Marine stops waving her sword around angrily and sheathes the blade. A smile is plastered on her lips as she calms down.
"Well, why didn't you say so earlier, Fallenta? I'd love to do a bit of fighting - after we had to fight all those terrible, no good ghosts that were immune to my best tricks? No fun at all. Now these smugglers? They sound like good targets to Slam Down."
As Callistro considers casting options in Vyre, Marine adds her own two cents. "Ooh...I've been to Vyre before with the Circus! Let me see what I remember..."
She rattles off a bunch of information about Vyre, some of which might be relevant and most of which was about what she found cool.
When Calistro asks what we know of the Dragonfly Society in Vyre, Dr. Lazarus retrieves a surprisingly well-worn guidebook from his book bag entitled, "Venturing in Vyre".
Fallenta looks abashed, and promises to bring the adventurers into discussions earlier in the future if something similar comes along, and out of guilt for volunteering them for a potentially dangerous mission, she offers the party some of her magic items as thanks--her entertainer’s cincture and her moderate maestro’s violin as thanks.
"I know they're shady, and the practice of blackmail is awful, but the Dragonfly Society did really help me. I understand they help a lot of people, and I do think they do more harm than good. Just... don't make a name for yourself after they've helped you. I do trust Gideon to keep his word."
Lazarus and Marine know quite a bit about Vyre.
Although Kintargo is the capital city of Ravounel, it isn’t the largest—that honor falls to the nearby city of Vyre, located on Vyre Island just to the northwest of Kintargo. Vyre and Kintargo are 70 miles apart with trade and passenger ships alike departing for either port daily. A typical journey between the two cities costs a mere 8 sp and generally takes about 18 hours to complete. Ships typically depart late afternoon, sail through the night, and arrive at their destination the next morning.
Before Ravounel’s secession, Vyre already operated as a city largely outside the jurisdiction of Cheliax, a self-governing free port that promised privacy to those who could pay. A city of drugs, blood sports, gambling, and other hedonistic pleasures, Vyre serves as a place where the mighty can go to unwind, away from the intrigues and pressures of politics. Things have largely remained unchanged in Vyre since Ravounel’s secession.
It’s an open secret that the cult of Norgorber is a power in Vyre.
"The next step is to take a ship to Vyre, then meet with Gideon and a few of his associates at The Seven Apples, a hostel that caters to visiting adventurers. Gideon said he's familiar with your story and is sure he'll recognize you, so all you need to do is show up at the hostel, arrange rooms, and then wait in the hostel’s common area to be contacted."
When Fallenta indicates that the group will need to go to Vyre to meet with Gideon, Jayma exhales softly through her nose, the picture of restrained annoyance. "Vyre," she sighs. "Of course it would be Vyre. The city of sin and secrets. A fitting place to deal with smugglers and blackmailers."
Jayma pauses, glancing at the others. "Still, I suppose we cannot allow these Dragonflies to keep buzzing about. If they truly hold the keys to your past, then this Gideon Shanklett must be dealt with swiftly and properly."
She turns back to Fallenta, her expression softening just a little. "We will go to Vyre, then. But let it be known, I am not going there for their benefit... nor for yours alone. This opera is ours now, and I will not have its debut tarnished by scoundrels."
Doctor Lazarus nods with approval at the thank you gifts. He looks toward Calistro, "I trust you can make use of these, dear boy?"
After lecturing the group on the geo-politics of Vyre, Dr. Lazarus stows his guidebook. When Jayma talks disparagingly about the Dragonfly Society, Lazarus raises an eyebrow, "Jayma dear, it sounds like the Dragonfly Society is not our enemy here." After a short pause, he adds, "And I don't believe our mission is to 'swiftly and properly' deal with Gideon."
The Doctor summarizes, "I believe our job is to deal with a rival smuggler's ring that's causing trouble for the Dragonfly Society. If we help them, Gideon will call it even with Fallenta, is that right?" He looks for confirmation from Fallenta.
Assuming he's correct, the ever-frugal professor asks Fallenta, "Even though the fare to Vyre is not exorbitant, will you be covering our transportation costs? And since we're helping the Society, will they be covering our lodging at The Seven Apples?"
"Well look, so long as there's adventure to be had, I'm ok with dealing with anyone's smuggling ring." Marine is rather alright with having this new job fobbed onto her.
