IC - An Assassins Ambition - Earn 500k gold.

[MCollarsen]

Chambers of a Stalker
A slight tap upon the door of your chambers, "Apologies for the disturbance Stalker." The soft voice is firm but respecting. "Thorn Korvus has summoned you and others, he instructs that you meet in the upper atrium." Soft foot steps recede down the hallway. The room is simple, stone walls with wood beam frames, a well built feather bed sized for two with a set of white silk sheets and grey woolen blankets. A heavy oak chest with glowing runes on the finely crafted steel lock sits at the foot of the bed, a ring of three keys laying atop it. A simple writing desk adorn with a dozen or sheets of parchment, an ink well and 2 quills. The back corner contains a set of several brass pipes, some bringing hot & cold water, while others are for hygienic uses, a basin lies between these pipes and the bed.

Upper Atrium
Wooden benches with pairs leafy plants adjacent . A table sits beneath a skylight, 8 chairs scattered around it perimeter, two occupied, one by a red robed gnome, a blood brother, the other is filled by a dwarf with a drape of a red beard and a mane of similarly colored hair. A set of iron earrings pierce his ears, and he has a rather disturbing grin as he beholds you, his hands keep checking the pile of scrolls before him.

Good afternoon my.....friends, hope you're all well rested. I've been instructed that you are now trusted enough to begin working for our long term clients. He pushes out a pile of scrolls, these jobs need to be accomplished in the next six months, I will give you 5 to complete them. His gaze lingers on each of you, a sneer forming as he finishes, "you're free to continue taking those lesser jobs, and accomplishing them however ya like, but these he waves his hands across the scrolls "disobey them and you'll have a contract written for you". He pushes back from the table, and sets his feet up, Any questions?

[Ripptor]

Having heard the news, Zephyrinque is glad she left her poisons brewing back in her chambers... This is my chance to start making REAL money! As long as these are REAL jobs, anyway... "Always good to see you in high spirits, friend! How has the harvest been, lately?" Zeph slips over the back of one chair and into it, landing heavily before leaning in to swipe up the closest rolling scroll. "So tell me, what are we looking at, here? Statements? 'Accidents'? We making some noise or were we never there? Little mix of both?" Zeph tilts her head and raises an eyebrow at the little man over his feet, watching the other peripherally for any interesting reactions...

Spoiler: OoC

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Listening, trying to get him talking, see what info we can get, and if there's any funny business going on...

Taking 10 on Sense Motive as a Move action for a Hunch, DC 20 to see if something is ... off. Is this a trap? Is he being generally dishonest?
Sense Motive 21; 23 if he's an Arcane magic user.

Plan:

Taking 10 on Sense Motive throughout this conversation, listening for any Bluffs...
Sense 21; 23 if the speaker is an Arcane magic user.

[samduke]

Walking over to the pile of scrolls, Dawn looking them over. Well then five months to do what you say needs done in six that is a challenge. Are we to work together on all of these or do you expect us to divide these up and resolve them singularly?

[Cygnia]

"I slept..." was all the Lady said in response to whether or not she was rested. Her ice blue mask was already in place, waiting for her turn to look over the scrolls. Zeph and Dawn had already asked a few important questions about the jobs. "How many targets and where are they situated?"

...may these be righteous kills deserving no mercy...

[NiKkatsu]

Haram arrives last - ever since the ritual of Bonding, he is in a constant state of pain, which forces him to adopt a rather slower pace of walking. Slightly hunched and limping, he is draped in a heavy cloak to hide his hideously deformed face. Somehow, he must have made a mistake in the ritual, because he seemed to be rejecting the skin...
Distracted, he sits around the table with the others.
'Hopefully, a contract worthy of my time... the Voice demands blood and I grow weary of waiting.'
Haram was hoping that indulging in the violent impulses of the Voice in his head may help him to better bond with his new skin... The Voice was always whispering to him and, sometimes, he felt like it was even trying to take over. But every time he did what it demanded, he felt like some of his pain was alleviated and the Voice receded for a short while.
There was still so much he didn't understand about his new self... Some days, he even wondered if he hadn't made a terrible mistake. He was promised power beyond mortal comprehension and, instead, he finds himself deformed and prone to a terrifying blood lust. Perhaps there was a reason why this ritual was declared so blasphemous by the Church of Golonar?

