Tavros perks up from where he's been admiring his new spells in his spell book. "Oh, they found the temple then? Maybe it's near the dwarven fort Champawat mentioned. That's exciting! Finding the temple AND our family is getting better at communicating over a distance! I'm sure this means we're not too far from finding father!" He grins optimistically at him companions and then looks in the direction the ship is traveling, clearly trying to will it to move faster, so they can continue sooner.
Champawat had not spent much time on boats so this opportunity was a unique one to her. It was a new experience. She had been on the water before, but only for a few hours at a time. This sea voyage was enough to drive her crazy. Water, it was everywhere and it made her restless. She paced along on the deck, she hid out in the bowels of the ship, but she spent most of her time up on the mast and in the rigging. It was peaceful and relaxing as well as nerve-wracking and disconcerting. So much water, everywhere. It was almost like looking out over a vast, blue desert. She chuckled slightly to herself. She'd rather be in the desert. She needed to get a hold of herself. She retreated back into the bottom of the ship to seek out a quiet place to mix her reagents.
Progress 8 gp; Total 8/20
Progress 12 gp; Total 20/20
The group spends the long week getting to port on the ship as best they can. If it wasn't for the meager accommodations, one could consider it a type of get-a-way. However, there isn't much to do, aside from work, and sit around. There is not much room below decks, so most of the time is spent on deck, weather in the beating sun, cold wind, fog, rain or splashing salty sea spray.
The crew grows restless in time as they are eager to get to shore to spend their new fortune. Gambling has been rampant during that time, and the captain had to put a moratorium on it before some of them had gambled away their new fortunes. A few wiser ones were considering settling down and starting businesses or other ventures. Luckily few fights break out nor do the captive pirates attempt any escapes or anything.
The final day a cheer goes up as in the distance other ships are being sighted, and within a short time, land based birds and then land itself. It takes some time before you actually reach the land once spotted, and by then everyone is working and moving about to get the ships ready for docking. Once in the harbor its all noise and chaos and shouting and directing where to go, and the captain is calling out a hundred orders as once. Your group does it best to stay out of the way or make yourself useful. The ships finally puts their gangplanks down, and the captain and the officers who had been piloting the other ship, disembark to meet with the harbor master. In short time, a large unit of guards arrives to haul off the pirates to the brig. Shortly thereafter a swarm of dock workers moves about both ships moving cargo to and fro and starting other repairs that were not capable at sea.
The captain takes a few moments to stop by and explain that she will stay with the ships with a few skeleton crew members to take care of them. Most of the other crew heads into town to see about their fortunes. The captain convinced most of them to not spend all their winnings on a night of drunken debauchery, but place it in safe keeping.
In all the shuffle you haven't left the ship yet, and it is quite a while before the captain returns to advise you. The captain spoke to the harbormaster and will try to sell one of the ships. She also informed him of Tavros' presence, which seemed to generate some concern. Eventually a large horse-drawn wagon arrives. Tavros is covered with a tarp and moved quickly to the wagon with little fanfare, and kept under the tarp. "Alree An has agreed to take your group to a safe haven, a smaller semi rural temple on the edge of the city." You realize at some point Alree An must have left the ship but you did not see her. Now she comes walking down the docks and climbs aboard the wagon with your group. She takes the reigns and your group sets out riding the wagon. You have your treasures safe in a large strongbox. You have some worry as foreigners and ones with a large amount of treasure that there max be sizable taxes or other 'fees' designed to alleviate you of all that excess gold, but strangely, you encounter no administrative overhead regarding the treasure, and you wonder if you aren't perhaps breaking some laws, burdensome and maybe unfair as they may be.
