|
I look gratefully at Thordak and Florence. Thanks for the support! *wink*
Well, THAT was exciting. I'm sure I wasn't the only one to smell something rotten about that whole deal. They were certainly lying about the goblin attack, that's for sure. *whispered to my companions* i'll bet I can find out what's in that chest tonight *back to normal tone* AAAANNNyway, we've got some stuff to talk about.
.
So, Rotskill REEEEEEALY wants me dead. He'd go out of his way to stab me in the kidney. But his employer wants me alive, apparently he's found a buyer who only wants breathing Halflings. We weren't able to find out who that was, though--the warehouse was closed up and we couldn't risk getting a better look.
.
In any case, they've got a sorcerer who can cast Sleep, they've got Rotskill, and we know of at least 2 other thugs; we can probably count on more. The way I see it, there are two good options.
.
Option One: we ambush the ambushers--spring their trap and simply take them down. If we do that, we need to definitley capture at least one of them for questioning. We'll also need a solid plan of attack, which will include how we counter the Sleep spell.
.
Option Two: they're going to try to cart me away in a locked carriage. We could let them catch me, but get me to the carriage first to hide some tools which should allow me to escape. That would be really fun . . . but now that I'm saying it out loud, I'm not sure it would gain us anything. Granted, it would piss Rotskill off royally which is a most worthy endeavour in my opinion, but besides that, would that get us anywhere?
The half orc draws his dagger and prepares to stab Thordak, when Lockstar calls out to him. "Stay the blade, Mister Rogback! Don't waste your time on them. Besides, I need you to stay out of trouble. We don't want a recurrence of Nimon Gap now, do we?! I believe it is time for us to see our rooms. Good day to all of you."Trabalard escorts Lockstar the Great and Mr. Rogback up the stairs to their room. The common room is empty other than yourselves and Roland at the bar.
That's right, Hogback, just run along! Oi don't wanna have to mess yer face up all over Master Yab's tavern! Thordak says with his arns crossed, turning to watch the pair walk away upstairs.
Oi do hope Oi meet that buffoon in a place Oi can bash him in... Oh, an' sorry 'bout that, Yab, Oi just don't like that fella... he says to Yab.
He then turns back to the group. Yeah, this whole thing got a bit more complicated... There's plenty of palces to hide near the warehouse, but Oi dunno... Bofus, Oi think it' up to you to talk yer way out of gettin' knifed... If you turn out to be useless to Rotskill but valuable to whoever he was talkin' to, Oi'd say that's our best bet. If Florence gives you up, she might get into the thieves guild... Oi hope! Then we've gotta break you out without lettin' the Black-scars-inc. find out, an' then track 'em down with Florence's insider knowledge... Whaddya think?
Oh I can clearly imagine myself becoming a powerful thieves' world seductress!
|
|
Oh I can clearly imagine myself becoming a powerful thieves' world seductress!
So can I, my dear . . . so can I!! If you require any practice to refine your technique, I'd suffer through subjecting myself to your testing! *wink*
.In any case, Thordak--I believe the local Thieve's guild and the Blackscarzi are one in the same. Rotskill's main desire was the Dragon's Eye gem. I wonder whether we can use that to our advantage. Maybe if I offer him the gem, I could get him to talk about the Blackscarzi? Or, maybe if I can bring a fake--are there any jewlers in town who might have something similar we could buy?
.
I'm also thinking that I might be able to intimidate the entire troupe to stay their blades and give up some Blackscarzi details. I mean . . . if I were to fake that I'd allowed Florence to do her thing, that I at least supected she was trying to lure me to them--and if you and I both act as if that were the case, my dear--I could tell them that if they try to harm me, my own "hired goons" would come in and wipe everyone out, so they'd better talk.
.
Does anyone else think this is a worthy angle to pursue? Or should we just think about storming the place?
Cebrë finishes reading the account Mantooth has written of their adventures and sighs.
Well, alright, I have a more or less complete picture of who you all are and what's been happening. I also have enough information to explain what has happened to me, although I doubt you have the interest level to sit through the tale.
