Lubella and Aldren discuss the administrivia of operating the rebellion while Talvek examines the figurines.
With careful study, and some strange fortune, he recalls these types of figurines were used in the past within the city to pass messages.
Looking at the first one, he determines the command word is "re". At which point, the silver bird figure animates, its eyes open as it hops up on the table and a small rolled parchment is upon it's talon.
***
After awhile, team-A members assemble to ask for guidance on their various efforts and are interested in sharing status.
Flaetcher, the half elf speaks up to Aldren first.
Good morning, sir. We have a couple questions if you can spare the time. As you know, our treasury is a bit low for some of the activities we want to accomplish. We are trying to raise funds and hope to collect a bit from our sponsors tomorrow or the next day.
A couple of the others nod in agreement.
Flaetcher Kaneson (male half elf)
Morgar Manthai (male human)
Zenger the Quick (male human)
Bolidino (male human)
Umma LeGuin (female half elf)
Lankora Idall (female gnome)
Also, you hear a cry from Rexus upstairs.
I have done it! I broke the first part of the code!
He comes down with scribbled notes in hand as if it was made of gold.
The first pages I decoded say "The Silver Ravens were established in 4606AR in the wake of the chaos that swept over Cheliax after Aroden’s death to help protect the city of Kintargo from oppression." he smiles as if he expects everyone to cheer this small bit of information which took him a week to decipher.
Lubella attended the meeting with the peddlers team. She made some small talk with each one, asking them about their families and chatting about the weather briefly. She listed to the report of their activities.
When Rexus came downstairs to announce his progress, she congratulated him, "Well done. Rexus! Now that you've got the first bit, the rest should go faster." It made sense to her that the getting the first few sentences would be the most difficult.
Seeing Talvek try to identify the item, Arcos tries to after him.
Screwing on a smile and a cheery affect, Aldren resigns himself to a few moments of tedium and meets with the team. "Of course, Flaetcher. We can certainly see to stocking the treasury. How much do you need? And you said you had several questions. What else is there I can help with?"
while Takvek is examining the figurines, The half elf gets closer to Aldren and speaks quietly. Well, sir. There have been several people who showed up and said they were interested in joining. But, well they were all from the Nursery. I know Talvek is from there and well...but how do we know we can trust them? I mean. My father was killed by one of them tieflings. he is definitely uncomfortable with the subject.
Bolidino approaches Lubella with a different question.
There have been reports of prisoners being held by Thrune forces for minor infractions of th odd stupid proclamations. Anyway, they are being poorly treated and I thought maybe we should do something. I bet they would join our cause.
Morgar reports on the treasury.
We have not really gained much but the donations should come in tomorrow, if any. With more funds, we can expand our recruitment efforts.
Talvek determines the second figure has a command word of "mi". It seems to activate similar to the first one.
Lubella replied to Bolidino, "Do you have details on where they're being held? We could potentially mount a rescue mission."
Before Bolidino can respond, Laria steps up at Lubella's question.
I am sorry to interrupt, but if I may make a suggestion. The rescue of a particular group of mercenaries held in Sallix Salt Works in Old Kintargo is what you probably are thinking.
She pauses to let others gather.
Those detained mercenaries are led by a man named Forvian Crowe—a rogue I've worked with before who I believe would be a valuable addition to the Silver Ravens.
She continues in a more hushed voice.
Perhaps more importantly, the guards stationed at Sallix Salt Works are not official members of the Church of Asmodeus or the government; they are contracted mercenaries, and as such, their deaths wouldn’t draw the degree of retribution that similar acts against government officials would.
Rexus, coming down from his studies, nods in agreement.
This may be the perfect opening gambit for the Silver Ravens to begin building their reputation in Kintargo as defenders of the people without incurring the full wrath of House Thrune.
Lubella listened to Laria's clarification about the prisoners. Freeing them certainly seemed like a very good idea. She asked the other halfling, "Laria, how much do you know about those guarding them? I'm particularly interested in how well they see in the dark; if they're mostly humans, a night operation would be a good idea."
She added, "They may not be government personnel, but I still want to limit the body count. Some of them may even be open to making a change in the direction of their lives, turning away from the path of darkness and towards the light".