His thoughts came back to the matter at hand. Haram remained silent as he read the scrolls, awaiting for further instructions, already feeling a strange eagerness building up inside of him.

[Aegis013]

Vibax quietly takes account of the other assassins in the room as Thorn speaks, musing about this situation.

What circumstances could've pushed the guild into bringing this group together and handing off so many quality contracts to newer recruits?

"May I?" Vibax asks, not actually waiting for an answer as he picks up and unfurls one of the scrolls to investigate its contents. Perhaps its best to read the written materials before bothering someone of Thorn Korvus' station with questions to which the answers are already provided. Vibax thinks to himself.


Vibax absentmindedly and quietly mutters his thoughts without realization of his actions as he hears questions from his new allies, as if the part of his brain used for impulse control was totally consumed in the act of reading the contents of the scroll he picked up. His words aren't of sufficient volume to interrupt the flow of conversation, but are audible to those who care to listen.


To Zephyrinque's inquiry he says "Perhaps that information is on these scrolls."

To Dawn he responds "We can probably choose how to handle it as long as we successfully complete the contracts within the given time frame."

To Lady he retorts "Maybe the scrolls will answer that."

One eyebrow ascends Vibax's face at Haram's comment, but he doesn't respond out loud this time as there wasn't a question.
It sounded like these would be on a different level from the work I've had so far. Let's see what they say.


Vibax's primary focus at the moment is scouring these scrolls to determine what information is on them to help determine what questions are even worth asking.

[Ripptor]

Zephyr rolls her eyes at the oblivious teenager cutting her off... What is it with human males and interrupting women, even when they are a quarter of their age? Zeph cuts in before he can ruin the opportunity any further... "Is this your first big boy job? Sometimes the preferences of Stalkers are more important than the client's in the contract. It's important to know what your real client wants, youngling."

Spoiler: OoC

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Rude 19 y/o mansplaining to literally every woman in the room, hahaha

[MCollarsen]

Korvus chuckled, His eyes both leering and scornful as he surveys the women, before answering. His eyes flicker annoyed at Vibax's presumption, then in return to a stare towards Haram.

You've got 5 months, because the guild has 6 and if you muck it up we need cushion to accomplish the job. The exact manner of the jobs are listed in the scrolls... if relevant at all.

He lifted his legs from the table, returning them to the floor and standing. He walks around the table towards the door, raising his hand in nonchalance.

As for how you accomplish them, I don't care, but you'll be held responsible as a group. Though I recommend that you don't separate beyond pairs, remember if any of you is captured, you'll have 24 hrs. to escape or be rescued before the guild renounces & removes you.

He stops at the door, Blood brother Varl will supply you with any resources you require....for a price of course. As he leaves, "try not to screw it up, I'm not in the mood to clean up messes."

Spoiler: Scrolls

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Spoiler: Scroll 1

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Target - Ilyana Freise
Description - Female Elf, Honey Blonde
Occupation - Educator for Governor Golurnum's Children
Location - Governor Golurnum's Estate, Mournstead
Threat Capacity - Minor - Arcane & Divine casting 1st level
Guard Capacity - Significant - As a member of the Governor's staff, target is protected (though not specifically) by guard staff during all likely hours while located on the estate.
Restrictions - With the exception of target & estate guards (as necessary), no one onsite is to be harmed during the operation. Under no circumstances is the Governor Golurnum or his family to be harmed.
Payment - 6000 gp
Bonus - Retrieval of a silver amulet with emerald, and elven inscription. - Successful retrieval and delivery to guild representative - 3000 gp.

Spoiler: Scroll 2

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Target - Derrek the Bald
Description - Human Male, Bald, brown beard.
Occupation - Sellsword\Mercenary
Location - Mournstead, likely at an inn or tavern
Threat Capacity - If engaged significant, if caught unawares minor.
Guard Capacity - Nonexistant
Restrictions - Target is to be killed in public during daylight hours.
Payment - 6000 gp
Bonus - 2400 gp - if target grovels or begs for their life.