I do have a few suggestions to make:
Number one; understand what the Dragon's eye gems are and why they are so valuable to someone. I believe I may assist on that account if I may be allowed to examine the gems.
Number two; Figure out exactly who we are up against and why they are going through so much trouble to apprehend are dear trickster here. A direct assault seems ill advised based on our current information. Orchestrating an escape seems more than possible given our collective talents and may, in fact yield some of the information we are seeking. Bofus would no doubt have several chances to learn things during his detainment. With a clever use magic and our wits we may, in fact come out ahead. Of course the halfling may be subjected to a life of slavery if we fail...
Florence nudges Bofus and replies with a wink
One can never train too much as far as I know.
|
|
Well, alright, I have a more or less complete picture of who you all are and what's been happening. I also have enough information to explain what has happened to me, although I doubt you have the interest level to sit through the tale.
I do have a few suggestions to make:
Are you kidding?!?! Of COURSE I want to hear your tale! Since it's getting late, and our "date" is at dusk, perhaps after we're done?
Number one; understand what the Dragon's eye gems are and why they are so valuable to someone. I believe I may assist on that account if I may be allowed to examine the gems.
As far as we can tell so far, each gem can allow someone to look through it to see details better. I dont' think Rotskill even knows about the pair, just the one that was in the Gauntlet. Haven't been able to determine if the fact that they're a pair is meaningful, though. I'll grab 'em for you. Roland, can you get my little treasure out of the chest please?
Number two; Figure out exactly who we are up against and why they are going through so much trouble to apprehend are dear trickster here.
Well, your amnesia may be blocking the delicious memories of how badly we all have foiled Rotskill's plans to date--if that's the case, I'm very sorry. Except for the part of your memory of his attempts at dancing are scrubbed, that's probably for the better. *yyeeesh* But I, with all of yoru help, have managed to THOROUGHLY and with extreme prejudice defeat him soundly at every turn. I'm certain he simply wants me out of his life forever, and with a man like that, vengeance is plenty of motive to kill. But if he can make some coin instead of killing me, he will, which it sounds like he can.
.I don't know if I can get any more specific than that, but we know Rotskill has several thugs on his side, and we also konw they've got a sorcerer as well. But I don't know who, if anyone, is pulling Rotskills' strings.
A direct assault seems ill advised based on our current information. Orchestrating an escape seems more than possible given our collective talents and may, in fact yield some of the information we are seeking. Bofus would no doubt have several chances to learn things during his detainment.
Well, my "detainment" would be sold into slavery, so I doubt I'd learn much. However, it's *possible* I coudl convince the crew that I'm far more valuable to the Blackscarzi alive and in their employ than dead or a slave out of the country.
With a clever use magic and our wits we may, in fact come out ahead. Of course the halfling may be subjected to a life of slavery if we fail...
PPfftt, what is life without risk?? It's what adds zest!! But here's what I'm thinking. If we went with "let me get captured," I'd get shoved into that carriage yon, and get shipped to who knows where. Since we know about it, it should be simple to escape, whether I depend on all of your help or not. But what woudl that gain us?
.If I were to make it appear as if this was all orchestrated by ME, though--including threatening to bring in 'my own goons'--I might get into Blackscarzi good graces, save Rotskill's who will always be jealous and want me dead. THAT might be the real prize. I'm starting to form some ideas as to how we can do that and look pretty darned realistic.
One can never train too much as far as I know.
*blink* *blink* One can sure try though!!
Matthias reaches into his pouch and pulls out 30 gold pieces and hands them over to the woman and says This is for the first week, I'm not sure how long I will be in town if I need your services beyond that I will let you know. He is located at the stable in conjunction with the Stone Wyvern. Thank you very much, I expect he will be in good hands.
Matthias lingers a moment seeing if she has anything to say and then departs and hurries back to the stone wyvern hoping he hasn't missed too much.
Oi think Florence here is the only one who's got any chance of gettin' into the thieves guild, an' that's only because they don't know she's in with us! So first off, let's keep it that way!
