With the group scattered from the scene of the fight each makes their way back one at a time to The Crow.
Dev is the last to return, Vower having taken some time in a back alley to dispose of the remains. He carries with him a number of items looted from the corpse.
Jake arrives back in disguise as a wealthy land owner's son. "Well that could have gone better, but it certainly could have gone a lot worse. We are going to have a small army after us, but the ones I'm afraid of are the mages who will be searching for with their magics."
"I think we are better off staying together, it would be easier to pick us off one at a time. And stay in disguise of one sort or another, if they work out who we are then not only are we in trouble but any friends or family you have are also in trouble. If anyone know much about their magics and how to avoid them that would be great otherwise I reckon we get out of the city and keep moving making it hard to catch us even if they know where we are."
"We should also take a magical look at the items from the Master some of them are probably magical and useful."
Rocosmia shakes her head in response, quietly counting in her head. After a short while, she speaks. "First let's split this up. I think we've got 6,631 gold worth of things from the mage, not counting the dust and potions. They should be group assets. We would get 1,105 each. 675 for the breastplate, 1,156 for the warhammer, and 500 for the cloak. So whoever wants the warhammer, throw in 51 gold for the pot. If nobody else needs the cloak, I'll take that and 605 worth of gems. Whatever isn't claimed gets sold. As for the group assets, I think Dev and Digger should hold the potions, and sell the dust for 900 gold. We could afford 4 scrolls of Glitterdust or other party assets like the Silence we used today. Of you get tracked down from having any of this, just say you bought it from a shady vendor, and avoid the rest of us for a while."
She prefers to sort that out first, then speak of the events today. It felt a little like murder, but it also felt like cleaning out the city. It made her feel powerful. A successful rebellion was not such a distant dream after all. "I agree we should stay near each other when doing something, but we shouldn't leave town. We were in disguises, and leaving as a group may make us suspicious. I've got room for one at my home. Hazan, I'd like you to go with Dev to find out what we've got coming up. Jake and Digger have some rumors to see to. Drewan, are you up for coming with me later to see how they're investigating the scene? If they're careless... we might be able to cut their investigation short."
Drewan lifts his shirt and winces in pain, exposing several large gashes in his torso. "I'll need a few moments. That guard got several good hits in before I was able to get out of there. Unless one of you has some magic to aid me, I can use my wand to knit myself up." He lowers his shirt once more, then nods. "After that, though, I would be willing to help."
After making sure that they're in a private room, Dev lays out the items they've taken from his haversack, struggling to lift the heavier objects out of it. He's changed back to his usual clothes, the guard uniform folded nearby after taking it out. Vower is nowhere to be seen, presumably dismissed after having had his meal.
He tells the group what each one is after looking at them magically then tilts his head as he listens to Rocosmia break down the value of the items.
"Whatever you think is best," he tells her. "I don't need any of these and perhaps it would be better to sell or give the equipment we don't need to the Rebellion. I'm sure they will be thankful and may have something to trade, and perhaps be better at selling ill-gotten goods."
Dev isn't any closer to his own goal but he closes his eyes for a moment and feels patient. The hunger he shares with Vower is dulled for now.
"Your plan sounds good. We'll need to get sleep soon. And we'll be meeting Hezek tomorrow--do we have a plan for that? Hazan and I can go to scout the area, merchant's road if I recall. The lieutenant did say to be wary of him. I can hold the uniforms in my haversack, but it would be better to put them in another container beforehand."
He looks at Drewan's wounds before the catfolk pulls down his shirt. "I should get myself that kind of wand," he murmurs to himself.
"Drewan, forgive my boldness, but I think you should be our top priority for disguising for now. You know, with the whole cat thing and all."
Hazan looks over at Drewan as he shows his wounds
Don't worry Drewan, I can help you out. Best save that wand for an emergency.
Hazan stands next to Drewan and starts rubbing his hands together. Just as they start to faintly glow blue, Hazan picks up his mug and takes a long drink with one hand while pressing the other to Drewan's chest.
As Hazan finishes his drink he removes his hand from Drewan.
That should do it. Oh! And that reminds me. I have a present for you.
