Fresh off your induction into the Society and the completion of their basic training within the organization, you find themselves in the office of Ambrus Valsin, the venture-captain in charge of daily operations in and around the Grand Lodge. The efficient and straightforward chamberlain greets you curtly and motions for you to sit before jumping straight into your assignment.
“All right, Pathfinders! Listen up. I know you are new recruits eager to make names for yourselves in the organization, but first we need to make sure you are up to snuff and won’t get yourself killed out there. I am Ambrus Valsin, your immediate supervisor. I have a number of small assignments for you and your team, and it would be best if you could finish them before the day’s end."
The Venture-Captain takes a moment to consider all of you. It's hard to tell if he approves of what he sees.
“Every day we get some doe-eyed hopeful or some sniveling bootlicker willing to do anything to join up with the Pathfinders. Most of them are
good kids, but not all of them have the salt to make it in a world like this. It’s rough out there and I’m not just talking about the ruins, tombs, and wilderness Pathfinders find themselves in on missions. We’ve got people who look down their noses at us, folks who think we squander our resources, and agents who want to take everything we have collected. This wealth of knowledge and these items of lore make us the most powerful organization on the planet. That said, since we are fractured and widespread, it’s difficult for that power to light on anything for too long. For every friend of the Society, there are two enemies..."
He stands and walks to the window, hands clasped behind his back. Finally, he comes forward and hands you THIS MAP
“Your first mission, to test your mettle and loyalties, sends you to meet a few people important to the Society living here in Absalom. These are other venture-captains or close allies of our organization, so follow their orders as you would mine. I’ve prepared a list of things I want you to do. They’re not arranged in any particular order of importance, but I want them all completed as quickly as possible. Only report to me once you complete them all. Included in the envelope you hold in your hands is the list, complete with the name of your contact, and directions to the meeting location.”
He hands you a ROLLED UP PARCHMENT then returns to his desk and begins shuffling through some papers.
Edited links. Feel free to look over all the assignments then pick one as a group. You may start where you please.
MAP - Map of Absalom
ROLLED PARCHMENT - Assignments
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The small Halfling paced back and forth, the scales of his armor jingling lightly in time with his steps as he waited patiently with the rest of what seemed a motley crew of fresh faced pathfinders. While he wasn’t sure if anyone seemed to take notice of the large canine lounging in the sliver of sunlight on the floor that was streaming through a nearby window, he was sure that he didn’t really care. Excited for his first assignment he continued to pace with an eager bounce in his step.
Turning to his would-be companions, Pooka Bladespinner, pleasure to make your acquaintance. The hairy one is Luna, my loyal steed.
Before the group stands a stout, if small, Halfling. Short-cropped, jet-black hair frames a child-like face, reminding some why so many people mistake the tiny folk for human children. The dull gray scale mail he wore, however erased any doubts of his race, though perhaps confirming what it would look like should a toddler desire to be a knight for the next neighborhood costume party. Luna, the lounging dog, was a sturdy looking canine, though at the moment appeared about as viscous as a 2 day old puppy. Sleek, grey fur covered her body and a thin leather saddle was strapped to her back. Saddlebags, much like you might see on a horse (albeit a bit smaller) lay next to the nearly napping pooch, laden with gear and ready for travel.
Nodding at the gnome, I’de keep a close eye on your bolts for that crossbow, she really likes things that look like sticks…
Turning his attention to the materials just received from the Venture-Captain, he begins reading intently.
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Still staring at the parchment, but speaking to his new companions, If you ask me, I say we start at the docks and work our way north through the city one task at a time. We should be able to complete this before the end of the day and still have time to bring the loaned item from the Paracountess back to the Grand Lodge before the tavern closes. First round is on me when we are back, what do you say?
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The second of the Pathfinders to arrive would be the ninja, a tall, agile looking man wearing a shozoko weighted down with equipment. Small pouches filled with shuriken, a flash powder charge, bladed weapons... For a warrior of the shadow, he wasn't exactly inconspicuous! Only the man's face had been left visible by his outfit, and even that was partly obscured. His excitement at their mission was clearly visible, however.