Oi think we should try givin' Bofus up an' if things get outta hand we'll just burst in an' bust up their party! Bofus, wot about if we put some tools in the wagon so you could get out if you get sold? Oooh, speakin' of sold... Sold means gold! Oi'm beginnin' to like this even more! Thordak says, quickly being distracted by the allure of gold.
I also think our best option is me infiltrating them - I always wondered what a thives guild would look like from the inside. Then i could also keep an eye on Bofus' health.
Matthias reaches into his pouch and pulls out 30 gold pieces and hands them over to the woman and says This is for the first week, I'm not sure how long I will be in town if I need your services beyond that I will let you know. He is located at the stable in conjunction with the Stone Wyvern. Thank you very much, I expect he will be in good hands.
"He most certainly will! You can rest assured that your horse will be safe with us!"
Matthias leaves and is able to return to the Stone Wyvern rather quickly.
Well, I know nothing of such organizations Bofus so I will trust your logic on the infiltration option. I hope I may be able to offer some assistance but it appears you and Florence will mostly be relying on each other. As the Thordak has said, we will be ready to act if things turn sour. May the gods help them if it comes to that.
Cebre crosses her arms and scowls.
I think I remember this ruffian Rotskill; I remember being very angry for some reason when I think about his name.
|
|
Well, I know nothing of such organizations Bofus so I will trust your logic on the infiltration option. I hope I may be able to offer some assistance but it appears you and Florence will mostly be relying on each other. As the Thordak has said, we will be ready to act if things turn sour. May the gods help them if it comes to that.
.
Cebre crosses her arms and scowls.
.
I think I remember this ruffian Rotskill; I remember being very angry for some reason when I think about his name.
That's because he's a jackass.
.OK, so it sounds like we'll try to "let" me get captured and caged, but that I'll escape, while Florence tries to infiltrate the Blackscarzi. Florence, are you sure you're up to that--that you've got the skills and the nerve? I must admit, I'm a bit nervous; if you get made, they'll kill you on the spot. I *still* think I should be the one to try to get in, and get Florence in at the same time, but . . .
.
I can get a few lockpicks in the carriage before we enter the warehouse, I think. That should give me a good chance of being able to free myself. So, what should Cebre, Thordak, Matthias, and Mantooth be doing? Keeping an eye on Florence, or following me in case I can't escape?
.
Once I do escape, I wonder if I should try my hand at disguise so I can also keep an eye on Florence too . . .
We need a way to communicate between each other so the others may react to any given situation. I don't have any spells prepared that I think will be especially useful in this regard - perhaps Florence has prepared something. On the other hand, if I may get away for a few hours and have the assistance of a guard I will be able to summon a friend who will be very useful for carrying messages
Well Bofus, Oi would be willin' to track an' rescue you. Oi'm not sure wot the rest of you wanna do, but we should probably wait an' see how the carriage is guarded before we decide how many we'll send after Bofus. Oi'm thinkin' we let the carriage get out of the city to let the thieves guild think they're rid of Bofus, then ambush it an' rescue him. Oi think if the guard isn't too heavy, it might be best to leave most of us here... Oi dunno... We'll see. Someone should keep an eye on Florence, too... Thordak says, looking around to the others.
Cebre, wot's this you're talkin' about? Why do you need a guard? Isn't yer room safe enough?
If we're going let the carriage get out of the city we're going to need mounts. I gather Matthias has a steed, I may summon one as well. That is, unless we know for sure where they are headed and by which road ahead of time - not likely we'll have that information I fear.
I'm sure you're a great tracker Thordak, but you're no match for the speed of a carriage.
About the other summon - I could perform the ritual indoors, but our dear gnome will be most unpleased with the condition I leave my room. I'll inquire if I may use the cellar.In any case we should begin to prepare soon - they day is waning fast!
I would be willing to follow the carriage. I can be at the ready with Humphrey in case we have to rescue Bofus. I think we should have at least one other person that could follow as well though.
I have a spell which could carry a message...yet rather slowly...No, I can't think of anything useful. Couldn't we manipulate the carriage in way that the wheel would broke after 100m or something?
