Zander nodded, and continued to move upwards.
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Zander simply nodded, and prepared to move out - and up.
The last of the team to go up the rope, just in case said rope were to snap, Zander managed to reach the top easily enough. Once there, he did his best to remain low and quiet.
"We should attempt to cross the bridge as stealthily as possible," he whispered to the others.
"Evidence suggests that her conclusion is only partially correct," J'r-V'zz informed Zander. "While merely walking into any room of gathered enemies is tactically unsound, if the majority of your enemies are composed of those who require digestible sustenance, and they insist on the semi-formal ritual of gathering to ingest said sustenance simultaneously, the time period assigned for that ritual is quite often a significantly tactically advantageous moment for a surprise attack." Zander nodded, though merely thinking his agreement with his psicrystal's lecture would have been all that was needed to let J'r-V'zz know he had been heard. "Tactically speaking," Zander said to the others, "if the majority of the compound's defenders are sitting down to a meal, they should be distracted, un- or under-armed, seated in groups or standing in lines, likely with hands and attention fully occupied. And they should also be at a low-point, energetically, since most humanoids do not eat until they feel hunger - which is a sign that their body is in need of energetic resupply. Perhaps we should consider a surprise attack at their mealtime."
When it was made obvious that the group was transitioning back to a scouting mission, Zander sent his armor a command, and the construct shifted again. Layer after layer of the crystalline plate flaked away - taking the biomass with it - until Zander once more stood with only a hair's-thickness of midnight-blue coating his body. In a circle around him was a mix of filth and translucent blue ectoplasm. In less than a second, the ectoplasm evaporated, leaving only the biomass from the tunnels, which Zander neatly stepped over.
"Your previous comment was accurate, yet incomplete," J'r-V'zz observed, as biomass continued to slide off of the crystalline armor-form that encased Zander's metallic form. "I must also admit to being pleased at not having a stomach." Zander did not smile. He lacked the ability to do so. As it was, the golden-skinned Warforged was looking up at the towers. "I will fly one day." Only if one had been willing to stand closer to Zander than the smell of the biomass still clinging to him would make inviting, would they have heard the words. If they had been willing to trade their sense of smell (and possibly their last meal) for the ability to hear what Zander had said, the listener would have likely been touched by the depth of the longing those five words contained. At least, they would if they were not the kind of person that believed Warforged were soulless, unfeeling machines. To everyone not close enough to hear him, Zander was simply standing, covered in filth, staring up at the sky in silence.
Zander accepted the key. "Your armor constructs are formed from astral matter solidified via a psycho-crystalline matrix that incorporates and is strengthened by - but does not require - my own physical form. Technically, they are more properly described as 'psychically manifested ecto-crystalline constructs,' not 'a force field.'" J'r-V'zz had his pedantic tone in full voice in Zander's head. "Indeed," Zander thought back at his psicrystal companion, the one now physically merged with the skinsuit construct that covered him. "Which means it is probably fortunate that you have no actual sense of smell." "What?" Recognizing that his non-armored companions would likely prefer there to be a minimum of biomass remaining in the tunnel after Zander went through it, he gave the ecto-crystalline construct around him a psychic command. As he walked forward, the skin-tight suit bulked out, adding layer-upon-layer of crystalline protection, until Zander looked to be encased in a suit of full armored plate, made of translucent, smoky-blue crystal. It was Zander's armor in what he thought of as "heavy configuration," but which others had called "juggernaut mode." It wouldn't fill the pipe completely, that would have been impractical, but it made Zander a much more substantial presence. Having completed the change, Zander set about making his way down the tunnel.
For the record, I do not think there was a body. They were carrying something that might have looked like a body, but seems to have turned out to be groceries.
"Tactical update: Target down. No further hostiles detected." Zander acknowledged the report from his psicrystal companion with a wordless thought. "Recommend regroup and ensure security." This time, Zander nodded. He dropped the arm that had been tracking the goblin and began retracing his steps back towards his companions.
"Final hostile fleeing north along the western walkway," J'r-V'zz reported as the last goblin screamed and ran. "Recommend pursuit and elimination. Allowing survivors to alert others remains tactically inadvisable." "Pursuing. Maintaining eastern approach to preserve firing lanes for the others." Zander broke into a run, his enhanced speed carrying him north along the eastern walkway. He angled northeast briefly to follow the tunnel's curve, then continued straight north, closing the distance rapidly. The flow of sewage ran between him and the fleeing goblin on the western side, but the separation provided a clear line of sight across the tunnel. His left hand came up smoothly as he ran, tracking the target's erratic flight. The goblin was panicked, focused entirely on escape rather than evasion. Zander's palm flattened, psionic energy gathering even as his feet continued carrying him forward.
