Declan stood by Zander and Sky, letting the Warforged be the natural diplomat he obviously was. His eyes scanned the area, making sure their new "friends" didn't start anything untoward.
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Declan saw what was going on, and laid a hand on Zander's exoskeleton. This was going to go on forever. "Please," he said to the blonde woman, "just point us to whom we have queried. My golden friend here will interrogate you all day if you let him. You don't really want that, trust me." His humorless smile said he wasn't bluffing about the last part.
Declan nodded to the woman, though his eyes were on the rest of the room. "A subtle note of thanks is appropriate, is it not?" he added to the conversation
Declan was back in his usual combat gear - full leathers, gaiter, with weapons on his hips. He was ready for trouble, as all pubs like this tended to treat outsiders. He kept back, however, allowing Sky and Zander to lead. Sky because she was better with the social skills, and Zander because the warforged was the only one who had met these guys before. Still, he kept his eyes on the crowd, looking for whoever might be yearning for a fight.
I'd rather have the group together than get mobbed individually.
"Right. No time like the present."
"We'll be going up against Daask eventually regardless. But I would rather not have two groups after us right now." He shook his head, "The Dungsweepers are probably our best bet for that kind of intel."
Declan leaned back in thought for a moment, considering the tactical approaches offered. "I am not certain a disguise is really needed. And we do not know the frequency of access, so tailing someone may or may not be prudent or useful. Indeed, what would we ask them? They could simply lie, and how would we know otherwise?" He frowned at the middle distance, his arms crossed across his chest. We have limited tactical options. We'll just have to walk in the front door and confront them." He didn't like it, there were too many unknowns... but they were unknowns that were unknowable until they actually entered the place.
Declan shrugged, "It is right on the street, in plain view. The crowds are right there. I'm not certain they bother to watch everyone especially closely; the key and field appear to be all the security they rely on. Anyone with a key is trustworthy. Anyone without won't get in anyway."
Declan leaned back in the patio chair and subtly observed the towers across the street. There was definitely some sort of magical field around them. Not only from the way wind seemed to bend around it, but every so often it would flash with the sound of a thump as a bird flew into the invisible field. He frowned, wondering how they were supposed to get in there. Obviously the field would stop any attempt at penetration. "Scuse me," he asked a passing waitress. "What is the story with those towers?" The waitress paused for a half second and didn't even look to where he was indicating. "Tourists?" Dec nodded and she continued, "Abandoned, as far as anyone knows. Been for years. See the tree? Dead as a doornail." Declan could indeed see the dead tree. If the magical field was complete, it wouldn't let the rain in, so that was likely why it was so. When the waitress moved on he pushed his empty noodle bowl aside and leaned forward. Talking at a volume just for Sky he asked, "What do you think?" Skylar nestled her cheek against her hand, languidly observing– not so directly that it was plain, but at an angle. “Mmh.” She turned to take in another part of the structure, just past Declan’s ear. “Has to be paper-thin. That’s good work. Artful. Not so good that it’s not noticeable.” She nodded toward someone up at the noodle bar. “Street cleaner. Had a casual chat with him when I was asking after sauces. Said that his lot has to sweep them up every morning. Doesn’t ask questions. It’s got to extend belowground. I’m surprised nobody’s tried to get in from below.” She flicked her head idly toward the City Watch station. “Thoughts on them?” Declan shrugged. "Probably a pretty easy job for them. Not many folk are going to try to break into that. And besides, any… shenanigans with the street will be pretty quickly dealt with. Overall a really good place to set something up." His eyes scanned the crowd lazily, picking out those who worked in the area and those who didn't. It was a practiced eye, honed by not a few situations just like this. "We should probably ask someone if they'd seen anyone go in." She acted in kind, casting her gaze out to the passers-by and little shops alike. “Hmmh.” She nodded at a likely-looking string of places that had a rather excellent view of the towers’ front gates. “Shall we go and knock? Just to say hello. Say that we’re browsing. We are, after all, passing through.” The cluster of narrow buildings included a sundries shop, a garish temple, and a well-attended bakery. "The temple is a good prospect," Declan offered, "They'd be a pretty consistent presence, and they'd have an eye on the passersby, not just those looking to spend coin." A course of action chosen, they lingered for a few more minutes before paying the tab and melting back into the crowd. Before long they were before the doors of a Temple of Olladra. Declan knocked lightly and shortly the door cracked, revealing a dwarf female. "Good fortune," Declan said, pressing a gold coin into the Cleric's hand. "Good fortune," she replied, the coin vanishing into her vestments. "Are you of the faithful? A