"Pleased to meet you all." The man said to the group, bowing politely. "I am Chiba. I can already tell we're going to make a good team."
With his introduction complete, the ninja turned his attention to the map of Absalom they'd been given by the Venture-Captain. The Halfling had already formulated a plan, another sign their group would be a formidable one. "An efficient strategy, Pooka. Chiba commented, smiling, "Starting at the docks and working through tasks as we go would save a lot of time. You have my vote."
A big, hulking bear of a man, with shaggy orange hair, clothed in thick (but immaculately kept!) snow-white furs despite the heat, and with an enormous sword tied across his back, stands up, towering over most of the party members.
Clicking his heels together, he bows, his movements surprisingly dextrous.
"Greetings, my name Hans Olafsson, and I am from the Land of the Linnorn Kings. I am afraid that I am still fairly new to this city - most of my training was abroad - but if we come across any problems that require blunt force to solve, I can be of great assistance. I should also note that alchemy is something of a passion of mine, so if we run into anything... interesting in that regard, I may be of assistance in identifying it."
When Pooka makes his suggestions, Hans nods.
"That sounds that a perfectly reasonable plan of attack! Let's get started; the sooner we get the job done, the sooner we can get those pints..."
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A gnome sitting in a human size chair figits like a restless child. Occasionally snapping his fingers and ingniting a small flame from his fingertip that lasts for only a few seconds, then is gone. He keeps this up in a repetitive fashion.
With his attention diverted to the words of Pooka:
Twitnit says, "Thank you for being so eager to get this assignment going. I'm still buzzing a bit from my sugar cakes this morning and anxious to get out of this room!
Don't wory a bit about the bolts, they break all the time anyway, or are useless after using them as skewers for rotissoire. Shall we put some giddy-up in our step and get on our way?"
Twitnit turns to the others in the office and with an excited smirk says, "Who's coming with us on this scavenger hunt?"
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Stuffing the instructions and map into the saddlebags on the floor with the first destination all but settled, Pooka gathers his gear as the crew muses over the instructions. Luna, Yip! the halfling commands, hoisting the saddlebags as he speaks. Instantly the dozing dog snaps up to standing and the gear is deftly strapped over her rear haunches. He then walks over to the corner where his weapons lean, straps a fine looking halberd to his back and hefts a lance in his gauntleted hand.
Sugar cakes eh? I may have a harder time than I thought keeping the pup's nose out of the gnome's bag... That sounds good now that I think about it, I might be hungry now
Luna, Heel! Pooka follows with a second command. The dog trots over to the halfling's side and sits, waiting patiently.
You may be new here Hans, but something tells me as long as we keep your company we shouldn't have to worry about anyone trying to push us around. I admire and mirror your enthusiasm Chiba, I think we are going to get along splendidly. I don't know if anyone else has any questions for the Venture Captain here, but it seems he has given us all he intends to. The list is straightforward enough and if this is all that is between us and the reward of a hard earned pint then I am with our gnomish pyromaniac. To the docks?
Hans nods.
"Let's go there immediately!"
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"Pickled Imp! I can't imagine there's any good way to cook an imp. I bet my cousin could make a pair of shoes with wheels on them I could wear, with a rope attached to Luna, I bet street skiing could really be popular in this city! Chiba? Why the mask? Are you unnaturally ugly or something? Are you a wanted man?"
Twitnit mumbles softly,"Þú vildi hugsa, ef þetta er að vera allan daginn mál, sem hættuspil fyrirliði hefði veitt upp með poka hádegismat eða eitthvað!"
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entering into captains room a little late I look up at the Capt. and say
Sorry I am late sir, I was on another assignment before I got this one, I had to stop off at the Grand lodge HQ to give my report to another capt. sir.
Looking at everyone in the room, I just kind of snicker..
Okay, so what's the quest that we're on this time?
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There is a slight *bang* as the door to the room opens a little too swiftly, and it bounces off the wall.
Apologies Venture Captain Valsin she nods her head in a small bow Your message to assemble here only just found me, and I raced with all speed
She glances around the room, greeting each of you and getting caught up. Upon hearing the rough outline of the plan to run errands for the various individuals, she is only too happy to agree.
