I'm invisible. I'm invisible. I'm invisible. Nope not invisible better rely upon my old friend MR. FALCHION!!!!
Agreal smiles and makes sure his falchion is ready to be drawn at a moments notice.
Sarvin just grins to the rest of the group and speaks quietly. "I'll provide a distraction. We should run and get out of here before then."
Once the Barbers are within range, Sarvin is gonna throw a bit of sneezing powder at the front most person.
Who the hell are the Bloody Barbers? Gerrik says as he grips his bow a little more firmly, having it ready to use if necessary.
The lead Barber senses Sarvin's malicious intent and halts the group. We don't need no unpleasantness lads. Just hand over Noro and we'll be on our merry. The one speaking is a very stocky Orc. He is wearing an odd pendant and has a very sharp looking cutlass at his hip. The five other Bloody Barbers are humans, half-orcs and there is one Elf that has a bandolier of daggers across her chest.
If no one is chasing him, Jiri will circle around and try and rejoin the group. Not sure if he'll be back in time to join in the fun though.
Corvus flanks Aedon as he requested, waiting to see whst he has in mind.
Aeadon looks over at Noro, he had no loyalty concerning the woman but he had no reason to give her to the Barber's ether. He speaks to the half orc, he would attempt reason.
"Noro is not mine to hand over. Yet she is currently helping me with something so I can't very well have her taken away without reason. What business do you have with her?"
He remained on guard in case things went south.
Why isn't he using our faith's weapon? It's almost like Lamashtu isn't welcomed with open arms in this city. I wonder why that is?
Agreal walks up to the Bloody Barber leader.
"Now friend there is no need for any unpleasentness true, but why do you want Noro?"
Agreal looks over the rest of the Bloody Barber group before letting his own symbol become visible.
Noro seems a bit shocked that they are coming to her defense.
she tries to get a look at these fellows trying to recognize any of them.
Gerrik takes a look at the men, then at Noro. Hmm, curious that these men would come after her so openly. I wonder what is going on here. Naturally there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the women in this newly-formed fellowship.
Nothing bad I assure you, just a friendly chat about a business arrangement. I think you owe us one for the last stunt you pulled. I may not be able to prove it, but I know the work of Milax the Black when I see it.
Aeadon didn't show anything on his face but his mind was whirling. They couldn't admit anything, at least he wouldn't. He would have to choose his words carefully, he was not the best liar but that did not mean he could not misdirect.
"Sorry but I doubt my business is the same as yours. Any arrangements you wish to make with this Milax the Black, I suggest you do so directly. I only ever make a habit of speaking for myself and my business is not running messages through the city for everyone who ask. They have runners for that sort of thing."
He thought about this orc, someone strong or stupid if he was trying to muscle in on Milax and the Smoke Knights.
Gazerich turns to one of his crew and says something in his native tongue.
Aeadon instantly picked up on the words while he tried to decipher their meaning, he knew something was going on if not the exact nature. Still he was not going to let Noro walk into something blind should she give in to his provocation.
"Your Gazerich right, seems your not only a barber but word has it you have been involved with the Sczarni recently. Interesting bit of business that is."
He readied a spell in case the orc's cover was blown. If he worked for the Sczarni his target would be Noro, getting her alone would make her death easier and their mission would be done. They wanted to ambush her and flee, dealing with a large group on even or disadvantaged terms was not their way. Not that he put it pass them.
Noro looks to Gazerich her face very stern. her fists tightened ready for a fight. What about your thug up on the roof over there she says indicating the observer she noticed.
loking to the wizard I apprecshiate your help, but I got myshelf into thish messh, I need to get out of it.
back to Gazerich anything you have to shay, shay it now.
Noro moves a step closer to ensure that she is within her reach to take action if need be.
Sarvin smirks and looks to Noro. "You've never heard the phrase 'in for a pint, in for a pound,' have you?"
He then turns his attention back to the leader of the barber. "I would strongly suggest you and your lackies find another place to frequent. The lady here has a bit of a reputation, and I hear that the city has not been so kind to the Barbers, in the past few days. Not a good combination for your lot right now.".
He still holds the powder in his hands, as he lets his words hang, each word measured and appropriate to the situation. His eyes glow a brighter ember red briefly as he puts strong emphasis.
Corvus starts to consider all of the angles. Which is the best exit, which of the group in front of her is the strongest, the weakest, who in her group is likely to get targetted first.
It's of no real use right now, but she prefers to keep her mind active.
Gerrik continues to watch the proceedings, trying to notice if any one else in the area (passersby, crowds, what-have-you) are paying particular attention to what is going on and could end up being a threat if combat ensues. Gerrik will also keep his eye on anything going on behind the group.
Whispering to his partner Corvus, If we fight, I'll back you up. You get in their face and I'll assist with my bow. I assure you, I will not hit you. Just leave me a spot to which to aim for.
Gerrik continues to watch the proceedings, trying to notice if any one else in the area (passersby, crowds, what-have-you) are paying particular attention to what is going on and could end up being a threat if combat ensues. Gerrik will also keep his eye on anything going on behind the group.
[dice=Perception]d20+6
Whispering to his partner Corvus, If we fight, I'll back you up. You get in their face and I'll assist with my bow. I assure you, I will not hit you. Just leave me a spot to which to aim for.
Corvus nods her approval. 'I chose my ally well. He's turning out to be a great partner and could become a wet-boy with a bit of training. I'm liking the way he thinks. Good instincts.'
