"Sounds like ye care about Tiny a whole lot, Variel. I respect that and what ye'r trying to say. Though, I think she's right. No one is really safe in a tyranny." Malgar comments unironically as the strangely domestic-seeming argument between a 'dad' and his teenage rebellious daughter played out against the backdrop of becoming revolutionaries against the state. "And Tiny, it's a luxury to have someone care about ye that much. Something like that shouldn't be taken for granted."
He takes a good old swig from his waterskin - which smelled strangely like alcohol - and wipes his mouth with the back of his glove. "Seems this Borgan here is a decent fellow too. And Robin, of course!" he quickly adds. "Maybe Beorn too. Personally, I don't trust an orc with a beard that magnificent. But eh, we have to do with what we have."
He pushes himself back from the chair and makes ready to leave. "So we agree to meet in the morrow at the location, aye? Think I'll go and get myself a nice room for the day, somewhere on the other side of the city. See you there!"
Unless stopped, he keeps moving and exits the building.
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My dear Malgar, I have studied a book on dwarven beard grooming so I assure you that it follows a grand tradition of dwarven barbers. I to shall retire for the evening. Hopefully this is the beginning of something grand.
Beorn will exit stage left.
With a nod to Rexus and "Tomorrow then", Paquen slips back to her place in the Devil's Nursery.
Beorn will exit stage left
"Fine. See you all tomorrow," Litsy nods at the group, and stomps out of the room.
Perhaps she needs some time to cool off.
Come morning the city is beaten but holding its breath. In addition to the standard patrols of dottari that walk their normal beats their are now roving gangs of armbanded and pendant wearing Chelish Citizen Group goons. While the dottari usually operate well within the confines of the law and avoid doing things that make for unnecessary paperwork the citizens groups relishes in its power to bully and push people around. More than that many such groups are going around districts such as the Redroof and posting signs looking for more members to join the loyalist cause.
This is the current state of Kintargo as people gather before the Faire Fortune Livery. Leaning to one side and suffering from decades of neglect the buildings feed sign hangs from a single rusted chain that sways in the soft morning wind. The front doors are held together by a sturdy looking but rusted chain. The doors are ajar enough despite the chain that someone could potentially squeeze through.
Rexus waits for you out front his fine clothes hidden underneath a weathered cloak. He chit chats nervously as everyone arrives but his tone suggests he is deeply uncomfortable here.
Good morning everyone! I dare say this is a fine time for more excitement!
Malgar arrives second and critically appraise Beorn's beard, then nods slowly. "Trimmed, cleaned, styled and ale'd. Dwarven barbership all right." He says, grudgingly respectful. "Let's see what we're staking our hopes on, recruits. Status report, Robin?"
Paquen looks at the livery building with disappointment.
"This looks promising" she says in a sardonic tone of voice.
"You said under it? I hope it doesn't collapse before the day is done. As much as I'd like to take a look at those records, I rather not be stuck with them underground in the dark until I starve."
Borgan arrives as the fifth near the livery, also still dressed hopefully as inconspicuous as the day before, not overtly carrying a weapon, armour and shield.
As he approaches he keeps an eye out on passersby, hoping to not draw too much attention to himself or the group as he approaches and keep an eye out for danger.
"Morning everyone. At least Beorn seems cheery. This could be a day to set change into motion. Though I'd suggest some of us already enter, so we don't seem to congregate too much in front of the building. It might draw unwanted attention."
Litsy saunters to the group's meeting point. For someone affecting nonchalant detachment, she's arriving suspiciously on time. She glances at each face, and doesn't recognize Variel's.
She doesn't know if she should be disappointed or not.
"'Morning everyone," she stops by Paquen's side. "So this the Livery, huh?" She looks up and down the dilapidated building, critically. "Not too shabby. Roof's still there-so hopefully the walls are sturdy enough."
Without much hesitation, she puts her backpack on the ground, and takes out a torch, and a flint and steel.
"Chill out, Rex, I'll go first and light up this baby so you can see where you're going."