Despite moving through various patches of shadow in the room, Valya always seems to look like she is standing in sunlight, her appearance constantly bright and warm despite her very apparent tiefling ancestry. She has shoulder-length, wavy dark-as-midnight black hair that tends to escape being tied back and forms a rough halo around her head. She has amber colored eyes and is nearly always smiling, revealing slightly pointed canines.
Her scale mail is well maintained but very scuffed, and the handle of the greatsword jutting over her shoulder looks well worn. As she stops moving, her tail subconsciously pats the chakrams tied to her belt, her gold pouch and scabbard. She smiles at you disarmingly.
Although he greets the latecomers with an annoyed glare, the Venture Captain merely "harumphs" and goes back to his papers, letting the Pathfinders fill their fellows in.
The majority consensus is that starting at the docks is the best plan, since it allows you to move about the city in an orderly fashion.
Absalom is, very plainly put, overwhelmingly large. Anything in the world can be had here.. any pleasure, any vice, or any trinkets. For the right price, of course.
One shining example of this idea is Gauril Karelas shop in the docks. This creepy store contains myriad odds and ends, most bereft of any discernible use. A number of malformed creatures and creature parts bob in jars on a long, prominent shelf, a tiny fetal devil centered in this macabre lineup.
As you move through the crowd towards the storefront, an uneasy feeling comes over you.
The shopkeeper, a greasy-haired Varisian with a thin mustache, shouts from
behind the cluttered counter:
“Ah yes, I see the Pathfinders have arrived. I’m glad Ambrus was able to lend a few of his new recruits to help me. Please come in and let me tell you what I need.”
Looking around as if to be absolutely certain no customers are browsing the aisles of knock-off Thuvian burial urns or supposed Azlanti porcelain, he begins again.
“Well met. I am Guaril Karela. A friend of mine has a warehouse near here and he received a parcel on behalf of me and some of my associates, but there’s a problem. See, Master Gelbane had to leave town in a hurry and our shipment is still waiting at his warehouse. Rumor is he ended up in trouble with the law and the place was seized. I heard tell from someone down at the docks that some creep was snooping around his warehouse just the other night, so I want to make sure nothing of mine was taken. He keeps all kinds of things, from beer to nails, in that old pelican, but every now and then he stores something really special.
This is one of those cases.“
He smiles. It does not put you at ease.
There’s a big crate marked with three crows arranged in a triangle. Inside that crate is a smaller container with a few books and papers in it. That’s the only parcel I’m interested in, and as far as I’m concerned, you can help yourself to the rest of the crate. Honestly, anything else you want in the place too. I’m sure the once things get sorted out, the city will seize most everything else anyway. My associates and I often work with the Pathfinders when it comes to special relics and documents, getting them in and out of ports and across borders where the authorities ask too many questions. Most people don’t realize what they have and frankly many don’t deserve to have it, so sometimes we help take the goods off their hands. If things work out well and you get this done, I’d be glad to talk with you more and help you out with any future endeavors, as long as you help me out too. I’m good at returning favors, trust me.”
Hans nods.
"That seems entirely reasonable. I don't suppose that your 'friend' happened to leave a key with you, before he left?"
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Approaching the shop on the docks, Pooka does his best to take in his surroundings.
He listens intently to the shopkeeper's snake oil sales pitch. Well I suppose the Venture Captain did say we are to follow these associates orders as if they were his, but to be so shady with no attempt to hide it just seems, off..."
Keeping his voice low so only his companions can hear, I suggest we try to discretely ask a few questions before we bust into this place. I for one am on board with making sure the appropriate artifacts end up in the hands of the society, but something about this feels off. I don't want to end up in the same place as Master Gelbane, if you catch my drift.
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Chiba remains mostly silent as the group approaches their first destination. But a good ninja is always aware of his surroundings...
...and he was no exception. After the women slipped back into the crowd, but before they reached the shop, Chiba shared what he'd noticed with his fellow Pathfinders. There is a chance we are being followed. Two women, neither of them possessing obvious ill-intent, had their eyes on us for a moment before disappearing into the crowd. They did not look armed or dangerous, but we should remain on our guard.