The port city of Ren Denaio is a whirlwind of sights, sounds and smells. Leaving the chaos of the docks and that rough and tumble part of town, you take a long cobblestone road along what appears to be a walled portion of town. Perhaps at one point the town was surrounded by a wall, but you soon discover it long outgrew their defenses. Reaching a side gate, the wagon is stopped by several gate sentries. Alree An steps down and moves to greet them. In a short while, the glassy eyed guards are smiling and waving your wagon though the gates. A ride of about an hour later and you are a few short miles outside of town and Alree An takes a side path to a forested glade. Surrounded by quite pastoral countryside, the glade fits right in. In the center of the glade, shaded by tall oaks is a stout stone temple and several wooden outbuildings. It would appear the temple is also a working farm and the perhaps some of the fields and vinyards you saw on the path in belong to the monks who step forth to greet you.
There middle aged men, who seem similar enough in appearance, facial features and stature to be brothers, greet Alree An and your group. The tarp is finally pulled away from a sullen, stiff and confused Tavros. The three men all inhale and purse their lips, but nod to each other and smile and greet your group. "Welcome to Kellinton Abbey. I am Brother Tobin and this is Brother Borg and Brother Korm." The men seem out of place here, as most of the people in the city you just came from had been olive complected and dark haired. These three men are quite fair skinned, pale even, and although their hair is greying you could tell it was once sandy blonde.
Alree An thanks the men and turns to you, "We will take refuge here temporarily as we plan our next course. I'm sorry Tavros for having had to smuggle you out in the wagon, less hassle for everyone. Out here, you will have a little more room to breathe, but there will be temple visitors and you may unsettle them. For all of you, we are close enough to the city that we can make easy forays in for supplies or other goods and services."
"I know this was a bit of a crazy day for all of us, but it feels good to be off that ship. Anyone fancy a bath?"
As the men react... poorly... to Tavros, Makoto opts to not leave the big lovable oaf as an 'outlier'. She calmly shifts out of her 'native' form and into her Kitsune form, shiny gold fur rippling from skin as the skin lightens considerably. Seven tails seem to simply appear rather than growing, given how quickly it happens. Sora flutters out of the Kitsune's clothing, to inspect the monks with curiosity, and Miyu simply trots a short distance away, already bored, to look over the environment. Maks tilts her head and flicks an ear.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you. Hopefully I haven't made you uncomfortable. If I have, you need only suggest a more pleasing form. As for a bath... definitely. There is only so much prestidigitation can do for making one feel clean. And I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to rest in some hot water."
Teniel wants to get to know the monks and whatever their religion, but he has... other business to attend to. Priorities and such. So, after a few pleasantries and introductions, he slips quietly out of the monastery to make his first supply run, carrying a small satchel of gems and whatnot.
Eight hours later, he comes back with a large, dust-colored, burlap beret, which he insists is a "Tallfellow's Hat" for Tavros.
"Put this hat on your head, and it'll share the captured tallness of a dead man's soul, long gone to rest. You'll look human, ish, but still around seven feet tall. It's just a shadow, of course, so don't let anyone touch you or it'll give up the ruse, but it should let a giant like Tavros pass for a giant of the human variety."
When the tarp is removed, Tavros promptly sneezes from the dusty thing. Out of reflex, he moves to blow his nose on the tarp. Upon realizing what he just did, he gives the monks a sheepish look. "Err, sorry. I can wash that for you, if you want." Realizing that they probably didn't understand him, he makings a rubbing motion before giving Maks and Teniel a wide eyed What do I do now?/Can you translate for me? look. He's too busy looking awkward about his behavior to really notice their reaction to him.
The brothers smile and nod with a knowing look as Makoto changes form, and after Tavros' slightly awkward greeting, everyone is a bit more at ease. The three Brothers call some other monks who lead away the horse and wagon and then the three take you into the temple. It is simple but you get the feeling of great age and it is well cared for. The temple itself is but a single large structure, with tall columns and room for many to visit and pay homage to various deities. Some alcoves are off to the sides and are for special ceremonies or dedicated to certain other aspects which you aren't sure about. They don't say much but let you take it all in on your own. There is quite a bit of detailed artistry within although the architecture itself is simple. Many painted scrolls line the walls and the woodwork is exquisite. Makoto and Teniel both find themselves admiring the handiwork.
