[3.5] Cardea's A Simple Task - IC

[Cardea]

OOC LINK (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9678970)
{table=head] Character name | Class | Alignment | Race | Player
Daron Ryuukishi (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=245645) | Limit Dragoon (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168962) | N(C) | Human | DMofDarkness
Casimir von Troublink (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=248685) | Beguiler | TN | Gnome | Fyrebyrd
Artorien| Cloistered Cleric | NG | Half-elf | abadguy
Carcer Brocktree (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=248797) | Barbarian | CN | Human | Tyrael
Otacustis (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=250840) | Psion| TN | Changeling| Maeglin_Dubh
Thomas de'Glyn (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=226275) | Swordsage | TN | Human | drakir_nosslin[/table]

They had given you a simple, wrapped package before shoving you into this wagon. They had said that you'd find what you needed currently in the package, and it would help you figure things out while you entered the city. They told you that, since you needed to blend in, that you'd be given a lump sum of gold, to be used on housing, and then you would need to figure out a way to contact them once you found a suitable place to stay. And they told you that you needed to lay low while you moved in.

Around the wagon is an odd look of people, all of which seem to be just as addled as you are. They have similar packages to yours, which all have a note of 'open and read quickly'. The rain outside is pouring, making the air freeze you to the bone. You had not said anything for the past two hours of the trip, either from being in shock that they asked you to do something so... drastic, or in fear of something worse than death. After all, you've heard stories. The City State of Sheis-ra has access to cruel methods of torture you've only read about.

So here is where you stand in life. Sent away from your homeland, on what you think is a suicide mission, which they call a 'Game Changer', and left with only with five other strangers and a 'package'. The wagon holds out the rain, but not the cold, and you are all wrapped in blankets that the driver provided. The package is made of a heavy paper, held together with heavy yarn.

[Tyrael]

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/5690/berserkv01c02p111.jpg

Carcer Brocktree sits with his back to the wall of the covered wagon, an enormous blade resting behind him next to a long spear. A belt of throwing knives crosses his chest and a morningstar hangs from his belt. A black breastplate and pauldrons armors his upper body, and a dagger sits at his belt. The man's face is haggard and suspicious, eyeing his fellow travelers with wary eyes as he balances the package on his lap.

"I hate rain," he grumbles to no one in particular.

[FyreByrd]

Casimir's naturally gregarious nature has been significantly dampened in the last few days. He glanced around once more at the rest of the people in the wagon, as they clutched their packages as if they were a life-line. The little gnome sighed deeply, how many times had he been in this situation before, how many times had a member of the Deintalla intelligence told him that he had been given "What he Needed", when what he really needed was to be left alone.

He glanced around again, he worked alone, less chance of a con going wrong if there were others around to foolishly get in the way of his patter.

He pulls a set of playing cards and begins shuffling them in many different ways
Sleight of Hand:[roll0]

As he shuffles he takes his eye off the cards for a second, and they burst from his hand, falling all over the wagon. He grins at everyone else, as he quickly picks them up, "Anyone for cards?" he asks innocently.

ooc:
Way to get my bad rolls out of the way quickly!

[abadguy]

{table]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/abadguy/Art.jpg| Close cropped black hair and neatly trimmed beard frames Artorien's features. He has the slightly pointed ears, typical of a half elf, with the strong jaw and cheeks of from his human parentage. He has none of the frailness from his elven blood, in fact, his frame is rather robust despite his bookish demeanour. Most of his clothing is of earthy tones, well worn and patched up by years on the road. A large quiver of arrows is slung onto his back, a sword and a rapier adorn his thighs. He grasps a sturdy-looking yew bow, the superb craftsmanship and intricate carvings are proof of the love and care poured into the making of the bow. A wooden holy symbol of Sehanine Moonbow on a leather thong adorns his neck, the only overt statement of Artorien's faith and profession. His fingers are ink stained and the look on his face is earnest. Artorien stares intently at the gnome. So small, yet so robust, he observes, almost like a ... friendly dwarf!He smiles at the gnome and politely declines his offer of a game and instead pulls out his journal and begins scribbling furiously, the mysterious package almost forgotten on top of his backpack.[/table]

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas de'Glyn

Sitting cross legged, back against the side of the wagon Thomas opens his eyes when the gnome says something about a game of cards. This adventure hasn't started as he thought. Not at all. When the young noble received the letter asking him personally to join the war he never thought that it would be like this. He wanted to fight honorable, to meet his opponents in the field of battle and prove his superiority there. Instead he had been sent away like this, undercover unable to talk about his assignment. But honor demanded that he gave all he had to ensure that the mission succeeded. And that included getting along with the rest of the group, no matter what kind of people they were.

Smiling, he looked at the gnome.
"Cards you say? Sure, what do we play?"
Thomas edges forward a bit, in order to be able to reach the middle of the wagon. He pulls the blanket closer around his body.
"I'm up for anything, as long as it takes the mind off this weather."

