"A pleasure to meet you both. I am but new come to the city and as your canny Halfling has surmised in service to the purifier. I have come to lend aid to Sir Silvon and the city." He turns to Carter. "Please let Sir Silvon know that I arrived without incident," and then back to Custodio. "And sir if you'll permit me, I would like to accompany you to the undercity. If you are trying to get ahead of this sorcerer then that is where I wish to be as well." He give an airy wave. "Alas, as I am new to the city I can share little news of the temple other than to say you have been missed."
"It's your charm that has enchanted him, I'm sure," Tuck jokes, winking at Relgar - which appears as nothing more than blinking with the one eye that is visible from the side due to the draconic shape of the kobold's head.
"Let's return to the others for our findings, then," the little urban ranger says to his companions. "And bring them along, because as Jam pointed out, I don't want to face that shambling troll-ogre with just the three of us."
Grinning at the minstrel, Tuck says, "Thanks again, my friend. How much for the drinks and the conversation?"
"The conversation is always free for you, Tuck," Jam says with a wink. "Normally, sixteen silvers for the three drinks, but for you and your friends, only twelve."
"If you tell it, I'll write it down and create a song for it," Jam toasts Akos with his third cup of of the Buzz brew liquid."
After leaving The Bard's, it doesn't take long for the trio of adventurers to make their way out of the Coach & Six Market and back to the steam-powered elevators in the Undercity's Cavern Harbor. There is only a short wait to get on one of the massive lifts, which carries them back up to the streets of New City.
Once in the wide, nearly-deserted streets of that district does Tuck's senses go off. It seems the three adventurers have picked up a tail. Two lithe, shadowy figures stalk them while trying to stay out of sight. The urban ranger easily spots them, but he cannot see their features. The two sneaks are wearing deep cloaks with the hoods up. They seem intent on following the group. What could be their intent?
OOC:
I rolled a spot check for both Akos and Tuck. Tuck sees them but Akos doesn't. Relgar is not looking for someone following him.
Tim bows, and says, "I am pleased and honored to meet you, I am new here in town, so you'll probably hear me saying that quite a bit, but it is true, nevertheless. I guess you could say that I am working for Commander Oakfirst, although I am not exactly a mercenary. I am a knight, and a soldier, and since I am so far from my homeland, I have had to find some sort of gainful employment, serving a just and benevolent cause; and at the moment, that cause involves finding this renegade sorcerer, and putting an end to his conniving and treachery."
"A pleasure to meet you both. I am but new come to the city and as your canny Halfling has surmised in service to the purifier. I have come to lend aid to Sir Silvon and the city." He turns to Carter. "Please let Sir Silvon know that I arrived without incident," and then back to Custodio. "And sir if you'll permit me, I would like to accompany you to the undercity. If you are trying to get ahead of this sorcerer then that is where I wish to be as well." He give an airy wave. "Alas, as I am new to the city I can share little news of the temple other than to say you have been missed."
"I will do as you ask," Carter replies with a simple bow.
"If you want to come with us, I won't stop you. We can use all the help we can get," Custodio replies. "Let's get going."
The three men step out into the hustle and bustle of Old City and make their way to the gate that leads out of the district and onto the road that leads to New City. The crowds have grown congested and the district is in full swing. It would be hard to navigate through the throng if Big Tim wasn't so, imposing. Even the haughtiest of the nobles step back as the big mn moves through the crowd. He keeps a careful watch out for trouble but doesn't see anything or anyone that might threaten them. Custodio walks alongside him with Breva watching their backs.
Only minutes from the gate, does Breva see them. Two men in cloaks that have been trailing them since the last corner they turned. Who are they? Were they waiting for his companions just outside the manor? There intent seems clear although they don't move in to attack. Could these be the villains causing so much trouble? Breva cannot tell how well armed or armored they are under those cloaks but the two men look bulky.
OOC:
I rolled a spot check for both Breva and Tim. Breva sees them but Tim doesn't. Custodio has his eyes forward, so he doesn't see them.
"Thank you for your generosity, Jam. A pleasure, as always," Tuck says to the bard as he produces one gold coin and two silvers from his pouch and leaves them on the table.
As they make their way up to New City, the kobold keeps talking to his companions conversationally.
"I like that Jam. He's a friendly fellow. Don't look, but we're being followed by two cloaked figures. Do you guys want to confront them, or do we try to shake them? I know a few shortcuts around here."
His tone never changes during his chat, but very carefully the kobold moves one hand to his crossbow while the other hand gently pats Mutt on his large back.
OOC:
I'm fine with either fighting or running. We (Tuck, Akos and Relgar) are short on melee, though; it's a kobold urban ranger, a human wizard/paragon, and a human cloistered cleric/warlock. Plenty of firepower from afar, but up close, less so.
Diplomacy and/or intimidation. Akos would confront them with charm and similar efects, not threat of violence
Akos nods and smiles at Tuck. "Friendly indeed. As for our other friends, it is probably better just to watch them. Now that we know they are there better not to lose them. I could persuade them to stop, but that way we don't know and cannot find out anything."
