The man swallows hard. He looks up and down the street pensively. "The people you think you want. If I was who you think I am, then they've already got your message, trust me. Anyone like who you're looking for would be in hiding about now don't you think? And not interested in conveniently timed offers." He quickly backpedals from the last statement. "Not to imply that yours isn't legitimate mind you, but see it from their perspective. And I don't mean to throw around accusations or anything, but there's no way to know if you're one of those assassins that's been running around."
Let's see if your glib tongue can coax him to get us in contact with the Preservers... As without their support or at least their magical items we can kiss any plans of Empire goodbye...
Sir, just tell them, we mean no harm and just wish to further what is better for this world and believe your associates would be quite useful, again we mean no harm to any with good intentions. My friend is just quite an intense person.
Take 10 - Knowledge (local) = 19.
Sensing the unrest in the town, Dai is resting and applying a series of armor plate-like tattoos to both of her legs and feet.
Take 10 - Craft (Tattoo) = 16.
Chumani sticks with Dai, watching with interest as she works.
"Any chance you could do one of those for me if we ever get some free time?"
Rahger sees how supplies are being quickly asked for. In anticipation, Rahger buys an extra 3 days worth.
As Hamailii asks him about the rest of the group, Rahger ponders for a moment. " Finding people not want to be found. Rahger not know where, but Rahger not care looking and looking, so Rahger not ask. If you want go places, he shall follow but Rahger only know how to get back to Talara's place."
The wine merchant nods, somewhat unsure what to make of the two of you. "Intense. That's one way to put it." He leans in closer to Gideon. "You look like a reasonable fellow. It's like I said. They already know. They're 'watching'. If they want to have a chat with you, they will. If not, which is likely given the state of the city, then they won't. And nothing anybody can do to force the issue."
If the Preservers do not desire to gain new spells so be it, there is always another source available. It may not be as cheap as a spell trade but it will do.
Chumani sticks with Dai, watching with interest as she works.
"Any chance you could do one of those for me if we ever get some free time?"
Between clenching her teeth slightly from the pain and applying small amounts of divine energy to heal the inkscar, Dai smiles.
"When next we rest Chumani, consider it done."
No need to continue this, we are done here and we have more that needs to be done.
Gideon will begin heading off to anywhere but there, since no progress is to be made at the time, and hopes Rennoc joins him.
Rennoc follows Gideon...
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Ah well Rahger, i´m curious about this city. Let´s go and visit some of that strange buildings. Did you ever see something alike? It´s my first time in such a big city. We elves don´t build cities. Do your people build some or how do you live normaly?
Hamailii waits for Rahger to walk along with her between Tyrs many wondrous buildings, among them surely a building called Troika, which might be worth a visit.
Once Rennoc and Gideon have returned, Chumani will indicate he is going to do a single pass of the Troika building to get an idea of the lay out if anyone would like to accompany him.
Once there he will make one pass of the front of the building, taking in what he can while trying to not be obvious. After that he will spend some time exploring the area around it, looking for good approach and exit routes as well as possible hiding places.
Gideon will also join Chumani
"Rahger and tribe live in houses built on tree tops. Not like empty rocks with holes they have here."
The merchant district is fairly busy during the day. Traders hustle back and forth to pick up orders and settle accounts. The trading house is a squat stone one story building, thirty feet by sixty feet. A real wood door sits in the middle of one of the shorter sides providing the only means of entrance. A full dozen guards, surprisingly many for such a small trading house keep watch. Each is armed with a datchi club and seems quite professional in their duty. One stands directly in front of the door, while the others are stationed around it. A ten foot wide alley separates the house from a similar buildings on either of the long sides. You don’t have a great view of the rear of the building from the street.
Once the group has had a chance to check out the building Chumani will inquire about what supplies may be needed. "I would simply walk up and force my way in, but I suspect other methods might be better. What do you all suggest? Even with magic getting past all those guards at the door will be difficult, perhaps we go over a wall?"
As the conversation continues, Chumani will lead the group around the area to get a good feeling for it and what the best exit routes will be.
No... Yes! I devised a most interesting spell to speed up excavations of various ruins... Used properly and if we can find a small underground entrance I may be able to tunnel under the compound. Simply dig under the desired room, make a hole into it and Gideon can snatch the evidence we need...
That plan would work, easy and hard to notice
Rahger whispers to Hamailii, " Chumani and others are there. They seem to be looking around. Rahger check to see from above. "
Rahger will attempt to climb the side of one of the neighboring buildings. If needed, he will go a bit into an alleyway to get better leverage/not be seen doing this.
Rahger will take 10 to stealthily move to the walls and then climb up them.
