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"Have a little faith you guys. Thugs are people too. You should feel the same pity for all people spending their life in the sewers. Short of wiping out all of the steel Wyverns there's no guarantee they won't come back after a while since they both occupy the same area." The gnome reassures the group, although he was having doubts himself about their cooperation.
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"We really need to figure out how to surprise and prevent this gang from entering into the room." "I doubt they will just approach from one side."
Haska asks the masked man for a little more information on the situation that might help us prepare.
"First, we are committed to helping you. But to do that effectively, we need more about the situation..."
"How many gang members usually come for the tribute?
"And are you all already late on payment, which might mean they are already coming in force to extract the payment?"
"Does the gang leader usually come to get the money?"
"I suggest we have lookouts go down each approach route with instructions to return immediately with a gang approach from that way." "Do you have two trusty folks that could do that task?"
"With our time remaining let us array to protect the room. One alchemist, one ranged fighter, and one 'toe to toe' type to each approach I would think."
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"The only problem I see with the setup is it doesn't leave someone open to negotiate. And as long as they aren't planning on rushing the basement and storming in we should have time to get everyone at the door they're coming through." He says as he nods his head while she asks the questions.
"I think getting all of them out of here and only leaving us and perhaps the priest in here would work. With everyone in disguise but me and Giovanni. They will respect us more if we don't look like common beggars."
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"Do you need to near them to speak Shlevin? Do you not leave yourself open to attack if the negotiations fail?"
Sumil looks at the gnome full of worry. "These Wyverns come from a gang that used to be very dangerous. It is likely they are feeling they need to win that glory back. Begging in the sewers is one thing, attacking people and forcing others to steal for you is another."
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"Maybe our fighters should stand just to the side of the doorway that way if they walk toward the middle of the room you guys can take them from the rear." He giggles a little inappropriately at the unintentional innuendo.
"Almsman, are they coming to receive payment, or do you expect violence from them? What was the last conversation you had with them?"
The Almsman shakes his head at the notion of a large force. "No, usually it is Randalan, the leader, and a couple of his goons. Here, maybe these will help you."
The man gives you 2 vials of oil of bless weapon.
"They have no reason to expect much resistance. Until you showed up, we had no one who could stand up to them. You could try to get a couple of these men to help, but look at them - they are all sick and hungry. I don't know that they would be up for much."
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"I believe Johnn and Giovanni should take the oils and apply them just before Randalan arrives. Giovanni, we need a good explanation as to who we are and why we are helping Almsman."The gnome says as he makes final preparations.
"How much is your usual payment to Randalan and how often?"He turns to the priest after speaking to the group.
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Sumil attempts to disguise himself as best as possible, but looks a little unsure of his success. When he's done as much as he can, he moves toward the doors and stands a little out of the way hoping not to be seen.
"I agree with Shlevin. I have a few spells to bolster my sword, John and Giovanni should get the vials. Signal me whenever you are ready, otherwise I will move as soon as they attack."
He looks wary, but the occultist is putting his every effort into this plan.
Laughter and footsteps can be heard approaching from the west. A voice calls out “Almsman! What say you? Are you resisting or giving us what we want? I hope you’re resisting!”
5 men climb the stairs, with the lead two tossing their battering ram to the side. They seem to not notice you as a threat, yet.
The man in the back (Red) then says, "So, still no backbone, eh? Well, then let's have that money. You wouldn't want to have accidents start befalling your poor beggars here, would you?"
The lead guards (green and orange) smack Johnn and Sumil on the head as they pass, to accentuate their leader's point.
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Shlevin nods as Sumil gives him the signal. With his tiny heart racing, and a bit of sweat is on his brow, it's noticeable for small moment that he's nervous this plan won't succeed. Knowing the importance of this encounter he swallows down the fear and anxiety, leaving all traces of it behind just before they make their way to the door.
"We are here to speak on the Almsman's behalf. How much gold is he owing you? And what exactly does he owe you for?" Shlevin says eyeing the men as they enter.
"Who are you? I don't think you want to make this your business."
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It is our business now as there are others interested in protecting these people. They have been armed and trained. In fact, 2 of these Beggar Knights dispatched your alchemist and goons in the sewers. They were hardly a match. You are outnumbered and surrounded. Drop your weapons and leave with your lives.
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"This is a sanctuary for the poor and will be treated as such, they don't need your "protection" anymore. They let you in freely. Does that not show they no longer fear you? Is the amount of gold you'd steal from the poor worth risking your lives?"
This is gonna be a tough sell. I really hope these guys aren't as desperate as they look. Surely there is at least some intelligence lurking inside their leader.
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Begger Knights! Fantastic! Sumil thinks to himself as Giovanni bluffs his way through the negotiations.
It simultaneously solves the problem of why he and John are armed, and works in their favor when they leave as well. He stands quietly by the door, with a hand causally on the hilt of his sword, trying to look every bit the Beggar Knight.
The leader looks skeptical, but the thugs are clearly looking around and have gotten a little jumpy.
"Ok, boys. This group of rabble just ain't worth our time. But if we see any you beggars out in our territory, you're dead! Mark my words!"
They back out of the room with glares on their faces, but they leave just the same.
After they leave, the Almsman speaks. "Thank you! I fear they may be back, but at least for now we are safe, and you also did not have to resort to violence. As promised, I will tell you what I know."
He gives you directions to another door in the sewer where he knew the "prince" to reside. "Travel east to the next branch south, then look for a mossy, overgrown door marked “Skytower” along the south wall."
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Sumils jaw hangs open almost as soon as the Wyvern's are gone.
"My friends, I can't believe that worked!" He pats everyone on the back excitedly. "Beggar Knights! Even I had not thought of that. Very smart Giovanni, and Shlevin here, agressive with bombs but soft with words."
He smiles widely and claps his hands together. "But, yes, it is time I think to see where this lost Prince of ours used to live. We should go."
After repeating the Almsmans directions one more time Sumil says his thanks to the priest and begins heading to their destination.
"I am afraid I don't know much about the man, but he always seemed a little crazy to me. He came through here not long ago ranting about armies coming through a portal. It was crazy."