The man inside the shop did nothing to improve Chiba's current feeling that something strange was going on. Pathfinders were known to loot artifact from abandoned strongholds, and the ninja's loyalty to the Grand Lodge meant he took the Venture-Captain's orders to help this man as seriously as possible, but they were explorers and treasure hunters first and foremost. Not thieves.
Unfortunately, his intuition was silent on whether this man could be trusted. Instead of making any predictions himself, he nodded subtly at Pooka in support of his plan.
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Valya beams at Guaril as he talks, seeming only too eager to assist eh poor man who sadly seems to be having so much trouble with his import export business. He must be a good man otherwise the Pathfinders would not be helping him!
Well this Mr. Karela seems legit, the only question remaining is how we obtain the crate for him! Shall we go and scout out the place? We better get a move on if we're going to accomplish all these tasks in one day...
She seems blissfully, almost deliberately, unaware of the potential for grey areas in this situation. She seems to be trying very hard to take everyone on their word.
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looking around before getting to the shop. I notice the two women staring at us. I watch them as they leave out.
seeing that Chiba has noticed them too I stop and try to go and follow them. unfortunately not being able to see them again after looking around I go into stealth mode and go into the doorway with the rest of the party
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Leaning towards the Ninja, Good eye Chiba, though I wouldn't discount their interest in this motley crew's dashing good looks
Head nodding in deference to the gnome, Aye good gnome, I agree we should be about our business as quickly as possible, as the round of pints is calling our names. I just want to exercise caution so we don't embarrass the society by ending up as the headline for the town crier, "Grand Lodge implicated in smuggling ring as agents for the society caught in sting operation" I just recommend cautious haste. If there is no other information the good shopkeeper here can offer, lets be on our way.
Under his breath, Luna, the teifling's tail is NOT a toy! Sit! Stay!
The Varisian looks a little annoyed.
"Did you pups give your Venture Captain this much grief? Sheesh. I don't know who or whats creepin' in that warehouse, or what exactly my colleague did to get into so much trouble."
Pooka surmises that the man might not be telling them everything, but that probably comes from a private nature rather than any planned malign intent.
When the gnome asks for sweets, he grins.
"Now that's what I'm talkin' about! Someone who knows what he likes! You bring my crate back, I'll give you a whole pocketful of rare Shackles Isles candy sticks."
Pelican Warehouses: These buildings perch at the end of piers,
allowing a ship to load and unload farther out from the busier docks. Many of them either accommodate smaller vessels that are in a hurry or larger ships unable to find an open dock.
Rare these days, most pelican warehouses lie in disrepair, withered from storms and salt, and every year it seems another one falls into the harbor. An increased tax on this type of property keeps many of the owners from rebuilding and some have even relinquished the titles to their small warehouses, allowing them to fall into the hands of squatters and smugglers—or into the bay itself.
Smugglers sometimes use small boats to slip under the warehouse, sawing a hole in the floor or prying boards in the night, and sneaking in to loot the place or just drop a crate into their boat from above and paddle away in the night.
The pier this pelican warehouse sits on stretches 100 feet from the boardwalk and the docks proper, and stands 15 feet above the water. The planks on the pier are sturdy but weathered. Pooka notices a few local fishermen and some kids sit scattered along the pier casting nets or bobbing lines into the waters below.
The building looks abandoned and in disrepair. The windows are dark and dirty and provide no view into the structure’s interior. A small boat bobs in the water below, tethered to the pier by a stout, salt-crusted rope. The warehouse’s heavy wooden front door is locked and the loading door over the water is closed.
DM Notes to new players: Dont forget about the Aid Another action. Just because you aren't strong/skilled enough to accomplish a task by yourself doesn't mean you can't HELP someone do it. If you succeed at a DC 15 skill check of any type, you can add +2 to the score of someone who is attempting that skill or ability check.
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"Excellent! I've not had the pleasure, as yet. I look forward to introducing a new taste to myself. Which way is the warehouse? Are those candies hard to come by? Is there a privy nearby? Can we expect the crate to be guarded? Do you know who crafted this fine countertop? I say we be on our way gang!"
