It's hard to tell from this side of the river. You are sure it will be lighter when you get close enough to the town.
The bell tower is the tallest building in town.
You fly over the water of the river 2,900 feet.
Ulricha takes the hand of one of her companions on either side, taking a deep breath as they take to the air, her first time flying. As the group zips across the river, she keeps a sharp eye out for any sign of danger, or lookout.
As Quince as his group are flying down to an alley you notice a large building and mention to use it as a waypoint if you get split up.
As your group heads towards the buildings...
Jorrast changes to his fox form so he can be easily carried. He could fly on his own but it would be harder everyone to stay within the radius of the spell. Once they land he takes his human form again.
Noticing how the commoners act Jorrast doesn't move slowly any time he is on an open street. He moves from shadow to shadow, studying the buildings and building a mental map of the buildings that he passes. He does his best to avoid encounters, even though he'd love to kill a few thugs....
Jorne remains invisible with his ring. He quickly did the outskirts along the walls first. He handled a few thugs quickly with a cleave. He also walked by one of the black towers.
Jorrast you feel a breath behind you, Jorne states, "It might be faster if you turned into a fox, come into the alley, the town is mapped and I am collecting the group."
At the abandoned house he moves one of the curtains so they could sew out of the window, "That is the gambling house, go check if the other group is in there. I will bring the rest of our group back to this house." He pulls out the map and nods to himself, knowing where his next target was, and which direction she is heading.
+2 vs Fey, +4 vs Humans, +4 Forests, +2 Underground
"The coast is clear."
Markus cunningly pretends to be a random thiefling mercenary.
Its eerily empty here, enemy is either partying or laying in ambush.
Hearing Jorne's words Jorrast nods. He can move faster and is almost invisible in his fox form. In the unlikely event that someone spots him has still has some combat ability. He moves to a shadow and changes, then continues scouting.
Proving to be far stealthier than one would expect, Ulricha prowls through the streets, noting the desolate state.
[dice=Perception]1d20+14 +2 vs Fey, +4 vs Humans, +4 Forests, +2 Underground
"The coast is clear."
Zsófia follows Quince to the gambling hall, trying to stay disguised in her plain cloak and not draw attention on the way there.
Quince makes his way to the gambling hall and in. Seeing a bar and a few tables near it he heads to one of the tables. As he moves he attempts to size up the room and the people in it.
Given the option, I choose to bring her. She will, however stay outside the bar, and invisible.
Vandomir will aid Quince in sizing up the place...
+2 vs Fey, +4 vs Humans, +4 Forests, +2 Underground
Vandomir points out certain things to Quince.
Jorrast continues along, scouting the area. Remembering that they also wanted to spot any magical auras he activates his spell-like ability to detect magic while he scans the areas.
He sees a group of thugs pestering a woman, intimidating her with threats of what they could do to her. As much as he wants to help, nothing said indicates killing so he avoids the group. Later he spots a slug-like larva scuttling along. He maneuvers behind the thing and takes human form again so he can use a weapon on the thing, attacking in the shadows if possible.
If that kills it he takes the body back to a dark corner and covers it with debris, then turns back in to fox form and continues scouting and scanning for magic.
The three thugs let Quince go without a second look. They are interested in Zsofia. They get in her way as one of them says, "Hey, you got some pretty colors under that cloak."
---
Jorrast stores the creatures body in a corner.
---
Cheating at the gambling tables by the dealers and the players.
The trade off of coins or drugs for time with one of the girls.
The comings and goings of the thugs, mercs, and recognizing the power houses in the gambling house: six bouncers, Satire, and a man in the darkest corner.
Simply entering you see a filled gambling house with Poker, Dragon's Ante, Black Jack, and other games being played. Most of the men in the joint look rather 'tough', they are likely to be the mercenaries that work as guards for the town.
Zsófia rolls her eyes and smiles at the thug. "Where I come from, it's customary to buy a lady a drink before you look at what she's got on under her cloak." She winks flirtaciously. Shelyn give me strength, she thinks through her smirk. "Does this place have a dress code all of a sudden? If you buy me a drink, maybe I'll let you share my winnings."
Anyways, she will do it the old fashioned way like Drax, by moving very slowly and thus becoming invisible...
The three thugs quickly escort Zsofia into the gambling hall their attitudes lightening at being flirted with and quickly each of them buy her a different drink. The first asks for a glass of wine, the second asks for a shot of vodka, and the third asks for a scotch.
"You lads seem like important men, all of you so strong and hale. Do you work for Lord Drelev?" Zsófia asks the three of them at once. "I have heard he is an inspiring leader, but maybe you just like to fight and drink. As we say at the temple of Calistria, when the body is willing so follows the mind." She winces at the half-truth, but hopes that her goddess will forgive it in pursuit of the greater good.