The crystalline shard launched with its characteristic crack, streaking across the tunnel to strike the goblin in the back. The impact staggered the fleeing humanoid, drawing a yelp of pain, but it didn't fall immediately. "Target hit but still mobile," J'r-V'zz noted. "Recommend continuing pursuit." Zander's momentum carried him to his new position, hand still raised and already beginning to gather energy for another shot.
"Injured target fleeing north," J'r-V'zz noted, tracking the goblin stumbling away from Idrassa's crossbow bolt. "Allowing it to escape is tactically unsound. It may return with reinforcements or alert others to our presence." "Agreed. Pursuing." "Routing optimal path. Highlighting threats on your display. I will monitor the purple-bordered hostile during your movement." The icon indicating the goblin-humanoid closest to Thraag blinked once as a purple border appeared around it on Zander's tactical map.
Zander moved immediately, his Astral Skin configuration providing enhanced speed and agility. He flowed through the melee with mechanical precision, darting past Thraag's swinging chain and slipping around Eyve's position. His movements were economical, each step calculated to avoid both his companions' attacks and the goblins' retaliatory strikes. The blue glow of his eyes remained locked on the fleeing target as he closed the distance. Once clear of the immediate combat, Zander's right hand rose smoothly into firing position, palm flattening as psionic energy gathered and coalesced into another crystalline projectile.
The shard launched with the same sharp crack as before, streaking across the tunnel toward the retreating goblin's back. Even at this extended range, the shot struck true, punching into the fleeing humanoid. "Hit confirmed," J'r-V'zz reported. "Target damaged. Assessing whether elimination is complete." Zander held his new position, hand still raised and tracking, ready to fire again if the goblin somehow remained standing.
The tactical situation resolved as his companions moved forward into the junction. Skylar was now surrounded by goblins, bleeding from multiple cuts. Eyve had advanced but not yet engaged. Thraag had waded into melee, his spiked chain lashing out
"Agreed. Targeting."
The goblins were moving so swiftly that J'r-V'zz was unable to properly target any one of them as Thragg surged into the battle space as well. Still, Zander's raised hand locked onto the goblin positioned southeast of Skylar, one of several pressing the attack against her by trying to get around her flank. His palm remained flat, the crystalline surface of his Astral Skin gleaming faintly in Declan's magical light as psionic energy gathered and shaped itself into a physical projectile.
The crystal shard launched with a sharp crack, streaking across the junction and striking the goblin squarely in the torso, the impact solid enough to stagger the little humanoid, a visible wound marking where the inert crystal had punched through leather and flesh. "Target damaged but not eliminated," J'r-V'zz observed. "Maintain firing position." Zander held his ground, hand still raised, already tracking for his next shot.
Hostilities began. Not unexpectedly, but in a way that Zander hadn't been anticipating. Skylar attacked first, which meant that she lunged directly between Zander and his target. "Shot blocked," J'r-V'zz noted unnecessarily as Skylar's form obscured the goblin leader. "Recalculating optimal targets." Zander's hand tracking shifted immediately, his palm sweeping across the other goblins as J'r-V'zz updated the tactical display in his vision. The situation had transitioned from deterrence to combat in a single fluid motion (which a part of him noted with both respect and concern. He hadn't witnessed Skylar move that quickly before, so hadn't ). His Astral Skin configuration was appropriate for ranged engagement, but the narrow tunnel and Skylar's forward position complicated clean firing solutions. "Maintain position," J'r-V'zz advised. "Wait for clear targets. Do not risk hitting allies." Zander held his ground behind Eyve, his hand still raised and ready, watching as the goblins responded to their leader's command. The blue glow of his eyes was steady, even as he tracked movement in the junction ahead, waiting for the tactical situation to resolve enough for him to engage without endangering his companions.
