“Could've been much worse for ya Master Sweetgulp. The Thrashing
Badger burned down a few nights ago. They’re saying it was a bar fight
gone too far, but their patrons are drunk old professors and barristers…
Seems like a lot of places are burning down lately, between this, the
Silver Star, and the Victocora estate.” He throws his hands up...
"WHY IS NO ONE LOOKING INTO THIS!?", and sighs "Stay outta
trouble.. see ya around."
"Still no sign of Shensen... Phoebel said someone saw her after the
Silver Star burned down... far as I know that's the last she's been seen.
A lotta people are starting to think she's locked up somewhere."
"I try to keep my head down much as I can. Too many tales of people
getting locked up for asking too many questions or answerin'em for that
matter.“
"In fact, I hear the dottari guard towers are so full of prisoners now
they’re keeping those they arrest in warehouses. My cousin even said
they’re putting prisoners to work in places like Sallix Salt Works.”
You all return before the Fushi sisters make it back to the Nest.
....Him. Hence why discretion is key... the gentlegnome murmured,cane tapping the cobblestones thoughtfully.
Idril returned with not much to show for it.
"Still no sign of Shensen. Phoebel said someone saw her after the Silver Star burned down, and that's the last anyone I could find had seen her. There is a lot of loose talk among people; they're starting to think she's locked up somewhere."
She looked around.
"Has anyone heard anything else?"
Asha pauses from her deciphering of the documents to ask Idril: "Have you heard anything about... about a tiefling named Kirit?" Her dark skin turns a slightly darker shade at the mention of that name and she seems flustered and worried at the same time.
Idril shook her head.
"I have'nt come across that name. But take heart! We have only just started operating; with more time and more people we are bound to have a much better chance of finding that clue to lead us to our missing people."
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"The word on the street is very much as expected.
There is talk about dissenters vanishing, mass arrests and forced deportation to the mines."
"What intrigues me and is born out slightly by logic is the housing needed for such large scale arrests.
According to the rumours, they have started converting warehouses into temporary holdings."
"If we could verify these rumours, striking at those locations could be a good way of disrupting our foes operations."
Indio begins to tap his fingers on the tabletop as he thinks for a moment.
"However, this presents us with a problem.
Shensen and other such high profile people are not likely to be held together with the common "criminals" as it were.
If we strike at one locale, the other one may become out of our reach.
We are too small to be able to strike at two locales at once.
So, if the choice becomes between a few high profile targets, or a larger number of ordinary citizens, what do we do?"
Intentionally or not, Indio interlace his fingers in front of his face, and lean back into his chair, so that only his eyes are visible, but hidden slightly in the shadows cast by his hat.
The image is almost...sinister.
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"Lots of places burning to the ground...The Silver Star, Victocora Estate, The Thrashing Badger..." Erodel says shaking his head.
"I guess the Thruny bastards are trying to make it hard for anyone that doesn't agree with them have a place to stay. Perhaps we need to keep an eye out for folks associated with those places, can't imagine they wouldn't be at least allies of convenience."
The Fushi sisters return, and Laria joins in for the briefing.
After hearing what all of you had learned, Korva complements your knowledge with what they'd gleaned.
"Places that burned down.. all potential threats to Thrune. Victocoras ... " motions to indicate Rexus Victocora, "Silver Star was owned by a vocal critic named Shensen with a shrine to Sarenrae, and the Thrashing Badger housed a rebellious cult of Milani in the cellar."
Rexus comments.. "Interesting... The remains of my family estate were frequently patrolled ... could be at the others."
Korva shakes her head. "Not so much now... They appear to have relaxed their guard. Didn't eye the three spots ourselves.. so can't say if it's worth a gander."
After hearing Indio's info, Korva mentions, "Mercenary group led by a fellow I know, Forvian Crowe, are being held in Sallix Salt Works."
Laria nods "I've worked with Forvian. We could use him I'm sure."
Bastargrae was counting out the coinage he'd collected hawking his wares and with Erodel at his side he didn't lose any to any opportunistic sort prowling the streets.He meticulously sorted the coins into piles to count as he listened to the corrective pool of information regarding the situation.
Mmm-hmmm.I T would make more sense to save the commoners first as there are more and probably considered expendable by those holding them. They make up a majority of our population as a city and thus the foundation.Should we show them someone cares for those well-being,we could rally the masses to assist with rescuing the higher profiled targets as they are regarded as more valuable alive due to their status and influences. It covers our arses--the Thrunies will believe someone amongst the common folk rose up and organized an escape to free those fellows before rescuing those who could be considered their leaders. They wouldn't think someone from without responsible.
Bastargrae talked more to himself in a thoughtful manner than anyone else,pushing about the stacks of coins as though pawns upon a board.
