"I make things explode with magic," Opi explains again cheerfully. "And almost no one ever thinks it's the child in the corner whose doing it." Cari's scabbard suddenly turned purple and Opi leaped up with a shocked gasp, wide eyed and staring in amazement at the sudden change.
After a moment the shocked childlike face vanished again. "It works better with fireball, of course, but you get the idea. Don't worry, the colour will change back in a bit. I'm also useful as cover for other people, as very few people think spies or assassins would bring a child with them. That would be really weird, right? No one takes there kids to work when that work is slaying a tyrant. And I can distract people because a lost child wailing brings a lot of attention."
When their spell is finally complete Spectre goes stock still. They take in the view of Mr. Big shaving, carefully studying every detail. [dice=Perception]1d20+20
You can get there, certainly, by connecting your coach to the Lightning Rail. And yes, you know where Sharn is, but not exactly where Mr. Big is.
Once they've committed to memory all they can with their normal senses, they press on their eyes and chant another incantation, this one just a few seconds long. 1d100 Spectre slowly scans for magic in every direction.
No.
No.
No.
When Spectre detects no auras they give their first visible reaction to the contents of their scrying, slightly raising an eyebrow. They add a drop of that stinging yellow liquid to each ear as well, then draw what appears to be a small piece of brick from a pouch at their belt and place it at the back of their tongue. With a gesture and incantation they complete yet another spell, and their eyes to roll fully back into their head as they experience a rush of blurred color and overlapping sound.
Ceneth takes a look at his companions ... and also takes a deep breath
"I think it might be my turn for an introduction, possibly even more so if the conversation turns to Sharn. I know I said my name earlier, I am sure I said d'Thuranni with that. But when I said "Assassin of Skyway" that was literal. There simply aren't that many practiced fliers in our line of work, and in Sharn, there is no getting around it.
Many believe that are 'safe' the higher they go, and in principle, that can be true. So I trained around that. It isn't simply that I have flying magic ... I fuse with the Spirit Avariel. I can always fly. There are times, before they died, targets thought they could dispel my flight; they can't. Once I found we could jump across long distances, I made sure I practiced enough to cast the same spell magically. So like our telescope on a smaller scale, I do not even have to get all that close to my target before teleporting to them.
My spells focus mainly on keeping my eidolon healthy. We are incredibly strong, incredibly fast, and on top of that I frequently use Alter Self to seem different, or more pleasing, to disguise myself.
and yes, I have worked for many many years as a coutesan in Stormreach. Both the serve myself AND to serve my House. I love my work."
No.
When Spectre detects no auras they give their first visible reaction to the contents of their scrying, slightly raising an eyebrow. They add a drop of that stinging yellow liquid to each ear as well, then draw what appears to be a small piece of brick from a pouch at their belt and place it at the back of their tongue. With a gesture and incantation they complete yet another spell, and their eyes to roll fully back into their head as they experience a rush of blurred color and overlapping sound.
1. Mr. Big, or a gnome matching his appearance — Diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24 -- You hear his name in crime circles. Mr. Big has the ability to appear bigger than he is. Most certainly through voice rather than magic for growing larger. You hear that he's actually a merchant of antiquities, and has a shop in Middle Dura.
2. A speaking stone not in possession of the authorities — Diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36 -- Mr. Big has the possession of the Speaking Stone, and wants to get rid of it so that Sivis assassins won't track him through the stone. The barrister's guild doesn't want to represent him.
3. Royal documents not in possession of the authorities — Diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28 -- Big still has them, and has the power to commit black mail on certain authorities.
Sorry, just to make sure, is that "no, they can tell it wouldn't work through scrying" or "no, they can't get any indication either way"?
No, they can tell it wouldn't work through scrying.
[ooc]Thanks!
4. Potential buyers interested in the speaking stone — Diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29
5. Traitors or imposters within House Sivis — Diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (12) + 20 = 32
6. What sort of changes the king has planned for the relationship between the parliament and the monarchy — Diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25
4. There are a number of potential buyers. But Mr. Big will put the stone up for auction once there is about twenty buyers. There are about ten right now.
5. There are two traitors within House Sivis. One of them is Mr. Big's contact. The other is a house sivis girl that is convinced that King Boranel is in the wrong.
6. King Boranel is looking to give the Crown more power, and lessen the power of the parliament.
Yes he did. It's written in dossier form and Prosperity Jann has them.
