Devon's haste pays off, as he lands three good hits on the remaining thief. Dani cracks him over the head with a chair, and he falls like a sack of potatoes! The bard hustles over to Dora, and Devon follows swiftly behind as the three move to find Jack.
Jack, meanwhile, takes cover as he watches the construct disappear down the stairs, followed closely by two thieves and a halfling. That must be Bertam Softwhistle's stepson, Kolo Harvan.
He is about to move in pursuit when the rest of the agents come running up the corridor to join him. At the same time, a hulking creature squeezes through the conference room doors, heading to guard the stairs. Though clad in a garish costume and covered with heavy greasepaint to make it appear to be a clown, it is clear that this abomination is a thing of horror, not comedy. Made from flayed humanoid skins stitched together, straw pokes out from gaps in its stitching. One arm ends in a serrated blade while the other is a wooden cudgel. Spotting you, it moves to attack!
"That thing is [i]disgusting!" Dani comments on the "clown". She returns to playing her violin, playing a tune to inspire their attacks once more.
She picks up a metallic shield hanging on the wall with her magic and flings it at the creature.
"You are joking me?" Dora says incredulously. "First there were snakes, now there are creepy clowns!" Not letting that put her off, she calls down another bolt of lightning.
Jack circles to try and cut the creature off from the stairs as he studies it for weaknesses. Unfortunately the grease paint and costume makes it hard to pick up anything at all, beyond garishness!
The clown construct dodges some of Dora’s bolt. It lumbers down the hall, squeezing through thr narrow hallway, and swings its cudgel at Jack. Devon protects the doctor from some of the pain.
Dora gets an unexplained sudden urge to fling a snowball at the clown.
Jack continues to have a hard time formulating a plan, but the creature is right up in his face so that has to wait.
Dani continues to play her song for her allies before retargeting and flinging the shield again once more.
Devon moves in to take the heat off of Jack, slicing the construct and raising his sword. Jack and Dora both land hits but Dani comes up short again.
The construct fails in an attempt to flay Devon’s flesh, but hits with its follow up strike.
Continuing to play, Dani throws the shield around the room without much luck! Where is a chair when you need one! she thinks, looking frantically about her surroundings.
Devon makes three quicks attacks, landing one, before raising his battered shield again.
Dora sends another icy blast at the clown.
"We need to get down there, what if there is another way out!"
Jack finally lands a decent blow, or maybe two!
While Dani misses again, Jack lands two hits, and Devon lands one. Dora's icy ray finishes off the construct, which collapses in a heap, stitches ripping to spill straw all over the floor.
"No time to waste! In Cayden's name!" Devon calls as he leads you down the stairs, the haste spell wearing off. You make it down to the bank's lower level. There, they find Kolo and the two Copper Hand thieves standing behind the construct, which is hard at work trying to pick the tricky locks on the vault door!
The enemies react quickly to your arrival. While Kolo moves to take cover, the thieves fire hand poisoned crossbow bolts at Dani and Dora. The construct rushes forward and leaps at Devon, trying to impale him with its corkscrew hand, but the champion dodges the attack before sidestepping a thrust from its spinning drill-arm!
Realising that she can help stop this fight fairly quickly, or at least scare the burglars into surrender, Dora sets off a large explosion over the enemies heads.
"Surrender now and we will take you in peacefully." Dora says somewhat naively.
Though nearly succumbing to the poison, Dani's body is able to fight through it and overcome it. Continuing to play her violin, she casts heroism on Devon in the hopes he will continue to shine.
Jack moves to join Devon in dealing with the construct, knowing that the burglary is over without it.
Devon and Jack slice and stab the construct. It avoids some of Dora’s fireball, but both thieves take the full blast. The construct stabs Devon while the thieves flank Jack, stabbing him with poisoned swords. Devon lessens the pain somewhat with Caydens blessing.
Giving up on the shield, Dani tries for a piece of debris nearby and flings that instead while still playing!
Dora fires four magic missiles at the construct, realising that it is the main threat in the room.
