Hell of a Summer (PF1 Eberron)

Game Master karlprosek

Idrassa, Illendur - North Ward

"And don't worry about any legal trouble for the shipments, she added. "The rules for moving between the established Wards are laid out, with inter-country tariff costs applied. But Field Ward? The rules aren't clear. The worst they can do if they catch on to what we're doing is close the loophole. They can't fine you with a law they haven't bothered writing yet."

Pat made a noncommittal gesture with his head. "Don't imports come in through the harbor? How would you get things through the portmaster?" He might be a Throneport native but the young man clearly didn't know most smuggling came in through Estaby rather than the city's docks. Or that Idrassa's plan didn't even involve smuggling in the way most people thought about smuggling.

Pat held up his hands. "You know what? I don't want to know. Just... how much do you think you could knock off imports from Karrnath? And, uh, what would you need from us?"

It will take Declan/Sky/Zander another 1.5 hours to get back to Trollskull Manor, should be early afternoon by the time they return. Let's also add this:

Zander - The High Road Between Sea Ward and North Ward

Zander once again noticed a small clockwork bird flittering overhead. J’r-V’zz calculated it as a 95% chance of being the same one they had noted flying overhead for the past couple of months. This time it was flying from east- based on prior observation, current location, and apparent direction of flight, a 90% chance of it originating in Gralhund Villa- to west. It was heading almost directly west.

If this added observation could be relied upon to extrapolate to all the bird's trips to and from Gralhund Villa, the clockwork's Sea Ward endpoint was in the southern half of Sea Ward, likely on Delzorin Street or, if further to the west, Diamond Street or Shark Street.

Illendur continued to watch Idrassa work, he knew she was good with a pen, but a keen mind as well, which was made obvious in this situation with Pat. He sampled the cheese and kept quiet, knowing his work was done here already, and he'd only step in it trying to insert himself or his opinions into the situation.

It will take Declan/Sky/Zander another 1.5 hours to get back to Trollskull Manor, should be early afternoon by the time they return. Let's also add this:

Zander - The High Road Between Sea Ward and North Ward

Zander once again noticed a small clockwork bird flittering overhead. J’r-V’zz calculated it as a 95% chance of being the same one they had noted flying overhead for the past couple of months. This time it was flying from east- based on prior observation, current location, and apparent direction of flight, a 90% chance of it originating in Gralhund Villa- to west. It was heading almost directly west.

If this added observation could be relied upon to extrapolate to all the bird's trips to and from Gralhund Villa, the clockwork's Sea Ward endpoint was in the southern half of Sea Ward, likely on Delzorin Street or, if further to the west, Diamond Street or Shark Street.

Zander took note of the information, but he was, unfortunately, not going to be able to pursue the situation further until the immediate mission was completed - or at least had come to a point where the only remaining course of action was to wait.

I'm a little confused. Why are we going back to Trollskull? The mission was to find the gang-bangers and ask them what would convince them to leave the clinic alone. There were none at the clinic, but we were told which banger, in particular, would be collecting. Zander suggested that we either go find Snow, or pre-scout the area around the clinic to gain some tactical advantages. Since Declan believes that finding Snow's hideout would be too difficult, the next step would be to scout the area around the clinic to find possible ambush points, places to stash weapons/environmental leverage, etc. At least, to Zander that's the next logical step. Then we could come back tomorrow and pre-load the potential battlefield, or just know what's what so we can pre-position assets (party members) before Snow is supposed to show up 2 days from now. If that's not something that needs to take "on-screen" time, cool, happy to handwave it.

Sorry, I was responding to

....He fell silent in thought for a moment as the three of them moved through the Ward towards the Trollskull....

You guys tell me where you're headed, we can ignore this post if you're not going home.

Sorry, I was responding to

Declan Corvus wrote:

....He fell silent in thought for a moment as the three of them moved through the Ward towards the Trollskull....

You guys tell me where you're headed, we can ignore this post if you're not going home.

I have zero problems retconning our plans. :) I added that bit in as an assumption, but you know what happens then. Lol. We can definitely scout the surrounding area; use these two days productively.

