Fiona takes a seat next to Mutt and listens to what Thaddeus has to say for himself. The news that he was reporting to the Cypher Lodge troubles her somewhat, but she does her best not to let it show on her face.
"...thank you for sharing that with us, Thaddeus." She nods, her tone reserved. "I'll admit, I'm not entirely comfortable with how long you've been keeping the fact that you've been visiting the Cypher Lodge without our knowledge, but as long as you're willing to help us now, I can live with it."
"As to what I've been up to... well, I haven't had as much success as I would have liked." She sighs. "In between spreading rumours of the Goblin doing poorly, I've managed to uncover something regarding the current bouncers and staff. The staff are either inexperienced or incompetent, and there's a new complement of bouncers on duty there."
"They also miss my singing and Thaddeus' pipes--the entertainment there isn't nearly as good as it was while we were on staff."
Fiona's expression doesn't change. "And... it didn't make you uncomfortable or anything?"
Mutt's face turns slightly red. "I was... nervous, if that's what you mean. What do you mean?"
"What, yeh think Ah came t'Riddleport t'follow mah lifelong dream of workin' at a casino, fightin' gangs, 'n gettin' shot at by giant rat-men? Ah'm a spellcaster 'n a scholar, 'r at least tryin' t'be a scholar, 'n if yer wantin' t'learn 'bout magic 'n mysteries, yeh try t'get in at the Order O' Cyphers. Ah ain't a member, but Ah do have a contact dere."
"Ah did have udder business dere, but Ah'll tell yeh all when we're all together. Might as well report what we all found as a group, eh?"
Even Mutt has the people skills to tell that the magic-user is hiding something. His frown deepens and his eyes slightly narrow as he stares at Thaddeus.
Mutt follows the others into the meeting room. He plops down on one of seats and crosses his arms, Fiona sitting next to him. After Thaddeus gives his report, Mutt says, "Meanwhile, I spoke to Isadora, Michal's cousin, and she told me where Michal and his family live. She's also going to work on finding Sam. I'm planning on going to Michal's house. Then, I'm going to the Publican House to speak with Fredrick's priestess girlfriend. I may ask Arnado for his and the church's aid for the raid."
When Thaddeus notes about Fetch, Mutt sighs. "Well, that's a good sign. Only slightly, though."
During Fiona's own report, Mutt simply nods, having heard it before.
Then Thaddeus comes clean. Mutt states at him. As he explains, the warrior's eyes slowly begin to narrow. His frown slowly deepens into slight anger. The hands on his arms clench into the flesh. Eventually, his nails break the flesh, sending small trails of blood flowing and ruining his recently manicured nails.
When the scholar is finished, there is silence. Deafening silence. Eventually, Mutt slowly stands. He takes some deep breaths. He remembers what happened the last time he flipped out. So, he tries to keep his rage under control and continues his deep breathing.
When he's finished, he furiously looks at Thaddeus. He speaks in an even tone (though he does shout at some points). "Are you serious? And you didn't think to tell us sooner? Like, I didn't know, after the raid? We now have another group dragged into this! I trust Shofara more than any other group in this city! At least she's been straight with us! At least she helped us!" Mutt breathes deeply before continuing. "But the Cyphermages? Those wizards? And what about Kwava? He may have aided us. But I don't fully trust him still. So many people are focused on us! And they probably want to use us for their own agendas! I've had enough of being used! I'm no one's tool!"
His rage slowly begins to subside. He closes his eyes and takes several deep breaths again. With each breath, the tension begins to lessen. He sits back down in his seat. He ignores the small rivers of blood flowing down his arms. He eventually opens his eyes and stares at the witch. "I'm not going to hit you. I'm not going to hurt you. You were, eventually, honest with us. So, everything is still good between us. I'd rather not be lied to and used. I'm sorry if I scared you. It seems to be one of the few things I'm good at in life." He smirks. "Though, that's most composed I've been in a long, long time. Must be because your my friend and I don't want the acolytes to yell at me again."
If an acolyte does come in to reprimand him for yelling, Mutt simply turns and says, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. If Shofara has a problem, then tell her that I'm willing to work as an apology... and as a job, like Fiona had asked."