Unbidden by her, a thought forms in her mind: she imagines she can hear words spoken by a soft, lilting voice with a slight Vudran accent. -- Mistress Shelyn does not mind white lies, and She even encourages them if the speaker does so to create something beautiful. -- Perhaps Calistria would be angry that you misrepresent yourself as Her priest, but it is unlikely that She will hear of it. -- For safety, and to maintain harmony between Shelyn and Calistria, and in thanks for the use of Her influence, perhaps you might make a small donation to Her temple? --
Zsófia blinks. She looks around, momentarily off-guard. Was one of her companions using telepathy on her?
Markus was watching Zsofia do her thing, he, looking like a merc, enters the bar, orders a strong scotch and plops himself down at an empty table, taking the room in.
Zsofia would likely note him, but he has no intention of interfering with her information gathering unless prompted, he cetainly is backup in case of violence.
Ulricha follows in silence once they're at the gambling hall, leaving things up to Zsófia until it takes a wrong turn.
Quince at the table he set out toward on entering makes no indication that he knows or cares what is happening at the bar with the men and woman talking them up.
After getting rid of the slug/larva Jorrast continues the scouting in fox form. He avoids people as much as possible, taking his time to be careful and scanning with Detect Magic. He notes anything that looks like it might be worth a follow-up once the group gets back together.
"You lads seem like important men, all of you so strong and hale. Do you work for Lord Drelev?" Zsófia asks the three of them at once. "I have heard he is an inspiring leader, but maybe you just like to fight and drink. As we say at the temple of Calistria, when the body is willing so follows the mind." She winces at the half-truth, but hopes that her goddess will forgive it in pursuit of the greater good.
In response to her words they seem more confident. They nod in agreement with your words as the one with longer black hair states, "We like most of those here are... were, in directly work for him."
The shortest one states, "I am Jax, oh we like to fight and drink!"
The last one states, "Henry or Hank, here. We don't or at least haven't had the pleasure to meet Lord Drelev. I know my body is willing."
☆☆☆
Markus easily makes himself unobtrusive.
☆☆☆
It does appearsl to be a self serve, as the women who might be servers are obviously selling other things.
Vandomir moves to an outer wall, for overwatch purposes, and keeps an eye out on his companions while they do their talking thing.
After several minutes one of the serving girls make eye contact with you and brings over a sling attached to a box of treats. They each offer their wares: An assortment of drugs, cigars, hookah flavors, time card, and candy. They have hard candy carmels, licorice, and skittles.
Jorne remains invisible with his ring. He quickly did the outskirts along the walls first. He handled a few thugs quickly with a cleave. He also walked by one of the black towers.
1d5
Jorrast you feel a breath behind you, Jorne states, "It might be faster if you turned into a fox, come into the alley, the town is mapped and I am collecting the group."
At the abandoned house he moves one of the curtains so they could sew out of the window, "That is the gambling house, go check if the other group is in there. I will bring the rest of our group back to this house." He pulls out the map and nods to himself, knowing where his next target was, and which direction she is heading.
While the group waits for Jorrast to return, Alice looks towards Jorne.
"I have some options still available, i have not asked the spirits for all my magic today. In your experience, would we currently benefit more from preparing to be a hindrance, or destructive means?"
Jorrast studies the gargoyle statue for several seconds, but then realizes that his understanding of magic won't be enough to understand exactly what the magic is on it. Possibly some sort of animated creature guarding whatever is there.
Changing back to human form he does enter the Elderberry Mix to see whatever magical trinkets they have, but also to purchase a pastry. A light snack would be good before he goes back to join the group. "Would you have a pastry with fruit in it? I'm just looking for a light snack and happened to see your shop here." He glances back to the display case, then away. With so many magical auras close together he knows he would be too obvious if he tries to study any of them. Maybe later?
Once he gets the pastry he departs, heading back to the location where they were to meet.
While the group waits for Jorrast to return, Alice looks towards Jorne.
"I have some options still available, i have not asked the spirits for all my magic today. In your experience, would we currently benefit more from preparing to be a hindrance, or destructive means?"
He calmly replies, "That is an excellent question. I don't have an answer for it as there are still too many unknowns. Demons or Devils sound bad but maybe they are just far flung rumors based on seeing the black towers. If its true we likely would need more destructive spells."
Eh, in some Alyushinyrran bars you have to order a "secret" set of random stuff to show that you belong, and are customer not prey, no idea what its supposed to be here though
3 Cigars and some licorice please.
Markus pays reasonable market prices and a fairly genorous tip, before he turns on his fiendish charm.