They lead you to one of the outbuildings, and it seems to be living quarters, and several younger monks are diligently preparing it for your stay. They assign you each two to a room, and the three rooms are all next to each other in a hallway. The rooms are simple, tatami mats for sleeping but the artwork on the screened walls are very detailed. They have assigned Makoto and Champawat to one room, Alree An and Lucina to another, and Tavros and Teniel to the third. They have even prepared accommodations for Pamburu and Miyu within the respective rooms. You wonder if or how they knew that you were coming.
They show you a small food preparation area with simple rice cakes, and some tea pots for tea. Outside is a small garden area, with many decorative trees, a small koi pond and a flat open area for meditating.
Much of it reminds you of certain parts of Master Goodwin's sanctuary in which you once lived.
You take some time to get used to the lay out and they show you where you can bathe in hot springs and where to find clean linens. They show you the main meal hall, and also advise you that prayers and physical practice happens three times a day. You see that some monks are practicing forms and movements and some sparring in a courtyard. Many of them marvel at you as you walk by. Although other races are not uncommon, again you suspect a minotaur is on the list of 'oh my thats a bit out there'.
Luckily Teniel has his own solution for it and not long after being there, he slips off to town, after returning, he is sequestered away for a while working on something. Soon he reappears with his Tallfellow beret (not a raspberry one, and certainly not one you'd find in a second hand store) for Tavros, who awkwardly tries to put it on and at one point has it hanging from one of his horns. Eventually settling on sitting on the ridge between his horns he grins, always an interesting sight given his bovine snout. He invokes the command and with coaching from Teniel they work on the fine points of disguising Tavros.
Lucina would try to keep the ship's moral up with stories from her dreams or from Goodwins domain if they would and could understand but if the crowd grew large she would have trouble keeping up with so many strangers.
Walking through the town seems to quickly become too much for Lucina as she hugs the wagon and looks down in an attempt to make herself look smaller and avoid attention from the overstimulated town around her, when they enter the abbey she breaths a little easier much more comfortable in the quieter environment.
Makoto smiles, tails swaying, now that Lucina seems to be doing better, and Tavros seems to have found a place that accepts him. Before the three monks can go, or at least while one still has not, she tries to get his attention. "Our friends, in a distant land, are searching for a Kao Lor Monastery. If anywhere is likely to know, I believe it would be another such location. Would you happen to have any knowledge of it, or what may have become of the temple?"
She does, indeed, show an interest in the painting and the woodworking, and as for the prayers and physical practice... "What sort of training is it that you do here? And to which deity, or doctrine, are they directed?"
Tavros considers asking about the temple they were asked to find when his sister beat him to it.
As they're shown around, Tavros begins to grow excited at this new place that wasn't a tiny little boat. The tatami mats were, admittedly, not quite as cool as a hammock, but they were still interesting. Having room to practice also sounded terrific. He could maybe get one of his siblings to spar with him. Hopefully some of the monks too, but he knew training could be rigorous and very structured and he didn't want to throw them off.
He wasn't quite as interested in the art work as Maks or Teniel. He never really saw the point of looking at the same thing for an extended period of time. Once you had seen something you had, well, seen it. He had been told that the longer you looked the more you saw, but that had never seemed to work for him. Maybe he just didn't know enough about it. The bath and fresh clothes would be nice though. As would laying out on the ground and stretching to his full length.
Lucina as you get settled into the serene nature of the temple and its surroundings your dreams are more peaceful, although the eyeball given to you by the crone will wriggle an move at random times. (Not sure where you keep it).
Makoto as you question one or more of the brothers about the Monastery of Kao-Lor, they shrug and are unable to provide anything useful. "Can you provide more background? There are many temples in the world, and we have not her the name Kao-Lor before."
"Here we train in self perfection in honor of the Master of Masters, the Perfect Human, the Enlightened One. Though we venerate other deities and spirits."
He is referring to Irori.
Tavros you express interest in training with the others, but you find that while the three brothers understand you and your group, the younger students and other brothers and sisters do not. Some of them speak a smattering of modern Common or Vudrani and other languages, thus the group will have some success depending on their linguistics skills and the person's particular language and skill with it.
