You don't recognize Raheed's name, but based on Henna's description, you gather Raheed is probably a ratfolk. They can be seen scattered across the city, usually lurking in the shadows, doing shady business. Naturally they're not the most welcomed people in the City of Cats.
“Yes, my darling, 500 gold pieces for all of you, if you can set out immediately to retrieve my gem from that filthy thief Raheed.”Henna blinks a few times, her eyes seem to sparkle, her long curled eyelashes fluttering. She purses her lips, then continues in her heavily-accented Common. “No, I don’t have a painting. But I can tell you the gem looks like a large tiger’s eye on a chain. It’s very special. I doubt Raheed has any other gems that look like that. Magical? Depends how you look at it. It is very magical to me. And very important.”
She lets out a soft chuckle in response to Felix's question. "You mean guards?"she repeats, seeming to find it amusing. “No, I don’t have time for that. By the time they listen to me, Raheed will be long gone with the gem. Which is why I want you to move as quickly as you can. I have eyes and ears all over the city looking for Raheed for the past days, and I finally heard news that he is hiding in the Perfume District. I would like you to go after him before the trail goes cold again.”
“You’re very nice, darling, aren’t you?” She says to Natasha, a purr in her voice. Then she waves a paw lazily.“I don’t care what you do, I only want my gem back. I believe you’ll do what needs to be done. You should go now if you wish to find him before dark.”
“I’ve killed before, and a lot. I just… don’t enjoy shedding blood now is all.” She shudders, looking to the woman. “But I guess I could be called ‘Nice’, sure. I’ll do what I need to though for your sake, if bloodshed is the only option.”
Tamara raised a pair of auburn eyebrows at Henna's reply. "I see, very interesting! Well I guess I'm in. Besides the gold - though I'm certainly happy to earn that! - it sounds like it shall make a good tale or two."
Standing up she opens out her left palm and starts softly whispering words of magic that the more magically inclined in the group might recognise as a Minor illusion. Above Tasmara palm a tiny loating blue orb appears and with moments has resolved itself into a phantasmal large tiger’s eye gem on a chain. "Something like this right?"
Natasha looks to the casting of the spell, taking in the image in case it is correct and then looking to Henna. “I can see how that will come in handy..”
"Nice trick!" Exclaimed Kerra staring at the illusion. "Handy too."She looked back at Henna and smiled as reassuringly as she could. "We'll find that rat and do what's needed to get the gem, Mistress."Kerra waved at others calling for attention. "That Raheed must be a rat. I mean, a real one - the ratfolk. We'll have to check all the dark corners."She wrinkled her nose. "Lots of dark corners in that District. You know, they sell all kinds of poisons there. Not something you trade in the daylight on the market."
Kerra looked at the rest of the group a bit skeptically. "You all will kind of stick out there. Maybe pretend to be buyers for something special?" The cat girl unceremoniously pointed a finger at Natasha. "You look rich, they like it there, would answer the questions. See, rats are jumpy, even with friends. He smells something funny, he'll run."
Natasha blinked. “Just because I’m wearing armor and toting weapons around doesn’t mean I’m rich! I mean.. I don’t even have a lot of gold on me..” She looked down at her outfit. “Though I guess I could play the part more easily if I changed? Distract them enough with some fancy clothing instead of clunky armor?” Nat looked to Henna to see what she thought and to ask: “Can you spare something, Mistress?”
Daphyra looks up from the illusion of the stone that had half-hypnotised her and frowns slightly at Kerra's words.
"Priestesses of the twilight are welcome in every quarter, I'm sure. I am new to this city but it is this way at home. We help all who ask for assistance, and are ubiquitous, even in dark corners. I could ask around, saying I had heard this Raheed had sought assistance from the temple."
"As you wish," shrugged Kerra. "I say your golden armour is good enough. Flash your ring too and they'll eat from your hand."She shrugged again and looked at Daphyra "I mean, sure, no one will harm Bastet's priestess... I think. Would not bet on it, though. You know... rats and dogs there are not that much on following Her."(Kerra respectfully emphasized Goddesses name every time she mentioned her) "Not my part of the city, who knows what works, sure, but from what I heard... they are not really into the god's work."
