"Well, now that you know everything, we were trying to determine what would be our next move. There's at least one guard woman by the name of Sergeant Alyse who seems to be helping us now and we're going to try and meet up with her again tonight. My thought was to try and determine if the Rude Boys guard the Moore House during the day. We ran into them last night and we ran.
I don't know if they're planning to stay there now or if their employers have moved them. It's possible that the guards out front didn't say anything. I do feel more confident having you along though."
When Imedren greets him, the boy following T-Bog offers a shy smile. "Hello."
Nutmeg grins when his father mentions that he'll be tagging along. "I won't cause no trouble, promise. With everybody getting taken, it's safer with you guys then out on the streets on me own."
You sure will, ya little nut, Anophth says, even as his own worries about "safety" flash through his mind. Let's start by seeing what we can find in the streets. Somebody knows something.
Asking around reveals that one factory worker thought he saw a strange man in a hooded cloak skulking about the alleys near Salle's favorite spot last night. The man ran off as soon as he noticed the worker looking at him.
We seems to be at the same impasse as yesterday. Our options are either to just walk around and hope to find him, or we assualt the Moore House and hope that it's connected to the missing persons case.
"With little else to go on, it does appear we have but two choices. This cloaked figure won't show himself until night time. So we have until then. We should look into the Moore House though. They might know our descriptions now but they don't know either of you." he said.
"Here's my plan. We'll examine the house today by heading that direction and having one of you walk by the front. The rest of us will wait around the corner. If there are some of the Rude boys still out front, we'll know they haven't abandoned it. We'll have you circle around the block and meet back with us to discuss what to do.
If they ask you what you're doing, T-Bog you can say you're looking for your son who's run off. Nutmeg, you can say you're looking for your dad. If they give chase then run... and yell and the rest of us will come storming around the corner to drive them off.
If there isn't anyone left, we go check the house to see if we can determine what they were looking for. If that works for everyone then lets get going."
A young man talking to a factory worker near the entrance catches sight of the group as you make your way out of the factory gates. It seems he was rather unsuccessfully attempting to talk his way into the area. His exasperation with the factory worker is clear on his small face.
"Nevermind, that's the lot I'm looking for anyway. I would have found them sooner if you'd been less obstinate." He grumbles at the worker before shuffling quickly to wait for you at the gate, refusing to make eye contact with the factory worker glaring at him.
"You're the ones looking for Father Gregory, right? Must be. Too diverse otherwise. You stand out, and you fit the description the barkeep was talking about." The young man talks in short bursts, almost as if more to himself than anyone else, and his tone is slightly flat. His eyes quickly search each of you before settling on Imedren, apparently feeling he is most likely to speak for you all. He can see some of the questions already stirring. "Word travels fast between customers at the bars in The Grievings. I'm a cook at one. Started asking around yesterday about the Father. You came up pretty quick. Someone mentioned you'd headed this way."
As if suddenly remembering that introductions usually involve both sides of the conversation, he puts out a hand to Imedren. "I'm Dramm. Knew of Father Gregory. One of his colleagues pointed me in his direction for some help. He was supposed to meet me, but he disappeared. He's no good if he turns up dead. I want to help." Dramm's tone sounds less like a suggestion and more as if he's already decided and waiting for you to catch up.
Imedren blinked as the young man walked to them all and began sweeping the conversation away. Then he grinned as Dramm introduced himself. "Well now, if this keeps up we'll have half of Grievings with us by the end of the week. Dramm, it's good go meet you. My name is Imedren. It sounds like Father Gregory was planning to get us all involved anyhow. So we're happy to have you join us.
I suppose we're here for another round of introductions. This is my wife Uruuna. We've been friends of his for years. This is Anophth, a goblin who comes to Gregory's services. Although we just met them too, here are T-bog and his son Nutmeg."
Gregory, I have to wonder now if this was a backup plan in case something happened to you.
