Uril never saw himself as one to wield divine leverage, but he did know a verse his mother used to sing to him for encouragement or courage when he was but a wee little scribe.
-> He is no bard, and it may sound like inspiration, but Uril is casting a poem of guidance on Lorsan.
"When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit - Rest if you must, but don't you quit."
Early glances back at the doorman, then over at Robin like she's a stranger. Then again, if people think they're callin ya, best to let them think they have...or....well...there was some measure of thoughts that went through Early's brain, but the intuitive side of him recognized where they'd gotten to and just decided to move on.
"Oh, sorry mate. Though, isn't your job to open and close a door and be nice? You sure act like the boss of this joint. Maybe that's what the boss does. The easiest job in the place. Open the door and be nice. Oh...crap...you forgot that last part. Anyway, fer some reason I don't feel like buying a cake here anymore." He shrugs and smiles like he's made an inside joke with the guy. Honestly Early had seen Robin and hoped her antics would have distracted the door people a tad bit longer, but, they had what they wanted. "Thanks for the tip on the job bud!" He gives the girl one last wink and then strolls out of the bakery.
He strolls away and waits for Robin to catch up. He grins at her as she arrives. "Yer fun to hang out with. Say....maybe that dude had it right. Maybe we should head to the gala place and see if they need some folk. Waddya think?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Lorsan and Uril
It was a bold attempt but a very risky one. Once Lorsan, blessed by Uril's song, inconspicuously walked by the backdoors (first, at a respectful distance, of course), he could see that the "traffic" there was too intense for any kind of direct approach. Slipping in could be a serious problem for that reason alone. Sure, he was not the only gaper on the street (a second reason to be careful), and did not attract too much attention, but the people in the uniforms - obvious guards - were clearly keeping an eye on the surroundings. Especially one: a toll woman, human but with possible mix of Goliath blood, judging by her sturdy and muscular build, and impressive height. Her short practical hair, showing signs of grey, her face - weathered and marked with lines, her no-nonsense demeanour and commanding confidence, everything identified her as an officer to other guardsmen. It was she, who spotted Lorsan's attempt to infiltrate the building while many heads did turn to the sound of the broken window.
"Where do you think you are going, street rat?" It seemed that at least Larsan's masquerade did work. Probably.
The woman tried to catch the "scruffy elven youth" (her Athletics: 8 - need Lorsan's Athletics/Acrobatics)
Meanwhile, Uril, fully trusting Lorsan's ability to handle the situation, indeed observed a patrol. It could not be anything else - two people, armed and armoured, in the surcoats of the same colours as those now handling the backdoor, walking around the building at deliberate speed and seemingly scanning the surroundings. As a working man himself, Uril could say, that guards are rarely so attentive unless the officer is nearby or something really serious is going on (and the officer is nearby). Still, if this is their best (it had to be) then this is the worst the group could expect later. Uril could even calculate the time in case of a complication, should there be two patrols, not one.
(OOC: Add 3 to the Stealth check from Guidance, although I'm sure it's beyond Deneir's help.)
The risk of detection wasn't unexpected, and Lorsan switches to his alternative plan, making no attempt to avoid 'capture' by the guard, but submitting willingly, raising his arms in the air, and crouching down in a servile bow.
P-please, your honor. I am no s-street rat. I'm a m-messenger, your honor. I have a message for the c-cyoo... the cooray-ta... the person in charge of the m-museum...
If it looks like the guard is fooled by the charade, Lorsan continues, babbling away as if nervous:
I'm Upton O'Goode. I mean, that's my n-name. It's my f-first job as a messenger, and I thought I w-was just supposed to g-go inside and d-deliver it. I used to be a c-courier you see, but messenger is the n-next step to becoming a herald, and I hope to join the Guild s-someday, and I didn't want to m-mess up my first job, especially for such a w-wealthy and important client...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Uril's gaze lingers a bit on the poem of guidance he had jotted down on his tome. He liked that poem, it was nostalgic to him. But alas, duty calls and his job right now was to keep an eye out. He flips his tome to a blank page and quickly writes down notes on the patrol duo he spotted. He makes notes on their numbers, attention level, speed, distance they travel during a round, etc. He even extrapolates, modeling what a team of two patrols would look like should security get tighter in a few hours. He also takes into account the guards who are stationary near the back door.