Akos nods at Tuck as if some decision has been reached (as indeed it has) and strides forward with some purpose. When Tuck indicates the place he motions for the rest of the group to stand aside (just in case) and stands looking back toward the shadowers.
As they near, he focuses on the one that seems dominant or simply the leading one and smiles. He approaches with his arms wide as his smile, staff held unthreateningly in one.
"Friends! Instead of following us around, what say you we sit down over a mug of your favorite poison..." he pauses "...not literally of course, and we talk about what you want to know? We will tell you where we're going and why. And you can tell us why is that fact so interesting. Come! Tuck, there must be a tavern here somewhere."
The lure of the fey is such that even if hadn't used magic, the effect is almost magical. Even the people he's not focusing on stop what they're doing and wish they're friends with the strange man.
Using his Charm person as spell-like ability (no somatic, no verbal ) on the leading follower - if he can see they are tiefling/aasimar/other non-charmable ignore this - as long as at least one is humanoid, use charm
Breva keeps walking as if nothing is amiss, but he says softly to the men with him, "Two fellows in cloaks seem to be interested in us. Can't see how well armed or armored they are, but there is some bulk under the cloaks." He shurgs, "should we be worried or do you usually have an escort?" Though he tries to act natural, he can't help but check his sword once.
Tim, who was letting his shield hang loosely on his arm, grabs the grip-strap, and casually tenses his arm, bringing Rizvan's shield to the proper "display" position. He does not yet reach for his sword. As they continue to walk, Tim says, "I am the escort. Those two are an unknown quantity. Be prepared to fight, but don't make a move until they do. Let's alter our route, and stroll towards a quiet alleyway, and see if they follow us. If they do, then we know they're up to no good. And we'll have a nice, secluded place in which to deal with them. We don't want any bystanders getting hurt."
"Thank you for your generosity, Jam. A pleasure, as always," Tuck says to the bard as he produces one gold coin and two silvers from his pouch and leaves them on the table.
As they make their way up to New City, the kobold keeps talking to his companions conversationally.
"I like that Jam. He's a friendly fellow. Don't look, but we're being followed by two cloaked figures. Do you guys want to confront them, or do we try to shake them? I know a few shortcuts around here."
His tone never changes during his chat, but very carefully the kobold moves one hand to his crossbow while the other hand gently pats Mutt on his large back.
OOC:
I'm fine with either fighting or running. We (Tuck, Akos and Relgar) are short on melee, though; it's a kobold urban ranger, a human wizard/paragon, and a human cloistered cleric/warlock. Plenty of firepower from afar, but up close, less so.
Diplomacy and/or intimidation. Akos would confront them with charm and similar efects, not threat of violence
Akos nods and smiles at Tuck. "Friendly indeed. As for our other friends, it is probably better just to watch them. Now that we know they are there better not to lose them. I could persuade them to stop, but that way we don't know and cannot find out anything."
Relgar seems lost in his own thoughts yet his eyes do flicker towards Tuck went the kobold mentions his name. He is aware of his companions but his absentee mind means he won't give them away to those following Akos, Tuck and himself.
Akos nods at Tuck as if some decision has been reached (as indeed it has) and strides forward with some purpose. When Tuck indicates the place he motions for the rest of the group to stand aside (just in case) and stands looking back toward the shadowers.
Witch Falcon Square behind them, the trio heads along the wide avenue of Dragontooth Walk. At the avenue turns to the right, Tuck leads his allies to an old two-story inn that looks quite cozy if not a bit underwhelming. The sign has a picture of a bow being drawn by an elf figure with the name Silverbow underneath it. Stepping through the door, the trio find themselves in a large common room. Tuck can see that Thorkell is working behind the bar while Katla serves a medium crowd, which is gathered primarily around the two fireplaces at either end of the inn. Tuck knows that the owners are likely around somewhere. The clanging of cooking can clearly be heard coming from the kitchen in the back. All the private rooms seem full as well.
The table closest to the bar is free as is the large table that seats six by the stairs that Tuck knows lead to the second floor of the Silverbow Inn. The trio take the table near the bar and wait for their shadows to enter.
The barman asks loudly, "I hope you're here to drink and eat. eh?"
Before Tuck can respond, the two sneaks enter the inn. They quickly spot Akos, Relgar, and Tuck. Relgar has his head down in his calculations while Tuck looks at Thorkell while keeping one eye on the door. Akos tries to be nonchalant. The two sneaks sit down at the table for six across the inn. They move carefully and with a deadly grace. The taller of the two is a woman while her shorter companion is a wiry man with a huge nose. Both sit with their backs to the stairs and their eyes trained squarely on the trio of adventurers.
"What will you have?" Katla asks them. The woman answers her quietly without glancing at her. The malice in her eyes is unmistakable as she looks right at Relgar. The man tries to keep his eyes down and shifts uncomfortably in his chair. His eyes dart to the door and then back to Tuck and the others. SILVERBOW INN
As they near, he focuses on the one that seems dominant or simply the leading one and smiles. He approaches with his arms wide as his smile, staff held unthreateningly in one.