"I was... nervous, if that's what you mean. What do you mean?"
"I mean to ask if she was being too forward with you." Fiona replies, feeling a bit irritated.
What else could I mean?
------------------
Fiona keeps an eye on Mutt as he starts going off on Thaddeus. Part of her can't help but sympathize with him.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. If Shorafa has a problem, then tell her that I'm willing to work as an apology... and as a job, like Fiona had asked."
Fiona's eyebrows raise in surprise, but she refuses to say a word.
...well, this could be interesting. I wonder what sort of work Shorafa would put him to... I could hazard a guess as to what sort of job she'd offer me...
Thaddeus is clearly intimidated by the former gladiator, his eyes widening in panic, his face getting paler, his knuckles whitening with the grip on the table to stabilize himself, and his whole body quivering in fear, as it twists, preparing to bolt. His gaze notably focuses on Mutt's arms, squeezing hard enough to draw blood.
After a few panicked breaths and Mutt's assurance that violence is not immediately forthcoming, Thaddeus relaxes, slightly, and speaks up again, voice quavering.
"If Ah-Ah-Ah may say in-in my de-defense... This is th'fir-th'first time Ah've bee-been to a city bi-bigger than th'local village. Jus, jus, jus'got here last month. Ah wanted t'learn, so Ah-Ah went t'where mages 'n other smart people went. Ah-Ah know Ah look 'n sound like some stupid peasant, so Ah was expectin' t'get laughed out o'the guildhouse. So when th'guy there lets me in, an' asks me to watch Saul... Well, my options were dat, or go back t'the farm. Th'way he phrased it, he was suspicious o'Saul, conferrin' wit' devils n' the like. So it sounded like Ah could do a good deed t'get in, watch somebody t'see if they're doin' somethin' wrong."
"So, 'fcourse, that led t'me meetin' y'all. Didn't say anythin' at first, 'cause Ah didn't know where yer loyalties lied. Den we all got betrayed t'gether, so that settled dat."
"If it helps, let's think o'this not as somebody spyin' on us, but as a possible ally. Like Ah said, Saul's up t'no good, whatever he's up to, and he's got more enemies than just a few gang leaders. All Ah've been told is t'report what Ah find out 'bout Saul. An' dat's all Ah intend t'do. No more, no less."
Thaddeus nods at Mutt's apology, still quite pale and nervous looking. "Thanks as well, Mutt. 'Swhy Ah needed t'come clean. We've fought 'n bled together now, an' yer all good friends, even if we've only known each utter fer a few weeks."
"They also miss my singing and Thaddeus' pipes--the entertainment there isn't nearly as good as it was while we were on staff."
"Miss mah pan-pipes? Man, dey must really be hard-up fer entertainment!" Thaddeus nervously jokes, hoping to relax himself as much as anybody.
Bofur shakes his head sadly at Thaddeus's news, but declines to comment. The revelation seems to have confirmed something unspoken inside him. During a lull in the chatter, he injects, "I've told no one. Because I trust no one."
A polite knock announces a priestess, who sweeps in with wine, water, trenchers of bread, and a some hearty fish soup before she quickly exits.
"Wait till the casino closes and then scale the outside wall and break in through the upstairs windows?"
-----------------
Variel raises an eyebrow at Bofur's suggestion. I would never have expected a dwarf to be a second-story man...
"I suppose that depends on how good everyone thinks they would be at that sort of climb. Do we have a feel for how well the new staff are guarding the place?
Mutt begins to use his shirt to wipe the blood from his hands and arms. As Thaddeus explains, Mutt nods. "Understandable. I get it. And stop being scared. You need to be able to face what you fear."
When the priestess brings in the food, Mutt takes the water, bread, and the fish soup. He uses some of the water to clean up his wounds further. He tucks into the food as they begin planning. When Bofur suggest to break in, Mutt swallows his soup and says, "That could work for some of us. But not allow of us. I'm good at climbing. But not at sneaking. And what about the bouncers? I'm going to talk to Michal. Then, I'm going to the Publican House to find Fredrick and ask Arnado for reinforcements."
