Myth travels in the same caravan as Nekare, "An opportunist like any other God or would be God. Seeking others to do their dirty work for them. This Terrapin seems to offer more than others of his ilk, a gift up front was certainly a useful item. Certainly the rewards for this, project, had better yield more than that book else it shall have seven angry wizards plotting against [b]it instead of its enemies".[/b]
Izithrael declines to travel with others, preferring instead to hire his own underlings and guards and to rent his own carriage for the journey.
Although he cares little for the privacy of others, he guards his own jealously.
After long deliberation, Alexis also decides to join Nekare's caravan. The annoyance of people on the travel was outweighed by the benefit of not having to bother with people to plan it all. He would however also spring for his own wagon. Easier to transport his ... equipment that way. And avoiding having people mess with it (or it messing with people!).
"A turtle. Hmm. I wonder who truly pulls the strings, what that hides behind it, if one were to look inside ..." Alexis chews his rough stew thoughtfully. "But really; why a turtle?"
She shrugs why not a turtle? It may not be awe inspiring in and of itself, but easier to revere something if it's already somewhat more than an ordinary humanoid, and easier still to adore something which isn't inherently terrifying.
As for compensation, I think it means to deliver. From what we've seen, fulfilling promises of power is at least part of its initial plan. Devilishly clever, really.
Seraphim also decides to travel with the caravan with her apprentice, but doesn't talk to any of the other teachers, instead remaining often by herself apart from the rest.
”I will make my own way."
Joining up with a caravan passing through Palin’s Cove, Shadwell keeps to himself, assisting with mundane caravan duties as needed to help pay his way, and keeping his ears open for any talk of the road.
It seems this Order of the Nail is aptly named – hard, sharp, and utilitarian. Despite the evoker’s bravado, a direct assault would be fruitless; even if we were to wipe them out to a man, that would only inspire an equally drastic investigation and retaliation by their organization. No, we must turn their attentions elsewhere and leave no doubt that the Terrapin Order is nothing of concern. The region’s druids may in fact be the likeliest option. We shall see what we find when we arrive, Centurion.
Each of you arrive at Palin's Cove without incident. You approach from the south along the road. The first thing you see as the town nears is a thick cloud of smoke hanging ominously over the port town. Soon cinders begin falling gently onto your head and shoulders.
Once you get near enough to see the town itself, you can tell it was obviously once a thriving port. Surely in the glory days of the Chelaxian Empire, warships of all types wintered here, preparing for excursions farther north. Now the military shipping has all but dried up. The docks still get good use transporting various goods out of the town, but the dock area does seem a bit overbuilt.
The original fort still stands with its stone walls and towers. The city guard controls the fort now. Each tower is bristling with siege weaponry. This is not surprising as great weapons of war are one of the town's main exports. Half a dozen merchant ships can be seen in port even now. And you passed several convoys of goods headed toward Korvosa on your several days journey to Palin's Cove.
The first inn you see lies outside the city gates. A large sign says "Hang Nail Inn". Immediately behind the sign is a large banner along the city wall displaying the symbol of the Order of the Nail. It seems they have secured a headquarters within the keep itself. The Keep is built into the city walls.
The Hang Nail Inn is rather nice, were it not for the ever present soot that seems to coat all surfaces. The entrance is rather grand, and there is a large map mounted on the wall just inside. You can see that the town has grown significantly from the fort it used to be. Now it is a sprawling industrial town. The map is a bit light on detail, so it looks as though you will have to explore the town more to find out where everything is. Palin's Cove makes all sorts of goods ranging from weapons, to jewelry, from raw lumber, to music boxes. There are open markets to visit, powerful industrialists to bribe, city officials to cozy up to, presumably an underground black market to discover, and all the other trappings of a city on the rise.
Before arriving, Izithrael would have donned modest clothing--simple woolen britches and hat, a white cotton blouse fastened with a leather belt, large boots. He instructs his envoy to drop him off about a mile out. Sending them ahead, he walks to the Hang Nail Inn alone.
A filthy city; a wart rising from the pustuled back of Varisia.
