Pak nods with satisfaction at his assessment and asks one final question of the ghost.
"This will be most helpful to us. Since I'll be returning to the bank with this credit. What shall I tell them is to become of this house once your vengeance has been slaked and your soul is at peace?"
He also addresses Thoric.
"As we've already discussed, the Guard does not have the resources to assist us. Nor would I risk involving my friends outside the Guard in this dark deed. However, I am taking on this mission as a personal quest. I've trusted Lara thus far in selecting capable companions such as yourself. If all goes as planned, perhaps one day, we might call each other friend. For now, back to business..."
Pak scratches his chin in thought and nods at Azig's suggestions.
"I agree with the idea of purchasing a wand of healing. However, not everyone has the "eyes of the mines" as you put it. I've heard of some magical illumination that can be easily concealed and might be helpful if we plan to infiltrate this fishery at night."
Azig nods his fuzzy head. "As i have no need for such I forget them. Some casters have use of cantrips or orisons to create light. But a magical torch would also be a useful purchase for the group."
Glancing around the group he asks, "Any other ideas? Things that we should have before we clean out this den of vicious curs? Remember though that the funds are limited."
Neghed stands up from the table and looks towards the door. "If we are doin dis t'night, I 'ave ta do ta my room an grab my gear. Azig an Lara said ta blend in, so I did. I can also see if da fellas on da Net might be up ta watch out from da river."
Look towards Pak and Daranil. "Lamm was nev'r one ta keep 'is kids fed. Maybe use somma dat gold for food ta bring. Might help earn da trust of da young'ens."
“Yes I know the guard is not something we can rely on. I was just wondering if there were any that could be hired for a few coins if we had extra to spare from that note. Once we see the layout we can plan from there.”
Reaching out Thoric touch touches the basket and cast Light on it and the room illuminates even more. “I can do this as often as needed, but it would be good to have an light stone for those times when we are separated. Is there anything we might need from the temple before we set off? If we wanted there are curative wands there."
"A source of magical healing sounds good. Much as I'd prefer not to give Lamm and his thugs a chance to strike back at us, I doubt we'd be so lucky, so it's best to be prepared."
"As for me, I'll just need to get the rest of my stuff and I think I'm good to go. Don't have much need for lights, either, but it wouldn't do to have some of you be blind going in."
Lara looks at the barrel giving off the magical light. "That's a neat trick. Does it work on anything? Could you cast it, say, one of my arrows before I let one fly at a target? Keep them lit up and visible, while we remain in the shadows? Could be a nice way to engage them."
Daranil lets out a little chuckle. "Ah yes, the younglings. We had best care for the audience in the front row. After all, I know firsthand how dangerous it can be for them..." he trails off, rubbing his thumb and index finger against his jaw. He winces as it makes a slight popping noise.
"Ah, but here I am being nostalgic. Something about imminent violence gets me a little wistful. We can spend some of the gold on concessions for the children in order to keep them in the right mindset, and all the better to enjoy the show if they so desire. Besides that? I'd say... one hundred and twenty gold will get us each the option to give the Alchemist's Hello to our dear friend. It may be a wonderful way to add that extra bit of brightness to his dark and dreary life."
Scratching his bearded chin Thoric responds to Lara; “I don’t see why not. I do believe once the spell is cast it just kind of runs its course and over time the spell will fizzle.” he reaches for an arrow; “May I?”
He speaks the incantation on the arrow and in that moment the basket that was once lit winks out and the arrow now lights up; “Oh, there is that. I can only illuminate one thing at a time. But that could be an interesting strategic tool to use when infiltrating this fishery.”
Looking to Pak; “Maybe with your training we could come up with something to help cause confusion within the rank with this?”
The ghost looks like it won't fizzle with the added light. "Do you have any questions for me?" it asks.
The ghost looks like it won't fizzle with the added light. "Do you have any questions for me?" it asks.
