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"Well it allows me to have necessary funds for bribes. You know to negotiate with the gangs or you know other rogues"She says as she leads the way.
"As for my abilities well, I am an amazing cook, guide, seamstress, provocateur, former nun, and if you have the coin I can give you one hell of a night!" She says as she winks at Elara.
As she does she begins to pull out a small badge and put it on her chest in clear view.
1 ranks +3 trained +1 wis
1 rank +3 trained +3 int
Maxim spies that the badge is brass, embossed with a Raven's skull. He figures it's some sort of recognition symbol, but he does not know what it represents... He keeps his mouth shut, not wanting to look a fool.
Tonobia arches an elegant eyebrow as she notices the badge, taking note of the Raven's skull, and beginning to pay closer attention to the surroundings of where they are headed.
"That's quite an extensive and interesting list of occupations, I'll give you that" Elara replies with a small chuckle, as her eyes focus on her badge for a moment.
It's obviously a symbol of some sort, but what does it mean? And who is it intended for?
She looks at their surroundings, trying to spot anyone looking at them or that seems to react to Rayna's badge.
"But going back a bit to what you said, about gangs and rogues... Is that something that we should be on the lookout for? Is it likely we'll get targeted, especially as we get further and further from the city's center?"
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"Sadly yes, the rogues well they are in all quarters of the city, but the gangs are new, well this type of gang is new. They are more aggressive." She says sadly.
"usually the gangs here were young rogues who banded together for protection and to help keep up dues. Unfortunately of late it seems more nefarious groups have taken over."
"Add in the fact that their are missing people, and more aggressive assaults and robbery, a few johns shanked and dumped. Even the ladies of the evening have begun resorting to red lights instead of corner work"Rayna says as she walks leading them through the throng of people.
"Sadly few are looking into the rise of the gangs activities as it hasn't leaked into the Guilds profits or the Nobility, So hopefully one of the few groups breaks them up or wipes them out. Either way those of us outside the eye of the well to do are just fighting to exist"
Maxim interjects into the conversation: "You mention missing people, what have you heard. What is known about these disappearances; who, where and when, what does the street say?"
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"Well, most have been urchins who can't get to the Orphanage, the Beggars. Which the Beggars' guild has gone to working in groups, not aiding to the gang issue." Rayna pauses as she looks about then continues on at the narrowest of intersections of an alley.
" A few outsiders have gone missing from a few of the Red Light district, others from the 'perfume' district. All though were supposedly alone and inhibited be it alcohol, drugged or dressed down. Still children and teens tend to be taken more than adults."
"The South Street Saux are around here and they may want to test you" Rayna informs her voice even hiding the anxiety, but not enough to act truly calm.
Felix dutifully follows the others, silently pleased his companions are making use of the local guide.
...
"The South Street Saux are around here and they may want to test you" Rayna informs her voice even hiding the anxiety, but not enough to act truly calm.
Maxim loosens his rapier and replies: "On the northern frontier, such minor banditry would simply be dealt with using cold steel. Making a small pile of corpses would presumably pass said test, but would that disturb the city guard?"
"I'm guessing no, considering what Rayna said about these violent gangs being on the rise. If they were going to do something, they would already be here trying to stop these types of fights. Probably just assume it was a fight between gangs, if they even come here at all." Elara says with a shrug, and then looks questioningly at Rayna. "But my friend is right - if they come for us, we can't really be expected to hold back, can we? This 'test' may very well be one they don't walk away from."
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"As long as you protect me I don't care. I can get you out of what ever trouble the constables would cause." She says confidently as you continue down.
As you do you all notice the filth and dilapidation getting worse and worse. Rayna seems to let her hands rest on the hilt of her daggers.
1 ranks +3 trained +1 wis
"Rayna, why are the beggars hanging out in the alleys, not out here importuning us for alms?"
Felix casts message at Maxim, then the others.
