Asherick nods at the Marshal,"I uhm... think it would be ...prudent for me to wear a lighter set of armor in this... kind of a covert infiltration. Might I be allowed to requisition or purchase for this mission an Armored Coat [50gp - APG] from the Guard Quartermaster Ma'am?"
Asherick regarding the other adventurers, "...I know none of you really know me... but a solo covert infiltration is... unwise. Do any of you wish to accompany me?"
Shakhan nods, "The King of Spiders wasn't as big a deal back in my day - but times change. I imagine we won't have trouble; but before I go on a new job I need to get paid for the old one."
"Ah, Shakhan.... don't tell me you drank away the reward money already."
She says with a mock groan, then reaches into her beltpouch and pulls out a small bag of coins with a smile.
"You gave it to me for safekeeping once you realized you were going to get drunk. The rest of it's in our quarters."
She turns back to the group.
"I suppose I should tag along, check up on old Spidey and see if he's alright. The girls at the House of Clouds also."
While not making a formal agreement, it seems obvious to all (Sense Motive DC 5) that she is agreeing to participate.
Asherick's expression is... somewhat perplexed.
"So, Shakhan, Risden, and Hytogg go to speak to 'The Spider' directly offering gold of info - using Shakhan's reputation as a once famous pit fighter as a cover. While Una and I under Invisibility sneak on-board to snoop out whatever we can?
Ashe looks to Una, "You seem more ...familiar with 'The Spider's' lair than I. You might be the better choice to take the lead on directing that part... lest I lead us to roaming about fruitlessly. We are not there to fight... but snoop.
"If our orders are to find out about Amprei, may I suggest an alternative approach, Ashe?
"Since I've at least encountered Spidey a few times before, I feel that I can approach him openly, drop the pay, and ask for info. But if this Amprei is enjoying the pleasures of Korvosa as much as our friends here seem to think he is, we might be able to get more information from those he is soliciting the pleasure from."
She raises her eyebrows suggestively.
"I hope that Spidey is as patriotic and proud as he is vile. And at the very least extremely unwilling to allow this Amprei to control any part of his turf."
Una shrugs as she realizes she's slipping into canton.
"What I mean to say is this. A direct approach might be effective, but a round-about approach might be even more effective. The Spider's Web isn't necessarily a trap if you know where to put your footing and the Spider agrees to let you be there."
Ashe nods slowly carefully considering her idea.
"You may Always speak your mind to make a suggestion, lady Therlmangne. Your idea has strong merit... I have little better of an idea. You may even be able to explain that if the Ambassador does make trade trouble for Korvosa... his 'business interests' would be hurt as well. Just... be careful. Men such as 'The Spider' are not honorable and WILL try to deceive you and take advantage of a woman. I know of several young woman who fell into his clutches that were held against their will, purposely addicted to illegal drugs and turned into common whores on the 'House of Clouds' or far FAR worse... please... do not underestimate his wickedness! Would you consider at least taking a Potion of Invisibility, if one can be acquired, with you as an 'escape' precaution should things turn bad?"
His tone is not chiding... but deeply concerned.
"What would you suggest we all do in the mean time Una?"
Una shrugs again, realizing now is not the time to hide her more seedy ventures as a mercenary (and as the lover of a more prominent one).
"Difficult to say right now. Shakhan would probably be recognized, but I don't know how to put that to effective use. Risdin, as a paladin of Abadar, could probably be of use in the Twin Tigers or elsewhere. Hytogg the Magnificent and yourself would probably be the ones best to use stealth and invisibility. And above all, in a place like that, its best to remember the rules."
"If I might interject", then with a quick look at Shakhan, ..."speak"..., why don't we try the direct way first, and if that doesn't work we could always try the indirect way". "Those socially competent", again with a look at Shakhan, ..."talk fancy"..., could try the direct approach, while the others among us pose as patrons of the establishment, gathering information as needed, and planning a more clandestine approach if needed".