[Fable Wright]

Waking up from his light nap, Daron stares dully over at the group. He has mossy brown hair, blue eyes locked in a bored expression. He had a normal, somewhat generic, but somewhat handsome face, and an average body. He wasn't particularly stocky or thin, or particularly muscular or lean, but something in between. The way he carries himself, though, indicates great strength and stamina, and the dull-ish look in his eyes betray a great sorrow of some kind in his past. Slung around his back was a lance carved of a glossy black material, ominous and dark, with a sheen like that of oil on water all over it, making for an ominous sight. In his scabbard around his waist, he carries a short sword, and he has a pack slung against hit back. Resting next to him is a skullcap shaped like a dragon's head, and the glittering metal of his chain mail seems alive and moving, rippling like the scales on a snake. A long scar runs down his face over his right eye, starting just above his eyebrow and ending just under his chin. As he sees the cards, he gets up and moves over to the group. Deal me a hand, please. I need something to do on this trip. Looking around at the group, he says conversationally, Nice weather we're having, eh? We need a good storm every now and then. Often more than that. His eyes mist over as if recalling a memory, before refocusing on the individuals near him. Just curious, what do you all think is in the packages?

[FyreByrd]

Casimir deals the cards to those that wanted in, "A simple game," he comments, "Yet with many variables. Truth? Luck? Judgement? Belief? Bravery? Lies?" he smirks as he lays down his cards, "All are needed in this game, and in the wider one to follow I presume."

I'm thinking it's probably easiest not to play for money in the card game, it just gives us something to do while we are traveling, and can serve as a conversation starter. I'm not intending on saying, Casmir lays a pair of 3's or anything like that!

[Tyrael]

Carcer shrugs in response to Daron. "Why don't you open it and find out?"

[Fable Wright]

It would seem pretty greedy of me if I just started tearing into the package, and I don't care for bad first impressions. Secondly, they said that whatever was in these would give us what we needed- if it was a spell that was in there, possibly a glamer or a spell that could create objects, it would be pretty wasteful to open it now when I'm not in need of it's effects. It's quite possible that it's just identification forms for the city. I'm not saying that I want to open it right now- but I am curious to what might be inside. He says in response to Carcer, and then turning towards Casimir, he asks, So, what game did you have in mind? I'm fond of three-dragon ante myself, if you have a deck on you.

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

"Yes, the package is interesting and I hope that whatever's inside proves to be as useful as it is mysterious right now."
He says, and smiles. Picking up his cards, he looks first at Casimir and then at Daron.
"And three-dragon ante sounds good. It was a while since I played it, but I think that I remember the rules, otherwise you can just fill me in as we play. Who goes first?"

[abadguy]

Artorien, suddenly remembering the package, is slightly surprised no one has opened theirs yet. He keeps his journal and writing implements and begins opening his package.

[Cardea]

Arterion opens up the small package, and from it falls several platinum pieces, and inside it still, is a scroll, a piece of blank paper with a small vial of ink with a quill, some string, some rope, a lock and key, and, lastly, a small note.

Upon Inspection of the Note
The scroll contains one use of Sending, as prepared by some of our Arcanists. The paper is for keeping notes for yourself. The string is just because, as is the rope. The Lock and Key is provided because, hey, they get pricey. It's a fine quality, one of our best types. Stay safe. Tell no one. Keep your heads down.

Each of your squad mates has a similar package to this one.

A voice calls from the front of the wagon. "Thirty minutes in!"

[Fable Wright]

Daron shrugs. It's enough time to play a few hands. But at least now we know what's in the package. He opens up his own package, slips the coins into his pouch, and the rest of it into his backpack after he reads the slip. He sighs, and then takes off his chain shirt, revealing a dull brown traveler's robe, and drapes it over his lance. Taking his helmet and hanging it on the shirt by means of tiny hooks in the base of the skullcap, he tosses it somewhat reluctantly out the back of the wagon after giving a short, terse whistle. You hear a slight ripping noise, like that of a tearing parchment, but not the heavy weight you would expect of a chain shirt falling to the ground. As you look out the back, you don't see the equipment on the road, nor any indication that it had fallen. Sighing, Daron sits back in his place with the group, and picks up his cards.

[Maeglin_Dubh]

A man with middling-length brown hair and unremarkable facial features sits wrapped in a wool cloak dyed a drab, unmemorable brown. The very dimness of his appearance matches the dreadful weather.

Eyes closed, he runs through faces in his head. Faces of people he had seen, people he could become. He might need all of them for this job...

On hearing the noise of paper ripping, he allows his concentration to waver. He realizes he has been ignoring his own package in his preparations, something he should probably take into account as he chooses disguises. He slips out a dagger and cuts the strings carefully to see what it contains.

[FyreByrd]

Casimir distributes the cards, and looks at Daron, "You're up first!" he comments, a sly grin appearing on his features. While he awaits Daron's move, he quickly opens his package and groans, "Yet again they provide me with everything I don't need!" He sorts through, "Paper: already got!, Ink: already got!, Pen: Already got!, Rope: Already got!, At least, the lock and key and string might be useful."
He stows the lock, key, paper, ink, pen, and scroll in his backpack, and the string in a small belt pouch. He waves the rope around, "I've already got rope, and can't really carry anymore, so anyone want it?" He tosses it on the floor of the wagon. Then adjusting his rapier to sit more comfortably, he destroys the note by eating it.

ooc:
I assume that the packagae is exactly the same for all of us?

I also assume that the rope is hemp?

Exactly how many Platinum Pieces?

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

Thomas looks curiously at Casimir as the gnome swallows the last of his note.
"Huh, is that really necessary? I mean, I've never done anything like this before, never been in the war at all."
He looks down into his hand of cards, as if trying to hide behind them before continuing.
"So, well, what I mean is that I'm not really good at this stuff. I guess I'm here because I know quite a lot about Sheis-ra's nobles and stuff like that. And, hmm, I guess I got a lot to learn from all of you."
He nods at Casimir.
"I didn't bring anything like, well, like you. No rope and things like that. Didn't even expect us having to use such things."
As he continues to play, the young noble opens up his package as well, coils the rope and secures it to his belt with the lock. With the string he makes a simple necklace which he keeps the key on. The rest of the items he puts in various pockets on his person.
After looking one more time at Casimir he too eats his note.