He remembers the vibrant jungles of Mwangi, and the waterfall in which he used to play.
His hand is drawn to his amulet, and he quickly dismisses the thought. Focus.
He will approach the barkeep.
"Gree'ings, good sir! he says, affecting a bucolic accent, "Tobyr Edran be my name. I am sorely in need of a room!"
you arrive in late afternoon. The barkeep greets you merrily, giving you the whole package seemingly without taking a breath. "Welcome Master Edran! Welcome to the Hang Nail. What type of accommodations do you desire? We have single rooms, double rooms, rooms for entertaining. You look like a sophisticated gentleman. How about one of our suites? Perfect for relaxing after a long voyage. We have a wonderful view of the harbor. The suite is only 2 gold per night. Yes that will do. Softest beds in town. No need to pay now. I'm sure you have important business to attend to. I'll start a tab for you. Let me get you a drink. Here at the Nail, the ale is cool, the fire is warm, and we are here to meet your every need." While he talks, he pours you a mug of frothy ale and thrusts it into you hand. A bar maid appears, and before you can stop her, she leads you over to a fur covered sofa near the fire and sits you down. As quickly as the flurry of activity began, it ends. The Barkeep moves on to other customers, and the barmaid moves on as well. You are left alone near a cozy fire. A moment later, a turkey leg and crust of fresh bread arrive on a stand near you.
After Seraphim arrives at the expanding town, she quickly abandons any traveling companions, and takes to the streets with her apprentice in tow.
She spends most of the rest of the day wandering the town, searching for whatever she might be able to find.
Once it gets closer to night, she will head over to the inn they agreed to meet at, and enter.
"Greetings, barkeep. Would there happen to be a room available tonight?"
Ahh. Alexis stepped out of his wagon and took a deep breath. The breath quickly turned into a ragged cough, but after the fit his small thin smile still remained. A lovable beautiful idea - progress at any cost. Just a pity my body can't appreciate it. But there were also advantages to the ever-present smog. For example, he was pretty sure no-one would think it weird when he tied his handkerchief over his mouth obstructing both his features and filtering the air. The piece of cloth was dull grey now, but he had no doubt in his mind that it would soon be darkened by sooth and match the rest of his black outfit; a black longcoat, a black hat and a truly black heart. The thought was, he had figured, that if he dressed like a banker people would avoid him out of instinct. And he did his best to project an aura of 'letting little orphans freeze outside in the winter' to reinforce the ideal.
He entered the inn with one small bag slung over his shoulder and a larger coffer gripped in both hands. The scene inside almost made him turn around. So many people. Darn it. His quiet office felt like bliss compared to this. But, they had agreed to meet here. And perhaps the chaos would afford some anonymity, here he would just be one plotter among no doubt many others. With a souring demeanour he quickly put down his coffer for a brief moment and removed his hat and handkerchief then headed towards the innkeep.
"A room please. Quiet if possible." His gaze swept around in the hall, trying to note and index all the patrons. "And send up some food - the road has invigorated my appetite." he added in a tone that suggested that his emotions, in fact, may all be dead by now.
Myth quietly slips into the Inn and asks for his room key. He heads upstairs to rest requesting a water basin to wipe the grime of the road, and this place from his body. Once he is ready he begins:
"Alexis, come to room 217. It is time for us all to meet and discuss our plans"
"Izithrael, come to room 217. It is time for us all to meet and discuss our plans"
"Nekare, come to room 217. It is time for us all to meet and discuss our plans"
"Seraphim, come to room 217. It is time for us all to meet and discuss our plans"
"Shadwell, come to room 217. It is time for us all to meet and discuss our plans"
Satisfied that he has the process moving along smoothly, Myth casts one more spell and awaits the arrival of his comrades.
