Arimar looks sheepish. How could I have neglected to update Benaiah on such an important tactical detail?
"Sorry Benaiah," the muscular man contritely stares at the ground, "I seem to have forgotten it. I will endeavor to learn it again in the future, but for now it eludes me."
"I would suggest that we book our room at the Frumpy Duchess in advance, to allow for a quick ingress," Arimar adds, "Gwen, it would also be good if you and I were disguised. We don't know which of us the mercenary druid made back at the party, so best to cover both bases. Do you think you could acquire a scroll to help there?"
Arimar decides to go for it as some kind of nondescript traveller. He pulls out some well-worn travel robes, loose fitting enough to hide his suit of plate mail from the casual observer.
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"I intend to hire some company for what I hope is an otherwise boring several days. I am at a loss with your mandate about dipping my pen in the company ink. I would not want to bring anyone who could compromise our operation either. One or three of your acolytes," Benaiah takes care to avoid the word employees, this is an organization driven by a clerical following of the goddess of lust after all, "Would be a far better option, at least in my opinion. You can see my dilemma, I hope?"
"Very well, rent an additional room, let me know which one, and when you would like your guests to arrive. Preferences?" she gives an involuntary shudder.
As the sun begins its slow, gradual decent over Magnimar, the city of monuments, the lrespan casts a lengthening shadow across it's city. The Companions, together for such a long time that they move and think without any verbal communication, Gwen adapting to their mannerisms like a fish to water, turn abruptly down an alleyway. The intelligent halfling quickly peaks back around the corner to check for signs of a tail, even going as far as scanning the rooftops. Spying no signs of pursuit, she chops her hand in a downward gesture signaling the group that all seems clear.
Exhaling sharply, Arimar moves to a doorway as ever flanked by Benaiah while Malgrim takes up a position between, scanning for signs of trouble.
" .... Rap .. Rap .. Rap ... Rap." comes the succession of knocks on the wooden door.
Hearing shuffling behind the door, a deep voice can be heard clearly by all, "Did you see that half-elf walking the streets of Absalom?"
"Half-elf?" asks Arimar, sounding confused, "No, I did not. Maybe his footfalls were muffled because he was walking in the footsteps of Aroden." Arimar hopes he remembered the response correctly. It would not do to make it up himself and then forget it.
The door opens a creak, letting Arimar know that he did indeed get the phrase correct and he and Gwen enter quietly, being sure to allow enough time for their invisible companions to get through if they should so desire.
"We have come to take you away," Arimar whispers, "Somewhere where you can stay this time, guarded by us... and you can get some proper study done on that project you're working on. Understand? We're going to the Frumpy Duchess, room 3... if we get separated. First, though, Gwen is going to make sure you cannot be seen... and neither can that book." Arimar indicates for Gwen to cast her spells, and hopes Benaiah gets the message and takes the book when she's done.
Opening the door, the Companions can see three muscular thug-like men crammed in a make shift studio apartment with Oscar Wallace. He seems smaller than the last time they saw him, sunken and sullen in the corner. He glares at the Companions. "Bastards. I should be relaxing in some palace somewhere if you could do your job and have gotten me out of the city. But , can't smuggle me past some Hellknights. I have to spend the better part of the week holed up with Dumb, Dumber, and Dumbest here. They cook as well as they look and bath as often as the full moon waxes in the noonday sky.
"The Frumpy Duchess you say? Well it is no yacht waiting at Dockway with some half-naked woman ready to give me a king's welcome." Oscar ends his tirade with a petulant look.
Sighing audibly, he begins again. "Sorry about that. It is all this moving and hiding. It is wearing on my nerves something awful." He hands the book to Gwen.
"Got anything for us?" asks one of the three guards?
Malgrim has the least to do in his preparation for the party's excursion: a few minor purchases of consumables such as a potion of Invisibility that would have sincerely come in handy a few days ago as a start. Beyond that, he only has his meager set of posessions to go over; the stoneworking kit the main thing to stay behind.