Pat held up his hands. "You know what? I don't want to know. Just... how much do you think you could knock off imports from Karrnath? And, uh, what would you need from us?"

"Well," said Idrassa, warming to the task as it shifted to the details. "Billing would have to be by wagonload, so we'll need to talk a bit about shipment strategy. How much importing do you bring in each month?"

There followed several minutes of discussion. Idrassa carefully projected the image of one walking Pat through a well-practiced procedure, though in truth she was improvising. In the end, she nodded and offered a figure.

"That's tentative," she clarified. "There are people I need to talk to. But we should be able to work something along those lines. Do you want me to move ahead with this?"

Idrassa is going to base her estimate on the idea that wagons can be charged a toll, and that something in the range of tens of gold per wagon will satisfy the Field Ward gangs. Since the wagon can be loaded up with a lot of luxury food and the tariff rate is high, this should still offer a pretty substantial discount. She'll err on the side of caution in the sense that she may wind up giving the gangs more than she thinks she really needs to, provided she can still offer Pat enough of a discount to make it worth his while.

Idrassa, Illendur - North Ward

There followed several minutes of discussion. Idrassa carefully projected the image of one walking Pat through a well-practiced procedure, though in truth she was improvising. In the end, she nodded and offered a figure.

"That's tentative," she clarified. "There are people I need to talk to. But we should be able to work something along those lines. Do you want me to move ahead with this?"

Pat seemed like a pretty sharp cookie. He followed well, asked insightful questions, and finally nodded slowly. "Yeah, alright. I need to talk to Divad but yes. Let's do this."

Works for me. Do you want to wrap up here and go somewhere else?

I have zero problems retconning our plans. :) I added that bit in as an assumption, but you know what happens then. Lol. We can definitely scout the surrounding area; use these two days productively.

Cool, just let me know where you guys want to go from the clinic.

First step would be to reconnoiter a 1-2 block radius of the clinic, mapping the terrain. Looking for Bad Guys, potential ambush spots (both from Bad Guys AND places to set up potential ambushes FOR Bad Guys), likely avenues of approach, fields of fire, landmarks that can be used to judge range ("when they're standing next to the barber pole, they're exactly 100' from the Clinic entrance," as an example), places to stash weapons and/or equipment (barrels of pitch or flasks of Alchemist's Fire to drop from above, for example). All of which is VERY likely to be overkill, but this is Zander/JV's unconscious tactical programming kicking in. Totally fine if someone talks him down from it part-way through.

Fundamentally, what we really need is a pre-fight knowledge of the terrain, probable avenues of approach and retreat for the gang bangers, and paths of retreat for ourselves if something goes unexpectedly badly. If opportunities to significantly improve the defensive position present themselves (like, say, a single avenue of approach could be blocked with a wagon, or if hiding in a specific alley would put some of our people behind Snow and his people, so they're suddenly flanked during the negotiations, etc.), then those would also be good to know.

First step would be to reconnoiter a 1-2 block radius of the clinic, mapping the terrain. Looking for Bad Guys, potential ambush spots (both from Bad Guys AND places to set up potential ambushes FOR Bad Guys), likely avenues of approach, fields of fire, landmarks that can be used to judge range ("when they're standing next to the barber pole, they're exactly 100' from the Clinic entrance," as an example), places to stash weapons and/or equipment (barrels of pitch or flasks of Alchemist's Fire to drop from above, for example). All of which is VERY likely to be overkill, but this is Zander/JV's unconscious tactical programming kicking in. Totally fine if someone talks him down from it part-way through.

Fundamentally, what we really need is a pre-fight knowledge of the terrain, probable avenues of approach and retreat for the gang bangers, and paths of retreat for ourselves if something goes unexpectedly badly. If opportunities to significantly improve the defensive position present themselves (like, say, a single avenue of approach could be blocked with a wagon, or if hiding in a specific alley would put some of our people behind Snow and his people, so they're suddenly flanked during the negotiations, etc.), then those would also be good to know.