Does your organization have more potent things available upon request? Perhaps in bulk even? Although it is perhaps best if this is discussed with your leadership.
In terms of intonation, his words are completely non threatening, and his movement patterns are calibrated to have a tinge of promise of protection to the serving girl.
With Everyone collected he says, "Good job team what did you see, what should I mark on the map? The two don't have to be the same."
He opens his book, with the map of the city on its last page. He also pulls out a slender spike made of dark metal and the ruby at the end glows.
3 Cigars and some licorice please.
Markus pays reasonable market prices and a fairly genorous tip, before he turns on his fiendish charm.
Does your organization have more potent things available upon request? Perhaps in bulk even? Although it is perhaps best if this is discussed with your leadership.
In terms of intonation, his words are completely non threatening, and his movement patterns are calibrated to have a tinge of promise of protection to the serving girl.
She states out loud, "four silver pieces please." the two licorice vines and three cigars she produces and places them on a silver tray, before putting the tray on your table. She takes the coins and pockets them. She then whispers back to Markus, "You would need to speak to Blink about any large purchases. Shall I get him? Or would you prefer Satire?"
The deal clearly requires a degree of negotiation, to see if it is possible. As such Satire would be preferable. Do you have something less in the public eye for this?
Markus is all business
My Abyssal contacts are likely enough to procure shadowblood, and even if they are not, I am a half fiend, and I can truely speak that I engaged in drug deals in Alyushyinrra. Mostly by inflicting violence on rival distribution networks, rather then trading, but he doesnt have to know that.
It is possible if not all that plausible for them to have an albeit limited access to Litheria blossoms, which are almost like a secondary currency in Alyushinyrra, so that is a plausible trade. I need to figure out how much of a deal that Satire person, not even sure if that person is male or female, is first though, leading with extra planar drugs could be over his head.
Just lead with asking if they can procure Litheria blossoms, show the money, and offer trade in goods or services later. Yeah, should work better.
He mentally prepares his pitch and negotiating strategy.
He calmly replies, "That is an excellent question. I don't have an answer for it as there are still too many unknowns. Demons or Devils sound bad but maybe they are just far flung rumors based on seeing the black towers. If its true we likely would need more destructive spells."While the group waits for Jorrast to return, Alice looks towards Jorne.
"I have some options still available, i have not asked the spirits for all my magic today. In your experience, would we currently benefit more from preparing to be a hindrance, or destructive means?"
Alice slightly nods.
"Well, this isn't a war camp, otherwise some measures could be spectacular, from what i heard other shamans have done in times of conflict. I mean, lighting up a few dozen of orc fighters through just a candle on their war-feast table."
Alice finds a quiet secluded spot while the scouting party hides, draws a few symbols in the mud before her, and kneels. With shut eyes she silently chants, asking the spirits of the cosmos for the remainder of her spells for this day.
With Everyone collected he says, "Good job team what did you see, what should I mark on the map? The two don't have to be the same."
He opens his book, with the map of the city on its last page. He also pulls out a slender spike made of dark metal and the ruby at the end glows.
Xandarian explains what he saw and the corresponding streets.
When Jorne opens the book with the map Jorrast points out the location of the gargoyle guarding the walled, apparently empty lot. "I think there's something there. I couldn't detect for evil or invisibility. And I was concerned that if I tried to go over the wall it could set off an alarm."
He also explains the other places that he saw. "And there was a slug thing, a larva? I killed it and hid the carcass. It didn't seem intelligent. Just somewhat.... disgusting."
After the waitress leaves Markus she talks with a beautiful woman dressed better than anyone else in town, she exudes a sense of confidence, bravado, and charm in all she does. Always smiling and waiting.
She saunters over to Markus and asks if she may have a seat. she introduces herself, "Satinder Morne, cleric of Calistria and you would be the interested party hoping for a large shipment. Name and affiliations?"
When Jorne opens the book with the map Jorrast points out the location of the gargoyle guarding the walled, apparently empty lot. "I think there's something there. I couldn't detect for evil or invisibility. And I was concerned that if I tried to go over the wall it could set off an alarm."
He also explains the other places that he saw. "And there was a slug thing, a larva? I killed it and hid the carcass. It didn't seem intelligent. Just somewhat.... disgusting."
Stoically he replies, "Yes that does sound like an interesting place. We will have to check it out, though perhaps after we find out what is happening with the fort and these 'demons'."
Eagerly he asks, "Do you know what it was? This larva thing did... no you can't detect magic. What else can you describe about it?"