"If we're going by boat to Vyre, will we have a few days to unwind after we're done? I'd rather like to go gambling again in the Gambling Dens. Also, we had better book a boat with animal stables - there's no way I'll fit in the average cabin."
At Thurston's explanation, Jayma waves a gloved hand dismissively. "If the simplest way to rid ourselves of this Gideon person and his Dragonflies is to tidy up their little rivalry, then very well, but if he dares fail to keep his word... then we will have to deal with him rather more directly."
Callistro examines the two items which Fallenta has provided.
They are certainly interesting he says, but I prefer my most marvellous cloak personally. Still, its a nice gesture.
At the mention of Vyre he grin grows, The City of Sin, sounds like my sort of place. I am sure we dont need to quibble over the few silver travel and accommodation will cost old man, he says, teasing the Doctor a little.
"Oh, um, yes, of course I intended to pay your expenses," Fallenta quickly lies, "And I don't see any reason why you wouldn't have a few days, no."
When Fallenta assures the group that expenses are, of course, covered, Dr. Lazarus nods and smiles to Callistro, "You see, my dear boy? As a wise sage once said: If you don't ask, the answer is always no." Turning back to Fallenta, Lazarus checks his notes and says, "Thank you. To confirm: Gideon will contact us at The Seven Apples." Assuming that's correct, "Then we shall depart post-haste."
As an afterthought, he asks, "You said that Gideon will recognize us. We should be sure it's him. Can you give us his description?"
Fallenta nods. "Yes, of course. He's a human man, slight build, though quite strong. And rather, well, attractive. Fair skin, medium-length light brown hair. Blue eyes, and he likes to wear blue as well. He usually wears a very impressive, large hat decorated with peacock feathers." She shrugs. "He likes to stand out, but I suppose that's the trick, isn't it?"
Fallenta gives the party 10 gold, which proves more than enough to pay their fair. Marine finds she has no trouble getting a cabin equipped for her--Vyre is, after all, a particularly diverse place.
The party is able to make any final preparations and board by late afternoon, with the ship scheduled to travel overnight and arrive at her destination in the morning.
Marine spends the night sleeping in a nice big cabin, happy to actually get a bed that fits her.
In the morning, when she wakes up and steps off the boat, she is instantly assaulted by the hustle and bustle of Vyre's shady harbour.
From her high horse, she tries to survey the crowd and look for a glimpse of Gideon.
Callsitro dozes on the deck, watching the stars wheel above them and dreaming of all the things he can get up to in Vyre once they are done with the Dragonflies.
The prospect of a voyage to Vyre leaves a sour taste on Jayma's tongue, but she smooths the expression from her face, replacing it with one of calm determination. Though the sea voyage to Vyre is a short one, traveling by ship has never been one of her favorite activities.
After leaving Fallenta, she goes back to her room and packs her sleeves for the trip before heading with the others to the port. When the ship casts off from Kintargo’s harbor, Jayma grips the railing with white-knuckled hands, her smile fixed in place as the waves rock the vessel in an all-too-familiar rhythm that she loathes. More than once she catches herself muttering the words of a teleportation spell before stopping herself. "No, Jayma. It would be unseemly to abandon the others mid-journey." Instead, she retreats to her cabin. Tomorrow they would be dealing with the seedier elements of an already very seedy city and she would need all her wits about her.
Once the party has arrived in Vyre, locating The Seven Apples nearby is not difficult. It is owned by Molly Mayapple, an elderly halfling who manages a network of guides and advisors who provide affordable aid to guests.
Gideon Shanklett arrives soon after the party does, grinning broadly and giving Molly a flirtatious wink and wave (that she responds to with an eye roll and a dismissive scoff) before he swaggers over to sit at the adventurers’ table. All big smiles, good looks, and sporting a very fashionable wide-brimmed hat adorned with peacock feathers, he certainly doesn’t look the part of a surreptitious smuggler. He shakes or kisses hands with little care to the gender of those he’s greeting. With a snap of his fingers, the two smugglers who accompanied him here as guards take their seats a few tables away.
“And here you are, mighty minions of my old friend Fallenta—or should I say, ‘Imogena,’ since that’s the name I knew her best as back in the day. She seems awfully confident in your abilities, enough to put control of her latest work on the line. You do understand that if you fail to perform my little task for you, your boss belongs to the Dragonfly Society more than ever? Of course you do. Imogena wouldn’t hire fools. Now then... let’s talk about what you’ll be doing for the Dragonflies, hmm?”