The barkeep spies the well dressed Seraphim and greets her with all the generosity and charisma of a good salesman, "Doth mine eyes deceive me? It seems as though an incarnation of Desna herself has graced my humble establishment." He bows low and begins ordering the maids around. "Prepare the governor's suite for our guest! No wait! the Empress suite. It has a better view of the woods for our charming guest. Draw a bath, and send up wine and cheese." He turns to Seraphim, "We are at your service my lady. If there is anything we can do for you, don't hesitate to ask. We have wonderful meals served throughout the day in the hall. There are many wonderful markets around town as well. In the morning allow me to have a carriage brought around for you. They can take you to all the best jewelers in town."
As Alexis approaches the barkeep, he is already giving orders to the help. He speaks to Alixis with a low but friendly voice. "Yes my Lord. We have rooms aplenty. You shall have a cozy room with a built in office and conference room. Our rooms are equipped also with safes, the finest in the land. I trust your visit will be profitable. And you can rely on my discretion. Please don't hesitate to ask if you need anything. Anything at all."
"Er..."
Izithrael is taken off-guard by the inn's overly-enthusiastic hospitality.
Two gold piece for a night! They're charging Citadel Crest rates!
Still the turkey is a welcome treat. Overcooked and stringy, but welcome nonetheless. As he chews he sips the frothy ale, unknowingly leaving a mustache of foam above his lip. As he contemplates his first order of business, Mythaniel's message arrives.
"Well, I suppose the vacation had to end sometime," he mutters under his breath, as he hauls himself out of the comfortable seat and up the stairs.
As Myth waits in room 217, slowly the others begin to trickle in.
Nekare` feels Clearbourne land on her shoulder as she enters the the town and orders him, remain invisible. Scout about the town, get a sense of the layout and find the nail's headquarters. Report back to me. apparently I'll be in room 217 at the inn, if not, well, you can always find me, darling, can't you.
The fat imp rises invisibly and wordlessly to set about its task.
Nekare`, takes her time and carouses in the common room, eating and drinking her fill. She barges into the kitchen, with a confused look on her face at one point. She apologizes, and takes note of the cook before making her way upstairs.
"You are too kind, my dear." Seraphim seems to blush at the compliment.
At the sound of a bath and refreshments, she becomes more excited.
"Ahh, yes. A bath sounds lovely! Wine and cheese were simply beyond my expectations. You truly do surprise, sir!"
Taking a few steps forward towards the man, she reaches out a hand to touch his, and leaves several shining gold pieces in his hand.
"Do make sure no one bothers us until I call?"
With that, she draws away, and makes her way up the stairs towards her room, her apparent manservant following close behind.
Once she reaches the room, she casts several spells to ensure the safety of the bath and drink/food.
After her bath and refreshments, Seraphim will make her way down to room 217, where she will lightly knock on the door twice.
When the innkeep greets him with quiet professionalism (and no hugs. No hugs was important!) Alexis felt a bit pleasantly surprised. He even afforded himself to not frown at the man. Feeling good today, aren't we?
Once he was at the room and the proper precautions taken he allowed himself to admit that, despite the lively crowd downstairs, the inn was quite likable. And after a hearty meal was delivered he he opened his large coffer and let it's contents roam free. Then it was time to enjoy their food.
"...come to 217..." Alexis grunted in response to the message. Stressful, are we? Carefully he wiped away some sauce from his chin (that handkerchief was really turning out to be a nice investment!) he took one last look at the food he had left. It seemed doubtful that he would see it again. Sighing he grabbed some bread and headed out, looking for room 217.
Upon his arrival in Palin’s Cove, Shadwell makes his way to the Keep, blending in to the daytime crowds as he examines the building’s exterior defenses. He spends most of the day examining the traffic in and out of the single obvious entrance, pleased to see the arrogance and laxity of the guards employed by the Order of the Nail.
Inside the main wall should be no problem. Into the Nails’ barracks promises to be no more difficult.
His eyes lingered on the high wall’s window slits and bristling weaponry.
Out again… well, we’ll have to cross that bridge when we come to it, Centurion.
As the sun dips below the horizon, Shadwell finds a lonesome alley in which to switch his appearance, once again becoming the elven clerk. He then makes his way to the Hang Nail Inn, mixing in with the crowd, acquiring someone else’s drink to evade the concern of the staff, and settles in to keep a lookout for fellow agents of the Terrapin Order.