I am Markus Lyranus, although I beat up a Chelish hellknight for that surname who unwisely opted to bet his. He pauses, giving his actual name
Some of my affiliations may... trouble some of the esteemed patrons who may bychance be overhearing things, perhaps we can continue discussion in a more private area? If you have concerns regarding security, I am willing to formally pledge myself to the savored stings wroth should I, during our negotiations or a decent interval thereafter, willingly fail to respect or within reason protect your life, liberties, freedoms, material possessions or secrets.
Invoking the other parties deity, if known and sufficiently vengefull is a common thing to show reasonable intentions. Callistria is in her way fair, but a very dangerous deity to have as a foe. He hasnt given his deity, but implies he is willing to give it in private.
The "willingly" is a bit of a tell that he has spent a fair amount of time in a place with a lot of mind control. Such pledges are also one of the relatively few ways to hold highly chaotic creatures such as demons accountable, not neccessarily to their deals but to their behaviour at parleys.
Lyranus is a minor chelish noble family, associated with the hellknights of the order of the gate
Material possessions and secrets is a funny way to not say "possessions" in general, in an outerplanar context, pledging to respect someones possessions would include whatever a demon may currently be possessing and can be a rather massive own goal.
Markus is a half fiend.
Specifically a half demon, although currently its not clear what specific demon
Eagerly he asks, "Do you know what it was? This larva thing did... no you can't detect magic. What else can you describe about it?"
"I didn't think to detect magic on it. It seemed loathsome and I thought it should be dead."
Satinder gets up from the table and waves towards some of the doors, "I think the conference room is occupied, would you care for the warehouse or the kitchen, I could also see if any of my rooms are available."
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Your rooms would presumably have the largest degrees of privacy yes? As the most magnanimous hostess the choice is of course yours mylady.
He answers, exceedingly politely.
Callistrian and more attractive then me, so I think not flirting a bit would be rude. Her rooms likely have things in place to increase her security at my expense, which is fine because I have no intention of turning hostile. Callistrians rarely initiate hostilities, but are poster children for massive retaliation if you start shit against them. I should be good.
She politely turns her face back to you and nods her appreciation with a smile creeping onto her face.
After a few minutes she finds an empty room and once you are in she closes the door and secures it with a wooden peg.
Then she sits down on the bed leaving a low table or wooden bench to sit upon. Then asks, "Okay what do you want? As you put on a good show but what is your real course?"
Allow me to formally introduce myself, I am Markus Lyranus, private violence specialist currently employed with the neighbouring of Elkheart. In terms of religion, I am a believe in the "Lord and the Lady" while occassionally paying tribute to the Ardent Dream when neccessary.
The belief that Gorrum and Nocticula are a couple, with killing demon lords being Nocticulas turf which is why Gorrum didnt slaughter Deskari or Baphomet for their invasion. She should autopass knowing who the ardent dream, nascent demon lord Shamira and governer of Alyushinyrra, is.
He pauses
My reasons for seeking you out are two fold, first, Elkheart has scant intentions of conquering others, yet Fort Drelev is currently a base to a faction that declared war upon us, which is clearly against our interests.
It would of course be preferable, if after a change of the local regime, someone local, who has a degree of trust from the population, and who has demonstrated his or her capabilities of providing for her people under highly challenging circumstances, be in charge of Fort Drelev. Clearly, many can benefit from a change in leadership here, and great economic benefits could be realized as well. Elkheart is hardly prudish, as they had no qualms about employing a half fiend Abyssally aligned mercenary.
He pauses
I would believe that you would be a well informed person in terms of how to bring such a change or government around, with a minimum of civilian casulties, and likely a good candidate for a position of local leadership after such a change has occured.
He shrugs
In addition, I have heard rumors about Fort Drelev having access to Litheria blossoms? I do have business connection to a place where these are sold at a massive markup.
She nods in agreement, even offering, "I can only think of a few nobles that may fit that role better than myself. Though their fates are unknown as we haven't heard or seen them for at least several weeks. Yes we do have access to Litheria blossoms. Though that business can be handled at a more... stable time. There is a secret path into the fort. The baron built a secret escape tunnel that exits onto the shore of Lake Hooktongue not far north from town. I am sure you have more just yourself, I can arrange it so you can use the Velvet Corner as a hideout. I just need to know who."
While team diplomacy is busy talking, and team sneaky is remaining where they currently are...
"So Jorne, if you don't mind me asking, what is Katrina like?
Aside from being quite pretty, of course. Particular topics of interest i might strike her up on, next time i bump into her?"
"I could see the gathered council members at the table frequently, i reckon, but she was keeping a back row role previously."