I have dealings with many organizations Gazerich responds to Aeadon. He sizes up Sarvin once threatened. Indeed I have heard of such a phrase my friend. Very well. It would have been easier if you would have just come with us Noro. Come on lads, back to the ship. Gazerich says and he pushes back through the crowd in the Docks. Anticipating violence, many of the locals had given the party and Gazerich a wide berth. Gazerich looks back with a smile For now.
"We'll have to let Milax know about these guys." Jiri shrugs, "So then. Are we off to see Aeadon's contact?"
He keeps an eye on them until they are out of sight, his two dogs still on guard glance at those near by.
"I would like to have something substantial to show for our efforts. I intend to find my contact and with luck he is useful. Shall we go?"
"A hasty visit to your contact would be much appreciated, before we are in need of a greater distraction than even the greatest alchemical minds can muster." The tiefling seems quite eager to get away from all this added attention.
Corvus wonders of the odds against the gang were at their best just now as there was no element of surprise. From now on, she doubts they'll be as accommodating as to announce themselves before taking action.
But for now she follows Aedon to his contact, keeping her eyes and ears open none the less.
Noro looks to the others i could have taken them, i'm shure of it she says with a touch of pride.
I hope thish contact hash shome usheful information
Noro follows along to meet the contact.
After your conversation with the Bloody Barbers in the docks,you notice a few guardsmen noticed the commotion,but did nothing about it. You all agree to follow Aeadon's lead.
You arrive outside a small flat in the Foreign District. Just as Aeadon is about to announce himself at the door, it flies open. A stench that can not be accurately described with words comes spewing out followed by an odd looking human wearing some sort of glass bowl on his head. Hi Aeadon! Did you see my new suit? It is going to help me breath underwater! I bought it during the Primarch's feast from a gnome that said it works almost some of the time! Oh you have friends with you. Do you want to come inside?
Aeadon closes his eyes to endure the smell, otherwise shows no sign of it. Clearing his throat, and nostrils, he replies to Norvyn.
"That's fine we would not want to intrude, it is more spacious out here. As to your suit, I would test it thoroughly in shallow water before attempting anything serious. That aside, I was wondering if you knew anything about the sewers of a certain location."
He goes on to explain the general area of the target, without giving the precise location of it. No need to leave loose ends or a trail should news make it's rounds after the fact.
Agreal positively lights up at the sight of the man wearing a strange suit. The entire time Aeadon is talking Agreal is hoping up and down. After Aeadon is done, and Norvyn responds Agreal immediately steps forward.
"Friend can I see that suit? It looks amazing. Can I touch it? Do you mind if I help you repair it? What are you going to do with it? Can I buy one of those? Where is the gnome? Why did he have one of these suits?"
Agreal is breathless by the time he is done, but he seems very happy.
What in the world has gotten into that man? He should learn to control himself. Disgraceful display. Gerrik smirks at the cleric as he acts like a child in front of this, well, childlike gnome and the party. Yes, any info would be helpful. Time is of the essence.
Hmm, well yes I know there is some kind of access over there, but something lurks down in the water I think. Some of the Gillmen do not return from that area. Why do you want to know about that? He looks at Agreal Oh nice thanks, I think the gnome is gone back home. He said he is going to the Shackles to become a pirate, maybe you can find him there.
"Can you bring us there? Or do you have a map?"
Tis the glory of partying last night, hangover from Hell. That strange man and our equally strange jumping cleric are certainly noisy. But just what goddess does that man follow?
Aeadon chooses his words carefully.
"We may or may not get a job that involves us going down there. Thought it best to know what we are getting into. See if the pay is worth it you know."
Such a strange man. Using a suit to stay dry...If you're getting in the water, then you're going to get wet. It's just the nature of it. It's like saying 'I'm going to the desert, but I don't want to sweat.'
Oh, well I can understand that Aeadon sure. I have a map sure, its inside my house want to come take a look. One glance inside and it becomes clear why the smell is so strong. Norvyn has a collection of odds and ends from the sewer in his residence, most of which have retained a coating of sewer-slime.
Aeadon eyes his home.
"Norvyn do you think you could lend it to me or at least let me make a copy. If you fetch the map I can fetch my tools to copy it."
He motions to his camel. He wanted to avoid entering that home at all cost, it could be the end of his sense of smell if he could not he feared.
Noro simply stays back, knowing her diplomatic skills it is probably for the best.
I see the brainiac has such intellectual friends. she thinks rolling her eyes a bit at the the demeanor of this "contact"
Hmm well, do you have something to trade? I hear you make traps and I need a trap to protect my treasures! Some ratfolk have been breaking in trying to steal my treasures! Norvyn says to Aeadon as he motions towards his pile of junk that sits in his residence every time he says the word treasures
Aeadon looks over the man carefully wondering if his game was deeper then just a round about bribe or favor. He sensed something was off even for Norvyn, that was saying something, he kept looking over things. Studying things for more information.
sense motive
Maldrek scrutinized the mad man before him but he couldn't tell what was bothering him...mayhaps a side effect of the pact?
Agreal looks wounded by his new friends deception.
But me and him were going to be blood brothers... I had already begun making the arrangements in my head. He will pay for dashing my hopes and dreams!.... Eh who am I kidding? I forgive him for being as crazy as I am.
Too important to get fooled now. He could be another agent. There is no room for trust beyond the team and the leader. They signed in blood. This individual...nothing says I can trust him.
A pair of Ratfolk come by with a rickshaw in tow. Norvyn curses at them and throws a broken mug handle at them. There they are! Fiends find your own Treasure! Its mine!
Sarvin motions to Aeadon and steps to the doorway, speaking very quietly.
"We need to be very careful. I believe your friend may be bespelled to obsession over the trash. Either that or someone has him collecting for him."
He allows his companion to allow this to seep in before continuing.
"So what now is the plan?"