Take 10 Stealth => 10 + 10 = 20
Take 10 Climb => 10 + 8 = 18
From his vantage point, Rahger can see that the far side alley is similar to the sides. A ten foot gap between the Troika building and another trading house to the rear. Suddenly, one of the guards points in the halfling's direction. "Oi! What's he doing up there?" A couple of his fellows on patrol move toward the building you are peeking over. One shoulders her datchi with a leather thong and draws a javelin. Her arm isn't raised to throw it yet though.
Chumani perks up at the noise and scans the roof tops to see if he spots whats going on.
The spell is useful I admit Gideon but I am not sure whether or not we could create a stable tunnel... Not unless Chumani can put his stonemason skills to good use... However another option is available, if you Gideon can set a few fires with you arrows near the compound I know a spell that will expand them...
I can turn a normal fire into a massive pillar of exploding flame which will blind all within a hundred feet radius... I can also turn a fire into a massive bank of smoke that will choke those within it, it wouldn't be pretty or subtle but the guards would likely be confused and disoriented. A fast halfling with magically empowered legs could easily make his way through into the compound and retrieve the evidence...
Speaking of which what has he gotten into now...
That may work as well, whichever will get the job done cleanly and safely will work
Now that Hamailii mentions it, Rahger is climbing quite fast. It's almost as though the little guy's hands and feet are sticking to the wall. This comes as a shock to him just as much as anyone else.
Rahger's curiosity has drawn the attention of a couple guards. He notices one of the guards equipping a javelin, but doesn't pay her much mind. Instead, Rahger reaches into his pack and pulls out a single ceramic piece. He gnaws on it and tosses it aside off the roof. He then begins to eat one of the rations in his pack.
The guards look confused at Rahger's gesture. They keep their discipline however and do not stoop for the coin. "Just some layabout. Keep an eye on him." the one by the door says. The guard who had drawn a javelin puts it away and returns to her patrol.
Lucian calms from his alert pose and returns to his previous position, leaning against a wall outside the shop.
Seeing that the guards are not chasing the halfling, Chumani continues his exploration of the area and then heads back to there camp.
Once there he suggests the following to the group. "Lets see if we can get the supplies to help everyone scale the wall quickly as well as to make us harder to see and hear. Rennoc's abilities will be helpful if we need to make a fast exit."
Once done he waits to see if anyone has anything to add. Then prepares the request for magical supplies.
[ooc]I suggest a potion of Spider Climb (300cp) and Elixir of Hiding (250cp) for each of us that don't have good climb & stealth scores. Unless others have better ideas[/b]
Upon the group's return, Dai listens attentively to their report. She is still doubtful, trying to be diplomatic seeing as she herself did not participate in the reconnoitre.
"So apart from knowing the layout of the street, we have no idea of the layout of the building, or where the information we seek is located?". She looks at each of you, searching your faces for... something.
"What is the plan so far? "Be stealthy" and then have a large group wander around looking for... what? I don't like it. As much as I prefer strength in numbers, here it feels like a smaller group might achieve better results."
Here Dai smiles. Not a friendly smile.
"Or we go in through the front door, take some hostages that might know where to find what we are looking for and kill those who oppose us."
A sudden thought strikes Dai.
"We could always find a Troika functionary, compel them to take a few select members of our party inside the compound, and get them to take us to what we need."
Seeing that Chumani has started to wander away from the trade house, Rahger makes his descent back the way he came.
Take 10 on Climb = 10 + 10 = 20
He notices that the wall has been unusually sticky but doesn't try to investigate thoroughly. When he reaches the alley, he walks over to Hamailii.
"Rahger see many guards very watchful and patient. Chumani walking left to meet up with others." Rahger pauses as he remembers," Also, wall here is sticky and easy to climb. Not sure why though."
On inspection, the wall itself isn't sticky. Rahger's hands and feet just seem to be having an easy time gaining traction. Much more so than is usual for him.
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Don´t think i need those potions. Rarely does one see me sneaking around. Especially not humans. Why are you so set on getting into that Troika building again? The way of the mind taught me a power that is known as Chameleon. It´s a great hellp if you want to be hidden from others looks. Perhaps we could acquire a dorje of that, if you are able to use something like a dorje anyway.
I didn´t know halflings were such nimble climbers. That was a good show you put up there Rahger.
The best way through is chaos and confusion, setting this up will be tricky but well worth it. If we can set up some flammables near the compound I can blind all of our enemies within a large radius and fill the air with smoke that will wrack their lungs. Two people using potions of invisibility could then sneak in and retrieve what we need while the guards are confused.
Addressing Dia's concerns, "I suggested all of us as I did not want one or two people to get overwhelmed and have no support. But if people with the appropriate skills want to do it then it works for me."
"Will such a display attract the local authorities? Maybe we use it to cover our escape?"