Dec (and Sky) are still New Here, so they'll go along with Zander's reconnoitering. But once it's clear the warforged is approaching this more as if we're engaging a professional military rather than a bunch of street kids, they'll gently dial him back.

I think it'll suffice just to have the lay of the land and places to station people so Snow and his backup realize they're outmatched once we enter negotiations. And so that if violence does break out, we keep the upper hand.

Idrassa, Illendur - North Ward

Pat seemed like a pretty sharp cookie. He followed well, asked insightful questions, and finally nodded slowly. "Yeah, alright. I need to talk to Divad but yes. Let's do this."

Works for me. Do you want to wrap up here and go somewhere else?

"Wonderful," replied Idrassa. There followed a few more minutes of planning, and Idrassa and Illendur agreed to return in a few days to discuss things further.

As Illendur and Idrassa made her way out of the shop, the young woman flashed the half-elf a smile. "Thanks for pointing them out," she said, after they were clear of earshot. "That went about as well as we could hope."

I'm thinking a little wrap-up between Idrassa and Illendur is in order here, maybe just as they make their way down the street. Karl, how do you want to handle additional meetings? I don't know if it makes sense to play those out in detail - Idrassa and Illendur could make some die rolls, and summarize those meetings in interactions with other characters. I mean, I'm enjoying this, but it seems like things might be wrapping up a bit in the other plotlines. And I'm kind of looking forward to the group getting back together and comparing notes. "We've got a tactical map of the clinic area and are planning deployments to counter gang troop movements." "Um, we cut a deal with a grocery store."

I'm thinking a little wrap-up between Idrassa and Illendur is in order here, maybe just as they make their way down the street. Karl, how do you want to handle additional meetings? I don't know if it makes sense to play those out in detail - Idrassa and Illendur could make some die rolls, and summarize those meetings in interactions with other characters. I mean, I'm enjoying this, but it seems like things might be wrapping up a bit in the other plotlines. And I'm kind of looking forward to the group getting back together and comparing notes. "We've got a tactical map of the clinic area and are planning deployments to counter gang troop movements." "Um, we cut a deal with a grocery store."

I'm happy for you or Illendur to make up pretty much any details to the deal or conversation you want. You have a feel for how Pat would react and a better idea than I do of the plan you want to try, so unless you want to go somewhere else first go ahead and head back to the Manor and write it up how you want. If you have questions for me, feel free to ask.

I think it'll suffice just to have the lay of the land and places to station people so Snow and his backup realize they're outmatched once we enter negotiations. And so that if violence does break out, we keep the upper hand.

You've got the map so you have the general layout of the area. I don't have anything specific in mind yet so feel free to layer in whatever details you want to fill out the map. Or I can whip up some random stuff for you if you'd prefer.

It's too early in the day for the crew runners to be out on the street, so you get the 4 general locations of the corners but not which boss runs which corner. If you want to try to infiltrate the Brands territory to look for Snow himself we'll need some Stealth or Bluff rolls and a general idea of how you go about looking for Snow.

Sorry totally missed the post in my hectic week....

Illendur nods, That seemed to go well, I'm not sure I fully understand your plan, but I've trusted it this far. They are a decent enough sort, but they do always feel like the universe owes them a break. Which I suspect you just provided for them. So you think this may help to break the Brand problem at the clinic? I'll admit, I didn't have much of a plan other than scare them off - and this seems to be a lot less messy. the half-elf said, winding his way through the streets. I suppose back to Trollskull and see what the others have turned up in their searches? Unless you've got a better idea?

Idrassa, Illendur - North Ward

Illendur nods, That seemed to go well, I'm not sure I fully understand your plan, but I've trusted it this far. They are a decent enough sort, but they do always feel like the universe owes them a break. Which I suspect you just provided for them. So you think this may help to break the Brand problem at the clinic? I'll admit, I didn't have much of a plan other than scare them off - and this seems to be a lot less messy. the half-elf said, winding his way through the streets. I suppose back to Trollskull and see what the others have turned up in their searches? Unless you've got a better idea?