Hazan walks over to a bundle in the corner and comes back with Drewan's sword.
Someone left this in the street and I thought you might like it. He says with a smile.
Digger nods. "Good save, Hazan. I'm sure I don't have to stress the importance of not leaving ANYthing behind on missions like this. The tower scries as easily as we breathe. If you became compromised ..." Digger drifts off but then abruptly smiles. "Well, you didn't. Well done out there."
Drewan nods his thanks to Hazan, then to Digger. "True. I will accept your suggestion and keep myself out of sight for some time. If any of you hear any rumors regarding any of my race being involved, I would appreciate any counter-rumors you can devise. Since Hazan and I are the only ones that drew blood, and I am the one that slew the mage, I would imagine we will be targeted."
I guess it's a good thing I'll be out of town for a while then. As far as disguises go, I could probably get away with just painting my skin a different color.
"I would agree with passing anything we can't use on to our superiors, I don't think we want to get caught selling it, even if we could talk our way out of it. I would also support a communal fund for buying things like scrolls, we are more likely to spend money doing what needs to be done if it is our person money. On the topic of the items, I could use the cloak but someone else might be able make better use of it. On the topic of the buying things, why did the master feel the need to carry about 4000 gold worth of gems on his person? Oh and we should spread rumours about what happened before too many start on their own."
With Hazan's magic and a full nights rest Drewan's wounds are completely healed.
The only current responsibilities you have are to meet with Hezek and deliver the stolen uniforms to him and try and get a feel for his commitment and purpose in joining with the rebellion.
Among the rumors of the morning is news of last nights attack in which two of the tower guard and nearly half a dozen of the city watch were killed last night. No mention is made of the missing Master Torenest.
Standing at the east end of the merchant's road you can see what must be Hezek sitting in a chair outside the front of a shop that sells mundane items. Backpacks, pouches, rope, tents, and so forth.
The man fits the description of being bald and missing his right arm. One eye is also crooked, looking a little up and left from where it should. His clothes are plain though his physique suggests a great physical strength in the man. He sits idle watching the crowds in the street.
Dev waits near the back for one of their more charismatic members to approach.
Digger starts his day as usual: in disguise and starting rumors. Rumors he'll try today:
1. Master Torrenast was kidnapped by the merchant's guild.
2. Master Torrenast was killed in self defense.
3. Master Torrenast tried to kill a little boy, and the tower guard struck him down.
4. A caravan of catfolk was seen outside the city.
5. The Thieves Guild IS the Merchant's Guild.
Just the sort of look of someone who has to take advantage of things whenever he can. This must be a test of his loyalty. "Wait a minute. Let me speak with him alone."
Rocosmia first approaches Hezek. She sizes him up while waiting for him to take notice of her, doubly so if he already saw her coming. Squints her eyes at him, she speaks slowly, conveying the sense of power she felt yesterday. "You have something I want, by the looks of it." She looks at his wares incidentally, touching one of the backpacks as though perusing. "One or two of these will do well to give you what you want. I'm glad to see you're well supplied. Of course, I would like a detailed receipt. Will there be any complications?"
Rocosmia walks over to Hezek, for surely there could be no other that matches his description just by happenstance being where you were told to find him. The mans gaze is elsewhere as Rocosmia approaches, but when she gets closer he turns to look at her, a large grin spreading across his face as he looks her up and down. His left eye wanders a bit as he looks at her with his good right.
"You look like you've got all the goods. You can have anything you want here darling for that kind of price" he winks. "Just come to the back of the shop with me here." he rises and enters the front door, walking slowly with a slight limp.
You are unsure if he got your intended meaning or if his fantasies are running wild.
Rocosmia hesitates before following. Going alone to the back of the shop wasn't her idea of a simple swap. Even if the worst were to happen, I could escape. Probably. It would take an ambush ready to deal with magic. If it came to that... then my allies would notice... right? She walks in behind Hezek, and keeps her voice slow and smiles.
"Lets not waste any time, then."
Hezek leads the way into the shop, past several shelves overflowing with more mundane items, past a set of stairs leading to an upper level and into a back room. A small table and several chairs sit in the center of the room. A single window at the back side of the room allows in light from the outside. He closes the door after Rocosmia enters and leans against it casually.
