Suddenly remembering the glass figurine in his possession, Sorad pulls it out and presents it to Diguri as well as the left over coin.
Mistress, in all the chaos of last night I had forgotten to give this to you. I hope that you find it pleasing.
About Drail, what will happen to his business?
Sic had raised an eyebrow at Tony's well thought out plan...huh, and right after he nonchalantly turned down the offer of leadership...gotta watch this one indeed...still it has merit...
Im game for checking on ole Maklo with Sorad here but as long he understands that when its time to ditch then its time to ditch. Savvy?
Following up Sorad's revelation of the glass figurine. "And we have his first month's payment for you as well. Some positive things did occur last night."
Acknowledging Anthony's suggestion, "Splitting up will surely cover more ground, but we must be careful should we get out numbered. Probably best to play it a little safe, not and do our best to avoid any violent confrontations."
I would have suggested that Mael come with me as well. Because I know out of these thieves that he will have my back with out question. It is that kind of loyalty that one doesn't forget in a pinch.
"Mael, let's get on the move, if there is a temple that won't ask questions, I will need to quickly heal up, if not, I have some vials of healing just in case."
Turning to Sorad, "While I don't know if its wise to have you checking on Malko, lest someone notice you. Probably best not to show up as a gnome. Maybe an Elf. And elf with a head of thick golden hair.". The last part said with a hint of laughter.
Anthony smirks as Vaek talks of potions and priestly services. Was he mere hinting at Anthony or had he really forgotten?
I thought you knew me better by now Vaek
Getting up he moved around the table to those still showing visible marks from the previous night.
Speaking of Potions how much of our shared wealth should go towards such things? I have several handy spells I could brew, but im inclined to let such resources come out of our collective pockets.
He followed this with a smile, forgetting they could not currently see his face.
While not a spirtual man, those who can call upon whatever pagan god they believe in for healing certainly has its benefits.
Feeling the healing powers wash away his pain. Vaek gives Anthony a quick nod. Not wanting to give him too much acceptance, trying to figure Anthony out and his true long term motivations. Though he certainly has already shown some usefulness.
With a quick laugh, "Why would we ever buy a potion when shops have them for the taking? Though perhaps our group fund can help offset the cost of your brews."
Vaek awaits for the Mistress to dismiss him and Mael.
Aye, friend, let us be gone, but the healing powers Tony has supplied will not help my condition. I need restoration spells, not healing. Thank you though, Anthony.
Edit:
Sadly such power is beyond me and likely will remain so. I am but an initiate of the faith, which is probably the only reason what little power my training afford me has not already been denied me...I so rarely have time for proper worship lately.
"Those with goods stored there will no doubt come to lay claim to them, and the government will be obligated to see that is taken care of. Drail however has no family living in or near Coran. The merchant's may try to stake a claim to assume ownership of them", Mistress Diguri grins, "But if someone were to arrive with proper documents showing a relationship to Drail then by law ownership of the warehouses would fall to his closest living kin."
"Well, you have work to take care of and I must get some rest."
Sic examines the magical items recovered from last nights battle, studying them closely.
"Come brother, our dear father Drail is dead. Let's go protect our family's warehouse and business. So sad for our loss", Said with a mocking tone.
As the exit outside on their way, "We need to get some official documents. How is your handwriting?"
Alright, Krast. How'd ya want to go about shaking Firyin's tree? Think he's just going to let us in there for a bit of meet and greet?
Anthony stared into space for several moments, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
Well I doubt we will be able to con him into coming out, and we probably shouldnt venture inside. I was thinking we simply knock on the door and have a chat across the doorstep. I dont personally know the man, but like I said, I doubt he will do anything irrational as long as we take it easy and do things on his terms.
Cheyle can probably do the knocking and introduce us.
My writing is passable. Vaek, I suggest that you, as a human, pose as the prodigal son of Drail, while I would simply be your companion, seeking information about your inheritance. Is there not some sort of hall of records in town, or is that type of documentation kept with the damnable Mages?
Sorad takes a look at the gems and jewelry from Ilvaria's poisoned lockbox. He values their worth a bit higher than Maeltheron did, placing them at 5500 gold. The silk dress could be sold for another 100.
The western gate is packed with people . A large fountain greets visitors and travelers and numerous guards stand near the large entryway to the city, stopping wagons and charging duties to those bringing goods into the city. A large open area surrounds the fountain and a few beggars and minstrels ply their trade as do fruit vendors and probably a few pick pockets.
A iron portcullis raised 25' overhead sits over the entryway. The thick city wall stands as a barrier to the cities interior and the outside and several guards patrol the wall with bored expressions - it has been many years since any kind of real threat loomed outside those walls.
To either side of the gate sits a gate house. A doorway opening towards the side of the gate remains open with guards passing in or out the door from time to time.