"I am too well known Master Hytogg... the "Spider" will not let me anywhere near him he know's who I am and what I stand for. Clandestinedly is the only way I'm getting anywhere near the 'Spider' without causing a fight immediately or tipping your hands as to who you are working for. If it is to your collective liking ... which expect may be the case anyways... I shall stay away if the direct approach is your plan. My presence would ruin any chances you have of success."
Una nods at Ashe's wisdom.
"Precisely. The only way this will meet with success, in my opinion, is by the indirect route. And to facilitate that, I need to come up with legitimate reasons why we are all there without exposing us or our weaknesses to potential enemies, which in a place like that would be just about anyone who thinks they can get away with it."
"hrpmh - I don't mind visiting the House of Clouds and find out things directly from the source, hehehe" Shakhan is completely oblivious to the disapproving glare that Ashe momentarily directs at him. "But," with a nod to Orsini, "I think there's reason to trust in Orsini's judgment: the information the Spider King has is gathered from a large number of whores and traders in vice. Trying the source directly will likely only give a small part of what we need. Also we'd have to rely on the testimony of the girls - something that can be fickle. Spider King himself is a better bet."
"hrpmh - I don't mind visiting the House of Clouds and find out things directly from the source, hehehe" Shakhan is completely oblivious to the disapproving glare that Ashe momentarily directs at him. "But," with a nod to Orsini, "I think there's reason to trust in Orsini's judgment: the information the Spider King has is gathered from a large number of whores and traders in vice. Trying the source directly will likely only give a small part of what we need. Also we'd have to rely on the testimony of the girls - something that can be fickle. Spider King himself is a better bet."
"Perhaps, but you don't go before Spidey without bearing gifts. And threats. And promises. A criminal that powerful will never just accept a bribe. There must be some other incentive for his cooperation. If we can find out something (even just a little) on our own, and play our cards right, we can make him think we know more than we do, and get him to lay out significantly more information. We must make him think that he has everything to gain by cooperating with us, and everything to lose by not. That requires a bit of a setup."
450 gp, 740 sp, and 800 gp
"The talking is you guys job. What worries me, is what plausible cover do we have to go to him? Saying we represent the Korvosan guard will not help."
"Thats another reason why I want to do some investigation on our own. If we can find out if Spidey already has incentive to dislike the Chelish diplomat, we can definitely use that to our advantage. Also, if there is corruption in Spidey's little web, we can use that."
Una frowns a little, as though uncertain she should explain more about her background.
"I can go to him as the near-widow of one of his enforcers. You remember my fiancee? Colin. He worked there for some time. But going there without something for him to sink his fangs into, besides a bribe, would be a foolhardy thing to do.
"I could probably go to ask him for a favor, as an acquaintance. But that would be about the only plausible cover I can come up with.... Shakhan, you could be my escort. The rest of these guys I don't know."
She turns to the Marshall. "Is there a map of the Spider's Web? Where the ships are currently?"
Asherick listens carefully to all the points and counterpoints taking it all in.
"Perhaps... we do have... something that might get the 'Spider's' attention. But it is... risky. Shakhan. You have a reputation of being a great pit fighter. I'm sure 'The Spider' keeps his claws into the gambling and vice surrounding the 'Pit Fighting' circuit here in Korvosa. So... Shakhan, tell him you are getting back into the pit but... you want to do things differently this time... smarter. You want to script your debut, fights, and odds of fights with more detail... more profit. Offer him that you will throw three distinct fights in his favor... at the most opportune times to rake in the most profit for him and you as well. You tell him you do not want upset the current status in a permanent way - you don't want a permanent career... you want to enter, hit it big, and take your cut so you can walk away in style and never need to fight anymore. 20 or so fights tops... and profit for both of you! Una is your intro as she has had ...dealings with him before and she is part of your managing team. But... you want something from him in return. Tell him you are... tying up some loose ends dealing with your betrayal by your old manager. You found out he was on the take of House Endrin as he got rid of some.... undesirable complications that the Noble house did not want being made publicly known... and as a favor they smoothed over any of the rare occasions the Korvosan Guard caught up on him. Well he started blackmailing House Endrin with the 'evidence' he was supposed to dispose of. When you came looking for him for some payback... Agents of House Endrin contacted and offered to tell you right where he was for your vengeance. But they asked a favor of you in return. They need something on the Cheliax Ambassador - Darvayne Gios Amprei for leverage to keep him from ruining the trade concerns with Westcrown. They know he intends to disparage all ties with Korvosa to dry up all the trade with the city stopping the vital influx of supplies and gold into the city all to his advantage. You could walk away but you really don't want any trouble with a powerful Noble House. You had heard that the Ambassador likes the whores in 'House of Clouds' and you know nothing takes place at 'Eel's End' that does not get noticed by The Spider King!"
