Early took a seat in the room, just now noticing and remembering that Darius and uh...Doctor...were meeting them here. He looks at the map carefully, occasionally scratching his head.
"So, Gala doors open at 5. At 6 the area with the stone opens. And at 8 the doors close. And then....before 12, we gotta get the thing to the doctor." Early's face looks like he's just solved a differential equation. He keeps talking aimlessly, "I mean...if it's really important to get the stone...I think we should try to get it while it's on display. But, like, what if, we somehow replaced it and then paid some other dudes to steal the replacement and take all the heat, you know? We only have invites for two? We might need to borrow a couple more tickets and impersonate people. I think I can help there, I'm good with disguises and stuff. What time is it now? Where is this dudes place? And where's this box gunna be at later? You know, I think we try to nab it during the party. Cause a big caffufal....do a switcheroonie. Hey Dr, how hard would it be for us to make a fake lookin stone? You seen it close up, right?"
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What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
"I was the one who found it!" Very passionately exclaimed Dr. Dannell. "Nobody knew what it was, me neither at the time and College sold the egg to its "Great and Generous Patron"" (she said it very sarcastically) "I can describe it but ... how long would it take to make the copy? I need to leave very soon. Probably right now. The case to suppress the hatching has to be finished in time and there is still a lot of work. I am sorry." She looked genuinely apologetic. "I will be waiting for you with the case behind the building - it's the one at the end of the street, you should know, the one that cut part of the street. Now it's the small alley behind it, I will be there. I am sure I can finish the case by the ninth bell".
"You can not miss it if you see it. It's pale green, this tall" (she showed something like three feet above the ground), "heavy but not as much as you would expect, I could lift it. When we weighed it at the site, it was 22 pounds. It also shined a little as if a candle was hidden inside. Has some pattern on the surface which can be mistaken for the writing but I did not find any meaningful information about it."
"There will be my colleagues at the Gala. And some invited scholars from other places. The tickets were given to the college and its guests from other cities. You can be that guests maybe? I don't know."She finished her speech and drank some water. "I wish I could be more helpful."
When Early would finally join them again Robin would give him a look of feigned disappointment before mouthing the words, 'Hook a girl up next time'. He was already a terrible wingman. Hopefully he was a more considerate heistmate.
Robin blinked, unsynced, at the new addition to their table. "Aren't ya a bundle of petite genius," She smiles at Cassee. "Dr. Dannell." The green haired elf would raise her glass in cheers to the woman and chug her drink back too.
Banks tilts her head and blinks to Uril's story. "How does one join a statue collection? I mean, not one teh judge, but like do they mean stoner people circles?" Cause those can be some really exclusive wild parties...
"Wait a Gala?" Robin tries to keep up. "That mean ya gotta dress me up an' take me out?" She sniffs herself. Banks did a lot better at blending in with shadows, than the people. However, maybe one of these guys were a magician.
"I liked it better when it was a gem... hic." Robin mutters under her breath to herself when she's reminded it's an egg about to hatch. That made it much more complicated, and she wanted to ask some more questions about the egg, but they were just asked to hold their questions for now. She'll put a pin in that one and hopefully remember it later. For now, she'd listen, and drink. Mostly drink. Then after the flurry of discussion, off the Dr. goes. Hmm... egg questions are out.
Robin would lazily flop her head over to look at Early, "They need 'help' fer the gala?" She blinks. "Like butlers, maids, cooks an' such?" She gestures. "Anythin' bein' delivered? Hic." The elf throws out potential ticket free ways to get some of them in. "Fancy people always love teh bring in fancy sh-tuff."
Lorsan nods eagerly as the suggestions begin to flow. His eyes sparkle with admiration as young Early makes some particularly devious suggestions, and again with Robin's ideas.
His head snaps around to Uril and asks: These scholars. Would they generally be permitted to handle the artifacts? And who would be responsible for removing it from its display case, and returning it again?
If Uril is unsure, then he points the same question at the Doctor.
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"That's not what I..." Uril murmurs in response to Robyn before letting the stoner circle train of thought die out. It looked like Robyn herself had already moved on. The brainstorming session was in full swing now, and in a new room. Uril had been lost in his own mind, trying to pinpoint any information he had heard in the past about the many new names shared tonight, and there were still a few more to go, but he best refocus on the conversation at hand.
"Two or three hours worth of gala (from 5 or 6 to 8 bells) but still an hour to go after that for the good Dr. here to be ready in the back alley with her box (at 9 bells)." Uril made some quick math. "If everything was to be accomplished without a hitch within that timeframe, we'd still be three hours early (deadline at midnight)." Uril scratches his chin. "It may not seem like a lot of time but it does not sound like we necessarily have to rush once inside either." Uril then wags a finger into the air, directing a question to his new companions: "Have you considered we might want to use the gala to gather information instead of pouncing on the stone? Meet other invitees, get a layout of the land that might revel details not drawn on the map, learn exactly where the stone is brought out of and taken to afterwords, see the face of the person transporting it if not V-Bluff himself, get a glimpse of these still unnamed security measures, etc." He concludes his suggestions with a pointed argument: "We have been given a wealth of information already, but let us not assume there is little left to be learned. One cannot have too much knowledge."