Perhaps this calls for a more proactive approach.
Getting up, Shadwell makes his way deeper into the Inn in search of evidence of his "allies."
As his fellow Wizards drift into his room Myth gives them a curt nod.
Soon enough it becomes apparent that Shadwell will not be arriving.
"Good evening Alexis,Izithrael, Nekare, and Seraphim. Our mysterious ally it seems will be joining us later or not at all. The choice is of course, his.
We have had some time on the road to consider what course of action we wish to take in accomplishing this task for the Turtle. My initial idea is to utilize my ability to mimic the powers of the local Druids to draw the Order into a battle with those foes. I have some ideas of how I would go about doing this were I alone. But I am not alone in this endeavor.
Therefore, I called you all here so that we can begin planning how we will accomplish our goal and then be away from this hellish place".
"What are you going to do, conjure a pumpkin patch? Lure them to war with a petting zoo?"
Izithrael smirks at his colleague.
"Of course I'm only joking with you, dear Mythaniel. Tell me, what did you have in mind?"
Shadwell's attempts to find his wizardly colleagues proves unsuccessful; however, his skulking does produce some unexpected results.
I should verify this for myself, Centurion; it would be imprudent to bring it before the others without doing so, and I am still well within my requested window of time for reconnaissance. Also, I can't seem to find any of them, and dare not use means too intrusive lest I trigger any defenses they have set.
His mind made up, Shadwell quickly makes his way to the lavatory, where he once again changes his mein and clothing, this time to that of a common human traveler. He then stakes out the servants' exit of the Inn to tail his mark to her proclaimed rendezvous.
"What are you going to do, conjure a pumpkin patch? Lure them to war with a petting zoo?"
Izithrael smirks at his colleague.
"Of course I'm only joking with you, dear Mythaniel. Tell me, what did you have in mind?"
Myth stares at Izithrael, "Petting zoo eh? Summoned creatures are not a terrible option but do not speak so specifically to the abilities of the Druids do they?
No, I have something more specific in mind.
We begin with the spreading of rumors that the Druids tire of the blight this city has become upon their lands. The soot and grime the Druids will cleanse away.
The sighting, at the edge of the forest and the edge of the city as if the Druids are beginning to monitor the Order. Illusions of course which disappear before they can be investigated or captured.
Then the attacks begin. Call Lightning specifically a power that Druids alone possess. Fingering them as the culprits.
The question becomes, do we provoke the Druids as well in their woods?
I am of course, open to ideas and improvements on this rough outline of a plan".
"Hmph. I doubt we need to sow any rumours of the druids dislike of this grand city. It would be easier to work the other way around, sow rumours about some new exploitation of nature to simply drive the druids over the edge." Alexis injected. "Perhaps arrange for a 'minor' spill of industrial waste into the forest. The druids would no doubt strike down the pawns we use - and as 'protectors of the realm' the nails should respond in kind."
"As good an idea as this is, that plan would require less anonymity than I am comfortable with. We have to give some sort of information in order to arrange this, which could be traced back to us."
Seraphim answers, finally having joined the conversation.
"However, I do enjoy Myth's proposal. He can take care of faking the druid's attack on the Hellknights, and my apprentice and I can take care of the Knight's attack on the druids, while the rest of you keep us from being discovered or perdorn other actions deemed necessary. We will quickly have the two groups at each others' throats, and we can simply take whatever action we may perform from there."
"I say, I like it! Seraphim, what will you use to orchestrate an attack on the wilderness?"
This could work, but aren't we taking a lot for granted? Maybe we should see this conclave of druids for ourselves first, make sure they won't be wiped out by the Nail offhand; shouldn't we check out the Nail, also; see if they're as bumbling as Sirrith suggests. Have absolutely none of us taken advantage of that gushing innkeeper who could talk the ear off a chicken, since he probably knows the goings on around here better than anyone? ... well?
"Many an evocation spell I have perfected. Surely fire being rained down upon the forest itself will be enough to convince the druids that the Hellknights are involved. We could always add a few summoned devils as well, should you see it necessary."