"Since I'll be returning to the bank with this credit. What shall I tell them is to become of this house once your vengeance has been slaked and your soul is at peace?"
The ghost looks like it won't fizzle with the added light. "Do you have any questions for me?" it asks."Since I'll be returning to the bank with this credit. What shall I tell them is to become of this house once your vengeance has been slaked and your soul is at peace?"
"It should be easy for the bank to sell, then," the ghost explained. "I shall return to the Ethereal and guide you through there."
Azig jumps off the chair as the ghost fades away. "Let's get going then. Pak can take the letter to the bank, or Abadar's temple. Get the wand of healing. Add the magical light source and the alchemical weapons mentioned. I suppose some candies or some good food that the kids might want might help convince them to not fight us. But that shouldn't take more than a couple gold coins. Once they are rescued it may require some funds to place them with a proper establishment, but that can be addressed then."
"Shall we go now? It won't be dark when we reach the place, but we can watch the house and approach at dusk."
Pak replies to Thoric.
"That has potential. I'll have to think about it. A loud noise could also be distracting if placed correctly..."
Packing up his things and pocketing the credit, Pak nods to Azig.
"I'll leave the reconnaissance to you and Lara. I'd be good to know if we're up against something more dangerous than the children in his employ. Should any trouble arise that we can't handle or we become split up, let's use this house as a rendezvous point. Perhaps the youngsters could even stay here for the night until we can get them settled into an orphanage. I happen to be quite familiar with the staff up on Pillar Hill... Unless there's anything else, I will attend to the errands and meet you all by the fishery at dusk."
Lastly, turning to ghostly image.
"Thank you for your most gracious assistance, Zellara. The justice we deserve is long overdue. It will be done as soon as possible and I promise we'll all rest easier after tonight."
Wand of Cure Light Wounds w/ 50 charges (750g) -> Thoric
Alchemist's Fire x6 (120g) -> 1 each
Ioun Torch (75g) -> Pak
Tanglefoot Bag (50g) -> Lara
A dozen "Pullers" (4g) - Candy for the kids -> Daranil
Firework (Paper Candle) (1g) -> Daranil
Neghed looks around the group to see if anyone will ask a question of the spirit. After a few moments he addresses her himself. "Spirit, ya 'ave told us where ta find Lamm but would ya know where in 'is 'oldout he'd spend da night? If we knew dat, we might skip da kiddies. We want 'is terr'r ta end but I'd not want to 'arm innocent kids."
Neghed looks around the group to see if anyone will ask a question of the spirit. After a few moments he addresses her himself. "Spirit, ya 'ave told us where ta find Lamm but would ya know where in 'is 'oldout he'd spend da night? If we knew dat, we might skip da kiddies. We want 'is terr'r ta end but I'd not want to 'arm innocent kids."
"I don't know where he spends the night," she says matter of factly. "I do know he has a pet crocodile."
As their business concludes, Daranil sizes up the spirit. He gets a look of deep contemplation in his eyes, and he idly runs his thumb over one o the holy symbols tucked into his bag. But he doesn't say much on the matter.
"I don't suppose someone would mind assisting me with my things? An performer must be prepared to live off of what they can carry on their back, but I believe my back isn't quite up to the task. On a related note, would anyone like a spare torch? Something to help 'enlighten' our dear friend, perhaps. Or to add a dramatic flare to the exits of his hideout as we make our entrance."
The elf lets out a little chuckle when he's given a literal firework. "Oh, I meant... ahh. Nevermind. I can make use of this! Perhaps something to entertain the young ones after we commit our murder."
“A pet crocodile!” Throic says shocked; “We do not want to slip into the water if Lamm has that thing by his side.”
“I’ll meet you all at the fishery, I am going to grab a few things from my room.”
Thoric rolls the wand over in his hands; “I will make sure this is used properly.”
Watching across the way at the fishery, Thoric looks for any repetitive nature of the people moving in this area. Are they on a rotation of some sort.
