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 crowns 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."
"Yes, I can provide you with directions from here. It is not far. As for a key, I'm afraid my cousin Vincento holds the key at the moment. Industrious Pathfinders as yourselves should have no trouble entering a simple Pelican."
“I am glad you are willing to help, my friends. 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."
Guaril now leans in close as if bringing you in on a secret.
"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.”
Guaril leans over the counter to get a better look at the speaker.
"A pelican warehouse. It stands over the harbor."
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"A Pelican is a type of warehouse built out over a dock. There is usually an entrance under the pelican so cargo can be moved directly from boat to warehouse.
"Now, as to the pigeon population of Absalom running low, I am unaware of a large number of squab being served. Roast gnome, on the other hand, is delicious. At least the devils of House Aeronica have led me to believe.
"No need to worry, Ticco. As you yourself have said, The Docks need to worry about me."
To Guaril:
"So we simply return with your papers? Is there anything about this pelican of which we should be aware? Like, maybe, the actual owners?
"I would be very surprised if Master Gelbane returns to Absalom anytime soon. I don't anticipate any problems."
Perched on the end of a long pier fifteen feet above the water, the warehouse appears to struggle against its own roof, threatening to sag into the bay below. No light shines from the building’s windows and only the movement of gulls and pelicans stirs the scene.
Map for the warehouse.
A stout salt encrusted rope holds the small bobbing dinghy in place.
Alliver examines the boat as well.
From what Alliver can see from the dock this looks like a boat that gets used regularly and seems to be in fair condition.
"Mmm, yes. This does not seem ...quite on the level?"
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Ticco takes Wren very literally and gets spooked by a thin wake that rocks the dinghy. His eyes light up and a grin spreads across his face. Without breaking his crouch he raises a finger and points it at the small boat.
Totally satisfied with a job well done Ticco stands and turns around. He finds the rest of the group staring at a door on the side of the warehouse as a small plume of smoke rises behind him.
As he approaches the group he reports, "Killed it!"
Ticco nudges his way through the crowd and stares at the locked door. He gets down on all fours and peers through the crack under the door. He starts to mumble softly and flattens his hand against the dock.
A soft blue translucent hand separates from the little gnome's fingers and slips underneath the warehouse door.
The bolt of fire singes a large spot into the wood but has no further effect.
As Ticco attempts to open the door he finds that it is fairly sturdy and indeed locked.
There appear to be a set of doors overlooking the water. They are on the same level as you just around the corner on a narrow ledge.
It looks like if one took their time climbing into the boat one wouldn't need to worry about going for an unannounced swim.
"Mmmmm, yes. Ticco, join them in the boat. I will keep solemn watch from here." Pharasma, let the gnome drown.
Ticco, Karal and Wren sit in the dinghy. From this vantage point you can see that this pelican warehouse, like all the others, is out over the water roughly 15-20' above the water. Creating an open area underneath the warehouse.
The boat is tied to the dock at the moment.
After loosing the boat from the dock, Karal easily maneuvers the boat towards the warehouse.
The boat slips under the warehouse. Even in the daytime its still a little dark under here.
Ticco and Wren notice a break in the floor of the warehouse. Its quite dim however and the shape and size of the hole is hard to make out.
Ticco raises his hand and mutters a few distinct words. Four pale red light spring forth from his fingertips and rise to illuminate the rickety underside of the warehouse.
Above you notice a gap in the floor roughly 10' wide. Perched across the hole a few rotting boards hold aloft a simple crate.
I really don't ask that much of you, Goddess. Just this one gnome.
Karal peers at the rotting floor above his head.