Idrassa nodded. "Back to the Trollskull," she confirmed. Then, seeming to muse out loud, she added, "I wouldn't rule out violence yet, though. This is a carrot, we may need a stick." She shook her head."These are just people, you know? They wouldn't be fighting if there were something else they could do. I don't like facing off against people like that. Not that I'm much of a fighter to begin with," she added with a wry smile.

Jixel - North Ward - Trollskull Manor

"More? More cheese?"

Jixel's eyes had followed the delivery man's writing implement, much in the way a fox might gaze excitedly at a rabbit's fluffy white tail. The pen dropped onto more cheeses, as their special... and very delicious sounding names were announced.

"Gollygolly! Thank you so much Mister, you know, this is such a treat. Are these ones popular? I'll have to work out what is good for crackers, good for melting on the woodfire, and what goes well with wine, oh yes!"

Just because you loved cheese, racially and with every inch of your soul, didn't necessarily mean that you knew a whole lot about it. Especially these funny named ones, for a ratfolk who was relatively new to this particular city.

She'd smiled at the man's openness too, sharing the manner of the cooling system and other little insights with her.

"I'm really appreciative of this job you do. I'd love to deliver cheeses for living... but... well we know everything would arrive a little bit nibbled at hehe."

With her cheeses piled up from largest to smallest, kind of like a fancy stacked wedding cake, except cheesy instead of cakey, Jixel thanked the driver once more and carried the load back inside. She stepped ever so carefully, her eyes flicking left and right, up and down, looking for obstacles. It was like she was carrying a baby, or a pile of precious gold... except what she had was far more interesting than anything like that.

The most wonderous cargo was soon gently placed onto a table, the hairy woman exhaling a very satisfied sigh.

"Well would you look at that... I wonder what that's all worth?"

Honestly she wasn't fussed by the value at all. Just kind of curious how much a hankie could be traded for these days.

Appraise: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Okay, maybe she did care about the value. If milk solids were to be the new currency, then one had to get a good feel for what was a rare delicacy, and what was commonplace. This would also perhaps impact on the rate at which one might eat them...

Now that is totally, a well-timed, and not wasteful use of a natural 20 XD.

Jixel - Trollskull Manor, North Ward

Jixel appraised the lot at a king's ransom worth of cheese. She also discovered two things of note while helping Goggh to store the precious stuff away. One, their tavern manager had installed a similar cooling system in part of the former wine cellar, keeping it cold enough to keep food fresh for days.

Two, someone had tucked a cleverly folded note into the crate of cream cheese. Inside were 20 heavy gold galifars. The note said "Thanks. Your cat friend will be helpful in the future. Keep him around." A minute after Jixel had unfolded the note, the paper suddenly burst into heatless flames, consuming itself but causing no damage or harm.

OK, let's say everybody regroups by mid-afternoon.

Field Ward team, you come back with enough data to make a plan but not Snow's sleeping location/where he stays during the day.

Idrassa/Illendur, you have a prospective lead on your smuggling idea.

Jixel, you got a note from your bosses.

Ash, you have information about the Sea Maiden's Faire and the tiefling girl.

Discuss.

Jixel - Trollskull Manor, North Ward

"Cheeses! So many cheeses! Which one do you think will be best, Goggie?

The ratfolk wasn't sure if the Minotaur would appreciate this recent endearing alteration to his name, but Jixel was just too thrilled not to make a bit of extra fun of it.

She'd popped the cheeses down in the groovy new self-cooling area with him, handling the goods with the great care and respect that was due. A lot of respect! Gentle. No hard pressing. Not too much contact with fur. Placed carefully on the storage bench so as not to dent their most wonderous forms. Nobody wanted a cheese wheel that wasn't round, right?

"I've never seen so much deliciousness, hope, and future potential before."

Yes, she was staring at the cheese lovingly, and the way she then cared for the crated varieties was with the deft paws of a soulmate. That's when she found something else.

"The magnificence ends not! Check it out! Heavy pouch eh? Hope that helps with some of our overheads. Wait... we have something else in here..."