Jayma steps through the front door of The Seven Apples and immediately finds the place strangely cozy and comforting. The interior is warm and inviting, full of the easy noise of travelers and adventurers exchanging stories.
When Molly comes up to show them to their table, Jayma greets her with a warm, genuine smile. "Good morning, Miss Mayapple. You must be Molly. What a pleasure it is to finally visit your establishment. I've heard it's the finest lodging in Vyre..." Adding to herself, "Which isn't saying much." "I'm sure our (hopefully short) stay here will be nothing but a pleasant experience."
Jayma finds herself quietly impressed by Molly. From her own experience growing up in Cheliax, she knows all too well how cruel that nation could be to its halflings. To see the aging Molly here running her own establishment in Vyre fills Jayma with a deep sense of respect. She wonders if the innkeeper is involved with the Bellflower Network in some way.
When Gideon appears, Jayma feels her expression harden into polite neutrality. She is not impressed by his charming manner. "Mister Shanklett, I presume. Yes, by all means, let's cut to the chase, shall we? What is this job the Dragonfly Society wishes us to perform? The sooner we understand your needs, the sooner we can be about our business... and the sooner we can all leave this charming city behind."
She folds her hands on the table, posture impeccable, gaze unwavering. Twyl chitters softly on her shoulder, echoing her impatience.
Sitting at the table, Dr. Lazarus resists the urge to retrieve his flask and pour himself a premium beverage. Instead, he smiles at Molly Mayapple, and says, "When you get a chance, madam, I'd love to try your finest brandy."
When Gideon joins them, the old elf says, "Greetings dear boy. Fallenta tells us you're willing to absolve her debt if we help you with your problem. What exactly do you have in mind?" He retrieves his writing pad to take notes.
Marine barely squeezes her way into the tavern. When asked for a drink, Marine asks for a nice glass of clear water in a clear tankard. Having been to Vyre before she's wary of any potential poisonings that might take place.
When Gideon shows up, Marine greets him too enthusiastically. "Wouldn't call myself a minion, y'know? I'm more someone who's way invested in her play since it's our story. I'm not keen on losing creative control to someone who doesn't even know the story basics - do you even know what a werecrocodile is? Anyways, I'm here to crack skulls and keep on slashing until this problem resolves itself so you had better point me in a direction before I start moving my own way!"
Callistro strides into the Inn with a broad grin and the ai of an old regular. Four plates of your finest fare my good lady, and a bottle of your best wine he calls as he heads over to the table.
My, my he muses, doesnt this place just ooze "old world charm". I almost expect to see a mysterious hooded stranger in the corner willing to offer some simple quest to a bunch of fresh faced new adventurers. How
quaint!
When Gideon approaches he rolls his eyes at the man and mutters Bloody hack. Get on with it man, what is it you want us to do
Gideon dramatically pantomimes a strike to his heart. "Ah... tough crowd. Very well!"
As he goes on, Gideon lowers his voice, explaining that the Dragonfly Society has a problem with a competitor. Recently, a valuable payment they were expecting for “services rendered to a woman of power whose identity doesn’t matter to the problem at hand” was stolen from the cargo of the Misbegotten Albatross within minutes of the ship’s arrival in port. Gideon was put in charge of tracking down the stolen payment (which he describes as a “collection of magical curiosities and trinkets”). It took him some time, but eventually, he tracked the theft to an old rival named Lady Augusta Wormwood, and there he hit a complication.
Gideon explains that Lady Wormwood is no stranger to him—she’s been a thorn in his side for many years, ever since he exposed her corruption and had her removed from her position in the Dragonfly Society. Gideon, as it happens, inherited her position. Since then, he’s had to deal with her initially petty but increasingly disruptive retaliations. The complication, Gideon explains, is that his one-time supervisor appears to have settled into an abandoned warehouse along Vyre River in Westwatch—a neighborhood that the Dragonfly Society has been forbidden from directly operating in by the city government after a long-ago gang war spiraled out of control and resulted in the burning of several buildings.