young couple looking for a blessing?" She smiled wanly. Skylar noted that beyond her, were sigils of the domino and black dragon. Red velvet drapings bedecked the space, with strings of coins unevenly sewn in rows. It was every bit as tacky as might be expected, but quite strategically so. No doubt it was a front for a much more clever, sophisticated mind. Declan paused at the second offer but stoically soldiered on, "I honor all of the Host," he said. "We're just passing through, and were curious about those towers.” “We had a bet,” Skylar offered, with a smile. Those who knew her well would know that smile was the sort that a dragon might wear. “What do we call you, friend? I’m Lyra.” “Jolly Jen,” she supplied, with the look of someone who didn’t believe for a moment that the name was a real one. “Your bet is welcome by the Gambler,” she added. She appeared to relax, just visibly, and stepped aside for them to enter. “Come in.” Skylar made a show of clasping her hands behind her, and taking in the temple. “‘Tis a strange place,” she prompted, looking inquisitively at the cleric. Jolly Jen was someone who wore her name well. She laughed a great deal. The creases about her wide mouth and eyes suggested so. Her default expression was one of casual amicability. It was quiet in the temple, though. Skylar wagered she was a gossip. Someone who traded a great deal of coin over cards and dice and dominos heard a lot. She looked about fit to burst with what she knew. “Oh, yes,” she agreed. “Something lights the windows at night. Sometimes some silly soul tries to have a dig at the bottom of it, but the Watch always step in.” She winked conspiratorially. “I hope you’re not thinking of doing the same!” “Oh, I’ve done some treasure hunting, but it sounds like a foolish venture,” the half-elf said, with a disarming laugh. “I wonder, though…” She looked at Declan, for Jolly Jen’s benefit. She let the implication sit between them. “Ever see anyone go in?” Declan asked. "Oh yes," she replied, cheerfully, gaze flitting from one to the other, as if weighing something. "It’s turned into something of a hobby. I keep a log. Not too many, mind." With the air of someone whose interest was piqued, Skylar said, “I would guess you’re a natural observer. I’ll bet you’d know how you’d do it. Takes some cunning when you’re cleric for the Gambler.” She had lost her clipped way of speaking; the words flowed, a shift, a remnant of the young woman who had grown up in a household that vied for the favour of nobility. “You can’t tempt us like that, and not spill the tea! Come on, give us a hint. How do they get in?” Jolly Jen hummed and haawed, as though it took her a great effort to offer up her knowledge, when she very much wanted to share all. It was also the promise of another entertaining instance of someone failing to get into the towers. “Ohh, go on then,” she said, with a belly laugh. “You charmers, you! Well. They try all sorts of things, you know. But the ones who do go in? They always touch something, or hold something up, and the doors just open. By themselves!” She leaned forward, as if she were sharing something in a crowded room, the back of her hand framing the side of her mouth. “If I were you,” she said, in a mock whisper, “I would start there.” “You’re a gem, Jolly Jen,” Skylar said, by way of thanks, which prompted another belly laugh. “Not that we’d try, eh?” She winked. “Anyhow, we should be getting on. Appreciate the chat.” “Oh, no, you shouldn’t do anything like that,” Jolly Jen mock-agreed. “Good fortune to you both! I’ll walk you out.” Declan gave the cleric his thanks and turned to Sky, his brow furrowed in thought. The door closed behind them, and they started walking. "Hrm," he thought aloud, "A magical field, opened with some sort of magical… key…" Then realization hit him like a sack of bricks and he snapped his fingers. "I know how to get in," he said to Sky. "We just need to get something in our stores." “I was hoping you’d say that,” Sky said, and grinned.
"I would not be opposed to going after the Tarkanan eye first. In fact, I would prefer it. We are already in their sights." Declan said.
"The symbiont is in control," Declan said as he walked into the room and hopped onto the small table. "If we disable it, we might be able to remove it and revive the Dwarf." He brought his bow up and uttered words of power that imbued his arrow with magical energies. Drawing a bead, he shot the arrow through the bars of the cell.
"That's no ordinary Dwarf," Declan commented unnecessarily. He nocked an arrow, but being surprised by the turn of events wasn't fast enough.
Declan took a step forward, subtly putting himself (at least his shoulder) between Sky and Avareen. "If we did, we have better ways to ask. Honey gets more flies than vinegar."
Dec leaned over to Idrassa and says in a low voice, "Seems she's been magically charmed before in relation to Manshoon. Maybe his aura gives that vibe?"
He did look at her then, with a self-deprecating pull at the corners of his mouth. "Yes, priorities. As always reminding me when I am hyperfocused." Declan looked for the keys to Sky's shackles, removing them from the thug's person, if needed. He then proceeded to unbind one prisoner, collecting the bindings for the next. While unlocking the shackles, he lightly touched Sky's shoulder, "It is good to see you. We will need to talk, yes?" he whispered. With Sky free, he stood and extended a hand to the chair for their new "friend" to take a seat. "Your turn."
