These smugglers are more capable than most. They've successfully resisted and escaped arrest by conventional police on multiple occasions. Now the Shadows are sending you to end the problem. Intel says the leader of the smugglers is a wily fellow with magical power. How will you take this ring of criminals down?
You make your way to Lopul, a modest city on the famed Silken Way. As you enter the city, your nostrils fill with the scent of cook smoke and camels, a welcome change of pace after traveling through the desert. The small brick huts and tents clustered around the Pool of Sihbon are occasionally interrupt by larger buildings: the storehouses of merchants, the grand tents of chieftains, the tower of the mages guild, and dominating all, the palace of the Sheik. Modest compared to those you've seen in larger cities, the palace manages to impress as the grandest building in Lopul. Your can't keep your gaze from straying to the warehouse on the northern edge of town. Your dossier indicates this as the location of the smugglers.
As the red sun sets over the desert, many travelers search for lodging while some set out, braving the darkness of night to escape the heat of the day.
The red-headed half-elf with that stoic, blank expression is walking at the rear of the group, his frightening companion following another two steps behind.
Looking over the town ahead of them, he grunts.
"So, how do we play this?
Knock at their door and rip them apart with all our spells and teeth, or what?
I can look for some shady dealers during the night and press some intel out of them if you want some information before our strike."
"I think it would be best to do or own reconnaissance first. A man will say whatever he thinks you want to hear when you put the screws to him. Best that we have a general idea of the truth first." says the tall, pale man, whose skin is crisscrossed by blue lines that are not, in fact, tattoos. He's a little unsettled by his comrade's apparent eagerness to resort to torture. A time for all purposes in the Satrap's service, but let's try something a bit cleaner first. Before they approach the town, he dons his head scarf. His blue eyes are distinctive enough, no need for the townsfolk to get the full measure of his unusual appearance.
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The fourth member of the group looks longingly at the pool of water in front of them. He is covered almost completely in the light robes made for traveling through the desert and his skin seems to match the darker tones of the natives, but the eyes give him away with their almost icey blue resembling the pure frozen water in a glacier. Though he wouldn't understand this reference if anyone attempted to describe them.
Wish there was time to take a swim out of these robes, but everyone seems to frown on that from the citizens to the army and most especially from the instructors.
After hearing their resident oddball of the group.
While we may need to acquire some information with your specialty. I doubt the resident dealers would really know what we want otherwise they wouldn't need to send our group in to take care of these smugglers.
Thinking things over a little more.
Maybe we should split up slightly to both talk up the locals for any common patterns our targets have...preferably where we can separate out one of the members of the group to allow you to question Gara right before we strike the base. The other group could do a little recon both of the structure before finding us some lodging for the night...We really haven't ever been successful just charging in during any of our mock missions during training.
Even though he can mimic the skin tones of those around him, there generally is a little quality that doesn't quite stand up to close inspection. Knowing this he turns back to the group.
Zatinya...Lucien do either of you think yall can find us a starting point for us to start piecing together a plan.
Turning back to Gara.
Maybe me and you can take a look around and find us some lodging unless we plan on camping out.
As an aside to himself almost. Though think we will stand out either way regardless of what we attempt if the drags out.
Rubbing a bruise at the left shoulder, reminder for the truth in Agabans words, Gara nods with a blank (bored?) expression.
"Fine. Let's find a room then.
They should have some in that tavern over there, I'd guess."
He turns on the heels, closing his eyes and murmurs a series of arcane syllables, with both hands opened towards his companion:
अपने आप को छिपाओ, दानव!
The sand creature, starts to dissolve into whirrling sand, which starts to flow into the oval clay container on Garas back, until every last trace of the horrid creature disappeared.
All that remains, is the massive wodden tower shield, that was strapped to its back. Gara shoulders it with a grunt of effort before turning and following the others into the town.
You find a small, quiet inn on the southwest of the town center where the room is 5 sp per person per night. There is a modest tavern on the first floor and you notice a few people in the tavern:
A huge, scaly humanoid with an earthbreaker on his back.
A gruff human drinking with a short humanoid, probably a halfling.