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Ever more on his guard for his paranoia about a trap, Pooka scours the area, lending aid to the roguish elf as they approach the weathered building, Luna sniffs the ground intently.
Understanding the nature of how theives might enter a building such as this, and knowing that someone may have already attempted to enter, Pooka also leans over the edge of the docks to see if any floor level entrances have already been created.
Making sure the group is out of earshot of anyone on the docks, It seems that more than one of us is capable of finding a discreet way into this building, I shall defer to your expertise on the best way to get inside.
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Chiba also spent a few moments scanning the docks for discreet entrances, also examining the door and windows for any clear way inside. Unfortunately, his search came up short. He didn't notice any way the group could stealthily enter the building. Some ninja he was!
"I would be inclined to agree, Pooka. I haven't discovered any means of entry myself, meaning that person likely isn't me. Unless that boat could be utilized somehow."
"Giving the caliber of individual that we are dealing with, I would feel more comfortable if we took our time searching rather than simply giving it a once over; there might be a trap..."
Hans pauses thoughtfully, as he regards the locked door.
"I *could* open it, but it would be a rather messy option. Is anyone here good with locks?"
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Valya stands and stares at the door for a good two minutes, ignoring everything but the door and frame. Coincidentally, when Pooka leans over the side of the building to check underneath, the boards part slightly due to the change in weight distribution, revealing the hidden key.
She swoops in and scoops it up and delightfully declares
I'm good with locks when I have the key!
She's ever so impressed with herself, but inside she's just relieved she can contribute something outside of her blade to the team's efforts.
She unlocks the door and opens it, inviting the more stealthy group members to enter first...
Darkness fills the warehouse, the ambient light from outside blocked by a filthy, oily film on the structure’s few windows. Darting illumination comes from light reflecting off the water through a splintered hole in the floor. Throughout the warehouse, crates, boxes, and barrels lean against each other in vaguely sorted stacks. A lingering smell indicates some of
the contents are certainly spoiled.
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I have apparently had a few to many extra trips to the breakfast kitchen I can see... Pooka looks up at the Tiefling and her contagious smile, then back down to his belly, giving it a few pats.
Pooka returns to his seat upon his dark grey haired canine mount, hoists his lance in an easy to carry position, and waits patiently outside the door, making plenty of space for the more stealthy of his companions to scout the area first.
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"How simple. Peeuuww! I hope that smell isn't coming from our crate. Shall we look around for this 3 crow, triangle tinggy-ma-bobbie? I hope this doesn't take too long. The stench is going to taint my taste buds and I'll have difficulty enjoying my next meal. It's a bit dark in here. Would everyone like me to..." Twitnit laughs deviously, "make it brighter!?"
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"It would seem you are." It was difficult to tell due to the way his outfit obscured his face, but it sounded like Chiba was smiling. "Very good find, Tiefling." The door was opened quietly, and the ninja prepared himself to move inside.
"I'll scout ahead. I recommend we employ the darkness to our advantage."
Perhaps the man could have been stealthier as he entered the warehouse, looking around for any smugglers or items of interest, but at least he didn't trip and fall flat on his face.
Hans turns to Twitnit.
"I traveled for a time with a witch how could create balls of light, or keep thing scrupulously clean, with magic. I don't suppose that you could do either? I would like to be able to see whilst we search, and Light or cleaned windows would help in that regard..."
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Understanding that inside the building is a good place for ambush, Valya lets her 'dark' in, and the smiling pathfinder vanishes, replaced for the moment by a cold warrior leashed only by loyalty to good, adherence to law and a sworn code of conduct.
She loosens her greatsword in its scabbard and steps through the door, darkness-friendly eyes watching for trouble.
Hans grins broadly.
"That should definitely do the trick!"
He then eagerly moves forward to investigate the contents of the building.
Twitnits light spell illuminates the warehouse, revealing a large mess of boxes and tools. In the southern area of the warehouse, near the loading doors to the water outside, several planks have either rotted away or splintered, leaving a hole with about 10" across.