Separately, regarding the invitations, Uril offers: "I can probably copy the penmanship, but I'd need an entire crafting station to forge a couple more copies of these elaborate invitations. Do any of you happen to carry a portable kit to such end, and possess the accompanying skill?"
It seems Lorsan had a similar question to one of the thoughts Uril raised, so the one-eigth-elf tried to think about that one next.
-> History check(?) on usual scholarly etiquette around and manipulation protocols of unique artifacts like the egg: 27
Lorsan scratches his chin in thought (despite the complete lack of chin hair) as Uril shares his opinions. You may be right, Mr Scribe. But an excess of caution may also lead to wasted opportunities. Perhaps we can formulate a potential plan for both scenarios... One in which we take the egg during the gala, and should that prove untenable, then a secondary plan for after its conclusion.
As for the invitations, Lorsan holds up one finger as a signal to wait, and opens the leather-bound valise that he arrived with (and has been slung over his shoulder this whole time, of course...). From within he removes a small box, and opens its contents to show the less-elven-by-the-second Uril; various kinds of parchment, some sealing wax, gold and silver leaf, various inks, and so on. I have some experience with falsifying diplomas and other identity documents, he says with a smile. Would these suffice for the invitations?
Early looks a bit surprised by Robin's "hook a sister up"....but then nods and smiles, and gives her a thumbs up. Next time.
Then the planning gets going in earnest. Early scrunches his eyes and rubs his golden hair for a few moments as the ideas and information flows through the room. "Uh, Doctor, are you saying that each invitation is good for two people? Cause then I don't think we need to make any fakes. Either way, I sorta like where SHE was goin." He points at Robin, "Like, if we can find out whose delivering some goods to the party, maybe..you know...interrupt them on the way and then a couple of us do the delivery. Maybe we hit some bakeries in the area and mention we heard they were doin a Gala and see who bites, then....some of us can get a bit of a view on the delivery side of things." He minds wanders a bit, "Not sure if that will get us in. Hmmm, unless anyone knows how fancy places get serving staff. I always wanted to be one of those fancy dressed serving guys, holding a tray of little sandwiches. A friend of mine once went to a fancy party and he told me that there were people walking around with fancy trays that held food or drink, and guests just...took WHATEVER they wanted from them, like, just, WHENEVER." He pauses here to make a "mind blown / exploding head" motion with his hands over his temples. He looks around, wondering if this thought impresses everyone else as much as it impresses him.
Then he seems to have a thought, "Oooh, ooh, you know, it might be easier if, once inside, we do a switcheroonie. Like, take out a serving guy, and I take his spot, then I can see all the behind the scenes action going on. Or her."
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What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
"I'm sorry, but each ticket is valid for only one person, either a nobleman or a scholar," replied Dr. Dannell, attempting to avoid staring. However, the tangible preparations for what was essentially a genuine crime made her eyes widen with a mixture of admiration, excitement, and unease. Darius, who actually seemed quite enjoying the discussion, left his corner where sat with a glass of wine and softly noted. "Why don't we let our good Doctor here return to her work? Do you have any more questions for her?"
Dr. Dannell rubbed her forehead again. "Yes, I must go. But there were some questions. About artifact moving? I believe it is already in the collection. In the Gemstone room. Not sure if the Duke going to move it afterwards, but can not say for sure."(Indeed, Uril could remember, that if some scholars would take precautions when dealing with artifacts, all collectors usually care about is the safety of the artifact itself. This is the only "standard procedure" about handling such things. The rest is up to individuals and luck.) "Oh, and you asked about staff for the evening? Or how to dress? I am sorry, I am a bit lost with all this." She made a gesture toward the instruments of the future crime. Really, it would take the collective elven beauty multiplied by the dire necessity for a person of a more... traditional lifestyle to overlook "falsifying diplomas" alone.
"It is as I said, they are expecting scholars and nobles. Meaning, the proper dressing, yes".Whide open grey eyes turned to Robyn. "And I thought the staff should come from Varkenbluffs' household, but come to think of it, you are right, there will be too many guests for any single household to handle. I do not know, though, who they are hiring or where." The thought probably reminded the reason for the question, because Dr. Dannell's face flushed with distress, she mumbled once again "I must go" and almost ran to the door.
Darius could barely say "I will see you this evening" before she disappeared. He smiled and returned to his chair in the corner. "Please, continue. I am here if you need anything."
Having no real reason to disagree with Lorsan's contingency plan, Uril just nodded along. Then, the nodding turns into a slow shake of disappointment as Early changes the subject to the astonishing world of catering services. Well, 'disappointment' wasn't right, Uril was in no place to judge his new colleague, perhaps it was 'disbelief'.