An older human in the corner eyeing anyone who moves near him very suspiciously and keeping his hand on his purse.
A giggling young woman and a chortling middle-aged man at a corner table.
The proprietor is a stout, short man behind the cracked, dried-out wood of the bar.
Will there be a room for you, travelers? he calls out as you enter.
The stout innkeeper sets you up with a room that has an open window facing east toward the palace.
He's somewhat taken aback by Zatinya's direct questions about unusual (and potentially illegal) matters but his doubts are overcome by her charms. He replies in a low voice
I don't know why a pretty lady like you is interested in supplies like that but I guess it's none of my business. The smith's guild sells most of the tools around town. For stranger goods, rumor has it that a black Bazaar is held every fortnight in the hills to the north of town. Next one is two nights from now.
He describes both locations to you such that you could find your way there.
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Shocked by Zatinya's forthright approach to asking questions. Agaban takes a look around noting the various individuals and attempting to discern if any of them perked up or showed interest in the new arrivals and the barkeep.
Along with this the halfing and human at one of the tables draws his attention briefly before moving on. Along with this the reptilian sitting alone is also a concern.
Don't remember any notes about a naga/lizardman/shifter in the smugglers dossier...Though was there something about halfing scouts and human bruisers??? Can't seem to remember right now.
Agaban also attempts to see how the barkeep took the information and if he just faked shrugging it off or not.
After entering the room Agaban goes into the corner to take a deep draw on his waterskin and pulls out his journal flipping back and forth a few times while skimming the information before turning back to the group.
Wish we had a common elemental language right now afraid we might have drawn attention and not sure I trust there not to be eavesdroppers.
Did anyone else notice the Scaly humanoid in the corner...Wonder what he is here for though not sure we can always use your straightforward approach Zat. Along with this there was that Human and Halfling together...Did anyone notice if they were armed like ruffians?
Sitting back and thinking a little more.
If you were a smuggling ring and had to move goods not all your customers would be local...Would you sit a member or two in the local inn/tavern to make note of newcomers? Are there any more inns/taverns in this blasted town?
Looking at Lucian.
Do you think we should try to tail/take them if they are alone...Personally think we need to wait a night or two to get a better feel of the area, but it is promising if this inn is a routine spot for the group to drink.
Lucien shakes his head. "Lots of people pass through Lopul, heck the place exists because it's a large oasis on the Silken Way. No reason to think they're more than odd travelers. I'd rather get straight on the warehouse we know about." he says, gazing out the window.
Garas often blank expression turns into one of mild surprise and disbelief at the successful of the direct but friendly approach taken by the fiery woman.
"I like the idea of using their own tunnels to enter the warehouse.
A surprised enemy is a good enemy.
Only dead enemies are any better.
If we can single out a few of them beforehand, the better for us.
Maybe we can catch some on their way back from the black market, then attack their base through the tunnels, while their comrade don't miss them?"
Agaban notices that the suspicious merchant in the corner seems to react whenever anyone enters the room, clutching his purse as if his life depended on it.
Lucien watches people trail past in the streets.
The big reptilian looks down at Zaza and appears to like what he sees. He grins, showing many, many large, razor-sharp teeth. In broken Kelesh, he responds
Yes. Simon smash many skulls. Greatest warrior in Meraz Desert. One time, kill Janni with one blow.
Expecting you to be impressed by his magnificent storytelling, he orders you a drink.
The bartender raises an eyebrow at your apparent tastes.
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Figure we shouldn't be alone while scouting though not sure any of us can keep up with Lucian when he doesn't want to be seen...Can maybe leave my armor here and let Gara/Zaza attempt to see who else comes to the inn.
Thinking over Lucien's comments earlier.
Maybe right but for some reason just feel like her hand might be with us and that they would be interesting candidates to trail...unless they spend the night in the inn.
If not will just try to stay out of Zaza's way while she makes her rounds and try to keep an eye on any of the other patrons...Wonder do you plan on scouting the bazaar location or the storehouse tonight Lucian? Figure you aren't going to want to rush either option and we at least have 2 nights before the bazaar option materializes.
