"I doubt I should speak here. This is Sholti's plan and I don't want to spoil it." Zeldana said. "Though I am fair at speaking with someone." She did inform them quietly as they walked. "Also what are we going to tell them? That we have a prisoner to deliver? How are we going to get in if they just wish to take Stricia from us and let us go?" She asked.
If we are trying to just distract long enough for the others to get the prisoners out then I don't think I should act like a prisoner, if we are to fight then me looking like a prisoner would be useful.
Sholti shakes her head and frowns. "No, no, those are good points. It hadn't occurred to me that they might want to take Stricia at the door and not let us in as well."
"Actually yes Vendalfleck, that does help maybe. If the guards at the Saltworks aren't uniformed maybe they're not regular dottari. These uniforms may be useful after all. They may not know what we don't know. But we need to get a story straight..."
"We're very new to the job and afraid of making mistakes that will make us look bad to our superiors. If they want to take Stricia without letting us in, we have strict orders to see her locked up with our own eyes. We need a signed letter verifying the transfer to take back with us. Stricia is a special prisoner, someone Thrune wants to keep hidden away. We don't know why. That's also the reason why we're bringing her after dark at odd hours. Few people on the streets to see what we're doing."
"Otherwise we play ignorant. We don't know much yet, and just want to complete the assignment without screwing up and getting into trouble. We try to generate any sympathy we can that way. Make them glad they're not in our shoes. If things are not going our way, let's try desperation and tears before violence."
Sholti sighs. "That's all I've got. Is everyone comfortable with it?"
"Yes, I think there's almost certainly going to be a fight Stricia. The only way I see this plan avoiding it is if we make it to the cells to find Sera and Korva have already emptied them and are away. If that happens we can refuse to leave you, saying we can't transfer a prisoner to a place where all the prisoners have just escaped. Then we walk back out through the front door."
"Otherwise there will be a fight. Hopefully in the cell room when both our groups are together again rather than before and somewhere else."
"One other thing that worries me is a guard set on the cell itself. It would only be one or maybe two of them at night, but Korva and Sera are also a small team. They will have a talented spell caster along though if I know anything about fairie dragons. Right Vendalfleck?"
Stricia agrees with Sholti with a nod I agree with the plan then. If we are loud at knocking at the front entrance then that will give those at the back the signal that they should begin to infiltrate. And should either of the teams run into troubles then a yell will bring the other to their aid.
"Yes, I like this idea." Zeldana said in agreement. "Or the sound of fighting... I've found out that fighting itself is very loud." She stated as she remembered the day that had turn very poor, making it a mod in which those of the law had to restore order.
Kadwyn nods in response to Sholti's plan. "I'm really beginning to have confidence in our ability to pull this off."
Kintargo
The two groups review the plan a few more times to ensure that all is ready. The uniforms fit quite well, it seems that Tiel has a future in tailoring if the Foxes (or is it Ravens?) can free Kintargo from the grips of the Thrune Tyrant.
=================
With Stricia in tow the ladies head back to the city and enter through the Nightways Gate just before curfew. The Dottari handling guard duty leer at Stricia and make snide comments though they back off as Kadwyn stares them down.
With no further distractions it is clear, the uniforms are working!
You wander through the deserted streets and the remainder of patrols you encounter simply nod, none question you though most look backwards as you pass them by. Men!
Soon enough the Ladies cross Bleakbridge where once more, the uniforms fool the guardians thereon.
This last walk to the Salt Works creates some small anxiety, the plan has worked so well, it makes one wonder what won’t go so well. The time for second guessing are over though as the Dottari attachment and their “prisoner” arrive at the front gates of the Salt Works… No guards stand outside or in the courtyard, at least none that any of you can see.
====================
Remulus and Christian are good to their word, they are indeed skilled sailors. They head north for a bit to get the feel of the vessel before drifting west and then south. Remulus explains, ”We’ll get there too soon if we went straightaway, we need to give your allies time to arrive before we head to the docks. Plus it is best if we can just arrive as they do, the longer we sit there the more likely it is that we will be spotted and questioned as to our presence”.
Vendafleck sighs, ”I wish I could turn the whole boat invisible, that would be a neat trick!”
Soon enough Korva calls for silence from the chatty faerie dragon as the harbor looms into sight.
A few tense moments come when the vessel has to move alongside larger ships whose identity as Dottari warships is unclear. The mercenaries though pull through and bring the boat to the docks. Christian leaps up and grabs a mooring rope he aids Sera and Korva onto the dock.
Nearby both women and their little dragon can see the Salt Works, it is quite close to the docks and it is clear that shipments are loaded and unloaded by day as extra salt glistens on the wooden dock. The docks are dark except from the lights from Kintargo and a lone hooded lamp that shines out from the back door of the Salt Works.
Korva turns to Sera, ”We need to wait for Sholti’s signal, I just hope her spell reaches this far back…”
Are all Dottari men prevs? Zeldana wondered as the made their way through the streets. Her mind drifted back to the day Dalth took her to the coffee shop, they had stopped by several Dottari patrols and each of them had looked long at her. Though at the time she figured it was because she was with Dalth.