Hoping to bring things back on track, Uril takes a page from Lorsan's plan: "There is no reason we needn't prepare two or even three points of ingress. Why not forge invitations just in case the catering plan fails to pan out?"
Regarding Dr. Dannell's follow-up explanation, Uril suggests: "I am no actor... far from it, but I gather I could pass for a scholar more so than a nobleman should I be granted one of the invitations. I do enjoy a good academic discussion on the natural sciences and medicinal arts, so perhaps I wouldn't have to pretend or deceive too much. Plus, if given a chance to manipulate the egg as an interested scholar, I am somewhat familiar with the proper safe handling protocols, or so I hope."
After a sigh, Uril confesses: "I could use some help with the proper attire, though." He waved to the good doctor as she sprinted to the door, unsure if she had noticed it. "Speaking of looks, let us not ignore the already demonstrated effect our new friend Early here is capable of." Turning to the man, he asks: "Tell me, lad, do you ever get tired of all eyes in the room turning to you upon arrival? Because if we want heads turning away from the egg on toward something more enticing..." Uril uses too hands to exaggeratedly gesture toward Early, a cheeky smile creeping up the corners of his mouth.
Good thinking, Mr Scribe. Built-in redundancy should one part of the plan fail! Lorsan rubs his hands together gleefully as possibilities continue to blossom. Let's distill what we have so far... He pauses briefly, closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose while taking a few paces, then speaks again:
To be successful, we must get our hands on the egg, and transport it out of the premises without being observed, and without it being missed. If done during the Gala, then a substitute will need to be exchanged ere the alarm is raised. Our best chance of this is having our erudite Scribe here pose as a visiting scholar and handle the egg for himself. I accompany him in the guise of an assistant, and position him to be last in the line of academic inspectors. Meanwhile, Early and Robin pose as serving staff. Early creates a distraction at the crucial moment, and while eyes are turned we switch the egg for a substitute, and pass the real egg on to Robin for discrete removal.
Should this chain of events fail, then hopefully we gain enough information in the meanwhile to formulate a suitable alternative - Uril and I of the display room itself and its defenses, and Early and Robin of the rest of the house. I have not the skill to create a physical duplicate of the egg, although I may be able to conjure a passable illusion of it - ten minutes at most. The effect is only temporary however - and there is the chance that the museum is warded against magic. If Early and Robin cannot infiltrate as servants, then perhaps we can intercept two others of the guests prior to their entry, and have them take their place.
Lorsan pauses and looks at each of his new accomplices in turn. What have I missed?
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Lorsan also ponders aloud what they can do between now and when the museum opens. Should they scout the exterior? Find someone that has been inside before? Look into any catering companies that have been hired? Try to determine which guests are invited?
And does Darius have any information about any of these facts...?
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Darius only shrugged: there is enough time for him to help with clothes - whether some attire worthy of a minor noble or a scholar's robe (you would have to mention how many of you going in, of course, with the real or falsified tickets), he could also say that no one will be allowed at the Gala armed or armoured. But other than that, could not help much. The map was supposed to provide all the information about the inside, as for catering - it was more of a hiring more hands for the evening, trained servers with Varkenbluffs' men in charge, rather than a catering company.
Robin taps her nose then gestures to Early. “I’m wit’ this guy.” He was picking up what she was putting down. She nods a bit more enthusiastically when he starts talking about the fancy servers with the little snacks. “Mmhmm! Those lil Our Derserves (hors d'oeuvres) an’ fancy bubbly booze.” The elf poorly mimics being a poise noble helping themselves to things then joins Early on the mind explosion bit when he mentions for free.
Banks deflates a little when the idea is kind of brushed aside for the fake tickets. She scrunches her nose and crosses her arms. “Well I dig the switcheroo idea.” She adds under her breath, mostly to Early as the other two chatter on about elaborate plans and back ups. It was incredibly easy for her to get lost in the detailed steps of their planning at such a rapid pace. While his buddy’s illusion could be a great solution for a duplicate of the egg, she wonders if it’d be a weighted stand rigged with an alarm. Could they find a rock or something in similar shape and size for him to apply the illusion too? If there was time and feasible opportunity, Robin would be up for scouting out the premises ahead of time.
A plan is forming! A smile of excitement took over Uril's face for a moment, but he had a few points to raise. He numbered them as he spoke, as if creating a list. "This budding plan sounds good already, but I have some comments to share:"
"I would imagine we would prefer to create a false egg ahead of time. This is already hard to accomplish on its own, and all we have to go by is a brief description verbally delivered by a fleeting scholar. Robin's idea of a hefty object hidden within a temporary illusory trick may be a more achievable way to go about it."
"If there is no catering company, then the Varkenbluff staff may have hired additional hands directly, on a one-on-one basis. One would expect them to remember all hired faces if this was the case, or even have provided them with some sort of identifying document or pass."
"Lorsan said something akin to "Should the first plan fail, we improvise." I am not convinced this constitutes a proper back-up plan. I'd call that our Plan C. Our Plan B should take into account the possibility of Lorsan's and my impersonations failing or, me not being permitted to manipulate the piece directly."