Daphyra moves to stand behind Natasha, putting a reassuring paw on her shoulder. She looks steadily back at Kerra.
"Most people like divine work well enough when it is the thing keeping them and their children alive. Do you have a better suggestion of how to catch the rat? I'm sure we are all ears."
"I just said it. She," Kerra pointed at Natasha, "comes as a rich buyer and we are her escort. She is looking for something special. Raheed did not steal the gem for himself, he would want to sell it. We would want to "buy". Simple."
After a pause she unbends further. "I apologise for snapping. I am... I am unused to hearing outsiders' views of the faithful and it made me blind to the merits of your plan. But I am a stranger to this city and in these matters will bow to your greater experience."
"Nah, we're good." Kerra waved her hand and smiled. "I mean... you know... really bad place for nice people. Need to be careful. It's like Hunts on one side, Gnoll's quarters on the other - rats and dogs, see? Dangerous."Kerra's tail was twitching with excitement and eagerness to move.
Natasha thinks of how to put on her best rich look. “Alright, escorts. Fall in line.” She’d seen it done before in Faerun, how people fawned over nobles. “Um… how far should we take this role?” She seemed a bit nervous about the idea of playing this part. “Should one of you be a spouse or concubine? Since this is Bastet, should one of you be a slave?”
Henna’s eyes widen with fascination as she sees Tamara cast her illusory magic, and she licks her lips in anticipation. Letting out a soft purr of intrigue, Henna’s gaze locks onto the movement as Tamara complete the spell and a gem appears in her hand, her golden eyes sparkling with fascination. “How wonderful! Yes, darling. Something like that. Good enough.”
“I don’t have anything to spare, darling. I can’t risk carrying much gold on me so close to the Perfume District. After you guys retrieve the gem, I will find you when time’s right.” A purr of excitement in her voice as she listens to your plan. “Very clever. Raheed is not a smart man, he might just fall into a trap like that. Oh, you are all so very nice. Best of luck to you, darlings.”
((Will move on if there's no more questions for Henna.))
Kerra watched Mistress Henna leave with eyes full of aspirational admiration. "She is all well set, is not she? That's the life!"The girl looked as if she found her life goal. But she was not even on the path there yet, so, Kerra shook off anything not related to the task at hand.
"I'll be your ... how is called?... guide! Will watch and listen. Might help to find who to talk to. The District is close, not much walking. If we are ready - let's go!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“This is exciting ! I am about to visit the bad neighbourhood of the city. Priceless information to record. “ said Felix, talking outlaid but more to himself.
“A couple of last preparations and I am ready to go.” Felix swiftly moves his fingers. Arcanes symbols momentarily appears before fading around the caster and forming a magical armor. He then conjures up a small weasel from the inside of his white robe. “Please meet Inky, my loyal weasel friend. He has been with me since the start of my studies.” The weasel shows a white fur and some red feather-like appendage, revealing a fey-like origine. It climbs silently on his master’s shoulder and gives a kind of a nod with his head.
Also: How convincing is the story of the Mistress ? Felix would try to have a quick reading: Insight: 21
DM: I assume that Felix had already used the spell before. But, now, he has not the gp needed to bring him back if it dies.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Daphyra narrows her blue eyes slightly and looks after Mistress Henna as she leaves the room. [ Insight check - Is she telling the truth about the gem being hers and stolen by Raheed?21 ]
You read Henna isn’t all she claims to be. She seemed genuine in her urgency to get the gem from Raheed, but she was very vague about the description of the gem. When Tamara conjured an illusion of the gem, she dismissed it very quickly, almost like she had no idea what the gem truly looked like. You also get a feeling she only promised so high a reward so you’ll set out immediately.
When the party steps out of the Saffron Palace after their chat with Henna and into the warm, bustling streets, they are abruptly accosted by a trio of small, scaly kobolds. The diminutive creatures seem to be in a hurry, their small bodies tripping and stumbling as they come to a halt before the party. The sweat on their scaly hides glimmers in the warm sun, and their beady, wide-set eyes flicker nervously as they address the group.