@ Bofus
@Everyone
|
|
OK, let's start developing some solid plans here. From our recon, Thordak and I can give you all the lay of the land and access points . . .
Here we'll get some sketch of the warehouse and environs. Make special note of all access points--there are multiple doors, right??
What I envision is this: I disable the carriage to fail in a bit, and also hide some picks inside. Then, Florence leads me inside, while the rest of you hide nearby, close enough to close quickly if necessary. The sorcerer will likely cast Sleep as soon as we enter. Florence, you need to get away from me so you're not caught in it as well--I woulnd't put it past Rotskill to try to at least get his money back from you!
.
What I'm most worried about is if Rotskill gives in to baser emotions and tries to knife me in my sleep. How about an alert--if Florence or I either shout out "NOW!" that means things have gone sour and we must resort to violence. (if that happens, make sure you don't bunch up so as to subject groups to the Sleep spell!)
.
If things go as planned, I get shoved in the carriage; Florence ingratiates herself to the Blackscarzi; and most (or all?) of you follow the carriage to help me escape, as it's sure to be guarded.
.
If things *don't* go as planned, there are a couple of options. Storming the warehouse is one. And if I'm in a position where I think I have to, and CAN, bluff my way out of trouble, I'll do that. Just everyone be ready with your best 'ruffian' hat on if either of us shout "NOW," OK?
.
Does this sound like a plan to everyone? Suggestions, comments . . .?
Oooh, Oi like the sabotage idea! But it would be best if it didn't break until they were a few miles, heck, even a day, out so it would be easier to catch and attack them. Then they'd be out on the road, we wouldn't get seen doin' it, an' they'd probably have sent some people away to get a new wheel! he says to Florence.
Turning to Matthias, Another imortant thing is gettin' there... Matthias, how strong is Humphrey? Oi know he's fast, but could he carry me an' you? If so, it might be best if you an' me went alone.
Also, how are we gonna escape if we don't end up killin' all of 'em? Unless we steal a horse from the slavers, he might have to carry Bofus, too... Maybe we should rent a horse fer me an' Bofus?
He then turns to Cebre. Cebre, how long does it take to do... Wotever hocus pokus you wanna do? You should get on that if you wanna be done by sundown...
And back to Bofus. Oh, right, communicatin'... How 'bout a whistle? Eeh, maybe it's easier just to shout though...
After pondering about the plan for a extended moment, Florence nods
Good plan shorty, seems like something I'm able to manage. I will try to stay by your side, even if you fall asleep, and make sure no one tries to hurt you.
She nudges Bofus in the side and adds
Still need you afterwards, heh.
|
|
@Thordak:
Sabotaging the carriage isn't a science, it's an art. I can do it, but there's no guarantee when it will break. I could try for minutes rather than seconds, but won't get much beyond that, I don't think. The best we can hope for is 5 minutes tops. Not even sure that would get us out of the city.
.
I'm also not even sure I can DO it. I *think* I can sneak up on the cart beforehand, but I'm not sure. It's definitley worth a try.
.
As for horses, you saw the 4 fine draft beasts at the warehouse, didn't you? We can use them! To the victor and all that.
@Florence:
Not *half* as much as I need YOU my dearest!! As long as no one hurts me except you, I'm fine. So, what is it you need afterwards, my exceedingly nimble fingers, or the fact that I'm a cunning linguist?
He then turns to Cebre. Cebre, how long does it take to do... Wotever hocus pokus you wanna do? You should get on that if you wanna be done by sundown...
And back to Bofus. Oh, right, communicatin'... How 'bout a whistle? Eeh, maybe it's easier just to shout though...
I agree, I must get started right away - Anyone willing to keep me company (I'd rather not be ambushed, I'll need my full concentration)?
The "hocus pokus' as you call it will likely prove very valuable in allowing us to communicate with each other, otherwise I would be expending my time and energy to perform it.
Actually, let me find the inn keeper and ask a favor first...
Cebrë slips off to find Yab.
I'm assuming I have time to complete the ritual?
|
|
Well, I best get moving.