There was barely time to read it before the note went up in smoke. It was hard not to think about varieties of smoked cheese at the sight of the flames, but the words were both kindly... and kind of stung.

Jixel started to tear up. Her round little eyes began to dampen on the bottom of their lids. They were tears of joy, and also something else. Yes, there was an honest look of deep regret coming across the strangely rat-like features.

"Ash... sniff. Still not home... sniff. Ash made this happen, not me... sniff, and now... sob... No!"

She stood up straight and wiped her eyes on a sleeve.

"Cheeses of this land, rewards for bravery and glory in snatching cloth, I hereby swear to you..."

She crossed an arm across her chest.

"... that not a bite of you will I take, until Ash is here, to witness your miracle too."

Wait. Was that footstep sounds upstairs? Maybe someone was home! She hurried up to the ground floor, hopeful and anxious all at once. If that was Ash, then tasting time might be sooner rather than later!

Declan arrived with Sky and Zander after they had reconnoitered the Brands territory and the clinic surrounds. Dec was still talking even as they walked in.

"...reaching out beyond their core, which logically means they haven't yet encountered real resistance. It may be that all we need is a 'this far, no further' show of force and they will back down. But it is still unknown how determined they are to keep territory."

Dec paused long enough to shrug off his leather coat and fold it over the back of a chair. He fetched a cup of tea and a crudité, twirling the cut carrot in the air as he continued, "If it devolves into violence, no doubt we would prevail against a pack of children. I would prefer not to head down that dark a route."

Illendur and Idrassa return to Trollskull:

If this plan will work, how would you convince the Brands that it is a more viable and valuable pursuit than selling smoke on the corners and roughing-up passers-by? Are we thinking too much of their ability to see long-term solutions? he's asking Idrassa as they enter the Inn.

He listens to the tail end of what Declan was saying and nods, I think there may be a solution, but I'll let Idrassa explain what she's got in mind. I'll admit I never would have thought of this one.... he gestures to Idrassa to present her opportunity to the others.

Illendur and Idrassa return to Trollskull:

He listens to the tail end of what Declan was saying and nods, I think there may be a solution, but I'll let Idrassa explain what she's got in mind. I'll admit I never would have thought of this one.... he gestures to Idrassa to present her opportunity to the others.

"Thanks," said Idrassa. She was caught a little off-guard, but rallied. "Well, the idea is to offer the gangs a way to make money that doesn't involve fighting over the clinic or other territory. There's an angle to be played. Field Ward connects North Ward and Sea Ward, which means it connects Karrnathi territory to Aundairan territory. The direct routes between the two are subject to international tariffs, but no one is paying much attention to goods coming in or our of Field Ward. So if we can secure a route through there we can circumvent a lot of very expensive tariffs.

"Illendur and I did a junction survey -- " she broke off, face betraying nothing even as she berated herself for using such an obviously Orien turn of phrase. Young as she had been, she had still picked up enough to betray herself, she mused. "We checked traffic between the wards. A lot of luxury goods and gourmet food. Risky to ship through Field Ward, but if the route's secure one wagon can dodge some very hefty tariffs that way. We'd need to talk to more gangs than just the Brands, but there's more than enough profit to be made there to get them all to leave the clinic alone." And me, she added mentally.

"Anyway, we have one client already lined up, and I think I might know where to go for more. This might not be enough on its own, but it gives us a carrot to go with a stick if need be," she concluded.

Looking like something the cat had dragged in, Ash slouched into the taproom, yawning broadly.

"Sounds like I missed a lot while I was gone. Have we dropped the Twelvedogs angle?" Ash scratched his neck uncomfortably. Blaze wouldn't like that, and he was still on the hook to pay the gang.

"What's the new plan?" He paused, sniffing the air. "I hope that's just cheese I'm smelling. But... why is there cheese?"

Is Tweety in the room?

Goggh's deep voice answered from the kitchen. "Because you're running a pub! Host's sake, we need food. Just sit, I'm bringing out lunch." After a few minutes, the enormous manager/fixer carried out a wooden platter covered with various salted meats, sliced cheese, fruit, and different breads and crackers. In pride of place in the middle was a clay pot of some kind of whipped, unnaturally bright yellow cheese. "Jixel said she'd never had pub cheese before. Since I make the best in the city I figured I'd make you all lunch so she could try it."