"Gotta agree wit' Mutt, dere. Ah doubt most o'us are th'sneaky types."
"Ah think findin' Mutt's boys, dere, and gettin' em' together is a good first move. Maybe what we could do is when we're ready t'attack, the stealthy types sneak in first, an' lay in wait. Den, when we attack, we got a few people already in position."
"But yeah, let's get the gang together."
The group head out of the temple, where they are quietly shown out through a back door. From there, they make their way westwards towards the "Fish Bowl" a gigantic building that houses a saltwater pool. A little north from there, they cut into some alleys and into a simple, but less-dangerous neighbourhood than they're used to. Counting down the numbers, they finally come to to the address.
A bang on the door, and Michal appears. He looks in astonishment as he sees Mutt and the rest of the group.
"Boss?! Saul told us you were dead and then fired the lot of us! What the hell happened?"
"Saul lied. In fact, from what we've been able to gather, he's been lying a lot lately."
Variel raises an eyebrow at Bofur's suggestion. I would never have expected a dwarf to be a second-story man...
"I suppose that depends on how good everyone thinks they would be at that sort of climb. Do we have a feel for how well the new staff are guarding the place?
"C'mon. A grapplin' hook 'n a knotted rope and we're all guud to go." As an afterthought he adds, "Well, maybe not the goat." looking at the creature with pitying eyes.
Mutt nods. "Yes. We're alive. And Fiona's right. May we come in? We can explain the whole thing."
Michal looks over his shoulder and then shrugs, grinning a little.
"My wife will love this. C'mon in and tell me what's going on."
He leads the group through the door. The townhouse is a sort of lower-middle-class affair, with two floors that have a few rooms on each, glass windows banded with lead, and a large, merry hearth that has an iron pot of stew slowly cooking in front of it.
Michal's wife is seated at a table, giving her children their lessons, two young boys who immediately look up in awe as the motley crew of very well-armed and glamorous-looking adventurers walk in.
"look at that ax---DID YOU KILL A DRAGON?---why is she so pret--CAST A MAGIC--why do they have a goat?"
"Oh no! No no no!" shouts Michal's wife as she stands to her "Children, upstairs. Now."
Groaning, the kids run upstairs. She turns to the group.
"You're going to get my husband killed again, aren't you?!"
Michal, always the calm one, holds up his hands.
"I'll get our guests some tea and they can tell me what's going on here."
With the group now seated at a table, Michal pours some tea as his wife stares daggers into Mutt. The group explains their predicament, and Michal bites his lip.
"You're the boss and it's a dangerous line of work. But this sounds really dangerous. Got any incentives for me, since I am technically fired?"
Fiona smiles at the kids as they're ushered upstairs. Reminds me of how Tarvik and I were young...
She feels a pang in her stomach. I really should write to them. Let them know how I'm doing, and how my mission is going.
When Michal speaks again, she refocuses on the matter at hand. "Mutt, how long will we really need his help?"
Mutt walks into the house. When the kids are clamoring to see them, Mutt stares wide eyed at them. Obviously, he's not used to kids (or anyone) excited to see him... or kids in general. When Jasmine begins to yell at them, Mutt winces. When they sit, Mutt sweats a bit as the Kellish woman glares at him. When Michal and Fiona ask their questions, Mutt takes a sip of his tea. He thinks about it before saying, "After some thought, it is your choice, Michal. You can help us. However, I don't want to drag you into anything dangerous and life-threatening. You have a family. However, either way, when we get rid of Saul, consider yourself rehired. And with a modest pay raise." He takes another sip. "We're also looking for the others. I'll stop by the Publican House and talk to Fredrick's girlfriend about where he is and about possible reinforcements with Arnando. Your cousin, Isadora, is working on finding Sam. She says hi, by the way. So, if you want to join in, that's fine. It's your choice. Do you still have the gear that we gave you?"
He thinks for a moment before asking solemnly, "Michal. Is... Fetch alright?"
While Michal talks to Mutt, his wife procures some oats, scattering them in front of Old Horn.
"Poor thing, you must go through a lot."
As Mutt asks about Fetch, Michal quickly nods.