Azig and Lara stroll by the building, doing a casual scan of the exterior and looking for points of entry. Would it be easier to go in during 'business hours' when it isn't locked up? Azig assumes that they shut down and lock doors at night. But are there alert guards watching anyone approaching?
After the stroll by they stealthily take up a spot where they can watch and wait for the others. Are they running a business here? Selling anything? Maybe they could pretend to be buyers and approach that way?
[ooc]When we spot any of the group approaching we gather out of sight of the place.[occ]
As you wait for the others and start to stake out the Fishery, you see smoke rising from the palace. This is signal smoke, one that signals that the king is dead. You know he has been at ill health, but this signal puts everyone on guard.
Pak arrives at the fishery and greets the others just as he sees the smoke rising from the palace.
Oh no... this is not good.
He hands out the goods he purchased at the market to his companions with haste.
"We don't have much time, I'm afraid. My duties to the city will soon take precedence. However, my word is not so easily cast aside. I promised you all, Abadar, Zellara and myself to see this done. I must do just that before I am no longer able."
He points to whatever most resembles a public or front entrance to the building.
"Once all are present, I suggest the most direct path forward."
Daranil greets the group with his usual expressive gesture and exaggerated bow. He notices the rising smoke just as he was retrieving a smiling elf mask from his bag.
For a brief moment, bitter angry flashes across his face. But he soon wills it away like someone forcibly swallowing rotten meat.
"Well, it seems that the king has decided to upstage me on this grand day. Quite rude of him, if you ask me. But nevertheless, we have to stay focused. Places, everyone, places. Take this final moment to memorize your lines. If need be, simply imagine dear Lamm slowly bleeding out with just enough life in him to hear your thoughtful goodbyes."
The elf turns towards the fishery, clenching and then relaxing his fist. "It's done wonders for me."
Neghed finally arrives, carrying a large axe now. "Sorry. Took longer than I expected."
"I can take those Daranil." he says as he motions to the gear he wanted someone to carry. [/b]"So, as Offica Pak has said, we should get moving. My key works but is loud, does anyone 'ave a betta way in?"[/b] As he says the last part, he pulls his axe out and waits to see how the group wants to handle their entrance.
"Hm. Seems like Lamm will be sharing his last day with our king. Guess he should be thanking us for the honor." Lara comments with a smirk, before nodding to Pak with a more serious expression.
"If you do need to leave, Pak, don't worry. We'll see this through."
As Neghed questions their approach, Lara takes out her thieves tools and sets to work on the door, giving it a quick check for traps before trying to work on the lock.
"Better to keep Lamm unaware of us for as long as possible, I think. We don't want to give him a chance to run off."
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Disable Device?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20"Hm. Seems like Lamm will be sharing his last day with our king. Guess he should be thanking us for the honor." Lara comments with a smirk, before nodding to Pak with a more serious expression.
"If you do need to leave, Pak, don't worry. We'll see this through."
As Neghed questions their approach, Lara takes out her thieves tools and sets to work on the door, giving it a quick check for traps before trying to work on the lock.
"Better to keep Lamm unaware of us for as long as possible, I think. We don't want to give him a chance to run off."
You don't notice any traps, you were distracted while picking the lock.
Azig also steps up to examine the lock "Hmm.... Is it rusted?"
"I can't get it either. But maybe....
Azig also steps up to examine the lock "Hmm.... Is it rusted?"
Disable Device: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
"I can't get it either. But maybe....
Disable Device, second attempt?: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (14) + 7 + (1) = 22 Adding inspiration. Hmm.
Azig destroys the lock on the second attempt.
Azig steps away from the door.... "Oops. It seems that I've broken the lock. I'm sorry."
Neghed steps up to the door and grips his axe. "Are we ready f'r da orcish lockpick?" He looks around to the group to make sure they are ready.
Daranil draws his bow and looks straight up for a moment. "The moment before the grand entrance... it's almost painful. Proceed when ready. If you don't get it in one kick, then make sure to say something threatening. Give him a little time to get into character."