Before beginning their scrying, Spectre left Q's instructions regarding the coach out on the table for anyone to use.
Before beginning their scrying, Spectre left Q's instructions regarding the coach out on the table for anyone to use.
7. He's in Upper Dura, and has all the dangerous documents there. He doesn't have them open for you to see, but that doesn't mean that he hasn't read them.
8. (That is a natural one), your scrying of his shop in middle Dura has left you with a hazy image on where it is, but you do recognize his shoppe's sign. It says Pawn Shop with a diamond underneath it.
"Team, we are all of an undersanding that we need to go to Sharn, correct? It want to start the process of attaching our coach to the Lightning Rail line, headed in that direction."
Ceneth pauses for just a moment ...
"and if no one objects, I am happy to fly ahead and make some arrangements for our arrival: it would be great to go to my apartment, and I would also be happy to arrange lodging for everyone. Sharn is, well, there is nothing like Sharn. I want you to enjoy it as much as enjoying the takedown of Mr. Big. This will certainly be different than an assault on his winery ..."
"If Sharn is where the target is," Opi agreed. "And can you fly faster than a train?" she wondered out loud.
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”I need little in the way of lodgings. A closet would suffice. Or I can keep watch outside while you spend your stasis time.”
"Well, I plan to enjoy the luxuries of a private cabin. But let's avoid splitting up until Spectre is done gathering information."
"Right? Like is it time for a drink yet?
Looking at Opi ...
"and yes, absolutely I can be faster than the train, and without stops, I could make it to the city well ahead of the rail. But let's hang out, look at our toys, and maybe all talk about Sharn a little. My reputation as the Assassin of Skyway was well earned, and it's probably my favorite place in the world."
"There's more ground to cover already from what we know: in a horizontal city, "this" Dura and "that" Dura would be next to each other, and in principle, that is true in Sharn as well. But Sharn isn't horizontal like everywhere else, and even on top of each other, Middle Dura and Upper Dura leave a lot of ground to cover. If we choose to allow this plot to move forward until Mr. Big's auction, that may be in a higher, or lower, location as well."
There is a bar for Skyfall to raid on the coach. Not the finest booze, but enough to get drunk.
There is a bar for Skyfall to raid on the coach. Not the finest booze, but enough to get drunk.
Opi poured herself a glass of whiskey and knocked it back in distinctly unchildlike manner, creating something of a weird visual.
Opi poured herself a glass of whiskey and knocked it back in distinctly unchildlike manner, creating something of a weird visual.
Is there vodka over there? Something sweet?
I coud use a martini ...
"...Middle Dura and Upper Dura leave a lot of ground to cover. If we choose to allow this plot to move forward until Mr. Big's auction, that may be in a higher, or lower, location as well."
Spectre's eyes fly open and they spring to their feet, looking ready to fight for a moment before shifting back into the posture of a fragile elder. "Mr. Big is in Sharn, shaving at his home in Upper Dura. No discernible magic auras. He has the stolen documents with him; I can't spot the speaking stone but I know it's still in his possession."
They start pacing, as much as the confines of the coach allow it. "From what I can piece together, his motives seem to be financial rather than ideological. He's an antiquities merchant, runs a pawn shop in Middle Dura with a diamond on the sign. He's seeking to sell the stone as quickly as possible to avoid magical tracking from House Sivis, so he's gathering buyers for an auction. About ten have shown interest so far but he's waiting for twice that number. As for the documents, he took them to blackmail authorities who want to keep plans for the king's next power-grab under wraps — not clear if he wants to extort money directly or just protect himself from retribution for the theft of the stone."
Reaching Zoa at her perch by the window, Spectre scoops her up drapes her over their shoulders. "As for accomplices, he's in contact with a traitor in House Sivis who's likely been his inside man. The barrister's guild, on the other hand, has no interest in representing him. Beyond that I'm uncertain."
Spectre listens to the others share their ideas, following their lead in crossing to the bar. They grab a flagon of ale and take a long swig directly from the spout. Then Zoa slithers into it with a plop and splashes around, happily partaking.