Simon shrugs his scaly shoulders non-chalantly. Guarding caravan. Good pay for best guard like Simon. Scare problems away.
A server brings a meal to the merchant's and he begins eating while still eyeing the room nervously.
Gara is not really a fan of socializing, but seeing the approach his colleagues are taking, he will at least sit down on a table near the halfling and companion.
Maybe there is something interesting said?
Drinking fresh water, cleaning up his chainshirt from the dust and sand from the long travel, he hopes to get left alone while trying to listen in on their conversation.
But the tavern isn't exactly a quiet place and he quickly abandons that idea. After that, he will quickly say goodnight to the tavern-folk and go to his room, where he will allow the living sand to reform itself.
Using their strange link, he will send the creature out to the nightly town to scout the area (and the outside of the warehouse in particular) with its sharp senses and silent movement.
He commands it to stay in the shadows and away from the population (a command that meets heavy resistance though).
"We're here, no point wasting the boss's time. I figure we can check the place out tonight, as long as any who want to tag along are ready."
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Seeing the Living Sand scouting already he turns to Lucien.
Feel free will stay in the common room keeping an eye out there with Zaza...Will give me some time to read before we decide our next step...Will your eidalon be able to let us know if Lucien needs support Gara?
Going back out into the common room. Agaban approaches the barkeep.
What do you got to eat, and is there a bathhouse nearby?
After listening to what the barkeep has to offer will order a stew and ale before finding a table against the wall where he can see the room before pulling out the holy text he retrieved from his room. Will alternate reading and eating slowly while listening into any of the conversations in the room.
Simon replies to Zaza: Many times, yes. Guard caravans for some years. Hmmm... well know rumor of sunken jewels. Some say, many years ago, a Sheik son boating on pool. Have very nice bracelet very proud of. Many sparkles. Fall in water to bottom of pool. Some try look for but pool too deep and dark down there. Also, bracelet maybe just rumor anyway. He goes on and details his favorite houses of pleasure in Lopul as well.
Agaban overhears Zaza's conversation, including one anecdote of Simon's about a night he blew 100 gold. In addition, Agaban hears the man and the young woman a few tables over
Make it worth my while... good time... my place...
And the human and the halfling
...Too much of my take... stupid scrolls are expensive... digging for anyway?... paranoid... shut up... should be it's been three times...
"I could either stay here ... as a kind of relay.
If IT is getting into trouble, I will know.
But IT cannot talk with others but me, so Lucien will be mostly on his own unless he gets into trouble.
IT will note anything suspicious and I can instruct IT to follow Lucien wherever he goes and probably warn him from danger by blocking his way.
On the other hand, I could come with them - but I am not as silent as either of them and may give them away...
What do you think Lucien, Agaban?
Simon grins broadly at Zaza's suggestion and makes one of his own. Tonight good night for swim.
As the merchant finishes his meal, an older woman enters the tavern and comes over and sits near him. He turns pale when she sits. After a moment's silence, the two begin conversing in very low tones.
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Casting up a quick prayer of thanks to Pharasma for allowing their fateful arrival at the inn when 2 of the 10 in question are sitting and talking.
Though not allowing any expression to cross his face Agaban goes back to reading his holy text while continuing to listen into any conversations.
Also, glad we have Gara in the room still able to collect me and Zaza if Lucien needs any help...Hope the few signals we were working on back in training with his demon (for lack of a better term) will keep it and Lucien out of trouble tonight.
"I can deal with the communication difficulties. No need for you to come if you think you'd do better elsewhere." Lucien says. If no one else wishes to go, he'll slip out of the tavern and make his careful way toward the warehouse, watching all the while to see if he is being observed.
Lucien and the sand-formed creature melt silently into the night, slipping from shadow to shadow as they make their way north toward the warehouse.
Both Lucien and the eidolon notice the thickset man standing at the door to the target warehouse, leaning against a few barrels casually.
As the pair works its way cautiously around the structure, Lucien observes that there is a typical flat roof with a parapet but no other entrance visible besides the one in front.