Asherick pauses, his expression dissatisfied.
"Just enough truth and... misrepresentations to peek 'Spider's' interest. He may require a... demonstration of your might Shakhan... he will not buy a horse... sight unseen. You would put yourself at risk if you did not follow through... As I said... risky."
Una thinks for a moment, nodding at Asherick's plan.
"That is a solid plan. I have a notion that might work well with yours, but I am not certain I have the skills to pull it off."
She pauses, as though mulling it over in her head again.
"With Shakhan in the center ring, as it were, I think I might be able to disguise myself as a Chelish noblewoman, perhaps in mourning so that I can wear a veil and not be recognized. This way I might be able to get an idea for the Spider's opinion of the Chelish in general. I might also be able to drop Amprei's name from time to time, make hints and inferences. Perhaps it can even be arranged that the Spider King could help 'introduce' Shakhan to the noble house. And we could start up a 'discussion' that the Spider King would be hard put to not participate in."
She thinks a little harder and turns to Hytogg.
"Didn't we have that nasty statuette, of the two succubi still? If so, it might make a good gift from a Chelish noblewoman. A black veiled gown should be easy enough to come by, and perhaps Lord Jalento will be able to loan a queenly piece of jewelry."
She turns back to Ashe.
"I would still need an escort, though. Ashe, you think you are up to wearing Chelish colors? Or perhaps some other suitable outfit."
She shrugs to herself more than anyone. "It is one way to do it, perhaps not the best. It still needs work."
"Risdin, you have been silent this entire time. What suggestions can you offer for this situation?"
She is thoughtful for a moment as she waits for the one who has been by her side since the beginning to answer.
"If I were to dress up as a noblewoman, I could probably also take you with me as my attendant, Hytogg. How do you feel about dressing up as a Priest of Asmodeus?"
Asherick ponders Una's ideas.
"It is... strictly not legal... but I could be disguised as a badly scarred Hellknight... perhaps one of the 'Order of the Rack'. From what I hear... that order does not get along well with the 'Order of Nail' or any other for that matter!"
He considers the possibilities.
"Wrapping my face in bandages to hide my appearance behind a Iron Vizored helm and perhaps blackened Chain Mail with a surly enough attitude... I'd likely be ignored as long as you, Una, kept a harsh short leash upon a dangerously zealous and ill-tempered Hellknight body guard?"
Ashe looks at Una sidelong and continues, "So Shakhan approaches the Spider alone? How does the Chelish Noblewoman and her body guard connect to Shakhan? Is the Chelish Noblewoman still his new manger? You would need a appropriately Chelish name as well... Lady Zenobia of Thrune, or somesuch?"
"Actually I was thinking Risdin might be Shakhan's manager. As a Paladin of Abadar, I was hoping he might have the business savvy skills to pull that one off. Its important we not get separated or go into this alone. Though we would be in two seperate groups. We would want the Spider King to be our go between so we can catch him in the middle, so to speak."
Una thinks for a moment, nodding at Asherick's plan.
"That is a solid plan. I have a notion that might work well with yours, but I am not certain I have the skills to pull it off."
She pauses, as though mulling it over in her head again.
