With the missive granting the merchant's guild additional leeway in dealing with criminal elements targeting the guilds interests orders are given to Talathel and Mikal to return to the guild for other duties. Two new members are assigned to assist in the hunt for the perpetrators of crime against Mr Jumai and the recent thefts, a halfling and a dwarf.
Having always dealt with threats to the family caravan in a very straight forward manner Vayga is itching to rush forward to this urchin in her signature "charismatic" way. However being part of a group that she is not in command of she will wait quietly to see if anyone first suggests something more subtle. Not to say she'll listen to said suggestion but you never know.
"I will try to move past her, and then the rest of you close in. That way I can be in position if she tries to flee."
He eyes the party and the new recruits.
"Perhaps Cindy Lu should be the one to approach the girl. Your illusions hopefully won't scare her off the moment she sees you."
He pauses and then adds, "No offense to the rest of you."
Vados begins moving through the crowd down the street. Not directly towards the girl, instead trying to get past so that there are party members on either side of her.
Before setting off to locate the little thief Cindy stops by a local bakery and buys a small bag of pastries. She then casts Mage Armor on herself and Vados, places all her weapons into her haversack, and adjusts her appearance to that of a different young girl, but this time closer to the age of the girl from the scry. She maintains the same slightly dirty bow in her hair, this time the shade is a darker red.
She moves along with the other to the street address in question but travels apart from them once they arrive. Seeing young half elven girl she begins to make her way indirectly towards her, kicking a rock in the street in her general direction and then skipping to it to kick it again. As she gets closer she begins to swing the bag of pastries slowly and starts to hum and sing a little tune quietly, not making eye contact with the her query. I've got something good to eat. I've got something good to eat. she chants.
If the elven girl does not move away she will move to the wall the girl is leaning on, lean on it herself, copying her pose, reach into the bag and withdraw a pastry, take a bite, and then offer her the bag.
Vados pushes his way through the crowds, moving at a slow pace pushing through the crowds.
Cindy Lu follows not to long after, causing a small disturbance as her smaller form is hidden behind the crowds causing a few people to stumble a bit to avoid running into her. The half elven girl takes a dozen steps in Cindy's direction as she gets closer, sliding along the wall to keep out of the way of those walking in the street. "Watcha eatin' there?" she asks with a slight smile. "Trade for an apple?" she pulls a fresh green apple from within the folds of her clothing.
While Vados and Cindy Lu work their way past and toward the young thief, Vayga comes around from behind the girl's position to place herself in the alley just south west of the child without ever being in her line of sight. Vayga's experience with the thieves of merchant caravans is that they seldom work alone. Thus readying her weapons and moving with caution Vayga is more concerned with the unknown enemy than with the half elven thief girl that Cindy will soon be talking with.
Vayga moves into the twisting maze of back streets. Refuse litters the ground accompanied by the smell of rotting vegetation. There is no certainty that this particular back alley will connect up with the alley the small thief is standing near.
Aria and Skyfire carefully approach the others, as Aria is unsure what their plan specifically is. Still, the young witch had proven herself in the past to be decidedly capable.
Cindy moves to the wall. I got pastries. And I'll trade you one, but I don't want an apple. She smiles mischievously as she leans against the wall and looks around.
Shiv mingles in the crowd trying to be inconspicuous.
He attempts to recognize the team members the Merchants had described to him. I wonder if they are even aware of my arrival.
He watches as the young girl works the mark.
"I got nothing but apples to trade." She makes a show of pulling at the sides of her dress as if to say, 'nothing else in here'. "I haven't seen you around here before. Where ya from?"
The girl is wary, not necessarily of you so much as just the awareness any child of the streets might have, always watching everything around them.
Cindy tries to mimic the level of wariness as she pulls out a particularly tasty looking pastry and offers it to the girl. From the Lower city. She names a street near where her dad is it. My name is Cindy. What's yours? And I like secrets. She says quietly. Trade me a secret.
Vayga begins to feel anxious that she will not be in place in time. She searches her memory for hints of which way to go. After orienting herself she heads in the most likely direction while considering climbing on top of the buildings if her sense of direction fails her. Moving forward she tries to hold her temper in check. A small delay is not worth getting angry over.
As Cindy Lu talks to the girl Vayga considers her options, then grabbing hold of various loose boards and using a window seal as leverage she hoists herself twenty feet up to the rooftops of the beggars road. Her vantage point gives her a much clearer view of the maze like back alleys.