"I suppose since you've heard of us already, you know what we're about. We have reason to believe that while searching for the missing people himself, Gregory got caught up in something dangerous. There's a strange man in a cloak going around kidnapping people. We have some ideas of what to do about him but he only seems to move around nightfall.
We heard rumors of a gang of local toughs, The Rude Boys, who were being employed by some strange gentleman from a wealthy district to provide protection while they investigated the Moore House. This was a house of demonologists and we're worried that something else may be happening there. We may have found a clue left behind by Gregory to point us in that direction.
Some of the gang members were in fact guarding that house last night too. We were just now heading over there to check it out again. It could be dangerous but we would appreciate any help you could give."
Imedren hoped he didn't scare the man off but saw no reason to hold back on any detail. He might as well tell Dramm everything now.
Prior to Dramm's introduction:
"Sounds fine with me though I'd like to keep the little one out of sight from these Rude Boys, I can make a pass myself as you suggest and circle back. I'll get a quick count of the lot and take a look at how I can get in the easiest. We can discuss our next move after I relay my findings, yeah?"
Dramm's eyes give away some nervousness as you mention the thugs, and he swallows when you bring up the house's history. He runs his left hand through his hair as he thinks. It's missing the index and middle finger.
"Didn't know that. Didn't know about the gang either... can't let them have him though. Not till Gregory gets a chance to look over my book." He looks at the party, his eyes resting longer on the Goblin, the Halfling, and the boy hiding behind his father. Then he glances down at the bit of pudge that is his own stomach.
"Don't like our odds in a straight fight. It's a big house. There has to be a window or servant's door inside." Dramm thinks aloud. "I like the idea of finding an opening. Surely they'll have spotters. I hear goblins are hard to catch when they don't want to be. Anophth, you may be able to find an opening to slip inside while eyes are on T-Bog."
Bog grunts at Dramm and pitches his eyebrow up in question.
"I'll have to say, we should discuss this somewhere more private, hmmm?"
You head to a more private location to finalize your plans. Once you are ready, T-Bog approaches the Moore House. The same two Rude Boys Anophth, Imedren, and Uruuna encountered last night are there, standing guard over the decrepit structure, but they don't notice the ferren skulking about. He doesn't notice any other gang members nearby.
There are several windows on both the first and second floor, but all of them are boarded up, as are the front doors. The boards that once covered the back door lie on the ground, providing a single easy means of entry. The roof itself sports several gaping holes. You might be able to get in that way if you climbed up there.
T-Bog returns to the others to report his findings.
Tabog strolls up to the group with a spring in his step, his performance went off without a hitch.
"I can probably get in through one of the holes in to roof with relative ease. If I ran into trouble you'd have to come through the back door... Hopefully that won't be the case but, uh, what am I looking for do you think?"
Dramm looks a little surprised at how deftly TaBog managed to avoid the watchful eyes of the guards. First he looks pleased at your return, then his brow furrows as he begins to consider the new information.
"A way in that they haven't boarded up? A lucky break. Good work, TaBog." Dramm looks to the rest of the group. "As for what to look for, anything that might confirm our fears of demons. If it's a cult, they'll need a place to store prisoners too. Basements work best. Not as many ways out. I suggest that be our goal once we know for sure if this is the place. I think we should send a second person to climb the roof with you. If you get caught alone, you might never get a chance to call for help..."
Though his words seem to be out of concern, there's a definite clinical nature to Dramm's voice. He's already looking through his pack. "No luck. I didn't bring a rope to help climb." He looks hopefully at the goblin, almost expecting the one-eyed creature to magically produce one from his stuffed pack.
Yanno, Anophth says, a hint of his goblin accept sneaking into his speech, I'm not too concerned with the whole demon thing, as I am with the missing folk. Maybe we just take a peak, see if there's evidence of our priest, and if not we look elsewhere. Let the browncoats deal with this.
Anophth gets some rope out of his pack. This will probably help, Tabog.
