"Hmm, not sure why I would visit that Inn." The guard shrugs and raises a curious eyebrow. ”Travel papers, please.” She takes your papers and inspects them. ”By the way, Ellvard is scheduled to work at the docks. Hope you have what it takes.” She hands you a black notebook. ”Hope you have what it takes.” She points at the guard stationed outside the door, who has his back turned to all of you. Something tells you he shouldn't see that book...
Argoni finds... somewhere to hide the black journal and whistles right past the exterior guard. Once he's at a safe distance, Argoni takes a sneak peek inside.
Away from the guards, you look at the notebook. It’s a ledger of sales. Ellvard sold a piece of art to Belimarius - an “idealized” painting of the Runelord herself by a famous artist. But there’s a note in different handwriting stating the artwork was a forgery. This notebook would implicate Ellvard in an illegal act. If this were revealed he would lose his job. Maybe even lose his head.
Ellvard, hmm… maybe you could learn more about him.
Flunk tucks the notebook into his briefcase. "A smoking gun. If I were at this 'Elivard's' defense, this is the last thing I'd want to be found. I don't think we know who he is, though."
You spend two hours talking to the guards, and some recruits about Ellvard. Who is this person? What is their shift? Why did this woman mention that name?
Flunk Wright learns Ellvard is an elven man who is fiercely dedicated to Runelord Belimarius, thankful for her efforts to save the city from certain doom. Argoni nor Grog are able to confirm or deny his information as they found nothing interesting.
Wednesday, 16:00
Gene returns to Kernal Klank and tells him the same information Flunk Wright learned: Ellvard is loyal to Runelord Bellimarus. Shandra isn't able to confirm or deny these claims.
With your information and rumors collected, you return to the Ministry of Tithes.
Wednesday, 18:00
The halfling receptionist smiles. "Ah, greetings. Here for your appointment? Right this way." She grins and then takes a sheet of paper from her table marked "free pass" and tears it in half. You hear several people groan in disappointment as she escorts you to Themolin’s office.
A portly man with thinning hair looks up from behind several stacks of papers, some nearly toppling from the heavy wooden desk upon which they are perched.
“I-I understand that y-you’ve made an appointment to s-see me. H-how may I b-be of assistance?” he stammers as he hesitantly rises to his feet.
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Grog, slowly learning when to keep his mouth shut and let the better talkers talk instead waits and keeps quiet. He's still ready to whip out the choice of brew he thinks is needed to change the target's attitide. He looks Themolin over trying to figure out of this man likes mead, wine, beer or whiskey...
"Travel plans? W-well, you have to be careful. The guards love to inspect your cargo before leaving port." He stammers, still nervous. "Please, close the door."
”But I’m not sure what you’re talking about…” he coughs. ”Is there anything else you wish to speak of? I can only speak of these matters in private. I'm much too busy at the ministry.”
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Klank closes the door while Gene tries to sweet talk the guy into buying in on his Ray-D-O idea. "How tight are they with experiment communication devices? Well, I guess 'for legal reasons' it only plays music.. but we all know down the line it'll be used to spy on people in their homes... Maybe we could talk more about it in private?"
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Shandra tries to talk in a more roundabout manner
We have a common acquaintance that had plans for traveling. Unfortunately he is unable to join because of some legal matters.
Neverthelessm he was wandering if you are still interested in founding this magnificent cruise?
The departure is in a few days, so we need your answer as soon as possible.
"O-oh, a cruise! Yes, yes, I love cruises!" He turns to Shandra as she speaks about traveling. "Ah, but I must get my materials first. There is a warehouse I need to- oh! I mean, our friend needs some compensation from my warehouse. It's over here." Themolin points at the warehouse district. "Go to the warehouse at 17:00. I'll be ready with the payment." He breathes a sigh of relief. "You had me so worried there. I'd best get prepared!"
On Themolin's desk Flunk Wright and Kernal Klank notice an affidavit of sale bearing the name of Ellvard. It shows that Ellvard purchased a painting from a known forger for a nominal amount.
Wednesday 19:00
The warehouse stands out from the dilapidated housing that surrounds it, as it’s well maintained. All is quiet and unguarded around here.
"I have a sneaking suspicion we're talking into a trap," Flunk sighs, loosening his tie. "Maybe we can case the perimeter, then slowly make our way inside."