[FyreByrd]

Casimir chuckles, "Well I'm by profession a spy," he said, "But by nature a con-artist. So all this seems fairly simple to me." He pauses and looks at his hand one more time.

Sleight of hand:[roll0]

He flips a card out of his sleeve, and it pings off Thomas' nose. Then he grins disarmingly, "Rule 1: Never believe everything you're told!" He winks at Thomas slyly. Then turns to address the rest of them, "Are we splitting up once we get to the city or do we stick together?"

[Fable Wright]

We should probably split up. Individual people are less suspicious going into a city than a large group. After we establish ourselves, we should be able to figure out a means of communication. If we wind up meeting each other at some point, we might be able to just talk about this stuff. I'll probably be at the blacksmith's forge, if you need me.

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

At Daron's suggestion that they split up into one man teams Thomas looks up and shakes his head.
"I'd rather go with someone, as I'm not very good at all this infiltration stuff. Besides, how much more suspicious will it be with two travelers arriving together? The roads are dangerous enough that people are scared enough to team up with complete strangers against bandits and deserters from the war."
The young man looks around, searching for support for his idea.
"Besides, if we're going to stay a longer period it's probably cheaper to buy a house instead of staying at an inn or renting a room, don't you think? I mean, if we're a few sharing the cost."
He shrugs, before looking down at his cards again.
"Maybe we should go through the gates in smaller teams, but meet up once inside?"

[Fable Wright]

Groups of people will inevitably draw interest. If we start meeting for no reason, other people might ask what we're talking about. No matter what our answer is, someone else will be interested and try to join. If we let them in, the purpose of the group is ruined. If we don't, they'll get suspicious, and we're in trouble. It's better to probably live alone and perhaps make regular contact with everyone else here, but forming a group may be a bad idea. And a group of people suddenly coming into a town and collaboratively buying a house? It's sure to raise at least some eyebrows.

[abadguy]

Artorien wonders if there was more to the package than meets the eye. String, rope, parchment, ink and quill, lock and key? He discreetly begins casting Detect Magic to see if the items had any sort of enchantment to them.

[FyreByrd]

"Well you'll probably find me on ahandy street corner" Casimir says with a wink, "Gotta practice my shuffling skills!"

He gathers up the cards, and replaces them in his pouch as he assumes they are close to the city now.

[Tyrael]

Carcer sighs. "So we all split up and join the army separately, then have occasional meetings?" he recaps and nods in agreement. "I can deal with that. Where/when will the first one be?"

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

As the rest of the group seems to agree on splitting up Thomas simply nods.
"If you all think this is indeed the wisest way, that's how we'll do it." He looks around, taking care to memorizing the faces of those who are infiltrating the city along with himself.
"We are going to need a way to contact each other. I for one have no knowledge of the arcane, so I suggest a sign of some sort. Maybe just a small symbol scribbled on a wall somewhere, meaning that we all meet at a specific place at the next Sunday? Simple, but hard to stumble upon by others."
The young man pulls the blanket closer around himself and continues.
"I am going to try to get closer to the court, probably as a servant or bodyguard. If we are splitting up, it might be wise to try to cover as many different areas of the city as possible. Each of us going to where they fit in the most."

[Cardea]

"You'll be startin' off in the Traveler's District! From there, the heads up want you to try and gain influence with the smaller towns! Minor tasks and the like!" The same voice shouts, from the head of the wagon. "Enterin' the city! Get yer' s**t packed and ready to go!"

OOC
There's approx. 8 platinum pieces in each package.

[Fable Wright]

We'll meet by the front gate after we get situated. Following this, let's arrange for, say, a weekly poker game. There, we can meet at each other's houses and pass messages all we want, and no one will think anything of it. In this way, we can collaborate. If others want to join in, we let them, but we stay after to clean up, or arrive early if they want to help. Thus, we blend in, and we have a good reason for meeting in someone's house every week. No suspicion, no problems, and we can collaborate. How's that sound to you?

[FyreByrd]

Casimir nods once at Daron's suggestion, "A weekly card game is a good excuse to meet. I would imagine that there will be a tavern near the gate, let us meet there in one week. I will arrive early, and lay some cards on the table. Once you all arrive, you can all ask to join my game, while we play, we can talk. Agreed?"

ooc:
So taking DMoD's suggestion and adding to it a little, I'm assuming as in most DnD cities that their is a tavern right next to the city gate!

Incidently, @Cardea can we get a map of the city, however basic?

[Cardea]

Walls. Through the narrow opening between the wagon covering and the back of the driver's seat, you can see a wall. High it rises, and in the darkness of the storm, you can see torches on top, being carried by countless guards. Closer you come to them, and they tower higher and higher above you. When they are so close you could reach out and touch them, you hear a gate, large and heavy, being raised. Up ahead, you can hear the Driver talking to some men, and after a slight disagreement, your wagon continues on. The next few minutes are spent in absolute silence.

The wagon stops, and the flaps to the back of the wagon fly open. A middle-aged man with one eye closed shut, a large stomach and a balding pattern atop his head greets you. "Alright boys, 'yer here." He jerks his thumb to a nearby building, a sign hanging overhead which shows a picture of a flying pig. Engraved letters spell out: 'Hogs Over Heels'. "Innkeeper is a friend of mine, and he'll house you 'fer free tonight, anytime after that you'll have to pay yerself." He stands aside from the wagon opening. "Welcome to Sheis-ra."