Zaza has trouble stealing a glance at the woman while keeping Simon's interest but has a feeling that, if she got a better look, she might be able to figure something out about her.
Simon replies No need be lizardwoman. Simon like many kinds. Swim in dark very romantic. He orders Zaza another drink.
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Having marked the two henchman Agaban continues to read.
Wish we could help sow a little dissent based on their tones they aren't the happiest with their leader...Though could be normal griping from underlings.
Leaning over to scratch his leg under the table he again attempts to see if he can overhear what the merchant and new arrival are talking about.
Sitting back upright.
Wonder if the story Simon over there is telling is true...would be nice to take a swim and maybe search for anything lost...wonder how much longer Zaza will attempt to stay out here...though doubt they think much of her talking with the lizardman!!! Hmm...wonder if she could recruit him to help with the attack on the storehouse later...we could probably use some extra muscle...though is he trustworthy?
The sand creature shifts behind a handy barrel, hiding it from the sight of the guard.
Its red eyes are fixed on the guard in a manner that is quite frightening, even more so as its tooth-filled maw works like it wants nothing more than to sink those teeth into the man only a couple steps away.
But it doesn't approach any further and follows Lucien as soon as the wind-touched moves away.
As they pass the northern part of the warehouse, the creature shifts towards the hilly area, waiting after a couple of steps to see if Lucien follows or wants to continue another way.
Agaban is unable to make out what the pair are saying but he can read their faces plainly enough. The woman is in control of this situation and the man is quite nervous.
Simon seems hesitant to dance in an unfamiliar manner at first. But then he throws caution to the wind and employs the intense mating dance of his people.
This draws quite a bit of attention from everyone in the tavern, most of whom stop their conversations to watch. The woman and merchant pause their conversation while Zaza twirls and her hulking companion thumps their way near the table.
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Chuckling a little under his breathe at the unlikely picture of Zaza dancing with the lizardman. Agaban sits back to enjoy the show and to make sure that neither are stomping their way near his table.
Welp either the group will be completely memorable due to Zaza's actions or the rest of us will be forgotten; completely hidden in Zaza's shadow.
Lucien will lie low, staying hidden, and watch the warehouse for a few hours, noting the number and description of anyone coming from or going to the building.
Zaza is able to deduce, from the cut of the woman's dress, that she has a prominent position in the local government. Probably something to do with trade tariffs.
Lucien and the Living Sand stay hidden behind some barrels, keeping a close eye on the warehouse. After a few hours, another big man comes out of the warehouse and replaces the fellow on watch. Lucien can tell that both men have armor and at least one fairly large weapon hidden under their robes. The new guard takes a glance around as he takes his post.
He leans against the wall, keeping a casual eye on the street around him.
The sand creature waits for Lucien to move, then quickly takes a couple of leaps north, then stops and looks back.
It obviously wants to head north, towards the hilly region north of the warehouse.
Lucien frowns, unsure of the creature's intent, but follows.
Lucien and the Living Sand wander north out of town into the uninhabited hills around Lopul.
The hills are pretty empty and barren.
After a while, the creature emits an angry hiss and its mouth snap open and shut repeatedly.
Then it starts to dig around random places as if searching something underground.
But of course, such random searching has only so much of an chance to succeed and after a hour of senseless watching (and occasional digging), the thing plumbs to the ground and looks at Lucien from all its eyes. It is like it wants to say: What now?
As the evening winds down, most of the patrons of the tavern leave. The woman leaves before the merchant, who leaves a few minutes after her. The human and the halfling leave a while later. When it looks like they will part, Simon bows to Zaza. Thank you. You remind me the heart of my people. With a far-off look in his eye, he does not ask Zaza to spend the night with him but leaves the tavern himself.
It is very late and you grow weary. A yellow glow starts creeping above the horizon.
Not sure the creature will understand him, Lucien nods toward the tavern. "I don't know if you sleep, but I need some rest. Let's head back." He then heads for the tavern, hoping the creature follows.
It will.
Until Lucien reaches the tavern, then it simply dissolves and the sand it seems to be made of swirls away with the desert wind...