You are able to discern that despite some trepidation, there is an eagerness to train and practice with someone your size and for example with horns, as it lets the students consider new challenges they cannot experience with other human or smaller than human sized challengers. (There are two halflings at the temple also.)
Alree An spends much time meditating in the gardens peacefully, or in the hot springs bathing. She is also absent a lot using her travel magic and other abilities to contact her alliance and find information on Notorosake.
At one point she stops by and asks the group when you are all assembled, "Have you made any decisions about seeking your master? Or will you stay in these lands and continue your search here?"
"Decisions as a group? No... But it seems that dozens of our old friends are still keeping up the search. So I would vote, at least, that we do so in the unexpected places instead, and this seems like a land in need of heroes."
Teniel will also begin studying Modern Common from conversations in the hallways, to whatever extent he can.
"I wasn't aware that we had stopped searching, though we haven't yet made a solid trip into town, with the requisite knowledge of how to interact, in order to seek such information. I agree with Teniel, though. Too many cooks in a kitchen burns the place down. It seems that the others have found the Monastery, though we don't know where we are in regards to that location... so they've certainly made the first steps. With luck, they'll send us more information when it becomes available to them."
Makoto is quite willing to observe the new ways of life, combining meditation, sparring, and personal grooming into daily routines. In the evenings, however, she always takes the time to make paintings. If the monks will supply her with the tools, she should be able to make her own pigments, and from there, make art work for them to either keep, or sell to pay for the cost of keeping the group up.
As her dreams become more peaceful so does Lucina herself, she's still not exactly social but she is visibly more relaxed and open. "We still need to look for the eggs." She reminds the party when they begin speaking about traveling to look for their father.
"Right." Teniel frowns. "But I don't think we're quite ready to go underwater just yet. My pirate plan still stands, if, after the trial's over, we want to buy a boat and go hunting for magic and evil."
Tavros whispers loudly to his companions. "He means Irori."
Since Maks was planning on sparring anyway, Tavros will try to spar with her in order to get an audience and try to convince a few monks to spar with him.
In response to Alree An, he says, "Weren't we supposed to stick around for a trial of the pirates? And I think some of my siblings wanted to check out the town?" Showing a remarkable amount of social intelligence, he adds, "Though it may be best if I stay here. Which is fine; I can spend my time sparring. Or tap dancing. Maybe some of the monks would like to learn a thing or two."
Alree An responds, frowning "Yes the trials, that will bog us down for a bit with all of that, although I guess it is for the best. I have been in contact with some people. Ren Denaio is a temporary home to many given its location in the trade networks. If Notorosake was trying to sell the eggs, he or his agents 'may' have come here. I say 'may'," at that she winks, "because I believe we have uncovered a possible associate of sorts. We need much more information." She whispers, edging closer, "I think you are the ones who can accomplish that."
"We should talk more privately if you are willing to move with this. Even here we may not be safe from prying eyes and ears. It is possible Notorosake would be keeping tabs on us somehow. He knows of me, although has never taken any efforts to confront me, perhaps deeming me no threat."
Day 21
The group falls into an easy pattern after only a day or so. Life here is peaceful and tranquil. You estimate that there must be some sixty or more monks that live here at the temple. The place serves as a religious shrine for Irori as well as some other deities. Since Irori is venerated, it also serves as a school for those wishing to perfect themselves in one aspect or another. Training in martial arts is one aspect, but art, writing and other vocations are also taught by various brothers or sisters. They have a small library as well as writing materials and various arts supplies for Makoto. They have tools and implements for woodworking, metalworking, stoneworking and the like, as well as all that is needed for horticultural endeavors.
In addition to the monks, the temple has many other people who come and go as visitors, as well as townsfolk who work here doing tasks that the live-in monks do not perform. Most of the monks are human, a couple halflings, some half elves. Even after a day word seems to have spread about the new inhabitants of the temple, and the monks expect an uptick in visitors to the shrines out of curiousity.