Your call Vaek. You will have to do most of the bluffing. I do not maind trying to copy some of the appropriate records at the library first, before heading to the warehouses.
"There are likely to be guards swarming the area. It will be worth our time get some official paperwork. And let's home, I can forge it to satisfy any guards. We should also stop by a temple on the way, and see if they and aid you.
Vaek leads the way to the library.
Sic eyed the large number of guards sceptically and spit to the ground.
Well aint this keen? We just gonna waltz in Sorad? Probably best if we find us a guide thats on the take, you heard?
The dwarf eyes the guards and the wall, looking for a way in.
That is a good possibility to keep in mind. But it might be easier to simply become guards ourselves. My magic does not allow me to dress like one, but I've always wanted a uniform for... special occasions. I see no reason why it can't look like that of the city guards.
Firyin's place of residence is a three story apartment building. Six sets of doors face the street on each level. Small dingy windows next to the doors allow limited vision into a small room beyond. A door towards the back of the front room of each apartment conceals the last 10' of living quarters. A set of stairs on the south end of the building lead to the upper levels. A 5' wide balcony runs along the south and east sides of the building.
Firyin resides on the third floor, second to last door to the north. There are at least a few other apartments that have at various times been used by members of the guild. What state things are in now could be anyone's guess.
Several people walk the streets. A rough looking man of large stature sits near the bottom of the stairs. He sits in a chair in front the door to the first level apartment whittling away at a large piece of wood with a knife. His clothes are disheveled and his eyes bloodshot. He occasionally looks up from his whittling to watch those in the street with a vacant expression.
Sic eyed the large number of guards sceptically and spit to the ground.
Well aint this keen? We just gonna waltz in Sorad? Probably best if we find us a guide thats on the take, you heard?
The dwarf eyes the guards and the wall, looking for a way in.
That is a good possibility to keep in mind. But it might be easier to simply become guards ourselves. My magic does not allow me to dress like one, but I've always wanted a uniform for... special occasions. I see no reason why it can't look like that of the city guards.
As Sorad and Sic are looking over the gate houses three people approach the southern gate house, and after a brief talk with someone standing in the doorway, enter inside. They are not dressed in the uniform of the guard.
The first is a woman of slim build, a tiefling, judging by the small red and purple horns protruding from her forehead. Shoulder length purple hair hangs down the back of her head. She wears loose fitting clothing under lamellar leather armor.
The second is a human male wearing a chain shirt over nondescript clothing. A light crossbow is strapped across his back.
The third is also male, but beyond that you cannot tell much. Full plate covers his face and body. A scimitar hangs at his waist.
Anthony looked about nervously, finding the area, and the people in it, all to suspicious. Being without his suit was one thing, but walking into this without it was making him have to work hard to keep calm.
I really have to start considering my own ideas from the right perspective.
The man out front had caught his eye, as had everyone else on the street he suspected. It was like he wanted everyone to know he was there, like some big fleshy "dont start no trouble" sign.
Feeling his companions eyes on him, he straightened his back, took a few seconds to smooth back his hair, then turned to look at them.
Well, this all seems pretty straight forward doesnt it? He said sarcastically. What do you two reckon? Is he a lookout? The landlord? Both?
And what about the building? I was expecting a privately owned building, but this raises far to many questions for my liking. For all we know, everyone living here could be at his command. I dont expect trouble but if we do find it and he does indeed have this whole complex on his side...well, we wont be getting out thats for sure.
When Mael and Vaek get closer to the warehouses. Vaek will find an empty ally, to change his appearance to that of a young man in his early 20's. With the distinguishing facial features that aid in the deception of Vaek being Drail's son.
In a whispered voice to Mael, "I am now Draev, son of Drail. Let's hope we get lucky and and find the spice quickly."
Knowledge: local +8: For any details about Drail that could potentially be used to convince others of my heritage to Drail.
Sic spit again...this aint going to be easy at all...damn...
Them three look like serious players Sorad. I can get in undetected and have a few minutes to work but gods damn is that going to be a sticky mess when it falls apart.
Very well, friend, I will pose as myself, your guide from whence we came to town. Where would that be so that our stories link?
"I figure poor ol' pops sent me a letter to come up from Gumlat. I asked you to come along, as I haven't been to Coran for years, as I was studying at Gumlat University. It seems, he had a heated argument with one of the merchants. He was concerned they wouldn't pay for their goods being stored. And several of them made threats against him. Unfortunately for him, it appears the Merchant was willing to take to violent ends."
Vaek pauses for a moment, to ensure no one on the street is paying attention to their conversation.
He continues, "If things work out just right, I may very well be the new owner. There is bound to be a lot of profit in that. I of course, will give you a fair share ... if we can pull it off."
Take a look around, then. Get a layout of the place and the guards in it. Locate Maklo if you can. I will wait here in case you need help.