You approach the warehouse with weapons drawn. You remain alert for anything. You can't help but recognize the sound of a braggart. One man who is brave enough to do crazy stunts, but stupid enough to be a threat.
"How does this sound: Barralbus the Minister of Tithes?” Barralbus laughs. "Now now Theomolin. You surrender your title to me, and my friend here won't have to rearrange you. Isn't that right, my friend?"
You hear a muffled cry followed by a slap.
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Flunk nods, retightening his tie as he steps into the warehouse. "Objection! I'm afraid our client, Themolin, is under no obligation to surrender anything to you. He is only doing his job as a lawfully-assigned accountant of Xin-Edasseril's ministry, and I demand you stop your threats immediately. Fail to do so and you will be in breach of our trade agreement with Themolin and the ministry. I will insist that you be arrested. ... Or perhaps worse, since I cannot control the actions of my companions." He glances knowingly at Kernal Klank and Shandra.
Or the actions of myself, hee-hee.
"Oho! You there! I remember all of you from before. Were you scheming with Themolin? You must know of his great scandal that will bring him down. He's been tight lipped, but maybe after I torture you a little, he'll speak up."
"Bah! Please. I am well aware of my rights! Come, protect me!" Barralbus points at the unarmored woman behind him, who smiles and glances at her rapier.
Kernal Klank and Grog realize this is going to turn violent, quickly. They have a chance to make a move before the assassin does.
Kernal Klank
Grog
Barralbus
Assassin
Shandra
Flunk
Argoni
"You merchants are quite armed, eh?" Barralbus raises an eyebrow.
You can hear Themolin's muffled shriek as Grog's dagger lands near his feet.
Barralbus backs away from Kernal Klank . "Now then, let's see you handle this display of arcane might!"
A ball of pure fire bursts around Kernel Klank. He tries to dodge out of the way...
And luck would have it, he isn't even singed. "Bah! Hurry up and defend me!" The woman shrugs, draws her rapier, and moves up to Kernel Klank.
Klank doesn't even raise his shield as the woman's arm bangs against a crate, ruining her aim. "What did I even pay you for?" Barralbus screams.
Kernal Klank (AoO vs Barralbus only)
Barralbus (sustaining Green + Red ball of flame)
Assassin
Shandra
Flunk
Argoni
Kernal Klank
Grog
Everyone swings into action.
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"Merchants need to protect themselves from the likes of thieves and bandits and blackmailers.. like you!" As Barralbus backs away Klank tries to slam him in the face with his empty fist, just to let him know he's serious.
After he dodges the ball of fire though things really get serious "We were only going to save Themolin, but now its personal!"
He puts his shield in front of him and tries to push the woman backwards towards BB. He just bounces off her though. "Fine, I'm coming anyhow." He raises his shield and moves over next to the caster.
Barralbus gets a punch to the face as he retreats from Kernal Klank.
Shandra and Argoni move into position as Flunk reveals a never before seen side. He hurls a flame upon a crate and cackles with excitement.
Kernal Klank tries to shove the assassin but she sees it coming and holds her ground. Grog takes this opportunity to stab her with his pick.
Barralbus takes a Guarded Step away from Kernel Klank, lest he get bonked again for letting his guard down. "You won't get lucky like that again. My arcane might will prevail!" He casts a magic spell and his form becomes blurry.
Meanwhile the assassin takes a Guarded Step back. "These ain't no merchants. Themolin's got strong friends!" She tries to pierce Grog with her rapier, then swings back to Argoni.
Argoni simply spins out of the way, while Grog relies on his trusty armor.
Grog (AoO vs Barralbus if possible)
Argoni (AoO vs Barralbus if possible)
Barralbus (Blurry, need DC 5 Flat Check to hit him)
Assassin (5 damage)
Shandra
Flunk
Argoni
Kernal Klank
Grog
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Klank takes his own guarded step back into melee with BB "Stop dancing around and I'll make this quick!" Klank reaches out and tries to GRAB the finance officer/abductor/spellcaster. His hand slips off the greasy man's sweater.
"Fine, I'll just let my new shield boss here do the work." He says as he tries to crack the man in the face with the rounded metal cap in the center of his shield.