Acrobatics. Though the lock on the chain can be pocked as well.
Litsy glances at the little space left by the ajar door. Then at Borgan and Malgar.
"... Or, on second thought, I'll just try and open the bugger. Might make it easier."
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As we are meeting after curfew has lifted is it possible that variel could have made a few purchases on the way. Looking at shovel, crowbar, pickax ets if we need to go digging.
Variel arrives last to the group and just a bit late. His cloak is thrown around him concealing his scimitar while his pack is slung on the opposite shoulder. Instead of a welcomed greeting he gives a grunt to everyone in attendance. With our any fanfare he simply tells them all, Bad night sleep last night. Had some bad dreams about today.
Indeed Variel was telling mostly the truth. The difference was that the dreams were nightmares brought upon by the conversation yesterday and seeing his wife and daughters bloody dead bodies laying before him on the ground after they were killed. His daughter then would turn over and her face morphed into Tiny’s. He hoped it was not a premonition of what was involved today.
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Beorn strokes his beard as Malgar appraises it. Indeed! A fine brew to make it tangle free. Perhaps I can use my night vision to peek inside the door and see if there is anything lurking. Beorn cups his hands around his eye as he peers to keep away sunlight.
The chain and lock are rusted making it take a good deal longer than Tiny would like. In the end she ends up getting it unlocked after a lot of oil and wrist strain but has to take a hammer to the lock to force it to come unstuck. Beorn looks through the crack over her shoulder and can't see anything through the clouds of dust and clutter. Something or things clearly smell him however. As he pokes his head in getting in Tiny's way several dogs within start barking furiously. You don't catch much but they look to be of the feral kind that often inhabit the back alleys of Kintargo getting scraps from the back of foodservice places and chomping down on anything too small to fight back or weak to run.
As the floors are pulled open to reveal what's inside. The air reeks of stale urine. Broken desks, scuffed tables, and torn chairs crowd the thirteen horse stalls, all of which are covered with a healthy layer of dust. A grated-off alcove along the southeast wall seems to house the only relatively intact wares.
Four dogs pad out of the stalls growling angrily as they step towards you and bark incessantly. A particularly large specimen healthier looking than the rest pushes through them more confidently it's intent clear.
After a solid three minutes of grumbling, Litsy finally picks the lock with a satisfied little "ha!", and she opens the door wide.
Loud, aggressive barking comes from the other side.
She shuts the door again.
"Right," she turns to the others. "Anyone here is a dog person?"
Borgan waits for Litsy as she carefully picks the lock and then hears the loud barking as she opens the door.
The startled look says it all.
"Not really, can't say I'm a cat person either. But we should either scare them away or make them leave in another way."
If nobody is a genuine dog person, Borgan will move in first to draw the attention.
We could offer them some fine jerky to distract them, or I can sternly tell them to sit.
"Good idea, Beorn! Throw them some jerky! That'll distract them!"
Paquen isn't good with dogs. In her experience they've never taken much of a shine to her and the feeling is mutual. She shifts nervously but is certainly open to the idea of bribing them. She digs out most of the food she'd brought along and hands it over to Beorn.
"It's worth a try. I'd really rather not get bitten."
Beorn places some jerky in little piles on the floor and backs off to see what the dogs do.
Some of the dogs slowly pad forward and eat greedily of the proffered meats while the rest continue to bark. The largest of them lowers into a leaping stance with its hackle rose. A low malevolent growl escaping through slavering jaws.
With the food offering idea already tried, seeing as there doesn't seem to be an immediately obvious way around the fight, Malgar draws his rapier and moves in!
BAD DOG!
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Great. Here is a list of items I am buying...
Block and Tackle 5gp
crowbar 2gp
drill x2 1gp
grappling hook 1gp
hammer 5sp
iron spike x4
Miner's pick 3 gp
Mirror 10gp
rope x2 2gp
saw 4cp
shovel 2gp
Thanks!