"She chose her hideout well, lurking in Westwatch, where we Dragonflies aren’t allowed. But you all aren’t Dragonflies. You can head into her warehouse and snatch up the stolen shipment, and if anyone spots you coming and going, well, no big deal. As long as you keep your mission within the walls behind closed doors, what happens in that old warehouse is just the business of yourself and Wormwood. She knows that theft breaks one of the promises and can’t rely on the city for protection, and anything stolen from her in turn is thus fair game. I’ll leave the logistics of the retrieval to you, but here’s a list of the items she stole from us that we need back. As for Lady Wormwood... what happens to her I leave to you as well, but I, for one, would not miss her if she were to... go away.”
Marine listens to Gideon's spiel before smiling with joy. Finally, a chance for her to use her sneaking and thieving skills!
"Your nervousness ain't much to write home about but you hide it well. The chance to go on a heist, though? That's exciting business. I'm in this."
Marine sips some water, sloshing the mixture in her mouth to taste and confirm that it actually is water before swallowing.
"Ya' know anything about Lady Wormwood? What kind of powers she got? She a fighter, rogue, caster type? I'd prefer to test myself in a duel, so I'm hoping she's willing to play along. Also, do we have to go today? We literally just got here and I'd like a day or two to prepare some alchemical problem solving items."
Dr. Lazarus tries to enjoy the drink brought to him by Molly Mayapple. But the self-proclaimed sommelier has to choke it down as it doesn't compare with his own premium imported brandy.
After Gideon explains the situation, Dr. Lazarus says, "You seem ... ill at ease, dear boy." The Doctor takes another sip, and suggests, "Perhaps if you tell us everything, we'll be more prepared. Specifically, what has you concerned -- besides hiring a bunch of strangers to solve your problem?"
Lazarus peruses Gideon's list of 'stolen goods' to determine if he's familiar with them or deduce that they're connected to a larger puzzle.
Jayma sits stiffly in her chair with her cane propped against her knee. She taps its jeweled head in a steady rhythm with a gloved finger. Her green eyes flick from Gideon's smirking face to the list of stolen curiosities on the table, then back again.
Strangely, she has trouble reading the fellow and frowns momentarily before giving up.
Jayma sighs. "It seems we have little choice in the matter. I cannot say I approve of being volunteered, nor of your... methods, Mister Shanklett." She collects the list from Thurston, and after looking it over, tucks it into her coat pocket. "Still, if completing this errand means that Fallenta's freedom is secured, I shall see it done. You may rely on that much."
Jayma rises gracefully, brushing an imaginary speck of dust from her peplum coat. "Come, my friends. The sooner we retrieve his trinkets, the sooner we may return to Kintargo, where civilized pursuits await. I have no wish to linger in Vyre any longer than absolutely necessary." Twyl chitters softly in agreement before disappearing into her sleeve again.
Callistro nudged Jayma, We dont have to be in such a hurry. This city has so many potentially delightful possibilities. I am sure it wont take us long to deal with this woman. Of course, it would help if friend Gideon here could tell us what he knows about her....
When Marine comments on his nerves, Gideon smiles weakly. He sighs and then says, “I guess a slice of humble pie now and then is good for the soul.” He admits that overall, the Dragonfly Society is considered a small player in Vyre, bit-part “actors” who play cat-and-mouse with the other gangs and guilds. The fact that Lady Wormwood managed to effortlessly snatch away the cargo without any repercussion means she’s grown more powerful, more dangerous, and more resourceful since last they clashed. Frankly, Gideon worries that she has powerful backers or hidden supporters. He also admits that despite all this time, Lady Wormwood frightens him, and that in a stand-up fight against her, he wouldn’t stand a chance. “But the same probably goes for me and you, yes? Surely, you’ll not have a problem dealing with her! Best to make sure you don’t get caught by her anyway, though!
"She's a nephilim, specifically hellspawn, and an occultist. Though she certainly knows how to bury the hatchet. Uh, literally, I mean. She fights with a hatchet.”
"Oh, take your time. I'd like this resolved within a week, if at all possible, but no need to rush off." Gideon nods at Jayma. "Though if that's your preference, don't let me stop you, either!"
The list he provides is a list of magical items. A crooner’s cravat, a herald’s ring, a mocker’s swazzle, a scene stealer’s tunic, a pair of spectacles of discernment, a stage magician’s cloak, and a tumbler’s belt.
"Now, I know you're doing this on behalf of Fallenta and I've already promised her something in exchange, but it's only fair there's something in it for you as well, hm? Do bring me all of the items first, but if there's anything on that list that strikes your fancy, perhaps I can part with it as a reward for you. So then you won't be volunteers at all! I know I won't get any of it back at all without you, so giving you a bit of it is still worth it to me.