Sic nods at Sorad and as he mingles with the crowd he mumbles under his breath as he touches the medallion hanging under his shirt. Fading from view the half orc makes a bee line for the door where he saw the three non guards enter.
Saul eyes the structure and shrugs.
Well, I don't see how it matters too much. I mean, if it were a private estate, he'd still have just as many guards, right? In this case, we just know that his look out has got some, um...
He squints to look at whatever he's whittling.
Talent?
He's gotta know we're here, we may has well go over and be friendly.
Sic finds moves off a little ways to get away from the crowds and duck behind a building before turning invisible while Sorad sits by the fountain.
In moments Sic is inside. There are stairs going both up and down at the south end of the room. Three more guards are inside, two sitting in chairs and one standing near a set of stairs. There is another room inside the guard house in the northwest corner. The door leading into it is closed. There is no sign of the three people who entered a couple of minutes ago. The sounds of talking can be heard from both above and below.
You head to the library, not to do some research, but to pick up some paperwork for recording births.
The man in the chair turns his gaze on Saul and Anthony as they begin climbing the stairs with Cheyle, well concealed by her hood and gloves, in tow. As they reach the third floor there is a loud bang, wood striking wood, from the bottom of the stairs. This repeats two more times.
A creak of hinges as someone opens a door out of sight to the east. Whether the door opened on the second or third floor is hard to tell.
Sic eyes the guards warily and makes note of the standing ones features before making for the stairs leading down...playing hunches bub?...dont act like we aint ever been locked up in the clink before son...we know damn well its down...
"Let's make haste my friend. We should start in Drail's office, see if we can find any clue on the location of the goods. If that doesn't bear any fruits, perhaps we can find his girlfriend or any employees that can be trusted for our purposes."
At the sound if creaking hinges, Anthony leaned over the railing as far as was safe, having a look down on the second floor and then the main street.
Anyone else hear that? He said as he leaned. That banging was clearly a signal, but for what? To run? Or for henchmen to muster?
Yeah, I heard it. *sigh* Why can't anything be easy? Saul readies his tonfa and moves carefully to the corner of the balcony, eyeing each window he passes warily.
Stick close, Krast. If things get bloody, let's make sure most of it's on me, eh?
Descending the stairs reveals a 30' hallway running north. Three cells, each a 10' square room line the eastern side of the hall. There are no windows to let in light. A single torch burns feebly, attached in the center the wall opposite the cells. A lone guard sits in a chair at the far end of the hallway. The first cell is empty. In the second sits Maklo. In the third cell sits a bedraggled man, clothes ripped and torn, graying hair a wild mess.
Each cell also contains a crude cot with a single blanket. The faint smell of urine and unwashed bodies fills the air.
The three who entered the guard house earlier are standing at the second cell listening to Maklo speak, "...be greeted with open arms, but I've learned the hard way that some in your city are beyond blind hatred."
Leaning over the balcony Anthony doesn't spot anyone in the back alley's.
Rounding the corner of the balcony reveals a man on the third floor, he wasn't there before. A neatly trimmed dark beard and mustache cover much of his face and he wears a chain shirt over the top of his clothing. A scimitar hangs at his side. His eyes give you a once over and he nods curtly. He isn't blocking the balcony, but leans lightly against the door to the apartment behind him.
In the street below light foot traffic continues to move about their own business.
The area of the docks is a swarm of people. Wide streets twist among the maze of buildings, wagons loaded with goods being sent every which way. The masts of ships can be seen to the east rising above everything.
The first of Drail's warehouses serves is a little west of the docks and towards the south end. It is a twenty foot tall structure with large windows to let in the light on both the north and south sides. On the east end is a large set of double doors which are currently open. Four men are just inside loading crates into a wagon via a ropes and pulleys system built into the roof of the warehouse.
Sic remained perfectly still intent on catching every word between the Three and Maklo...listen to him whine like a b$$%%...g#~ d~~n milk drinker...
Getting closer to the docks, the sea could be smelled more strongly. There are those who lived for the sea. Vaek was not one of those. The salt in the air, was not pleasant. The stench appeared to stain the clothes of those who worked down by the vast ocean. However, there was no need to let a little stench get in the way of profit."
"Let's head to the first warehouse, And if anybody questions us, we will ask them to help us find Talor. Hopefully, we won't find resistance, and they will believe that I now own the business."
Sounds good.
The man with the chain shirt speaks, "You've picked up the accent quickly for someone who purports to have just arrived... Why were you attacked?" His voice is familiar to you. The shadows being cast from the torch behind his head made it hard to see his features before, but taking a closer look you now recognize him, Tavrus, a servant of the tower.
Maklo's lips compress and he tenses, "I was on my way to meet with a friend of mine. When I got there they were standing over her beheaded corpse. I fled and they gave chase."