First, I go up to my room. There I don rapier, bow/arrows, and armor, and I hide a dagger and sap. I also bring both my regular Thieves' Tools, and MW tools.
OK, I'll meet you all at . . . . . . about a half hour before dusk.
With that, I'm out the door. I make my way to the warehouse, and creep to the carriage. I sabotage the wheel to fall off after as much time as I can give it, then I take *some* of the MW tools and hide them in the carriage. I creep away to our meeting place, and hide the rest of the MW tools on ME. I also have the regular tools, not nearly as well hidden.
Stealth to approach:
Disable Device (carriage wheel):
Stealth to leave:
later will do SoH rolls for dagger, sap, MW tools on self, and MW tools in carraige if necessary.
Matthias sizes up Thordak for a moment and then replies [b] Humphrey is a strong animal, he could carry us both, but the three of us would be a stretch. Is it decided that Humphrey will accompany us on this mission? If so I would need to go prepare him in the stables.
@Bofus.
You arrive at the warehouse early and find the carriage still located out front. However, you do find an armed guard wandering around the yard outside. When he appears distracted looking around a well in the yard, you make a break for it an go examine the carriage.
Guard's Perception Check
The guard does not appear to notice you sneak near the carriage. Once you open the door to the vehicle, you realize that the inside is not nearly as nice as the outside appears. In fact, the carriage is simply a large iron box with chains and manacles attached to the inside walls of the back. However, you do find a loose floorboard where you are able to hide the thieve's tool kit.
You are also able to disable one of the wheels to the carriage. You are hoping that it will fall off once the wagon starts moving.
So, you're also a linguist? That sounds promising, I never met such an educated person before.
Florence grins, as Bofus leaves, she turns to Thordak and says
Now, where am I supposed to catch our little thief? Also at the park?
You are about an hour away from dusk and Cebrë comes out from the basement of the Stone Wyvern after working down their all afternoon. She comes upstairs into the common room with a beautiful bird of prey perched upon her shoulder. Bofus has returned from planting his tools and rigging the cart to fall apart. You have all gathered in the common room equipped and ready to go.
|
|
I come back to the Wyvern, back to my room, and back down quickly. I'm wearing my armor; I have a dagger and sap hidden; I have my normal thieves' tools on my person as well, but no other gear on. I"m carrying my rapier and bow/arrows. I hold them out . . .
Would someone mind holding these for me, so if a fight breaks out I can get my hands on them? Other than that, I'm ready to go!! Florence, lead on!
I'll chat with Florence on the way.
So, this sorcerer guy is going to cast Sleep on me. Even if I manage to resist the spell, i"m going ot make as if I'm sleeping. I'll try to give you some sort of sign if I'm awake. I'll probably try bluffing Rotskill if I *am* awake and he moves to knife me. Oh, and please don't regard anything I say as truth while we're there--particularly the slights I'm going to be flinging YOUR way. You know I hold you in the highest respect, right?
On their was out Cebrë catches Florence,
Florence, I think it's best if you're not holding that gem while you're on this mission. If you don't mind I'd like to keep it in my possession
As they leave the inn Cebrë walks outside a minute behind them...
Alright Sirius, it's time my friend...
The bird springs from her shoulder into the air and in single minute is soaring high above.
Florence nods excitedly and hands the gem over to Cebre.
Whew, ok ladies and gentlemen it's show time! I must confess I'm quite nervous, yet, I think the bad guys don't feel much better. And Bofus, I never mind your insults...
|
|
That's a nice trick, Cebre. Sirius, eh? Is that a . . . familiar? I've heard of them! Neat!
Whew, ok ladies and gentlemen it's show time! I must confess I'm quite nervous, yet, I think the bad guys don't feel much better. And Bofus, I never mind your insults...
*in a shocked voice*When have you EVER heard an epithet, slight, or other insult from my mouth aimed at YOU?!?! Suffer the thought!! Only in order to cover our ruse, that's the only time I'll insult you!!
.Speaking of our ruse . . . you're going to have to make this convincing, you know!! I waggle my eyebrows and smile foolishly, then make a loud kissy-noise.