Zander processed Skylar's whispered instruction to get into position. His current configuration was optimized for ranged engagement, and with Eyve already positioned at the front for melee and the rest of the party equipped for ranged combat behind him, advancing further would only crowd the available space. "Seven goblins," J'r-V'zz noted, updating the tactical display in Zander's peripheral vision. "Several have drawn weapons. The one addressing Skylar has not." "He appears to be the leader based on his prior behavior," Zander observed. "Should hostilities commence, he would be the primary target." "Agreed. Marking him." Zander's right arm rose smoothly, his hand flattening into the configuration that would allow him to project crystal shards. The midnight-blue translucent layer of his Astral Skin was clearly visible, glittering in Declan's magical light, making the gesture deliberately obvious to the goblins. His palm tracked the goblin leader with mechanical precision, not quite aimed directly at him but close enough to convey clear intent. The blue glow of his chest crystal remained dampened by the thicker layer of crystalline covering in Skin mode, but his luminescent eyes were unmistakable as his gaze fixed on the leader. He held the position, motionless except for the minute adjustments needed to keep his hand aligned as the goblin shifted his weight. "Skylar's deception appears unsuccessful," J'r-V'zz observed. "They are questioning her story." "But they have not attacked. We maintain current posture and allow her to continue." Zander waited, ready to fire if the situation deteriorated, but otherwise content to serve as visible deterrent while Skylar attempted to salvage the negotiation. "Should hostilities commence," Zander told the others, quietly, "I will engage the leader." That gave the others the freedom to choose their targets appropriately.
Zander felt the tap on his shoulder and turned his head to see Idrassa gesturing forward. He nodded once in acknowledgment. "We are advancing toward unknown contacts," J'r-V'zz noted. [/i]"Audio indicators suggest goblins. Multiple individuals. Arguing about something."[/i] "Idrassa has signaled we should move forward," Zander replied. "Remaining stationary may compromise our position if they notice Declan's light source." "Agreed. Advance cautiously. I will monitor our immediate perimeter." Before moving, Zander reached out psionically to Skylar: "Moving up behind you. Idrassa and others following." Zander began moving forward with measured steps, his darkvision engaged as he scanned the tunnel ahead. The flow of liquid—waste and water combined—ran through the adjacent pipe, providing some ambient noise that might mask their approach. He kept his footfalls deliberate, minimizing sound against the stone walkway.
As he drew closer to where Eyve and Skylar waited ahead, Zander could begin to make out sounds himself. Raised voices, speaking in what his linguistic processing identified as Goblin, though he did not understand the words themselves. The argument appeared heated from the tone and cadence. Within J'r-V'zz's forty-foot sensory radius, the tactical display remained clear of immediate threats. Beyond that, Zander relied on his own vision, sweeping his gaze forward along the tunnel toward the source of the voices, though they remained outside his visual range for now.
"Eyve has stopped," J'r-V'zz observed, his voice crisp in Zander's mind. "Her posture indicates she is listening to something ahead." Zander's gaze fixed on the female humanoid's silhouette in the darkness ahead. She had indeed halted, her head tilted in a way that suggested she was processing auditory information. Given the distance between them, Zander could not hear what she was hearing. "Should I alert the others?" Zander asked. "Idrassa is closest and most likely to have tactical options. Yes." Zander focused briefly, reaching out with the psionic connection his astral suit provided. The thought formed clearly, shaped into words: "Eyve has stopped ahead. Appears to be listening. Possible contact." He slowed his own pace, his movements becoming more deliberate as he waited for either Eyve to signal back or for whatever she had heard to resolve itself. The faint blue glow of his chest crystal, already dim under the crystal defensive skin Zander had summoned, dimmed even further as he shifted more power to his sensory awareness.
In practical terms this changed little, however, his hearing was no better than any other construct's. "Maintain position," J'r-V'zz advised. "Do not advance until we have more information." "Agreed." Zander raised his hand in the form of a fist at his shoulder, forgetting that the others behind him had not served in the types of organizations that would immediately recognize the gesture as a signal to hold position.