Tavros' enthusiasm to spar and/or dance in the open has only served to fuel the flames of the curious.
A note comes from Captain Miar, indicating that it appears the trials will start in a day or two, and you will all be summoned at some point to give testimony to the overseeing magistrate. Curious about how the trial may proceed, you ask around, and it seems that the magistrate will preside over the trial and decide all sentences. He has two advisors who merely provide legal oversight and counsel regarding the laws. Full authority as judge, jury and executioner lays with the magistrate however. While there are several of the magistrates, the one likely to oversee the trial is Magistrate Kumon, reknown for his dim view of piracy and privateering.
"I could find a talking hat," Teniel suggests to the group, at one point, "For the trial. Something that helps whoever wears it to sound important. We could share it. Is that something we'd want?"
"I've been thinking about setting up an alchemy lab. It would allow me to work more efficiently, and this area seems like a good place. It's quiet and remote, which is a plus. I can also create a few things for the monks to keep or sell, as appreciation for our room and board. If you're going in to town, I'd like to go with you. That is, do you guys think we should set up a base of operations here? And we should definitely keep the hat. Even if it doesn't work too well for Tavros, it could still benefit me or almost anyone really. The talking hat sounds like a worthwhile investment. I have a feeling we'll need it on more than one occasion."
Champawat walked around the gardens often. It was relaxing, serene even. But the more she walked it, the more she thought about master. And the more she thought about master, the more she walked it. The lack of action was starting to wear her down. It made her antsy. Anxious, to do something, anything really, as long as it wasn't relaxing. If master isn't relaxing, then neither should I.
Maks seems happy to indulge Tavros... despite the fact that sparring with the lunk is as likely to kill her as to teach him anything. In the end, she moves to trying to teach him some of her kata instead. It didn't work perfectly for horns, fists and feet, but it might help. She'd be surprised if he didn't manage to turn her movements into a dance.
Ultimately, she gained a lot from working with Tavros and studying the monks, though. She learned to add fluid body movements that enabled her to strike suddenly with her body, even while her hands were busy with other things... or to intermingle them with spears. She also learned to mimic one of the talents he'd long since held: Rapid, accurate strikes.
"Maybe. I'm not opposed to anything you might find, though if you can find anything to add to my grace, it wouldn't be unappreciated." she said, offering Teniel a foxy grin.
"Either way, now that I've eavesdropped enough on conversations to feel more confident speaking the language without making a fool of myself, or insulting someone, I may desire to move into town simply to explore the area, admire the architecture, and partake in the culture."
Lucina began to become slightly more social, not nearly as much as tarvos but she would share stories between a lone a visitor on rare occasion. At the mention of the trial she viably clams up and has been seen rehearsing what she plans to say during.
Tavros is careful with his sparring. He had done well so far; only killing that first initial goatman shaman before he had remembered how to aim to wound and weaken rather than main and kill. He doesn't actually manage to work any of the kata into dances, but you can see him contemplating how it might work.
In regards to talking with Alree in private, Tavros pipes up. "There's a spell that can help with at least casual observation, though I can't learn it."
As the group prepares for the piracy trials that will be coming, Alree An advises that she has discovered a possible lead to the dragon turtle eggs. In Ren Denaio, a certain high ranked and socially elite noble is known to have a fascination with all things draconic. "Off the record, she is a priestess of Tiamat. Although no one who call her out on that publicly. She is extremely well connected, wealthy, and wields significant influence within the city and beyond through its trade networks. There surely is something she knows, and she may even be involved. Certainly, she could even linked to our Oni nemesis. Lady Vinsing hosts frequent elaborate feasts and balls, event designed to curry more favor and keep tabs on people. It turns out that she will be hosting a ball in two days on the grounds of her elaborate estate. Anyone feel like crashing a party?"
"Sounds good to me." Maks responds, "I'm not sure how the trials work near here, but I do know how parties work... pretty much everywhere." She says, with a foxy grin. "Guessing we'll need nicer clothes, though..."