Variel enters with the others till he likewise hears the sounds of growling. Stopping in his tracks Variel lets the others try and deal with the dogs peacibly. Not only am I not a dog person I am not even a cat or animal person. If that jerky doesn't calm them down then we either run for it or someone is going to end up hurt.
After the meat was served it seemed that the largest was interested in something more filling. Variel dropped his backpack with a loud clank and drew his scimitar out for the inevitable canine lunge.
Seeing that everyone is getting ready for a fight, Litsy draws her rapier with a shrug.
"Right back in it is, then. You should probably stay back, Rex, there's gonna be blood."
The dogs seem more poised to jump than flee but as Beorn barks and puffs his chest the dogs immediately stop barking and flee in all directions some knocking over piles of rubbish ands making a rackets as they flee from the livery.
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Variel sheaths his scimitar and picks his pack up in admiration of Beorn. Well done! I must say I was not expecting that reaction. Pity I was looking to release some aggression upon it. At any glances from the others Variel morosely adds, I told you I didn’t sleep well. A bad nights sleeps puts anyone into a bad mood. Anyways I brought along some gear should we need it. Opening his pack more carefully he pulls out the tools he brought along. Ok where do we start?
Perception
Block and Tackle
crowbar
drill x2
grappling hook
hammer
iron spike x4
Miner's pick
Mirror
rope x2
saw
shovel
Paquen exhales and relaxes.
"Nice one Beorn."
Now she takes a moment to give the inside of the place a look.
Litsy looks at Beorn with a newfound respect, and sheathes her blade.
"Now that's a dog person! Well done! Coast's clear, Rex!"
She rolls her eyes a little at Variel's description of his bad night. Although she initially glances at his tools with disinterest, her eyes are quickly drawn to the pocket-sized mirror he has brought with him.
"I'm not pack mule. I can carry this, though, thanks," she quickly adds, stuffing the mirror into her backpack. "I guess we start with the nearest door?" She takes the time to lit her torch. "Hey, Rex, hold this if you're not gonna fight."
The simple words, though spoken in a loud tone and strong voice, were quite effective. Better than any weapon Borgan carried at least.
The half-orc looked admirably at his fellow kinsmen.
"Well now. I knew you had a strong voice, but not that you had a voice that carried so much convincing power in it. Well done Beorn."
As Variel unpacked his newly acquired tools, Borgan squats down and examines each piece while peering over the assorted lot. "Guess you did prepare for an underground expedition. Good thinking."
Borgan hoists several feet of rope on his shoulder and grabs the miner's pick and shovel to pack into his bag.
"At least let me pitch in carrying this stuff around."
Malgar sheathes his rapier and inclines his head and beard towards Beorn and grins a small one. "Just don't expect me to put a plume up yer arse."
He walks into the building after the vanguard and grimaces at the smell of stale Urine. "Wonder how them dogs got in and survived so long. Hope no one tries to take that fooker Barzillai up on his edict to get paid for delivering him more of those feral ones."
Glancing over the surroundings, he comments "Mindful for pitfalls and the like. If this was a hidden resistance base before, chances are they trapped the place to keep unwanted company out. Proceed with caution, recruits!"
Beorne pats his chest. All in proper expansion of the lungs. I must say, I would hate to have to hurt the dogs who are just defending their home. So this is a good alternative.
The inside of the livery is run down, dusty and full of furniture and rusted tools more akin to a butcher shop than a place that cares for horses. A grate to the south seems to lead into a further work area inside. The grate appears barred but still in good enough condition it can be opened. Past it you see what might have been a secret door. But the weathering of the livery itself has caused the wood to warp and it's plain to see through it to the other side which remains largely obscure from here.
Let us investigate that door. Beorn heads towards it with the others.
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His keen eyes catch a glimpse of something metallic and he points it out to the rest of the group. Tiny if organ and I boost you up you should be able to scramble up and grab what looks like a signer ring up there on one of the rafters. How does that sound? Think you can get to it?
Also as we were digging around I found this key. It might fit the grate there as it looks about the same material. He hands the key off to someone else why he focuses on helping Tiny get a boost up onto the rafter.