"Most people just call me El." She smiles a crooked smile. "A secret?" She nibbles at the pastry, then gives Cindy a wink. "I can show you how to make some extra spending cash." El steps back a few steps and pushes open a door on the building, taking a step inside, she waves from the doorway for Cindy to follow.
Cindy pause as she finishes her pastry (hopefully allow her friends to notice the open door) and looks into the opening cautiously, again trying to mimic the girl's previous caution and also looking for signs of a trap or ambush. She then flashes a brave smile and, assuming she saw nothing to warn her away, steps into the doorway.
Nothing immediately jumps out as threatening, though the entire atmosphere inside is a dark and moody one.
Inside is a small room, 10' wide and 15' long. A small table sits in the middle of the room and a fireplace with something cooking in it takes up part of the east wall. On the west side of the south wall a passage leads further back and stairs can be seen going up to the second level. The entire place smells of tobacco smoke.
A middle aged woman busies herself at the fireplace. She gives El and Cindy a frown as they enter but says nothing.
El leads Cindy down the back passage past the stairs and into another room where a bald man sits smoking a pipe. Windows on the east and west sides are covered by blinds, letting in only a dim light. At a guess he is in his 30's, though the lack of hair makes him look a bit older. He wears vestments such as a priest might wear, though Cindy does not recognize them from any religion she is familiar with. He gives El a dark look. "Who is this Ellenora?"
"Her name is Cindy. She is looking for work Bannali." El flashes the man a smile, though it does nothing to change the mans mood.
"Just like that Ellenora? Find someone you like and you want to offer them work?" His use of her full name is clearly intended to annoy the half-elven girl. "Come over here Cindy so that I may get a good look at you."
Cindy watches El move into the house and when her back is turned she activates her Natural Armor hex. Why didn't we get a Message spell going. she chides herself.
Cindy smiles and curtsies to the woman at the fireplace as she passes through the room. Once in the back room Cindy looks Bannali over, looking for any signs of weapons or spell components before stepping forward timidly. I just wanted to be friends with El. What kind of work are you talking about?
Bannali gives Cindy an appraising look, rising from his chair and peering into her face from his near 6' height.
"Ellenora, Firyin is upstairs, he will wish to speak with Cindy. Won't you go and fetch him? And close the door behind you."
El stiffens a little but exits the room as instructed.
"Who are your parents Cindy? Where do you come from?"
Cindy wonders how to play this and considers attacking the man before El can leave, but thinks she may have stumbled into something valuable. She listens to see if she can hear her companions maybe moving in before responding. I am from this city Mr. Bannali, is it? I'd rather not tell you about my parents until I know you a little better. I hope you understand. I had figured that El did not work alone and wanted to meet those she did work for. I've a proposition for you, and for Mr. Firyin too I guess.
Has she ever heard of either of those names? She has no skill in knowledge Local.
Neither of the names means anything to Cindy Lu.
"Your friend is a bit naive at times. But she is a faithful worker. Why don't you have a seat till Firyin arrives?" He gestures to an empty chair near the west window.
El can be heard climbing the stairs, which creak as she does.
Cindy leans against the wall near the chair, choosing not to sit. I do not recognize your robes Mr. Bannali. To what order do you belong?
"I represent a small, but very specific interest here in Coran. Firyin has been kind enough to help me accomplish my goals, though I confess, he likely has his own motivations for doing so." Bannali gives Cindy a conspiratorial wink.
The steps creak again as someone comes down them, and soon the door opens. A man, followed by El, steps inside. He is dressed in fine clothing and a thin black mustache and goatee adorn his face. A short sword hangs from his side. His hands are covered by thin leather gloves,
Bannali speaks again, "Do you see what I see Firyin?"
The new comer gives Cindy Lu a look over then turns to El, "El dear, you've made a mistake. You've let a rat into our midst."
Firyin turns to Cindy, "Who sent you girl?". He remains standing in front of the door and crouches slightly, readying himself should Cindy try to bolt past.
El frowns, looking a little dismayed, though her concern seems more over her apparent failure than anything.
The man is wearing a disguise of some kind, the goatee is slightly off center and one end sticks out a fraction of an inch where the glue is not holding it in place.
Cindy does not move at all. I am not what I seem true enough, but then who is. She says very calmly, attempting to disarm the situation, but hinting that she knows maybe more than she does. And I am no rat. If you are clever enough to see a gift when it presents itself at your door I predict that you will be thanking little El instead of punishing her. I have come to talk to you and to make you an offer, if you will hear it. El with her late night forays into some local shops were my invitation. She smiles an apology at El.