{A}
{A}
{A}
Jack lands a hit on the construct. Devon slices its head off of its body with a critical hit, then batters one of the thieves with the hilt of his sword. Dora blasts the same thief with a barrage of magic missiles, sending him sprawling to the floor! Dani smacks the last thief with a loose chunk of masonry. Realizing he is outmatched and with nowhere to run, the thief surrenders, as does Bertram's stepson, Kolo. You have successfully thwarted the robbery!
A few minutes after you secure all of the thieves, the Token Guard arrives on the scene, insisting they would have arrived sooner if the parade hadn’t delayed them. Captured Copper Hand rogues give up the location of their headquarters in the Foreign Quarter, hoping for a more lenient sentence. When Bertram sees that Kolo was involved in the robbery attempt, the halfling is so angry with his stepson that he can hardly speak in his presence. Still, he has enough presence of mind to reward you with a bonus of 200 gp.
Later that day at the precinct, as the group of four Agent's of Edgewatch sit writing down their report of the situation so it can be used at the thieves trial, Dora leans back in her chair and takes a moment to look around at her companions, a smile creeping up on her face.
"You know everyone, I think we worked really well together today. This team is just right for this job, I truly believe we can make an actual difference to this area. Devon, I know you have joined us a little later, but you really fit in. I wasn't sure about you at first, what with the sudden marriage with Dani, but after the craziness of the last couple of days, I do think you might just be a good man." Dora says forthrightly.
"Dani, you're so genuine and positively optimistic, you always bring a smile to my face. And Doctor, you always know how to patch us back together. I really do think, if we put our minds to it, we could make a significant change to Absalom."
Realising what she just said out loud, she looks a little bashful, but shrugs her shoulders either way. It is the truth after all. They must know me well enough not to immediately judge me like everyone else back in Oppara. I hope.
"Your enthusiasm and kindness are a vital part of the team too Dora." Jack says, looking up from his neatly written report which he is rereading. "You are the heart of this team without a doubt and I believe a number of our fights would have gone much worse without your magic to support us. Devon and I are very lucky to have such skilled colleagues on the arcane side." He adds with a nod to Dani. "Absalom is lucky that you all joined the Guard."
Dani's face lights up with all of the compliments and optimism. She suggest "You know, we should all go out and celebrate our victory tonight. What we accomplished today is noteworthy and criminals will need to think twice with our group on the case!"
Devon nods. "Drinks are on me! Tonight we party, in Cayden's name!"
***
As you leave the station, you find a bevy of reporters waiting for you. Having heard about your heroic efforts at the Penny & Sphinx, they bombard you questions and requests for interviews. Foremost among them is a familiar face: Reginald Vancaskerkin, editor of Eyes on Absalom. His eyes light up when he sees Dora.
"Ah, hello, officer! Fancy meeting you here," he says. "Care to make a statement for the paper?"
Recognising Reginald Vancaskerkin, Dora sighs but inwardly smiles. She is not surprised that he recognised her, but is happy that he did not just dismiss their meeting as unimportant.
"Mr Vancaskerkin, I didn't expect to see you on an information finding mission yourself, I thought you might have people do that for you. I might be persuaded to make a short statement."
She tucks a loose strand of hair back behind her ears and glances towards the other Agents, hoping that they will not disapprove. She places her hands on her hip, trying to exude confidence to the reporters.
"Today, with hard work and careful preparation, the Agents of Edgewatch worked together as a team to foil a planned burglary. It was partially an inside job, and all of the perpetrators have been caught and are awaiting trial. Please rest assured that there is now one less criminal gang on the streets of Absalom and our city is now that much safer."
She leans back slightly as all the reporters scribble down her remark and whispers to Jack. "Do you think that was okay? Not too much info?"
When Dora looks back, Dani nods reassuringly with a wink.
She stands behind Dora, letting her take the limelight. She leans into Devon and whispers "I think she loves this."
Reginald nods as he and the other reporters scribble down notes. "Can you tell us more about the gang? And this inside man, who was he?"
"Good, but don't release too many more details." Jack replies, giving Dora a gentle push. He steps up behind her, keeping one hand on her back as a gesture of reassurance as he prepares to step in should it be required.
With renewed confidence, Dora shines under the questioning.