Elara narrows her eyes at the sight of the "beggars", sharing Maxim's concerns. Felix's warning is welcome, if not too surprising. She gives the perceptive lord a glance and whispers a reply, before turning her attention back to the threat in front of them, her hands disappearing inside her cloak as she clutches at her dagger and a flask of acid.
"Perceptive as ever, Felix. Thank you."
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"Those aren't Beggars, probably a gang or just hired toughs. Keep on guard." She says softly as she seems to direct you all to turn up a wide street.
the new street is bustling with activity, the horses carts, crates of chickens. small stalls and wagons seemingly rests here. It was a small street market.
"Hopefully they won't try to attack us here. to many of these folk are retired adventurers, or guards." She says with a smile. Trying to avoid conflicts.
Maxim whispers to the group "An ambush that you detect ahead of time can often be a trap for the attacker. Still, I suppose the opportunity has passed."
Elara nods at her companions, whispering back. "Agreed. Even if it was just a failed ambush, we'd still be fighting them where and how they wanted. I'd much rather we'd be the ones setting the terms for any confrontation, when we can. Plus, our mission isn't to take down a bunch of thugs, or at least, not yet. Keeping a low profile seems best for now, and not picking fights that can be avoided should help bring less attention to ourselves."
"Grrmph"; Maxim grunts in aggreement and keeps walking.
Remaining silent, though with her hands clearly near her weapons, Tenobia follows along, head on a swivel.
Nibs continues to follow behind the group with his two companions, doing his best to look inconspicuous. He hopes if anyone takes an interest that potential enemies will believe he and his ratlike friends are stalking the others.
"Of course", Felix agreed.
"We eagerly follow your lead."
Rayna guides you through the small market, some seems circular. As she does she smiles and waves as a few people. She then gets you all over to a small section next to a stall and gestures you to come closure so she can speak.
"So I think we lost them, care to journey forward?"
"To St. Mara's then" replies Maxim.
Although willing to press on, he keeps his head on a swivel, cautious about Rayna's assessment that the thugs had been 'lost'...
1 ranks +3 trained +1 wis
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"Okay, I will lead you through Stout way, its a series of alleys that was webbed and made by my people in the area. It will be a tight squeeze for most of you but they won't bother us, as I am leading you." she says as she continues to lead you to a narrow alley near the back.
As you get there you note you'll have to turn sideways and slide into this alley. Save Rayna and Nibs who can just move normally.
Elara studies Rayna for a brief moment, considering her words as she looks to the narrow passage, searching for any sign of deception.
Can't say I like this particular idea. Could be a trap. But then again, if she was going to betray us, why make it obvious by leading us down this path, when she could just as likely lead us into a less obvious trap?
Elara looks back questioningly to the others, and nods to Nibs. "If we're going this way, probably best if you stick close to Rayna - the rest of us will be severely disadvantaged if something does happens."
Before entering the narrow alleyway, Felix draws his rapier, keeping it's pointed skyward as he squeezes through Stout Way.
Nibs nods acknowledgement of Elara's suggestion, and casually moves closer to Rayna. His eidolon follows, staying close to Nibs . Nibs casts message to facilitate communication between himself and his familiar, who he leaves at the back.
Before entering the narrow alleyway, Felix draws his rapier, keeping it's pointed skyward as he squeezes through Stout Way.
Maxim looks at Felix and drawls "Might I suggest that carrying drawn steel is perhaps a might impolitic; it might perhaps convey the wrong impression to the small folk?"
"I am drawing my steel now, because I doubt I could if ambushed in this narrow alley. I'd rather be prepared than polite", the bard quipped.
Maxim gives Felix a level look and gestures at the dueling dagger hanging from his belt, silently implying there are alternatives, even as he heads off, following Rayna...
Watching the exchange with a hint of amusement, Tenobia follows securing her weapons at her sides before proceeding to shimmy her considerable curves through the tight space.