Peeking at Lorsan every now and then, Uril sees the elf is playing another theatrical role and continues to assume it is all part of his plan. Lorsan knows what he is doing. He certainly looks like he does... when doesn't he, really?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Captain (or whoever that woman was) squinted suspiciously at the scrawny "messenger" (9 (7)). Lorsan's appearance of a new worker worried about messing things up seemed to convince the scary guard.
"Upton O'Goode..." (Lorsan felt the Captain would remember the name) "Very well, tell me who sent you, give me the message and go. I will talk to the curator. And next time don't forget to introduce yourself and state your business at the doors."
“Welp that answers that eh?” Robin shrugs at the doorman. “Can’t blame mah nose fer tryin’ teh find werk here!” She gestures with an elbow nudge and slinks out before she gets sticky fingers.
Banks starts heading down one direction before realizing it was the wrong way. She pauses to pivot abruptly, then skips to catch back up to Early. “Mmhmm! S’pose that’s a logical next step.” The elf nods along to him. “It’s never too Early teh hunt ya down a paying mistress teh tell ya wut teh do.” She claps him on the back with a wink.
Even with Robin's gracefully unsteady pacing, it did not take long for her and Early to join Uril on his post, where he was taking notes on the patrol while keeping an eye on Lorsan's encounter with the guard captain.
The team of guards and Varkenbluff's staff kept working, under the scrutiny of the street onlookers. Almost all the baskets and furniture were already transported inside the museum. You could be sure, though, that the Captain will be the last to leave the post.
M-my apologies, your honor. I will r-r-remember for next time, thank you. It's very k-kind of you to p-pass on the m-message. In full, if you p-please, with no amendments or abridgements, as per Guild p-protocol.
The members of the messengers guild take their job seriously. Sensitive messages are memorised rather than written, and the eager elven adolescent has evidently been practicing. Standing up erect, arms at his sides, he rattles off the message rapidly, from memory, without stutter, and almost without taking a breath.
From Dr. Cassee Dannell on behalf of the New Olamn College: The preliminary computations imparted bona fide by the parties on our part to the parties on your part have been determined to contain a non-insignificant degree of uncertainty. Consequently, a reassessment was undertaken, and an updated and more accurate determination, with a much-reduced but still non-zero confidence interval, is hereby imparted, despite being rendered persona non grata, from the parties of our part to the parties of your part. Our updated and impartial estimation, therefore, is that the late acquisition discussed earlier may render itself hazardous earlier rather than later, certainly much earlier than lately discussed. In particular, the anticipated incident has a high probability of commencing prior to the conclusion of the party hosted by the parties of your part, potentially endangering not only the assets of the parties of your part, but other third parties who may be participants at the party. The professional recommendation, therefore, of the parties of our part is to delay the party, inform the other parties, and set apart the sui generis, concluding preparations earlier than the prepared commencement, but no later than the prepared conclusion.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"Oh, you are here?" Uril confirms as he is joined by Early and Banks. "I'm keeping watch on the watch," he states, happy with his wordplay there. "I think I can time their rounds to some accuracy, and am ready to adjust my model to the eventuality of them adding a second patrol. I'll need to go over my notes again, just to be sure." Sensing the brave duo might not be interested in the methodological details of his estimation model, Uril changes subjects: "Lorsan is over there. He is playing a new character. See that scrawny elven youth over there. That's him. I think being manhandled by the large captain lady is part of his plan."
The moment messenger-Lorsan mentioned Dr. Dannell, Captain's brows furrowed in disdain and she listened to the colourful gibberish with visibly growing frustration. "That nutjob again... Can not come in person anymore, so now she sends messages making even less sense." She shook her head. "Listen, son, I will not pretend I can remember all this blabber you just said, but trust me, Dr. Van Lictor would not want to listen to it. You seem like a fine lad," (the woman sounded more like she pitied the poor creature rather than complimenting him) "here, take a coin and run back." (She pressed a silver coin in Lorsan's hand) "Believe me, the only reward you will get from the curator is a thwack in the head. I'll tell him Dr. Dannell sent another message, don't worry."
With that, she pushed the "boy" slightly (by her measures) toward the street.
Early sees Uril and smiles, nodding to his welcome, though unsure of what he was going on about. He spent most of the time trying to remember Uril's name.....and eventually got there.