A leer on his face, "So show me your goods then."
Rocosmia smirks and coos. "I'd like to know your name first. A little grease to help things go smoother. I have an expectation- I'm looking for something. Rebellious. This isn't all I've got..." She starts to move none the less, beginning a dance she knows that makes the human males unsettled. The seductive, fiery dance of the ifrit.
The grease makes her skin reflect light a little more smoothly. I'll burn his hair off if he's not Hezek.
Dev casually takes the chair when Rocosmia and Hezek go inside. He watches the crowd before becoming bored with it and takes out a small unfinished wooden sculpture and a whittling knife.
He starts paring the sculpture while waiting, forming the details of a twisted version of a miniature cat skull.
Jake still disguised as a land owner wanders the browsing the stalls.
Puck sneaks up to the outside of the shop and listens for trouble, when he doesn't hear anything he sneaks in looking for where Rocosmia went.
Hazan takes a seat in front of the shop and tries to look like a bored, shiftless mercenary.
The one armed man watches as Rocosmia starts her seductive dance. "I am Hezek Kevoilt dear one. Were you expecting someone else?" His face splits into a wanton grin.
Suddenly his expression changes and he flings open the door behind him, finding Puck standing in the hallway near the stairs. Anger clouds the mans face and a dagger appears in his hand, pulled from a hidden pocket somewhere.
Puck grins "You are good! I haven't been caught in a very long time." slowly he raises his hands to show that they are empty. "No need to get violent however I'm come peacefully."
"He is one of us, of the rebellion. We have the uniforms," she says as she stops dancing. "...and I'm expecting you to have a message for us. Puck, would you go get the others?"
Puck smiles at Rocosmia "My lady, your wish is my command and it is done." he says turning slowly hand still shown to Hezek and walking slowing away.
Jake catches the eyes of the others and walks into the shop.
Hazan heads into the shop after waiting a suitable interval after Jake goes inside.
Dev puts in a few more details in his sculpture before putting it away, entering the shop as well.
While Hezek waits for everyone to move into the back room of the shop he grabs one of the packs from a shelf then follows and closes the door behind him. With everyone inside it is stuffy and crowded.
Hezek does not wait for introductions, "I have a contact who has a particular interest in seeing you succeed in your cause - due to a past injustice inflicted by the mages. Rather than beating around the bush let me just be upfront with you. My task is to determine whether you can meet my contacts needs while chasing your rebellion." His fishes into the pack and pulls out a scroll.
"I have here a scroll of zone of truth, which I will cast, then proceed to ask you some questions. In turn you may also ask me questions. The only things I will not answer is the name of my contact or questions that would lead to a revelation of who my interested party is."
"Should you satisfy my questions there are certain items that can be provided at reduced prices that can otherwise be hard to obtain." Stuffing the scroll into his belt he again reaches into the pack and pulls forth a mithral chain shirt. "This one will be free. But should you wish to acquire other items of mithral make you will be charged just the material costs only. I can also arrange for other rare materials under the same bargain. Wyroot, cold iron, adamantine, darkwood, and so forth."
"I can also arrange for certain magical scrolls that are not commonly known in this part of the world if that is your interest."
"Shall I proceed then?"
Drewan shifts uncomfortably, but ultimately nods.
Puck looks at Hezek suspiciously.
The crowded room starts to feel like a small cage. Rocosmia frowns at Hezek's offer - only brightening a little when the room itself brightens with the mithral chain shirt. She glances over to Jake, who would probably receive it. Moving to the door, opening it not even so much as to a crack, she leans against the frame. Just the option of leaving gave her ease of mind. Still, she looked critically upon the man.
"Fine, but I want to cast this zone of truth. If you've nothing up your sleeve, that shouldn't be a problem. To be up front with you, this is not what we were expecting and I don't like it. Sorry if you had good intentions. I expect you can understand why I feel a little offended. Once the spell is working, go ahead and restate all your intentions for the rebellion, please. Then feel free to ask your questions."
Hazan takes the scroll and activates Read Magic in preparation for casting.
