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"So... Arkis will meet with the Knights and we should probably gear up and prepare for the journey ahead. Unfortunately, I'm broke. We need to figure our what our next step would be... Perhaps make contact with other foxes? Where are those servants?" If Shaco can find a servant, he will ask where to find Caerlin.
Woken by the servant, Shaco gathers his belongings and waits to meet with Arkis and the others to reconfirm that Arkis will be setting out to speak with the Hellknights on behalf of the party. Shaco takes a look around to see if Caerlin is around. If Shaco finds Caerlin, he will ask : " What kind of operations do the Foxes run? You mentioned that you were "one" of the foxes, would any of the other foxes have the information regarding the strange events going on? Like how our ambushers blew up into a cloud of smoke?"
Shaco will return to Caerlin's residence to rest. DM: If there is enough time, when Shaco returns to Caerlin's, he will inquire about the house in regards about the Lady Commander's pursuit of "justice" and about the contaminated water. "Caerlin, I was curious about a vacant house that appears to have it's own personal guard. I was hoping you could further elaborate on the "justice" that the commander is so inclined to keep. Seems nothing more than a power trip. About this contaminated water, what do you know of it?"
Shaco takes his leave as he wanders towards the Dilapidated house. Looking for signs of any access into the house. "I wonder what the inside looks like..."
Confused by Zhoron's statement. Shaco stared blankly at Zhoron and says "It appears this one has different plans... Or he just didn't hear what I said..." Shaco makes a visible face palm and shakes his head as Zhoron goes to sleep in his chair.
"As easy as you say eh? Well then perhaps you could inform us of the operations the Foxes currently have going on. Anything interesting or strange going on aside from sickly bodies blowing up?" After Caerlin responds to Shacos inquiry, Shaco faces his companions and says: "We should at least get our stories straight in case we're questioned about denying the audience with the Lord commander. We are but passersby and would rather not risk involving ourselves after the strange incident we were confronted with? I say we have Arkis notify the Hellknights, he just seems so much more... Normal" As Shaco made this statement, his eyes traveled pass his comrades, Zhoron, the one without a shadow, unpredictable nature, at least from what Shaco recalled from when he approached the Caravan. Kamali and Skoll, the ones who just appear to be wild, one with nature. He thought of himself, his appearance, the tail, the burns, then to Arkis, clad in his armor, recalling his vast knowledge, and a certain pull in his words. Shaco silently judged and awaited for an answer.
Realizing that his companions appear to have decided on the Foxes, Shaco comes to the realization that turning down the Hellknights without notice may raise suspicion. "Well it seems we've decided. Caerlin, how do you suppose we go about politely declining the meeting we were so enthused to propose without bringing on suspicion? I assume the Knights know of the Foxes yes? Who's to say that the knights didn't see us wandering about? Shaco's expression was suddenly shot with worry as he blurted: "What if Tiberious were to return? He knows we are not simple merchants nor travelers..." Shaco appeared to be lost in thought with a sullen look as if he were staring straight pass Caerlin.
"Well then, I say lets get this moving! I mean if they were able to avoid the Hellknights for this long, it may not be so hard. I do see a problem though... Weren't we supposed to notify the Hellknights of cancelling the meet BEFORE the actual meeting or can we just tell them otherwise? I suppose we can attempt to avoid them at all costs. Perhaps we should also check the Chancery out." Shaco tapped at his chin as we returned to his seat. He proceeded to dine on the meal provided. Shaco was visibly distracted, as if his mind had wandered off as he eats his meal.
With Zhoron's statement, Shaco's eyes light up and he says: "Caerlin, I understand where you're coming from. Perhaps our group needs to think this through. Perhaps a little convincing on our end." Shaco gets up and turns as he walks toward the door and beckons for Arkis.
Arkis: Shaco whispers to Arkis: "Arkis, how do you feel about splitting up the group between the Hellknights and the Seven Foxes? I suggest that Zhoron and I go with the Seven Foxes and you and Kamali go with the Hellknights. Think about it, two resources in which we could potentially gather information from, which means we could probably figure this thing out twice as fast... Although, we may be in big trouble should any of the two factions figure us out. What say you?"
Shaco nods at the statement made by Arkis then turns to the group and says "Hmm... The Hellknight's reign over this region is tyranny, I do like the idea of being able to do business without the tax implementation. I mean the people here are all so hush hush for fear of death! What do you guys think?"
