She nods
"Yes Sweet Pea, and that is a very good idea"
"I don't like the idea of Sweat Pea going in alone."
"you are very brave to volunteer to go in with her. I do not think you have much to worry about if you pose as hired help. Snooping about might be hard, but really just getting inside the place and getting an idea about it would be helpful."
He said with his best smile. He wasnt so sure about doing this the entirely legal way...so far what he had seen was that the consortium had paid its way into the law heavily. Still he wasnt going to openly upset the helpful android. He had so many questions for her after all.
She could see the others were not 100% happy with the plan, but only attacking the house was out of the question, they needed intel not bodies.
She brought this to a close.
Then lets put this to a vote, the plan is, Sweet pee and Randu as a team inside, seek work in the house, while myself and Rrruh, a team outside check the area and act as back up should you get into trouble. Once you're in and you think it's a good time, we will come as Revenue inspectors. Or amend the plan given new intel. So those who agree please rase your hand."
Her hand goes up.
Sweet Pea puts both hands up as high as she can.
Randu sighs "Is that I volunteered for. mmph. Fine."
He raises his hand
Sounds like we are settled then."
He said with a feline grin raising his paw.
Happy they had a plan she stood.
"I suggest we rest tonight and get what things we think we may need. Then at 1st light tomorrow we head out to the Mance."
"Sounds good enough to me." he sighs "I need to decide which spells will serve me best."
While returning for another night at the Axehandle Inn after your encounter with the late Axeman is undesirable, to say the least, you can easily convince Mari Harper to let you stay at the Soggy Trousers because of the help you provided her cousin. Even if this is unappealing, between your combined talents, you can easily find trustworthy lodgings for the night.
In the morning, you venture out from the eastern gate, not tarrying in the Lumberyards any longer than needed. The road is paved with worn but solid stones to support the abundance of Consortium-related traffic that comes and goes through the east gate. The bucolic hills are surprisingly bare of farmsteads or ranches despite how verdant they appear. Other than some small, walled vineyards, this stretch of land is given over to the sprawling estates of the Consortium directors.
With some cautious questioning of a gardener on his way to work, you glean directions to Garland Rakesclaw's mansion in the Oregent countryside.
"OK, so how do ya get a job in a fancy house?" Sweet Pea asks first thing in the morning, "Do ya just go up and knock on the front door?"
"They are getting ready for a big, gathering, so they will need temp staff. Knocking on the back door may get you work"
"Probably a side door for staff.. keep us rif raf from being seen by the 'decent' people"
You spot a number of coaches pulling up the front entrance of the mansion. They slowly disgorge their passengers - looking like Consortium officials and their servants - but the progress is slowed, apparently by the lack of household staff to open doors and haul luggage.
Further along the house's length, you identify the servant's entrance at the side of the mansion, hidden from the eyes of valued guests by tall hedgerows. There, you see a single, older dwarf woman who grumbles loudly as she struggles to haul stacked boxes of produce inside, presumably to the kitchen or scullery, attempting to manage the work of three or four servants.
"Begging your pardon, miss, Randu says "We were told to come here to seek employment, and I figured the owner wouldn' want us stomping about the front door for such a hire?"
Places herself so he can see who is coming to the shindig.
Taking notes as she dose
He would never be able to pretend to be a servant in the manor, but he did keep to the outskirts of the manor doing his best to keep out of sight. He scanned the place looking for a way to get closer to the place and get an eye on things.
"What is it?" the dwarf woman demands with a frustrated scowl when Randu approaches. After running her bloodshot eyes across him and Sweet Pea, though, she offers a weary sigh.
"Sorry, dears. I'm a bit testy because of all the work heaped upon me. The master decided to host a shindig without any warning or preparation. Just sent out messengers then sent me into town to buy food without a single soul to help me."
She heaves another sigh.
"I'm Mathilda. Now, I don't have the time or authority to discuss pay, but if you start helping me get these veggies inside so I can actually start preparing lunch, I'll make sure you both do get paid, dear."
...
Meanwhile, Sapphire and Rrruh survey the perimeter. Unlike Gavel Kreed's fortress-like manor back in Falcon's Hollow, Director Rakesclaw's mansion is designed for opulence rather than defense. Low granite walls hem in the estate, but they serve only to mark the director's property and accent the landscaping. Ironically, by providing cover to Sapphire and Rrruh, the walls end up compromising the mansion's defense rather than aiding it.