"Thanks for the update Earl." He claps the man on the shoulder. "While you're at it, if you could figure how how the guards are movin around, that might help for later." He smiles a warm smile. Then, seeing the captain of the guards is free, he wanders in that direction to take 'his turn'.
As he approaches he waves in a friendly way, "Hey there. We were just at the bakery over there, and they said you might need some folks to work at the gala so we came over to see what's what." He absently watches his friend Lorsan stumble away in disguise and thumbs his hand in that direction, "Hopefully that guy wasn't lookin fer a job too." He grins like he's made a joke, though the punchline is absent.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Lorsan bows obsequiously, pockets the silver coin, and then turns and slouches away without another word. The ploy didn't get him a look into the building's basement, but at least he picked up the name of the curator - Van Licked-her. Interesting name - he might have to use it himself sometime. The elven youth barely glances at the passing Early, but just enough to give a quick approving wink at the boy's own attempt at deception, before disappearing back around the corner to catch up with Uril.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"We?" The woman arched an eyebrow and glanced past Early, scanning for any other individuals accompanying the young man. "Not to my knowledge. I think they have all the lazy bums they need already. Still, if this is a job you are after, come in the evening, around the eighth bell. Cleaning up might require more hands."
"However," she looked Early up and down, sizing the height, build and general look, "a boy like you could do well as a guardsman. If you are interested, I can point you to the captain at the barracks. They are always looking for fresh recruits. And once you prove yourself enough, say, half a year of good service, who knows, you might get the job here as well."
Banks squints upon Uril's greeting. It takes until Early's reminder that it was 'Earl' that she'd recognize the scholar outside of the previous establishment. A big ol' smile would pop on her face and she'd give him an enthusiastic wave. "Hey, I know you!" She chimes. "Good job. Hic! You keep watch on that mischievous pair. Never know what trouble they find 'emselves in." Robin chatters at Uril as she watches Early saunter off towards the Captain. Perfect.
Everyone was was occupied. Which meant Robin was unsupervised. Her eyes shift to Uril keeping watch beside her, then she takes a step back and slinks away.
While the boys were busy and keeping the Captain occupied, it was time for Robin stuff. She was much too curious not to try to scope out the area. Where was Cheese anyways? Bank's found herself meandering around seemingly 'aimlessly'. She'd fall into the crowd in attempts to blend in for closer looks, and maybe find a little inspiration. First the elf would put her hearing to good use, listening to the gossip of people and/or guards talking, listening for where people come and go the most, different type of foot traffic etc. to learn patterns or ways to navigate around, and to make her way closer to the building. She'd see if she could find ways to look into the building before actually trying to see if she could access openings to test them. This meant windows and doors. Upper floor(s?), main floor, basement. Honestly Bank's would be satisfied with even finding access to a janitor's closet (or the like).
Of course if the opportunity was ripe, the green haired elf may find find something new on her person. Perhaps an unsuspecting guard missing a key, or a mop, broom, even a cane, or a matching spork! Perhaps some gardening tools or maybe simply, a plucked flower tucked into her hair and a new friend. Robin had range.
Stealth: 8 (if w/ advantage cause the boys are distracting enough: 19 ) Snooping: 12 (if w/ advantage if a 'successful' stealth?: 13 + 7 Perception or -2 if Investigation) Sleight of Hand: 27 (if w/ advantage if a 'successful' stealth?: 21 )
One would assume, a tipsy tall green-haired elven girl would quite stand out in any crowd (even if the said girl got rid of an addition to her attire, that imitated pregnancy). And yet, Robin practically dissolved in the small group of spectators watching the events by the museum door. The crowd itself turned out to be not that interesting - usual idle speculations and comments of idle onlookers, and not even the first round of them. She moved around - still in plain view and yet still skillfully "invisible", got herself closer and closer to the door, and finally, without anyone noticing the girl managed to sneak behind the open carriage, which brought everything here. Even when the Captain ended her brief conversation with Early, she seemed to ignore the elf behind the cart, allowing the girl to take a peek inside.
However, this is where the luck ended. Not for the inattentiveness but rather for the circumstances. The bright sun contrasted with the dark space behind the doors and did not allow Robin to see anything other than the blurry movent of people getting out and in again with the loads from the cart. One thing was clear, though - getting inside was not an option even with her exceptional skills. Not right now. Similarly, an attempt of lifting anything from the Captain did not look like a good idea - extremely risky with no apparent reward (Robin did not see anything worthy of the risk but could feel the danger in her bones).