"Should the manure hit the feathery fan, we would be quite exposed without arms and armor, would we not?"
Switching tones to then address Robin's concern, Uril speaks some more: "The fake invitations are contingency, Robin, to be used only if your... switcheroo... plan doesn't pan out. You and Early have a plan and a back-up plan for entering the premises, but Lorsan and I really only have the one for now. Furthermore, we are assuming we'll be permitted to touch the object. All I said before is that I believe there are some standard protocols for manipulating a rare piece like this, but who is to say touching will be allowed? Perhaps only predetermined persons are allowed to see to that task, or perhaps all the manipulating and transporting have already been done ahead of time and the gala allows only for the admiring observation of the egg."
Noticing he is getting a little frustrated, Uril admits: "There are too many unknowns. I do no like unknowns."
Unknowns are to be expected, Lorsan replies somewhat unreassuringly, but with a gleam in his eye. That is what makes the game exhilarating. But, to assuage your concerns, perhaps some more solid contingencies should be devised. Lorsan pauses for a moment, then lists some thoughts in no particular order...
How about this: Let us make the after-hours acquisition of the egg our Plan A. As such, the prime objective of attending the gala in disguise is to gather information about the venue - the layout, wards and defenses, personnel, modes of entry and exit, and so on. After all, this grants us the most information, the least chance of observation, albeit the smallest window of time.
Our Plan B then becomes a plan of opportunity - taking the egg during the Gala. We engage in Plan A with such preparations in place that we can effect Plan B should the opportunity present itself. This still allows for some improvisation. For example, if the egg is removed from its display but handling is not permitted, then we contrive some ruse whereby it can be 'accidently' knocked to the floor, in a way that our exchange can be made. Should our impersonations fail, then we quit the party. All improvisations, however, are conducted in the manner that does the least damage to our chances of executing Plan A. The worst outcome would be to arouse suspicion to the point that security is increased beyond our capacity to counter it.
Lorsan stops suddenly - perhaps realising he has been talking excitedly to Uril and forgetting the others. But then he adds in a softer voice:
I confess... I am biased. For years my activities have been limited to masquerading as another in order to trick people into handing over their wealth willingly. Thus my proclivity for disguise and impersonation as our primary method in this venture. I have never actually attempted to steal anything by stealth.
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Uril nods along as Lorsan spins the plans around: "I like it!"He raises a finger: "Unknowns will never not bother me but I reckon full certainty in a situation like this would be inconceivable."
What comes next from Lorsan sounds like a confession, but Uril takes it as a positive: "You have experience in such affairs, then! This is wonderful!"It is only a moment later that the scribe realizes he is showing his own hand with such an exclamation. There is little point in hiding it now, so he adds a confession of his own: "Well, I have spent most of my life sitting behind a desk, reading and writing. I abused those skills once and... here I am." He looks around, expecting to be kicked out of the team.
Early watches Lorsan and Uril seem to bond over their....technical chitty chat chat....and feels, only the mildest pang of jealousy. He wished he could bond with Lorsan over the talking stuff...but...he just couldn't reach the man that way. Oh well. Mentally shrugging, there was something that was still bothering him.
He raises his hand tentatively. "Uh...so...that Doctor lady who left...she said this egg is...three feet tall. That's pretty big. I don't know if a quick switcheroonie is actually gunna work that good. I think that Plan...zero....does plan zero come before plan A? I think plan Zero should be to get the egg AFTER the big party...after everyone leaves. We could maybe just learn stuff at the party...and then...once we know stuff.....later we do that. I think because it's after though, we could call it plan Z. I like the sound of it. Plan Z."
He holds out an open palmed hand towards the drunk girl without looking....expecting the obvious high five for a job well done.
The boys chatted with numbers of comments and letters for plans. During that time it would almost appear that Robin had checked out. She simply returned to stuffing herself silly, inside and out, and let them do most of the brain work. Of course, when they'd get stuck she'd help them eventually, nudging them along again as she has been.
Once full of food and drink to the point of almost bursting, Banks sits back to relax. She'd slouch, lick her fingers clean, then rest her hands over her bloated belly. While listening, her elven ears twitch at a couple things mentioned and she further expands her diaphram, as if playing with her full stomach. Silence falls over the table. Seems they finally 'tuckered' themselves out.
Wiping her mouth with her palm, Early's met with a high-five. Even if it wasn't the most enthusiastic, Robin didn't leave him hanging. She goes back to rubbing her belly, then cranes her neck to look at the guys' around the table. She was sizing them up. "How tall's someone gotta be teh carry a 3ft egg baby?" Glossy hues meet Uril's. "A pregnant lady's less likely teh get decked if yer worried 'bout a lil scrap... hic." She winks. "Just sayin'"
"Put that under Plan E, fer Eggspecting." A smirk pulls at Robin's lips and she holds out an open palm to Early without looking... expecting the obvious high five for her job well done building off his notes.