Pak stays to the rear of the group. He scans the area for any passersby that might notice this blatantly aggressive activity.
It'd be best not to have to explain to anyone what this looks like on the outside...
Once satisfied that they are clear, he nods to Neghed, signaling that he's ready to proceed. Pak loads his crossbow with a bolt in case they meet with immediate resistance ahead.
You hear nothing in the Fishery. Yet.
"I broke it. It might open without a boot. ??"
"You are right Azig. Da door may op'n, best try dat first." Neghed nods as he speaks and reaches out to test if the door will open.
The door opens with Neghed's kick! Loudly, I might add. Everyone in the first room of the Fishery definitely heard that. () The lock was definitely jammed. As you enter into the room, you see a single desk sits in the middle of this room, with a moldy chair pushed up against it. A small pile of ratty furs and straw is heaped under the desk.
You also hear a dog growl.
"I should have thought about a guard dog and brought some meat...." Azig gets out of the way for anyone behind him.
The king is dead… a shift in power… Thoric thinks about who might be next in power and if there are any houses that would make a move that aren’t in the family line.
Lost in his thoughts he hurrys to catch up with the rest of the group as he hears Neghed bust open the door. With the growling being hears he draws his war axe. “Let’s make this quick.”
The tilts his head upward in an expression of dismissal. "A dog? The first player on the stage of our grand revenge is a dog? I'd be insulted if it weren't so funny."
That should be everyone. According to the RAW, initiative counts are these:
1. Arcanist Daranil Aldaris
2. Neghed
3. Lara, the Crimson Whisper
4. Azig Bohrs
5. Pak Miniweathers
6. Bloo, the bloodthirsty dog
7. Thoric Stiffbeard.
According to the RAW, the Arcanist can go first.
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The king is dead… a shift in power… Thoric thinks about who might be next in power and if there are any houses that would make a move that aren’t in the family line.
K-Nobility: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Rolling his eyes, Daranil reaches into his back ad retrieves a wrapped package of foodstuffs. He carefully unwraps the thin wrapping to reveal dry, preserved meat and berries. Then, he lets out a disappointed sigh and let's it drop at his feet.
"Eat up, and save us all the indignity."
Neghed looks for the source of the growl. Dis dog don't know betta. No need to be rough. Neghed then goes to strike the dog with the butt of the axe but notes Daranil offering food. Neghed holds off on his attack to see if the beast will be distracted.
;
The dog sniffs at the food, and then continues to growl and bark.
When the dog starts growling and barking again Azig moves up beside Neghed and pokes at it with his rapier. He quietly states, "Gotta shut him up before he wakes the entire house!"
"I agree. If we don't stop him fast, we're gonna be facing Lamm's thugs in no time."
Lara gets ready to move in for the kill, but noticing Neghed's hesitation, opts to draw her sap instead. Trying not to harm the dog too much, though, makes her completely miss her swing.
C'mon, Lara. Focus. You know what you have to do. Don't hold back. You're putting everyone in danger by doing so.
Lara missed, Azig hits. The dog yelps when Neghed tries to hit it and succeeds.
Pak remains outside for now, keeping an eye out for trouble from the nearby streets or around the exterior of the fishery. He takes cover behind a barrel (or some other suitable object), attempting to hide.
Pak remains outside for now, keeping an eye out for trouble from the nearby streets or around the exterior of the fishery. He takes cover behind a barrel (or some other suitable object), attempting to hide.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Well, nobody can detect Pak behind that barrel. As far as seeing anyone approach, you see two boys about eight and nine approach. They are dressed in woolen pants, have wraps for shoes, and a woolen tunic with torn coats on. Their faces have dirt on them.
Thoric moves forward and grips the thick wooden handle of the ornate waraxe. Muttering something in dwarven under his breath he brings the two handed weapon down on the neck of the dog. Make it quick and painless