Spoiler: Scroll 3

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Target - Cedrik Fourfinger
Description - Halfling Male, Brunet, four fingers on right hand.
Occupation - Propriator of the Stone Pot Tavern
Location - Mournstead merchant & housing district
Threat Capacity - Significant - Target is leader of the Ants thief den.
Guard Capacity - Variable - Target's establishment is frequented by city guards and members of the Ants guild.
Restrictions - Target's corpse is to be brought to guild hall within 3 hrs of initial engagement.
Payment - 6000 gp
Bonus - Target's office in basement of establishment is den of a guild leader, any ledgers or contracts will be award 1000 gp per. Any hard assests are permitted salvage.

Spoiler: Scroll 4

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Target - Herska the Cyclops
Description - Half-Orc Female, Left eye blinded
Occupation - Bandit Raider
Location - Outpost between Kestalir & Augren
Threat Capacity - Unknown, expected to be Significant - Contract established by Governor of Kestalir
Guard Capacity - Unknown, expected to be minor to moderate - additional bandit forces expected.
Restrictions - Target's head is to be covertly mounted on a spike at the outpost.
Payment - 12,000 gp
Bonus - 500 gp for each additional bandit head covertly mounted on a spike at the outpost.

Spoiler: Scroll 5

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Target - Jorg the Blue
Description - Gnome Male, wears bright blue clothing when in public.
Occupation - Minstrel
Location - Kestalir - Frequents mid-high class taverns
Threat Capacity - Unknown
Guard Capacity - Minor - Target is usually surrounded by admirers who may or may not be combat capable.
Restrictions - No damage or casualties to others - barring significant personal safety.
Payment - 12,000 gp
Bonus - Target is removed discreetly. - 4000 gp

Spoiler: Scroll 6

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Target - Ilkar Skywing
Description - Raptoran Male, Yellow Leather
Occupation - Kestaliran Guard Captain
Location Kestalir - Southern Guard Tower
Threat Capacity - Significant, Combat Cleric
Guard Capacity - None to Significant - Target engages in aerial reconnaissance around the city, ambush will signficantly reduce chances for allied intervention
Restrictions - None
Payment - 10,000 gp
Bonus - Retrieval/Extraction of targets wings, coupled with delivery to the guild. 10,000 gp.

Spoiler: Scroll 7

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Target - Garam Ignarum
Description - Dwarf Male - Unknown appearance
Occupation - Unknown
Location - Kestalir, likely location - Slums & Sewers
Threat Capacity - Unknown
Guard Capacity - Unknown - Expected none
Restrictions - Target's corpse must be destroyed within 1 hour of death.
Payment - 8,000 gp
Bonus - Target is believed to carry a tome or spellbook of significant value. 8,000 gp

Spoiler: Scroll 8

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Target - Vera Freewind
Description - Half elf female - Unknown description - Target routinely dyes hair and changes clothing styles
Occupation - Sailor - First Mate
Location - Aboard the Gulf-Skipper - Ship location unknown - Typically traverses Jurdisport to Balisport.
Threat Capacity - Moderate
Guard Capacity - Moderate to significant - Crew often fights pirates and close shore sea monsters.
Restrictions - Ship and crew is to be spared in all ways possible barring direct interference.
Payment - 10,000 gp
Bonus - Target is secured to anchor and drowned. 5,000 gp.

Spoiler: Scroll 9

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Target - Pearl
Description - Female (race unknown)
Occupation - Prostitute
Location - Augren Brothel - The Jewelbox
Threat Capacity - Expected None
Guard Capacity - Moderate - brothel guards and capable patrons are likely to interfere.
Restrictions - Target is to be killed with piercing weapons only
Payment - 9,000 gp
Bonus - No bodily damage 9,000 gp.

Spoiler: Scroll 10

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Target - Lord Olim Ironheart
Description - Dwarf Male, Grey hair and beard
Occupation - Council Lord
Location - Augren
Threat Capacity - Significant
Guard Capacity - Significant
Restrictions - Only target and direct interferers can be harmed.
Payment - 20,000 gp
Bonus - Only Target is harmed. 10,000 gp.

[redfeline]

Dox puts down a scroll Tracking a sailor will be simple but time consuming. I suggest we travel to Jurdisport or Balisport and check the port records to see when the Gulf Skipper, Vera's ship, last traveled there to best predict her location. It may take a month or two for her to return to port, but in that time we could do a near by job and set and ambush for Vera. If we miss her shp it may be months before we have another reliable chance. She offers her scroll to any others that wish to read it. [Scroll 8]

[NiKkatsu]

Haram goes over a few scrolls before setting one down. When he talks, his voice is deep and raspy:
'4th scroll. Reads like there would be a bit more carnage. More to my... Tastes. Pays well, too. Anyone on board?'