Spectre nods along to Skyfall's travel plans. "Splendid, if nothing else it'll be worth it to have you there to get a head start on searching for those buildings. I'll stay in the coach and get some crafting done on the trip, I've got my eye on an enchantment for these boots that may be sorely needed in Sharn's terrain." They hold up the crystal ball. "I should be able to stay in contact with you through this. Much faster than my own scrying and infinitely more repeatable — far easier to resist as well, but that's not an issue if you prepare your mind not to fight it."
"As for our course of action once we arrive, if we're going for a con then posing as buyers seems like the obvious tactic. Though I'm also intrigued by the possibility of posing as a barrister offering their services. What do you all think? Skyfall, you of course know the city, and Moonraker it sounds like you're the true con artist among the rest of us mere con craftsmen."
"Do any of us have the legal knowledge and skills for that?" Opi asked as she passed out drinks. "And it would take an interesting cove story to cover all of us."
"If we pose as buyers, we might find ourselves fighting off the other buyers. But if we pose as a barrister, there's a better chance of getting Mr. Big alone."
"Smart thinking. As buyers, we present ourselves as targets & competitors. As barristers, we might even get access to him and the stone early."
"Do any of us have the legal knowledge and skills for that?"
Spectre grins. "Ohhh yes. I am, shall we say, intimately familiar with the particularities of Breland law, and specifically how it can be manipulated to preserve an illicit smuggling operation. 'It takes a thief' and so on." They stow their supplies from the scrying as they speak.
"Accounting for all five of us is another challenge. Perhaps three partners and two bodyguards would be believable, but even that might raise suspicion since we weren't asked for and can't claim to be from the guild. Thoughts on splitting up?" Spectre frowns. "I suppose it depends what our endgame is. Do we start snooping around his home and shop once we get access? Do we jump him and extract the information we need? Do we wait for him to show us the items and then jump him?"
"Do any of us have the legal knowledge and skills for that?"Spectre grins. "Ohhh yes. I am, shall we say, intimately familiar with the particularities of Breland law, and specifically how it can be manipulated to preserve an illicit smuggling operation. 'It takes a thief' and so on." They stow their supplies from the scrying as they speak.
"Accounting for all five of us is another challenge. Perhaps three partners and two bodyguards would be believable, but even that might raise suspicion since we weren't asked for and can't claim to be from the guild. Thoughts on splitting up?" Spectre frowns. "I suppose it depends what our endgame is. Do we start snooping around his home and shop once we get access? Do we jump him and extract the information we need? Do we wait for him to show us the items and then jump him?"
"Given that I can fly, and make myself invisible if we need, I could be hovering at quite a distance, and teleport in with our telescope. No one would see that coming.
Ceneth smiles" ... and I'm a lot better at hovering than I am at lying."
Give me a simple perception roll, then I'll tell you about the rings. DC 18.
"I have great experience in the carrying of objects. Surely a lawyer needs a porter, to carry stacks of law books around." He pauses and looks down himself. "I might need whatever formal clothing organics wear in such situations. I don't see the need, but I know how you wet types are about such things."
[dice=Perception]1d20+20
After five minutes of looking, Prosperity has found five rings. Made by a combination of House Sivis and House Cannith. They bear the arms of Sivis on the underside though. The rings allow you to communicate with each other through the use of sending spells.
"The clothes make the character," Opi said to the Warforged with a small smile. "Dressing like something and acting like something ae 2/3 of the way to making people think you are something," she said with a shrug. "As for me, I should probably go with whoever is going in. I'm much better at lying than I am at floating."
Spectre nods thoughtfully. "A child might not mesh with our story, but perhaps you can use that hat of yours to turn into a gnome or a halfling. Unless you'd rather hide in my extradimensional bag with a snorkel until things go south." As they speak, they rummage through various drawers in the coach. "And you, Moonraker? It would be an honor to call you my co-counsel, if that suits you."
After a few more moments of searching, they hold up the small box of rings triumphantly. "Aha! Sending rings. Should let us all stay in touch over any distance."
Tossing a ring to each of their companions they add, "That reminds me — I mentioned that I've taken up crafting. Well, I think I've got a few small items tucked away that should help complement each of your abilities. Kind of like a much less impressive version of what Q did. Let's see..." They start rummaging in one of the side pockets of their satchel.
Q had them made that the sending spell takes a standard action, and you can use them silently. House Sivis thought that the idea was a challenge.