[b]You see, I seek a certain group of rogues that I believe are not, or at least should not be, associated with your interests. This group has attacked a friend of mine, a merchant by the name of Jumai. They took a lot of gold from him and promised all sorts of nasty things if he does not pay them a like amount every month. This has brought a lot of attention to them and to whoever shelters them. And there is some talk about them attacking drow on the city streets. Very flashy for a group that would be better served by anonymity, don't you agree? [b]
Aria follows Cindy Lu carefully, trying not to interfere with her special brand of diplomacy. Cindy Lu apparently had her friends, as she had hers.
El gives Cindy a dirty look, refusing to look at her further, a deep scowl on her face.
Firyin grins, "Oh ho, I believe I know of who you speak and their interests do not coincide with mine, a nasty bloodthirsty lot they are."
"I will hear your offer, though you still haven't told me who you represent. The mages? The merchants? The Church of Abadar? Only those three would take any interest in El's exploits." He turns to give the girl a disapproving look, one that says 'You and I will talk later.'
Bannali returns to his seat, listening to Firyin speak, a look of disgust on his face.
Feeling less threatened, Cindy breaths a little easier, but sends Bannali a questioning look. I am employed by the merchants, but they have not sent me to see you, per say. Instead they asked me to do something about thefts from their members, both great and small. When she says small she shoots El another look. So rather than pick up El for breaking and entering and petty theft I decided to come in and meet her family.
I propose that we team up Mr. Firyin, at least where we have common interest, and common enemies. My guess is that in your line of work, there is always rivalry and that those that have threatened Master Jumai are a thorn in your side, or worse. I have friends and resources with the merchants and to a lesser extent even with the mages that can be directed at that lot, and at the same time not direct any of their energies towards you and your 'family'. Part of what I want in return for our help is protection of the merchant's guild by those who you have influence over, at least for a time. Does this interest you Mr. Firyin.
As Vayga watches Cindy Lu and the young thief girl enter the building she decides that a closer proximity to Cindy Lu is going to be more valuable than the height advantage would be. As she tries to find another window sill or something to help her down she growls to herself, You'd think going down would be easier than getting up was!
Aria casually makes her way closer while Cindy Lu is inside chatting.
"So you are saying you want me to keep on eye on the merchant's shops, scare away the petty thieves and the like? How long should you like my offered protection for?"
There is a whump from outside and a clang of metal on cobblestone. El jumps at the sound and Firyin whirls at the noise. He looks at El and tilts his head to indicate he wants her to go check it out. She darts from the room and into the street to find Vayga climbing back to her foot, having fallen from the roof as a board she tried to grasp ripped away from the building beneath her weight.
Not waiting for El to return Firyin continues, "If that is our bargain I can add one thing to it." His grin is malicious, "I know where they are currently staying."
Not so much keep an eye on they as to make them off limits for your family if you will. But letting others know that they are under you protection would be a bonus. As far as a time frame goes, lets play it by ear. Certainly for as long as you want the resources of the merchants and mages directed away from you and yours. Maybe long enough for you to climb to the top in the town, if you are not already there. Long enough to eliminate some of your competition. And as long after as its mutually beneficial.
At the sound of the commotion outside Cindy speaks up. That would be my friends. I suspect they are worried about me. How could they know how well mannered and reasonable you would be? I recommend not hurting them as that would undo all the progress I feel we have made. She smiles at this with confidence that does not recognize the personal threat to her person before continuing.
I am not so naive to think that the merchants can do away with the thieves in this town. What dull world that would be, yes? Better to try to befriend one that can be trusted, and reasoned with, and help him to the top. When he mentions knowing their location she smiles her biggest smile. Our arrangement is already beginning to pay dividends. Should I invite my friends in, or shall we negotiate the details at another time? I few of my friends are on the rowdy side. I fear then will come in shortly unless I come out and I would rather not draw attention to this location.
"If they will agree to the details as have been laid out, then there is no need to bring them in here. I'll give you three months for now? We can negotiate further at that point?" He holds out his hand for Cindy to shake it.
Agreed. She shakes the offered hand. We need to plan a joint strike against our common foe. We go in after them I think, or wait for them to come out? But we will need you to watch other exits and provide as much intel about strengths, layout, traps, alarms, etc. Maybe even provide a guide? She takes a step towards the door she entered from.