Seemingly winded after these few sentences, the man tosses the scroll in the middle of the table for the others to take a look. They can hear him wheezing as he catches his breathe.

[Ripptor]

"Good point, Dox... Thankfully, I know that little boat. She usually passes through Kestalir every other month, so if we time it right we should be able to catch her land-bound. And hopefully rather drunk!" Zeph smiles at the blue woman, excited at the chance to run more jobs with her. Zeph bounces lightly as she reads through one scroll after another, checking the 4th after Haram piques interest. "Nice, a public service posting! Locals love it when you pop a bandit nest. I'm down to dance! Hells, we can all jump on that one, even if we split up Augren and Kestalir..." As to the rest... Having read through the rest, Zeph stretches before leaning in to make a plan with everyone. "Looks like the usual mix of scorned lovers, perverts, and power-grabs. We'll need some Unguent to store the body parts for travel, and I bet we'll get a platinum star if we can bring back the bed-roller's body in near perfect condition." Setting aside three of import, "We can take care of at these three in town before we leave, and check the port for the Gulf-Skipper or it's travel records. We can scout out, prep and I'd bet finish these by week's end, then head out for that bandit camp!" Zeph beams, excited for a good start. The worst of these will be the Capital's Council head... That's most likely the reason for the death threats, and the piece that Blood Orchid wants most. The rest are all window dressing... right?

[samduke]

Dawn reads through each of the scrolls carefully noting the restrictions and other small details.

Spoiler: mental notes

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Scroll 1 Target - Ilyana Freise - go in undercover as part of the staff get close to the target and eliminate her.
Bonus - Retrieval of a silver amulet with emerald, and elven inscription. - Successful retrieval and delivery to guild representative - 3000 gp.

Scroll 2 Target - Derrek the Bald = find the target at the bar hopefully drunk. buy the target drinks and then humiliate and eliminate
Bonus - 2400 gp - if target grovels or begs for their life.

Scroll 3 Target - Cedrik Fourfinger - go to the guild area and pretend to want to join to get close to the target follow target and wait for opportune time eliminate and transport
Bonus - Target's office in basement of establishment is den of a guild leader, any ledgers or contracts will be award 1000 gp per. Any hard assests are permitted salvage.

Scroll 4 Target - Herska the Cyclops - find target near Outpost between Kestalir & Augren, remove targets head intact and transport
Bonus - 500 gp for each additional bandit head covertly mounted on a spike at the outpost

Scroll 5 Target - Jorg the Blue - find target in Kestalir clothes should mark him lure target away from all others or follow target until able to eliminate discreetly
Bonus - Target is removed discreetly. - 4000 gp

Scroll 6 Target - Ilkar Skywing - Southern Guard Tower, Kestaliran Guard Captain, aerial reconnaissance - wait for the target to land and sleep then eliminate
Bonus - Retrieval/Extraction of targets wings, coupled with delivery to the guild. 10,000 gp.

Scroll 7 Target - Garam Ignarum - Kestalir Slums & Sewers, find and eliminate, corpse must be destroyed
Bonus - Target is believed to carry a tome or spellbook of significant value. 8,000 gp

Scroll 8 Target - Vera Freewind - First Mate of the Gulf-Skipper check ports Jurdisport to Balisport locate target and eliminate
Bonus - Target is secured to anchor and drowned. 5,000 gp.

Scroll 9 Target - Pearl - Prostitute, Augren Brothel, The Jewelbox, Infiltrate brothel as pearls customer and eliminate
Bonus - No bodily damage 9,000 gp.

Scroll 10 Target - Lord Olim Ironheart - Council Lord, Augren follow target wait for opportune time and eliminate
Bonus - Only Target is harmed. 10,000 gp

Well then, With ten targets and five months we should probably split these that are local up and scoll 8 might take some time to actually find them as they are on a ship I would suggest that other than the local targets that this be the next target as it could be difficult to locate. the rest short of scroll 10 should be able to be done in pairs.

[Cygnia]

The Lady noted with some curiosity how odd it seemed that a governor would offer a contract to assassins rather than with some mercenary group to deal with a bandit outpost. Still, to wet my blades gutting scum like that would be most promising... Profitable, too. It could help recharge the wand when needed.