Map will come soon.
In the meantime, game on.

[FyreByrd]

"Ahhh, flying pigs, my favourite kind!" Casimir jokes as he steps down, and into the tavern, "A glass of something warm, and fun!" the little gnome calls out to the bartender, as he takes a table in the corner.

[abadguy]

Artorien joins the friendly dwarf-thing at table. He whisper nervously, "So, urm, what do you think happens next? I don't even know what to do! We were told so little."

[Fable Wright]

Daron, stepping out of the wagon, smirks to himself after seeing the name of the bar. Walking into the bar, he ables around, trying to get the general gist of the conversations around him, and to pick up on current events and whatever information he could gleam from the patrons of the bar, before sidling up to the innkeeper and asking where he could, perhaps, find a room to board in.
Listen check, if needed: [roll0]

[Cardea]

@DMoD
You hear some men huddled up near the back of the Inn talk.
"What do you think is going on? No one comes to that part of the country."
"Some people are saying some Goblins have popped up."
"But there haven't been signs of any camps nearby, I heard."
"That's what I heard too! Bu-"
"Quiet!" This voice interrupts the last. "We don't need to announce it to the Inn that our Family crops are disappearing."
The three voices sound young.

The Inn is filled tonight, save for a small booth near the bartender. Wenches walk about, avoiding grasping hands and staring eyes. There are some men in the middle of the Inn, dancing in a circle made of other tavern folk, watching the spectacle. You can see some swords-for-hire in the adjacent corner of the Inn, and you can see another group near the hearth of the room. A child comes to your table, looking at the three of you. "Do you have any coins you could spare me, sirs?"

OOC
Still needing a post from: Tyrael, Maeglin_Dubh, and drakir_nosslin.
For those that have, make a DC 14 Spot Check.

[Fable Wright]

[roll0]
Daron reaches into his belt pouch, and pulls out a couple of coppers, and deftly tossing them to the kid. After doing so, he readjusts the strap, while inconspicuously checking to make sure that the pouch was no lighter than it should be.

[abadguy]

Artorien smiles kindly at the child and gives the child one gold piece

Spot [roll0]

[FyreByrd]

Casimir smiles broadly as Artorien tosses a small fortune to the kid. "Welcome to the big city, Open eight till late." he murmers to himself, then raising his voice, "What do you want to do, this is the big city, there are hundreds of opportunities" he comments winking at Artorien. Casting around, he tries to get a sense of what's happening in the room.


Requested Spot Check:[roll0]

And a...

Listen:[roll1]
Gather infomation:[roll2]

just in case there is anything interesting going on.

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

The young man gathers up his few things, straps his sword to his side and jumps out of the wagon. A few moments later he steps inside the inn.
Stopping just inside the door, Thomas takes a moment to scan the crowd, looking for someone who looks like they belong amongst the nobles, a servant or guard of some sort.
Then he walks over to the booth that's empty and sits down, waiting for someone to come and take his order.

Spot:[roll0]
Knowledge; Nobility & Royalty [roll1] to try to identify anyone with a connection to a noble, by their clothes or manners.

[Tyrael]

Carcer strides inside and collapses onto a bar stool. "Scotch and fizz with ice," he mumbles to the barman. "Wagon driver outside said you could put me up for a night?"

[Cardea]

A Half-Orc looks at Carcer from across the bar, and nods. He waves over a Barmaid, and whispers something in her ear, and shortly after she disappears into the crowd. He hands Carcer a sheet of paper, and his drink. "Right. Here you are."

Note
Right. Didn't want to have anyone listen in to this talk, as well as you know, given what you have to try and accomplish. First off, I'm Jamison. Pleased to meet you. Second, I can put you up for the night, but you need to find a place to stay. Six some strangers staying in my Inn over and over for free is beyond shady. You will need to find some jobs. I know that there is some dock work, and there's all manner of things disturbing the peasants in the countryside. We can talk more, along with your squad mates, but for now just wait until everyone has gone to sleep, whether drunk on the floor or asleep in their beds.

[Tyrael]

Carcer scarcely glances at the paper before letting it casually fall into his belt pouch. He gives a noncommittal grunt as he sips his drink, letting his gaze rove over the other patrons.

[FyreByrd]

Casimir glances around, and decides to have a little fun before he goes to bed. He deftly slips one of his big fake rings onto his finger, and begins dealing his cards in seemingly aimless patterns on the table, pursing his lips together, he sucks on his tongue slightly, all the time looking around to see if anyone's taking any notice of him.


Spot Check:[roll0]

[Maeglin_Dubh]

Otacustis stepped from the wagon, wandering slowly into the bar. He had settled on the nondescript man with brown hair, which now hung in his eyes as he staggered slightly. He was still assimilating his mission, and adopting or preparing to adopt multiple identities always wore him out.

His first task was to get straight to a bed... He would eat in the morning, but now he needed to recharge. He made his way as well as he could to the bar.

""I was told I could rest here... All I'm needing is a rest..."

[Cardea]

@Maeglin_Dubh
The man behind the counter looks at you, and waves over one of the bar maids that are weaving through tonight's crowd. She takes you upstairs, and leads you to a small room, with a dresser, nightstand, table and bed. She informs you it costs five silver, and that your company will be talking with Mister Jamison tonight, and you should ask them about more information regarding your assignment when you wake up.