"Well, seeing as how he so openly welcomed me, and graciously gave me the "Empress Suite", I might be able to get a few words out of the man. Perhaps over dinner...yes. I will do that."
As the plan takes shape, you agree to do a bit of reconnaissance and meet the next day.
Seraphim: Dinner with Innkeeper
Shadwell: Already sneaking around
Alixis: Look for some toxic waste?
Nekare`: Inquire about the druids?
Everyone: Tell me if there's any specific thing you want to do, and roll a gather information check. If you roll really high, I might give you a juicy bit of gossip, otherwise I'll start to give you a picture of the town.
she doesn't bother hiding her amusement
I agree, but perhaps start by asking if it was always called the 'Empress Suite' before he laid eyes on you.
I have Clearbourne scouting the town right now. Once he returns I'll see if I can look in on these druids, though it may have to wait until tomorrow.
"Well, my dear," Seraphim responds laughingly, "that would ruin the fun, wouldn't it?"
"I shall have dinner with this innkeeper, and pry what information I can from him. I do think an investigation into the druids should be held until tomorrow, as it is far too late to be wandering about in this town. The folk might get suspicious!"
"very well, I shall roam the street near the barracks and try to determine the operating procedures of the knights. "
Izithrael will use seek thoughts near the barracks to learn normal shift changes, guard patrols, etc.
Shadwell trails a barmaid from the Hang Nail to an innocuous building within sight of the Keep's wall and slips in through the door right behind her. Standing in the shadows of the dimly lit interior chamber, he waits as she and her lover enjoy themselves; once their passion is spent, he casts a powerful slumber charm upon both of them, followed by a minor memory charm upon the man.
Can't be sure he didn't hear me casting before he fell asleep - best to muddle his memory, just in case. It won't do to arouse the suspicion of such an advantageously derelict member of these Hellknights.
Still sticking to the shadows, the half-elf thoroughly searches the soldier's belongings, discovering a simple badge and an assortment of coin, papers, and a key. He pockets the key, as well as most of the coin that shared it's pocket, then carefully rips a hole open along the pocket's seam. He leaves the couple to their sleep, sneaking out the door and carefully closing it behind him. He then places a single silver coin on the ground adjacent to the door, and drops another in the same place to let it bounce and roll where it will. Satisfied with his work, he lurks alongside the building and studies the wall of the keep to determine how great a gap in the patrol results from the licentious soldier's absence.
Once satisfied with his reconnaissance, he makes his way back to the Inn by a circuitous route, taking care to stick to the shadows and not get lost. Back at the Hang Nail, he once again becomes the elven clerk and rents himself the most modestly priced room with a fireplace they have to offer. After securing the room he settles himself in, building a small fire to do away with the chill he'd been feeling ever since arriving in Palin's Cove, and then turns in, the night's endeavors having dispelled the effects of his keep watch charm.
Shadwell prepares his spells the next day then waits in the common room to keep an eye out for any of the Acadamae wizards or the small dragon; he will greet the first one he sees.
"Very well, I shall begin reconnaissance on the 'morrow. Tonight I shall commune with outsiders to ascertain what the best course of action may be in this endeavor.
It may behoove us to take control of servants of the Order as well and learn the ins and outs of their operations. How they patrol, when they patrol, who patrols when etc".
then let's adjourn for now, but we should meet again in the morning before beginning our separate tasks and I'll share what my Clearbourne has discovered, and perhaps Shadwell will deign to make an appearance to enlighten us as to what he's been up to. And of course, this will give our angel-in-residence a chance to not seduce the innkeeper and find something out, as well.
You reconvene the next day to discuss the plan in more detail.
Myth lights the incense and prepares the offering as appropriate.
He then begins to cat the difficult spell.
The specific question, "Will the deception utilizing Druidic magic draw the Order of the Nail into battle with the Druids of the nearby woods?"
Still dressed in his rustic garb, Izithrael pulls the brim of his hat down low and wanders the streets outside. He projects his psyche into the air, reaching, prying for soft, pliable minds.