After the protest went sour,I did some inquiries about our new mayor and the events prior to his arrival. What happened to our agreeable former one? Was she assassinated or is she being held captive? The Night of Fire--many places of independent dispositions were burned to the ground and those within slain or outright disappeared. This was put into motion long before. Kintargo is notorious for being a bastion of free thinking and personal freedom amongst the other cesspits under Chelish rule--the most preferable place for decent and good peoples to make a life in a nation built upon the rules of devils and subjugation. The Bellflower network's local charter was wiped out. I can see with absolute certainty they wish to turn our city into another Westcrown--prostate beneath the boot heel of Asmodeus and remade into another circle of Hell!
In an uncharacteristic show of anger,Bastargrae's shaking hand curled into a fist and banged the table,sending coins dancing furiously.
Indio hides a half smile behind his hands at Brastargrae's answer, it was a good one, practical and feasible.
Emotions have their place but must not rule over logic.
He had further thoughts to share, but wanted to hear the others thoughts first.
In his mind he was already busy maping out the information he knew about the Sallix salt mines, as well as a possible plan of attack.
(divided your roll by 5 and added 8 because it is d20+profession skill check. Then divided in half as explained in text of profession skill. Then by 10 for half-day instead of full work week.)
Idril reluctantly agrees to hold off on searching for Shensen in order to free the prisoners at the Salt mine.
Indeed. The Salt Mines indeed.agreed Bastargrae.
"Very well, it seems we have a consensus more or less.
Then our next task is to find out as much about the mines as possible.
What kind of fortifications do they have? Can we procure a map?
How many prisoners and guards can we expect?
Do they have a stationed caster of some sort? How often do they receive a transfer of guards?
Is there a nearby guard station that could reinforce them if an alarm is raised? Is there an alarm that we can neutralize?"
Indio, still hiding his face behind his hands chuckles softly, the role seemed to agree with him.
Korva warns,"Some danger in asking those questions.. they carry clear intent. Give us, we sisters, a week to court a few worthy contacts, and we will see what we can answer."
Rexus chimes in "For what it's worth, not a mine precisely.. it's where they process soggy salt slop from the brine springs. Old Harbor, Old Kintargo... its locale for those unaware."
Bastargrae made a face,Bleh. So that's what that was? I've been thereabouts looking for ingredients for tea and extracts. One of the worst places to harvest from. Yech!
"There is one further question that must be taken into consideration.
We strike at the salt mines, ideally we free everyone and leave without incident.
What next?
A large number of people that may have been processed, their names and faces known to the enemy.
Where do they go? Do we attempt to hide them in the city? Do we try to smuggle them somewhere else?
Do we have the resources for either or both plans?
Some we might recruit, but not all will be willing to join us, nor can we potentially house them all."
"Logistics may not be the most interesting of subjects when passion runs high, but as the strategist, these are concerns I am forced to think about and address."
The brother of someone you know in the theater is known to run a sketchy pawning business in Old Harbor Salt Market. He might have info.
(Salt Market caters to chemists, masons, builders, and the like. It is also a stone's throw from the Sallix Salt Works)
Idril considered thoughtfully.
"Hm... You know, one of our lighting stagehands has a brother who runs a... pawning business in the Old Harbor Salt Market. It's pretty close to the Sallis Salt Works. I'll talk to him. See if he knows something." She said.
Korva shakes her head upon mention of another information expedition... "I won't be able to convince my sisters to go out again today. Need to keep as low profile as we can. We'll start working on building relationships in Old Harbor tomorrow."
You find Svenji's operation in the back of a tool merchant's shop. He has sleepy hazel eyes, light-olive skin... widowers peaked brown swept-back, but unruly hair.
There is a cell in one of the far corners of the room.. filled with crates and barrels, and a thuggish fellow beside it - who stands as you enter.
Svenji turns to him after your introduction "I think you can relax... friend of family." The bodyguard uncrosses his arms and sits.
"So, lady of the stage and friend... Care to do some business? Have you some goods you're looking to unload?"
Indio merely waves Korva's comment off with a smile.
"Of course my lady, we must not risk your safety nor overstretch ourselves at this junction.
Hopefully we can clear this next operation soon however, then lie low while the expected backlash from the authorities takes place.
A good time to plan and perfect our strategy."
So, there is a limit to your services at this point? Good, we, or I as the strategist need to be aware of the limits and weaknesses of my resources as well as those of the enemy.
However, the enemy is somewhat nebulous at the moment, so I have to focus on my own..."tools" as it were.
"Svenji!" Greeted Idril as she entered. Arms wide open she have Svenji a hug. "Good to see you again!"