"Fetch don't know what's happened and the cooks like him, so I imagine he's still cared-for. Saul never seemed to have it in for the dog, provided that creep Bojask doesn't toss him in the octahedron."
Michal turns to his wife, who sighs miserably.
"I'm in. But you're negotiating the pay raise with her. As for the others, well I'm worried about Twitches. That guy gets kinda stuck on ideas. He got it in his head he could go ask Saul for his job back, poor guy was losing it about getting fired. We told him to sleep on it, but we haven't seen him since. He doesn't live far from here and he ain't been home."
Michal ticks off his fingers.
"Zhen, I know where he lives. Bjorn, I know where he drinks and I think you know where the rest are. Tell me where to meet and I'll extend your offer to the others."
Thaddeus does raise his eyes at the kids looking at them in amazement. Especially as he's not entirely sure what they're excited over. Two Shoanti, an elf, a dwarf, and some peasant with a goat... Okay, a bit of an odd crew, is it really that unusual in the big city?
He sits and accepts the tea.
While Michal talks to Mutt, his wife procures some oats, scattering them in front of Old Horn.
"Poor thing, you must go through a lot."
*Beeehh!*
Thaddeus shoots a dirty look at Old Horn.
"No, ah don't! An' she can't unnerstand yeh, anyways!"
*Beeeh! Beeehhh!*
"You eat plenty good! Better here 'den you've ever gotten in th'farm."
"Zhen, I know where he lives. Bjorn, I know where he drinks and I think you know where the rest are. Tell me where to meet and I'll extend your offer to the others."
"Good question. Where should we meet up? At th'temple? Ah kinda feel like we're stretchin' their hospitality as is. 'Specially SOME of us," Thaddeus says, shooting another glare at Old Horn.
*Snort*
Mutt asks about Fetch, Michal quickly nods.
"Fetch don't know what's happened and the cooks like him, so I imagine he's still cared-for. Saul never seemed to have it in for the dog, provided that creep Bojask doesn't toss him in the octahedron."
Mutt sighs in relief knowing that Fetch is still alright.
Michal turns to his wife, who sighs miserably.
"I'm in. But you're negotiating the pay raise with her."
Mutt turns his gaze to Jasmine. He thinks about it and nods. "Very well. I can do that."
"As for the others, well I'm worried about Twitches. That guy gets kinda stuck on ideas. He got it in his head he could go ask Saul for his job back, poor guy was losing it about getting fired. We told him to sleep on it, but we haven't seen him since. He doesn't live far from here and he ain't been home."
Mutt grumbles. "So, Shofara was right on a missing bouncer. It seems that Twitches is it. Dang it. We have to get him out of there. If Saul did anything to him..." He leaves the threat unspoken.
Michal ticks off his fingers.
"Zhen, I know where he lives. Bjorn, I know where he drinks and I think you know where the rest are. Tell me where to meet and I'll extend your offer to the others."
Mutt nods. He hears Thaddeus's concerns. "Tell Zhen and Bjorn that we are making plans and we'll get Fredrick and the Publican House on our side. Tell them to meet up at the Publican House if we can't meet at the Temple of Calistria."
Bofur enjoys a cup of tea. He allows the steam to tickle his nostrils before he imbibes.
Negotiating a slightly less reasonable pay raise than Mutt had hoped, he ensures Michal's loyalty and attendance, agreeing to meet up near the Publican House before the night mission.
The Publican House is as merry as ever, and Arnando is shocked to see all of you. You find out that he was planning to sever his deal with Saul, having no interests in dealing with the crime lord personally. You secure Frederick's contact information, share a drink or two, and head back to the Temple of Calistria, where you're given Sam's information. The cocky Varisian is a little less enthusiastic, but nonetheless accepts the deal.
That evening you finally meet up with your posse. Michal arrives with Bjorn and Zhen in tow. The big, boisterous Ulfen looks very ready for a fight, Zhen's expression is unreadable, but he's always been reliable. The only man now missing is Twitches.
With the group gathered, you head for the Gold Goblin, and now find yourselves a block away, observing the casino.
As the group gathers, Variel casts a spell to increase his awareness of his surroundings, then keeps watch.