"If we compare a chick and a hen..." Darius shook his head. "I can see how the city of Murkmire was destroyed. Hopefully, we can save Waterdeep from the same fate." He nodded to the general thoughts at the table. "The Dr. said the egg is very light for its size. 20 pounds? Something like this. But it is quite voluminous."
Early took a seat in the room, just now noticing and remembering that Darius and uh...Doctor...were meeting them here. He looks at the map carefully, occasionally scratching his head.
"So, Gala doors open at 5. At 6 the area with the stone opens. And at 8 the doors close. And then....before 12, we gotta get the thing to the doctor." Early's face looks like he's just solved a differential equation. He keeps talking aimlessly, "I mean...if it's really important to get the stone...I think we should try to get it while it's on display. But, like, what if, we somehow replaced it and then paid some other dudes to steal the replacement and take all the heat, you know? We only have invites for two? We might need to borrow a couple more tickets and impersonate people. I think I can help there, I'm good with disguises and stuff. What time is it now? Where is this dudes place? And where's this box gunna be at later? You know, I think we try to nab it during the party. Cause a big caffufal....do a switcheroonie. Hey Dr, how hard would it be for us to make a fake lookin stone? You seen it close up, right?"
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"I was the one who found it!" Very passionately exclaimed Dr. Dannell. "Nobody knew what it was, me neither at the time and College sold the egg to its "Great and Generous Patron"" (she said it very sarcastically) "I can describe it but ... how long would it take to make the copy? I need to leave very soon. Probably right now. The case to suppress the hatching has to be finished in time and there is still a lot of work. I am sorry." She looked genuinely apologetic. "I will be waiting for you with the case behind the building - it's the one at the end of the street, you should know, the one that cut part of the street. Now it's the small alley behind it, I will be there. I am sure I can finish the case by the ninth bell".
"You can not miss it if you see it. It's pale green, this tall" (she showed something like three feet above the ground), "heavy but not as much as you would expect, I could lift it. When we weighed it at the site, it was 22 pounds. It also shined a little as if a candle was hidden inside. Has some pattern on the surface which can be mistaken for the writing but I did not find any meaningful information about it."
"There will be my colleagues at the Gala. And some invited scholars from other places. The tickets were given to the college and its guests from other cities. You can be that guests maybe? I don't know." She finished her speech and drank some water. "I wish I could be more helpful."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
When Early would finally join them again Robin would give him a look of feigned disappointment before mouthing the words, 'Hook a girl up next time'. He was already a terrible wingman. Hopefully he was a more considerate heistmate.
Robin blinked, unsynced, at the new addition to their table. "Aren't ya a bundle of petite genius," She smiles at Cassee. "Dr. Dannell." The green haired elf would raise her glass in cheers to the woman and chug her drink back too.
Banks tilts her head and blinks to Uril's story. "How does one join a statue collection? I mean, not one teh judge, but like do they mean stoner people circles?" Cause those can be some really exclusive wild parties...
"Wait a Gala?" Robin tries to keep up. "That mean ya gotta dress me up an' take me out?" She sniffs herself. Banks did a lot better at blending in with shadows, than the people. However, maybe one of these guys were a magician.
"I liked it better when it was a gem... hic." Robin mutters under her breath to herself when she's reminded it's an egg about to hatch. That made it much more complicated, and she wanted to ask some more questions about the egg, but they were just asked to hold their questions for now. She'll put a pin in that one and hopefully remember it later. For now, she'd listen, and drink. Mostly drink. Then after the flurry of discussion, off the Dr. goes. Hmm... egg questions are out.
Robin would lazily flop her head over to look at Early, "They need 'help' fer the gala?" She blinks. "Like butlers, maids, cooks an' such?" She gestures. "Anythin' bein' delivered? Hic." The elf throws out potential ticket free ways to get some of them in. "Fancy people always love teh bring in fancy sh-tuff."
just an unstable unicorn.
Lorsan nods eagerly as the suggestions begin to flow. His eyes sparkle with admiration as young Early makes some particularly devious suggestions, and again with Robin's ideas.
His head snaps around to Uril and asks: These scholars. Would they generally be permitted to handle the artifacts? And who would be responsible for removing it from its display case, and returning it again?
If Uril is unsure, then he points the same question at the Doctor.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"That's not what I..." Uril murmurs in response to Robyn before letting the stoner circle train of thought die out. It looked like Robyn herself had already moved on. The brainstorming session was in full swing now, and in a new room. Uril had been lost in his own mind, trying to pinpoint any information he had heard in the past about the many new names shared tonight, and there were still a few more to go, but he best refocus on the conversation at hand.