"I suppose you heard about what happened to the troupe? Well, I have been looking for opportunities in business, and I recalled you were intelligent, perspicacious, trustworthy and experienced! I had to come see you! Is your sister allright? I haven't seen her since the takeover..." She said, laying it on thick.
Asha lets Idril do most of the talking, instead focusing on looking friendly, smiling shyly at the two men.
~~Asha and Idril in Old Harbor
The shady pawn broker Svenji's eyes go wide as Idril embraces him. He raises an eyebrow, then shoots his bodyguard a glance before turning to Asha.
"Theater folk're their own sort, y'know?....", and winks.. "Blame Barzi Thrune for settin'em loose upon the city.. gods save us."
Then to Idril... "Naw Miss.. likewise.... Sister's gettin on fine enough. She's gettin some work through the Sarini's. What uh... what opportunities might be on your mind?"
The mention of theater gives Asha an idea. Putting on her best damsel in distress act, she pleads to Svenji: "Oh, sir, it's my cousin, y'know. He's just a kid, he went missing a few days ago and we heard a rumour he might be in the Salt Works. Anything you could tell us about that place would be very much appreciated."
"I know Thrune took it over - and when they came to clap the old owners in irons for unpaid taxes, old fellow put up a fight. They gutted him then and there." Svenji shakes his head.
"Clear you know - by your asking - what's become of the place. Afraid to ask what you wanna hear." He looks to Idril.. a pained '"you sure you wanna "go there?"' expression.
Glancing at Asha, Idril nodded.
"We would VERY much appreciate your efforts on the child's behalf." Idril said, smiling grimly.
Svenji ponders for a moment, then "There's risk in me aiding you, you know... but.. Just remember my help, alright? Unless you get caught and questioned, that is."
"Thrune's hired mercenaries run it. There's not much in the way of guards outside... they're mostly inside the building watching the prisoners. Not much fewer than a dozen of em though..." he warns, "They sleep there when not on duty too.. from what it seems."
He then adds.."City guard patrols usually come through here once every two hours.. even hours on the half-hour." He winks. "It's a good thing to know."
Asha smiles gratefully at Svenji. "Thank you. I will remember your help." She glances questioningly at Idril - was there anything else that the other woman would like to ask?
Idril smiled and nodded at Svenji.
"Thank you kindly Master Svenji! We will be getting back to you about more business real soon now! Bye!" Idril said before exiting the shop with Asha.
Asha and Idril return to the Wasp Nest late evening with what information they were able to retrieve.
"Yes, do enlighten us, so that we may move onto the planing stage.
That is, if we have sufficient information by this point."
Idril collapsed into a chair, accepting a brandy along the way.
"Well, let's see. When the government went to take the Salt Works for 'unpaid taxes', the old fellow put up a fight. They gutted him right there.
"Thrune's hired mercenaries run it. Few guards outside... they're mostly inside the building watching the prisoners. Not much fewer than a dozen of em. They sleep there when not on duty too.. from what it seems.
"City guard patrols usually come through here once every two hours.. even hours on the half-hour." She said, downing the drink and waiving her hand for more.
Asha brings Idril her drink, face creased in thought. "That sounds like a lot of guards... and the patrols, too. Maybe there is something we can do to thin their numbers, like Master Bastargrae going 'round with his tea cart... put a little something in the tea to make them sleep?" She looks expectantly at the others.
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"Doing something of the like is pretty good idea, but would be difficult at best. Hell, the bastards were trying to bash Bastargrae's head for trying to sell his tea - granted it was mint - at the protest."
Thinking a bit, Erodel says, "Every two hours on the half-hour, eh? A dozen would be tough, but doable if we're nice and quiet about taking out the ones who are awake and on watch. Personally, I would suggest a night raid."
Indio strokes his moustache as he thinks for a moment.
"And the possibility to delay the patrols also exist, a small disturbance in the vicinity would most likely see that patrol redirected to see to it."
Rexus steps up. "Though I can't see this taking that long, I will handle delaying the patrol... if needed."
--Sallix Salt Works (after midnight)
The following night you find yourselves in an alley near the Salt Works.. waiting for the patrol to leave Old Harbor.
After five minutes of waiting, you hear three taps from Rexus's cane as he passes nonchalantly on the nearby street... indicating the patrol has gone.
"Allow me a moment if you please..."
Indio inspects the disguise he had prepared earlier in his pocket mirror, making sure that he is not his "usual" self.
Taking a cue from Indio Black, Idril wrapped a scarf around her face, concealing her identity.
Strolling up to the doors as if she belonged there, Idril checked to see if the doors were locked.
The double door main entrance is locked.
Idril quietly unrolled her tools and worked the lock.