When Flaetcher asks the question of tieflings, Aldren can't quite help the flash of annoyance that crosses his features . Still, he takes a moment to consider the question, then replies a bit sternly, "My father beat me within an inch of my life on numerous occasions when I was young. His wife, my step-mother, did nothing. Yet I do not judge all humans for their actions." Well, that's not entirely true. I have promised to kill the entire family, haven't I? And the Thrunes. And the Abadarans. And...
His tone then softens as he silently considers his own hypocrisy on the topic. "But I understand why you are cautious, and I'm sorry you lost your dad in such a horrible way. The truth is, while we must be careful of infiltrators and people's motives for joining us, we will not turn away anyone simply due to the accident of their birth, including the tieflings. The Lady in the Room welcomes all who seek revenge for wrongs that have been visited upon them, and so we will welcome all Kintargans who seek to remove the iron boot the Thrunes have put to our necks. Do you understand?"
Flaetcher Nods to Aldrens response, feeling embarrassed at expressing doubts.
Laria smiles back at Lubella
"I have a bit more info but it will need to be later. After diner most likely. I dare not say more here. And today unusually bustling."
Playing with the other figurines, Lubella is able to make out two more commands. With Aldren's insight they discern the remaining commands...or notes. All but the first "do" are uncovered with the 6 figures.
Lubella nodded to Laria. "Got it." It was best to be careful about speaking too freely, when there were so many ears around.
She told the others, "I've got a bit of shopping to do." She added in a low voice, "Prepare yourself for some 'exercise' later in the day."
Once the meeting wrapped up, she headed down to the docks to visit the War Cage, a well known weapons shop; she now had enough money to replace her sling with a crossbow. She took one of the magic raven figurines with her, in case she needed to send a message to Laria.
Aldren shifts to a platonic form of his "temple demeanor", putting a hand on the other half-elf's shoulder and flashing a smile that tended to make recipients feel like the only person in the world that mattered to the Calistrian. "Hey, I'm glad you asked. It means you're worried about the safety of our work and of one another." Speak ill of Talvek's kin again and I'll drown you in the waters of Her shrine. "Okay? Now, any other questions? And how much funding do you need?"
Talvek takes one of the silver figurines, fascinated with its symbolism. He had often wondered what was behind the name of the Silver Ravens and what it signified. Did it have a deeper meaning or was it something that those first revolutionaries had come up with on the spot and it had stuck? Was it a reference to some tidbit of history or personal importance forever lost to time?
Laria and Rexus gladly accept a figurine if the party offers.
"These will help us keep track of you trouble seekers. ." Laria jokes.
Shopping for mundane or common items or weapons, can easily be found in shops near Longroads. Special items like mithril or magic weapons can only be found in a few select shops. Laria or Rexus are happy to provide their recommendations. All can be found at normal list prices.
Vendalfek squeeks out in glee.
Yolubilis Harbor is where the teamsters always said had the best shops. They said the 'The War Cage' was Kintargo’s largest weapons shop. Some even said it boasted some magic weapons for sale....which none of them could affort. Not far from Clenchjaws or the burned Badger.
Talvek is able to confirm the same with his figurine as Aldren and Lubella stated. Each of the party and the two sponsors now have a Silver Raven at their beck and call.
Aldren suffers through a handful of dull administrative questions from the six members of the peddler's team. Far from his Calistrian calling in life...more the task of one of those despised Abadarian bankers!
Lubella replied to the faerie dragon, "I think I'm going to check out the War Cage myself, Vendalfek. A regular crossbow is all I can afford now, but I can dream!"
She made sure Laria and Rexus each had a raven figurine, saying, "Just in case."
While she was out, Lubella spent some extra time browsing the shops, chatting with the owners and listening for rumors.
When she got to the War Cage, she bought a halfling-sized crossbow and 10 cold iron bolts. As she was paying, she asked the owner, "My mistress says there's a special sort of silver; is it true that there's a type that's as hard as steel, but really light?" She tried to give the impression of not being that knowledgeable, and tried to mask her true level of interest.
...more the task of one of those despised Abadarian bankers!
Aldren finishes up with the administrative tasks then, after adorning his armor and other "adventuring" gear, joins Lubella and the others, grinning at the faerie dragon's enthusiasm. He purchases a cold iron morningstar and a set of cold iron-tipped bolts for his crossbow. Seemingly on a whim, he also buys a black leather whip.