Cue the MI-1 music
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Spectre nods thoughtfully. "A child might not mesh with our story, but perhaps you can use that hat of yours to turn into a gnome or a halfling. Unless you'd rather hide in my extradimensional bag with a snorkel until things go south." As they speak, they rummage through various drawers in the coach. "And you, Moonraker? It would be an honor to call you my co-counsel, if that suits you."
Moonraker takes a ring. "Co-counsel it is, then."
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Spectre finally draws out a large handful of seemingly random junk from their bag. "Here we are. Each of these can be used exactly once, and I can't replace more than one per day. So certainly use them, but don't waste them and don't lose them."
They hold out the first two items to Moonraker, a small capsule full of white powder and an even smaller green pill. "These should go well with that remarkable voice of yours. Put the powder under your tongue and you'll be able to speak and understand any language for seven minutes. Or swallow the pill, and you'll be able to speak to and understand animals of a chosen type for the same length of time."
They turn to Goldeneye, offering a wing nut and a rudimentary syringe. "The nut should help you put those claws and sword to best use — toss it over your shoulder and you'll be able to fly for seven minutes. The syringe is for any medical needs; if you jab someone with it they'll be able to shake off minor impairments for seven minutes or resist them more easily for a day. Don't worry, you don't need a circulatory system, that's just how the magic is triggered."
To Skyfall, they present a small closed fan and a folded handkerchief. "These might be helpful in a pinch, especially if you plan to go flying off on your own. Neither is primed until you open it. After that the first person the fan touches will be healed of minor wounds. The first the handkerchief touches will be put into a brief enthralled daze."
Finally, they pivot back to face Null. In their hands remain two crude dolls, barely more than straw wrapped in cloth. One has a simple smiley face on it, the other a frowny face. "These seemed to suit you, and they'll come in handy if you ever need a little boost to use your persona to the fullest. If you touch someone while squeezing the smiling doll, they'll like you better for about 45, 50 seconds. If you're squeezing the frowning doll, they'll instead like someone else worse for that same time, your choice of anyone within sight."
"That should work," Opi said with a nod. "Thank you." She picked up and pocketed the faces. "And yes, I can look older than I do now, probably just with some makeup and such. What would be the most useful character to assist in your charade?"
The sun shifts to mid-day.
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Opi poured herself a glass of whiskey and knocked it back in distinctly unchildlike manner, creating something of a weird visual.Is there vodka over there? Something sweet?
I coud use a martini ...
Like Vodka from Karrnath?
"True," Opi agreed, finishing her drink and going for a fruit cordial to replace it.
"You might imagine, I basically drink professionally, I think I'll be okay with one more. Codename notwithstanding, it is unlikely I will fall from the sky just yet ..."
Agent Goldeneye stands by a window, watching the terrain roll by. Without looking at the others, he says "I have never understood the organic desire to imbibe chemicals which impede proper function."
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"It affects other chemicals to create a pleasant feeling, helps negate some mental barriers against certain actions - which can be good or bad - and creates a social environment that encourages interpersonal bonding," Opi replied seriously. After a moment, she added, "It's also technically imbibing poisonous chemicals, technically."
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"Plus I do my best crafting when I'm at least a bit tipsy," Prosperity chimes in. "Last Long Shadows I got absolutely wasted and managed to implant a zombie's pineal gland into my own skull. Not an easy task." Zoa clambers out of the now bone-dry flagon, hissing fiercely at the group before returning to Prosperity's satchel. "The lady says, meanwhile, that she can outdrink all ten of us put together." Prosperity glances around the group and shrugs.
Then Spectre gets back to work, following the procedures Q's dossier laid out for connecting the coach to the lightning rail so they can begin the journey to Sharn.
"Drinking can be pleasant, but I try to avoid it on the job."
"You'll let us all know when 'on the job' starts? It for sure is not now ... we are hundreds and hundreds of miles from Sharn. I could fly there myself, I could get out and push, but I have to be honest, I would much rather enjoy the journey."
Skyfall looks around for a cocktail shaker ...
"Probably just the right person to ask: Spectre, what's your poison? Go sweet or go home? There's an apple liquor from Darguun ... Apple Martini's are all the rage in Sharn AND it's a fad that's even making it's way to Stormreach! Crazy, I know. Goldeneye ... you don't even have to drink it, but can I make you one? Just to hold and look handsome with?"
The coach magnetically attaches itself to a lightning rail train.