Once Ambrus leaves us: I have no problem beginning in the docks. As for where we go after that, perhaps we will learn something that makes the next step clear. Other things being equal, I would visit the wise quarter as soon as we can. He looks at the others for a response.
I don't mind the docks at all, the nicest gem can be found in the dirtiest of places. After the docks, I would, like Achernar, like to visit the wise quarter too.
Ping growls quietly and nods in appreciation to both Achernar and Brother Jericho. Once our assignment in the docks is complete, I am at your service.
Apparently we did not have too long to wait ... turning to Ambrus These tasks you ask us to do in the name of the Pathfinders - are we to have a token that demonstrates our bonafides. A seal perhaps, or letter of introduction?
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20 + 9
He sizes up Ambrus and says,
Good sir, we are folk of action and are keen to show our mettle, but is there anything else in this for us - apart from our earning your respect for our abilities? And one further question, if I might be so bold. Are there any, shall we say, constraints on the manner in which we accomplish your tasks. I ask because even the most lowly servant knows that the simplest task can, very quickly, become very ... Complex.
Ambrus softens his brusque manner.
No letters of introduction are needed. Simply state you are from the Society and place yourselves at their service... as for simple missions becoming complicated? Welcome to the Pathfinder Society. As to completion? As long as you are able to complete these by the end of the day, you should be fine. Report to me then.
With that the Venture-Captain leaves you to discuss the list and the order of completion first, though it looks like the Docks being first has a strong following.
Jericho grabs "Twitch" (his scythe) and his other items. Shall we make a start?
Aria collects her Bow. I'm ready. Lets go!
Sidhion nods.
While not really possible most of the time, especially with the readied bow, Sidhion manages to take to the occasional roof top or balcony while keeping pace with the group.
He spots something! A face in the crowd that he has seen a few times. Something to give him the impression that the group may be followed. He looks again into the seething masses that is Absolom as it enters the docks area and the face is no longer visible.
After making your way to the area you make some discreet inquiries and find The Pickled Imp, located in the seedy part of the harborside area Docks district.
This creepy shop 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. 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.
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.
Ping growls quietly to himself. Where is this warehouse of which you speak? I wish to complete this task promptly!
Further, what security measures are in place to protect this building? What or who are we likely to encounter? I am wary of attending to apparently simple tasks from a position of ignorance
Ping grunts then looks around thinking the other pathfinders left the Pickled Imp without him!
Andelyn twitches impatiently. Is security really an issue? Can't we just work that out when we get there?
These people think too much!
Three crows in a triangle - Got it. Let's go!
Andelyn turns to the door.
There should no troubles friend, the building is unsecured and that part of the docks should have no issue with the city guard wandering by.
He then sketches a map of where to find the warehouse in question.
The pier this pelican warehouse sits on stretches 100 feet from the boardwalk and the docks proper, A few local fishermen and some kids likelty sit scattered along the pier casting nets or bobbing lines into the waters below but these will give you no problems.
My friends are correct, these things are best done quickly. It matters not to me as I agreed to serve you as I would Master Ambrus ...
The songbird flies to his shoulder as he prepares to leave. At the last minute he turns and asks innocently.
Surely a man as ... Influential... as yourself would have his own agents to undertake such a task?
Whilst he is keen to know the answer, he is also keen to set off to the docks.
You've a knack to you Achernar and no mistake but you are overlooking the fact that YOU are my agents. Why would I give this work out to anyone else other than some young, new and idle pathfinders?.
He laughs but with mirth rather than the bitter laugh he normally adopts, and wipes his eyes.
Haven't had a laugh that good in a while - thanks lad! Hahaha "My own agents", that's just rich....
He turns and leaves you.
Curiously he didn't rip into you like you've seen him do to other young pathfinders. All in all it seems that Achenar has the rare gift to make himself more likable and turn a thorny question into something that the listener feels positive about.
Jericho smiles and starts to heads to the door to leave. Remember friends, mine is not to question why, mine is but to do. He stops for a moment and looks back I believe we can let someone else do the dying, I don't fancy that part Again he gives a happy smile and continues to the door to wait for everyone else.
As we reach the warehouse, Achenar readies to cast detect magic.
Sidhion completes a circuit of the outside of the warehouse, taking mental note of all entrances and exits. If there is a rear entrance, covering it.
If anyone is spooked by our arrival, they won't be escaping this way.
Sidhion can see the warehouse at the end of a long pier with a boat tied up nearby. There is no walkway per se for walking along the sides but there is a narrow ledge that MAY be possible to edge along. Sidhion can't see to the rear
For the moment you all stand on the pier outside the warehouse.
Ping growls audibly, and speaking to Andelyn Patience fool, five minutes of information could save your life. There are only two types of successful Pathfinders, the careful and the dead. Turning back to Guaril Karela The answers to my question please.
There should no troubles friend, the building is unsecured and that part of the docks should have no issue with the city guard wandering by.
He then sketches a map of where to find the warehouse in question.
The pier this pelican warehouse sits on stretches 100 feet from the boardwalk and the docks proper, A few local fishermen and some kids likelty sit scattered along the pier casting nets or bobbing lines into the waters below but these will give you no problems.
Just what I told you young pathfinder. There is little to worry about, the merchant says.
Little? Sounds suspect to me. Oh well, that seems to be normal for us.