Selling morningstar at half price (+4 gp)
Buy cold iron morningstar at price + 50% (-12 gp)
Buy 10 cold iron bolts at price + 50% (-1 gp 5sp)
Buy standard whip (-1 gp)
Total: Spending 10 gp and 5 sp
Assuming the most of the party joins Lubella to the hardware store for purchases, you are able to traverse the city to the area described by the dragonnette. He decided not to accompany you due to the chance some of the patrons of Clenchjaws spot him and hold a grudge.
Numerous shops can be found in this
district, but the War Cage is easy to find with a flag waving their bold motto “Haunted by Quality,”
To War Cage welcome you are. Chuko at your service am I.
States a keen minded Tengu behind the counter. Another human male stands near the door with arms crossed and hooked blades on his belt.
The War Cage, apparently named for its almost arena-like structure
(including a central courtyard where customers can spar
with weapons)
To Adventurers and explorers, I
Chuko offer a 5% discount
on all purchases.
It is hard to read the expression on his bird-like face.
Bu no patience for thieves have I...nor does Hooks as he motions to the man by the door.[/b]
At Lubella he speaks
The small size weapons we have. But fewer in quantity due to rarer of customers. But I will see what I have which interests you lady
There is a box full of arrows and bolts of mainly steel but some cold iron and a few silver tips are available as well.
Other weapons can be bought off the rack.
Let me know if you are looking for custom-made items or those with extraordinary powers. However, those may be beyond your price range, unless mistaken I am.
Lubella replied to the Tengu, "Thank you, Choko. I'm looking for a light crossbow, and ten cold iron bolts to go with it. I've heard tell of troublesome fey in the city lately."
After finding what she was looking for, she asked the proprietor, "And how do you determine if someone is an adventurer or explorer?"
"Can you arrange for blades to be made from mithril? I've heard it's supposed to be really light: that would be perfect for me! How long does that take?", she asked, trying to make it sound she was just wondering, and not actively planning a purchase.
Talvek strolls around the shop, admiring the weapons. His own rapier is well-crafted enough that he doesn't feel the need for a replacement just yet. Running his fingers through the bundles of arrows and bolts, he asks casually.
"How much for some silver-tipped arrows, good Choko?"
Accommodate your request for special blade, I can . A day to make the arrangements I will need. Tomorrow return.
The tengu nods and waves his hands as if no problem for him.
As far as knowing the difference between adventurers and thieves, often simply go with my gut I do. Asking for special materials is usually only something adventurers request. My friend Shensen would say 'thieves only seek the high price magical items. Adventurers look for tools to be successful'. She would protect my shop from those who had intended to target robbing my shop.
His tone grows somber as he looks out the window.
But recent events have taken even those friends away Chuko once counted upon.
He faces back to Lubella and Talvek
You both seem like you have other motives. If you are not adventurers, you seem to be on the path.
I will offer you an extra bolt or arrow with every 20 purchased.
Lubella replied to Choko, "I'm afraid I don't have enough gold now, but I'm saving up!"
When the tengu mentioned Shensen, she had to fight to keep her face from betraying her excitement. She said in a low voice, "Do you know what happened to Shensen? I'm looking for her."
When Choko lamented his friends being taken away, Lubella decided to take a chance, and replied, "The dawn brings new light." This was a well known saying among the faithful of Sarenrae, and was sometimes used as a litany against despair. If Choko was among those who had gathered in the shrine under the Silver Star, he would presumably recognize it.
Very well, the order I will keep on layaway. I suspect savings you will soon amass.
He finishes marking in a book.
Shensen a close friend was. Seen her lately I have not.
Shaking his bird-like head with a soft caw, as if recalling anguish.
“Not since Thrune closed down the opera house...and her music shop, the "Silver Star"...burned down on the Night of Ashes.
They say she’s gone missing too—it wouldn’t surprise me if she being detained in some Thrune oubliette. They did not like the way she spoke up about their new form of government.”
Upon Choko's mention of amassing savings soon, Lubella replied, "Ah, if only it were so easy! Well, I hope you're right."
She listened as the tengu spoke of Shensen's disappearance. "Yes, I had a peek at the Silver Star a couple of days ago; it's a hole in the ground now, I'm afraid. Nevertheless, I will find her, sooner or later."
After the others had completed their business at the War Cage, Lubella browsed some other nearby shops, chatting with people and listening for rumors.
A shame it is. Her shop I mean. Find her I hope you will.
Choko shows off a few of his finer weapons if asked. Most have simple enchantments. He has a Lucern hammer with a coating of frost which he states is out of most resident's price range.