"With Shakhan in the center ring, as it were, I think I might be able to disguise myself as a Chelish noblewoman, perhaps in mourning so that I can wear a veil and not be recognized. This way I might be able to get an idea for the Spider's opinion of the Chelish in general. I might also be able to drop Amprei's name from time to time, make hints and inferences. Perhaps it can even be arranged that the Spider King could help 'introduce' Shakhan to the noble house. And we could start up a 'discussion' that the Spider King would be hard put to not participate in."
She thinks a little harder and turns to Hytogg.
"Didn't we have that nasty statuette, of the two succubi still? If so, it might make a good gift from a Chelish noblewoman. A black veiled gown should be easy enough to come by, and perhaps Lord Jalento will be able to loan a queenly piece of jewelry."
She turns back to Ashe.
"I would still need an escort, though. Ashe, you think you are up to wearing Chelish colors? Or perhaps some other suitable outfit."
She shrugs to herself more than anyone. "It is one way to do it, perhaps not the best. It still needs work."
"Risdin, you have been silent this entire time. What suggestions can you offer for this situation?"
She is thoughtful for a moment as she waits for the one who has been by her side since the beginning to answer.
"If I were to dress up as a noblewoman, I could probably also take you with me as my attendant, Hytogg. How do you feel about dressing up as a Priest of Asmodeus?"
Ashe nods, "Ok... what's our angle for being there? The Chelish Noblewoman her Knight of the Wrack and Priest of Azmodeus?"
Ashe casts a glance at Hytogg, trying to tell if he is willing for the deception...
Ashe seems interested in talking with Hytogg in private all morning long during the meeting with Marshal Kroft.
"Why, Vlado Drafir, to experience the wonders of Korvosa, of course. And we had heard that the Spider King is the best provider of entertainment to people of our persuasion."
Una bats her eyes and lilts her voice into a more feminine version of it, allowing a sneer to curl on her lips which adds a taste of bitterness, arrogance, and vile hatred to her dialect.
Ashe smiles slightly his eyes twinkling in acceptance.
He nods silently in agreement, but cannot hide the... guarded expression on his face. He is not comfortable with this, but is willing to help... though... perhaps something else is troubling him?
Shakhan slaps his thighs and his laughter is thunderous, "BAHAHAHAHA! That is a great plan, Ashe! Enough truth laced with lies to convince anyone - hah! You might as well be a paladin of Asmodeus. Yea... I can see that working! Bahaahahahaha!" Shakhan is visibly amused; not a common sight for him.
Asherick gets a distinctly... ill look upon his face at Shakhan's praise and mirth... but makes no comment.
Asherick sees that Marshal Kroft needs to have her office back and turning his attention to her salutes, "We'll get right on this case Ma'am and keep you informed of our results ere the day is complete!"
With that Asherick ushers the Mercenaries out of the Office and to the Citadel main planning room to better discuss their plans.
He speaks up again,"We will need some ... items and or appropriate clothing to suit us in our ruse. Just about anytime today would do to make our meeting with the 'Spider'."
He pauses and asks Hytogg a question,"Master Hytogg... have you determined anything about the evil dagger?"
He seems apprehensive as he reaches into his belt pouch and asks his next question, "...Also, is one of the cards from your harrow deck? I noticed it has the same back art as the deck I saw you shuffling yesterday in "All the World's Meat". I found it in my boot this morning... did you put it there - how and why? I'm sure I'd have spotted it yesterday when I took my boots off at home... did you follow me home?
"Nethys can be a jealous god...still he is also known for having two faces, so I don't think a little ruse would be too upsetting". "Just don't expect me to use another holy symbol, or try to pray in another god's name". "I would not treat my god so".
Appraise w/Detect Magic.
"As far as the dagger goes, while I'm sure I'll be able to determine more about it, I might need to research it in more detail before I'm ready to speak on it".
"Believe me this particular Harrow Deck, has a mind of it's own". "It doesn't need me to move the cards around". "In fact had you not returned the card to me just now, in all likelyhood it would have found it's way back to the deck by morning anyway".