"Of course, I can try," Litsy answers, flattered to be tasked with a mission right up her area of expertise. "Hope you're both wearing thick gloves, gentlemen - I may be light, but my boots aren't."
"Does the grate need to be unlocked after I'm done here?" she asks.
Judging by how much she struggles to keep her balance when the two men lift her up, she's going to take awhile.
Paquen just stays out of the way.
Meanwhile, Malgar stands watch, facing the outside and scanning for signs of chase or trouble from the rear.
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As tiny and company struggle to reach potential money the rest stand back and keep an eye out for dottari or worse. Rexus shrinks in on himself refising to touch any of the dirty nasty things. He sneezes regularly as the dust takes hold in his nose and after a particularly bad fit he looks up. "Anyone else hear that?"
As he points it out a cabinet slams shut in the back of the livery and Paquen hears high pitched giggling right behind her left ear.
Paquen doesn't handle handle the surprise well. Already on edge because of the dogs and the general unsoundness of the livery, she straight up jumps a good 10' away from where she'd been standing before spinning around to look.
"What the f&+* was that!?"
"You know what?" Litsy says, panting, after several failed attempts at reaching the ring. "I don't think I'm going to make it."
She hears the high-pitched giggling, and immediately thinks that it may be a hidden street urchin, but she's too focused on the signet ring to really pinpoint where it comes from.
Something fonds paquens reaction hilarious as three separate giggles are heard between both ears and between her legs on the floor. Objects around the livery start moving of their own accord, doors opening and closing, rusted nails roll across the floor. The sugnet ring jiggles and shakes coming tantalizingly close to falling off before slamming back against the beam. Giggles and laughter can be heard from every shadowy corner but cease the moment someone tries to look closer or discern the source of the noise.
Malgar looks back as the room starts going crazy. "Huh. And here I thought I hadn't drunk this mornin'?" He wonders.
But as the voices continue, he starts grinning, a smile that goes wider and wider before he steps forward. "Ah, such a great prank! Just what this ol' dwarf needs on some bore of a mornin' to liven things up! Here, have a pint on my behalf!"
He pulls out a mug, then conjures a fall of water to clean and fill it. Then, a second wave of his hand seems to change the content into some barely identifiable liquid.
Barely - as it did smell strongly of alcohol!
He then places the mug somewhere on the ground in the middle of the room, offering it to whomever was out there, and waits patiently as he claps for the continued performance.
Borgan looks round as the giggling starts, but he is not able to properly look round as he was trying to help Litsy get an edge up to the signet ring.
"What's going on? Some sort of invisible creature? Or are they just very small and quick?"
Together with Variel, he heps Litsy get down on the ground again. He takes another look around, but can't discern anything.
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The ring could wait. The invisible voices were more concerned int and with Tiny trying to get up in the rafters it left them vulnerable. He was glad Borgan was of the same mind as they lowered Tiny down and turned to face the voices. As he did so he saw Malgar offer his tankard and set it on the ground. Malgar you doing ok?
Perception
The added theatrics from whatever it is gets Paquen's rapier out of its scabbard and her at the ready. But, before she panics because there's a poltergeist or something worse flitting about, she looks into a more mundane (and probably more likely) possibility. Maybe it's magic, perhaps some sort of illusion programmed to scare people away from a hidden lair?
"Anyone able to check for magic in the area? It could be an illusion to drive us away."
As Malgar places the cup on the floor the giggling dies down and theirs a pensive feeling in the air as if something is waiting. For now, things are still.
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Beorn looks around startled as things start to rattle and clank. Is there a spirit here? Maybe a past owner of the dogs? Beorn strokes
his chin as he notices Malgar put down the ale. Hmm..spirits for a spirit? Perhaps a peace offering? Hmm..A jaunty and bawdy tune as a gift to listen to while drinking.
Beorn utters a somewhat lewd tune to perhaps get the spirit to embrace life. Memememmme!