“Do not trust! Henna! Dangerous Liar!” They say. The kobolds are not very articulate, but still they manage to get the message across. They are wearing crude slave collars on their necks, and they make a deep obeisance when they speak of their master. “Our master wants to talk. In his house. Come to the Street of Ten Thousand Fools! He will treat you. Better offer. Better than Henna.”
Natasha frowns as she looks at the Kobolds, and considers releasing them from their binds. “I don’t like being lied to.. and I don’t like slavery either.. maybe I should go speak with Henna, then the master of these Kobolds..” She sighs. “Point us in the right direction, little friends.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Obligatory Aww! Cute familiar!)
"Wait." According to her self-assumed role of a guard, Kerra stepped in front of the kobolds. "Better deal is good... Double-crossing when you don't know who you are dealing with can end badly. I'm game to talk to that Master but I need his name. There are many masters here, not all safe to meet, you know." It's not like she knew everyone in the city but the name could be familiar. She looked around too, in case the master is actually somewhere near and watching them. (Perception: 14 )
Kerra was dazzled by Henna's look and mannerisms, and the promise of a future reward too, she would not be surprised by Henna lying either. If she was not what she said she was, Kerra's personal admiration would only grow.
You don't recognize Raheed's name, but based on Henna's description, you gather Raheed is probably a ratfolk. They can be seen scattered across the city, usually lurking in the shadows, doing shady business. Naturally they're not the most welcomed people in the City of Cats.
“Yes, my darling, 500 gold pieces for all of you, if you can set out immediately to retrieve my gem from that filthy thief Raheed.” Henna blinks a few times, her eyes seem to sparkle, her long curled eyelashes fluttering. She purses her lips, then continues in her heavily-accented Common. “No, I don’t have a painting. But I can tell you the gem looks like a large tiger’s eye on a chain. It’s very special. I doubt Raheed has any other gems that look like that. Magical? Depends how you look at it. It is very magical to me. And very important.”
She lets out a soft chuckle in response to Felix's question. "You mean guards?" she repeats, seeming to find it amusing. “No, I don’t have time for that. By the time they listen to me, Raheed will be long gone with the gem. Which is why I want you to move as quickly as you can. I have eyes and ears all over the city looking for Raheed for the past days, and I finally heard news that he is hiding in the Perfume District. I would like you to go after him before the trail goes cold again.”
“You’re very nice, darling, aren’t you?” She says to Natasha, a purr in her voice. Then she waves a paw lazily. “I don’t care what you do, I only want my gem back. I believe you’ll do what needs to be done. You should go now if you wish to find him before dark.”
“I’ve killed before, and a lot. I just… don’t enjoy shedding blood now is all.” She shudders, looking to the woman. “But I guess I could be called ‘Nice’, sure. I’ll do what I need to though for your sake, if bloodshed is the only option.”
Tamara raised a pair of auburn eyebrows at Henna's reply. "I see, very interesting! Well I guess I'm in. Besides the gold - though I'm certainly happy to earn that! - it sounds like it shall make a good tale or two."
Standing up she opens out her left palm and starts softly whispering words of magic that the more magically inclined in the group might recognise as a Minor illusion. Above Tasmara palm a tiny loating blue orb appears and with moments has resolved itself into a phantasmal large tiger’s eye gem on a chain. "Something like this right?"
Natasha looks to the casting of the spell, taking in the image in case it is correct and then looking to Henna. “I can see how that will come in handy..”
"Nice trick!" Exclaimed Kerra staring at the illusion. "Handy too." She looked back at Henna and smiled as reassuringly as she could. "We'll find that rat and do what's needed to get the gem, Mistress." Kerra waved at others calling for attention. "That Raheed must be a rat. I mean, a real one - the ratfolk. We'll have to check all the dark corners." She wrinkled her nose. "Lots of dark corners in that District. You know, they sell all kinds of poisons there. Not something you trade in the daylight on the market."