He gestured at the taps. "Everything's working now, so you can pull your own drinks." The minotaur gestured back at the kitchen. "I've got some other work to do but I'll just be in back. Give a yell if you need anything else."

Jixel had heard voices! Quite a lot of them actually. The ratfolk appeared in the Trollskull's main meeting area at quite some pace. Her furry feet skidded on the floor as she came to a full stop, nearly toppling over with the surface's recently cleaned finish. Her arms went wide in exclaimated joy, and the huge smile on her face was laden with hope and appreciation.

"Ash! Everyone! At last!"

She moved over to Ash and opened up for a hug.

"I was so worried about you! Where did you go? Or... more importantly hehe, what did you do?"

Releasing the hopeful embrace, she then looked to the others too. They were talking about work, but some things were more important!

"Friends, friends, I have most wonderous news! Oh, and its not just about Goggh's food preparation skills! Oh wait... umm... was I interrupting something? Aha! Who cares! Guess what, folks?"

Declan arrived with Sky and Zander after they had reconnoitered the Brands territory and the clinic surrounds. Dec was still talking even as they walked in.

"...reaching out beyond their core, which logically means they haven't yet encountered real resistance. It may be that all we need is a 'this far, no further' show of force and they will back down. But it is still unknown how determined they are to keep territory."

Dec paused long enough to shrug off his leather coat and fold it over the back of a chair. He fetched a cup of tea and a crudité, twirling the cut carrot in the air as he continued, "If it devolves into violence, no doubt we would prevail against a pack of children. I would prefer not to head down that dark a route."

Zander nodded his head. Most humanoids he had encountered shared some level of agreement with humanoid Declan's desire to keep cadets out of serious fighting and from harm. Not all, certainly, and the level of commitment to that philosophy varied significantly. But most of the humanoids in whose company Zander experienced any enjoyment exhibited at least moderate levels of agreement and commitment in this matter.

Unfortunately, in the case of organizations referred to as gangs, which quite often seemed to include an inordinately high percentage of cadet-humanoids, it seemed that the levels of agreement and commitment were not only much lower, but quite often absent entirely.

"Our intelligence gathering does seem to indicate your assessment may be correct," Zander said, in agreement. "It may also indicate another option. Given the number of "gang" organizations in the area, it may be possible - and certainly advisable - for the various factions to agree to designate the clinic and its surroundings neutral territory, free to assist any or all of them."

"Thanks," said Idrassa. She was caught a little off-guard, but rallied. "Well, the idea is to offer the gangs a way to make money that doesn't involve fighting over the clinic or other territory. There's an angle to be played. Field Ward connects North Ward and Sea Ward, which means it connects Karrnathi territory to Aundairan territory. The direct routes between the two are subject to international tariffs, but no one is paying much attention to goods coming in or our of Field Ward. So if we can secure a route through there we can circumvent a lot of very expensive tariffs.

"Illendur and I did a junction survey -- " she broke off, face betraying nothing even as she berated herself for using such an obviously Orien turn of phrase. Young as she had been, she had still picked up enough to betray herself, she mused. "We checked traffic between the wards. A lot of luxury goods and gourmet food. Risky to ship through Field Ward, but if the route's secure one wagon can dodge some very hefty tariffs that way. We'd need to talk to more gangs than just the Brands, but there's more than enough profit to be made there to get them all to leave the clinic alone." And me, she added mentally.

"Anyway, we have one client already lined up, and I think I might know where to go for more. This might not be enough on its own, but it gives us a carrot to go with a stick if need be," she concluded.

"Our intelligence gathering failed to connect directly with the being known as "Snow," who is the individual that normally commands the squad which engages directly in the extortionary activities. As such, I was unable to ascertain directly what incentives would induce the organization to cease. However," Zander continued, "we have determined that there are as many as six similar organizations in the area, none of which claim the clinic area as their own territory. While it is possible, humanoid history indicates that attempting to convince multiple separate organizations with differing self-interests to cooperate on a single potentially profitable course of action is unlikely to be successful."