"Two or three hours worth of gala (from 5 or 6 to 8 bells) but still an hour to go after that for the good Dr. here to be ready in the back alley with her box (at 9 bells)." Uril made some quick math. "If everything was to be accomplished without a hitch within that timeframe, we'd still be three hours early (deadline at midnight)." Uril scratches his chin. "It may not seem like a lot of time but it does not sound like we necessarily have to rush once inside either." Uril then wags a finger into the air, directing a question to his new companions: "Have you considered we might want to use the gala to gather information instead of pouncing on the stone? Meet other invitees, get a layout of the land that might revel details not drawn on the map, learn exactly where the stone is brought out of and taken to afterwords, see the face of the person transporting it if not V-Bluff himself, get a glimpse of these still unnamed security measures, etc." He concludes his suggestions with a pointed argument: "We have been given a wealth of information already, but let us not assume there is little left to be learned. One cannot have too much knowledge."
Separately, regarding the invitations, Uril offers: "I can probably copy the penmanship, but I'd need an entire crafting station to forge a couple more copies of these elaborate invitations. Do any of you happen to carry a portable kit to such end, and possess the accompanying skill?"
It seems Lorsan had a similar question to one of the thoughts Uril raised, so the one-eigth-elf tried to think about that one next.
-> History check(?) on usual scholarly etiquette around and manipulation protocols of unique artifacts like the egg: 27
Lorsan scratches his chin in thought (despite the complete lack of chin hair) as Uril shares his opinions. You may be right, Mr Scribe. But an excess of caution may also lead to wasted opportunities. Perhaps we can formulate a potential plan for both scenarios... One in which we take the egg during the gala, and should that prove untenable, then a secondary plan for after its conclusion.
As for the invitations, Lorsan holds up one finger as a signal to wait, and opens the leather-bound valise that he arrived with (and has been slung over his shoulder this whole time, of course...). From within he removes a small box, and opens its contents to show the less-elven-by-the-second Uril; various kinds of parchment, some sealing wax, gold and silver leaf, various inks, and so on. I have some experience with falsifying diplomas and other identity documents, he says with a smile. Would these suffice for the invitations?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Early looks a bit surprised by Robin's "hook a sister up"....but then nods and smiles, and gives her a thumbs up. Next time.
Then the planning gets going in earnest. Early scrunches his eyes and rubs his golden hair for a few moments as the ideas and information flows through the room. "Uh, Doctor, are you saying that each invitation is good for two people? Cause then I don't think we need to make any fakes. Either way, I sorta like where SHE was goin." He points at Robin, "Like, if we can find out whose delivering some goods to the party, maybe..you know...interrupt them on the way and then a couple of us do the delivery. Maybe we hit some bakeries in the area and mention we heard they were doin a Gala and see who bites, then....some of us can get a bit of a view on the delivery side of things." He minds wanders a bit, "Not sure if that will get us in. Hmmm, unless anyone knows how fancy places get serving staff. I always wanted to be one of those fancy dressed serving guys, holding a tray of little sandwiches. A friend of mine once went to a fancy party and he told me that there were people walking around with fancy trays that held food or drink, and guests just...took WHATEVER they wanted from them, like, just, WHENEVER." He pauses here to make a "mind blown / exploding head" motion with his hands over his temples. He looks around, wondering if this thought impresses everyone else as much as it impresses him.
Then he seems to have a thought, "Oooh, ooh, you know, it might be easier if, once inside, we do a switcheroonie. Like, take out a serving guy, and I take his spot, then I can see all the behind the scenes action going on. Or her."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"I'm sorry, but each ticket is valid for only one person, either a nobleman or a scholar," replied Dr. Dannell, attempting to avoid staring. However, the tangible preparations for what was essentially a genuine crime made her eyes widen with a mixture of admiration, excitement, and unease. Darius, who actually seemed quite enjoying the discussion, left his corner where sat with a glass of wine and softly noted. "Why don't we let our good Doctor here return to her work? Do you have any more questions for her?"
Dr. Dannell rubbed her forehead again. "Yes, I must go. But there were some questions. About artifact moving? I believe it is already in the collection. In the Gemstone room. Not sure if the Duke going to move it afterwards, but can not say for sure." (Indeed, Uril could remember, that if some scholars would take precautions when dealing with artifacts, all collectors usually care about is the safety of the artifact itself. This is the only "standard procedure" about handling such things. The rest is up to individuals and luck.) "Oh, and you asked about staff for the evening? Or how to dress? I am sorry, I am a bit lost with all this." She made a gesture toward the instruments of the future crime. Really, it would take the collective elven beauty multiplied by the dire necessity for a person of a more... traditional lifestyle to overlook "falsifying diplomas" alone.
"It is as I said, they are expecting scholars and nobles. Meaning, the proper dressing, yes". Whide open grey eyes turned to Robyn. "And I thought the staff should come from Varkenbluffs' household, but come to think of it, you are right, there will be too many guests for any single household to handle. I do not know, though, who they are hiring or where." The thought probably reminded the reason for the question, because Dr. Dannell's face flushed with distress, she mumbled once again "I must go" and almost ran to the door.
Darius could barely say "I will see you this evening" before she disappeared. He smiled and returned to his chair in the corner. "Please, continue. I am here if you need anything."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Having no real reason to disagree with Lorsan's contingency plan, Uril just nodded along. Then, the nodding turns into a slow shake of disappointment as Early changes the subject to the astonishing world of catering services. Well, 'disappointment' wasn't right, Uril was in no place to judge his new colleague, perhaps it was 'disbelief'.