Kerra looked at the rest of the group a bit skeptically. "You all will kind of stick out there. Maybe pretend to be buyers for something special?" The cat girl unceremoniously pointed a finger at Natasha. "You look rich, they like it there, would answer the questions. See, rats are jumpy, even with friends. He smells something funny, he'll run."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Natasha blinked. “Just because I’m wearing armor and toting weapons around doesn’t mean I’m rich! I mean.. I don’t even have a lot of gold on me..” She looked down at her outfit. “Though I guess I could play the part more easily if I changed? Distract them enough with some fancy clothing instead of clunky armor?” Nat looked to Henna to see what she thought and to ask: “Can you spare something, Mistress?”
Daphyra looks up from the illusion of the stone that had half-hypnotised her and frowns slightly at Kerra's words.
"Priestesses of the twilight are welcome in every quarter, I'm sure. I am new to this city but it is this way at home. We help all who ask for assistance, and are ubiquitous, even in dark corners. I could ask around, saying I had heard this Raheed had sought assistance from the temple."
Past characters:
Cariadne - Forest of Celador
Daphyra Fuffletail - The City of Cats
DM - Geek Legends - Wild beyond the Witchlight
Leela Steadystone - Adventures in the Sands
Mirri Goldenhorn - Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
Lola Smythe-Whyte - Larkin Expedition
Daphyra - Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver
Vanja - Binder's Hold and the Problem with the Mine
"As you wish," shrugged Kerra. "I say your golden armour is good enough. Flash your ring too and they'll eat from your hand." She shrugged again and looked at Daphyra "I mean, sure, no one will harm Bastet's priestess... I think. Would not bet on it, though. You know... rats and dogs there are not that much on following Her." (Kerra respectfully emphasized Goddesses name every time she mentioned her) "Not my part of the city, who knows what works, sure, but from what I heard... they are not really into the god's work."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Daphyra moves to stand behind Natasha, putting a reassuring paw on her shoulder. She looks steadily back at Kerra.
"Most people like divine work well enough when it is the thing keeping them and their children alive. Do you have a better suggestion of how to catch the rat? I'm sure we are all ears."
She twitches one of her own prominent ears.
Past characters:
Cariadne - Forest of Celador
Daphyra Fuffletail - The City of Cats
DM - Geek Legends - Wild beyond the Witchlight
Leela Steadystone - Adventures in the Sands
Mirri Goldenhorn - Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
Lola Smythe-Whyte - Larkin Expedition
Daphyra - Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver
Vanja - Binder's Hold and the Problem with the Mine
"I just said it. She," Kerra pointed at Natasha, "comes as a rich buyer and we are her escort. She is looking for something special. Raheed did not steal the gem for himself, he would want to sell it. We would want to "buy". Simple."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Daphyra looks a little sulky, but nods. "I see."
After a pause she unbends further. "I apologise for snapping. I am... I am unused to hearing outsiders' views of the faithful and it made me blind to the merits of your plan. But I am a stranger to this city and in these matters will bow to your greater experience."
Past characters:
Cariadne - Forest of Celador
Daphyra Fuffletail - The City of Cats
DM - Geek Legends - Wild beyond the Witchlight
Leela Steadystone - Adventures in the Sands
Mirri Goldenhorn - Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
Lola Smythe-Whyte - Larkin Expedition
Daphyra - Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver
Vanja - Binder's Hold and the Problem with the Mine
"Nah, we're good." Kerra waved her hand and smiled. "I mean... you know... really bad place for nice people. Need to be careful. It's like Hunts on one side, Gnoll's quarters on the other - rats and dogs, see? Dangerous." Kerra's tail was twitching with excitement and eagerness to move.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Natasha thinks of how to put on her best rich look. “Alright, escorts. Fall in line.” She’d seen it done before in Faerun, how people fawned over nobles. “Um… how far should we take this role?” She seemed a bit nervous about the idea of playing this part. “Should one of you be a spouse or concubine? Since this is Bastet, should one of you be a slave?”
Henna’s eyes widen with fascination as she sees Tamara cast her illusory magic, and she licks her lips in anticipation. Letting out a soft purr of intrigue, Henna’s gaze locks onto the movement as Tamara complete the spell and a gem appears in her hand, her golden eyes sparkling with fascination. “How wonderful! Yes, darling. Something like that. Good enough.”