Declan's thornblade dropped subtly as the woman backed off thanks to Idrassa's magic. He was most definitely ready to run the woman through, despite (or because of) her threatening Sky. He shook his head, not meeting Sky's gaze (yet). "Remember what we came for. Zander? Question time."
Declan shook his head "You have no room to negotiate. You harm her, you're dead." But he didn't move from where he was. It looked like Idrassa had something up her sleeve, so he let things happen.
Declan paused a split second at the sound of the new voice. Something tickled the back of his cerebellum, bringing up memories set aside. There was something familiar about that voice, but something sounded off as well. Sky? He shook his head, there was no time for what-ifs. He'd cross that bridge when he got to it. "The dragonmarked one is who we want. Take her alive. Kill the others."
"Remember, we need one alive," Declan said as he stalked into the room, stowing his bow and drawing his thornblade. He had no love left for the Tarkanans, but they needed information.
"Justice," was all Declan answered as he nocked another arrow destined for the leaning man. He pulled back and fired, imbuing some of his magical power into the shot. He then stepped closer to the doorway.
As soon as Thraag opened the door, Dec saw one of the Tarkanas leaning against the side wall. He took aim and fired.
"Daask, indeed? Unlikely to oppose us in this endeavor, and indeed perhaps will take advantage. At this juncture I am disinclined to perturb them." Declan posted himself across from the door, his bow ready. He raised a nocked arrow, ready to fire if a target presents itself.
Declan frowned at the report that they were being watched. Turning away from the grate, he said in a low voice, "It is impossible to determine for whom they are watching the door. They could be spies for the Tarkanans, or they could be friendly to us and know of a back way in." He paused for a moment in thought, pursing his lips and furrowing his brow at the eaves of the building. At last he added, "Perhaps one of us can speak to them. If they remain, then they may be friendly. We should not dismiss potential assistance when we are in need of intelligence."
A crowd had a pulse all its own. If you recognized it, you could make headway fairly readily. If not, well, sometimes you stood still, sometimes you backtracked. Having spent his university days in Sharn, Declan could read a crowd. He moved easily through the throng, right shoulder leading, as he slipped between bodies. Often, he had to look back and wait for his companions to catch up, leaning against a lamppost or the side of a technicolor advertisement. But soon, Brindul Alley appeared and the crowd thinned to nothing. Declan approached the reported entrance and started looking around the place for potential traps. "Watch yourself," he warned his companions, "This place is likely well defended with traps and pitfalls."
"Sounds like a good enough place to start," Declan said with a simple nod. "The only question is, how do we approach it."
Declan nodded, "You want their books. I know what to look for." the latter more for the party's benefit.
Declan took a seat with his back to the wall, with ample view of the tavern. "A coffee, if you would," he commented, "I would prefer to keep my wits about me."
Davil, remaining seated, smiled at Idrassa and Declan, having met both of them in their individual capacities before. To Declan, he said "Come to take me up on that offer? I heard your partner went in-house." Declan shook his head, "Unfortunately I am significantly indisposed of late. As is my... partner," He paused a moment at that word being used to describe his relationship with Sky. He supposed it was accurate, in a professional sense, as much as their personal relationship was hard to pin down exactly. "I am here on other matters today." His eyes turned to Idrassa, the spokesperson of their crew.
Declan was frowning, not excited about the limited intel Skylar provided. But he nodded to Idrassa. "That does sound like the semblance of a plan."
Declan went to Skylar, the only other person he really knew in the city, to see what she might know about the Tarkannas and/or their hideouts.
I am going out of town for the weekend. Please bot as needed. Will be back posting on Monday.
I am somewhat concerned about attracting unwanted attention with Gather Information checks while alone. I am not sure if the gangs want people sticking their noses into whatever is happening. This is valid.
My thoughts are the same as Thraag. We could also all toss GI rolls anyway, as we spread out on our own, before or after the meeting.
Declan shrugged to Thraag's question. "The only way to positively determine that is to either ask a trusted confidante, or to go see ourselves. Both of which I doubt are within our current purview." He paused a moment before adding "That said, rumors are supporting a consistent narrative, so it is likely close to the truth of the matter." Once Shan Chien had taken his leave, Declan said to the group, "I believe our next step is to visit Davil Starsong. The question remains, what do we ask of him?"
Declan had been quiet, picking at his electric lute on his knee with one leg lifted onto the chair to facilitate an easier resting surface. It was as if he had been distracted, which was partially true. "If there is a way to confirm that they are indeed after the stone, that would be valuable intelligence. I imagine to your readers as well. And if you can confirm it is not said stone, perhaps some other driver is motivating the war? Either way, curious minds want to know." He dropped his leg and set his instrument against the wall. "If this war gets bigger, it'll start impacting the business. We need to see if we can resolve things."