"Not much of a climber myself, I'm afraid." he then put his hands out in front of him with a halting motion. "I"m also not sure about this demon worshiping house idea either. It could be something Father Gregory was looking into. That's all. I'm just here to find out if he came through here... or if Dramm is right and there is something more sinister going on with taking prisoners.
If something looks like it would require a more scholarly mind, signal us and we'll come through the back door. If there is something darker going on here we're going to need proof if we're going to get the Brown Coats involved. Or else they might just chalk us up as troublemakers."
Dramm blinks a couple of times at the group's comments as understanding slowly sinks in.
"Oh, I was unclear. I have no interest in fighting a cult, even if there is one. I just want Father Gregory back." he says flatly as he hoists his pack back to his shoulder, "If he's in there, I don't want to leave without him. Brown Coats loath to patrol these areas. I wouldn't expect them to be in any rush to help. He might be dead by the time they show up. Anyone else inside is on their own, I just need Gregory. If I thought we had more time, I'd be less hasty."
At that, Dramm checks a knife hidden under his coat. It's old and worn, a skeletal elk designed into the handle. Satisfied that it's in easy reach, he settles in behind Imedren. "You lead the way if they need us, I'll follow behind you. Hopefully it won't come to anything dangerous. Tabog seems light on his feet. Maybe they'll never even know he was there."
Imedren merely frowned at the other man's words. So he only cares about rescuing Gregory and nobody else. Guess I can't count on him if things go south.
"Alright then, I don't mind heading up on my own. Nutmeg, out of sight out of mind, yeah?"
Tabog looks at his son and gives him a knowing wink and a nod before looking back to the group.
"No need for rope yet, If I find something interesting I'll holler and if I'm not back in about thirty minutes I've died."
Bog gives a slight bow and a smirk as he heads back around the block he just came from. Once he's out of sight from the group and before he's in sight of the house he checks around to make sure no one important can see him and... He's gone! This dark world seems to have swallowed him up and spit out a small, fluffy white cat; seemingly harmless, save for the look in its eyes that tells you there is some critical thinking going on and not just an animal looking for its next meal.
Tabog slips quietly to the base of the Moore House, then clambers up the walls to drop in through a hole in the ceiling. He finds himself on the second floor of the dilapidated structure. The bedroom he lands in is in terrible condition, with furniture crumbling and floors rotted through. There is a door, but part of the wall has collapsed as well, granting access to the adjoining hallway.
The floorboards squeak under his footfalls, but fortunately as a cat, he is light enough not to risk breaking through.
The sounds of squeaking and tiny footfalls presage the arrival of a pack of four large rats, almost as big as Tabog is! The filthy rodents sniff at the air, hissing and baring their jagged teeth.
Tabog see the rats and jumps onto the rotting furniture to get some high ground, in an attempt to startle the rats and cause them to scatter he billows out his fur and hisses while making a feinted jump towards them.
If the rats do scatter Boggert will attempt to hide himself and listen to make sure no one is going to come and investigate the hissing noise.
The rats squeak aggressively as Tabog reveals himself, but they quickly back down in the face of the cat's aggressive display. Confronted by their natural predator, the rats turn tail and scurry away.
Tabog conceals himself, but it doesn't seem like anybody is responding to the commotion. The ferren emerges to explore the rest of the second floor, but he doesn't find anything of value up there.
He heads down to the first floor. Though it is shrouded in shadows, his feline eyes are able to pierce the gloom. A study on this floor has been ransacked, and the rats and dripping water have ruined the books that lie in heaps on the floor. A tremendous stench is noticeable as Tabog moves north.
Creeping to the entrance of another room, Tabog peers in and sees a humanoid figure crouched in the corner of the room. It wears a hooded canvas cloak stained with blood. He can't get a good look at the thing from his current position, but neither has it noticed him yet. The figure is busy sharpening a long scalpel, sparks periodically illuminating the dark room.