“I don’t have anything to spare, darling. I can’t risk carrying much gold on me so close to the Perfume District. After you guys retrieve the gem, I will find you when time’s right.” A purr of excitement in her voice as she listens to your plan. “Very clever. Raheed is not a smart man, he might just fall into a trap like that. Oh, you are all so very nice. Best of luck to you, darlings.”
((Will move on if there's no more questions for Henna.))
Kerra watched Mistress Henna leave with eyes full of aspirational admiration. "She is all well set, is not she? That's the life!" The girl looked as if she found her life goal. But she was not even on the path there yet, so, Kerra shook off anything not related to the task at hand.
"I'll be your ... how is called?... guide! Will watch and listen. Might help to find who to talk to. The District is close, not much walking. If we are ready - let's go!"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
“This is exciting ! I am about to visit the bad neighbourhood of the city. Priceless information to record. “ said Felix, talking outlaid but more to himself.
“A couple of last preparations and I am ready to go.” Felix swiftly moves his fingers. Arcanes symbols momentarily appears before fading around the caster and forming a magical armor. He then conjures up a small weasel from the inside of his white robe. “Please meet Inky, my loyal weasel friend. He has been with me since the start of my studies.” The weasel shows a white fur and some red feather-like appendage, revealing a fey-like origine. It climbs silently on his master’s shoulder and gives a kind of a nod with his head.
Also: How convincing is the story of the Mistress ? Felix would try to have a quick reading: Insight: 21
DM: I assume that Felix had already used the spell before. But, now, he has not the gp needed to bring him back if it dies.
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
Daphyra narrows her blue eyes slightly and looks after Mistress Henna as she leaves the room. [ Insight check - Is she telling the truth about the gem being hers and stolen by Raheed? 21 ]
Past characters:
Cariadne - Forest of Celador
Daphyra Fuffletail - The City of Cats
DM - Geek Legends - Wild beyond the Witchlight
Leela Steadystone - Adventures in the Sands
Mirri Goldenhorn - Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
Lola Smythe-Whyte - Larkin Expedition
Daphyra - Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver
Vanja - Binder's Hold and the Problem with the Mine
Felix and Daphyra:
You read Henna isn’t all she claims to be. She seemed genuine in her urgency to get the gem from Raheed, but she was very vague about the description of the gem. When Tamara conjured an illusion of the gem, she dismissed it very quickly, almost like she had no idea what the gem truly looked like. You also get a feeling she only promised so high a reward so you’ll set out immediately.
When the party steps out of the Saffron Palace after their chat with Henna and into the warm, bustling streets, they are abruptly accosted by a trio of small, scaly kobolds. The diminutive creatures seem to be in a hurry, their small bodies tripping and stumbling as they come to a halt before the party. The sweat on their scaly hides glimmers in the warm sun, and their beady, wide-set eyes flicker nervously as they address the group.
“Do not trust! Henna! Dangerous Liar!” They say. The kobolds are not very articulate, but still they manage to get the message across. They are wearing crude slave collars on their necks, and they make a deep obeisance when they speak of their master. “Our master wants to talk. In his house. Come to the Street of Ten Thousand Fools! He will treat you. Better offer. Better than Henna.”
Natasha frowns as she looks at the Kobolds, and considers releasing them from their binds. “I don’t like being lied to.. and I don’t like slavery either.. maybe I should go speak with Henna, then the master of these Kobolds..” She sighs. “Point us in the right direction, little friends.”
(Obligatory Aww! Cute familiar!)
"Wait." According to her self-assumed role of a guard, Kerra stepped in front of the kobolds. "Better deal is good... Double-crossing when you don't know who you are dealing with can end badly. I'm game to talk to that Master but I need his name. There are many masters here, not all safe to meet, you know." It's not like she knew everyone in the city but the name could be familiar. She looked around too, in case the master is actually somewhere near and watching them. (Perception: 14 )
Kerra was dazzled by Henna's look and mannerisms, and the promise of a future reward too, she would not be surprised by Henna lying either. If she was not what she said she was, Kerra's personal admiration would only grow.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice