All "The Captain" could find out from his rougish contacts in the Andoran Underground is that "something big's gonna go down on the 16th of Aroden." Tonight is the twilight of the 12th of that month. The date corresponds with the beginning of the week long festival, Armasse. During the week of rauscous parties and debauchery, the guards will be spending more time keeping the drunks in check than watching the public buildings. The first day of the celebrations are particularly bad.
The artifacts within come from a variety of ruins and temples. Many of the pieces aren't magical, though they are old and valuable. However, there are some powerful objects within that can't be reproduced by modern smiths.
The exhibits range from depictions of the old Pharoahs of Osirion to tomes straight from the Diabolica of Cheliax.
Dimitrious eyes widen briefly upon hearing the name Iron Dragons
It seems Azrin has let the other monkey out, Yes
Ransaq: You have heard that the museum outsources it's security measures, but to who is a very closely guarded secret. Supposedly, construct warriors patrol the building at night.
Ransaq sidesteps the reference to Lady Sapphire again, not because he doesn't care, but because he doesn't wish to water down her memory with eager speech. When he speaks her name, it will be with importance.
"Why in the hell does Dimitri keep mentioning monkeys? Little guy must've had a bad experience or somethin..."
"Well, The museum does house quite a bit of plunder. I've heard they outsource their security, though to who I'm not sure. Some mention of construct patrols come to mind."
"I don't suppose we have any ideas as to what might be the thieves' target? There shouldn't be any harm in visiting the Museum and scoping it out ourselves. We've got a few days until the Festival, so there's plenty of time to do this right."
Ransaq shakes his head a bit. "Wait a minute, wait a minute... Who's paying for this job Andy?"
"Who said anything about a job? I, for one, have never visited the Museum before. It's supposed to have some pretty neat artifacts, right? Could be a fun little day trip."
"Any excuse to get close to shiny stuff ay Adalric?" Ransaq chuckles. "I'm glad your in it for the field trip, but this isn't an orphanage in need of help here. Whoever owns this place can afford to feed one though, and I aim to make that happen."
Hmmm... payment would be nice as I am flat broke. I suppose the best course of action would be to scope out the location, ask a few questions around town. Ideally we would like to be on guard duty that week but how do we convince whomever is in charge that his property is in danger if he is convinced that it is impregnable and all we have so far is a hunch
"We could always figure out what the target is and steal it first. Call it a surprise security inspection." Adalric holds his hands up placatingly. "Hey, we'd give it back! It's not like we'd keep it or anything!"
Ransaq looks at Dimitri with a serious look and says "I think I can handle that.". He pauses and takes a drink. "Besides, we've always got plan B!" He laughs as he jabs Adalric in the ribs with his elbow.
Andy' listens to the comments and drift of conversation. His features remain jovial, though a slight tightness around his eyes might hint at his inner feelings.
Eventually he says,
"Okay...first and again...This is only a 'Hunch'. So....we should be doing some searching and scouting and such before anything else. Second? If there pans out to be some conspiracy against the Museum? Then the people who're instigating it will be more than likely to have enough about them as a way of recompense..." He finishes.
Marian raises an eyebrow high in the air as the group banters back and forth. He takes a long drink from a stray mug, mulling over all that's been said. Eventually he pipes up, fighting down a burp as he rests the tankard back on the table.
"Since when do we foil museum heists?" He asks with a mild tone of youthful arrogance
"If I might say so, Captain, this seems a little off beat. Is there gold to be won or...medals to earn? Are lives at stake? Or do you just wanna be around for whatever's going down on the 16th?"
He shoots a grin at Adalric and Ransaq, fulling supporting this motion of "borrowing" the target.
Dimitrious listens closely as Capt.Andy speaks
I second the Captains plans, there is no need to start taking extreme steps on a hunch
There are some very powerful artifacts that cannot be reproduced by modern smiths. Furthermore, the wealth accrued from selling even one of these to the right patron could buy out any number of Andoran's council members or plunge the young country into turmoil.
Ransaq puts the jokes aside and addresses Marian and Adalric, "Robbing the museum first, on a hunch, has got to be the only idea worse than doing the job for free" he says with a bit of seriousness. "Though we certainly will get paid."