The evening winds down. People either leave the inn drunk, or go upstairs in a similar state of mind. The fire in the hearth in the middle of the room still burns, warming the room against the cold of the storm outside. One last bar maid is in the room, and she sits at an empty table closest to the hearth. The half-orc behind the counter leaves his position, and takes a seat at your table.

"Alright. Hello to you all. I'm Jamison, and the lady near the fire is Mordid. We've been acting as spies for the homeland for years now, so they had you come to us first. At first, I didn't think we'd see something like what you guys are going to try and achieve, but hey, anything's possible in this world, right? Right." He shifts his seating a bit, and pulls out a slip of paper with multiple address' written on it. As he talks, he points to different names on the list. "This here is a list of people who work as spies here as well. Some of them are in this quarter of the city, and some work in the Artisian tier, and two work in the Royal District. The man here will provide some maps of almost anything you need. The woman here is an importer, and can get things in and out of the city for you; weapons, armor, food, letters, lovers, people. Anything. And the couple that works here are wild game hunters. If you need to buy something found in the wild, they can probably track it down, if they haven't already."

Slip of Paper Address'
599 Gortleflin Street: Temple of Fharlanghn.
193 Deicra Street: Museum of Wondrous Worlds.
755 Belainey Road: Furs n' Things.

[Fable Wright]

Daron, looking at the address, is interested in some of the shops and locations. It's always important to know major sites within a city, but most importantly, what they're there for. He asks, So, what is the Museum of Wondrous Worlds? Also, speaking of museums, are there any major attractions within the city that we should be aware of (Like important smithies and other manufacturers, as well as palaces and museums)? Where, in general, is safe for travel without inspection by officials? Where do you think that we could find work without drawing attention or needing to show our papers? It' important to know this; we need to blend in. And the less we need to show our papers, the better it will be for all of us.

[abadguy]

"I wonder ... what ARE we trying to do? I know the general principles but not formal objectives have been set out." Artorien leans forward in his chair toward Jamison. "Perhaps you could give us a solid brief?"

[Cardea]

"It's just a museum. Showcases a bunch of stuffed creatures and misc. weapons from around the world. As for bleding in, you don't need to worry about it, in the lower tiers. The guards only come to inspect you if there's some sort of fight breaking loose, and even then, people know not to take too long to get away; something I hope you learn. I can get you passes and papers to get into the higher tiers, but that would take a couple of weeks, at best, a-" Jamison turns suddenly to Artorien, a look of confusion on his face. "You mean, no one told you? Who is running things these days? Did you even ask? Olidamarra on high!"

He stands up, paces back and forth, and sits back down. "You're supposed to help topple this place. This entire kingdom. This entire war has been dragging on far too long, and the homeland is sick of it. It's draining on resources, time.... lives. And they sent you guys in to try and topple it. There are other squads, so I'm told, in this city, but I have no idea who they are or what they're trying to do. The idea is that you're supposed to figure out a way to take it down. My recommendation would be to start making a name for yourselves, and see where that goes."

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

Thomas can't hide his grin any longer, his young mind racing with excitement. This is the real thing. I'm really here and it's war! Finding himself in a situation so far removed from the safety of his home the noble hides his fear behind a mask of courage.
"So what can you tell us about what is going on right now? How is the morale? What does the people here think about the war, and how strong is the support among the nobles? Where do you think it would be best to start? There is much we don't know and we need to learn fast if we're going to succeed."

[abadguy]

Artorien looks in confusion at his companions. He turns to Daron and says, "Make a name for ourselves? Here I was thinking we were supposed to be discreet. I suppose that would be an easier task, all things considered."

[Fable Wright]

Daron looks at Artorien. I don't agree with his statement. While it might be good to make names, once you do, the process isn't reversible. I say that we just lay low and collect some information for a while, before anything else. Possibly catch up on current events and viewpoints. However, after that, we might consider making some names here. Otherwise, we won't be able to get anywhere from here. We'll just keep living a peasant's life, though in a different country. If we want to advance the mission, we need to become important enough to get recognized. When we do, it will be easier to integrate ourselves into the political system, getting close to officials, or possibly even suggesting diplomacy as a way to get out of this war to the higher ups.All things considered, we should probably start sometime, after we get our papers and get ourselves used to the town. He turns to Jameson. You could probably help us with the current events part. What events have happened recently, or are still being referenced by the people here?

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

Thomas nods at Daron's words.
"Agreed, it might be dangerous to just show up from nowhere without knowing anything about the city and it's customs. If we are to succeed we need to learn how to blend in before we start to stand out." He looks at the rest of the group.
"As I said earlier, I'm no expert at this, but charging in blindly has gotten many warriors killed, and we need to survive to pull this off."

[Maeglin_Dubh]

Otacustis was straightening his tunic as he came down the staircase in the middle of Thomas' last sentence. "And I wouldn't even categorize all of us as warriors. Myself least of all." Finally looking comfortable in his new skin, the shapeshifter dragged a stool over and took a place at the table.

"My own preference is towards sabotage, which means we need to know what capabilities the locals have towards detection. If I use alchemical substances, can they find out who made them? Do they have people or creatures capable of detecting or identifying the sources of psionic or magical activity? The blinder these people are, the happier I'll be."

[abadguy]

"Hmmm..." Artorien tapped his chin. "Perhaps I should work on the more .. shall we say, religious side of things. Maybe the elves or half breeds like myself are feeling disenfranchised, I could do something with that." Delicious thoughts of raising a demagogue championing elven and half-elven rights floated about in his mind.