Once you have made your respective purchases or placed orders, he wishes you well.
A shame it is. Her shop I mean. Find her I hope you will. None are like her and she is what this city needs right now.
"I will; good day, Choko!", Lubella replied. She made her way back to the Long Roads Coffee house for something to eat. It was never far from mealtime; halflings traditionally ate seven daily meals: breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper (mind you, some of these were really more like snacks than substantial meals, and real life seldom lived up to the ideal).
Aldren chuckles, a mix of genuine mirth and dark humor. "T'is the way with adventurers, yes? Either amassing great wealth quickly, or finding their way to a grave with equal alacrity. Let's pray for the former, shall we? I'd love to spend some platinum here in the future."
After making his purchases, he bids the tengu a farewell and follows Lubella and the others back into the city. "So, did you want to try exploring the ruins of the place, or something else?"
Lubella replied to Aldren, "As much as I'm eager to explore the ruins of the Silver Star, I think we should free the prisoners from the salt works tonight. I'd prefer to do that with a full set of spells, so I suggest we leave the Silver Star for another day." She hated to let another day go by without searching for Shensen, but they had been presented with an opportunity to gather new recruits for the Silver Ravens, which were going to be needed.
Laria sets her usual delicious meal for the four of you and Rexus, directing you into a private room upstairs.
I have a bit of conversation which will be better suited upstairs.
Once the door is shut, and locked, she addresses you somberly.
If the Salt Works is your intent, this is about to ratchet up the Silver Ravens to the next level, so consider carefully what you do and say after this.
She pauses for effect.
Sallix Salt Works is located just outside Salt Gate in Old Kintargo. Here, heavy loads of wet salt from the brine springs to the south are delivered daily. These loads are dumped into the Salt Works’ wide, clay-lined pit, where furnaces burn night and day to dry the salt. Thrune agents appropriated the Salt Works the day after the Night of Ashes, arresting its previous owner under charges of unpaid back taxes—the man resisted arrest and was killed in the resulting fight.
She looks to each of you.
While these are not direct troops of Thrune, they are mercenaries on his payroll. Things could get out of hand. You need to keep it quiet. Find Forvian Crowe and see if you can get him and his men back here quickly and without a fuss. We don't want Dottari following.
Lubella enjoyed the lunch that Laria served, which was up to her usual high standards. After the usual pleasantries, she listened to Laria's words about the Salt Works, and the mission ahead. She gathered her thoughts for a moment, and then spoke.
"I think that it is indeed time to step things up. My vote is to rescue Forvian Crowe and his comrades!"
She waited to see that everyone agreed, then continued, "OK, let's discuss how we want to go about this. Here are my thoughts; let me know if I'm overlooking something, or am misinformed.
"My assumption is that most of the guards won't be able to see well in the dark, and that the majority of them will be asleep in the early hours of the morning. We want to take them by surprise, overwhelming them one at a time, before they have a chance to get organized.
"After we've neutralized the guards, we need to get them out of Old Kintargo and bring them here, without being followed. I'm thinking that if we attack at 3 or 4 in the morning, we should have the prisoners ready to leave by the time the curfew is lifted at 6. We could contract Captain Dog Leg McGee to transport us to the new harbor, avoiding the Bleakbridge.
"I think we should try to avoid killing the mercenaries as much as we can; these aren't die-hard Thrune loyalists. Deaths tend to harden attitudes, and motivate friends and relatives to seek revenge.
"We should all follow Arcos' lead, and conceal our identities during the operation. Bandanas should do the trick."
After she finished, Lubella listened to hear what the others had to say.
Talvek takes a thoughtful sip of his drink, inspecting the depths of his cup with great interest.
"We could try to get the guards even more asleep than usual, even those on duty at that time. I don't know of any guard to refuse a free drink, so if we make it seem as if their employer is sending them a round of drinks for some occasion or other, then doctoring said drinks with a powerful soporific - this should make our job much easier."
Aldren sighs slightly and grumbles, "Another nighttime operation? I was hoping..." His voice trails off as his hopes for a soft bed in a cathouse fade once more. "Alright. But let me be clear... if the guards are mercenaries, they're in it for the money and right now that money is tainted with the blood of Kintargo and Gods only know what else. Spare them if you like; I've no such compulsion."
He nods to Talvek's suggestion, a grin on his face. "Oh, indeed, there are some fantastic concoctions with sedative effects. We didn't use them too often at the temple, but we used them for... other things. Sadly, I don't know how to make them. Maybe we could buy some at a shop?"
