"Anchored far out into the harbor" means the only way to get to them is by boat.
Adyn scans the passersby for an appropriately unsavory type, or perhaps a street urchin to ask for "directions."
After scanning the waters, Zerazin points out near the edge of the harbor. "There are the purple sails. Too far off for us to approach without a boat, but we might be able to ask around and see if they have a shore party somewhere. Or find their skiff, if it's tied up at the docks."
Knowledge(local).
Gather info.
You know there's a dockside tavern that sailors from most ships docked in the harbor reach eventually. The Lusty Lady is part tavern, part bordello, and all seedy, but it caters to the sailing crowd and does it well. It is always a fine place to find information for the cost of an ale or two...and a pinched backside if you happen to be female.
One old man said he heard of a rumor that he had from a woman who heard it from a toffler that a slave run was scheduled for that very night. There was a boarded up shoreline tavern named The Puffy Pelican that was rumored to be a halfway house for smugglers and the like. The man was pretty sure it was tonight...maybe. A nearby boy who was listening in - like as not to try and pick a purse or two - chimed in with "Yeah, I heard that too. Not a place you'd catch me, no sir!"
Sense motive on the old man.
"I know a place... don't go there often. It's called the Lusty Lady, and information can be found for a pint or two. Course, it's also a real rathole but there's your trade off." He chuckles.
Rising from where she had squatted in front of an old man sitting in the mouth of noisome alley, Eowithe says "I too have heard of thst place.The old man tells of an abandoned tavern The Puffy Penguin, used by smugglers and the like, and that a slave run was happening thete tonite. His story rings true to me." She turns back and flips the vagrant a silver for his trouble.
"Nice work, sounds you found the better lead." Pakak nods
The man caught the coin with a gap-toothed grin and headed off in another direction, a joyful swing to his gait.
Crugold continues to patiently listen and act as the quiet body guard type.
"I would suggest we go now, there may be fewer criminals than might be there tonite."
"Fine by me."
Crugold nods, "I agree that smaller crowds are better in this case."
Eowithe guides the group to a location where they can observe the abandoned tavern from a concealed vantage point.
In the mid-afternoon sun, you find yourselves staring at a dilapidated old tavern. The boards over the windows look solidly placed, and the entire building has an air of disuse. In fact, without the rumor to guide you, there would be no reason to give the place a second look.
Pakak eyes the Penguin, "That other dive is sounding better and better."
"Really? Seems the perfect place to run a slavery operation. Won't hurt to check it out, if is just an abandoned building, no will complain if we take a look inside."
"I was speaking of aesthetics," Pakak gives toothy smile for just a moment, "Yeah, let's go on in."
"I wouldn't expect the slavers to pick a spot that looked half way decent; would attract too much of the wrong kind of attention from the wrong people." Crugold follows the others, watchful for trouble as they approach and enter.
Looking a little abashed, Eowithe shakes her head a bit, then smiles "I can be a bit too literal at times, Pakak"
The front door of the building is firmly nailed closed, as are all of the windows. Examination of the back door shows that the boards there have been pried off, and the door pushes open easily.
"Who wants to put the 'i belong here' face on and step in first?" Pakak asks
With a chilling grin, Eowithe says "That would be me.
"Go on then, I'll be behind you trying to look suitably growly." Pakak fights a smirk.
"As will I." Crugold is actively scanning the area around the building as they approach and enter. Once inside, he continues to do the same thing, very much looking like a bodyguard watching out for his mistress.
Eowithe scans the windows and door, attempting to see if Any are inside observing
Perception
Pakak schools his features and tries to look more like muscle than a cleric, with his holy symbol temporarily tucked away, and with his mixed bloodline, hopefully it won't be too hard.
Satisfied that no one is there to see her, Eowithe pushes open the door then steps inside, immediately moving to the side to clear the doorway, shield and weapon at the ready.
Eowythe sees the darkened interior of the tavern's back room. The stains on tables, floors, and walls show that this room was probably used for storage, food preparation, and a mid-cellar. There are no signs of recent habitation in the room. A doorway leads out into the taproom, with a bar visible a few feet into the room.
Pakak will follow right behind her, hoping his darkvision will make things even clearer.His hand is on his helt, but it isn't drawn yet.
The dwarf follows the others into the building, watchful and wary as he steps forward to look into the taproom.
Eowithe makes her was across the right side of the room, motioning for Pakak or Crugold to take the other side. She makes an approach towards the doorway, senses searching for signs of habitation.
Perception
Through the door into the main tavern went Eowythe, followed closely by Pakak and Alanthian, the rogue checking the walls and floors for tripwires or other trap triggers. Behind them, still in the back room, came Tynan and Crugold, the dwarf gently nudging the fetchling forward as he took up the rear guard position.
Sunlight sifted through holes in the ceiling and gaps around the windows and front door, showing a mostly empty tavern taproom, with a few moldy chairs and tables lying about in disarray. The place looked completely deserted, but then, from Eowythe's right, came a quick chant, followed by a coruscating rainbow of arcane energies.
Alanthian
Crugold
Eowythe
Pakak
Tynan
enemy
Alanthian and Tynan are up (assuming Alanthian passes his will save), then the bad guy.
Tynan 17
Alanthian 14
enemy 11
Will Save
The rainbow light burst across the leading members, triggering synapses and firing nerves. Pakak and Eowythe shook off the effects, but Alanthian dropped to the ground, twitching slightly.
Tynan stepped over the elf and his shadow reached out to entangle the enemy. The man - a filthy creature, almost painfully thin and with scraggly hair - became wrapped in the shadow, but managed to raise a hand and send a stream of blue-white missiles at Tynan. The impacts rocked the fetchling wizard back a step, tearing holes in her chest and shoulders.
Alanthian is unconscious for 8 rounds, and then stunned and blinded for another 4, then stunned for 1. I am afraid the dice roller says you are out of this comabt, buddy. Sorry about that.
Tynan, I had to move you to L8...you can't cast through walls.
Tynan takes 7 damage
Initiatives: (post in any order and I will merge)
Crugold 9
Pakak 4
Eowythe 2
Tynan 17
Alanthian 14 (Zzz)
enemy 11
Here is the updated map.
Legend: The Zz icon means unconscious, the hands mean restrained/entangled.
With a wince as she sees Alanthion go down, Eowithe steps forward as slams the vile man with her morningstar
attack
Damage
Crugold will come around the corner and get as close to his foe as he can in a single move as he shifts once more into his fighting style and shouts out a warning to the enemy caster, "Quit now while your head is still on your body."
Pakak turns to Tynan who looks badly hurt, the half orc moves to her as he pulls his holy symbol from beneath his clothing and speaks, "By Cayden Cailean's sinew and soul, let this woman be made whole."