The doors themselves seemed to be pry-able. There could be security inside but it did not look (at least from Robin's position) as if the doors were trapped somehow by themselves. There were definitely stairs right behind the doors, leading down into the basement - both Early and Lorsan could confirm it.
The outside looked exactly as Uril described - windows, that looked forever shut and part of decore, no other visible entrances (unless one counts the obvious skylight of an obvious attic as an entrance. If Uril did not mention it, it was for the prominence of the feature). Enough potential places to hide (with the skill) in the niches with the statues.
The last basket was picked up by a guard, the carriage driver turned to the Captain asking if he is done here and got permission to leave. The Captain looked around one last time - very attentively, stepped inside and closed the door behind her.
"That's what I am doing..." (right, DM?) Uril responds faintly to Early when asked to figure out the patrol's patterns... "Did he not understand me?" His question falls flat on Robyn's ears, who reveals with her reaction, if not words, that she had completely forgotten about Uril until this moment. Meagerly once more, he lets out his frustration: "But we were talking barely an hour ago in that tavern.... Uril... my name is Uril." By the time he was done complaining and had resumed his watching as encouraged by Banks, the Miss had already disappeared again.
Uril welcomes Lorsan back to their around-the-corner-hideout, and whispers: "What did you learn? I got a chance to study the patrols." The scribe excitedly goes over his notes with Lorsan, expecting the elf to be a more eager listener to his estimations than Early or Banks were.
"Oh look, they are closing the door now. I'm not sure we learned much after all... Where should we go next?"
(ooc: sorry, I've been unwell. Just a brief post to not hold things up)
Lorsan expounds his meager findings to Uril, and listens attentively to all of the scribes astute observations. He agrees that they didn't learn much, but points out that even a small piece of Intel can come in handy at the right time. He asks Uril if Early and Robin had any luck, and checks on the time to see how long until the Gala starts, to ensure they have time to prepare...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
To say the group did not learn anything would be an exaggeration. Surely, to get inside a guarded facility in the broad daylight during preparations for an important event or inject yourself into said preparations without much preparation of your own would be a pure miracle. However, barring a miracle, the small party learned quite a bit about the building itself and at least some security measures, observed a few Varkenbluff's people - servants, guards and their captain, and even exchanged a few words with the latter, asserting one of the obstacles between them and the stone.
Should the group decide to infiltrate the building at a more suitable time (less sunny and quieter, maybe) they now had two entrances (plus the skylight? Hard to tell from down there but looks promising), the patrol schedule, the assessment of hiding spots and the path to the future meeting with Dr. Cassee Dannell, that - who knows? - can happen in a hurry.
It is shortly past the third bell, Darius has to be on his way to the tavern and the "museum" will open its doors to the guests in two hours.
Robin slinks back with the group as if she's been there all along. However, there's a flower (maybe a weed?) tucked in her ear. She stands there, swaying a bit, looking nonchalantly at her nails while the boys seem unsatisfied with their findings. "Figured out wut I needed teh find out." The green haired elf shrugs. Then, she starts patting down her person. "Them doors be 'pry-able' (not locked?)" Finding a wineskin she filled earlier, she coos in excitement and takes a swig. Having been distracted, it'd take her a moment to remember what she was originally looking for. "Even if there be a locked door, hic, I've got 'mum's ol' pocket book'." Robin makes a great effort to wink. Then suddenly remembering her original though, she puts a finger up. "Faster if I ask..." She blinks, looking up at the others. "Smarty Pants's's..." Her finger kinda wiggles to point between the others. "Think I need more than fifty feets?" Her head tilts while gesturing to a bundle of rope. "Can go topside, hic!" Eyes dart enthusiastically between them as she starts to hum a low catchy tune. "Drop in frum the ceilin' like a ninja." A pregnant ninja. She bends forward with her arms out as if she's hovering from a ceiling.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
just an unstable unicorn.
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Uril never saw himself as one to wield divine leverage, but he did know a verse his mother used to sing to him for encouragement or courage when he was but a wee little scribe.
-> He is no bard, and it may sound like inspiration, but Uril is casting a poem of guidance on Lorsan.
"When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit -
Rest if you must, but don't you quit."