Nevertheless, as befitting the head of the Lumber Consortium, an entire cadre of guards in dress uniforms patrol the grounds. However, much like the house staff, they are also stretched thin by the impromptu meeting. What's more, they focus their attention upon the procession of Consortium officials, ensuring no disgruntled workers attempt to assault the directors or their entourage. This provides blind spots that Rrruh and Sapphire are easily able to exploit with their adroit stealth.
"Of course," Says Randu grabbing the veggies "Mmm not a bad selection. I'm a cook myself, this is much better than the selection what grows further north."
Sweet Pea is disguised as a halfling again, the Hat itself appearing as a cute bonnet, so it won't be strange to wear it while working inside.
"Last minute? That wasn't very nice!" Sweet Pea reassures the woman, "Don't worry, we can get you all caught up!"
There is something about Mathilda's temperament that reminds Randu of the loggers around the lumber camps: as though she is liable to start a row in a pub in her off hours, even despite her age. Nevertheless, as she watches Randu and the disguised Sweet Pea pitch in to help, she heaves a sigh that shifts into a smile - creating an expression akin to a proud grandmother.
Inside the kitchen and scullery, Randu finds an array of utensils, pots, and pans far beyond what he's used to making do with around the cookfire back in Darkmoon Vale. On one hand, it's almost overwhelming. On the other hand, it also presents an alluring challenge to finally fully test his culinary skills.
"oh my word" He mutters with a bit of awe at the shear amount and variety of cooking tools. He has often wondered what it would be like to have a grand house all his own. Now he knows that should he ever be able to achieve this, he will now have a LOT of ideas for his kitchen.
he buckles down, determined to mix the ingredients in a fashion that may compliment each other to make a savory concoction that will leave them hoping for more.
Randu's ambition and creativity outstrips his experience. Given more time to practice with the new tools at his disposal in the kitchen, he could better bring his ideas to delicious life. As it is, while the meals he produces won't earn him an invitation to cook at a fine restaurant in the city, they will be satisfactory for the visiting Consortium officials.
Perhaps more importantly, his work earns him the additional responsibility of serving the dishes - meaning he will be privy to the officials' discussions, including potentially sensitive information.
Seeing all the distraction of the guards made him want to do something...more aggresive in his stealthy ways. He was pretty sure he could climb the wall and infiltrate the manor if he wanted to. He was pretty sure the strange inspector would be upset though if he did. His tail lashed back and forth for a moment before he glanced back. He quickly climbed the wall and tried to find a hiding spot atop it that would give him a good view of the wagons incoming. Maybe he could memorize a face or two.
Well blast it. Should have stuck to the essentials.
He's not the best at reading clues from people, but he's better than nothing, and with Sweat Pea's help they might learn what they need to.
I hope the inspector and Rrruh are doing well.
Seeing all the distraction of the guards made him want to do something...more aggresive in his stealthy ways. He was pretty sure he could climb the wall and infiltrate the manor if he wanted to. He was pretty sure the strange inspector would be upset though if he did. His tail lashed back and forth for a moment before he glanced back. He quickly climbed the wall and tried to find a hiding spot atop it that would give him a good view of the wagons incoming. Maybe he could memorize a face or two.
[dice=climb] 1d20+16
[dice=stealth] 1d20+9
She looked at the comings and goings then at Rrruh. She made her mind up.
"Do you think you can get into the grounds. I want to know if they have storage buildings outback and what's in them. Also, a man like this will have a tunnel or bolt hope out. If you can find it great, also if you were to say find yourself in the grounds lost, check out the security is like. Now I am not! asking you to break the law. If you're curt your on your own. But it would greatly help if you say did get lost in the grounds."
She looks at the wall and then offers her hands to help him up.
"They will never see me miss Sapphire worry not."
He whispered to her before disapearing into the manor.
A shed sits alongside the estate's gardens. Despite merely storing gardening tools and seed, it looks of better construction and design than any house you saw in Oregent. This would provide the best concealed vantage point to observe the arriving carriages
A long, low cottage sits at the back of the manor, likely the residence for permanent servants like Mathilda. There is also a cellar hatch nestled along the back wall of the manor, partially hidden from view between a pair of large, round shrubs. Somewhat out of place with the rest of the estate's lavish decor is the thick set of padlocked chains sealing the cellar doors shut.
.....