"I admit some interest as well in that fourth scroll..." The barest trace of a smile crossed Lady Winterhawk's face. "...having a governor beholden to the Guild could be useful as well. I'm sure he would not want word spreading that he had to 'get help' from us to take care of bandits for him."

She paused.

"Though, the challenge of the second scroll is intriguing to me. Hearing a maggot beg is...exhilarating."

[NiKkatsu]

Haram let's out a strange hiss before speaking:
'The overly enthusiastic woman makes a good point: we can settle the hits here before moving out. Pearl or Cedric should be the easiest to find and dispose of, so I suggest we start there. As for preserving corpses, no problems. I can handle that easily with my magic, I just need to prepare the right prayers and a few copper pieces.'

Lastly, he nods approvingly at the Lady when she mentions hearing the maggot beg: 'You sound very... interesting', he adds.

[Aegis013]

Vibax's muttering seems to get under control as his curiosity is satiated by close examination of what information is provided on the scrolls. However, the satisfaction of knowing the the level of details on the scrolls is short-lived, and thus the teenager opens his mouth with what may be unearned confidence once more.

"While splitting off into pairs would allow us to complete the contracts more rapidly, I believe providence guided this particular group with this particular skill set together for this purpose. Each us will have important roles to play in each of these contracts. I think it's best if we take a quality over quantity approach and work together not just to do these jobs right, but to really show the guild what we've got."

Impassioned by his own words, he continues his attempt at a pep talk for a group of assassins of which he is the youngest. His speech entering a crescendo as he begins to gesture and gesticulate almost as if he was preaching.

"Let's show them who we are. That we're the best! By completing each of these contracts flawlessly! Together!"

Exhaling strongly and lowering his hands indicating he's done speaking, he looks around, interested to see the reaction that may have been elicited. Vibax's mind races as he observes the others in the room.

I'll need their skills if I wish to exalt Verebaz and continue gaining his favors. Our interests are aligned so maybe I can convince them with passion. After all, coercing them would be dangerous... they're all assassins. I'm pretty out of practice at this kind of persuasion, they'd better not laugh.

[Ripptor]

Zephyr laughs, caught up in the excitement herself. "Alright, then! I admit I'm looking forward to frequenting the Jewelbox again. An hour with Pearl, a vial of atramen body oil and a bottle of taxine-laced elven mead..." Zeph trails off into her own thoughts for a second. "But I agree that giving Derek his comeuppance is the most exciting game in town! I know this one and his tavern of choice, we can catch him at the Trough or in-between from the Hen's Coop." Zeph leans back to muse a bit. "A public execution means we need disguises or risk putting our faces out there... I can glamer myself, as long as we can get in and out before it runs out. We'll want to distract the guards while we break him, or perhaps break him first and drag him out for the encore? Maybe beg for an antidote?" Zeph dances her brows in thought.

Spoiler: OoC

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Plan:
I'm down to do Derek first, then the other two before heading out!

Zeph / Vibax / Lady all have Intimidate/Fear and Poison Use to take turns violently dosing him. That gives us a minute before he has to start making several secondary poison saves or (potentially) die... during which we can scare him into begging? Best case scenario, we can quickly beat him, scare him, and leave him to beg at our backs as we leave him to die in the street.

The hardest part may be in not killing him before he actually begs. Lady hits HARD with those weapons, and may Oops-Crit him dead!

We'll want a map of the route between the Tavern and the Inn, so we can plan a trap, escape routes, bottleneck guards... Zeph can turn Invis / Teleport via Shadow Hand to get away, drop her disguise and change clothes to 'fade out' afterwards. Not sure how everyone else handles public jobs?

[Cygnia]

The Lady's face creased into a thoughtful frown.

"Perhaps a toxin slipped into his drink or food that 'encourages' him to answer a call of nature into an alley." Having the kill happen outside gave better chance to escape cleaner. "Couple it with some sort of soporific that saps his will and or strength. Or a mild hallucinogenic to increase his susceptibility to fear. He doesn't need to know that he's not in danger of dying from that..."

A beat.

"Goad his manhood into duelling right then and there, toy with him, make him mewl like a blind pup...maybe even the guards think he deserved killing then." Tears and a gifted tongue could aid with that.