"So are we still thinking of trying to go in through an upper window?"
"Think we could all sneak in? Dere's an awful lot o'us."
Negotiating with Jasmine proves to be a long and arduous experience (mostly because she doesn't like him). Mutt manages to find Fredrick (thanks to Valeria, priestess of Cayden Calien). When the gang is brought together, Mutt smiles and greets his old friends. While observing the Gold Goblin, Mutt frowns. "Those who can fight should take the front. While those who can sneak in should go through the upper window and wait until there's an opening for a surprise. Do we have anything that can put them off guard? Spells, throwables, ranged weapons? I know Thaddeus has that trick where he puts people to sleep. And creates swamps." He looks at Thaddeus. "How do you do that, anyway?"
Bofur spends the discussion time putting climbing knots into the rope to make it easier to ascend and descend quickly without much skill.
"What I'm wonderin' is, do we really want to pick our way through a dozen mercs while Saul slips away, or do we aim for the head of the snake? Hired muscle don't usually show a lot of loyalty. Maybe they can be intimidated to f-off? I figure Saul has two options: barricade hisself inside his office or the vault - 'n that only works if he's expectin' reinforcements - or sneak away wherever he goes to in the basement."
With the warmth of tea still filling her belly, Fiona looks over the Gold Goblin with a wary eye.
"I'd prefer to go after Saul directly, myself--but I've never been one for a stealthy approach. I heard the new bouncers are particularly nasty; they aren't strangers to intimidation, but they may perhaps be more inclined to listen to a more diplomatic approach." Fiona fingers her coin purse. "Some of them might be inclined to leave with the right amount of gold."
"I bet if Mutt here opens up one of their heads, the others are likelier to open their ears to your proposal," Bofur responds with a touch of levity.
"And if they don't, I'm plannin' to gut every last one of 'em. I've had it with bein' disrespected in this dunghole of a city."
Disrespected.
The word gives Fiona pause for thought. Treated as errand boys, never told the full extent of what our boss is planning, and now set up to die. Yes, that sounds about right.
"I'd rather save my earthbreaker for Saul, but if they insist on getting in our way, then so be it."
"Fiona has a point, these guards are paid for. How much are we willing to spend to buy them ourselves?" He takes a moment to check his own coin purse
"Payin' 'em off? Has potential, an' Ah'm willin' t'chip in."
"Those who can fight should take the front. While those who can sneak in should go through the upper window and wait until there's an opening for a surprise. Do we have anything that can put them off guard? Spells, throwables, ranged weapons? I know Thaddeus has that trick where he puts people to sleep. And creates swamps." He looks at Thaddeus. "How do you do that, anyway?"
Thaddeus looks a bit confused at the question, not sure how to answer it.
"... Magic? Ah could get into a description of tappin' into extraplanar power sources t'fuel such effects, but now izzn't th'time."
"But yeah, Ah say the sneaky sorts get in by th'window, an'the rest o'us get ready to make a distraction. Or convince 'em that we'll pay more."
Kwava listens intently at the plan.
"I am a 'sneaky sort' and would join at the window, unless you require me as ranged support on the ground. It of course depends on how your negotiations go."
"Kwava, there's a catwalk above the casino floor. Ye know what that is? A walkway ye can look and fire down from. Ye come up with me and we'll get ye set up where ye can offer real ranged support."
When the subject of paying off the guards comes up, Mutt frowns. He doesn't like the sound of that. "That's not my style. However, if that's what needs to be done, then I'll go with it."
"Fiona, once we're inside, may wanna shout at all th'gamblers t'get the heck outta dere. Don't wanna get any innocents caught in th'crossfire. Somehow Ah get th'feelin' that Saul's new pack ain't gonna be th'sort t'care 'bout that, so it's up t'us.
"Say, Mutt, could Ah request one o'yer boys dere sticks close to me fer protection, please? Cover me while Ah do my thing?"
Saying this, Thaddeus still adds a little insurance, muttering some words, before slamming his chest with his fist. A faint shimmering barrier comes into being, draping over Thaddeus' form.
Mutt nods at Thaddeus. "Zhen. Stick close to Thaddeus." Zhen moves closer to Thaddeus.