Garrick looked up at Declan and Idrassa approached, listening and nodding. "Well, you all make a good argument." He looked back at Zander. "I can give you the pipe junction where you can check for an entrance. I think that's fair. You could get that information anywhere. And I don't think it's telling tales out of school to tell you that there's been waste coming out of there for about half a year. Was dry for years before then." Zander's gaze shifted briefly to Declan and Idrassa, processing their contributions, then returned to Garrick. "Thank you," he said. "The pipe junction location will be sufficient. I appreciate your willingness to share information within the constraints of your position." He tilted his head slightly. "Can you provide identifying details for the junction? Cross-streets, proximity to landmarks, or junction designations that would allow me to navigate to it accurately?" Zander paused, considering the information Garrick had already provided. "You mentioned waste has been flowing from that location for approximately six months after years of being dry. That timeline may be significant." He nodded once, a gesture of acknowledgment. "Any additional details you can share about the waste itself - volume, frequency, observable patterns - would be helpful in understanding what we may encounter. But I recognize you have already provided more assistance than you were comfortable offering initially." "Volume and frequency data would be tactically valuable," J'r-V'zz noted. "Pattern analysis could indicate occupancy levels, operational schedules—" "We have a location and confirmation of activity," Zander replied. "That is sufficient to proceed." "Sufficient is not optimal." "No. But it is enough." "If there is nothing more you feel comfortable sharing," Zander said to Garrick, "then I believe we have what we came for. Thank you again for your assistance."
Zander tilted his head slightly, processing Garrick's response. "I understand," he said. "Your position requires you to balance providing assistance against protecting your guild's operational security and the safety of your workers. That is a reasonable constraint." He paused, then continued in his characteristic direct manner. "To clarify: you require authorization from someone with higher authority within the Dungsweepers Guild before sharing this information. Is the individual who holds that authority present in this establishment? If so, would it be appropriate for me to speak with them directly, or would you prefer to make the request on my behalf?" "You are asking him to do more work," J'r-V'zz observed. "I am clarifying the process so I can proceed efficiently," Zander replied. "If there is a person I need to speak with, I should speak with them. If there is a protocol to follow, I should follow it." Zander's gaze remained steady on Garrick. "Alternatively, if additional compensation would help justify the risk to your guild's interests, I am willing to negotiate. My resources are limited, but I can offer payment beyond the beverages already provided." He turned his head slightly, his face shifting briefly toward where his companions stood nearby, then back to Garrick. "Or perhaps one of my associates has additional perspective on this matter that would be helpful."
Garrick snorted and caught the gaze of his neighbor, then jerked his head at the bar. The other dwarf looked surprised but nodded, thumping his oversized stein on the table. "Let's go see if we can get some dragonshots to go with this, shall we, boys?" The three dwarves stood up and started off toward the bar, leaving their seats empty. Zander glanced at the empty chair Davik had started to retrieve earlier, then carefully lowered himself onto it. The wood creaked slightly under his weight, but held. He adjusted his position to distribute the load more evenly. Garrick turned back to Zander once they were out of earshot- which was not far, given the general noise level in the bar. "Thom got caught in a wave of devil rats and is in bed wi' khyber phage, tha's how Thom's doin'." He shook his head. "Infrastructure matter," the dwarf snorted. "You were chasin' after Daask tha' night. You still after 'em?" Zander processed this information, his head tilting slightly. "Devil rats," he repeated. "I am unfamiliar with khyber phage. Is it a treatable condition, or should I understand that Thom's prognosis is poor?" "You are asking about disease transmission affecting a humanoid you met once," J'r-V'zz observed. "Thom provided assistance when he did not have to. Inquiring about his wellbeing is appropriate." "Continue, then." Zander's gaze returned to Garrick. "To answer your question: no. We are not pursuing Daask at this time. Our current investigation involves a different organization." He paused, considering his phrasing. "House Tarkanan has established a presence in Southern Ward. Specifically, at Kolat Towers on Slop Street." He shifted his weight slightly, the blue glow of his chest crystal pulsing once, as the chair beneath him creaked. "The compound is surrounded by a permanent force field. Magical. Impenetrable from street level. We have reason to believe we possess a means of bypassing this field, but doing so at the main entrance would be... conspicuous." Zander's tone remained factual. "Given the Dungsweepers Guild's knowledge of the city's underground infrastructure, I am seeking information about whether Kolat Towers extends below street level, and if so, whether the sewer system connects to or passes near the compound in a way that might provide less visible access." He paused. "I am aware this question potentially places you in a difficult position similar to the one Thom faced. I will not ask you to provide information you are uncomfortable sharing."