On the topic of scouting, he decides it's time to reveal another of his abilities -- and better now than in the thick of things. "As it happens, for a brief period of time, I can appear as another. A little trick of magic I seem to have inherited. Won't be useful for any prolonged infiltration, but might help in a pinch."
"One other thing," he adds, "if we're entertaining notions of leaving potential witnesses alive, then we should take measures to conceal our identities. I don't suppose we've any masks lying around?"
You are able to spend time in the upper room after lunch to plan your mission to the Sallix Salt Works.
Laria leaves you alone for the most part. The Salt Works is a long jaunt from here, so make sure you leave time to get back as the path to Old Kintargo crosses through the heart of the city and dottari patrols as well as Hellknights of the Rack in the nearby Castle.
Rexus is too absorbed in his research to pay much attention other than to add I wish I could tear myself away to join you, but these books are too fascinating of a challenge to leave. Do be careful. Remember your Silver Ravens if you need to contact us if anything should turn sideways.
Lubella addressed the other's suggestions and concerns in turn.
She asked Talvek, "That's an interesting idea. Do you have a suggestion on how could we make it seem like the drinks come from their employer? It needs to be believable, so we don't raise their suspicions."
She took out a bandana, tying it around her neck and pulling it up over her nose and mouth, and then pulled her hood over her head, so that only her eyes her showing. She replied to Aldren, "I was thinking of something like this; a scarf over your face would also work."
She asked Laria, "Do you know how much the harbor is patrolled? Do you think moving the freed prisoners by boat is a viable plan?"
Laria thinks for a moment.
The harbor is patrolled. But mainly they are checking for Ship Captains attempting to bend the Proclamation 8th.
She turns a wry grin as she continues.
But smaller vessels are left unchecked as there are many of them. As long as they are not going to or from a larger ship, they probably will not earn much attention.
Rexus's breaks his attention to his studies at the mention of concoctions.
Well, they say 'the Newt' in Villegre’s market a few blocks from here retains alchemical and even a few magical concoctions for sale.
They can be expensive, and I don't like his demeanor, but he is mostly honest.
Talvek tries to peek at Rexus's research over the man's shoulder. Perhaps after this mission he will have some time to sit down and help with the books and papers, any scrap of information they can uncover about the original Silver Ravens would be fantastic.
"Hmm." he responds, slightly distracted. "We can try to gather some information about their routine and who is their Thrune contact. Regardless of the outcome of this trick, the information would come in handy. Then, Aldren could disguise himself as the contact and offer them a round of drinks, supposedly from the nearby tavern, as thanks for their services or whatnot. People like to feel important, they won't question it much."
At the thought of getting the guards to fall asleep, Lubella remembered the sleeping Clenchjaw the previous day. She asked the faerie dragon, "Vendalfek, how would you like to play some tricks? You could put a guard at the Salt Works to sleep!"
She said to the others, "If we run into complications with the dottari, Vendalfek could distract them while we avoid them."
Oh yes, I excel at causing distractions. I may go as far as to say I am a master at it. the dragonette beams with pride.
"If we need disguises I have mine covered. I can help others if they need them as well, though I can't promise that they'll be as good as mine is."
"Hmm. Too bad I'm not of the fairer sex. Assuming the mercenaries are predominantly men, I could have created quite a distraction and had some fun, too." He sighs. "But, poisoning, alcohol, subterfuge and disguise, what-have-you. If we can catch one alone, I can also charm someone." Or command one to kill another, but we shan't tell Lubella so. He smiles benignly.
"It's going to be good to have you along on this mission, Vendalfek. I'm sure you'll be a valuable team member!", Lubella told him.
There is no problem navigating to the Newt Market after lunch.
Vendalfek stays clear, as he seems to have heard of the Newt before.
It is best I keep back to avoid trouble. I will plan out some of my tricks for the mission.
***
The New Market is stocked with all the purchasing needs the adventuring sort could use.
After awhile, you meet up with the gnome marketeer. The gnome is just as you remember from a week or so, with the same amber eyes dark purple hair.
"Yes...yes. You adventurers are making a bit of a stir in town. Don't look shocked, your secret is safe with me! You'd be surprised at what the Newt knows. How can Newt help you this time?" he says with a wink.
You can clearly see he has the disguise kits and other lesser magical and alchemical items on display behind him.
Lubella wondered what the true cost of dealing with the Newt was.
"I'm looking for a theatrical makeup kit; can I have a look at that one?" she asked, indicating one of the disguise kits. She decided that it would be best to avoid engaging the Newt in banter.
Trusting the others to handle the disguises and any other supplies they might need, Talvek takes a stroll in the area where the salt works are, purportedly inquiring about work to be had, but in reality attempting to gather as much information as he can about the operation - shift schedules, regular visitors, the number and habits of the guards and so on.
He feels daring and confident with their plan, envisioning himself as the dashing hero rescuing the captive workers, while the bumbling guards lie in a stupor. He chuckles to himself as he imagines their consternation when they wake up and find themselves utterly foiled.
The Newt provides any requested disguise kits or other non-magical or alchemical items at their usual prices.
Those who need disguises know why they need disguises. Just make sure any activities with the disguises do not lead back here.
And with your purchases in hand, the Newt has you ushered back out of the market.
It is late afternoon when you depart, and Vendalfek comes flittering overhead when you appear.
So did you find what you needed? Are we heading to the Salt Works now? I am so ready, I can hardly wait to try a few things. They will not know what hit them. It will be grand! the little dragon practically giggles with excitement.
Sallix Salt Works has recently been commandeered by the government as a place for minor criminals to serve short but grueling sentences as laborers. All proceeds from Sallix now go directly to the Chelish government. Its previous owner having vanished under mysterious circumstances not long after Lord-Mayor Thrune issued martial law.
Lubella felt that she was attracting altogether too much attention to herself. "It's for my act; one day I'll be famous — you'll see. You're missing out on a chance for good publicity!", she replied.
She made her way back to the Long Roads Coffeehouse and met up with the others. After eating dinner, she disguised herself as a male halfling labourer, and then helped anyone else who wanted a disguise.
She also pre-cut some lengths of rope for later use in tying up the guards at the Salt Works.
"Alright, everyone ready? Everyone's got whatever light source they need? Let's move!"
She took the usual precautions at the Bleakbridge, watching for an inspection, and then proceeding across. Walking towards Old Kintargo, she felt a mixture of apprehension and excitement. This was the Silver Ravens first real planned operation.
Talvek is waiting at the pre-arranged spot. No problems were encountered crossing the Bleakbridge almost an hour ago. It is now 7pm and the four of you and Vendalfek approach the Salt Gate in the main western wall. The Sallix Salt Works lies just to the west of the wall about 40 yards or so away.
You make the rendezvous two hours before curfew, and still benefit from the last bit of sunlight from the sunset dusk sky.
No guards can be seen at the Salt Gate or in the distance outside the Salt Works. Any workers in this quarter have since found their way home or located a bar to drown their sorrows of the day.
Vendalfek asks So, what are you needing me to do?
Lubella greeted Talvek with a nod. She had previously informed him of her intended disguise, so she hoped he wouldn't be too startled. She asked him in a low voice, "What did you find out?" She listened to his report and then spoke to Vendalvek.
"We need to understand where the guards are stationed. Would you be able to fly around and have a look, without being seen? It's very important not to tip them off ahead of time. No tricks yet, just observe and report back. Also, be on the lookout for nearby hiding spots where we could wait for a few hours. We'll be just outside the Salt Gate."
She looked around to see who might be able to observe their present location.
She directed the others to an inconspicuous spot, and waited for the little dragon's return.
Talvek has uncovered a bit about the salt works compound. It appears to consist of a larger warehouse building and a smaller building connected with barred gates and thick walls around an inner courtyard.
During the day, loads of wet salt were off loaded for drying and bags of dry salt for sale were loaded onto wagons. The wagons entered the main city via the salt gate.
There were no job offers. One of the Chelish thugs similar to others seen in gangs around the city answered the door.
"Jobs? No, we ain't paying jobs. We gots all the free labor we need. Unless you want to join Thrunes volunteer workforce, you should beat it." he says with a sneer.
He was able to tell there is a day and night shift and he briefly saw the burly dwarf in charge of the operation. Others in the area said the dwarf has about a half dozen thugs with him. He rarely comes outside the building. But can be heard barking orders from time to time.
Meanwhile Vendalfek says "I am on it." And flutters off, over the wall.
After ten minutes, returning.
"There is a bit of light from the main double doors but no sight of guards outside. I heard voices inside but could not make out anything ."