There is still much to decide but I should get back outside. How shall we communicate further?
"El can run messages for me if you tell me where to send her. And I can get you a layout of The Crow and cover additional exits. As to how to approach this? This seems more your bailiwick for planning this sort of thing than mine."
Cindy nod as she begins to walk out. El can get messages to me at the merchant's guild hall for now. I'll refine that as time goes on. Its been a pleasure.
"Do you plan to take action today or tonight sometime? I can get some help there, just need to know when."
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The Crow is a large two story inn and tavern near the center of the city. The place is well maintained and appeals to the somewhat richer, if perhaps a little snooty, crowds.
The common room is spacious, 80' long and 60' wide. Four large private dining halls, 20' by 30', can be accessed via doors along the north wall. Each private dining hall has a large window on its north wall, with heavy drapes that can be pulled closed to cover them.
Along the south wall are half a dozen small rooms for private meetings. These rooms are small at 10' by 15'. Each of these rooms also has a window with drapes that can be pulled over them for added privacy.
The stairs leading to the upper floor are opposite the entrance. The upper floor contains over a dozen small sleeping rooms and a couple of larger suites. All of the rooms along the outer walls have windows overlooking the streets. The suites also include a balcony that can be accessed via a door from the suite. Only one other building is near the inn, another two story building just west of it, a warehouse of some kind.
The inn has a stables a short distance off from the inn itself and is large enough to hold two dozen horses.
Vayga is clearly pleased to see Cindy Lu return unscathed from the building. She is also plainly embarrassed by her loud fall and not talking to or looking at anyone as she dusts herself off.
Stopping past Cindy Lu she can be heard to mutter something like Meet you in the usual place tonight.
Lower Level with windows added in
Firyin assures you this is not their normal base of operations. It will still have someone looking things over, but this is really just an inn and tavern that they are working out of for the time being.
"I see. So this is where the vermin live. Of the feathered type." Aria says as she looks over the map Cindy Lu had procured.
"When do we go in?" Her mind was already slipping into military mode.
She looks over at inconspicuous Shiv. "Any recommendations, Shiv? You might have the best infiltration experience. My approach is more direct."
Vados looks over the plans carefully as Aria speaks.
"Slipping in undetected, either some or all of us, seems a good plan. Though we should be prepared if some of them slip away."
I will take the chance if you think I should enter and scout the area. Do we have a description of someone I can disguise myself as just in case?
Aria will levitate to the roof of a nearby building where she can see anyone coming or going through the front door.
Hmph Vayga says watching Aria rise to the roof top. Anyone can get on and off a building when they levitate. Show off. She glowers about being so obviously mocked in front of the party. More loudly but to no one in particular she says, I'm hungry and I'm tired. I've been on my feet all day and this inn looks as good as any for some dinner!
She stamps her feet a couple of times before heading pointedly to the inn and straight through the front door.
Aria spends several hours 20' up on the roof of a nearby building, nestled up next to a chimney to provide her some cover from view from the street.
Persons of various ages, races, and genders enter or leave every several minutes, stopping either for a drink or a meal. All are dressed better than the average commoner and many have weapons of one kind or another, though Aria's experience with battle tells her half or more of these have the weapons for the status such offers more than any knowledge of how to use them.
On the streets people hurry about trying to get last minute errands done before the close of the day.
Shiv takes some time changing his clothing and appearance to match the better attire that many of the patrons wear then walks in as though coming off the street for a meal. Vayga follows behind him less than a minute later.
Inside the place is running a fair amount of business for the time of day. Minstrel sits in a corner near the stairs playing a stringed instrument. A pair of dwarves sit drinking ale at table as a barmaid clears a pair of empty mugs. A half-orc sits a table talking quietly with a gnome dressed in a mages robes. A pair of elves sits at another table sipping at a red wine. A elf and a human male exit the establishment shortly after Shiv enters.
You recognize the human male exiting the door from your meeting this morning with the mages. The silent man with twin short blades hanging from his waist, who never spoke and never gave his name.
Vados sneaks around to the back of the building (T12) and positions himself near the window. He settles himself so that he's hidden by the shadows, but can still clearly see inside.
Garion will position himself near the fountain, say Q38, and bathe his fevered brow in the cool, clear waters.
Cindy cast False Life on herself and then casts and maintains Detect Magic before all this starts if possible.