-
That night, as he sleeps, the amulet's legs begin to twitch. It scurries his up chest, across his face, and nestles itself in the nape of his neck, its antennae caressing the inside of his ear.
It whispers horrifying things. It always does.
In Izithrael's dreams, its susurrations take shape. This is perhaps the wrong word, for the formless, shifting things that present themselves to his mind's eye could hardly be said to have shape. They are huge, as large as mountains, and hover in the darkness above him. Their voices trumpet in cacaphonous agony, heralding their coming and a new dawn of darkness. Before him, an enormous eye slit, the size of a house, trembles and begins to open.
He opens his eyes to bright sunlight flooding in through his window. His hand rests on his chest, clutching the now-lifeless amulet.
He dresses quickly, studies his notes, then heads down the hall for room 217.
"Hmph. Very well, I shall retire to my rooms." Alexis replied, about as convincingly as a brick may pretend to fly. Nevertheless he intended to honour the agreement - himself at least. But his own friends thrived best in the shadows of the night. And if someone saw them? Unlikely, but unpleasant. For the beholder, that was.
Alexis starts the day the way he likes it - having a servant bring him a tray of food (maybe he should petition the council back home to implement this? Would also give his students some extra credit homework assignments ...) and reading some parts of his favourite books. All that was missing was a full sized lab. But alas, all good things come to an end, and he had to drag himself outside to meet the other people.
"Good morning." he sighed. "I have looked into alternate means to secure our aim, but for now a display of 'druidic' magic may be the safest option. Do we have anything more on that?"
Nekare` lounges over breakfast for an hour, relishing every mediocre bite and ignoring Shadwell's impatient yet impressively discrete stares. Once finished, she approaches him and crosses her arms,
well, are you ready, then?
as they ascend the stairs together, she explains what the group has discussed so far. Upon reaching Mythaniel's room they discover everyone already there and waiting more or probably less patiently for them before beginning.
excellent, you're all already here! Look what the cat dragged in, indicating Shadwell.
So here's the information I've gained since yesterday,
The town seems to be broken up into zones. The old town, still surrounded by a wall is the shipping and banking district. It mostly comprises of military barracks converted to cramped office space. This is where all the shipping contracts are made, loans are given, and where the major players do business. This is all under the watchful eye of the Nail who perches atop their keep. There is a city guard, not associated with the Nail, but the nail is really the one running things. Or that's what they would have everyone believe. (I) was able to catch enough of conversations, and... discerned that the Nail is just one more political organization batted around by the rich, (however) they don't overtly direct the Nail. The captain definitely lives with luxuries that members of the strict order normally don't enjoy. This of course was all inferred from overheard conversations. An order for delivery of fruit to the keep, a request for police investigation at a rival firm. The elites of the town are playing this government like the do all across the land.
(I) also heard that the people with the most druid contact is the logging guild. They are located in the northeast corner of town, and things have gotten ban enough apparently, that armed patrols are now accompanying the lumberjacks as they move upriver to fell fresh trees. They drag them to the river and make rafts to float back to town. They have been harassed by an uncanny number of animals, and once in a while a logger just disappears. The rest of the town consists of the docks, the shopping and entertainment district, the core industrial district converting raw materials into useful goods, and the crafting district where finer goods are made.
Myth smiles at Nekare's news, "Excellent, then we will be taking advantage of a situation already on the brink. All we need do is accelerate the wick already burning.
My sources tell me that we may wish to infuriate the Druids first. Perhaps a forest fire would do. We should take a few more days to gather intelligence. I am quite sure we can find some fop here in town who is already feed up with the Druids and persuade them to become more aggressive.
If we can get to those that service the Order's garments we can pick up a symbol or patch to leave at the scene giving the Druids all the evidence they need to infer who the culprit is.
As the week progresses and we learn the habits and schedules of the Order attacking a patrol with Druidic magic will push things further along towards all out war as well.
I am sure you were not sitting by idly Shadwell, have you anything of interest to share?"