[Cardea]

"Events? Plenty. Aside from the constant drain on the farm lands and on the morale of the country, there have been disappearances in Tenith, a small village northeast of here. In the city, some of the gangs have been getting more and more aggressive. And there have been some murders in Benedict, small city far to the East." Jamison turns to Otacustis next. "Greetins', sleeper. The town guard has been pryin' the Arcane Order for some method of tracking down alchemy traces, but for now they can only work with the Bloodhounds; the Bounty Hunter group that moved in here a few years back."

He turns to Artorien, his eyebrow raised. "A holy man? Oh boy. Well, I'll tell you this: Don't preach without having some credit to yourself. Religion is a big thing here, and if you go about and start causing trouble, more than one of them are going to try and put you down. And not in a warning kind of way. And to be honest, you don't look like you'd be able to handle yourself alone in a fight."

[Fable Wright]

After a long silence, Daron decides that the conversation is pretty much over. He says to Jamison, Thank you for the advice. We shall keep this at the front of our minds here. However, it seems that this conversation is more or less at it's end. We must still rest for tomorrow. Thank you for your time. He rises, turning to the staircase leading up to the rooms, and departs for the one prepared for him.

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

Thomas rises as well along with Daron.
"It sounds like there are much going on here that we could use to our advantage, but that will have to wait until the morning to decide." He bows slightly towards the rest of those gathered around the table.
"God night. We can continue our discussion tomorrow, and perhaps decide on what to do in the near future."
Then the swordsman also disappears up the stairs, tired after a long day with new impressions and people.

[Cardea]

The night is uneventful, but some of you can't help but be nervous. And why wouldn't you? You're in enemy territory. There's no telling what will happen to you if you're ever found out. With allies you aren't fully aware of, and a mission that they continuously dodge around, some of you can't help but wonder if this is labeled a 'suicide' mission, merely for the fact that it's almost impossible to succeed. But sleep finds you eventually, wrapping you in it's warmth, and your mind drifts off in slumber...

Morning comes slowly.

OOC
Those of you who do not post within seven days will be kicked out.
I want this to get going.

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

The young warrior locks the door behind him, checking it numerous times before finally going to bed. Here, alone and without anyone to take strength from he finally realizes where he is and what he is about to do. If he would fall here no tales of his heroics will reach the people of his home. He will simply disappear, a nobody lying lifeless in the gutter as if he was a simple peasant.
It takes a long time before sleep finally finds him, and when it does it is with both hands grasped tight around the handle of his sword.

When the morning comes Thomas wakes with a start and is halfway out of bed with his weapon unsheathed before his confused mind realizes that there are no enemies present. In fact, he is all alone and the dream that woke him quickly fades away. He dresses slowly, trying to make sense of all that happened last night. Finally he descends the stairs into the common room, heading straight for the bar.
"Mornin' Jamison. I think I need a drink to get me going. Got anything strong?" He asks and slides a few gold coins over to the innkeeper.

[Fable Wright]

As the sun rises on a new day, Daron turns over and tries to continue sleeping, but to no avail. Grudgingly prising himself from his bed covers, he stands up, and feels... empty. And then he realizes that his companion is gone, and probably won't meet with him for a long time. Terror streaks through him at the thought of just living alone, working day after day, without the chance to meet his dragon, nor to do advance in rank, just staying in an enemy country, a spy, living the life he would live back home, but with the eminent threat of death over his head. Making up his mind to do something in this town, he heads downstairs and starts to wander about the town.

[abadguy]

Artorien rises sleepily. Just another day being an agent of sabotage eh? he thinks. After washing his face and dressing, he heads down to inn and sees Thomas there.

"Ho Thomas, I see you worse for wear despite the night's rest. What goes now?"

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

"Mornin' Artorien. It was a long night, I just need something to get me going. Guess I just miss home, that's all. Did you sleep well?" Thomas gestures for his comrade to sit down next to him.
"Take a seat. I guess that you're here for breakfast?"

[Maeglin_Dubh]

Otacustis lay awake for a long time, but eventually the weariness from his constant shapechanging caught up with him.

Hours later, he awoke to the sound of birds outside his shuttered window. Today he'd need to find somewhere new to live, it seemed. Start figuring out who was important, who needed killing, what sort of damage he could do when nobody was looking. The work of a saboteur.

After checking the mirror carefully to see that his face was still as it should be, he descended to the common room where a few of the other insurgents were starting to stir about.

"Good morning, you two. Have they said how much it is for breakfast?"

[Cardea]

Chapter One: Why We Bother


As you walk downstairs, you see Jamison cleaning out some glasses. He nods at Thomas as he comes down, and an amused smile comes on his face upon his request. "You sure about that? It's pretty early in the morning." He nods, acknowledging Artorien and Otacustis come down. "Breakfast? Depends on what you want, honestly. I can give you some basic stuff for free, or I can set you up with some nice fixings for the day for a couple of silver." He says, as he pulls an unlabeled bottle of red liquid from beneath the counter. He pours a small glass of it, and hands it to Thomas.

Daron
The section of the city you're in is quiet. The rain-slicked streets are slowly filling up with a few merchants with their stalls, and you see the odd patrol or two as you wander aimlessly through the streets. The sun comes up, and though the sky is ablaze with color, you seem to be the only one noticing. Times are tough, as they say.

Listen Check
Make the number of
DC 10
You hear much talk about trouble in one of the local farm towns, which provides one of the largest, steadiest supplies of bread to the city.
DC 15
You hear the information from '10', and you hear talk about an infestation of Dragonling Whelps on the West Bank River, far away from the city. It's messing with the fisherman who try and make a living there.
DC 20
You hear the information from '10' and '15', and you hear talk about a funeral procession wanting bodyguards to guard the hearse. The corpse in question belonged to a killer that was recently stopped went by the name of Crimson.

Thomas
Make a DC 5 Fort Save.
Success
It tastes like strawberries, with a bit of a kick.
Failure
Take a -1 Penalty to Listen and Spot checks for the next hour.

[Fable Wright]

Walking through the town and listening in on nearby conversations, Daron's ears prick up at the word "Dragon". He stops for a fraction of a second, and then realized that this was the best chance to get recognized was staring him in the face. Thinking quickly, he wanders back around to the tavern he came from. He could look for a cartographer in the town, but such a thing would make it clear that he was not from the area. Jamison would probably know where everything was, and he was more reliable. Taking a brief detour out of the town and into the nearby woods, he gives a short, quick whistle, calling his dragon to him. As is soars out of the trees, he starts relaying instructions to it in rapid dragonic. Dryic sia lance vur nakta coi krathin. Yth geou soon jaseve ihk vi niarhaanin persvek svabolen yth geou nishka ehtah wyrmlings. Nakta ekik di toma, and as his dragon flies off, he strolls back to the inn to relate his findings to the others.

Translation: Gather my lance and keep it ready. We will soon leave for a river in which we will shall find wyrmlings. Keep out of sight.

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

Thomas takes the glass and sniffs the liquor.
"To me it's more of a very late evening. Didn't get much sleep. It smells good at least."
The noble sips a little and nods approvingly as he recognizes the fresh taste of strawberries.
"Yea, nice. I really like the taste of this. What's it called?"
He quickly finishes the rest of the drink and slides the empty glass over to Jamison.
Ah, thanks for that! Anyway, I was planning on touring the city today, looking for some work. Maybe get in touch with someone who has need of a swordsman with a bit of etiquette and education. Got any suggestions?

[abadguy]

Artorien joins Thomas at the bar and also looks enquiringly at Jamison. "And I think I'll pursue the religion angle, see if I can scrounge up any subversive cults hereabouts. So direction would be good if you please, sir."

[Cardea]

Let's push this to Page Four. I will start looking for replacements.

"S'called June Bug. Imported from the Eastern Provinces." Jamison takes the glass, and motions towards the same bottle, motioning if Thomas wants another one. "And a Swordsman? Sounds like you'd find some light work just doing small tasks that require some violence. I suggest looking out towards the surrounding farm lands; they've been having a lot of trouble with some of the Tribals."

"And as for you, Holy Man," he says, turning to Artorien. "You could do some work just for the people around, if you wanted to be useful. The Churches do their best, but they can only do so much. Maybe heal some sick? Preach? Long as you don't charge and do good, you'd get a presence."

Behind the two of you, can hear some flapping of wings behind you.

[Maeglin_Dubh]

"Seeing as I don't know when I'll have a civilized meal again, I'll spring for a few silver for a good breakfast." Otacustis fished in his purse for a few coins, setting them down on the bar.

"I think it might be best if I wander a bit. I don't know that I want to ever reach the point where I'm recognizable..."
Otacustis looked thoughtful for a moment. "Not that I couldn't just change faces again..."

He turned to the priest. "Need a scribe for the day? The temples of a city tend to be in rather prosperous districts, the sort I need to make uncomfortable."

[abadguy]

Artorien looks behind him to see the source of the flapping wings.

((If it is nothing I need to react to or can dismiss, I will reply to Otacustis first))

"Sure why not, it would be good to have someone familiar along as we explore this unfamiliar city."

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

The swordsman covers his glass with his hand, indicating that he's had enough for the moment.
Tribals, eh? Do you know anything else about these troubles? And keep one of those bottles around, in case I get thirsty again.
He says with a smile before turning around, looking for the source of the new sound.

[Cardea]

DMoD
You're still travelling. Feel free to give some fluff while you're walking.
You can buy very basic things from the PHB at a price of 10% increase.


The three of you turn around, to see a small dark shape fall from flight down into a table, creating a small wreck. It struggles under a blanket, which it fails to pull off. Behind the counter, Jamison says quietly. "Shhh. Maybe someone's going after it."

[Fable Wright]

Still en route to the inn, thinking about what might be useful when fighting dragons, a thought comes to him. He didn't have anything to catch them with. Finding a small general shop, he stops inside for a couple of necessities...
Twine (Assuming it costs 1 sp for about 10 yards. Feel free to change it.), Rope, and 3 burlap sacks. I'm catching me some dragons!

Total cost: 1 gold, 5 silver, 4 copper.

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

As the thing crashes into the table, Thomas jumps up from his chair and turns quickly. Drawing his sword, the youth glances at Jamison.
"It? What do you mean? You know what this is?"

[Cardea]

[Inn]
"Shhh. Don't raise your voice." Jamison says, his face clearly showing concern. "It'll spook the Wyrmling, and I don't want my Inn on fire."

[DMOD]
You've arrived at the Inn.

[Fable Wright]

Daron, seeing everyone shushed up around a blanket in the corner of the room that looks like a small tornado hit it, pads over the the rest of them and whispers, Erm... what happened here? And why are you staring at that sack?

Move Silently: [roll0]+2

[abadguy]

"Some sorta dragon thing inside ...." replies Artorien, also in a whisper

[Maeglin_Dubh]

Otacustis sits silently, unmoving, watching the trapped reptile carefully.