Inside the manor, once the first luncheon course is ready, Mathilda puts Randu and Sweet Pea to work serving the Consortium officials who have been seated in the dining hall. Seven men and women are seated around the table, distinguished by the quality of the clothes, their expensive accessories, and the haughty way they sneer when Randu and Sweet Pea come into their view.
Randu straightens his outfit, if needed. And tries not to grind his teeth at the sneers. Chelaxian wanna bes... This is andoran, and I'm your equal, each of you, but you'd rather die than face that. "More cheese, sir?" He offers
The seated Consortium officials accept food and drink from Randu and the disguised Sweet Pea without acknowledging their existence, as though they were merely ambulatory furniture. Insulting though this may be, it means they speak more freely about sensitive matters.
"If no one else has the courage to say it, then I will," one of the guests barks, ready to pound his fist upon the table before a glare from his host stays his hand. Demurred by a shade, he continues and says, "Gavel Kreed has let us down for the last time! If he can't deal with this mayor, we need to send someone who can!"
A silver knife tapped against the side of a crystal wineglass draws the assemblage's attention.
"My friends, our enterprise has faced many threats over the centuries," Director Rakesclaw announces to his peers. "The decline of Cheliax and the rise of Andoran, the Goblinblood Wars, countless incursions by the fey and their monstrosities, and of course, the meddling of the government in Almas. This Mayor Callahan may seem like but another branch in our path, to be crunched underfoot, but he is a symptom of a larger problem. All the older councilors who understood how to do business are retiring or being ousted - replaced by naive, young reformers."
The head of the Consortium is interrupted by one of his incensed boardmembers, who exclaims, "Aye! By the gods, it's like the capital grows them like a damned mushroom farm!"
Although Rakesclaw cuts him off with a wave of his hand, the outburst earns several nods of agreement from around the table.
"I have identified a selection of newly elected members of the People's Council who could be swayed to our side. Most of them could be convinced that only if we're allowed to operate according to our own terms can we produce enough lumber for their navy to stave off Cheliax's depredations. In the case of the others...well, the problem with reformers is that they usually come from poor backgrounds. Even if they do not need money, their families do. With the right incentive, they will see things our way."
As the discussion progresses, Randu and Sweet Pea overhear the names of several members of the People's Council, the government of Andoran, whom the Consortium board members intend to target with coercion and bribery. This could be vital intelligence for once you reach the capital.
Randu is almost grateful to be ignored. He is sure if he was expected to interact too much while he 'served' his disgust for these people might leak through his face and tone.
They're after Mayor Jack? Pretentious grasping spiders, I've known kobolds with more decorum
And he takes VERY Careful note of the names.
It takes all of Sweet Pea's will to not interject into the conversations she's overhearing.
With the others now inside all she had to do was wait, hiding close to the gate and check who came in and out
As Sapphire watches to procession of notables from her vantage point, she discovers that almost the entire Lumber Consortium Board of Directors is in attendance. Of the eight directors who govern the company, she realizes that only Maxinarius Kollepolis of Almas is absent.
Although no one rises to power within the Consortium without making their fortunes on the backs of lumberjacks and at the expense of the forests and native civilians, the investigator has heard many stories attesting to even greater heights of cruelty and sadism perpetrated by the well-dressed executives marching into the manor. As the Consortium's power has slowly eroded over the years, they have become desperate to maintain their positions and privilege.
The halfling wishes he were better versed in some matters, sure he's missing something,but he'll share what he's seen with others.
Oh for a few locks on the doors, bars on the window, oil and some fire.
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"What of that catfolk harlot?" exclaims one of the directors, soon identified as Marson Trabe of Oregent. "She dared talk of unions, and not only was she allowed to live, but I've been informed that she was allowed to flee the city!"
Chief Director Rakesclaw tries to silence his agitated colleague.
"Trabe, I've warned you before to drop that matter. Already your efforts are dangerously close to being traced back to us. Let Kreed handle her. We were just about ready to replace him as gavel, anyhow. Let him tie his own noose by committing one more murder, assuming we'll save him again. Instead, we disavow him and hand him over to the army."
Randu notices one of the guests - the one whom his allies outside recognized as a non-Consortium member - directing a signal, by way of a subtle hand gesture, towards Rakesclaw. The head director then excuses himself to speak with this guest in private.
Randu tries to find a time to slip away, unnoticed, and follow, a chance to listen in.