"Friends! Instead of following us around, what say you we sit down over a mug of your favorite poison..." he pauses "...not literally of course, and we talk about what you want to know? We will tell you where we're going and why. And you can tell us why is that fact so interesting. Come! Tuck, there must be a tavern here somewhere."
The lure of the fey is such that even if hadn't used magic, the effect is almost magical. Even the people he's not focusing on stop what they're doing and wish they're friends with the strange man.
Using his Charm person as spell-like ability (no somatic, no verbal ) on the leading follower - if he can see they are tiefling/aasimar/other non-charmable ignore this - as long as at least one is humanoid, use charm
Akos isn't sure if it is his words or his magic, but the woman's eyes flicker in amusement and she pulls back her hood to reveal a beautiful face, pale skin, and long red hair. She motion for the Loremaster to sit. Her companion is slack-jawed. He glances around Akos at the others and then shrugs. He pulls off his hood but keeps one eye on the door. His features are grotesque to say the least. He has no hair and his face is bumpy.
"My master didn't tell me I'd be dealing with someone so well spoken," she says. "If your kobold friend wishes to join us, I would be fine with that. But I'd rather not have him sit here." She points at Relgar. "He is a troublemker." Her eyes flash at Akos. "Are you a troublemaker too, hmm?"
"Teresa, what are you doing? You say too much." The man's throat whistles as he speaks. "Yes, we might be able to negotiate with them but don't get weird on me."
"Quiet Shylock!" She snaps at him. "I'm in command here! Go tell the crew to find the others!"
"But-"
"Do as I say."
He sighs and gets up to head out of the inn.
"Now, where were we?" Teresa coos at Akos. She gives Katla a dirty look as the woman brings the woman her drink and Shylock's.
Breva keeps walking as if nothing is amiss, but he says softly to the men with him, "Two fellows in cloaks seem to be interested in us. Can't see how well armed or armored they are, but there is some bulk under the cloaks." He shurgs, "should we be worried or do you usually have an escort?" Though he tries to act natural, he can't help but check his sword once.
Tim, who was letting his shield hang loosely on his arm, grabs the grip-strap, and casually tenses his arm, bringing Rizvan's shield to the proper "display" position. He does not yet reach for his sword. As they continue to walk, Tim says, "I am the escort. Those two are an unknown quantity. Be prepared to fight, but don't make a move until they do. Let's alter our route, and stroll towards a quiet alleyway, and see if they follow us. If they do, then we know they're up to no good. And we'll have a nice, secluded place in which to deal with them. We don't want any bystanders getting hurt."
"We should be cautious," Custodio adds. "I could signal for the guards, but since I'm not one of them right now, they just might try to arrest us all and sort it out later."
The three adventurers weave through the crowds with Tim leading the way. It doesn't take long to find an isolated alleyway near Bluffside old theater, which out in the middle of a large square. Due to the recent murders in the district, the Theater on the Bluff hasn't seen a lot of activity lately. Its doors are shuttered and the usual throng of onlookers at the jugglers that would be performing outside the theater are no where in sight. Still, the square is active with the crowds of young nobles going about their day and the customers of high-price merchants selling their wares. A handful of guards patrol the square but pay the trio no mind and don't notice the men following the adventurers.
The alley is long and sits against one of the district's interior walls. Several escape routes keep the three adventurers from being boxed in by the men. At first, they don't appear. As you loiter behind the corner a three-story shop that is closed, the two men appear together from the opposite side of the building. They see you waiting for them. One of them curses but they don't run. Instead, they shake off their cloaks and draw their longswords. Each one wears a full suit of chainmail with a spiked gauntlet on their off-hands and a dagger at their belt. Their armor is cover in black tabards with a sigil mark on it.
"Surrender or die," the curser growls. "We will not give you another chance to live!"
"Crap," Custodio spits on the ground. "More of Waldo's damn Loyalists."
"Do not call him that!" The other shouts. It seems like Phelix and his cronies have heard about the Renegade's new nickname.
Outside the Theater on the Bluff:
Vinccenzo d'Lucio can't believe his luck. As a menber of the Sectarian Guard, he has been favored in the Wizard District. Yet, one mistake and he ends up pulling guard duty in Old City. The assignment is terrible and the Bluffside Regulars can't stand him. Walking the perimeter, he notes three men heading towards an older section of the district. One of them is very tall and decked out like a noble. The other looks like a priest while the third is dressed all in black. They don't seem to out of place but someone is following them.
Two men in hoods and cloaks follow them down the street. The trio goes one way. The two in cloaks stop and then walk around the other side of the building. Soon all five of the men are out of sight.
What to do? Vinccenzo's not being paid to break up fights, only guard the theater. That's for the other guards to do but they're no where in sight.
) on the leading follower - if he can see they are tiefling/aasimar/other non-charmable ignore this - as long as at least one is humanoid, use charm