[Fable Wright]

Daron trades forward, and then whispers to the sack, Ava'yorn, wyrmling. Si mi vi thurirl. Svabol ui douta ominak?

Hello, wyrmling. I am a friend. What is your name?

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

"Wait, what? That's a dragon?!"

Thomas whispers to Jamison, his voice on edge.

"Where the heck did it come from? Do you keep these things in your attic?

[Cardea]

"Shhhh." Jamison says, motioning to lower your town. Instantly, his eyes flare up as Daron goes forward to the creature. "What in the nine hells is he doing!?" He whisper-yells, through grated teeth. "You're not supposed to interact with them!"


Over with Daron, a voice rings out. It's small, and frail, but it seems to hide a malevolence. "Svi'kae no ikani sha'ieles."

Those Who Understand Draconic
"You should hide, stranger."

[Fable Wright]

Deciding that it would be best not to argue, Daron quickly ducks behind a nearby upturned table, picking up a handy knife off the ground, before once again whispering, Houpe de svabol?
Hide from what?

[abadguy]

Artorien blinks at Daron's actions and decides to follow. He ducks beside Daron and whispers "What is he saying to you?"

[Fable Wright]

To hide. I don't know why, or from what, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

[abadguy]

Artorien rubs his chin thoughtfully. True that! He draws his longsword.

[Maeglin_Dubh]

Taking a quick look around, Otacustis dashes back upstairs. If he's going to hide, he wants to be well away.

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

On hearing the dragon's warning, Thomas grows pale and he quickly leaps over the counter and takes cover behind it.

[Cardea]

Ah-hah! Found all my notes finally.


As you all get into position, the door to the Inn bursts open, the door itself almost forced off of it's hinges. Through come three or four soldiers, dressed in light battle gear; helmet, breastplate, combat boots and a spear. One of them, however, holds a pole-arm with a loop of rope at the end. They circle around the creature, making tiny jabs at it, while the soldier with the rope waits behind them.

Through the door walks a young woman, a girl, dressed in expensive looking clothing. It is a silver color, with red vine patterns on the edge. Her red hair is held up in braids. She runs up to one of the guards, the one holding the rope, and starts saying frantically. "Tir ti ouith jacion! Jaci ui sia thurirl!"

Through the door walks one more person. An older man with an angry look on his face. Or, at least, what you can make out; the upper half of his head is covered in a veil, though he seems to be seeing just fine. He looks over at Jamison. "E wehh azzuni mo omi laz touqlij tli hetthi omi."

To which Jamison replies: "Mo, zer. Wi jari mot."

"Gooj."

The guard with the rope brings it around the young wyrmling's head, looping it around it's neck. Instantly, the dragon is calmer, less fighting and snapping at the guards, and sitting down, eyes blank. The girl yelps and runs forward to the young thing, putting her arms around it. "Si mi bivai! Si mi bivai! Si mi bivai! tir ti zhaan mojka tenamalo!" She shouts.

Draconic
"Do not hurt him! He is my friend!"

"I am sorry! I am sorry! I am sorry! Please do not run away again!"
Orcish
"I assume no one has touched the creature."
"No, sir. We dare not."
"Good."

[abadguy]

"Hrrmm ... this should be interesting. I wonder why a wyrmling would get the authorities all up in a tizzy." He memorises the girl's face.

[Fable Wright]

Daron, just noticing the odd coloration of the wyrmling, asks the mysterious young lady, Ma'am, what kind of dragon is that? I've never seen one like it before...

[drakir_nosslin]

Thomas

As the dragon is once again brought under control, Thomas jumps back over the counter and takes a long, good look at the newcomers.

Know: Nobility and Royalty: [roll0]. Does Thomas recognize the patterns on the woman's dress, or any emblems on the shield/armor of the soldiers?

[Cardea]

Upon the sudden appearance of the three older men, the girl runs behind the older man. She peaks out from behind his robes, while squeaking out: "Usk."

The older man looks to Jamison, an expression of anger on his face. "Wlat ez tli niamemg of tlez, Danezom? Jo you niam to larn uz? Ari tlizi your zohjeirz?" He produces a small stick, bristling with flecks of iron from the trip. He points it at Jamison, his eyes turning red.

Jamison yells in return, his hands waving in frantic motions. "MO! Mo! Mo zuql tlemg! Tlizi ari travihirz wlo jo mot kmow tli qety!" He looks at the three of you, shouting. "Put your hands down, and don't make the situation any worse than it already is!"

Thomas
The Guards, the Young Lady and the Old Man wear patterns belonging to one of the Noble Families of the City, that work closest to the King. One of eight, to be precise, belonging to the Irral Schakri family. Their family crest bears patterns of purple leaves, vines, trees and a Dragon that looks like the one the girl has with her.

The other seven houses each have their own crest and creature, but you can't recall them at the moment.
Orcish
"What is the meaning of this, Jamison? Do you mean to harm us?"
"NO! No! No such thing! These are travelers who do not know the city!"
Draconic
"Iron."

[Maeglin_Dubh]

Otacustis listens carefully at his door, trying to pick up as many fragments of the conversation as possible from up the staircase.

[roll0] Listen

[Cardea]

Otacustis
OOC
NOPE. YOU DON'T HEAR A THING.

You can hear mumbled shouting, but nothing more.

[Fable Wright]

Daron, never one too keen for combat, dropped to his knees and laced his fingers behind his head, silently thanking himself for having given all iron items on his possession to his Dragon.