"Once you have them, let the lovely Ms. Mayapple know you need to meet with me again, and she'll contact me."
Marine focuses on the description of Lady Wormwood, grinning excitedly as Gideon speaks. She jumps in with her enthusiastic prediction as to how the fight will go down.
"Ooh...an occultist? Like a thaumaturge? Either way, that sounds like she can fight and that she's got a fighting style that leaves many openings to be exploited. This will be fun."
"Oh and we get a souvenir too? Gideon, you shouldn't have. Here, have a drink on me!"
Marine uses Quick Alchemy to whip a foaming flagon of Bravo's Brew and pushes it towards the rakish rogue.
"I say we go tomorrow. Let Callistro and I have some fun tonight!"
"No, she's a wizard. I think." Gideon scratches his head. "What's the difference between a wizard and a sorcerer?"
All present know that a wizard wouldn't be an occultist, except apparently Gideon who may have reached the limits of his magical knowledge. The party can probably safely take that as "spellcaster," though.
At Callistro's nudge, Jayma lets out a delicate sigh and settles back into her seat. "Very well. Let's hear what else he has to say."
She listens as Gideon speaks, her expression polite but unamused. So Lady Wormwood was a practitioner of occult arts, was she? That might prove interesting. Jayma was always up for pitting her magical skills against those of a worthy adversary. He then goes on about the treasures the woman had stolen. Magical curiosities, trinkets, oddities... nothing that truly interests Jayma beyond their value in coin.
When Marine pipes up about delaying the mission until the morning, Jayma's gaze flicks toward her colleague wearily. With a mixture of resignation and restraint, she says, "Very well. Tomorrow bright and early, then. I suppose one more night in this den of excess will not kill us."
Dr. Lazarus continues to nurse the drink that he's barely able to tolerate. He mutters, "They could learn a thing or two about proper aging techniques." He sighs and forces down another small sip.
Turning his attention to Gideon, the investigator summarizes, "To be clear, dear boy, we're to infiltrate Lady Wormwood's hideout in Westwatch and recover this list of trinkets." He adds, "You don't require her head, but we may use whatever force we deem necessary."
Returning his attention to the group, "Tomorrow is satisfactory."
A hatchet wielding hellspawn occultist, how fascinating. I am sure we will be fine. Does she have any servants or minions you know of? That, however, is a problem for tomorrow. Now, what's the best place for some entertainment this evening?
"None in particular that I know of, I'm afraid, and..." He considered Callistro's second question for a moment. "I recommend everything."
Gideon stands and bows with a deep of his garish hat. "If that's all settled, I'll take my leave. I do look forward to hearing from you soon." His guards stand with a grunt, and soon enough they are gone.
After Gideon leaves Callistro turns to his friends with a broad grin, So, where do we start, drinking then gambling or gambling then drinking or maybe both at once?
Jayma sighs and gives Callistro a look of mild irritation at his seemingly bottomless enthusiasm for vice. "Honestly, Callistro, why do you feel the need to patronize every wretched den of iniquity you come across?"
She sighs again, but softens a little. "Very well. I am far too tired for any of this city's more... colorful diversions, but I suppose I can be persuaded to share a drink before I retire."
She quickly holds up a finger to forestall any argument. "One drink only, mind you, and it better be from the top shelf. After that, I will withdraw to my room and suggest you do the same. We want to be in good conditions come morning when we go deal with Lady Wormwood and her minions."
Dr. Lazarus looks dubious when Calistro suggests finding a drinking establishment. "I'll join you, my boy, but too often I find myself disappointed in the quality of publicly available libation." He brings his personal flask, hoping he's not tempted to use it.
After Gideon leaves Callistro turns to his friends with a broad grin, So, where do we start, drinking then gambling or gambling then drinking or maybe both at once?
"Clearly you go gambling first, then drink! After all, you can't make good decisions when drunk...best to set aside a bit of gold for drink though first." Marine says.
Pulling Callistro closer, she whispers "Don't listen to these stiffs. They wouldn't know a good time if Swirly pied them in the face with it. Let's go out and be merry - I'll brew you up a pick me up tomorrow."
Vyre certainly has its share of drinking holes, starting with The Seven Apples. Callistro and Marine are able find everything they look for, though perhaps Jayma is less satisfied.
