In the morning, Lubella consulted with her companions, "The equipment in that room is too complicated for me to figure out. I think we might be able to access it from the hallway on the other side: the one that leads to those shell constructs: I'm hoping we could get in there without alerting them. Alternately, Reduce Person could shrink you down to my size, so you could swim up the narrow tubes.
"If none of us can understand how it works, I can play Lorelu's game and try to get the information from her."
Sidius says, "I can take a look, could even try casting an identify to help figure it out -- though that won't work if it's an artefact."
As the teams return from their weeks assignments, one of them, Forvian Crow
recognizes the ring from the submerged tunnels.
I heard of those once before, long ago from my grand dad. The old Guild Master of Grey Spiders was pokin' around asking for some magic contraption he was building. He was looking for people with the ability to craft magic items and all. Willing to pay good money. Some said too good.
He whistles.
But none would take him up on it. I heard he even approached Hetamon Haace...but that tailor wouldn't hear nothing of it. He keeps his ears to the streets if you get my meaning. And working with the Spiders was bad for business. Anyhow, seems they met their end just as he foretold.
Lubella thanked Forvian for the information, "Thanks! Maybe Hetamon would have some idea of how it's supposed to work."
She told her team-mates, "Let's try talking to Hetamon tomorrow, and see what he remembers about this device. That might help us figure it how to operate it."
Sidius nods, "The more we know, the greater our chance of success -- so taking a few minutes to talk with him before heading in makes sense to me."
"If that doesn't help, perhaps I can do some research in the public libraries... and perhaps the not so public ones, if needed. Perhaps someone else was working on a similar device." Talvek adds, fidgeting with the various papers and scrolls recovered from the Grey Spiders hideout. "I usually make it my business to know things about... well, everything, but in this topic I'm out of my depth. Sorry."
In the morning, Lubella proposed to her friends, "Let's visit Hetamon at the Devil's Threads, and see what he can tell us about the magical machinery."
The next day you trek to the Red Roof district to the tailor shop,
Making eye contact with Hetamon he nods and ushers out his few customers
”Ah yes, excellent choice. Let me take down your name and my assistant will let you know when it is ready. Now thank you for dropping by.“
Once the gabby aristocrat departs the tiefling wipes his brow after locking the front door.
He steps closer and speaks in a serious tone.
”Welcome. How may I help Kintargo’s citizens most this day? “
"Hello Hetamon," Lubella greeted the tailor. "We heard that the Grey Spiders had asked you to work on some magical gear that they were trying to construct. We've been exploring the basement of the Lucky Bones, and have run into some flooded passages. We found a room full of complicated magical equipment, and wonder if it might be something similar. I certainly couldn't figure it out."
The expression of surprise on Hetamons face tells he was not expecting such a question.
”Well, there is a memory I have not considered in many years. I was just getting started back then. A much much younger man if you will. “
He puts hand to chin in thought.
”The Guildmasters asked about helping them craft a set of large pumps and magical tubes to keep river water out of sections of the sewer. This would allow them to operate underground….literally. The project was very expensive. Parts running from hundred to thousands of gold coin. But they did not seem to care. The profit achieved would payback in less than a years time. “
”That many years ago I had only minor skill in craft of magical items. Despite the large sun of cash offered, I did not take their job. I am glad for it as they were vile organization dealing in torture, drugs and trafficking of all sorts of goods and people. “
”I assume you are here for more than a history lesson from an old tailor?
“
Lubella replied, explaining the situation in more detail, "We have discovered some flooded caverns in the basement of the Lucky Bones, and have been exploring them over the past few days. Yesterday we found a cavern with one foot diameter tubes leading into it. I managed to swim and crawl up one of the tubes, into a room filled with magical machinery: pipes, pumps, gears and bellows. I examined it, but I couldn't figure out how it works. It looked to be in fairly good shape, considering that it's been submerged for a good length of time.
"If it is indeed a pumping system, we'd like to use it to drain the water from some of the passages. The caverns are being used as a base of operations of some hostile fishlike humanoids. So any advice that you can give on how to get the apparatus working would be greatly appreciated.
We've also met the ghost of Guildmaster Lorelu. We could possible learn some information from her, if we play the dice game Odds and Evens with her. Although I'm not exactly sure what that might cost us."
While Lubella speaks to Hetamon, Talvek browses the ready-made clothes and the bolts of fabric in the tiefling's shop - partly to maintain the ruse that they were there as customers, but mostly because he's genuinely interested. It's been a while since he's bought anything nice for himself.