As the group waits for Tabog to return, Nutmeg smiles shyly at Uruuna. "I like your hair. It's pretty," the boy says.
Uruuna grins at Nutmeg. "Why, thank you! You're a sweetie, aren't you?" The halfling can't help but pinch the boys cheeks.
She turns to Imedren with a sly look. "Almost makes you want to have one of your own, eh?"
Come on, Nut. Let's not watch. Here, I have some extra candy, just for you.
I hope he's ok up there. I feel guilty staying down here while he's up there facing who knows what.
Tabog soon returns from his scouting mission to report his findings to the group. If you can get past the Rude Boys guarding the back door, there's a clear path to the sitting room where the cloaked creature is lurking. Tabog also reports the presence of a secret door in that room.
As Nutmeg and Uruuna speak, Dramm's eyes shift repeatedly between them and keeping an eye out for Tabog's return. Though his expression remains detached, he stands stiffly at the building corner and seems to become more rigid with each minute. As Anophth leads Nut away to sit in the alley, the Goblin finds it easy to notice that Dramm is watching the interaction out of the corner of his eyes.
When Tabog rounds the corner, Dramm's relief briefly plays across his face as the tension subsides. He listens to the report silently, eyes cold and detached once again. After several longs seconds of consideration, he finally speaks again.
"Knowing the layout is good. Secret doors hold answers. We learned little else of substance..." He mutters aloud, then speaks more clearly, "We won't learn much else without a more direct approach. That leaves us four options, but time is of the essence. Sneaking all of us through would be difficult. We would very likely be caught with such a large group. We outnumber the thugs. Threats may buy us enough time to search, but no doubt they will go for help. Third option is to wait. We can hope they leave. The longer we wait, the more likely Gregory is dead." Dramm pauses after this. His eyes are studying all of you carefully as he speaks again.
"Fourth option is to kill them. They are criminals and not likely to be missed. It will keep our escape clear as well. If we believe ourselves capable, that is." It is not long before he adds "I am open to alternatives."
Imedren smiled down at Uruuna while rubbing the back of his head. He was almost embarrassed. Images of what the future might hold danced at the edge of his mind and his cheeks turned a slightly darker shade. He wanted to pick her up and kiss her... but the severity of their situation pulled him back to the present. Instead he settled on slight nod of his head.
"I suppose it might. He seems a charming lad, probably gets that from his father. Perhaps when this business is put behind us, I have a few teachings about the Queen of Summer that might be worth our time to review. But that seems something we can wait for till later."
When Tabog returns and Dramm speaks his mind, Imedren seems troubled by the prospects.
"I don't like the idea of using unnecessary violence. But that being said... this sounds like the Rude Boys are guarding the Moore house and the Moore house appears to be the place where our kidnapper is. I dislike unnecessary violence but I dislike the idea of scaring the two of them only to have them returning with the full weight of the gang even more." he paused for a moment while he took a deep breath. Dramm was right, he hated to admit.
He thought through his teachings and knew there were none of the major old gods teachings he could call to advice for something like this. This was no hunt, it was not even a darker side of revelry. This was a calculated thing. What they were about to do was cause for concern and might well spell any of their death. Imedren was afraid and suddenly very aware of his own mortality. His mind cleared and suddenly a thought sprang to it.
Father Death, I don't know if you can hear me, but know that more souls will be waiting for you this night.
"A little violence now may be our best option to avoid a whole lot more later on."
"This is why it's good to be a nice man Nutters, Rude Boys get into trouble."
Bog gathers up his few things, one item being his sling. He gives it a twirl and looks at Imedren.
"A couple of us could start pelting them from afar and when they run up to fight us the others get 'em from behind. Classic bait and flank, yeah?"
Ugh. I hate doing things like this. Violence is going to solve what should have been taken care of with a little money and some smooth talking. If only those jerks would have taken the bait yesterday, we could have avoided all this.