Spoiler: OOC

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The Lady might be a damage dealer -- but that's only if she really is in a position to take advantage of SA damage. One on one could be tough if she can't stack the deck in her favor. Since we need to assume that this target is also a lvl5 gestalt in some way, we gotta figure out what he could be capable of if things go pear-shaped.

[redfeline]

Dox listened to the thread of conversation. "Is a duel wise? We would need to obey standard laws: so the appearance of one on one combat and an appropriate weapon. He is listed as a reasonable threat to us if he is aware, and while I am confident in my ability to fight one on one I can not use my fangs in this case. Still if one of you stalkers is confident in your blade, and we can secure an unfair advantage for that person I'd be willing to risk it. Otherwise I suggest fear magic, an ambush, and a well crafted disguise."

[NiKkatsu]

Haram looks towards the excited youth, but mostly ignores him. He says:
'Fear, intimidation... yessss. I think I can handle that. While you scout, I shall take time to prepare the proper spells. If need be, I can handle a duel, too. I can even spread certain maladies that would give our target the shrieks, set his brain on fire or transform his insides to goo, if it comes to that... Pain is a tool I understand well. Once the scouting is complete, we should regroup and plan accordingly, what say you?'

[NiKkatsu]

After praying to his still mysterious demonic patron, Haram decides to set out towards the Trough. He steps inside and chooses to sit in a corner from where he can see the door and most of the tavern without attracting too much attention (OoC: that bench in the lower left corner). He orders an ale, some stew and bread and starts poring over an old tome he had borrowed from one of his fellow stalker's private collection.
After a few moments he finds himself having a hard time concentrating, as his thoughts are becoming confused, garbled, and the Voice is almost screaming for blood in his mind, the thrill of the kill starting to overcome them...
'Calm down' he thinks to themselves. 'The others aren't even here yet.'
Haram decided to arrive early because ever since the Bonding, he takes a sadistic pleasure in stalking his prey, in waiting for the perfect moment to strike... There is something almost jubilant in the anticipation of the kill. Perhaps it had something to do with the babau he had conjured for the ritual - and with whom he was now most likely sharing a body - since he found himself developing some of the demonic assassin's proclivities...
Focusing his mind again, a calm, cold and ageless patience takes hold of him. He knew the wait could be long - the others had devised some foolhardy plan to trick the idiot into getting himself drunk - but he thought these strange new allies could be trusted to accomplish their part of the job... so it would be well worth the wait in the end. Somewhere deep under Haram's heavy dark hood, a twisted smile adorned his ruined lips.

[Ripptor]

Zephyri waits outside the tavern in plainclothes and cloak, glancing up and down the street as if waiting for someone, then wistfully eyeing up the millinery displays. No additional guards yet... And no competition on the job that I can see. With the Bald confirmed inside, and the shift of the guard starting any minute now, it's just about game time. Zephyr sips slowly at her sweet hot tea, gently masking the taste of the Vodare as she feels it slowly start to warm her veins. Looking back at the Millinery, she wonders for a moment. Maybe I'll get something for Ethne before I leave town? It will be months before I come home this time... I know humans can struggle with that.

Spoiler: OoC

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Currently - Waiting outside, Alley between the Estate and the Jade Dragon, traveler's outfit (Non-descript) under hood of Travel Cloak. If asked, waiting for friends to check out new fashions in the millinery.

Plan:
Should be just before 3:30pm, with the afternoon changing of the guard. Keeping an eye out on the streets for guards / issues. If she sees Dawn and the target leave, she'll follow... otherwise she can be signaled from the either window out of the tavern, and can be there in a round and a half:

Readied action, on signal:
Swift: Invisibility for one turn
Standard: Disguise Self (As below)
Move: Across street to Tavern doors

From there, she'll change her clothing as a swift action and Move inside, with a Standard action available to help!

Disguise (once activated) - Human woman, brunette, in a Courtier's outfit (Influence other Courtiers/Nobility at no penalty) with enough jewelry to seem well-stationed.
Sipping tea with Vodare, for +2 Intimidate, -4 Bluff/Diplomacy. Mmm, Drugs!

[MCollarsen]

The clamor of the tavern seems magnified near the doors, but evens out once past the threshold. The bar along the back wall is packed with only a few open seats, the occupants engaged in conversation and mild drinking.