Seraphim awakes from her sleep, orders Tannyll to pack her bagfor the day's needs, and rises out of bed to enjoy another bath, with freshly-drawn warm water of course, before heading to room 217 to discuss shortly with her co-conspirators.
"To be truthful, I care not about the Hellknight side of our conflict. My single goal is to bring the fiery wrath of 'Hell' upon the enclave of druids. Anything else is secondary. Of course, I will stoop so low as to do some reconnaissance on the Order's Citadel, as I have a tour of the city scheduled for all of today."
Her attitude has improved greatly since arriving, perhaps because of the treatments she has been receiving from this town already.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I will head down for a fresh breakfast, courtesy of the innkeeper. Perhaps I will even ask for fresh fruit."
At this, she swirls gracefully downstairs to enjoy a breakfast meal with her new friend, the innkeeper.
"Perhaps you could whip me up an exquisite breakfast before I leave for my tour, dear? I am beyond starving this morning, and eggs and ham with a few fresh apples sounds simply delightful."
"Speaking of, when will my carriage be ready? I am anxious to enjoy the sights and sounds of your wonderful city."
Before Seraphim departs
we still need to FIND the druids, first. A simple forrest fire may not be enough unless they feel directly threatened. This probably must needs fall to me, unless anyone else has experience in wilderness tracking... I would, however, ask Shadwell to join me.
She addresses Shadwell directly
even if you don't have proper survival skills, it's obvious you're one of the most perceptive and subtle among us, and tracking a beast to its lair on its home turf is delicate, dangerous work. I don't mind admitting I might need the assistance. What say you?
"I might be able to machinate something a bit more biting then a simple forest fire, should that prove insufficient for our purposes... But it is imperative that we strike at the druids first? Simply removing a few more loggers *should* force the knights into action if Nekare's information is correct. And searching for druids is an exhausting task, a perfect to take the knights mind off other matters ..." Alexis cracked his long spiderly fingers. "...but, that may not solve our underlying problem. The order may simply be a tool wielded by a competitor, once again should the information about their corruption be correct. And then if we take away one tool, the antagonist will surely find another. And I *dislike* redoing a task one finished."
"Hmph. There are no druid side to our goals. Only pawns and ... obstacles."
Nekare approaches Shadwell and crosses her arms. "Well, are you ready then?"
Shadwell casts see invisibility upon himself then nods, following Nekare up to the room. Once inside he remains silent at Nekare's introduction, stepping away from the other wizards to the edge of the room, where he waits, straightening his clerk's attire, until a sufficient pause seems to indicate to him that the others have said their piece. He then takes a small step forward and, avoiding eye contact, quietly speaks.
"I have discovered a reliable gap in the Order of the Nail's night patrols along the keep wall which lasts the better part of an hour. One of the soldiers sneaks away from his duties to hold nightly trysts with his lover in a building within view of the wall; if needed, I can easily use his indiscretions to infiltrate the Nails' barracks and offices to access records or acquire official symbols and uniforms. Within the keep the Order displays a laxity of both discipline and professionalism contrary to their usual reputation, perhaps due to the influence of local politics that Nekare has described.
"I agree that without more substantial information as to the nature of the Nails' interference with the Terrapin's mercantile interests here, any course of action is presumptive; we risk eliminating the proximate cause of our employer's difficulties in Palin's Cove while leaving the root cause undiscovered and active.
"The Nails' own intelligence on the Druidic forces and disposition may be accessible to us if they are housed within the keep; furthermore, as agents of the Terrapin were interrogated by the hellknights, it seems likely that a written record of their statements is housed within their offices as well.
"In any event, I would prefer to maintain myself in a reconnaissance role, whether in town or in the wilderness; I have found that with proper patience and discretion direct confrontations are avoidable, and as such, I am unskilled in their execution."
His report complete, Shadwell steps back again, eyes downcast.
"I would agree with Shadwell. Even the best-laid plans can fail if important details are overlooked."
He stares out the window, fixated on a point in the distance.
"Besides," he murmurs, "how hard would it be to maim and murder a druid in the name of the Hellknights?"