"Ooh!" Teniel exclaims. "Is she hiring entertainers? I do not know if the Wayang are still renowned on this continent for storytelling, or if my people are long extinct, but perhaps I can put together a story that will entertain the guests and put the host on edge while the others investigate."
"How should we crash this party? It doesn't sound like we have an invitation, although I don't know if one is needed, but we don't exactly blend in. At least not all of us. I believe some careful planning will be in order. If this person has answers that we seek, by all means, let us ask the questions."
"I am trying to find out more information. Most certainly you will need an invitation, as it is for the most prestigious attendees. All attendees will be recognized and will come with a retinue. We may be able to sneak in as staff or perhaps we can merely sneak in while others are distracted. Getting information on this is tricky and it is not always accurate. There are many hands to grease as well. I will continue my work, if wish to know anything specific, let me know and I will try to address it."
"Hmm. Perhaps we should investigate different avenues?"
"If they are hiring performers, Makoto and I could make inquiries around town, or demonstrations of music. Champawat and Lucina are extremely sneaky, if we try to sneak in, though the rest of us could follow; Tavros might be trickier, but he is a legitimate dancer."
"You know, you may be on to something there. Given the status of the local minotaur population, I believe we find ourselves in a very unique and positive position. What I mean to say is, what royal nobility wouldn't pay to see a dancing minotaur? Anyone of stature would almost certainly want to flaunt the most unusual entertainment that they could. I say we spread the rumors around town, of the traveling entertainment showcasing Tavros's special style. All of you seem to be very creative, especially when it comes to the arts. Besides, as they say, the best place to hide is the last place they would look. And the easiest entrance would be walking in the front door. A little dance, some music, and the shadow theater. What could be more entertaining?"
"If we go to the party, perhaps Teniel can tell of our search for our master. It seems like it would be a good opportunity to spread word of father since the more people that know, the more likely someone with information will approach us. Plus I would welcome any opportunity to dance with more people. Even if I suspect everyone will be a bit too small to really be my partner."
"The biggest problem with the entertainment angle is that the party is in two days. There is scarcely any time to get that set up. These things are planned out months ahead of time, and go through all the proper channels and the entertainment is often about who know who. I will see if I can try something. Perhaps one of the scheduled entertainers will get sick at the last minute." she winks.
"If, and that is a big if, we can somehow get your group in at the last minute as entertainment, Lucina, Champawat and I can attempt to sneak around and gather some information. Second, security is extremely high, as Lady Vinsing has many rivals, and she invites them to her parties to keep tabs on them. Believe, sneaking around the host's home during a party has been a standard since time began. We can expect significant obstacles. Third, if Notorosake is involved with Lady Vinsing in some capacity, and he turns out to be at the party under some guise, we will be stepping into the spider's lair. The creature has already encountered your group and would recognize you. She would not allow a violent spectacle to occur at the party, but we would be marked and not likely to make it home safely. "
Alree An grinds her teeth and shuffles. "I had hoped it to be a way in, but it is at great risk. Can we refine the idea somehow? There will be plenty of distractions, but also plenty of guards. I will try to get a map of the grounds and a schedule of events. That will be a start at least. If there is a theme or some special occasion we may be able to leverage that to our advantage."
"Does this priestess of Tiamat have any rivals or enemies? Perhaps we can play on her concerns for her opposition. We have two days, we can spread rumors that we have been invited to perform for one of them. Maybe she could be forced into inviting us out of competition. She can't afford to be outdone by another.
I admit I know nothing about this Notorosake, but I am confident in our abilities. I am not worried about walking into the spider's lair. People are often overconfident in their homes, until that confidence is shattered. Please do not mistake my confidence for arrogance. No plan survive's contact with the enemy, and I can appreciate the danger and the risk, but it appears we have little choice in our avenue."
"Good idea, Champawat, perhaps if we can have your group attached to one of her rivals retinue, that may work best. Then you have an in to the party, and we don't have to go through whatever vetting process the lady has in place. Now, to find a rival, who will agree to let us join their retinue. How shall we convince them it is in their interest to bring us along. They will want something to make it worth their while. Something that won't implicate or embarass them, but may embarass the lady. Either that or something tangible such as information as well. Hopefully we can deliver, making more powerful enemies would be a step in the wrong direction" she chuckles.