She shook her head and kept moving, returning her mind to the task at hand. When they got to the gate of the salt works, Zeldana looked to Sholti and Kadwyn. "Shall we knock?" She asked. She had closed her golden eye as they approached, feeling it would be too much to remember.
When the time comes for casting Message Sholti works out a system for communicating with Vendalfeck. She does not expect to be able to speak freely once she is around the guards at the Saltworks, so a code of sorts will be needed.
She tells Vendalfeck that the first message he receives will be to inform the boat team they are about to enter the front gate at the Saltworks.
The second message will come a couple of minutes later and is a test. It is possible the walls inside the building will be too thick for the spell to penetrate. Sholti will say "Vendalfeck", his name. If he receives the message Vendalfeck should reply either with "Inside" if they boat team is through the back door, or "Outside" if they are not. If there is no answer Sholti will assume the spell cannot reach him.
The third message will come if and when Sholti's team is going to the cell. Sholti will say "We'll finally get to go home". If Vendalfeck receives this message, he must alert Sera and Korva they have only a minute or two to conceal themselves before they have company.
+++++++++
As Sholti walks up to the front gate of the Saltworks with Zeldana, Stricia, and Kadwyn, she whispers to Vendalfeck "We're walking to the gate now. Go to the back door."
Strica, bound at the wrist, is not a good enough actress to pass at being a dejected prisioner, she settles on being incredibly apprehensive about the whole business, which requires no acting at all from her. She nods to the rest to let them know that she's ready to proceed.
Kadwyn keeps a firm grasp on the rope binding Stricia's hands and does her best to act natural. She addresses the guards at the front gate. "We have a high priority prisoner and orders to see she be kept here." Kadwyn maintains an emotionless stare.
Kintargo
For several tense minutes, the boat team waits on the docks awaiting Sholti's message. Finally Vendalfeck nudges Sera, "It's time". Korva turns to Sera, "Do you wish the first pass at the pick?"
The Tengu then rushes to the door while still moving as silently and stealthily as she can.
Stealth
=======
As Kadwyn calls out the Ladies hear naught but silence. If anyone is inside of these gates they are either not awake or are inside the building.
Sera stumbles slightly on the uneven ground, and cringes a little at the unexpected noise. Resolving to immediately to better, she shoots everyone an apologetic glance before bending down to the lock, taking her time with it.
Kadwyn looks back to the others and shrugs. "Should I just open the door?"
Stricia shurgs and nods We cannot fall behind the stealthy group. They expect a distraction from us
"I suggested knocking. Loudly mind you." Zeldana pointed out as she crossed her arms. "Besides, I doubt they left the door open."
Kadwyn nods and slams her fist against the door for a few moments.
Sholti shrugs. "Surely someone will answer..."
Kintargo
Despite her stumble over a warped board, Sera's approach is quiet enough that none mark her approach, or at least none present themselves to challenge her yet.
Korva gestures to the right as Sera begins picking the lock and it clicks softly. Korva draws a dagger and gestures for Sera to open the door slowly.
At that moment you both hear a loud, BANG! BANG! BANG! It seems the distraction team is doing its job.
=======
A full minute after Kadwyn bangs on the front gate with her fist two guards approach. Both wear the outfits of a mercenary company not Dottari uniforms. "What in the Hells do you..." one starts the other blanches at the sight of you all, he wisely states through the gate, "How can I help you Sirs ah Ladies? This is an unusual time for a visit".
Kadwyn nods at the guards, maintaining an emotionless glare. "True, but we have a high priority prisoner and orders to see she be kept here. I don't particularly enjoy being awake at this hour either, but orders are orders."
Sholti nods at Kadwyn's explanation.
"Sorry if we got you up." she adds with an apologetic smile. Leaning in slightly and jabbing a thumb in Stricia's direction, Sholti whispers conspiratorially "I guess she's caught someone's attention."
"No one likes being up at these hours, but this is what happens when you draw the short straw." Zeldana stated with a shrug. "Or if you're new."
Stricia just says quiet looking down at her bound wrists.
The guard seems taken aback by the request, "More prisoners? I'll have to check with Kossrani first..."
Kadwyn rolls her eyes at the guards, sighing heavily. "At this time of night? Look, let us take our prisoner to a cell and lock her up so everyone can get back to bed. I'm on duty again in the morning, so I'd appreciate it if we didn't dawdle."
"At the very least let us in so we're not standing out here!" Zeldana requested as she crossed her arms in front of her chest.
"Please can we just be finished with this? it's been a very long day."
One of the men continues to hem and haw, "See we ain't got cells per se..."
Before he can continue a rugged looking dwarf barges out from the door on your right , "What is all this damn racket! He pauses and looks at all of you through the portcullis sobering a bit, "What's all this then?"
Sera pushes forward into the complex, ignoring the banging as she attempts to locate the cell.
Kaydwn's stare manages to turn even more agitated. "As I already explained to these men, we have orders to see this prisoner kept here. As soon as I see her locked up with my own eyes, I will leave to report to my superiors and let you get back to whatever it is you do."