Zander observed the toast with interest, his head tilting slightly as he processed the Dwarvish phrase. He waited until Garrick had set down his stein and wiped the foam from his beard before speaking. "Thank you," Zander said in Common. Then, switching smoothly to Dwarvish, he continued, <"I noticed your toast was in Dwarvish. Would you prefer to conduct this conversation in your language? I am fluent, though my accent reflects time spent with members of House Kundarak."> He paused, giving Garrick a moment to respond, then continued in whichever language Garrick indicated. "Before I begin my questions, I wanted to inquire: is Thom well? I recall he was helpful during our previous encounter." He shifted his stance slightly. "That was the evening you were repairing a broken feeder line — a cleanout on a lateral bringing wastewater into the sewer system. The cleanout had either broken or degraded and required replacement, so your crew had excavated the line, cut the pipe, and replaced the damaged section." Zander's tone was purely factual, as though reciting technical specifications. "Eight workers and four guards for that particular job, if I recall correctly." "You are providing very specific details," J'r-V'zz observed. "I am establishing context so Garrick understands which encounter I am referencing," Zander replied. "You are reminding him of a situation where his guild helped you find dangerous people. In front of his drinking companions." "He agreed to answer questions. I am simply—" "Being precisely as subtle as a war golem." Zander's gaze shifted briefly to the other three dwarves, then back to Garrick. "My current questions relate to similar infrastructure matters. As I mentioned earlier, some may be... sensitive in nature."
That's how I had seen it, also. For the record, I don't mind if the three PCs standing near Zander take the other Dwarves' seats once those three get up. That would leave Zander standing, but allow for more than just Zander to be in the convo. I've had a good time showing off Zander and JV's social stuff, and am happy to keep it up through the conversation with Garrick, but I don't want to make it boring for everyone else.
That's how I had seen it, also. For the record, I don't mind if the three PCs standing near Zander take the other Dwarves' seats once those three get up. That would leave Zander standing, but allow for more than just Zander to be in the convo. I've had a good time showing off Zander and JV's social stuff, and am happy to keep it up through the conversation with Garrick, but I don't want to make it boring for everyone else.
Zander stood very still as the bartender pushed the fourth oversized iron stein across the bar toward him. "That expenditure," J'r-V'zz's voice was measured in Zander's mind, "represents approximately one-tenth of your current liquid assets." "I observed the price on the board," Zander replied silently. "I agreed to the terms." "You agreed to terms without complete information regarding regional beverage pricing standards. A tactical error." "But an educational one," Zander countered. "I have learned that 'Ironbound Stout' is considered a luxury beverage among the Dungsweepers, and that ordering it confers status. Note the applause and approval from guild members. This may make Garrick more willing to share information." "Or it may simply make you poor." "Noted." Zander carefully lifted the first stein. It was, indeed, sized for someone considerably larger than him. Goggh would find it comfortable, but Zander had to adjust his grip to balance it properly. He carried it back to the table with deliberate care, set it down, then returned for the second. And the third. And finally the fourth. As he set the final stein before Garrick, Zander observed, his tone cordial, "I was not previously aware that Ironbound Stout was a premium beverage. The price differential compared to other stouts is significant." He paused, his blue eyes steady on Garrick. "I hope this demonstrates the sincerity of my gratitude for your previous assistance, and my genuine interest in the information you may be able to provide."
Er... Sky...you know that Zander is only buying a round for the 4 dwarves at his table, right? And that Thrag and Sky and your new buddy are at a different table/bar, so no longer part of Zander's conversation (and that he has no knowledge of, or intent to pay for Sky's offer)? ;-)
Zander observed the laughter, noting the facial expressions and body language that accompanied it. The sounds were loud and prolonged, but the dwarves' eyes remained engaged with him rather than dismissive. Based on his observations made during his earlier life and the numerous interactions with dwarves it entailed, this suggested the laughter was what his only dwarven friend would have called "good-natured ribbing." Zander wasn't quite sure what the brief hesitation in his thinking was, or where it came from. Nor what the slight roil of emotions (that, had he tastebuds, he might have described as "bittersweet") indicated, precisely. But the Kundarak reference caught his attention immediately, and the moment was gone. "Interesting," Zander thought to J'r-V'zz. "They use 'Kundarak' as a descriptor for meticulous financial negotiation. My previous companion never explained that his House's reputation included this characteristic." "Perhaps because to him it was simply normal business practice," J'r-V'zz replied. "The comparison appears to be both mockery and acknowledgment of thoroughness." "Acceptable terms, then?" Zander asked. "One round for four dwarves of a specified beverage in exchange for conversation. Direct, finite, and within budget. Yes." Zander nodded, both to J'r-V'zz and to Garrick. "That is fair," he said. "I accept those terms. One round of Ironbound Stout for the table in exchange for conversation." He turned slightly toward the bar, then paused and looked back at Garrick. "For context: I have worked previously with members of House Kundarak. Your comparison is not inaccurate. I prefer to understand agreements before committing to them." The faint blue glow of his chest crystal pulsed once. "I will acquire the beverages now."