Hoping to bring things back on track, Uril takes a page from Lorsan's plan: "There is no reason we needn't prepare two or even three points of ingress. Why not forge invitations just in case the catering plan fails to pan out?"
Regarding Dr. Dannell's follow-up explanation, Uril suggests: "I am no actor... far from it, but I gather I could pass for a scholar more so than a nobleman should I be granted one of the invitations. I do enjoy a good academic discussion on the natural sciences and medicinal arts, so perhaps I wouldn't have to pretend or deceive too much. Plus, if given a chance to manipulate the egg as an interested scholar, I am somewhat familiar with the proper safe handling protocols, or so I hope."
After a sigh, Uril confesses: "I could use some help with the proper attire, though." He waved to the good doctor as she sprinted to the door, unsure if she had noticed it. "Speaking of looks, let us not ignore the already demonstrated effect our new friend Early here is capable of." Turning to the man, he asks: "Tell me, lad, do you ever get tired of all eyes in the room turning to you upon arrival? Because if we want heads turning away from the egg on toward something more enticing..." Uril uses too hands to exaggeratedly gesture toward Early, a cheeky smile creeping up the corners of his mouth.
Good thinking, Mr Scribe. Built-in redundancy should one part of the plan fail! Lorsan rubs his hands together gleefully as possibilities continue to blossom. Let's distill what we have so far... He pauses briefly, closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose while taking a few paces, then speaks again:
To be successful, we must get our hands on the egg, and transport it out of the premises without being observed, and without it being missed. If done during the Gala, then a substitute will need to be exchanged ere the alarm is raised. Our best chance of this is having our erudite Scribe here pose as a visiting scholar and handle the egg for himself. I accompany him in the guise of an assistant, and position him to be last in the line of academic inspectors. Meanwhile, Early and Robin pose as serving staff. Early creates a distraction at the crucial moment, and while eyes are turned we switch the egg for a substitute, and pass the real egg on to Robin for discrete removal.
Should this chain of events fail, then hopefully we gain enough information in the meanwhile to formulate a suitable alternative - Uril and I of the display room itself and its defenses, and Early and Robin of the rest of the house. I have not the skill to create a physical duplicate of the egg, although I may be able to conjure a passable illusion of it - ten minutes at most. The effect is only temporary however - and there is the chance that the museum is warded against magic. If Early and Robin cannot infiltrate as servants, then perhaps we can intercept two others of the guests prior to their entry, and have them take their place.
Lorsan pauses and looks at each of his new accomplices in turn. What have I missed?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Post-script...
Lorsan also ponders aloud what they can do between now and when the museum opens. Should they scout the exterior? Find someone that has been inside before? Look into any catering companies that have been hired? Try to determine which guests are invited?
And does Darius have any information about any of these facts...?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Darius only shrugged: there is enough time for him to help with clothes - whether some attire worthy of a minor noble or a scholar's robe (you would have to mention how many of you going in, of course, with the real or falsified tickets), he could also say that no one will be allowed at the Gala armed or armoured. But other than that, could not help much. The map was supposed to provide all the information about the inside, as for catering - it was more of a hiring more hands for the evening, trained servers with Varkenbluffs' men in charge, rather than a catering company.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Robin taps her nose then gestures to Early. “I’m wit’ this guy.” He was picking up what she was putting down. She nods a bit more enthusiastically when he starts talking about the fancy servers with the little snacks. “Mmhmm! Those lil Our Derserves (hors d'oeuvres) an’ fancy bubbly booze.” The elf poorly mimics being a poise noble helping themselves to things then joins Early on the mind explosion bit when he mentions for free.
Banks deflates a little when the idea is kind of brushed aside for the fake tickets. She scrunches her nose and crosses her arms. “Well I dig the switcheroo idea.” She adds under her breath, mostly to Early as the other two chatter on about elaborate plans and back ups. It was incredibly easy for her to get lost in the detailed steps of their planning at such a rapid pace. While his buddy’s illusion could be a great solution for a duplicate of the egg, she wonders if it’d be a weighted stand rigged with an alarm. Could they find a rock or something in similar shape and size for him to apply the illusion too? If there was time and feasible opportunity, Robin would be up for scouting out the premises ahead of time.
just an unstable unicorn.
A plan is forming! A smile of excitement took over Uril's face for a moment, but he had a few points to raise. He numbered them as he spoke, as if creating a list. "This budding plan sounds good already, but I have some comments to share:"
Switching tones to then address Robin's concern, Uril speaks some more: "The fake invitations are contingency, Robin, to be used only if your... switcheroo... plan doesn't pan out. You and Early have a plan and a back-up plan for entering the premises, but Lorsan and I really only have the one for now. Furthermore, we are assuming we'll be permitted to touch the object. All I said before is that I believe there are some standard protocols for manipulating a rare piece like this, but who is to say touching will be allowed? Perhaps only predetermined persons are allowed to see to that task, or perhaps all the manipulating and transporting have already been done ahead of time and the gala allows only for the admiring observation of the egg."