Ping goes with the other members to the warehouse. He quietly observes what the other members are doing but decides to head towards what looks to be the main door.
Andelyn rolls her eyes at the half-orc.
So heavenly minded he's of no earthly value...
She pauses briefly looking at the side of the warehouse from the end of the pier.
Is that what I think it is?
Andelyn trots down the pier to the boat and begins pulling on the mooring rope.
Brave warriors, she says flatly. Would that one of you would investigate this alternate entrance with me.
I'd do it myself but I'm too short to reach the handles from the boat...
Andelyn starts hauling the boat close to the pier.
Seeing the party appear to be going off in a number of directions
Friends, I am all for doing this as quickly as possible, but let us take a minute to coordinate our activities. I for one would not like to face a threat with unnecessarily limited options.
The way I see it, we are within our rights to walk up to the front door and collect our master's property. i say we open the door and respond to any challenge by asserting that we have permission but be ready for trouble. Let's do everything we can to make it look like what it should be - a legitimate business transaction - and one that is done quickly and quietly and without drawing unwanted attention to ourselves - something that sneaking around the place will inevitably expose us to.
Further more, we have a lot to do today.
Of course ... I am open to other plans?
Was there any result of my detect magic, I am prepared to take 10. Do you want a DC?
Comrades, my I suggest we knock on the door.
Ping pauses before touching the door handle. I got the impression from Guaril Karela that this warehouse was unattended and undefended. Anyone or anything could be in here. Why would he need Pathfinders if only a courier service was necessary. Knocking may alert and cause conflict. I propose someone seek in and have a look around. Let's not invite trouble. Leave the gnome, she's too busy yanking her own cord. Who of us is best to complete this task?
The warehouse is very tall, as you'd expect a warehouse to be, with nothing to facilitate climbing to the roof. The warehouse does have a thin edge on both sides where the warehouse itself extends over the water. These edges MAY possibly be used but it would be tricky and at the cost of those using the edge falling into the smelly and somewhat dirty sea water - this is not a clean harbour.
The door itself is locked.
Falling into the water in armour could well prove fatal.
Sidhion gingerly pushes on the warehouse door, discovering it is locked.
Unsecured? Pfft
We must check all external doors to see if they are locked but not enter.
Ping moves towards the next visible entrance and tries the door.
Aria has already headed down the pier to where Andelyn is pulling the boat in.
I am much taller than you, so I will help. I think you need it.
And besides, not much is happening with all the menfolk
Let's go check out this seaward door
She gets in the boat, picks up the oars, and looks expectantly at Andelyn, who is still standing on the pier...
We must check all external doors to see if they are locked but not enter.
Ping moves towards the next visible entrance and tries the door.
There are no other doors you can see .
Anderlyn and Aria manage to secure the boat. The seaward doors are considerably higher than the boat - most likely made at the height to unload from a ship but it would be fine to take you under the warehouse for a good look at the side of the warehouse and its seaward doors.
As I see we have two choices. Knock or break in. What is the party's choice?
Alright you glorious giant lady, take us around for a look! I suggest you wait until we've sized up the seaward doors before you storm. Won't be long.
Andelyn waits as Aria begins to row towards the doors. As they approach the doors, Andelyn scours the door of the warehouse and the side to see if there is any quiet way in or suspicious movement.
Unless I am mistaken, none of us is likely to be able to pick the lock to sneak inside. If we break the door, anyone inside will assume we are not on their side. They will have had warning and be ready. If we knock and they open the door we can choose how we respond. If no-one opens the door, we will have nothing to lose by breaking it.
So, I say we knock.
If the door is answered we can either try to get the jump on them or try and talk our way through (either tell the truth that we are here to pick up something or pretend we are impounding it on behalf of the authorities). So what is the next step?
How do we pretend to be authorities he muses?
No one answers the door.
Meanwhile the ladies are making their way in the boat.
. Clearly Aria has had some practice before in her youth and seems to manage the boat handily.
She (wo)man's the oars and gets within spitting distance of the cargo doors set in the side of the building. They are closed but there seems to be no external lock on them. IF she was careful and Anderlyn steadied the boat she may be able to stand up and try to open them.
Anderlyn
The gnomes eagle sharp eyes spot something... there appears to be a hole in the floor with something balanced on top of it.
Sidhion investigates the door and the lock. Is it a lock internal to the door itself requiring a key? Does the lock itself appear to be wooden or metal? Or is it barricaded from the inside? Does the door swing inwards or outwards (hinges showing or not)?
Wooden door . Lock set into the door. Doesn't seem to be barred.
The elf looks for a door mat which isn't there then feels around the door... And finds a key atop the door frame.
Sidhion opens the door as quietly as possible, and sneaks inside to scout out the building - a perimeter sweep at the least
Sidhion is anything but quiet as he fumbles with the lock and the door opens with a loud creak.
Darkness fills the warehouse, the ambient light from outside blocked by a filthy, oily film on the structure’s few windows on the seaward side. 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.
Ping enters in stealth mode behind Sidhion
He peers around the warehouse using his excellent dark vision (60 feet)
That role was for stealth, not perception sorry!!!
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 the you have come to find. Handholds cut into the stout wooden crate
ring the rim.
Aria is close enough now to try and reach the warehouse cargo doors.
Andelyn, are you able to steady the boat for me? I will attempt to open these doors