"This would imply that getting six different gang organizations to agree to allow wagons through and sharing in the profits would be unlikely. It is more likely that one or more of the organizations' leaders will determine that they could receive even more profit if they were to eliminate the others, and/or simply seize the wagon's contents for themselves - witness the current situation with the clinic as an example."

"However," Zander concluded, [b]"were both courses of action - designation of the clinic as neutral territory and security of the wagons - tied together, along with the threat of significant force from another neutral party to secure both aspects of the agreement, it is possible that all of the factions might see the greater profitability in honoring the agreement. Particularly if different factions were given charge of security of the wagons in one anothers' territories, rather than their own.'{/b]

Basically, we might be able to weave all of these ideas together and bring all 6 gangs into it, and have a higher degree of success...

"Friends, friends, I have most wonderous news! Oh, and its not just about Goggh's food preparation skills! Oh wait... umm... was I interrupting something? Aha! Who cares! Guess what, folks?"

Zander looked down, and his head cocked to one side.

"Are there guiding principles that would make our guesses more applicable and/or accurate?" Zander asked.

"Or are any guesses welcome, regardless of subject?"

Zander looked down, and his head cocked to one side.

"Are there guiding principles that would make our guesses more applicable and/or accurate?" Zander asked.

"Or are any guesses welcome, regardless of subject?"

Idrassa blinked, feeling the conversation had taken an odd turn. The Warforged was probably right about weaving the different plans together into a greater whole. But Idrassa put all that aside, finding herself curious as to what the ratfolk had to say.

Sorry, to clarify, I did Zander's posts as 3 separate posts so as to put his input into the timeline where it made sense. For example, his response to Declan happened as they were coming into the room before anyone else was there. Then Illendur and Idrassa came in, Idrassa laid out her plan, and Zander responded to that. THEN Ash came in, and Jixel, so Zander responded to THAT.

Basically, if Declan or Sky wanted to respond to Zander before I&I came in, or anyone other than Jixel/Ash wanted to respond to Zander's response to Idrassa's plan before Ash popped in, they could. And then I didn't want to derail Jixel's announcement. :-)

Next time, I'll just try to get to the boards more than once a week (It's been a little nutty around my place this week, sorry.

Illendur listens intently to the discussion around him, appreciating everyone's points and counterpoints to the Brand situation. Thoughtfully he speaks up, So we've got a read on their situation and why we think they are bothering the clinic, and I think each group's got something better than 'beat up a bunch of poor kids'. So how do we weave all these very valid ideas together, and who starts the talking with them? I'm happy to put my weight into it, but I'm more of a stick than a carrot guy. I definitely like the idea of getting them to declare the clinic as neutral turf, so they can get patched up. And pitching the tax avoidance route, but as Zander points out, that's a lot of personality to bring to the table for us as middle-men on the project. But it is a valid money-making enterprise for certain.

I don't see a plan of action for me to move you forward. What do you guys actually want to do? Both next and to lay plans for in the future. Also, if it's easier/faster I don't mind if you want to talk OOC on Discord.

Ash shared a look with Jixel.

Then he reached for the lunch Goggh had brought out.

"I don't think it's that important - I'll tell you about it later," he whispered to the ratfolk, his eyes on the others. He still had no idea what was going on.

Idrassa's plan
This from an earlier Discord PM:

On the Sea Ward side, you’ve got Furjur ir’Onslan, a Karrnathi nobleman who runs a side business as a hobby as a woodworker, primarily focused on darkwood imported from the Nightwood. His finished products are very popular among the nouveau riche in North Ward but he’s kind of antisocial so his rivals in North Ward have successfully lobbied the city to heavily tax darkwood and other raw materials from the Nightwood due to “health reasons” because the forest is aligned with Mabar. If he was more willing to play politics he probably could have prevented this but he’s not.