"There was a small gang who had worked together, creating support and distractions with mechanical means. They had used the floats on the parade to cause a colourful distraction. I cannot release any more details on the inside man as the trial is ongoing. Please, do excuse us." She stands there, waiting politely for the journalists to leave off their own accord.
Vancaskerkin nods, seemingly satisfied, and the other journalists take the hint and clear out. You are able to celebrate your victory without any further interruptions.
***
The next morning, Sergeant Ollo tells you that Lieutenant Lavarsus has assigned you the task of following up on the Copper Hand's hideout. However, you'll first need to speak with a leader of the Sleepless Suns, the Foreign Quarter’s district watch, to gain clearance to investigate the base.
High-density housing and so many disparate personalities make crime in the Foreign Quarter fairly common, though infractions consist mostly of burglary and trespassing. The Sleepless Suns may occasionally deal with violent cults and misusers of powerful magic, but such villainy is the exception, not the rule. More often, the Sleepless Suns wrangle the fantastical and dangerous monsters that escape from the district’s massive Irorium arena or the Pathfinder Society’s Grand Lodge, and so their ranks include an outsized number of trained animal handlers and beastmasters.
The Sleepless Suns have a complex hierarchy, incorporating ranks and titles from Garundi, Ulfen, and Keleshite traditions. As a result, outsiders often find it difficult to navigate the labyrinthine command structure. The precinct’s leadership encourages each guard to utilize their own fighting style, which includes traditions from across the Inner Sea region and beyond. Regardless of rank, the most highly regarded officers are those who earn a sword pin by doing battle in the Irorium—a sign of martial prowess and respect for their district’s unique character. The Sleepless Suns’ leadership maintains an easygoing attitude, an agile mode of operations, and a wide regiment of impressive officers, making it one of the most prestigious and respected precincts in Absalom.
A quiet order lies like a thick blanket across the muted bustling of the Sleepless Suns’s headquarters, Utterhome. Each of the uniformed officers moves with focused purpose, quickly and efficiently processing prisoners, filing paperwork, and performing other routine tasks.
“Greetings!” Captain Shristi Melipdra’s voice is surprisingly light and melodic, considering his barrel-chested build. “I must say, I am quite thrilled to be meeting the famous Edgewatch agents whose exploits have the whole city abuzz!”
Captain Melipdra asks you to recount your investigation thus far, listening patiently and attentively as you explain the bank robbery and your suspicions that the Copper Hand hideout is located in the Foreign Quarter. “You seem to have found yourself quite the adventure! The Sleepless Suns will, of course, assist you in any way that we can, though I do have one request of you.
“I’ll soon be meeting with the Low Council to negotiate Utterhome’s funding for the next year. I believe we’re doing excellent and vital work here, but outside of the occasional fiasco with drunk Pathfinder initiates, we haven’t had many cases as… ‘exciting’ as the one you’re working. It would greatly help our case if you could turn in any prisoners or evidence found in the Copper Hand hideout to my officers for processing. I would, of course, find a suitable way to reward you in the future.”
Dora listens and smiles as the Captain praises the group.
"We have indeed found our selves in the middle of an adventure. It is fascinating. We will take your request into consideration depending on what we find, although I fear we don't have the final say-so."
"So, have you heard much about this Copper Hand, that you can share?"
“I can’t say I’ve heard the name specifically before now, but the story’s as old as Absalom: people come here from all over the world, hoping for a fresh start and new opportunities—city guards and aspiring criminals alike. We’ve received several reports of theft along a particular street in our district occupied primarily by Vudrans. With your intel, we can confirm the exact location of the guild—and I would like nothing more than to see these thieves answer for their crimes.
“Whatever you do, don’t go flashing your badge or wearing your colors! I’d recommend a tactical, stealthy approach, especially since we have reason to believe the thieves might be holding a hostage. If the Copper Hand’s leader catches wind of you before you’re able to confront them, there’s no doubt they’ll escape along with their evidence.
“I’m afraid Utterhome is strapped for gold at the moment. I haven’t any detectives to spare. That, of course, could change in the future if your investigation is successful and you kindly share credit with the Sleepless Suns.”