"Hmm. Would Norosake recognize you? It may be risky, but... He has never seen Champawat, Tavros can disguise himself as a giant-man with the hat I gave him, and Makoto can change appearance at will."
"That just leaves Lucina and I; and if necessary, two days is enough time for me to find us two more disguises. Which means we could even impersonate some of the current performers, should they suddenly... fall ill with a cold, or find themselves double-booked, or lost in the forest for two days. But our disguises might show under investigation, unless I used a simple disguise kit, so it may be best to go as anonymous strangers, with Alree doing the talking."
"Sneaking would be hard due to how much we stand out, some more than others," She glances at Tarvos. "But possible, I might be able to put some guards to sleep to make it easier but I think Champawat is right, the front door would be much better and if Tarvos gets invited he can easily make up an excuse to bring us along."
Day 22 - Morning
During a morning soak in the hot springs your group gathers and a tired Alree An speaks, "Good morning friends, I spent most of the night traveling around and talking to people trying to make this work. There is a minor noble, Lord Pradu Gongula who apparently has an interest in working with us. Lady Vinsing has a daughter, and this daughter has been the center of Lord Gongula's interest for some time. Our man has sent gifts and tokens of affection to said daughter, all of which have been happily accepted, but without audience or visitation, or much more than token acknowledgement. Clearly mother does not approve either as this minor noble lacks the station and wealth she feels is due her daughter. In exchange for allowing us to join his entourage under the guise of guards, personal attendants or valets, one of us is to recover a valued necklace that the daughter wears frequently. While a source of pride to Lord Gongula that the daughter wears it, her lack of interest has left him sour at the significant amount of wealth invested in such a gift. He wishes it swapped with one of lesser value, but, according to him, near identical in appearance. The replacement also has some enchantments on it, that he wishes to see implemented. I initially balked at this, but he assured me that the enchantments do no direct harm, and I suspect it is true. More likely than not the enchantments allow him to spy on the daughter and family or perhaps alter her mind in a favorable manner. While still distasteful to me, I am less concerned about the manipulative designs of these nobles, than I am about a potential end to our reality. I told him that we would tentatively agree to it. I hope I didn't overstep my role, but time is of the essence here. We need to reply soon so that we can meet Gongula and be briefed on everything necessary to play the part and not offend anyone. I have not obtained any layout of Lady Vinsing's home, but I hope to still at least get a rough layout. Otherwise we will have to wing it in our search for information." She sighs and slips further into the water relaxing and awaiting your replies.
"The exchange depends entirely upon what the enchantments do. If this girl is going to be seduced into a relationship by magic, then the answer is no." Maks says, plainly. "If it is to spy, I have no qualms regarding that. If she often wears the necklace, how are we to get it if she is wearing it?"
"Hmm. Champawat would be our pickpocket, no?" Teniel asks. "I do not like the sound of this plan either, but if he is bringing us the amulet, we can examine the enchantments on it. Furthermore, if he is willing to part with it a day in advance, I may have time to strip away or weaken any enchantments that might mess with the daughter's mind, while leaving those that would embarrass the family."
"And we may be able to go about this more simply. If Makoto or I can impress a few onlookers with our art, perhaps we could ask to use a necklace—respectfully, of course—as a prop in a performance. With a bit of flourish, a Dalang like me can use anything in a shadow puppets routine. Does the daughter like ponies? I could use the shadow of her necklace to summon a friendly, celestial pony, though it would only exist for half a minute. Then we simply switch the necklaces while she is distracted by this."
"If we agree to it and can get her alone for a few seconds I can try to make her doze off, it will seem like nothing happened."
"We will meet up with Lord Gongula later today. From what I understand Lady Vinsing's daughter is no pony loving wide eyed child, but every bit as shrewd and manipulative as her mother, and a woman nearly grown herself. I believe Lord Gongula said she was seventeen. "