Phaeton's Falcons

[ethandrew]

ooc:Some drunk jackarse hit me in the head with a beer bottle last night while I was at a charity fundraiser. I haven't been in a fistfight in 20 years. Some dude clocks me, so I clocked him back and his four friends jump me and one of them filleted my forehead with a Corona. It was broken up pretty quickly, but man do head wounds bleed! One trip to the emergency room later, I've got 12 stitches in my head and a pair of broken glasses. I'm sitting here typing in my sunglasses and my wife is laughing at me. The pain meds are starting to kick in so I'm sure I'm rambling.

Point of this post: I'll be slow responding until at least tonight when I've got some new glasses. Cheers.

Must've been a pretty good fundraiser! I would've donated money to see that happen, and it's a good thing your wife is so supportive!

But take your time, there's no rush! Just make sure you're tip top!

 

[Craw Hammerfist]

OOC: Does Ickle know of any guilds operating in the area?

[sblock=Ickle's knowledge]He knows that there are several small time gangs in Arabel but no guild. Ickle also knows that a higher percentage of the "contract" work in Arabel is paid for by foreigners than one would expect in Suzail or Marsember (the other big cities in Cormyr). Zhentil Agents and Thayyans are the usual culprits.[/sblock]

 

[Craw Hammerfist]

"This is all well, and good, and I'm sure we can nab these scoundrels, but whats in it for us"?

"I don't work for free. In my experience while some of you snoop around gathering what information you can, maybe I could stake out the warehouse, and note any suspicious going on's".

Phaeton takes on a mildly offended manner.
"You mean you are not volunteering for service to the crown? Icklebad Moffet, where is your sense of patriotism?

With a rueful snort he continues:I jest, of course. Even the gaolers get paid and they do little useful besides feed the condemned awaiting execution. Besides the accomodations already provided, there will be one fifth salvage fees associated with the recovery of the stolen goods. My goods alone are worth more than 20,000 crowns. Depending on how quickly they are fencing the goods, there may be five times that in the warehouse from other raids. So, depending on what is recovered, as much as 3000 crowns for each of you. I trust that is worth some risk, no?"

 

[scranford]

Icklebad Moffet - Gnome Rogue

Ickle carefully counting what he could buy with that kind of money smiles inwardly. "I have a feeling that once I'm through with this assignment, I might feel a bit more patriotic". "I'm in".

 

[Craw Hammerfist]

"What about numbers?" he eventually says. "Of the thieves, I mean. Are there any reports about what kind of, or how much, resistance to expect? Any idea how many attackers have been raiding the caravans?"

Phaeton nods to Roland. "The first two caravans simply disappeared, so we can assume they were completely overwhelmed. Both were very small caravans. Once word got back that they had gone missing, later caravans were significantly larger and better guarded. Some time passed before another raid. The raiders were a force of hobgoblins more than 50 strong. The attack was beaten back but not without the loss of a half dozen wagons of the thirty wagon caravan. Had it not been for the inclusion of a veteran war wizard in that caravan, it would likely have been totally lost, as well.

The fact that a wizard was accompanying the caravan was kept in secret from everyone but the caravan master himself. The raiders' attack was well planned to deal with the other forces guarding the caravan. Obviously, the raiders are getting detailed information from several sources.

As to the occupants of the warehouse, so far the only people we have seen have been humans. Never more than three of them at one time have come or gone from the building, but it is hard to say how many are actually inside."[/quote]

 

[Lot]

Gurv listens carefully to the facts as Phaeton speaks. When he finishes, Gurv speaks up.

"Alright, then. It seems like time is of the essense. Let me make a few inquiries about the warehouse, if you don't mind. I may be able to learn a few things that a nobleman is unable to, if you catch my drift. I think I may know a few fences who...um...migrated to Arabel after a little trouble with the law in Suzail. If no one is opposed, I'll look into it and return to the house when I'm done. If anyone wants to come, I'd appreciate the backup."

Gurv looks to his companions for their opinion.

[sblock=OOC]Gurv will use his Gather Information (+8) to see if he can discover anything about the warehouse or the thieves.[/sblock]

 

[Craw Hammerfist]

Deric gestures to Phaeton -- "Phaeton - first a question -- this minor noble family which owns the warehouse, are they unaware of the current occupants? Do they not receive a monthly stipend from this property? Do you think they could be in league with these thieves?"

"It is unlikely. The owners' factor leases the warehouse from Suzail. Someone, likely posing as a merchant's agent, leased the warehouse and paid the year's rent up front. I have someone tracking down the supposed merchant in whose name the warehouse was leased, but it is likely a dead end.

"I would also like to thank you for the generous accomodations that you have provided for the group, my only request be that Melena is sent out to procure some wine of greater reknown -- I took the liberty of examining the stock at the house and I dare say, that it would not reflect properly on your house to be serving such..."

"The wine at the house was left by the previous owner. However, I am sure Melena will be happy to procure something more soothing to your palate. You need only let her know. . .and provide her with the appropriate funds."

"I am not overly familar with the locale of Arabel, could someone advise me on the proximity of the warehouse noted on the map?"

"The warehouse district is located on the north side of town roughly 2 miles from here."

 

[PhoenixAsh]

Vyleya picks up the leather folio, flipping it open and finding the leather identification placard within. Taking it, she places it in her belt pouch and then stuffs the leather folio carefully into her backpack. "A fair reward for fair risk, I accept."

She looks over those who are to be her companions quickly, not keeping eye contact with anyone. "My name is Vyleya, I would imagine you have already guessed my purpose in this." She clasps her halberd meaningfully, then turns to Gurv, "If that is the sort of backup you need, I'll come with you. If that is how we are to go about this, that is." Her tone is uncertain as she looks at the rest of the group, her grip white-knuckle tight on her weapon.

 

[ethandrew]

Livingston stands onto the floor, diminishing his previous stature while perched on the chair. He lowers his hood and flashes a winning smile at his companions. Looking at Vyleya he softly states, "There will be a time for force, and there will be a time for subtleties. I believe that before we are in the warehouse itself, this time is meant for the former."

As an acolyte at the temple, Livingston had a small amount of training in dealing with high society, usually when an upscale funeral was being planned. Grasping back at these seldom used niceties, he smiles warmly at Phaeton, bowing low to the ground, his cloak clinging as gravity forms it down around what would seem to be a backpack. Upon complete his bow, he holds his hands together in front of him.

"My grace, you honor us with this assignment, although highly dangerous, you have promised us a payment that speaks praises of yourself and your kingdom. You are most generous, my lord. It will be my duty, nay, my pleasure to accept this task you set forth to us most unworthy of companions."

Turning over to face the man named Gurv, "I will accompany you if you need numbers and some persuasive tools, but while handy in a fight, I might not be as toughened as our other fellows."

 

[Blind Azathoth]

Roland looks over at Livingston, trying to hide a grin. Overdoing it just a tad, aren't we? he chuckles within, but outwardly he nods and aloud he agrees with the halfling's compliments and courtesies. "Aye, Lord Obarskyr, I too thank you for this chance you have given me, to once again prove myself to you and to the crown. I swear that I will fulfill my duties as best I am able, and make certain your trust in me is not misplaced."

The priest stands, pockets the folder Phaeton had given him, and turns to address his companions. "My name is Roland," he says cheerily, nodding his head to them once again in greeting. "I must confess, I am not certain there is much I may do on my own to help prepare for this assignment; my talents lie in areas that differ from those it seems we now need. However, if my aid or presence is requested by another, I will most assuredly provide them."