Perched in the middle of the hole, teetering on split planks, sits a large crate stamped with three crows arranged in a triangle—the very crate you have come to find.
Handholds cut into the stout wooden crate ring the rim. Other barrels, boxes, and crates sit stacked along the walls of the warehouse. Just inside the door sits a handful of crates and kegs of beer.
Most of these smaller crates and barrels contain foodstuffs in various states of freshness. Some crates reek of rot. Stacks of simple coffins sit against the east wall. The rest of the crates stacked along the north and south walls contain simple sundries including, but not limited to beer, blocks of clay, coffee, coils of rope, dried fish, lead ingots, nails, nets, raw cotton, rough wool, spare sails, timber planks, various pulleys and tools, and cheap weapons.
A crane, used for loading and unloading boats, clings to a rail running the length of the warehouse, hanging 5 feet below the high ceiling, and can slide out to extend past the loading doors along the west wall.
The crate looks heavy, and though it rests precariously on the small wooden island, it does not look like the thin planks could support it's weight, or the weight of someone carrying it.
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With the building clear of hostile elements and well-lit thanks to the Gnomish Sorcerer, Chiba set his eyes on the object of their first task. Simply walking up to the crate and attempting to take it would likely destroy the contents within.
"The boat outside?" The ninja considered that for a moment. "An excellent suggestion. The slightest touch would send our objective plummeting into the water. If a boat is resting underneath it, that could play to our advantage." The ninja wasn't proficient in the art of sailing, but he was certainly skilled at catching falling objects. He would still be able to help if something went awry.
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Valya narrows her eyes at the bright light, well lit rooms were not to her personal taste but she was glad of the gnome's spell when it came to the change to flush out anyone in hiding.
Out of interest, could any of you more nimble types shimmy up the wall there, tie off a rope then climb down to open the crate from above?
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I like where your head is at Madame Teifling, though if we can pick the crate up with the crane over there, we may be able to get the whole crate in a safer location on the floor in order to open its contents. Perhaps our burly traveler could muscle the crane into place. Chiba, would you mind terribly helping me get the boat into position under our prize here, in case things go awry? I am guessing our nimble elven companion, possibly with the help of the good gnome's magic can get the hook from the crane attached to the crate. If we tie off a rope to the hook, with our lovely Teifling holding the other end, we should be able to pull it away from the precarious position it is in currently.
Pooka dismounts and orders Luna to sit and stay in the north east corner of the warehouse. Rummaging around for a couple of the ropes scattered through the goods, he grabs two and heads towards the boat. Climbing into the boat he unties the boat from the docks and pulls the it into position underneath the crate. Once the boat is in position, he, along with his companion, proceed to tie off the boat to the supports sticking out of the water, to make sure the boat stays stable should the heavy crate fall from the floor above.
Whenever you are ready lady and gentlemen, we are ready down here!
Cayden Cailean keep me from falling off of this boat...
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"I would not mind at all, in fact." Should the crate fail, the boat would be in place to catch the crate. If the crane carried it to safety, they would have gained valuable knowledge in rowboat piloting. It was a plan without any downsides. Chiba liked those plans.
The ninja would follow Pooka out of the warehouse, aid him in untying the boat, and otherwise assist him in enacting their plan.
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Sounds like a plan Pooka, that promise of a pint really brings out the best in us Pathfinders eh?! she winks.
Content that no-one is lying in ambush, and with a clear view out the door in case anyone tries to come in that way, Valya gets ready at one end of the rope, and waits for someone to spider around with the other end so it gets attached to the crate.
In the meantime she watches the halfling and the wrapped up fellow as they nimbly clamber on to the rowboat, and is glad she and her scalemail are not present on that floating contraption of planks, nails and rope, held together with an idea that it should remain afloat. She shakes her head in wonder and returns her attention to the rope in front of her.
Upon closer inspection, the planks seems wildly unstable. Not so much they won't bear weight, but moving at any speed higher than half movement will require a Acrobatics check DC 15.
Hans looks at the plank dubiously.
"I am afraid that although I am moderately dextrous, strength is more my particular skill; perhaps I could help to pull the crane?"