With a mind of its own, Shaco's tail lashed out to strike Zhoron. "What's a Ya-t-zee and what in Abraxas's name are you trying to do?" Shaco turned his attention back to Caerlin, "I apologize if this s'wit caused you any trouble, please carry on! " Shaco shot Zhoron a nasty look.
Shaco takes the offered wine and swirls the wine in the cup as he takes a moment to sniff and enjoy the fragrance, during this time Shaco is observing Caerlin. How often does one mysteriously get a note magically with no knowledge of the sender, heck how would they even know if this was truly the person they were to meet? Shaco carefully held withheld his skepticism and looked for signs of deceit as he asked "Mmm smells delightful! Quite the estate you've got here!" Shaco bowed and took a good look around to look for anything interesting.
As daylight begins to fade, Shaco recalled that the group was to meet at the Vineyard. "Hmm... Might as well prepare a couple of things." Before cleaning up his research, Shaco created an extract Targeted Bomb Admixture and extract of Heightened Awareness. While taking a look around the Citadel, he couldn't help but notice what appeared to be a vacant house at the edge. Shaco made a mental note to look further into this when he had time. Shaco proceeded to make his way to the Vineyard. Halfway to the destination, Shaco slipped away from main road and made his way to the Vineyard while looking to find any anyone tailing him and to locate Arkis and the others.
Alchemical Contrivance
Shaco laughed hysterically at Arkis's statement. "Bwahahahaha. This one's short of memory. Curious!" Shaco turned to Zhoron and said "I noticed your Shadow, perhaps you could fill me in on that one of these days!" Turning back to face the group Kamali's right though, let's at least agree to meet up somewhere so we aren't lost looking for one another."
After receiving the vial, Shaco returned to the table to take a seat. "Where's Arkis headed?" "Anyway, we should probably try to and make due with what ever we've left, money-wise, we should stock up on some things. I'm going to be here at the inn researching. Did we agree to meet up anywhere? Also, I may not have the exact 2 gold, depending on how much a room costs..."
Research Roll:
Shaco nodded while looking for the barmaid to return. "Now there's a thought. I'm pretty sure the person who sent us the message knows about our group. How about we check it out with Skoll checking the perimeter? Shaco then handed the rest of the food to Skoll. "So, this warrant, whose going to hold the gold? I say we give it to Arkis to hold. I'll be right back." Shaco stood up from his spot to go and relieve himself. Shaco then moved toward the barmaid to inquire about his request.
"As much as I hate being restricted by ANY contract, best to keep our heads. Devils don't sound too appealing either... Might as just make due with what we've presented. Best not to poke the sleeping bear... OH by the way..." Shaco proceeded to inform the group of what recently occured. Shaco twitched with excitement as as he scarfed down the promised food from Kamali and Zhoron. Shaco looked at Skoll and handed him a fist full of food.
Shaco stared blankly as the bar maid converses regarding the request he had made. Snapped back by Arkis's request, Shaco plops out the Warrant that was provided from his pocket. "Who should I give my share to? Oh! Guys, I forgot to mention, I heard something about Seven Foxes. Sounds interesting!" Shaco keeps his eyes peeled to see if there is a reaction from anyone as made this remark.
Distracted by the constant chatter in the area, Shaco did not hear the last statement made, Shaco whispered "May I take a sample of the water? I am an alchemist, perhaps I can confirm if it is indeed poisoned?"
Curious as to the statement about not serving water, Shaco asked "Huh, why so?"
Shaco enters as Arkis is conversing with the Elderly dwarf that, he takes a good look around and after Kamali's request, Shaco asks: "Perhaps just water for now" Shaco pondered at the thought of what he observed when coming in, how all the patrons appeared to have a good time, and how the bar had differ from what he had expected. Shaco walked toward Kamali and took a seat next to her. "Might I share some of the food with you?"
As Kamali walks off, Shaco turns to the guards and asks: "Any recommendations where one can quench their thirst?" Shaco then trails towards Kamali "Hey YOU! With the Wolf! I didn't catch your name..." Or perhaps I forgot..." Shaco mumbled.
"I've only 5 gold pieces... Well, lets at least go to the local tavern and gather some information about anything strange going on around here. If what Arkis told us is true about that symbol, I doubt this is the first occurrence. It'd probably be a good idea to take a look at this contract regarding their rules and regulations. We might accidentally step out of line..." Shaco grimaces the though of being bound by contract, but he shrugs it off. It's either their way, imminent death, or enslavement from the looks of it.
Arkis & Zhoron: A tad irked by the Guard's statement a thought popped up in his head. "Do you per chance allow payments towards this writ? Shaco's guess would be that even with the pooled efforts, the group would not have the amount for the Writ.