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You go thirty feet in and the narrow alley opens to a grand avenue packed with halflings, Gnomes, Ratlings and a few dwarves. All engaging in a variety of commerce.
However Gnomes seem to be selling strange devices, along side guns and magical items, prostitutes litter the area, as does a variety of recovered items from the sewer, other things, both illicit and legal goods and services.
"Welcome to the Burrows. Several sections have huge avenues closed off by streets with narrow passages. The small folk come here to escape the tall folk and do what they wish within reason." Rayna says as she then looks about and points to a garishly painted buxom yet naked human, then points to a strange sun held in hands on another access alley.
"See these are guides to send you to various parts of the city. The Lady speaks of Rich Idoits, while the Sun Hands lead to the churches. The wrapped hand is where we need to go." She says pointing to it with a smile as she sees two halfling children near her and places two coppers in each of there fat little hands.
Felix quickly sheaths his rapier back under his rough cape.
"Sorry to intrude", the bard said sheepishly at the assembled stout folk.
Maxim casts Felix another level look, and then tells Rayna "Lead on, lead on...". As he follows her, he unobtrusively rests a hand on his belt pouch, to at least give the pickpockets a challenge.
Elara takes a quick look at the goods offered as they make their way through the Burrows.
Might be a good place for some specific supplies. Especially the ones we're unlikely to see offered in a typical store.
"It's not all just for small folk, right, Rayna? I mean, besides it being harder for us to get here, I'm guessing our gold's as good as anyone else's. Might be a good idea to come by later, take a look at the merchants' goods. But right now we have a mission to take care of."
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Rayna spoke answering Elara."I mean who doesn't like gold, however many around here are leery of dwarves let alone anyone taller. Especially with the goods that go through here. Especially the lack of taxes." She says as she then sighs.
"Though you can try, they may over charge you or not deal with you at all, why what is it you need?" She asks leery.
"Oh, nothing particular at the moment, don't worry." Elara replies with a smile. "Just wanted to understand the way things work around here. You show us a place with such a variety of goods available, we're bound to be curious of what we can find there. But as I said, shopping can wait - we should just keep on going towards St. Mara's."
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"Oh okay. Well, I am available for private shopping, especially for special procurements. Just saying" Rayna says leading you all to the thin alley and then out the other side.
On this side of the alley it is a bit rundown. You can tell this once prosperous section was far fell. As you look around, many of the places seem to have been boarded up while others were open, but nothing was outside the building.
Also several bums line the street.
"Okay this is the street. So I can't guarantee a safe haven save what is behind us. Which is far from our destination."Rayna states her hands hovering over her blade hilts.
Felix's eyes dart around for any sign of aggression or danger. "We shall do our best to protect you, Miss Rayna."
"I think that the implication was the other way around." Tenobia says with a smirk, her hands idly resting on her hips.
Nibs reunites with his familiar and sniffs the air experimentally before proceeding, trying to remain close to the shadows when possible.
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Rayna leads you through this area. it is rough and many people are milling about. A few are hacking street wares. Many of these seem stole or supposed holy trinkets or supposed weapons of heroic deeds.
Rayna turns them down or gets you through them with little issue.
the observant will note that other halflings seem to have appeared and helped turn away the merchants.
"Got to move down the alley, so eyes open and heads up" She says as she tenses and steps into the alley ready to fight.
You all move down the alley and note a variety of special colors on the walls and something else. Some crude letters upon them.
Felix keeps pace with the halfing guide.
Taking his cue from Rayna, Maxim has his hand on his rapier, ready to draw, as he follows behind Rayna...
Elara nods at Rayna's warning and looks carefully around and above them. Noticing several movements among the shadows surrounding the group, she reaches inside her cloak, gripping her dagger, and whispers to the others.
"Be alert, we're being watched and followed. I can spot several things moving in those alcoves around and above us, and they're clearly keeping up with us."
"Acknowledged", Felix replies to Elara's warning, while trying to keep up with his expensive city guide.