Zander and the party drew even more eyes as they moved across the room. They were less hostile than the stares they'd gotten outside as they climbed down out of their carriage that had been built more for North Ward and Sea Ward than the docks, but still wary. Garrick looked flabbergasted, a broad grin breaking out as Zander made his offer. "Free drinks while you listen to me talk? Make it rounds for the table and you've got yourself a deal." The other dwarves at the table thumped their tankards- still mostly full, Zander noted- on the table, smiles on their faces. "C'mon, don't be stingy," said one. Zander paused, his faintly blue-glowing gaze shifting briefly from Garrick to the other dwarves at the table, then back. The triangle in his chest pulsed faintly. "The economic parameters of this exchange are unclear," J'r-V'zz's voice was crisp in Zander's mind. "'Rounds' plural suggests multiple purchases. Four dwarves, multiple rounds - this could exceed your available discretionary funds." "But it is also a learning opportunity," Zander replied silently. "Understanding these social exchanges is valuable." "Understanding is worthless if you cannot afford necessary maintenance or repairs. Also note: their tankards are still mostly full. They are not actually in need of beverages at this moment." "An excellent observation." Zander's head tilted slightly as he addressed Garrick. "I have questions regarding your response. When you say 'rounds,' do you mean multiple purchases of beverages for all four of you throughout our conversation? Or a single round now to establish the agreement? I am attempting to understand both the social expectation and the economic commitment being proposed." He paused, then continued, "Additionally, while I am willing to purchase beverages as a gesture of goodwill and gratitude, some of my questions may be of a... sensitive nature. Would your companions prefer to remain present for such a discussion? Or would there be a customary point at which they might excuse themselves, having received their beverages?" Another brief pause. "I am not opposed to the expenditure if it is reasonable. I simply wish to understand the parameters of the agreement before I commit to terms I may not be able to fulfill."
Zander nodded at the blonde woman. "Thank you," he said, before moving off toward the dwarf that had beckoned. "Greetings, Garrick Stonetooth," Zander said, once he was close enough to meet the social norms. "I would like to purchase an alcoholic beverage for you, as an expression of gratitude for your previous assistance, and then possibly engage with you in conversation to determine your knowledge of recent events that may also prove helpful to me and my companions. I will likely continue to purchase beverages for you during the course of this conversation. Will you agree to this exchange?"
Zander's head tilted in the way that told all of his companions what was about to happen next. "Why would I buy a round for the house?" Zander asked, his voice taking on the modulation and tone that said very clearly that Zander had become curious about something, and was prepared to follow the rabbit down whatever holes it may lead him. "Is this a part of - my companions have referred to it as the 'social contract,' though I confess I am uncertain that is the correct term. It seems to describe something more akin to... behavioral conventions? The unwritten expectations that govern how people interact with one another in situations such as this?"
Zander nodded at the woman, though it was clearly after a moment of thought. "Several drinks, quite possibly," Zander said, not raising his voice. He was not, after all, talking to the rest of the room. "I do not wish to bring trouble or unwanted attention to them, however. That would be poor repayment for their assistance." JV pinged the half-orc's icon on Zander's visual map, letting the Warforged know that there was action happening in that direction.
Zander stepped to the front of the group, scanning the crowd. Or, rather, letting J'r-V'zz scan the crowd as the golden-skinned Warforged moved towards the bar, which coincidentally let him traverse enough of the room for his Psicrystal to be able to map the majority of it as he moved.
"Greetings," he said to the first humanoid that acknowledged him, "I am seeking one or both of two humanoid members of the Dungsweeper's Guild. They proved helpful to me recently, and I am told that it is customary to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages as a way to show gratitude in such situations. Would you be able to direct me to the Dungsweepers known as Mira Ironhide or Garrick Stonetooth, or both?"
I feel like, if we all roll in as a group, it's a guaranteed bar brawl. Then again, if we split up, it might be a guaranteed multiple bar fights that then turn into a bar brawl.