He turns towards a mirror, holding up a piece of brocade and trying to figure out if the colour would look good on him. "We found a cache of documents as well, but there were no plans or schematics for the pump system. Whoever worked on it, they must have had a design, right?"
”That sounds much like the project they proposed. It seems they had success…until their demise. From your description you would need to make an assessment on repairs. Undoubtedly seals and gaskets will need replacement. I must advise you…If you intend to go forward with this plan, it will not be without costs. From your description, it could be hundreds or thousands of gold in parts. Please bring me any broken parts and I will repair what I can and tell you how to replace them and any missing rings and then restart it. This could take a few days…if you are willing to hunt down parts. I will not have them in my shop but they hopefully can be found In the city. I cannot guarantee it will work. Having the extra documentation helps. If you can leave them with me for a day or two. “
Tuck, the halfling leader of the Sneaks, pulls Lubella aside after the week 11 report.
We accomplished our mission, and gathered some additional recruits and gold. But that is not really why I am here. We have noticed that Zenger the Quick, on the Peddler's team was seen talking to an informant for the Dottari. Our concern is he was going to lead the guards to this base before we are ready. I just thought you should know.
Talvek's tiefling cousins in the Nursery said their support has leveled off and they have recruited about as many as possible since the early successful missions there.
A few of the supporters had left as the missions underwater have led to disillusionment and they are wanting more visible Silver Raven interactions in the city streets where they can be seen and deeds of the Champions of Kintargo will garner fame.
Generally speaking there were more supporters joining the movement and a good 20+gp were added to the coffers by donations and fund raisers.
Sidius nods, "I was thinking that Finch could use magic to repair some of the broken parts, if that helps."
Lubella thanked Tuck for his report, and arranged for him to meet with Talvek, the Silver Ravens Spymaster. After getting Tuck to repeat the information she said, "We'll need to keep an eye on Zenger. Jackdaw, this is your area of expertise, so I'll let you decide the details on how to handle this."
Tuck nods and shuffles away.
Lubella shares the news of the potential informant in the teams with Talvek.
Make Whole could repair some of the mundane parts, shaving a day off finding replacements.
Talvek frowns at the news brought by Lubella. "This is a very serious matter. I will deal with it myself."
The tiefling spends the next few days shadowing Zenger and reaching out to his own informants about the activities of the dottari and Zenger the Quick. Why was he called "the Quick", anyway?
Lubella consulted with her comrades, "We should examine what we assume to be the magical pump machinery. I'd like all of you to have a chance to examine it, and hear your evaluations. I propose that we make a dive in the morning.
"We should make a detailed sketch to show to Hetamon, so he has a better idea of what it looks like. so we should bring a waterproof bag and some drawing supplies."
You are able to follow Zenger as he makes his rounds with the team, drumming up support from the locals on the Bleakbridge.
When he breaks away from the others and circles back around to meet with a dottari.
Zenger ”you waste your time with these peasants. You should be after true enemies of Kintargo “
Guard ”What do you know about anything. You are small time pickpocket in a big pond.“
Zenger ”I know some big fish. But too big for you. I need to talk to someone higher up…to make it worth my while. “
Guard ”Bah! You don’t know nothing. I should just arrest you now and have them in the citidel get the info you know. But it would look bad on me when they find your empty skull had nothing in it. “
Zenger ”You’d be surprised what I know.“
Then Zenger returns to the team.
Lubella is able to get her writing supplies for the morning dive.
You all return for the evening.
Talvek gathers the others, away from the teams, a troubled expression on the tiefling's face. "Well. Either Zenger is a masterful mastermind attempting to infiltrate the dottari for our benefit... or he's preparing to sell us out. I overheard him talking to one of them, hinting that he had information about the 'true enemies of Kintargo', but wanted someone who could make it worth his while." He sighs heavily. "We should give him one chance to explain himself, but if we are not satisfied there is only one way this can end."
Sidius suggests, "Might be useful if Finch could use magic to compel the truth. If he's been hiding his intent so far, then he's probably a skilled liar."
Lubella gave her opinion, "I agree that we should ask him for his side of the story, before passing judgement; there could be some facts that we aren't aware of. Maybe it's time to confront Mr Zenger? It sounds like doing nothing could end badly."
Sidius nods, "Indeed. Even if he's just trying to lie to extort coin from the dottari, he knows enough to be dangerous if he's really put to the question."
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The next morning arrives after the group discussion on plans for the dive and dealing with a certain someone.
There are no obstructions for the dive, by following the instructions provided.
Lubella Creifed everyone about what she saw while she was in the magical equipment room, "I saw a door, which I'm hoping connects to the hallway that we went up before we encountered the constructs. Hopefully we can get into the equipment room without them being aware of us."