Music streams from a piano in the corner, atop which sit a pair of singers, adding syllable to note, the song a familiar one about the coming harvest.

Of the four tables, one is packed with what seems to be generations of a single family, their brilliant auburn hair distinguishing the old trait they share despite the age differences.

The adjacent table features a pair of men engaged in an arm-wrestling match, a youthful female spectator seemingly the object of such a contest.

Behind the crowded table a group of dwarven women seem to be engaging in a belching contest, much to the consternation of the eldest red head who is seated closest.

At third table 2 women likely mother and daughter by their shared blonde hair and facial features, sit while a boy glances towards a few doors with mounted deer heads, despite the noise a faint retching sound can be heard.

At the last table sits Derek the Bald with two brutish looking men, they quite possibly have orcish heritage.

Look I told Mandel last week. It's over. I'm done and out. Derek's voice cuts quite plainly thru the nearby noise, but obviously fades as adjacent tables take no notice. The pair at the table reply, though with their backs turned it's hard to make out their words, enhanced by the fact they are speaking goblin. Derek's face turns from decisiveness to anger, lip curling he pulls a Dwarven waraxe from where it hangs at his waist, and sets it on the table. "Are you sure you want to do that?" He leans forward slightly in the chair, one hand resting on the axe, but the other holds the mug where he'd have a good angle to pitch it at the pair. "I'd think carefully if'n I was you, what's more likely to survive, my reputation or your necks."

After a few tense moments the two figures stand, one of them dropping a handful of silver as he does. Both figures push their chairs in and turn towards the door.
They brush past leaving a distinct odor - of musk, sweat and dirt.

Damned ingrates - Lifting the mug to his mouth he downs the contents, but hollering - "Oi Sally. 'nother round here, quick as you can. After a short pause he adds, and you're welcome to join me now i'm done with my business.

You're supposed to crap in the privy not out here you lout. The response called by homely mid-age waitress with an overabundance of makeup, evokes a raucous laugh from the barman as he fills a mug with a stout dwarven brew, and passes it to her.

She brings the drink with unusual directness to Derek's table. Pay up! I told you they'd be by today. You Bitch he grumbles, reaching into his shirt pocket, he pulls out and flips a platinum piece to her. She catches it, and inspects it against the light then drops it down her blouse. And the drink? Derek gestures to the small pile of coins on the other side of the table. With a bit of a glare she sidles over, sweeping the lot into her hand then an apron pocket, then scurries towards another customer.

Derek returns his attention to the mug in front of him, "Lucky bitch".

Spoiler: OOC

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Listen check to hear what the pair said to Derek (only relevant if you can understand goblin)

[Cygnia]

Spoiler: On the Job

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At least in terms of hair -- she's wearing a traveler's cloak as well.

The long blonde wig felt itchy, but the Lady ignored it. Once she saved up enough funds she supposed one of those Hats of Disguise might be worth investing in (at least if she did more "subtle" jobs like these) but for now more mundane methods would have to do. At least it was another mask, though not the one she preferred. That was in the pouch under her cloak.

Would that I could just burn this pit down... The stink of the Trough clogged her nostrils as she entered the place. ...too many bodies...

Lady Winterhawk spied Haram in the corner but did not approach him. Instead, she made her way to the bar and quietly ordered an ale. Dawn was the one who wanted to be bait, but just in case the mercenary didn't rise to take it, she was ready to play back-up. Her eyes carefully scanned the room, dancing a little at the where the target was.

Already, she was disgusted by him.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

The Lady is here to either back-up Dawn or Haram or hinder the guards by playing the "emotional drunk" card. She's also ready to Intimidate any hapless NPCs in the room if they also try to interfere...

[Aegis013]

Vibax, disguised in rather plain traveling clothes, makes his way over to one the seats just vacated by the two individuals who were seated with the target.

Falling into the one of the chairs without hesitation Vibax leans forward placing his elbows onto the table and hands under his chin.

"You really handled whatever the situation was with those two well. I've been watching the room and I'm not sure you noticed, but I'm quite certain you caught the interest of some rather stunning ladies managing to clear that up without actually resorting to violence."

At this points Vibax leans back a bit, his hands begin moving about unconsciously as he speaks.

"Probably something about wanting to feel safe and protected. I'm Zaheed, by the way, and I'd be willing to help you out if any of them catch your fancy. After all, I don't think I've ever spent a night alone after successfully helping someone else find a partner or two to warm their bed for the night. What do you say?"