In disguise as an Ulfen man with a blonde beard, Digger grimaces. "We've got a better deal elsewhere. Up the ante, southman."
Hezek shrugs. "It makes no difference to me who casts it." He hands the scroll over to Rocosmia.
He watches Digger intently as he boasts of a better offer. "Ha" he barks out, "And I suppose your lady friend here is going to come back tonight to woo me." He grins and says a bit more quietly, "Doesn't mean I won't enjoy looking though."
He pulls his eyes away from Rocosmia, "No one else has got access to these rare materials and is willing to part with 'em for cheap. But if you can prove satisfactory I'll throw in a bit something extra. Your rebellion is young. If the mages turn their full attention on you they will crush you. That will happen if the rumors I've heard about from last night are any of your doing. You need something else to take their attention for a time while you continue to plant seeds of dissent within the city."
The last isn't really so much a additional offer of aid so much as something he simply didn't mention at the outset as an additional bargaining point.
I cast the spell from the scroll
A translucent bubble forms in the air centered on Hazan.
Hezek closes his eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath.
"Ladies first then shall we?" His good eye focuses on Rocosmia. "Rumors are, at least among those with an ear in the right places, that Master Torenest disappeared last night. Do you know anything regarding his alleged disappearance?"
A smug look on his face he looks at Drewan. "There has been talk on the streets and at last nights public meeting of a catfolk raiding merchant caravans and killing city guards. What do you know of these rumors?"
She glares at Hezek. He's interrogating us! "You didn't restate your intentions." She shakes her head. "We are strong enough to have made him disappear. Your supposed employer doesn't need to know more than that. I don't know where Master Torenest is now, but he isn't hiding."
"You are quite right, I forget myself." He nods to Rocosmia, then restates his offer as before.
He seems to be sincere in his offer.
"Rumors are, at least among those with an ear in the right places, that Master Torenest disappeared last night."
"And I suppose you, or your client, are one of those with an ear in the right places?"
Hazan doesn't particularly like where this line of questioning can lead. He remains quiet for now but keeps an eye out for anything out of sorts.
"I have heard the same rumors. That said, they could have easily been started by almost anyone looking to put my kind in a poor light, or to divert suspicion from themselves."
"I don't like speaking about the organization as a whole. As you surely must understand, handing out information about our activities to anyone interested, or even anyone who could possibly help, isn't a great idea. I will tell you this, spell or no spell though, we are capable of much. But this isn't the kind of cause that can work publicly; not yet at least. If we wanted Torrenast gone, he'd be gone and he'd never be found. He is gone, and he will never be found. These truths I can easily tell you. But if you want us specifically to tell you what each and every cell in the revolution is doing, you're dumber than you look, southman."
"As your client surely knows, the mages have made a lot of enemies for a lot of reasons. Their fall is inevitable, but to ensure an outcome most ...desirable, things must be set up properly. We have agents in every guild you can imagine, in every level of society, and even in the Tower Itself. Whatever it is your ...client wants, it is within our grasp. But why should we give a flying f@#*? He sends some lascivious henchman to speak in vagaries and interrogations? To offer discounts on items our sorcerer/thieves could just pilfer? Your client may be a big deal. He may not be, but he may be. But the revolution is a bigger deal, and we don't change our plans or endanger our agents without good reason."
"Strong enough? I believe you are at that honey."
Hezek listens closely as each of the others speak, though his gaze frequently drifts back to Rocosmia.
"Your not much of a man if you don't look when a beauty like this walks by" he chuckles.
"As for goods, theft is always risky. Something will go wrong eventually. Weigh those risks against the price I am offering. And remember some of the magics I can get a hold of are unknown in this city - you cannot steal what does not exist here."
He appears to accept Digger's claims of agents having infiltrated all levels of society.
Hezek continues, "Does that include an agent within the tower itself? That is the eyes and ears I can provide you, if you think that is worth anything. What do you know of The Friends of the Tower?"
Not waiting for a response he changes his focus to Dev, "Will you remove your hood for me?"
Dev is uncomfortable with the idea but the chance of gaining information has him speaking. "I can, given a reason."