Ransaq pauses, looks at the captain, and sighs. "Well Andy, I don't doubt yur gut, I reckon something is afoot. Let's go take a look at it."
Marian sighs, snatching up a piece of grub. He listens intently as the surreal nature of this moment sets in.
Well, Cap, if this hunch is strong enough to pull the gang out of retirement...I'm game. Never steered me wrong before
Adalric gives a playful *sigh* and pout to Ransaq. "Still the same stick-in-the-mud as always." He chuckles for a moment before turning serious. "I'm in as well. If the Cap says there's something going on, I'm inclined to believe him."
"Right," 'Andy' says regarding his compatriots. "So...we agree that searching for more information is a good thing. That thwarting something potentially very bad is a good thing," He continues to regard those gathered around...
"And that stopping bad people from carrying out said bad things is a potentially lucrative engagement...Again, assuming there's something nefarious happening to begin with?"
He remains quiet, allowing the others to again make comments before potentially adding,
"So..we've all had long journeys, a pleasant meal and some good company. How about we get some rest and set out to see what plans we can think of on the morrow?" He asks.
Aye.
Ransaq enjoys a couple more drinks and enjoys the company of his friends a bit longer before retiring for the evening.
Well then night all
I'm going to assume that you all are going to sleep. The night passes peacefully. What time do you want to wake up? Sunrise is at 6:00 if you would like to know.
(Unless he's awoken by party members less lazy than himself Mary takes this course of action)
Rising from his slumber at some point around 9 o' clock, Marian leisurely changing out of his night gown and packing a fresh bowl into his pipe. He leans out a window of the room casually (assuming it can open), and takes in the sights of sounds of the early morning. After arranging his belongings and packing up he steps out into the common room, in search of breakfast.
Adalric will take a corner room with a window and make sure it can be opened quickly in case a speedy exit is necessary. As per his norm, he sleeps lightly and wakes an hour before sunrise. Unless someone's up already, he'll wait for the others in a shadowy corner.
So 9 o'clock is the latest? Okay.
As Marian goes to lean out of the window, she notices a heavy rain. The ground is all ready soaked to mud in the forest outside the roadside inn. A crack of thunder and flash of lightning says that the storm is only getting started.
Ransaq stands in the doorway, looking out, wondering if Dimitri knows a cantrip to keep him dry...
'Andy' descends to the main room in the morning and partakes of a hearty breakfast, happily joining any one else at the tables. As every one else begins to gather, 'Andy' will see if Jarrick might have at least a couple of spare cloaks for those who've traveled from climates farther South.
When every one is finished their breakfasting 'Andy' will begin to et ready to head back to the city. Donning his Tri-corn hat and draping his great-cloak over his shoulders.
"I've got an old hood or two around. They should do well in a pinch." The older innkeeper says and delivers a set of pale green capes and hoods to the reunited adventurers.
'Andy' thanks their old friend. Eventually he turns and also looks out into the rain.
'Andy' smiles, "It's not that far to town..." He shrugs, being quite used to the local climate. The cold has never seemed to bother him that much...
"I'm fine with walking; a little rain never hurt anyone."
Unless Dimitrious or Marian objects, you head out into the pouring rain. The walking does get better though. The powerful storm blows over around 2 o'clock, but by then you're all thoroughly soaked and muddied.
The rest of the day passes uneventfully and you arrive at Almas a few hours later.
The sturdy wood and stone houses and shops provide a fresh sight after the day of watching wilderness. They start small at the outskirts, but get bigger the closer you get to the city's heart where great marble structures house the official government operations and some of the richer private projects. That is where the museum is located, within the most trafficked and most secure district.
'Andy' indicates that, given their current state after traveling through the storm and the wilds that turning up any where in the city wold probably not get the best reception.
And he suggests some where nearby, where the group can at least dry out and clean up for a bit before presenting themselves to any one.
Dimitrious sets out with the group his mood as cheery as the weather outside.
"*psst* Captain. That place you recommended? I don't think it's what you think it is. Let's follow Ransaq's suggestion instead."
*Blinks and looks completely surprised...*
Ransaq leads them to an appropriate establishment to rest and eat before they get to work.