The party makes the dive, finds the other secret door with the help of Lubella telling them where to look and is able to enter the pump room, extract the broken pieces and return to the surface before running out of air.
Hetamon is interested in the parts and makes repairs based upon the spares found in the city by the team and party after the dive.
You are able to devise a reason to have Zenger meet with you outside the complex and away from the other teams.
He seems eager to hear about the special project
”I am so glad you invited me. A true chance to display my skills and experience to help the cause. What do you need me to do? “
”I am capable of doing much more. Really. “ he continues in the pause.
Before the meeting, Lubella cast a spell to heighten her senses for the questioning.
Lubella's addressed Zenger with a serious expression, "We've heard some concerning reports of your conversations with a certain member of the Dottari."
She glanced over at Talvek, waiting for him to lead the questioning.
What? A dottari, me? Never! Wait? Who told you about this? Was someone following me? I was trying to gather information about the dottari. You know, their schedules and stuff.
Not quite as convincing and certainly not suspected the question
Hey does this have anything to do with the special mission? A test or something?
"That is a commendable initiative, Zenger. What have you found out?" replies Talvek calmly.
”Wait…what are you doing to me? “
His comments appear to be true but sense motive shows he is hiding something he is not revealing.
Sidius says, "It's a spell to ensure that we can all speak plainly, just something we're using to protect the movement."
He nods to Sidius then pauses to respond to Talveks questions ”Why um, I guess I have not found out much yet. But I was just getting started. “
"And what have you told the dottari? You must have told them something to gain their trust."
Talvek keeps his gaze fixed on Zenger, which he knows can be unnerving for some people.
”I haven’t told them anything about the Ravens or anything about operations if that’s what you mean. I just was trying to get closer to the top brass and all. So is there a special mission? This is a lot of questions. “
Lubella responded pointedly, "You mean that you haven't told the dottari anything yet.
"I need to be worried about anything that may put other Silver Ravens members at risk. I'd like to hear more about where you're intending to go with this. Jackdaw is our officer in charge of intelligence, so you should be working closely with him, and getting his approval for what information you are offering up."
She really hoped that the man had a good explanation for his actions. His evasiveness was concerning.
"Indeed, we could be planting false information to mislead them. I am curious though, what gave you the idea to do such a thing? Why reach out to the dottari? Are you not happy with your assignments? Are you looking to do more?"
Like Lubella, Talvek hopes there is a way to turn this around, but in the end, the safety of the entire organization must prevail over the needs, or even life, of one person.
I did not sign up with you guys to be a salesperson or begger. I want to make a difference. Make a name for myself. I...I mean we should be taking it to the man! kicking the Thrunes where it counts.
Zenger nods to you both, obviously expecting a positive response to his enthusiasm.
Sidius sighs, and says quietly , "তিনি আন্দোলনের চেয়ে নিজের খ্যাতি এবং ক্ষমতা নিয়ে বেশি চিন্তিত -- যা তাকে আমাদের সকলের জন্য বিপজ্জনক করে তোলে... এবং যদি তাকে বন্দী করা হয় তবে তিনি তামা চালু করবেন, তাই আমরা তাকে 'গৌরবময়'-এ পাঠাতেও পারি না 'আত্মঘাতী মিশন। ".
He then rubs his hand over his face, shaking his head, "এটির একমাত্র উপায় হল যে আমরা সে সম্পর্কে যা কিছু জানে তার সবকিছু পরিবর্তন করি এবং তারপর দোতারি দেওয়ার জন্য তাকে মিথ্যা তথ্য প্রদান করি... তবে এটি সামান্য পুরস্কারের জন্য অনেক ঝুঁকির মতো মনে হয়। "
He stops and blinks, then whispers, "--unless---"
He turns back to Zenger, "...and do you have ideas how we could do that? A target that would be worth striking, quick and fast, with a small team, to hurt them and boost the Ravens' reputation?"
"He's more concerned about his own fame and power than the movement -- which makes him dangerous to all of us... and he'd turn on a copper if he was captured, so we can't even send him on a 'glorious' suicide mission."
"The only way this is at all useful is if we change everything he knows about and then feed him false information to give the dottari... but that seems like a lot of risk for little reward."
Lubella said to Zenger, "We need to be working together as a team. I understand our eagerness, but we need to be careful to avoid unnecessary risks. There's going to be plenty of danger to go around. Don't go looking for trouble if you can help it."
I...yes...well, I know. I just want to do something more to help. he blathers, knowing he should have asked permission.
Hetamon Haace finishes his final round of repairs and is ready to instruct you on the reassembly of the pump apparatus.