The directions Gideon gave the party lead about as far away as one can get from The Seven Apples and still be inside Vyre, way on the western end of town.
A ten-foot-high stone wall surrounds the landward side of the abandoned riverside warehouse. Lines of broken glass and jagged bits of metal have been affixed atop the wall, and a large wooden gate is chained up in the middle of the northern side. The building’s facade beyond presents a forlorn sight with its windows bricked up and boarded front door. To either side of the building, the ground slopes down steeply toward the Vyre River to the south.
Jayma trails behind the others as they leave The Seven Apples. The tavern they end up at is loud and filled with smoke. Jayma perches on the cleanest barstool she can find, her feet dangling several fortunate inches from the sticky floor below. The liquor is aggressively mediocre. She swirls the amber stuff in her cup and eyes it with suspicion before finally summoning up the courage to take a sip. She is not surprised when the foul concoction burns all the way down her throat.
She smiles politely but never really gets into the mood of the evening. After some cajoling, she agrees to another drink, but it too proves as terrible as the first. When the others rise, eager to track down a gambling den, Jayma stands and smooths her coat. "You three go and enjoy yourselves, I believe I am done with this evening. Have fun and try not to wake me when you stumble back to The Seven Apples."
Jayma then makes her way back to The Seven Apples and emits relieved sigh as she climbs the stairs to her room. Sleep comes quickly. Morning arrives and Jayma blinks awake to find Twyl tapping her cheek insistently. She dresses with practiced speed and joins the others downstairs. Her friends look a little worse for wear, but nothing that would keep them from the task ahead.
The walk across Vyre is a long one, but eventually the warehouse comes into view. Jayma studies the boarded windows, the bricked up facade, the steep slope toward the riverbank. She purses her lips in displeasure. "Charming place."
The following morning Callistro drags himself out of bed, rubbing at his sore head. He winces in the early morning light, Sarenrae, do you have to be such a b+~*#! Descending to the bar he wolfs down an enormous, greasy breakfast, hoping to stave off the worst of his hangover.
Ugh, lets get back to this and sort thing out so I can get back to sleep!
The trek across town clears his had a little and he glares at the abandoned warehouse. We should probably have a scout about around the place, see how we get inside.
Dr. Lazarus samples the various brandy offerings at the drinking holes. He's largely disappointed, but one of the pubs had a vintage that the discerning connoisseur could stomach without too much grumbling.
Arriving at the Westwatch hideout, Dr. Lazarus nods at Calistro's suggestion to search for an entrance. "Quite right, dear boy. Let's look for a way in." Starting with the west side , the investigator searches for hidden or secret openings.
Twyl chitters from Jayma's shoulder as he peers toward the boarded front door. Jayma answers him with a faint nod. "Yes, darling, I see it too."
Behind her, Callistro, and Lazarus discuss the merits of scouting the perimeter for an entrance. Jayma listens for a moment, then sighs. "At this rate it'll take half the day just to get inside."
Stepping forward, she taps her cane against the ground a couple of times to get their attention. "While I appreciate the spirit of caution, this sorry construction is no fortress. There is a perfectly serviceable door right there." She points out the boarded front door with the tip of her cane,.
She approaches the door, examining the boards. "Doesn't look like anything that would hold up against a kick or two from a well-aimed hoof." She turns to Marine. "What do you think, Marine dear. Does getting through this door look like something within your purview? If not, then doubtless I have a spell that will take care of things."
Callistro rolls his eyes and then winces, This is supposed to be the lair of some mad mage, thief, occultist woman with a grudge. Who knows what minions or allies she has gathered in the months since she split with the Dragonflies. I am going to go out on a limb and just assume the front door is warded in some way.
Ow, he clutches at his head, Whatever, lets just get this done. Maybe if we kick in the front door she will come out to see what's going on and we wont have to fight our way through whatever horrid monsters she has guarding her!
As Lazarus begins to scout the other side of the building, he hears Jayma's suggestion. He stops mid-tracks and asks, "Are we in that much of a hurry? Given that the warehouse is bounded on the south side by the river, it shan't take us long to quickly survey the outside." He continues, "Wouldn't it be prudent to take ten minutes to do a quick recon before rudely announcing our presence by noisily breaking down doors?"
After any responses, the Doctor adds, "If we're really in a hurry, one of you can check the east side while I check the west." With the group's okay, Lazarus continues on his path.