"The Muleskull Tavern," Zander said, "very nearby. It is also a.. what is the word? Guildhall? It is also where crew from sailing vessels often seek 'a flagon and the occasional fisticuffs'" The Warforged had taken on the unique tone the others recognized as the one that he used when repeating something verbatim that he had heard someone else say, and that he did not fully understand. "I have heard that, 'when sailors want a good shit-kicking,' the Muleskull is where they go. My source seemed to believe he was engaging in some sort of clever wordplay at the time."
Zander raised a hand - a relatively new gesture he had picked up somewhere, that indicated that he had a question. It went along with that slight tilt to his head that the group all recognized - but then he let the hand fall again, question unasked. "You are not going to bring up the issue?" J'r-V'zz asked, inside of Zander's head. "It seems as though it might fall under the category that the humanoid mentioned the other day," Zander thought back at his companion, "I believe the expression he used was, 'if you have to ask about something so obvious -'" "I do not believe this is quite in line with that usage. In addition, I believe that humanoid was being deliberately offensive in his language, rather than giving you actually helpful advice." Zander pondered that offering for a moment, then nodded his golden head. "You are most likely correct," he responded, "but I still don't know whether it will be at all helpful to ask how it is that the group intends to disguise a group of humanoids that includes as many distinctive individuals as we include." As the 6'3" golden Warforged with glowing blue crystal eyes stood there, clearly having an internal conversation, the others were left to carry on with their planning.
If his face could do so, Zander likely would have frowned. Something about this humanoid was... "off," he believed the term was.
But he wasn't sure what, or how, and he knew enough - well, J'r-V'zz knew enough, and told Zander so - not to interfere with Idrassa's magically enhanced interrogation. So, he stood still, waiting to see what would happen next.
Zander had questions, alright, but it seemed that Idrassa was to be the one asking questions at the moment. This was tactically sound. Zander knew better than to jog the sword arm of a duelist. So instead he stood simply examined the people in the room - or rather, let J'r-V'zz do so...
We may wish to save our character details elsewhere, just for safety (if you haven't already)...
Wonder if/when that'll result in the forums getting flushed...
"It is possible that one of the two fallen combatants has not been fatally wounded," J'r'-V'zz said into Zander's mind. There was a pause. "It is not probable," the psicrystal admitted, after a moment, "but there does exist a non-zero possibility."" Zander looked down at the female humanoid who had informed them of the name of the fallen enemy, the humanoid called Eyve had knocked her body off of his Halberd's spike and to the floor. "The offer was 'surrender and survive,'" he said, "Jark did neither." Seeing that the door into the next room was getting rather crowded, and recognizing that the Eyve humanoid had demonstrated a significant degree of competence in melee combat, Zander chose not to crowd his ally. Instead, he simply lifted his arm, palm forward, and let fly with another crystal projectile, towards the humanoid that was already engaged with Tweety.
The room was quickly becoming crowded, and Zander considered remaining at the door and continuing to shoot, but J'r-V'zz suddenly painted an additional mark on his internal threat map, and Zander recognized that getting into and through the room was the tactical priority. He waited just long enough for Declan to loose another arrow through the door, then moved to follow it, bringing his Halberd up in both hands. Instead of risking the blade catching against the ceiling, and without the room for a wide horizontal swing, Zander instead went between his companions, and rammed the spiked end of the weapon forward at hip height, seeking to impale the closest enemy and open a path to the next for his companions.
Prepared as he had been, Zander simply slipped up behind Thraag, and even as the enemy came into sight, J'r-V'zz dropped a red character directly over the humanoid's torso, and Zander's mental trigger sent a shard of crystal flying from his palm towards the target.
Zander positioned himself behind and slightly to one side of Thraag and the door, his crystalline armor flowing into place around him. His halberd in one hand, Zander raised his other, palm up, aiming over Thraag's shoulder.
Well, that was all the invitation Zander needed. He turned and approached the grate. The darkness beyond was no different to the senses of J'r-V'zz than would the brightest light of midday, and the psicrystal meticulously updated Zander's mental map as the golden-bodied warforged moved. "Hello," Zander said, once he was close enough not to be shouting, "We wish to interact with the Tarkanans here in this hidden location in a way that should prove to be of significant interest to those you serve. Although," Zander paused, head tilting as he considered a thought, "this location is not as 'hidden,' perhaps, as one might have supposed. In any case, will you help us to enter without need for immediate violence?"
Zander just made a vague gesture at himself. His tall, bulky, golden frame made the point obvious without words. "Disguise" wasn't a skill set he had. |