Arkis and Zhoron: As the guard hands the contract over, Shaco asks "What's the cost for a letter of Warrant? Is there a way that we could perhaps earn these warrant without currency, perhaps assist the good community with anything? Truth be told Shaco was jittery as he spoke these words, he didn't REALLY want to do any work, but he thought it as a good gesture. Shaco fiddled his fingers as he turned to Arkis and Zhoron and also stated with a wince as he reached into his pockets after the mention of cost "I'm POSITIVE I won't be able to accommodate the cost... Maybe its best if we search for work." Shaco frowned and said "Unless... either of you would not mind being charitable." The thought of being in debited to unknown persons didn't sit well with him, but perhaps this journey would yield unspeakable knowledge. He decided he'd take the chance and try to work with these people.
As Kamali wanders off, Shaco turns to Zhoron and Arkis and says "Well, looks like she's got plans of her own, why don't we check in with the Citadel regarding this warrant, then perhaps head over to the local tavern to gather any information about any strange things going on."
Shaco bows his head, "Pleasure to meet you sir. We would like the opportunity to apprehend these villains and bring them here for jurisdiction, to have them answer for their misdeeds."
Shaco takes a seat and takes time to process all of the sudden information that was provided. Tired and still flabbergasted by the grim situation that has occurred, Shaco states "I see the guards have set their rounds so we should be safe. Just as a precaution..." Shaco turns his head to Kamali and Skoll. "Perhaps Skoll could notify us should anything arise? Just a thought... Being ambushed now would probably spell out our doom, at least us, not too sure these guards care for us. Perhaps a plan when we reach the Fort? Any ideas?"
Shaco thinks to himself as he considers the recent events. Hmmm... Still many things I don't know, best to know than not know! Count me in!
As Kamali makes her remark, Shaco cocks his head in confusion. What the devil are you talking about? I didn't see anything... Is there a way you can perhaps draw it? Did you happen to see anything of the sort on Artemis as well?
Staring in awe as Tiberious pulls the hooded man from thin air, Shaco shakes away his awe and speaks: "Well, there's a trick you don't see everyday. Artemis was it? What's your part of this caravan? As the prisoner starts to wither and Shaco turns to Arkis and says: How'd you figure out the goblins were serving someone? I took a good look at the Goblins and they were clean, none of the normal goblin markings or any traits from regular goblins. Ahh sorry, I've never introduced myself to you, Shaco, pleasure to meet ya." Shaco stares around the group as he thinks as to why he never spoke with these people before. Shaco then turns to look at Zhoron and thinks to himself, there's something about this guy...
As the commotion appears to have subsided around the camp side, Shaco decides to return to the center of the camp . As he walks back towards center of the camp, he's perplex about the goblins he's seen. "Curious... Very curious... Shaco then notices Kamali is in some kind of meditation stance. Setting that aside, Shaco's focus is turned towards the prisoner as he remembers what was told regarding the prisoner.
Shaco then turns to Tiberious and says: "Those goblins... They're not... Not normal. They were so... Clean. What troubles lie with this place and what is the purpose of this so called Cult?"
Shaco moves in closer to get a better look at the dead goblins. "Let's just make sure there aren't any pretties out here!" Shaco reaches into his pouches to quickly prepare a bomb, he then proceeds to throw it into the woods, and shouts in strange gibberish. DM/Goblins:
Shaco shouts in the Goblin toungue: "Begone! Least you wish to suffer!
Shaco nods his head as he moves to cover an area that appeared to not be guarded. Shaco notices the dead goblins and tries to determine if there are any distinguishing traits from a distance.
Having an uneasy feeling about the situation, Shaco readies his hands in case anything decides to surprise him. "Just a... Little... Bit... Closer...
As the chaos continues around the encampment, Shaco notices that Tiberious seems fixated on the prisoner. Shaco turns to Tiberious and shouts : "WE SHOULD TRY TO KEEP A FEW ALIVE FOR INTERROGATION! I CAN COMMUNICATE WITH THEM AND WE MAY BE ABLE TO DETERMINE THEIR LEADER AND MOTIVE"
Startled by the sudden shout of an ambush, Shaco shouts "Gahh! Right when I was getting to the good stuff! Shaco quickly prepares himself as he takes another look around the general surroundings.
Shaco takes a good look around and shrugs.
He pulls out three vials and mumbles "Mix mix swirl mix..."
Checking in.
Wakanda where art thou?
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