Noticing he is getting a little frustrated, Uril admits: "There are too many unknowns. I do no like unknowns."
Unknowns are to be expected, Lorsan replies somewhat unreassuringly, but with a gleam in his eye. That is what makes the game exhilarating. But, to assuage your concerns, perhaps some more solid contingencies should be devised. Lorsan pauses for a moment, then lists some thoughts in no particular order...
How about this: Let us make the after-hours acquisition of the egg our Plan A. As such, the prime objective of attending the gala in disguise is to gather information about the venue - the layout, wards and defenses, personnel, modes of entry and exit, and so on. After all, this grants us the most information, the least chance of observation, albeit the smallest window of time.
Our Plan B then becomes a plan of opportunity - taking the egg during the Gala. We engage in Plan A with such preparations in place that we can effect Plan B should the opportunity present itself. This still allows for some improvisation. For example, if the egg is removed from its display but handling is not permitted, then we contrive some ruse whereby it can be 'accidently' knocked to the floor, in a way that our exchange can be made. Should our impersonations fail, then we quit the party. All improvisations, however, are conducted in the manner that does the least damage to our chances of executing Plan A. The worst outcome would be to arouse suspicion to the point that security is increased beyond our capacity to counter it.
Lorsan stops suddenly - perhaps realising he has been talking excitedly to Uril and forgetting the others. But then he adds in a softer voice:
I confess... I am biased. For years my activities have been limited to masquerading as another in order to trick people into handing over their wealth willingly. Thus my proclivity for disguise and impersonation as our primary method in this venture. I have never actually attempted to steal anything by stealth.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Uril nods along as Lorsan spins the plans around: "I like it!" He raises a finger: "Unknowns will never not bother me but I reckon full certainty in a situation like this would be inconceivable."
What comes next from Lorsan sounds like a confession, but Uril takes it as a positive: "You have experience in such affairs, then! This is wonderful!" It is only a moment later that the scribe realizes he is showing his own hand with such an exclamation. There is little point in hiding it now, so he adds a confession of his own: "Well, I have spent most of my life sitting behind a desk, reading and writing. I abused those skills once and... here I am." He looks around, expecting to be kicked out of the team.
Early watches Lorsan and Uril seem to bond over their....technical chitty chat chat....and feels, only the mildest pang of jealousy. He wished he could bond with Lorsan over the talking stuff...but...he just couldn't reach the man that way. Oh well. Mentally shrugging, there was something that was still bothering him.
He raises his hand tentatively. "Uh...so...that Doctor lady who left...she said this egg is...three feet tall. That's pretty big. I don't know if a quick switcheroonie is actually gunna work that good. I think that Plan...zero....does plan zero come before plan A? I think plan Zero should be to get the egg AFTER the big party...after everyone leaves. We could maybe just learn stuff at the party...and then...once we know stuff.....later we do that. I think because it's after though, we could call it plan Z. I like the sound of it. Plan Z."
He holds out an open palmed hand towards the drunk girl without looking....expecting the obvious high five for a job well done.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Lorsan looks blankly at Early.
"Three feet tall? Did she say that? I... seem to have missed that piece of information. Hmm. Well done, Early. Excellent listening."
The con man lapses again into silence as he contemplates this information.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
The boys chatted with numbers of comments and letters for plans. During that time it would almost appear that Robin had checked out. She simply returned to stuffing herself silly, inside and out, and let them do most of the brain work. Of course, when they'd get stuck she'd help them eventually, nudging them along again as she has been.
Once full of food and drink to the point of almost bursting, Banks sits back to relax. She'd slouch, lick her fingers clean, then rest her hands over her bloated belly. While listening, her elven ears twitch at a couple things mentioned and she further expands her diaphram, as if playing with her full stomach. Silence falls over the table. Seems they finally 'tuckered' themselves out.
Wiping her mouth with her palm, Early's met with a high-five. Even if it wasn't the most enthusiastic, Robin didn't leave him hanging. She goes back to rubbing her belly, then cranes her neck to look at the guys' around the table. She was sizing them up. "How tall's someone gotta be teh carry a 3ft egg baby?" Glossy hues meet Uril's. "A pregnant lady's less likely teh get decked if yer worried 'bout a lil scrap... hic." She winks. "Just sayin'"
"Put that under Plan E, fer Eggspecting." A smirk pulls at Robin's lips and she holds out an open palm to Early without looking... expecting the obvious high five for her job well done building off his notes.
just an unstable unicorn.
"If we compare a chick and a hen..." Darius shook his head. "I can see how the city of Murkmire was destroyed. Hopefully, we can save Waterdeep from the same fate." He nodded to the general thoughts at the table. "The Dr. said the egg is very light for its size. 20 pounds? Something like this. But it is quite voluminous."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice