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Hedra smiled at the Pure Legion soldier, bow to them and said
You're quite right, captain, we were looking for Maroc as is a well known coper merchant. Unfortunately, after a long search through the market and the racetrak we wasn't able to find him.
So we headed to one of the oldest bathhouses in Azir, famous for being Jistkan connected, to rest after this unfructuous journey.
As am I fond of Jiskan's history, I was a little dispointed that this fine establishment have nothing remaining of the Jistkan Imperium, because as you may not know... Hedra began to talk - a lot - about the Jiskan Imperium
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Before Ardisen has chance to talk them out of their situation Hedra has already confessed to their investigation and begun an oratory on unrelated history.
Despite being slightly affronted, the young lord supports the 'priestesses' version of events with polite nods.
"As the lady says, we have not been able to locate this "merchant"."
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Hoping to resolve the situation back in their favour, Ardisen flashes his trademark smile and interrupts Hedras historical monologue.
"In all honesty, we haven't seen this merchant. We thought he might have been a figure of interest in a small investigation we're conducting but he has proved too problematic to locate to be worth our while. His trail went cold for us at the racetrack so we elected to retire here to clean ourselves up before we sample some of the local culture and cuisine."
Quickly assuming a posture of nobility (and aware of Eando half submerged) the enchanter tries to end the conversation.
"Now, unless there's anything else we can assist you with I assume you won't keep a young noble and his retinue from the baths any longer?"
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Not comfortable in lying himself, Oswin keeps solemnly quiet, awaiting the guards' reaction.
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The Pure legionnaires are taken aback by Ardisen's self-assured stance. The man stammers and blurts out: "My apologies for disturbing you. We can continue our inquiries later. Farewell."
Kline sighs in the tub. "Thank goodness! I appreciate you avoiding a fight. I can't afford for my cover to be blown just yet. Please, grab your gear and meet me back upstairs in five minutes."
After you pick up your belongings, you meet Kline. He's now wearing a dry robe and he leads you into a secret passage.
Upon confirming that you are looking for Jahani and the Riftwardens, he sighs and shares what he knows.
“I know where the Riftwardens are, but it’s not an answer you’re going to like,” Kline says with grimace. “They attempted a raid on a compound full of Blackfire Adepts who were masquerading as slavers, but the plan didn’t work as they had hoped. For all their talent at magic, the Riftwardens aren’t the best at keeping their heads down when planning an attack. The Blackfire Adepts caught wind of their plan and struck first, capturing all four of the Riftwardens perhaps a week ago. From what I’ve been able to gather, the Blackfire Adepts are planning on moving to greener pastures—which could mean practically anywhere other than Rahadoum—and they’ve been making the most of their remaining time in Azir by interrogating their captives rather ruthlessly. It seems the Blackfire Adepts just can’t pass up a good opportunity to gloat over their arch nemeses, but they’re sure to tire of it soon and just execute the lot of them. Last I heard, the slavers are departing on a caravan the morning after tomorrow, and you can bet that the Riftwardens will be dead before then.”
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Ardisen nods in gratitude.
"You've been a great help Eando, and for what it's worth, the Society was unfortunate to lose an individual as talented as you are. Do you know the location of the Blackfire Adepts compound, if you believe the hostages are being held there?"
The noble turns his attention to the other agents.
"It looks like we have no time to delay on this. If we don't gain the service of those Riftwardens we fail more than the Society. I've seen the situation in the Worldwound first hand and we need every able body we can get, especially those that specialise against extraplanar horrors."
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Oswin grins and he rest his hand on his sword hilt.
"Yes Orik, I think we can all agree with that one. I suppose we ought to do some reconassaince rather than a direct assault. I share Ardisen's sense of urgency, my own Worldwound experiences have been quite serious, but we will likely be outnumbered. A team.of four powerful mages failed, so I recommend a bit.of caution."
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Once outside Hedra asked Eando
Do you know when they will leave ? Do we have a few days or a few hours before they will leave the city ?
Nevertheless, I agree with Oswin, we need to be careful and do some reconnaissance before going in.
I could send Eye for a first tour, he is small and discreet and quite perceptive.
I. Am. confirmed Eye
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Ardisen throws Oswin a joking smile.
"We don't need four powerful mages, we have me."
The enchanter grimaces at Hedras query.
"As Eando said, they are leaving the morning after tomorrow, meaning we have alittle over a day. I don't see any issue with scouting the area first."
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Sorry, this time it was I who wasn't listening. said Hedra at Aridsen's remark.
So, we have little time to prepare, but enough to set up a plan. I suggest that Ardisen go in as a slaver buyer with Oswin and Orik. Eye, will be with him and will go looked around.
Meanwhile I will search, with Rikas, for less obvious entry in their compound. If they are cautious and hidden, it's logical that they have another way in or out.
Blackfire adept are dangerous people, using their powers to call evil outsider in this world, we must be cautious.
After a short silence she added
If we decide to go in, we will need our holy symbol to be able to use our powers. So we need the Pure Legion, and other local forces, out of the way to have time to get out without being caught once the Rifwarden put to safety.
I don't like it as it's against the Law, but Blackfire adepts are too dangerous and our mission to sensitive to try it without. We need to succed.
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"I can ask around the city, find out what is known of this area. It's possible I may have a contact or two that can give us some indication what we're in for. I'm not sure it's a place where splitting up will work in our interest."
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Eando replies to Ardisen: "I do, you'll find the compound at this address." He gives you a piece of paper with an address on it.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I really must retrieve be away. One last word of advice: explosions and swordplay are fine in a dungeon, but you’re looking at an urban raid in a city with a good police force at an estate that pays its taxes. Once you start cutting down Blackfire Adepts, you won’t have long before the local guards surround the place. Act decisively."
With that he takes his leave and returns to the baths.
The Blackfire Adepts’ compound is located in the northwestern edge of the city, which tends to see slightly less foot traffic. The compound purchases a large quantity of fish soup and bread each day to feed the slaves, and the owners allow the delivery people to enter the compound. Depending on the circumstances, a serious incident could see the city watch show up in anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes. The compound has its own guards, but they can’t compare to the full force of Azir’s city watch.
As is the case in most parts of the Inner Sea region, the Blackfire Adepts are not tolerated in Azir. Although tipping off the authorities would ensure that a small army descends on the Blackfire Adepts, the Pure Legionnaires would almost certainly round up any they find on the property for questioning—including you and Riftwardens. Few would dare deny the Pure Legion entry, and even the Blackfire Adepts would likely admit these soldiers to avoid causing a larger incident. Several nearby robberies over the past month have inspired the city watch in this district to patrol more frequently; they would likely show up in 5 to 12 minutes of anyone sounding an alarm.
The sewers of Azir extend to the Black Adepts’ compound, but as the surrounding area has become drier and drier over the centuries, little water flows there. A set of doors near the compound’s foundation in the sewers may grant access to the facility. A recent push to recruit more guards suggests that the city watch may be shortstaffed, so they are unlikely to arrive in under 10 minutes.
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Ardisen relays what he has learnt back to the others .
"It seems to me, we have one of two choices. We either attempt to enter under the guise of delivery staff or we attempt to breach via the sewers. We also need to decide if we want to notify the Pure Legion before we do either. It puts us on a ten minute clock to find and liberate the Riftwardens, but means the Adepts will have to contend with the Legion."
The lord seems to consider the circumstances before continuing talking.
"Personally I'd prefer to talk our way in as delivery staff. But if you think we have the skills to enter via the sewer I'll entertain the idea."
The enchanter makes no effort to hide the fact that he finds the prospect of entering a sewer unsightly.
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I don't think it's a good idea to notify, before we attack, the pure legion. Oswin and I are divine user, and to be efficient against the Blackfire adepts we need our Divine Symbol. If we are caught in the middle by the Pure Legion, the Society will be at risk.
I suggest we took the, dry, sewers. But, again, we could ask Aroden for six question.
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Ardisens chuckles at Oriks comments.
"I like your optimism Orik, but I can assure you that given the added complications of the Pure Legion, the fortification of the Adepts stronghold and the fact that they have the allies we need held hostage, this venture requires more finesse than kicking down the door and stabbing the enemy with the pointing end of your weapons."
Pausing for a moment to pat the dwarf on the shoulder, the enchanter then continues in his allies native tongue.
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"Frontal assaults only get more people killed. Why let 'em know we're comin'? Sneak in the back door, slit throats quietly, save our own."
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Nodding in agreement, the young noble begins checking his belongings.
"Very well, if the decision is to sneak in via the sewers I'll offer what support I can."
Tapping his scroll cases, the enchanter continues speaking.
"If things get out of hand, I can extract myself and two others using this. I'm afraid anyone left behind is on their own."
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Kline looks impressed by your resourcefulness. Before parting ways, he confides: "I have obligations that prohibit me from joining you directly in whatever you do, but I can at least buy you some time or create a diversion when you make your move. Don’t worry about contacting me; I’ll be keeping an eye out for when you get near."
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"Thank you Eando."
Before they head into the sewers, the Chelish wizard will take a casual stroll past the complex and surrounding area, just so he is familiar with them, quickly rejoining the others.
Ardisen taps himself with his wand of Mage Armor as they approach the complex. He also removes one of his scrolls of Dimension Door from its scroll case and holds it tightly in his off hand.
"I'll hang back and ensure we don't get flanked. I'll supply what fire support and enchantment I can, but I can't afford to get up close and personal with trained combatants, it rarely ends well for me."
A flash of his close encounters with the Ulfens in The Land of the Linnorm Kings, the nightmare spirit of the Topaz Sage in Osirion and the pet basilisk he recently encountered in the Mwangi Expanse dart across the enchanters memory. A stark reminder of how perilously close he has come to his end before.
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Hendra took back her holy symbol from Rikas' pathfinder pouch then asked Ardisen to use her wand of mage armor on Eye and her.
She then cast Status on Ardisen, Rikas and Orik.
I have prepared a Bless and an Aid spell. Each of one will for 9 minutes. I could cast them just before we break through the door.
She cast another spell on her, to improved her survivability.
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Ardisen hangs back in the junction, ensuring they aren't flanked while they work on the doors.
"I appreciate the offer, I'm fine back here for now, but if a melee breaks out I'll stick by you."
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Rikas doesn't spot anything on the door, and is about to move towards it with his lockpicks in hand when Hedra's voice tells him to hold because she senses magic ahead.
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Stop ! said Hedra before Rikas make another step.
There is an alarm spell near the door and a powerful spell protecting it. I think I could be able to dispell the alarm. I will let you disable the trap, it's the equivalent of a spell of the sixth circle.
Hedra began casting dispel magic against the alarm spell.
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"Unless you've got some magical inclination to make me disable the magic, I ain't your man. I deal in gears and pulleys, not that magical mumbo jumbo and pentagons and whatnot."
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Ardisen sighs and steps closer to the others.
"I'll see if I can remove the other spell."
After casting Detect Magic to locate the spell, the young wizard chants the relevant words to remove the remaining spell with his own Dispel Magic.
Looking fairly satisfied with himself, Ardisen gives Rikas a nod.
"That should do the trick. If you'd care to head in and scout ahead, let us know what we're in for?"
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Oswin stands ready, sword drawn and now one hand on the holy symbol he has returned to the cord around his neck.
"Surely triggering the trap will warn our foes just as much as tripping the alarm. I have no way of disarming it, but if we can't, we may want to try the front door instead."
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Masking his frustration with himself, Ardisen retrieves his spellbook from his porter.
"There's a chance things might escalate when we get in there. Give me a couple of minutes to revise a spell."
The Chelaxian spends a couple of minutes memorising another Touch of Idiocy, before preparing to follow his allies.
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With the faith that the trap is now completely dispelled, the party moves past the door that Rikas has no trouble opening. Beyond the threshold lie two hallways, one to the east, the other to the south. All along the walls, many empty cells are aligned. Suddently, a horrible cry echoes through the hallway, coming from the east. It appears as if someone is being tortured there.