"Now when do we plan to stage this complicated manuver"?
While in the citadel, Shakhan organises himself two Pit Fighter's Friends as he calls them.
"So just to make sure that we are all on the same page. Shakhan is going as a pitfighter. I am going as his manager. Una is going as a noblewoman and Hytogg her priest follower. Ashe is also going with them as a Chellish knight?
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I am pretty bad at disguises. I should be able to convince them of my purpose or reasons for being there though. I just hope we don't attract too much attention for the wrong reasons. Also, what do we do about weapons. I don't pack "light", exactly."
"hrmph - I'm going with these two," Shakhan indicates his axe and shield, "But I will leave the armor behind."
.
"Shakhan, I think you will look more natural with your two friends than without!"
Ashe looks serious and concerned, "I'm sure it would be little trouble for you to determine the dagger's traits Master Hytogg if we had time... but we are pressed for action with the crisis at hand right now. Would you allow me to go to the Academae and pay to have it identified... to determine it nature and powers? You also say your Harrow Deck is likely enchanted I take it you discovered it recently as well...perhaps you should get it identified as well. I am... a little... concerned that it seeks to extend its... influence upon me. It would not take long to perform... of course it is your choice. But I would strongly insist something be learned of that dagger ere we let it work some wickedness among us!"
"If time is not too powerful an issue, I agree with having the dagger completely identified. And, welcome to the club, Ashe. I see you have a Harrow Card now too. Speaking of which," she turns to Hytogg. "How about seeing if we can draw another card from the deck, to provide insight into our current venture?"
She turns to Risdin.
"I don't think we will need you to look much different than a paladin of Abadar, so your weapons may be acceptable. Just no heavy armor. It's not like you are in the guard, like Ashe here is, but if you want to look different, may I suggest purchasing a potion of disguise self or two."
She pauses as a thought comes to her.
"Ashe, you said the dagger has a powerful aura of evil? I just realized that our cleric and paladins will have auras associated with their deities. That might give our secrets away, especially you Ashe. We might be able to use the dagger to mask one of our auras, if we can determine that it is safe to use it that way.... Perhaps if you prayed to your deities and explained the situation they could take away the aura for a day or two."
Before going out to make any purchases, Una returns to the Marshal's office and hopes to find Vencarlo.
"Pff - this is the Spider King; not some sorcerer. He'll rely on brute force and numbers; not some mumbo-jumbo auras. The bottomline is that he has information we want, and we have money that he wants - even if we don't see eye-to-eye about other things, that should be enough."
Asherick will 'barrow' a full helm from the Korvosan guard armory and a suit of blackened Chain Mail. He will only arm himself with his longsword, Warhammer, Heavy Steel Shield but none of his other weapons or clothing apparel. He will Don instead a black tabard with a crudely painted red pentagram upon its breast all to complete his Vlado Drafir persona.
"I think.. perhaps having the dagger on my person in this case could be a boon... I'll bear it perhaps its evil aura will... confuse anyone with the wherewithal to check and not be so... incongruous?"
He smiles for Una, "Alas, I'm sure that asking to not be a decent person would be something my goddess could definitely NOT grant. Because such a CHOICE would be wholly up to me! A paladin does not radiate good because he's a paladin... he radiates good because he has the favor of his deity. It is not a magical enchantment that can be dispelled or canceled. That divine blessing allows the purity of a paladin's heart simply to shine forth and those of wicked nature are seared and shamed by its brilliance just as those of honest intention are warmed and inspired by its radiance."
"I too will have to purchase a potion of Disguise ...just to be on the safe side. A brilliant Idea I must add... Lady Therlmagne."
"Good idea. A potion of disguise might work well to re-brand me as a scruffier thug."
"I don't think we should be too worried about the auras we project. They would only see it if they had some way of detecting the good or evil within us. Not many men have this ability, and we would also recognize the casting of such spells."