After finding out which street had many reports of theft, Dora suggests they head out to prepare.
"I think this means a trip to the wardrobe. What do you think all? I'm sure we can all go for your basic market stall keepers and workers?"
"I really hope they don't notice I still haven't returned that dress." Dora whispers conspiratorially to Dani.
Dani claps her hands excitedly, "I had hoped we'd be returning so soon!" She rubs her hands together and then says, "So exciting. Okay. I can't wait. Can we perhaps have a stand that sells ale? Think Sarge would spring for buying a keg for, you know, work purposes only?"
She leans in and whispers to Dora, a hand in front of her mouth "I have mine too, it was good luck! They have so many, they probably haven't noticed!"
Once you have selected your disguises from the Wardrobe, you head to the hideout to check it out. The hideout is an unremarkable four‐story terrace house that sits squarely in the middle of a stretch of nearly identical buildings on the northern side of the perhaps ironically named Richmore Street. The building shares its side walls with the adjacent buildings to the east and west. Curtains obscure all the windows on the street side, and a single front door is the only entrance. Going down the street and looping around to the alleyway reveals another possibility: an open window just big enough to squeeze through that seems to lead to a kitchen.
"Let's watch this entrance for a while. See the comings and goings. Maybe take it in turns so not to draw too much attention?"
After some time of seeing your average vagrant coming and going, Dora suggests that they go to look through the side alley's window.
A grimy, grease-streaked window with rusty bars is propped open in the northern wall and serves as the only ventilation for this steamy kitchen. A thin stew filled with greasy chunks of unidentifiable meat simmers in the corner, unattended.
"I think I can do this. Just let me get my shoulders through..."
"Ugh! It's pretty tight. I think maybe if I..."
"Ah! Got it!"
Despite his heavy armor, Devon manages to squeeze through the window into the kitchen. He grunts before sliding the window open more to let you all in!
Peeking out of the kitchen, you can see the main room of the first floor. Flimsy wooden floor-to-ceiling partitions jut out of the dirt floor and give this decrepit gathering room an L shape. Thick hempen ropes are hooked to the room’s outermost walls and are tied off around vertical support beams. Bleary-eyed dockhands and street workers drape their torsos along the ropes to rest, their labor-worn bodies heavy with exhaustion.
Around the corner from the kitchen is a staircase leading up. It is out of sight from the main room, allowing you to surreptitiously head up to the second floor. You can hear voices coming from upstairs:
"Get this, Eurl. 'What this intrepid reporter saw beneath the Dreaming Palace would churn the stomach of any average citizen. It was nothing short of a murder dungeon!'"
"Ha! Get out of town! That's some wild stuff."
Dora stands back, raising her eyebrows as Devon is the one to volunteer to squeeze through the window.
"You're a lucky woman if he is that acrobatic in bed Dani." Dora whispers with a teasing grin on her face.
Dora squeezes in the window behind the rest of the group into the kitchen.
Upon hearing the voices, Dora taps on Jack's shoulder in front of her.
"We should keep listening."
You continue listening as the one man, Timos, reads aloud from the lurid editorial in the latest issue of Eyes on Absalom to his companion, Eurl. Both men seem to be engrossed in the tabloid's story and probably wouldn't be paying too much attention to anybody coming up the stairs.
Jack nods and gestures onwards befire leading the way up the stairs.
You head up the stairs to find the two guards relaxing on chairs on the second floor landing. They startle when they notice you, reaching for their weapons!
"Drat." Dora exclaims.
Dani's only response to Dora is nonverbal, but it's a telling wink and a smile.
She's not ready when they are discovered and moves too slow to react.
Jack strides forward to strike at the unprepared guards, unfortunately they're even slower than he expects and his swing misses.
The thief holding the newspaper seizes up as Dora temporarily paralyzes him. Devon and Jack miss the other one, who draws and poisons his blade before stabbing the softer target. Devon's intervention protects Jack somehat.
The Doctor makes a distinctly unimpressed noise as the man stabs him and strikes back before retreating to try and mitigate the effects.
Dora throws out a ball of electricity that jumps from thief to thief.