Before the departure, he does check with Arimar about a use of the disguise kit. "Would you be able to aid in hiding my heritage once more? I myself am beginning to question the need to hide it, but in this matter less attention is likely better."
When the guards arrive, a thought strikes him. "I don't suppose we could try and turn one of the guards into a decoy? Either providing them a false item to carry?"
"No need to be so tetchy," Arimar gives the bookkeeper a friendly slug on the arm, forgetting that his fist is now gauntleted - and attached to far more muscle than a week ago, "We're hoping to put an end to all the moving so you can finish your project and then you can be done with the hiding also! As for a half-naked welcome, I think Benaiah might be sorting out something along those lines." Arimar is shocked to note the distaste with which he speaks those words. Have I really changed that much in so short a time?
"Malgrim, do you need it if you're going to be invisible?" Arimar asks, "I can certainly help change your appearance and you are welcome to the disguise kit, but if you cannot be seen it's not going to have much purpose."
The paladin scratches his chin, "I love your idea about having those guards act as decoys. I'm sure we could find a tome of similar size to wrap in brown paper and twine. We can give it to them and send them on their way with it... maybe even going so far as to have one of them dress like Oscar, here."
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Benaiah takes the offered book from Gwen and slides it into his pack, making sure that the straps are secured tightly. Taking out his snuff box, he pops open the compartment and pulls out a small, supple leather patch. He places his forefinger on one corner and his thumb on another and squeezes the two together. The magnetic strips that seal the top of the small leather pouch together pop apart on their hinges.
Forgetting to make sure no one was looking, Benaiah raises the now open small pouch to his nose. With a quick snort, the large man poofs out of the visible spectrum of light.
"Let's go" says the disembodied voice, now that the group is ready to move.
Benaiah takes the opportunity to glare at the Bookkeeper and his petulance, not taking the criticism of their failed extraction attempt very well. He quickly gets over it though as they move into the street.
Agreeing that one of the guards should be disguised as a generic bookkeeper, Arimar does his best with the smallest of the pig-headed brutes.
Arimar waits a decent amount of time after the guards leave to give Benaiah the nod to drink his potion and leave. When the man ends up snorting it instead, Arimar is visibly shocked. "You and I are going to have a chat about your health," he promises to the Benaiah-shaped area of empty room, "But it will unfortunately have to wait until we are done with this mission."
With the bookkeeper also disappearing, Arimar then moves out with Gwendolyn and makes his way, slightly circuitously to the Frumpy Duchess. At times, he runs down alleyways when no-one much is observing just to throw pursuers off the duo's pace. He makes sure, however, to always add his location via message if he thinks the others might get lost.
Malgrim accepts the slight indignity of altering his appearance to that of an elf prior to taking point and proceeding the party. Through the back alleys he slowly winds, occasionally making his way to an accommodating roof for a better vantage point, but generally trying to make himself blend into the crowd.
Once more I crest the sea of civilization.
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Benaiah rolls his eyes at Arimar, even though the holy man can't see him anymore.
The thought evokes an involuntary chuckle.
Holy man. I suppose he has always been holy hasn't he? Just set apart for a different purpose, a different god.
The group prepares to head out. The invisibility around him gives Benaiah a strange amount of comfort that is unexplained. No need for being coy, or hiding his glances. He spends an inordinate amount of time appreciating the feminine qualites of Gwen, and every other attractive lady that they pass by. Often he finds himself shaking his invisible head and forcing his attention back to the task at hand, scouting the area for undesired attention.
Much like his own would probably be, if the women around him knew someone was staring.
Benaiah grips his precious commodity tightly, checking and re-checking to make sure it is right where he left it. The motion has become a subconscious act mostly now. About the 7th or 8th time he checks his powder box, he realizes he should probably make sure the book is right where it belongs too.
Yup. Still safe. Ye gods I hope the entertainment is good, this might be a long week. At least we are parked above a bar...
As the group moves to depart with the invisible Benaiah and bookkeeper in tow, Gwendolyn uses a scroll she had procured earlier that day to magically change her appearance. Once the spell is cast, there is a slight shimmer in the air and where the halfling once stood remains a human woman. She knows the spell has only a limited duration and so moves to leave immediately with the others, but cannot help to look upon her altered appearance for a few moments in a passing mirror.
In the street, walking back toward the Frumpy Duchess, Gwendolyn had meant to help keep a better lookout for prying eyes and wandering hellknights, but found herself distracted. In her new form, now a human woman, Gwen had a harder time than expected maneuvering in her new body. The legs felt so unwieldy, the arms gangly, and her weight distribution awkwardly positioned. She could only hope that it was not too outwardly obviously how odd her motions felt internally.
Eventually though, the shape changed halfling composed herself enough to keep a watchful eye out for any signs of danger along their path.
As the Companions, some disguised, some invisible, make their way out from the Hidey-Hole, they walk briskly, but nonchalantly towards the Frumpy Duchess.
Gwen Alter Self
If you come to the attention of people who are suspicious, it can be assumed that such observers are taking 10 on their Perception Check.
"Halt!" comes the tinny voice of a small group of Hellknights.
Almost to the Frumpy Duchess, Arimar, Gwen, and Malgrim are stopped by a group of six Hellknights.
The crowd scatters on the busy street as the Hellknights spread out. One heads towards Arimar, Gwen, and Malgrim each.
"Elf, come closer! Let me have a look at you."
"Woman, don’t go anywhere. Let me see your pack!"
While the other three converge on the spot they think Benaiah is at.
"Over there, that shadow! Look for someone invisible!"
”I can't see anyone, you see anyone?"
"I'm looking, Maralictor said over here."
""
Malgrim inwardly sighs, even though his exterior remains a stoney mask. No plan survives contact with reality it seems. He slows down and makes no sign of resisting initially, scanning the busy street for something to cause a disruption, some cart with stone chocks in front of it, a vendor with pottery, a set of millstones, something. If no distraction presents itself, he scans for an alternative side exit as well.
"This is the second time we have been searched by your Order," Arimar responds, "And I've had enough of it. You are not the lawful authorities in this city, and I refuse to put up with these repeated affronts. You have already searched my pack, and there was nothing of interest in the before and there is nothing of interest in there now. Step aside and let me pass. Now."
Arimar draws his massive Falchion. "I do not wish to use this, but I am through with these unwarranted searches by you band of f**@ing thugs."
Arimar peers very carefully at the nearest Hellknight. He decides internally that he will not attack or take aggressive action if he is not evil.
At will, a paladin can use detect evil, as the spell. A paladin can, as a move action, concentrate on a single item or individual within 60 feet and determine if it is evil, learning the strength of its aura as if having studied it for 3 rounds. While focusing on one individual or object, the paladin does not detect evil in any other object or individual within range.
Arimar calls upon the power of the Dawnflower, amazed at the difference he feels. The Hellknight nearest to him does not detect evil as while the Paladin concentrates on him.
Seeing the naked blade before him, the Hellknight turns his helmeted head to his commander that has left him to chase an invisible foe. Seeing he is on his own with his two companions, he moves his glaive to a ready position.
He turns back to the Paladin, "Lower your weapon. If you have nothing to hide, then you should follow our orders." He remains close to the Paladin, but does not advance.
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Benaiah grins an invisible grin as the indignant Arimar he is used to begins to show through the mountain of muscle he has changed into. A little sense of normalcy helped ease the tension of the situation, at least in his head. Malgrim getting searched wasn't ideal, but not unheard of either. Of course, who knows what these hellknights would assume and do if they discover he is disguised, despite the myriad of plausible explanations.
The hellknights call out to him, and he silently curses his armor for rendering his invisibility almost useless. The only thing worse than something that doesn't work, is something that almost works. His head scans back and forth, looking for a way out of the predicament. All the while his fingers twitch and tingle, aching for chemical enhancement. The mass of humanity in the streets begins to scatter around him, and it's clear there will only be a few people left on the streets in just a few seconds. Precious seconds he could use to prepare in case things get physical...
Carefully, he takes a step back from the location that the hellknights were focusing on. He remembers all to well what a lucky swing could get him from his time in the smoking room.
best not take any chances here. Time to get ready for a fight, just in case.
Arimar eyes the hellknight's glaive, "I could say the same to you. I have just as much right to have my weapon drawn as you do. You do not have the right to randomly search me, and if you believe I have done something wrong I suggest your report it to the city watch. Your order does still believe in law, correct?"
The big paladin does not back down, but he does lower the point of his weapon to show that he means no harm. Sheathing it, however, is just not going to happen right now.
If only he were evil... this might go a whole lot easier, Arimar begins in his mind, For shame! You should never desire to kill a man. Give him an out...
"I guess, all that is unless... " Arimar adds, "Do you have a warrant to search random citizens?"
Malgrim continues to search for some potential distraction, although Arimar is apparently doing a perfectly good job of making a scene. I suppose there are times that having Divine Moral Superiority on your side is a benefit. Not that it has worked well in past experience.
He tenses as he prepares for one of three possibilities: a distraction, escape, or combat.
Gwendolyn looks up to the approach of the hellknights and pauses, for a moment forgetting she is not in her halfling form. After the brief moment of confusion passes, followed by twinge of fear and shock, all emotions are replaced by annoyance with the overzealous chelish soldiers.
"Respectfully, I will follow none of your orders," the human woman says in reply to the request to open her bag. "Of course you obviously follow this request with your standard, 'if you have nothing to hide, then you should follow our orders... It is as if you have only one trick in your bag-- make request and threaten and intimidate to get what you want."
"We have nothing to hide, and we will still not follow your orders. You have no jurisdiction here. You are not the proper law and authority of this land. You have harassed us and the people of this city, and will continue to do so... until some stands up to you." With these words, Gwendolyn looks to the stoic form of Arimar standing defiantly against the hellknights with his weapon drawn.
"It is the duty of free people to push back against tyranny when they have done no wrong, this is the only way to approach dealing with a... bully," she had wanted to use a stronger, more upsetting word, but checked her speech.
"We do not wish to fight you, but we will also not obey. We have nothing to hide, but I will still not show you the contents of my bag."
"Let us pass," at that the human form of Gwendolyn begins to walk forward, moving in a wide arcing path around the hellknight that is approaching her. She is sure to keep some distance from the man, and is also sure that her action can in no way be perceived as threatening.
The big paladin smiles at the words of the little firebrand they picked up. She really does suit this group well, he muses.
"If it helps you, we genuinely have already been searched and told to go on our way," Arimar adds, hoping they just need a little convincing that they're not giving ground by backing down, "You would just be ceding to the skills of the last party to search us. Now, please stand aside and kindly stop overstepping your remit in this city and violating our rights."
As Arimar, Malgrim, and Gwen push back against the leaderless Hellknights, though their faces are obscured by their severe metal visages, the Companions can sense a bit of trepidation in their mannerisms. A few turn to look for their leaders, only to see that they are currently occupied looking for some unseen assailant.
"Know this, the Hellknights are not to be trifled with. We need no mandate in Magniar, and you would be well served to obey our commands. Those that resist must be guilty. I shall report you to our order. Be prepared for more searches, for the truth will eventually win out." comes the rebuttal of the braver knight.
With that, they trio turn to head back to their leader cadre.
""
"Can't wait for someone to teach those armored bullies a lesson. What I wouldn't give to see someone know them on their armored asses. I pray Desna to be there on that day."
The Companions hear the multitude voice their unabashed opinions of the Hellknights.
Benaiah used this time to slip on by, trying to hide from the Hellknights.
The trio of Hellknight leaders calls and searches frantically for the unseen citizen.
"This is your last chance. Surrender peacefully for search or face our wrath." comes the command from Signifer Jheraal.
"Hellknights, spread out. Search out with your weapons. Use force if necessary." comes another command from a Hellknight. WIth that their weapons are exposed and they begin to poke out with their various weapons. An observant observer can see that they are using the blunt of their blades in a lethal way.
The crowd scrambles for the perceived safety, unsure what the Hellknights are doing. Cries can be heard for the City Watch.
"I acquiesced to one search already," Arimar reminds the Hellknight, "I see now that was one search too many." The big paladin briefly considers attacking the hellnight before he moves off to search for Benaiah.
"Sweet Sarenrae!" Arimar calls out, louder this time, that the crowd might also hear, "Threats of guilt because I refuse to be violated? Stabbing at unseen assailants in a crowd of people? If you were truly evil instead of simply violent and idiotic, I would end you right now." Arimar sheaths his blade, "As it is, though, I agree with these poor, oppressed people who are tired of your treatment. " Arimar adds his voice to that of the masses. He encourages them where necessary and all the while makes for the Frumpy Duchess the long way around, hoping to become lost in the cacophany.
"Hope you're okay, Benaiah," Arimar whispers through the message spell, "Looks like they haven't found you yet. We're getting out of here, but we'll stay within earshot. Going to take a more circuitous route. Best if we split up... and get out of here now while the crowd is still against them."
Malgrim breathes a heavy sigh of relief, letting go some of the tension that he'd had welled up as he passes by the Hell Knights. The sounds orienting on Benaiah are concerning, but unless there is obvious sounds that his companion is in trouble he is content to get past the patrol that questioned his disguise.
Clanking and jingling, the Hellknights move out in an orderly fashion, weapons at the ready. They lightly poke out with their weapons looking for the possible invisible assailant.
Meanwhile, the trio of visible Companions move off and add to the chorus of cries for the city watch. The can see a small unit dressed in the livery of the City Watch interacting with some locals. They are gesticulating widely and pointing back towards the Hellknights.
I could kiss the locals for providing this most needed distraction for us.
"Come on lads," Arimar encourages a crew of locals next to him, "The watch knows where they are now, help clear a path to those belligerent Hellknights, will you? If everyone moves out of the way, I'm sure they'll be there even quicker."
Having done all he could, Arimar continues on his path away from the situation. "Oh, officer," he calls out to an errant watchman, "The Hellknights who are abusing citizens are that way. Yes, you were almost heading in the right direction. Good work, officer! You teach those blaggards who the real law is in Magnimar. Three cheers for the City Watch! May Abadar light your path." And may Sarenrae heal your wounds if conflict arises, Arimar adds in prayer. He hates leaving others to do his battles for him, I do? I guess I do now, but it is their sworn duty, just as he has his.
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Bloody overreaching hellknights... I'm not surprised at their audacity, but something isn't right. Bastions of law, for them to push legal boundaries like this.... something isn't right.
Benaiah keeps his temper in check, hoping in the city watch to sort this out. He continues to shuffle, watching the black armored men swing wildly at thin air.
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The Hellknights, in search of the unseen individual, lash out with their weapons. Careful not to harm the populace, their thrusts go well wide of the two invisible humans duck, dodge, and dive their way to safety. They continue on as they make their way to the Frumpy Duchess.
Assisting the locals, Arimar encourages the City Watch to double time their steps towards the Hellknights. A mustachioed guard in Magnimar livery calls out, "". The other City Watch fan out behind him, hands hovering above swords and gripping polearms tighter.
One of the armored Hellknights strides over. Face obscured by her grotesque metal helmet, she addresses the City Watch. "I am Signifer Jheraal. We are Hellkingts of the Order of the Nail, here by mandate of Lord-Mayor Haldmeer Grobaras. Here is my writ." she extends a gauntleted fist with a rolled up parchment.
The City Watch tentatively approaches the Hellknight, clearly not expecting a retort like that, especially not one backed by a mandate from the Mayor of Magnimar.
He unrolls the paper, and scans the text. With a flabbergasted look, he hands the writ back to the Signifer. "All seems in order, yet if you harm one, single, citizen, writ or no, you will have to answer to me." Regaining a bit of his bluster the City Watch casts a disapproving glance at the Hellknights. "For the time being, you shall cease this .... this ... attack on the populace." waving his hands, the other City Guards move to block the Hellknights from the innocents.