That gives me an idea. What if I try to pester them again with another sales pitch? While they're distracted with me, you can take them from the side or something. Or maybe everyone can just climb in the back while they "capture" me and bring me inside? I'm sure they'll try.
Dramm shrugs. "I am not particular about the method. I doubt thugs will want to bother holding someone. They are more likely to beat you. Still..." Dramm says flatly, bringing a couple of fingers to his chin.
"It could result in Anophth being beaten. That will take time and likely be loud. We sneak inside, or gain the element of surprise. Alternative... unexpected possibility of Anophth taken alive. We are likely to be inside before they take him in. We succeed in an ambush as they enter. Or if only one carries him inside, we have split our enemies and can overwhelm them more easily." Dramm begins to pace, "Possible risk of injury or death to one party mate, but with a distinct advantage in violence. All opposed to the certain risk of injury in a straight encounter." Dramm's tone becomes increasingly bright as he plays out his thinking clearly in earshot of the entire group. His face cracks in to a smile. He stops suddenly and turns to the Goblin.
"It provides a distinct advantage no matter the outcome. I had not considered self sacrifice. Very clever and brave, Anophth. This is a good plan! We should move as soon as possible." The admiration and smile towards Anophth appear to be entirely genuine. The innocent appreciation on his face makes it all the more off-putting.
Anophth takes a moment to gather his courage and say his goodbyes. I'll see you on the inside, he says, hoping he sounds brave. He whistles a tune as he walks away.
Once around the conrer, his mind starts racing. He's gotta come up with something good to say. Can't use the potion line again. And they're not interested in strength. Nor of alleviating boredom. Perhaps of keener awareness? Better weapons? What do I have on me?
Riffling through his pack, he thinks, Dang, this incantation of disguise would have worked well. Can I still use it? Hmm.. likely not. That cloaked figure was a man and I'm too short to pretend to be a human. What else? Nails! Those always come in handy!
Anophth pulls out his box of nails, careful not to touch the iron spikes. He also pulls out the ragged clothing he found in the dump last night. Ripping off strips, he makes a crude necklace of iron nails. This thing looks like s&*@, he thinks to himself. But I can sell it!
As he approaches the final corner that leads to the street the guards are on, his starts his whistling tune again, this time loud enough so the guards could possibly hear. He smiles as he turns the corner, saying, Hayo, boys! It's me again! I've been thinking a lot about you! I appreciate that you weren't able to help yesterday, and that's ok! You have a job to do, and that job does not let you leave this spot! I can appreciate the tenacity!
I found someone else to help me, but I just couldn't shake my mind on you two! Just what is it you'd need for a job like this? "Sharp eyes," I says to myself! "Keenness of mind." These are the qualities of fine guardmen such as yourself. And I just happen to know an old faery who used to live deep in the Whatzit forest, and anciet place with close ties to the magic of the far realm. She was a witch, and as a witch she could cast powerful charms on unsuspecting items. My cousin's uncle had such a charm on him; that charm saved him from countless accidents in the mines.
I've got one such charm with me, and I'm willing to sell it to you for a moderate price! It's a one of a kind deal, because this charm is extra special. It's feirce! It radiates an aura of courage and strength! It says, "The man who wears me is known to all as the bravest man around!" Because it takes a lot of bravery to wear this trash in public! Anophth bites back from saying.
But don't take my word for it! Try it yourself! Here here here, bend down here and let me put it on you!
The Rude Boys seem more at ease when Anophth approaches them by himself. "Magic charm, eh? Alright, let me see if it really works," one of the gruff men says. He kneels down in front of the goblin.
Anophth puts the crude necklace over the guard. Do you feel it? Do you feel the power? Just imagine, just envision! The magic coursing through your veins, empowering your muscles and your sight! You can see it now, the fae blood enhancing your every thought. Look! You can now see the jealousy of your friend here, behind that mask of incongruity! He may look doubtful, but the magic let's you see his true feelings of jealousy and suspicion.