"Well, it'll take ye a wee bit o' time to bribe yeer way in, so we'll head around back and start now, shall we."
He prepares his rope and grappling hook. He places balls of clay on each of the points to soften the sound of the hook as it lands but not impede it from gripping. When in position, he eyes the window sill and tosses the grappling hook, ready to tug on the rope to secure it when it's in position.
He then climbs, either the rope if it works or the wall if not.
You slink slong with Kwava to the north side of the casino, deciding to go with the plan to go to the roof over the apartments, and then to the top floor. Kwava follows along with you silently. He sends his hawk up into the air, whispering a word to it.
"Ganmeed will see danger in the windows," he whispers.
Unfortunately as you throw your rope up, you throw it far too high, it smashes into a window! Worse yet, it doesn't even catch, and just falls back to the ground. Kwava winces.
"Uh... maybe let's treat it as a distraction. Just avoid that window."
Both you and Kwava scale the side of the Goblin until you find yourselves on the eastern roof. From here, there are three potential windows to enter. One in front of you, which you have made a lot of noise at, one to its left, and then another you'd have to scale along the side of the building to reach.
Taking a good look at the Gold Goblin you spot around six people patrolling the main floor, including two which stand guard on the outside. Having decided on the direct approach, you walk out, flanked by Mutt's impressive posse of men.
"We're closed, bugger off!" shouts one of the two guards posted at the front. It's dark out and it is unlikely they can make out your faces properly. A loud smash is heard, and the guards both start, looking up.
"See what that was!" calls one behind his shoulder into the casino.
Bofur nods and proceeds along the wall. He strains his eyes and ears to hear how and how many might be responding to the sound, thankful for his clarity of vision at night.
Variel calls in, trying to be heard by the guards but not too far beyond.
"It was a warning! You have one chance to work out a deal with us before things get serious. We are willing to pay for your time."
He waits, whip at the ready in case of trouble.
Fiona steps forward a couple of paces. "It's perfectly fine that the place is closed, gentlemen--in fact, it was you we were hoping to speak with first."
"Tell me, how much has Saul paid you? How much does he trust you? I believe that if you intend to work for that man, you deserve to know what happened to his previous employees." She rests a hand on her hip and frowns. "He sent them off on a wild goose chase to die, after they helped him rebuild the Gold Goblin into an establishment that provided quality entertainment. Was he jealous of their efforts? Did he want all the profit for himself? In the end, it doesn't really matter--he'll cast you aside once your usefulness to him has ended."
"The way I see it, gentlemen, you have two choices: listen to our offer, or not. If you listen, you'll have a chance to walk out of here with more gold than Saul pays you."
You hear some shouts from the main floor you can't make out. However, you very clearly hear the shouts in return coming from the south through the wall. South of here would be the catwalks you've spent a great deal of time on.
"Yeah we heard that too! We'll check it out!"
The guard stares openly as he sees Fiona.
"It's her! The singer! He said they was dead!"
[spoiler=Sense Motive DC 15]
It is clear that this guard is terrified by the sight of her.
The other guard roughly elbows her friend at the front. She steps forwards, looking intently at Fiona and Variel.
"Talk, but I ain't attacking my employer if I ever want to find work in this town again." [/spoiler]
Fiona can read the bouncer's fear easily. "Calm down, sir--I assure you we mean you and your colleagues no harm."
She smiles inwardly. Reports of our deaths were greatly exaggerated, as were reports of Saul's loyalty.
"As to Saul, none of us have any intention of asking you to attack him--rather, we'd prefer that you simply walk away." She relaxes her posture slightly. "In exchange for your cooperation, we're prepared to offer each of you..." She turns to Variel. "What do you suppose would be adequate compensation? 20 gold pieces, perhaps?"
"20? Aw, heck, make it 25."
Thaddeus jingles his coin pouch to show his intention, though this also keeps his hand close to his spell component pouch.
Though, more importantly, he keeps a wary eye on the bouncers.
Bofur looks at Kwava and considers the likelihood of them being spotted. He quietly slides further up the roof, looking to blend into the darkness.