(OOC: by Edgar A. Guest)
Early glances back at the doorman, then over at Robin like she's a stranger. Then again, if people think they're callin ya, best to let them think they have...or....well...there was some measure of thoughts that went through Early's brain, but the intuitive side of him recognized where they'd gotten to and just decided to move on.
"Oh, sorry mate. Though, isn't your job to open and close a door and be nice? You sure act like the boss of this joint. Maybe that's what the boss does. The easiest job in the place. Open the door and be nice. Oh...crap...you forgot that last part. Anyway, fer some reason I don't feel like buying a cake here anymore." He shrugs and smiles like he's made an inside joke with the guy. Honestly Early had seen Robin and hoped her antics would have distracted the door people a tad bit longer, but, they had what they wanted. "Thanks for the tip on the job bud!" He gives the girl one last wink and then strolls out of the bakery.
He strolls away and waits for Robin to catch up. He grins at her as she arrives. "Yer fun to hang out with. Say....maybe that dude had it right. Maybe we should head to the gala place and see if they need some folk. Waddya think?"
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Lorsan and Uril
It was a bold attempt but a very risky one. Once Lorsan, blessed by Uril's song, inconspicuously walked by the backdoors (first, at a respectful distance, of course), he could see that the "traffic" there was too intense for any kind of direct approach. Slipping in could be a serious problem for that reason alone. Sure, he was not the only gaper on the street (a second reason to be careful), and did not attract too much attention, but the people in the uniforms - obvious guards - were clearly keeping an eye on the surroundings. Especially one: a toll woman, human but with possible mix of Goliath blood, judging by her sturdy and muscular build, and impressive height. Her short practical hair, showing signs of grey, her face - weathered and marked with lines, her no-nonsense demeanour and commanding confidence, everything identified her as an officer to other guardsmen. It was she, who spotted Lorsan's attempt to infiltrate the building while many heads did turn to the sound of the broken window.
"Where do you think you are going, street rat?" It seemed that at least Larsan's masquerade did work. Probably.
The woman tried to catch the "scruffy elven youth" (her Athletics: 8 - need Lorsan's Athletics/Acrobatics)
Meanwhile, Uril, fully trusting Lorsan's ability to handle the situation, indeed observed a patrol. It could not be anything else - two people, armed and armoured, in the surcoats of the same colours as those now handling the backdoor, walking around the building at deliberate speed and seemingly scanning the surroundings.
As a working man himself, Uril could say, that guards are rarely so attentive unless the officer is nearby or something really serious is going on (and the officer is nearby). Still, if this is their best (it had to be) then this is the worst the group could expect later. Uril could even calculate the time in case of a complication, should there be two patrols, not one.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
(OOC: Add 3 to the Stealth check from Guidance, although I'm sure it's beyond Deneir's help.)
The risk of detection wasn't unexpected, and Lorsan switches to his alternative plan, making no attempt to avoid 'capture' by the guard, but submitting willingly, raising his arms in the air, and crouching down in a servile bow.
P-please, your honor. I am no s-street rat. I'm a m-messenger, your honor. I have a message for the c-cyoo... the cooray-ta... the person in charge of the m-museum...
Performance: 15
If it looks like the guard is fooled by the charade, Lorsan continues, babbling away as if nervous:
I'm Upton O'Goode. I mean, that's my n-name. It's my f-first job as a messenger, and I thought I w-was just supposed to g-go inside and d-deliver it. I used to be a c-courier you see, but messenger is the n-next step to becoming a herald, and I hope to join the Guild s-someday, and I didn't want to m-mess up my first job, especially for such a w-wealthy and important client...
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Uril's gaze lingers a bit on the poem of guidance he had jotted down on his tome. He liked that poem, it was nostalgic to him. But alas, duty calls and his job right now was to keep an eye out. He flips his tome to a blank page and quickly writes down notes on the patrol duo he spotted. He makes notes on their numbers, attention level, speed, distance they travel during a round, etc. He even extrapolates, modeling what a team of two patrols would look like should security get tighter in a few hours. He also takes into account the guards who are stationary near the back door.
Peeking at Lorsan every now and then, Uril sees the elf is playing another theatrical role and continues to assume it is all part of his plan. Lorsan knows what he is doing. He certainly looks like he does... when doesn't he, really?