"Ah, Shakhan. The Spider King's Web is a pit of deception and trickery, not the honest, brutal tactics you are used to. I wish it were as simple as one of us walking in with a thousand gold pieces, plopping it on his lap, and saying 'Talk!', but that type of approach would probably make him clam up faster than a..." She glances at Ashe. "Very quickly."
Ashe smiles for Una, "...and Thank you for the welcome... I had no idea...having the magical Harrowing Deck was key to easy acceptance... I guess the Sentient items figures I'm... tolerable."
He chuckles at Una's almost spoken jest, "..please continue... I was curious myself!"
He grins in mirth, obviously finding it easy to laugh at his own foibles.
"Who's joining me at the House of Clouds afterward? I haven't been there in years - must be a new batch of girls by now."
Asherick gets a... 'deer-in-the-headlights-look' wide-eyed expression of scandalized shock on his face at Shakhan's crude remark...
He sighs and shakes his head slowly, "I think I'll pass... I prefer women of... better character and more self-respect. By profession I'm a courtesan, as well, but I serve as a courtly escort for young ladies of the court wishing to not be taken advantage of or overrun by flocks of noble eager suitors... sex is rarely part of it! Money simply for intimate contact is... crude. Be sure to visit the temple of CALISTRA or SARENRAE lest you find yourself diseased afterwards."
Ashe begins wrapping his face and hands with cloth bandages to complete his 'horribly-burned disguise' before pulling on his full helm. He tests out a rasping wheezing voice affection to complete the disguise.
Rounding on the party menacingly he speaks, "{rasp} What are you dogs looking at? {rasp} STAND Asside for your betters{rasp}!!! The Lady Zenobia of Thrune does not wish to swill in the filth{rasp} of you motherless Currs!!! {rasp!}
He chuckles. "How's that seem?"
Shakhan is baffled by the notion, but in an amused way, "What? buahahaha - what can be more honest than money for sex? hahahaa" Shakhan nudges Una with his elbow, going for what he thinks of as a whisper, "'Sex is arely part of it' - I bet the young ladies have a competition running to see who can bag the hard-to-get Ashe. hah!"
Risdin laughs and addresses Ashe,"I think you will find that many ladies of the night are actually woman of character and self-respect. The profession might seem unsavory to outsiders, but some of them take pride in their work."
"Of course, some are just in it for the money. They won't last very long in a busy city like this."
"You're pretty intimidating when you want to be, you've certainly convinced me!"
Ashe replies to Risdin, "I do not mean to insult professional Courtesans but what I mean is I prefer woman less free with their charms. A woman who will take 'any' man to her bed... just for gold does not interest me. I would NEVER consider bedding a young lady I did not respect, know personally and like as a friend and acquaintance."
"I find that a more... honorable way to show proper respect to the fair sex. I do not view women as merely objects of personal pleasure. It goes along with my refusal to harm women in general. I do not shed the blood of the life-bringers... I feel is tarnishes my soul. I do not kill women. It is a personal choice."
He laughs, "My friend cleric and fellow Pathfinder - Aren Lasharo, Cleric of IOMEDAE, chastises me constantly for my being unwilling to shed sentient female blood. I tell him I'll kill monsters and evil outsiders at least and I will defend myself... my hammer and my sword both have a blunt side! He tells me my hesitation in battle against women will be my death someday. I feel a man has to be willing to die for his beliefs or... why is he bothering to live! We debate all the time."
"I wish he were here now.. I could use his help and wisdom."
"You'll pay her to cook for you, but you won't pay her to make an honest living? Hahaha! Paladins..." Shakhan's amusement turns to Risdin and Una, "What about you two? It's more fun when more people go; or are those pretty boys not your type Una?"
"A pretty boy can be a nice thing to have access to. But I do like to try to make sure that all parties are respecting one another. And, if nothing else, a courtesan can be a marvelous friend, confidante, and advisor. When one pays a courtesan for her or his time, feel free to use that time for anything you both can agree to."
Asherick nods Una's direction though his smile cannot be seen under his full helm, "A very reasonable and honest approach that is acceptable as well."