"You have no oversight over us. We are not beholden to listen to you. Something is wrong here, and you would do well to aid us, Watch rather than inhibit us. Choose wisely." comes the deliberate threat to the Watch.
"I am confident in my choice." the City Watch responds, clearly not believing what he is saying.
The Hellknight threat over for the time being, the Companions continue to make their way to the Frumpy Duchess. As they get further from the standoff, it becomes apparent that the outcome of this municipal standoff will continue to remain a mystery.
That was closer to a potential disaster than I am comfortable with.
Malgrim looks around to see if there is anyone trying to trail him or the others in the party, and takes a circuitous route towards the inn through back alleys, making a conscious effort to avoid being associated with the other party members.
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Mandated by the Mayor? Something is really wrong here... This game we are playing has an interesting wrinkle. Definitely going to need to dig into that some more.
Benaiah whispers an inconspicuous acknowledgement of Arimar's suggestions and quickly slinks away from the conversation between the hellknights and the city watch. Now free of the inquisition, he hustles along, hoping to get into the pre-rented rooms before his spell wears off.
That little tidbit of information should provide for some interesting chatter while we gnaw our fingernails to nubs...
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Benaiah paces back and forth invisibly in front of the frumpy duchess, waiting for his companions to show up. Once he sees Arimar and Gwen coming down the road, he whispers over his message spell.
"In front of the door here. You guys go in first, I'll be right behind you. Hopefully this spell doesn't wear off in the middle of a crowd..."
"Actually, now that we've been spotted together, probably a good idea if Gwen, Malgrim and I go in separately," Arimar notes over the message, "I'll come in first, you and the book keeper follow me. We can secure the room. Then Gwen and Malgrim can enter at their own pace later on - a few minutes apart."
With spare keys in hand, Arimar finds a time when there is very little foot-traffic outside the Frumpy Duchess and enters. Immediately upon opening the door, he curses and bends down to adjust his greaves and his boot-straps. The whole time, his metal-covered rear end is holding the door ajar for Benaiah and the book keeper to enter. He waits for their message confirmation before standing and walking up to the bar.
"Beer please. A Sandpoint Longshanks Pale Ale, if you have it, otherwise any ale," Arimar scans the bar for signs of trouble, "I have already arranged accommodations upstairs. I assume the room is ready? I will be expecting some guests: a halfling and an elf. I would appreciate it if you made them feel welcome with drinks and whatever else they need, or just let them come up to the room whenever they're ready." Arimar slides the man two gold - a more than reasonable price for such consideration - and then makes for upstairs, being sure that the stairs are empty first so that his invisible friends can follow.
The halfling, still disguised in human-form, wanders up the street leisurely and at her own pace, while keeping an eye out for additionally inbound hellknights. She wanders to and fro, lazily making her way along a winding route toward the building.
Keeping her watchful eyes looking about the street, Gwendolyn listens carefully to words of Arimar conveyed to her over the message spell.
"Understood," she confirms the plan for entering the Frumpy Duchess. I'll be there a few minutes behind you. Once inside the Frumpy Duchess I'll head directly to my room, as it's already ready, and hopefully that keep any watchful eyes off our group.
After a few minutes have passed, Gwendolyn turns and approaches the front entrance to the inn. At the door, she pauses for a moment, looking around for signs of more hellknights and then enters. Once safely inside and surrounded by the duchess' patrons, Gwendolyn quickly moves to hide herself away in her room.
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Benaiah uses the open door while Arimar checks his greaves and slides into the room. Doing his best not to rush, and therefore potentially cause some disturbance, he makes his way up to the room while Arimar orders his drinks.
Just as he is about to open the door, his heart skips a beat. He quickly reaches for his powder box. Feeling it at his side only slightly calms him down, and he reaches to make sure the book is still in its place. Feeling the familiar binding, he breaths a sigh of relief, and steps into the room.