OK, he's a nobleman so he's going to be kind of prickly and isn't going to want to engage in anything as crass as turning a profit. On the other hand, he would probably love to stick it to his rivals in the North Ward. So Idrassa is going to do a little legwork to find out more about the politics (mercantile and international) and get a few names she can drop. She'll try to work her way into a meeting with him by claiming she's interested in dealing some of his work in North Ward, not quite lying but making it sound more like she's a buyer for a gallery rather than a definitely-not-a-smuggler. Once there, she'll claim she's there to offer him the chance to compete with his rivals on a level playing field in the North Ward. She'll play on the idea that they're commercial hacks exploiting city connections, while ir'Onslan is an artist who has focused on his craft. She'll admit she's there to make money, but she also doesn't like bullies who keep good craftsmen out of the market.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 Gather Information on rivals

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 Suggest a Course of Action - join smuggling operation

So how do we proceed from here? It's been a couple of days, Idrassa has the players set up for her smuggling scheme. PCs are going to go to the clinic and stake it out on the day the intake nurse said Snow is going to show up?

I believe that is the idea, yeah. We need more intel, honestly. Whether the Brands will be up for the idea, and if it'll take more gang involvement.

Dec's plan until then will be to get set up in a room, or whatever the planned sleeping arrangements will be.

Idrassa will participate in the ambush, obviously. She'll probably wait until they're at the clinic before summoning Tweety somewhere discreet, since the Brands are looking for her.

Karl, should I be writing something up on Idrassa's meeting with the woodworker? What's the outcome?

Yeah, I dunno. Sorry, I've been distracted, so didn't realize I wasn't getting notifications here for the last two weeks or so.

Zander would most definitely be in on the ambush. Likely in the "obvious show of force" group that meets Snow at the front door, rather than in the sneaky group that flanks them. But for the remaining time? Zander's not a diplomat. He'd probably focus on more observation of the clockwork bird and the manor it flies in and out of. He's curious, and I'd have him do more, but don't want him to derail the Brands thing.

Trollskull Manor, North Ward - Rhaan 1

The first day of the next month came quickly, and the Trollskullers were probably waking up around the same time the punks in Field Ward were finally settling down to go to sleep. From what they'd gathered, they had until early afternoon before the Brands started doing anything. More than enough time to get to the clinic and set up.

OK, today's the day. I've got Declan, Idrassa, Zander down for going to the clinic to confront Snow. Ash, Illendur, Jixel, what do you want to do?

Ash will go too.

Hope Clinic, Field Ward - Late Morning, Rhaan 1

A few hours later, the Trollskullers were facing the clinic. The doors were already open and folks waiting for their loved ones were scattered around the courtyard, having been told to get out by the intimidating intake nurse. Far too early for the Brands to be there yet. More than enough time to set up their ambush.

Okiedokie, whoever wants to be there is at the clinic. Set up your ambush.

I think 2 people hanging just near the clinic door, but not obviously waiting for Snow. I'd say one inside, but I doubt the nurse will let that happen. (One of these should be our face, if we're planning to negotiate from here.) Then put 1-2 more in an alley or nook just off the side of the way we expect Snow and his buddies to come in from. (I think he'll be coming in through the gap there to the South from Burnt Inn Street, so putting the two off to the East there, they can casually follow Snow in once he passes on his way to the clinic, sealing off that exit.) 1-2 more people can come around the corner there from the alley/street to the West of the clinic, sealing off that exit. Then, if we have anyone left, put them up on a roof to snipe. Zander could be in any of those places.

Illendur will take up position in the alleyway to the west of the clinic, his full armor best hidden out of sight of the place as he waits for the signal to close off the way.

Idrassa should not be in the open for this, as the Brands are looking for her and would immediately go on their guard. So it probably makes sense to put her in the alley with Illendur. She'll wait until she's there to summon Tweety, so people on the street aren't talking about just having seen a giant winged serpent, and she'll have her armor on and crossbow at the ready. If circumstances permit, she'll ask Illendur to help her move a rain barrel or other obstruction to the mouth of the alley that she can use for cover if and when the fighting starts.