Declan was sweating. He didn't realize how strenuous playing a gig really was. This was his first real chance to play with his band - he had found the group through Illendur's contacts... well, to be precise, he had found the advertisements looking for a fourth all over the city, and used Illendur's contacts to get an audition. And he had offered the Trollskull as a venue to debut. He had been practicing with them, of course, but an actual show was something else entirely. Rapture of Dragons was a loud band, but melodic. The lead singer, Tiriana ir'Phiarlan, could sing and growl with the best of them. Miranda Fitzroy's solos were both technically impressive and long. Tor Redbeard, the venerable dwarf, pounded drums like he was at war (and probably was). Bruce Khrannock, the bass rhythm, was something of an oddity. Between the gimp mask and thick leathers, one wouldn't guess he was the nicest half-orc in Throneport. They had just finished their set when Declan spotted Idrassa's motions. Ah.
Well, the other work. Declan sidled up to Tiriana, slinging his "electric lute" over his shoulder. "Good show. Seems the crowd got into it." Tiriana smiled genuinely, taking Declan's hand and shaking it. "Yes indeed. I am glad we found each other, Declan. Your skills are meshing well with the band." "Thank you. Mourning Glory seemed to go over well." "Well, it should, it's our best song." Her laugh was light and fluty, a stark contrast with the harsh growls she was uttering just minutes before. Declan couldn't help but smile. He shrugged in the direction of the bar, "It appears work is not finished for me tonight. I will catch up later, I am looking forward to our next practice." "Us too!" Bruce, who was overhearing, suddenly said. The rest of the band, now surrounding their newest member, laughed and clapped Declan on the shoulder. He was part of them now. He was still smiling when he caught up to Idrassa, a large mead in hand. He wasn't much of a drinker, but the show put a mighty thirst in him. Not the least of which due to sweating out nearly a hogshead of water. He followed with the group and found a seat away from the others (he likely stank to high heaven, after all) while Idrassa gave Shan Chien the third degree. He sat quietly, listening to the exchange.
My input on next steps... Stone of golorr seems to be our camp macguffin, so we should prob be working towards that. We're already on the bad side of the Tarkanans... maybe we can kill two stones with one bird... or something? Offer Daask to take the Tarkanans down a notch in exchange for their stone... and then get the Tarkanan's by force. Maybe? lol. completely forgets the conversation we already had a couple pages ago.... <_<
"Ah, a fellow man of the Arts. I would welcome conversation about the differences in our approaches when time permits." He fell silent, however, allowing Zander to inevitably ask his questions.
Declan was sitting in the stool normally reserved for a resident minstrel. He had a foot up on a higher rung, a lute draped across his lap. He was in the process of tuning it; a rather buzzy cacophony of electric feedback emanating from the instrument. Clearly it had some sort of enchantment enhancing the sound. At Dok's (and Thraag's) entrance, he stopped his tuning and looked up. With a guest arriving, the black-clad not-bard set his electric lute to the side and stood to greet the newcomer. "Welcome," he said, extending a hand and leading the orc to a table. "A friend of Dok's is a friend of ours." "Thraag, was it?" Declan confirmed, sitting in a chair opposite the orc, "I am Declan. Resident magus, aspiring bard, and occasional handyman."
Declan shrugged, "It is probably a less than ideal idea. We could enter Boromar employ as a direct counter to the Tarkanans. It seems our quarry may have one of the stones we are looking for anyway. We could then get two birds with the proverbial stone. Get intelligence from the Boromars, and gain the stone from the Tarkanans."
Declan shook his head, "Other than those whom Sky and I ran into, my contacts are all up in Stormhome. I can't say I have ever crossed paths with the Boromars." He looked thoughtful as he cradled his morning coffee. "Perhaps we can approach as... independent contractors."
Declan speculated that it would have to be someone with nimblewright knowledge. Not everyone could counter a master's orders. At least, that was his understanding. "Probably an artificer in the city with a bone to pick with your house, and a desire for the stone..." He held up a hand though to sever that line of dialog for now. It could be something to look into. He looked to Idrassa and Zander, in case they had any queries for the Lady. Her offer of completing the stone did intrigue him; the Trollskull could do with some upgrades.
Declan nodded. He didn't have any reason to doubt her words. If it was a lie, it was a good one. "If it was the nimblewright on its own, then someone must have tampered with it. Or at least taken control from you. Who has had access to it over the past week or so?"
Declan's frown deepened. He held his arms crossed and didn't reach for the stone. Unlike Floxin, he was no thief. Puzzle pieces were starting to click together in his mind. "What do you know of the explosion the other day?" he asked finally. "A fireball spell, from a necklace, in our back alley here." He chose not to reveal all of their cards at once, but he let his expression reveal he knew more than he was letting on.
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