Marine wakes up just fine. Being Battle Hardened like herself comes with the side advantage of not being able to get drunk on alcohol anymore. In contrast to Callistro, she is bright and cheery the whole morning.
"Eat your veggies, Callistro." She says as she prepares a Phantom Roll for him to consume from her inventory.
"I'll take East!" Marine volunteers. With sword drawn, she sneaks over to the other side of the building.
It looks easy enough to climb the wall. The jagged glass and metal on top, though, provide a crude but effective deterrent. Climbing over uninjured might be a touch more difficult, though still well within the heroes' capabilities.
The door is well reinforced with all the boards holding it shut, likely from both sides. Breaking it open quickly would be more difficult, though Marine is still pretty sure she could do it.
...and even if she can't, it would have to give way eventually.
The ground slopes down considerably towards the river. There's naught of interest on the east side, but on the west a dirty lead sewage pipe leaks pollution into the river through a filth-encrusted iron grate.
From near the water on either side of the building, the adventurers can see a five-foot-wide wooden stairway descends from a door down the side of the building, connecting to a wooden loading dock attached to the base of a circular stone tower.
Getting to the dock would be doable. The current is slow, so it would be easy, though would require an infiltrator to swim through the dirty water.
Squeezing into the sewer pipe could also be viable, though far less pleasant. And... not for Marine.
Dr. Lazarus returns from his recon mission around back. Looking up at the wall with the tetanus-ridden shards of glass and metal, he points out, "We could climb that. Or ..." pointing back to the river "... it's an easy swim to get to the dock. Indeed, maybe even a long jump to hop over to it."
Understanding Jayma's position, "Sure the water is a little murky, but it's not far. And you're always prepared with Prestidigitation magic to get us clean and dry, yes?"
To demonstrate, Lazarus takes a running start and tries to leap to the dock.
Swimming!, Callistro looks aghast, At this time of the morning and in cold mucky water. Exercise! He looks pleadingly at Jayma, Dont you have the airlift spell to get us across?
Jayma stands at the river's edge and eyes the stagnant water below. The stench rising from it is almost a personal attack on her sense of smell. Lazarus is already on the dock, but Callistro and Marine stand beside her looking expectantly in her direction. Jayma's lips purse in displeasure. She had already vetoed the sewer pipe... some horrors were simply too much to face. She sighs softly. "Very well. If we're going to skulk around instead of striding through the front door like civilized people, at least let's do so without soaking ourselves in industrial waste.""
The magic rises to her call. A faint swirl of color flickers along her fingers as she prepares her spell.
A strong wind rushes in from seemingly nowhere, grabbing the three friends and lifting them off the ground. Twyl pokes his tiny head from her sleeve and chitters in surprise at the unexpected turn of events. "Do hold still. It'll be over soon."
They touch down lightly on the wooden planks, and Jayma releases the spell with a flick of her wrist. "There we are. So much more civilized than the other options." She looks up the narrow wooden stairs. At the top sits a perfectly ordinary door. "Well, it seems we are going through a door after all. How very surprising. One might almost think the front entrance would have served just as well... and without the aromatic detour." Her point having been made, she waits for her sturdier colleagues to get the door open.
When the group joins him on the dock, Dr. Lazarus nods to Jayma. "Yes, there's still a door." He pauses for effect and continues, "But this door is not boarded up. Nor is it behind a 10' stone wall with shards of metal and glass atop."
The Doctor adds, "Not that either of those would've delayed us much, but why settle for brute force when there are more ... civilized options?"
After studying the dock to make sure it's sturdy and trap-free, Lazarus steps to the door. He checks for traps and determines if it's locked.
"Woah! I'll never get used to this magic taking us across obstacles. Sure would have been handy if you could have done that when we were climbing up Swirly's porcelain throne." Marine quips as the winds rush her over.
After making sure the door is trap free, Marine breaks down the door with her crowbar.
When Marine retrieves her crowbar, Dr. Lazarus clears his throat and holds up a hand. "Ahem. What are you doing?" The old elf shakes his head and explains, "We took the trouble to come around back so we wouldn't have to loudly force our way in. Perhaps the door is already unlocked?"
After everyone has checked the door for traps, Lazarus tries the handle. If it's locked, he suggests to Marine, "I know you're adept with lockpicks. Shall we try that before resorting to a crowbar?"
If Marine is unwilling, Dr. Lazarus retrieves his own thieves tools and tries the lock.