes what Robert said. "That sounds like a perfect idea. Pin blame on the people that are actively bring chaos into these lands. Might be as easy as donning robes of white and having a sword badge upon our chest." As he thinks out loud of methods to proceed with such a plan.
A sound plan, Axander.
Robert stifles a comment and just lets everyone speak their mind.
I was thinking more of leaving some Iomedean graffiti at the crime scene. But dressing up is fine.
"Framing do gooders is always an interesting little game. So if we're going to collect so disguises, let us be quick about it. We want to finish this by sun up, do we not?"
Alicarus frowns. "Misdirection isn't a favorite of mine. Truth be told, I haven't any talent for deceits or disguises myself. Of course, a little work can go a long way, and we don't want to get caught." He smiles suddenly. "And this is a grand opportunity to share some of the Prince's love with the Iomedaeans. Very well, if someone knows where to find such accoutrements, let's get them and be on our way!"
"Ah, if we must." Pelleas says, preparing to leave. "I will admit I have no love, nor any particular talent, to speak of when it comes to deception, but I will acquiesce in this case. I could likely procure us some of those robes that were mentioned, although finding anything resembling their holy symbols is beyond my meager knowledge of this town. If anyone else might have a clue, lead on by all means, but I suspect following me around to find them would be a fairly futile endeavor."
Castiel turns to Cimri and flashes her a winning smile. Could you you provide us with holy symobls?
Before Cimri could answer: "Consider this: we do not need disguises if all possible witnesses, who can contradict the version of the events the clues we leave behind suggest, are gone."
Fort Estazano
Both Cimri and Alexander are at a loss at to where to get an Iomedean Holy Symbol oat this hour.
However, Alexander does know that Gield’s General Store is still open as the sisters who run it cater to after hours clients. Of course, purchasing the 9 white robes would be rather suspicious right before an attack so no doubt a great deal of hush money will need to be paid up front!
Alexander also remembers that A small night crew works at the tannery. The tannery’s owner, Jabral Louslik, handles the operation’s accounting well into the evening. Additionally, Shaul and Pippa Umbre—the town’s elderly gong farmers—come and go throughout the night, bringing loads of dung to use in softening leather.
Scouting the Tannery
As your group considers whether to frame the Iomedeans, you head to the Tannery to scout the location.
A log palisade surrounds the tannery. In places, gaps between the gray, dry-rotted trunks are wide enough to pass a hand through. To the west, a muddy trail slips beneath a plank gate similar to a barn door. These barriers do absolutely nothing to block the heavy stench of chemicals and dung drifting from within. As you scout, you see no sign of the Farmer's who make their evening runs.
It is clear that it would not be difficult to scale the 10' wall but you would be easily spotted while doing so from someone inside and anyone approaching the building from the road that leads to the tannery.
"Thoughts gentlemen?" Cimri asks as she stares at the Tannery as if she could make the walls drop just by willing it so.
"There's an opening over there, you know," Pelleas remarks as he points to the damaged portion of the palisade. "Getting through might take some effort, but I doubt we'll be spotted."
"Hmmm, if our plan is to frame the Iomedeans, do we want to sneak in? Wouldn't a properly dramatic entrance through the front be more appropriate to make a statement?"
Perhaps a 2-pronged assault. A few less... Sneaky... Members create a distraction, while the others slip through and possibly take the crew from behind? Or, simply get what we came for
"I'd be in favor of a quiet entry myself," Alicarus says. He fingers his piercings again and gives a chuckle. "Frankly, no amount of white robing is going to disguise me very much, and it's probably better if word doesn't get out that I'm involved. I can spearhead a more subtle intrusion through that hole with anyone who wishes to join me, while others draw attention elsewhere."
Alexander ponders the situation at hand about the robes. Hmm... There is that General Store, but would be suspicious if the people that robbed that Tannery wore those robes. Sheesh. Maybe not a good idea. Speaking quietly he explains how such a means might lead to them. "Tsk... There may be robes at the General Store, but the owners would most likely have to be paid heavily."
When they finally get to the Tannery to heck it out, he examines the buildings from distance.
He agrees with the sentiment of the others. "I agree with a two pronged approach. With getting those robes a bit ... Too much of an annoyance. So I think sneaking in quietly is somewhat better though."
He focuses onto the Tannery, wondering if there is anyone wondering around. "Hey... Could anyone go there to scout it out? Maybe see who or what is on patrol?"
"People don't pay me much attention, but that's more of a... mutual agreement; I don't think I ought to try looking around." Pelleas gives a once over of the others, though, his eyes settling on Alicarus. "If you're in favor of a quiet entry, why don't you snoop around before the rest of us come barging in, hmm?"
Alic grins wickedly and gives a short bow. Oddly enough, despite the links of his chain and the slight glimpses of metal studs set into his leathers, he makes almost no sound at all. "It would be my pleasure. I'll return shortly." With that, he creeps to the gap and squeezes through, then crouches low to the ground and moves to scope out the exterior of the tannery.
With lots of things on his mind, Robert did not notice what he was supposed to notice. Be that as it may, he did agree with a two-pronged approach, considering the size of the team.
"I agree with a two-pronged approach. I can head the open team with a few others to go to the entrance of the tannery to talk the people inside to show themselves. I can create some plausible excuse to go their at that time of the night. Meanwhile, our stealth team, composed of the sneakier SOBs in the group, goes over the wall to do what we need done. If they get discovered the open team initiates the assault and we move in to cleanse the entire compound. I do hope we have a reserve team who can cut off anyone who happens to escape from our hammer and anvil."
1d20+3
With lots of things on his mind, Robert did not notice what he was supposed to notice. Be that as it may, he did agree with a two-pronged approach, considering the size of the team.
"I agree with a two-pronged approach. I can head the open team with a few others to go to the entrance of the tannery to talk the people inside to show themselves. I can create some plausible excuse to go their at that time of the night. Meanwhile, our stealth team, composed of the sneakier SOBs in the group, goes over the wall to do what we need done. If they get discovered the open team initiates the assault and we move in to cleanse the entire compound. I do hope we have a reserve team who can cut off anyone who happens to escape from our hammer and anvil."
A wise course of action. I shall go with the sneakier SOBs, as you say. His mouth quirks at the joke. And, we shall meet inside
"I'm not much for stealth either. I shall be most glad to accompany you to the front gates sir Robert. Let us terrify these fools."
"I will go with the distraction group myself. Maybe I can act like a accountant or tax collector? Maybe." Alexander finishes with a shrug. His face shows clearly that he does not having any experience in this sort of thing.
the Tannery
Cimri nods at the suggestions, "Let's give time for Ali to scout the interior, go ahead in with him Castiel. Vadim, Argog, Alex, Robert, and Pelleas will come by five minutes after the two of you enter. Darkin and I will hang back in case someone comes or goes".
The two of you squeeze in through the side gate opening.
As you come around the side of the main building you do not see anyone but it seems your presence rouses a dog near the door from its rest!
You both go then the Dog goes!