Looking back . . .Matthias, would you mind handing out Guidance all around? Would be nice to have a touch of divine luck, don't you agree?
Oooh, I CAN make this convincing! with a grin she slaps Bofus on the back and looking back to Mathias, she adds
Who is not in need of a little guidance, eh?
You travel across town together until you reach Black Rock Way. You look across the parched grass to the warehouse. You can clearly see the carriage out front and the guard standing near a well. At the moment he does not appear to notice you.
|
|
I stop the group while we've still got the cover of some trees between us and the guard.
OK, this is it. There are 2 windows in the back . If they can be used to get in, or at least *shoot* in, then maybe 2 should go back there--I suggest Thordak and Cebre, as they're both range-capable. I also suggest Mantooth and Matthias wait maybe a little closer to the entrance than we are, but not much closer--close enough to get in through the door quickly if you hear the signal? Can one of you two carry my weapons, and drop them by the door inside if you do need to come in?
.
Once we see whomever goes toward the back round the corner, Florence and I can walk up to the door as the two lovers we're supposed to be--is this what they call "type-casting?"--and then we see what happens!
.
Or does anyone else have any different suggestions? Matthias, you mind hitting all of us with Guidance before we go?
Hrmmm... Thordak grumbles. Oi dunno about that guard... Florence, Oi think you should go first alone, an' then have Bofus come skippin' along. Bofus, if you saw a guard waitin', an' you didn't intend to be captured, would you still walk up or would you beat it? Oi'm just sayin...
Yeah, Oi'll go 'round back with Cebre, an' we'll try to climb up to the windows... Matthias an' Mantooth, Oi dunno if you wanna wait here or wait behind the warehouse with us, but maybe you could help us get up to the windows? In any case, we all gotta lay low from now on out if we want our plan to work.
Bofus, Oi'll take yer bow an' yer little sword, you wait here until you see Florence go inside with the guard, then give it a minute an' follow, is wot Oi'm thinkin...
Sound good everybody? Thordak asks, looking around at the others.
If everyone agrees, Thordak waits for Florence to go inside with the guard, then sneaks around the back side of the building.
Stealth:
|
|
Hrmmm...Oi dunno about that guard... Florence, Oi think you should go first alone, an' then have Bofus come skippin' along. . . Oi'll take yer bow an' yer little sword, you wait here until you see Florence go inside with the guard, then give it a minute an' follow, is wot Oi'm thinkin...
Sound good everybody?
Yeah, OK--I like that. I thought we could pass off assuming the guard was for the carraige, but your idea is better. You guys go get into position. I'm so excited!! I love fooling Rotskill!! It's becoming my favorite passtime. Although, I'm sure I could figure out another favorite, eh Florence?? *wink*
Standing with the rest of the group, Mantooth is in his full armor and has both his shield and sword. He has his crossbow on his back, with five poison bolts. Leaning closer to Thordak, Mantooth whispers to the Dwarf "Do you mind trading me some normal bolts for these poison bolts? I have no use for them, Iomedae has forbidden it."
Taking a step towards Bofus, leaning down to whisper to the halfling. "Do you still have your gem? If you don't want to hold onto it right now I can take it for you. As for where I will be, I'll go where I'm needed. "
Before anyone separates Matthias casts guidance on everyone.
May the gods look over us on our quest tonight.
He kneels in prayer for a moment before rising and looking around at the group.
Florence takes a deep breath, straightens her posture and says
OK guys, if we botch this thing - it was nice to know you.
As soon as everyone has decided which position he takes, I'll walk up to Rotskill and his guard.
@Florence
As you approach the warehouse, Rotskill steps out of the front door and joins the guard, watching your lone approach.
"So, my dear, where is the thief? Are you expecting him to show up here on his own?"
Florence tries to appear as self-confident as possible, to her astonishment that ain't a big problem for her. With a silvery grin, she replies coolly
As soon as you're ready I'll get him here, he's just waiting at the next streetcorner to buy me a waffle...with cream. Anyway, what are you planning to do with him and am I allowed to join your little carriage ride? Since after I pondered about the whole thing I was interested in joining your little gang myself.