But don't you mind him, none! Look, over there! Do you see the let lines coursing with power? The fae know these lines and use them to travel to the far realm. It is how they are able to go from this world to that! You can see the hint of blues and greens!
The man squints in the direction Anophth points. "Um... Oh, yeah, I think I see 'em! Hey, this thing really works! How much you want for it?"
Imedren was starting to shake his head at the supposed absurdity of Dramm's plan.
Surely the way he described it would never convince Anophth to...
but then the goblin actually went for it. Imedren was stunned to silence as he watched the goblin solemnly take his task wander off actually whistling.
"It's working?!" he whispered to the rest. "It's actually working! Go, we have to move quick."
Dramm quietly attempts to sneak into the house along with the rest of the group.
For you, my fine friend, a mere two silver shillings. And for you, Anophth says, turning to the other guard, A single silver in advance and I'll have a second of these for you by tomorrow! A discount for paying in advance. You, too, can see the wonders of the Fey.
Here, just a moment. Anophth pulls out a scented vial and wafts some of the scent into the air. He takes a deep breath and says, breathe this in. This will give you a hint of what it will be like. As the Fey scents enhance your blood, you'll be able to hear things beyond human perception. Hear that? That sound of clattering and clacking? It's from the Far Realms - it is echoes of the sounds of the Fae as they dance and play. It's eminating from the ley lines.
Hopefully that distracts the guards from any sounds those fools make climbing the house.
Unfortunately, while Imedren proves stealthy, Dramm and Tabog are less so. The noise they make alerts the Rude Boys, who turn to glare at you all angrily. "Oi! They's trying to pull a fast one on us!" They reach for their knives.
By the faery queen, what are those people doing?! Anophth declares, looking in the same direction as the thugs. As he points to his compatriots, he backs up to be behind the two guards. Go! Stop them before something bad happens!
If one or both of them runs off, Anophth will "accidentally" try to trip one with his walking cane.
Oh, my! I'm so sorry! Quickly, up up! After them!
Imedren froze mid-step when he heard the angry voices. He thought they were clear to make their way inside.
I thought we weren't going to have to fight.
He took a deep breath and turned, making his way back out toward the front where the Rude Boys were, readying to attack.
His arms were shaky and his resolve fled as he saw them directly.
Dramm freezes for a moment as several rocks slide off the wall he was climbing, clattering to the ground as he lands on the other side. His head snaps up when he hears the shout. Seeing the thugs reach for their knives, Dramm grimaces and pulls his own. He wastes no time breaking into a charge for the nearest thug.
"Strike fast, strike hard. Do not let the animal struggle." he mutters to himself as he rushes forward. His strike is reckless and unpracticed.
Sometimes fortune is greater than skill. Dramm's blade finds purchase.
Sneaking in human form is something Tabog doesn't have to do very often and he finds he's not used to his full weight. Finding the Boys alerted he steadies himself and bringa out his sling with a rock loaded in it.
I haven't had to use this in a very long time...
He lets one off toward the nearest thug!
Most of your attacks fail to hit, but Dramm scores a good slice with his knife. The thug growls and retaliates, plunging his own long knife into Dramm's gut! The other one moves to support his ally, but he trips over Anophth's leg and goes sprawling on the ground! "Son of a b*%!+!" he curses, climbing back to his feet.
Here, let me help! Anophth offers to the fallen thug. He places his walking cane on the man's arm, and "slips" attempting to knock the knife out of his hand.
Oh! Pardon me! Anophth exclaims. I'm so clumsy!
Imedren started to breathe faster as he saw the knife bloody Dramm's shirt. His arms shook more now as the adrenaline kicked in but he did not run. Then something occurred to him. He had been easily dodged before because he'd swung his staff like a club. Instead, he planted his feet and gripped the staff in both hands and pulled back. He lunged forward at the thug, thrusting with his entire body weight behind the attack.