"And if we could make is quick that would be greatly appreciated. It's late, it's been a long day, and I'm tired." Zeldana stated to try a help a bit.
"We're the newest and the worst jobs always get shoved off onto us. Could you please just give us a break?"
Stricia tries her best to look like a dejected prisoner.
Night Assault on the Salt Works – Dottari Team – Stricia, Zel, Sholti, & Kadwyn
The dwarf scowls, "The durned Dottari bastards! We were supposed to only watch them mercs. Fine. Let 'em in, we ain't got no cells which they shouldda told you, only got that one room and we gotta watch 'em like hawks".
He looks at Stricia and nods disapprovingly, "She's scrawny, she'll die doin' this work, should we just dump her in the harbor if she croaks?"
He hands one of his men the key and they unlock the portcullis and begin to raise it...
Night Assault on the Salt Works – Water Team – Sera & Friends
Sera opens the door and almost immediately spots a guard. He luckily has his back turned at the moment.
Kadwyn sighs again. "Wonderful. Knowing my luck, when I report back I'll get blamed for the Dottari's inadequacies." She shrugs when the dwarf asks about their prisoner. "Our orders end once we leave. What you do with her is not my business." She thanks the guardsmen as they raise the portcullis. I hope Sera is making more progress than us.
"Yeah but once we drop her off we can leave." Zeldana said as she crossed her arms. "Which means after this I can get some sleep... it's been a long day." She sighed.
Just need to buy as much time as we can...
Sera glances at the guard, and attempts to try and sneak past the guard and deeper into the complex.
Sera lightly taps the guard on the shoulder and gives him a shy, flirty smile. "Hi there, is it lots of fun being out here on duty?" she asks, casually placing her hand lightly on his arm
Night Assault on the Salt Works – Water Team – Sera & Friends
Sera sneaks up to the guard and can tell that there is no way to get past him as just on the other side of him is yet another guard, this one leans in the other direction. "... the hell is that. I tell ya' I am gonna quit this job, we're as much prisoners as this mercenary and his clowns".
Sera's hand caresses his left shoulder!
Korva Attack - Attack Roll Kukri - Damage x2.
Perception Other Guard -
Other Guard Fortitude Save
Though his body spasms, he is able to resist the poison that you force into his system.
Korva rolls into the room and attacks him, her Kukri is lodged into his eye and he falls to the ground in a heap!
The other guard turns around, "What the hell!"
Vendafleck breathes gas in the man's face, whatever the gas was, he resists it.
Sera, Vendafleck & Korva - GO!
Night Assault on the Salt Works – Dottari Team – Stricia, Zel, Sholti, & Kadwyn
As the portcullis opens, the guards and the dwarven leader wave you all in.
"Ya got some paperwork for me to sign?" He asks in a gruff voice as his two men reach for Stricia.
"Oh right yes!" Zeldana said as she began to rummage through her pockets then stopped, her golden eye still closed, she looked to the others dress in Dottari uniforms. "Um... I did... happen to give it to one of you did I?" She asked, then she gasped. "Oh no... no no no no!!!" She said. "I left it on the counter... Oooh, Captain's going to kill me... Can we just have you make a note saying you took her from us?" Zeldana asked as she did her best to look like she was a scrambling new recuit. "It would just really save my ass... Just don't give it to me, give it to one of them." She pointed to Sholti and Kadwyn. She followed that up with muttering, "I'm terrible with paperwork...
Night Assault on the Salt Works – Dottari Team – Stricia, Zel, Sholti, & Kadwyn
The dwarf chuckles, "Yer too scrawny fer my taste so's I want nothing to do wit yer arse. Mebbe if ya grow some facial hair". He squints and looks at you, "Nah, not gonna work. Still, if ya' need it I'll give it. Next time ya' come with a new prisoner though bring us some food and we'll call it even. Follow me to the office..."
"I'll remember that! I make killer cookies. Not to mention rum cake." Zeldana said with a small smile.
That actually isn't a lie for once... Hmmm, I should take Dalth cookies some time.
Kadwyn looks back to Zel as she scrambles in her bag. "Are you kidding me?" She asks with an incredulous tone. "I ask you to keep track of paper and you can't even do that. Gods, the recruits I'm assigned to."
Pinching her brow in frustration, Kadwyn thanks the dwarf as she follows him.
Sholti stays out of the conversation since Kadwyn and Zeldana seem to be doing well in convincing the prison guards of the story.
Once through the gate, and after the "missing" papers come up, Sholti whispers "Vendalfeck" as is the plan.
Sera rushes the guard, lashing out again with her touch attack, attempting to poison the man.
The man's eyes roll up as the poison courses through his system. His stiffness gives Korva all the time she needs for the kill shot and this guard falls as silently as the other one did.
Before you is a set of double doors, one door is open, the other closed. You look to the right through the one open door and see two sets of doors, both closed.
However, you can hear voices coming your way!
Korva Attack - Attack Roll Kukri - Damage .
Night Assault on the Salt Works – Dottari Team – Stricia, Zel, Sholti, & Kadwyn
As the group walks forwards, the dwarf chuckles, "You Dottari and all your damn paperwork..."