Randu escapes the notice of all the Consortium-members, who are largely distracted by their own intrigues - and the occasionally interruption of the disguised Sweet Pea, whose innocent questions provide ample interference to cover Randu. Whether she does this intentionally or not remains to be seen.
Behind the large leaves of an imported plant growing in a pot almost as large as the halfling cook himself, Randu presses his ear against the crack in the door jamb behind which Director Rakesclaw invited his unusual guest.
"Bold of you to invite me alongside your more, shall we say, legitimate business partners," the guest jibes.
"Nonsense. Our business is legitimate," Rakesclaw insists. "Anyhow, a separate meeting would look far more suspicious. No one would notice an extra carriage or cart rolling away among those of my fellows, regardless of what's inside."
"I bet they all have their own skeletons in the closet," the guest retorts. "Of course, in the cellar is probably more accurate in your case. Speaking of which, these ones better be healthy. I don't want to be slowed down by any sick slips. It's worse if they die; my buyers are expecting a certain quota."
Randu wonders where this cellar is. did hee see one, or more importantly, the entry to one? The bastard is a slaver.. of Halflings!
Whilst conducting their reconnaissance, Sapphire and Rrruh located a well-locked entrance to the cellar outside, along the rear of the manor.
However, Randu and Sweet Pea's cover as cooks and servants have not afforded them an opportunity to locate an entrance to the cellar within the manor. Randu suspects he could easily locate it with a little searching; the challenge, though, would be doing so without being noticed or missed.
"Come on Rrruh, let's get this thing open"
Sapphire looks the locks over then takes out a set of lock picks.
"I have a feeling your eyes and ears are better than mine in the dark, you best lead the way, I also have a feeling things are going to heat up in the Mansion. If I was going to take out a fellow gang boss this would be a very good time and place to do it."
Randu goes 'back on the job' and keeps eyes open for Sweat Pea. Word needs to be spread
Unfortunately, Rakesclaw has not spared expense on the lock upon the cellar door. Sapphire comes close to picking the lock several times, but ultimately it foils her attempts to gain access to the cellar.
Randu quickly finds Sweet Pea. It takes her a moment to digest what he tells her, but once she does, she becomes incensed - although her anger is muddled by confusion about the alien concept of slavery.
"Like, they don't let you leave if you don't wanna work?" Sweet Pea whispers. "That's all kinds of messed up! What are we gonna do?"
"Blasted thing, will not open and this is our only way in"
She thinks a moment, then makes her mind up.
She takes a small device does a little work on it, then attaches it to the lock.
Jury-Rig (Ex)
Beginning at 2nd level, a scavenger can sacrifice one of his gadgets to repair or enhance an adjacent mechanical device, such as a lock, trap, or vehicle. Doing so either repairs 1d6 points of damage per extract level of the gadget sacrificed or applies a bonus or penalty to one specific skill check involved in using the device. The scavenger could, for example, sacrifice a gadget to impose a penalty on all Disable Device checks to disarm a trap, add a bonus on all Disable Device checks to open a lock, or add a bonus on all Profession (driver) checks to drive a carriage. This modifier is equal to twice the extract level of the gadget sacrificed and lasts for 10 minutes per class level.
Sacrificing L1 CLW for 1d6
Kn Eng ROll To unlock it with a gagit
He paced about quietly keeping his eyes open while the investigator went to work. He wasnt sure her purpose, but she probably knew what she was doing. He hoped the others inside were safe.
This consortium needed sorted out in the worst way possible that was for sure.
"Like, they don't let you leave if you don't wanna work?" Sweet Pea whispers. "That's all kinds of messed up! What are we gonna do?"
If Randu catches Sweat Pea up "Free them, if we can find the basement."
Sapphire's uncanny device makes many a click, clack, and whir as it goes to work upon the lock. Fortunately, she is able to shield the sounds and disguise her presence from the patrolling guards. After a minute that seems to last an eternity, the padlock finally clicks open.
...
Meanwhile, inside the manor, with their host indisposed, the other Consortium directors fall into many side conversations among themselves. They focus more upon the goblets of wine upon the table than the platters of expensive, imported food. Thus, Randu and Sweet Pea are able to slip away from the duties of their disguises as servants.
The same lack of hired help that necessitated their on-the-spot recruitment also works in their favor since there are almost no other servants to catch them as they stalk the halls of the opulent mansion in search of the cellar.
She opens the door for Rrruh
"All yours"