Vibax beams a smile from ear to ear, making it clear he's got the confidence of youth to go make a fool of himself in an effort to pick up women for the two of them.

Let's see if he's interested, or how much more working over he needs before he trusts me.

[redfeline]

Over hearing this Dox lets her eyes linger on the target long enough to get noticed and coyly turns away.

If he approaches I'll compliment him at being so strong he doesn't need to fight.


OOC:
(1d20+7)[10] edit: Forgot to say this is a bluff roll, it is the attempt to be caught peeking and then act coy.

[MCollarsen]

Derek the Bald looks surprised then slightly confused, however as he notices Dox's lingering gaze then watches as she turns away, his face lights with understanding and he turns back to the young lad in front of him.

I thought she was new.... look kid, she's attractive enough I'll give you that. But I don't need any help to getting a woman to bed or spread. Pausing his voice turns to slightly mocking. And I'm certainly not going to pay some wet-behind the ears welp for the privilege of screwing his pimped up sister.

He lifts his mug and takes a long pull. Lowering the mug he looks around at the various women scattered throughout the bar. I'm not inclined to pay women for something that they'll do naturally given half a chance. He tilts the mug back again and drains the contents. A few drops escape into his beard, the amber liquid evident at the muddy brown. He raises an arm and wipes his mouth.

Now then, returning his gaze to focus on Vibax - you can either be my friend, stay at this table and buy me another round, we can discuss possible purchase of other things, or you can sod off.

[samduke]

Dawn noticing the situation with Vibax & Derek wanders over to the bartender / waitress, Give me a bottle of your strongest stuff paying what ever price they ask, if they will let Dawn deliver it. -

Grabbing the bottle wandering around so as to come from the side of Darek & Vibax - A drink for the hardy and I would lay wager that you sir can not down that entire bottle in one swallow. laying down 5 GP on the table

[redfeline]

Dox turns her head away from the table but keeps listening. Oh he thinks I am a whore? Well this job just got to be more pleasant. She stays in her seat and makes polite conversation when it comes up.

[Aegis013]

Vibax laughs from his belly "My sister! Ha, that's rich. I'll consider it a compliment though. You know, she's not the only one that has their eye on you."

This could work. I guess I'll play along.

Vibax's hands gesture to Dawn as she approaches and proposes the wager "You said we could talk if I buy you another round, if you're up for her wager I'll sweeten the pot if you succeed. Or this will cover the wager, if you're not up to the challenge." digging into his cloak, Vibax places 5 more gold pieces onto the pile

"If you still want to keep going afterward, I'll buy you another round and we can discuss 'other business'. If you succeed though, you're probably leaving with a belly full of spirits, coin in your pocket, and a woman on your arm. After all, it's none of my concern what anyone does outside of working hours." Vibax's smile still beams as he shrugs to emphasize his last statement.

He leans forward a bit and more quietly adds "I know you don't need the help. I can see that just looking at you, sometimes though, it's nice to be pampered. Plus, once you've had a taste, you'll know it's worth every copper next time. Satisfaction guaranteed." Vibax leans back, placing his hands behind his head, the confidence of youth blinding him to any possibility this could go wrong.

"Since we're going to be friends, what's your name?"

[MCollarsen]

Name's Derek, some call me Derek the Bald....not sure why that's what I got known for but hell, its better than other options that would be deserved.

Looking at Dawn then at bottle and then the coin, Derek chuckled - Darling I doubt an ogre could down that in one swallow, if you'll change the wager to "session".... he looks back to Vibax, I'll let my new friend here cover my end.

Derek reaches across the table and grabs a discarded jigger, wiping it out on his shirt, then he pulls a knife and breaks the wax seal on the bottle, then pours himself a rim full drink. He raises it nods at Dawn's breasts' more than her, Cheer's. and tilts it back. He swallows giving a small cough. Oh man that's smoother than I'm used to.... he quickly pours a series of refills keeping the bottle in one hand the jigger in the other.

After 6 more consecutive drinks, he finally pauses. Looking at both Vibax and Dawn refills the jigger and makes an offering motion. That wassn't verry polite of me wass itt? Pleasse jjoin me, he looks at Dawn, It'sss your botttle after alll.