Captain (or whoever that woman was) squinted suspiciously at the scrawny "messenger" (9 (7)). Lorsan's appearance of a new worker worried about messing things up seemed to convince the scary guard.
"Upton O'Goode..." (Lorsan felt the Captain would remember the name) "Very well, tell me who sent you, give me the message and go. I will talk to the curator. And next time don't forget to introduce yourself and state your business at the doors."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
“Welp that answers that eh?” Robin shrugs at the doorman. “Can’t blame mah nose fer tryin’ teh find werk here!” She gestures with an elbow nudge and slinks out before she gets sticky fingers.
Banks starts heading down one direction before realizing it was the wrong way. She pauses to pivot abruptly, then skips to catch back up to Early. “Mmhmm! S’pose that’s a logical next step.” The elf nods along to him. “It’s never too Early teh hunt ya down a paying mistress teh tell ya wut teh do.” She claps him on the back with a wink.
just an unstable unicorn.
Even with Robin's gracefully unsteady pacing, it did not take long for her and Early to join Uril on his post, where he was taking notes on the patrol while keeping an eye on Lorsan's encounter with the guard captain.
The team of guards and Varkenbluff's staff kept working, under the scrutiny of the street onlookers. Almost all the baskets and furniture were already transported inside the museum. You could be sure, though, that the Captain will be the last to leave the post.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
M-my apologies, your honor. I will r-r-remember for next time, thank you. It's very k-kind of you to p-pass on the m-message. In full, if you p-please, with no amendments or abridgements, as per Guild p-protocol.
The members of the messengers guild take their job seriously. Sensitive messages are memorised rather than written, and the eager elven adolescent has evidently been practicing. Standing up erect, arms at his sides, he rattles off the message rapidly, from memory, without stutter, and almost without taking a breath.
From Dr. Cassee Dannell on behalf of the New Olamn College: The preliminary computations imparted bona fide by the parties on our part to the parties on your part have been determined to contain a non-insignificant degree of uncertainty. Consequently, a reassessment was undertaken, and an updated and more accurate determination, with a much-reduced but still non-zero confidence interval, is hereby imparted, despite being rendered persona non grata, from the parties of our part to the parties of your part. Our updated and impartial estimation, therefore, is that the late acquisition discussed earlier may render itself hazardous earlier rather than later, certainly much earlier than lately discussed. In particular, the anticipated incident has a high probability of commencing prior to the conclusion of the party hosted by the parties of your part, potentially endangering not only the assets of the parties of your part, but other third parties who may be participants at the party. The professional recommendation, therefore, of the parties of our part is to delay the party, inform the other parties, and set apart the sui generis, concluding preparations earlier than the prepared commencement, but no later than the prepared conclusion.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"Oh, you are here?" Uril confirms as he is joined by Early and Banks. "I'm keeping watch on the watch," he states, happy with his wordplay there. "I think I can time their rounds to some accuracy, and am ready to adjust my model to the eventuality of them adding a second patrol. I'll need to go over my notes again, just to be sure." Sensing the brave duo might not be interested in the methodological details of his estimation model, Uril changes subjects: "Lorsan is over there. He is playing a new character. See that scrawny elven youth over there. That's him. I think being manhandled by the large captain lady is part of his plan."
The moment messenger-Lorsan mentioned Dr. Dannell, Captain's brows furrowed in disdain and she listened to the colourful gibberish with visibly growing frustration. "That nutjob again... Can not come in person anymore, so now she sends messages making even less sense." She shook her head. "Listen, son, I will not pretend I can remember all this blabber you just said, but trust me, Dr. Van Lictor would not want to listen to it. You seem like a fine lad," (the woman sounded more like she pitied the poor creature rather than complimenting him) "here, take a coin and run back." (She pressed a silver coin in Lorsan's hand) "Believe me, the only reward you will get from the curator is a thwack in the head. I'll tell him Dr. Dannell sent another message, don't worry."
With that, she pushed the "boy" slightly (by her measures) toward the street.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Early sees Uril and smiles, nodding to his welcome, though unsure of what he was going on about. He spent most of the time trying to remember Uril's name.....and eventually got there.
"Thanks for the update Earl." He claps the man on the shoulder. "While you're at it, if you could figure how how the guards are movin around, that might help for later." He smiles a warm smile. Then, seeing the captain of the guards is free, he wanders in that direction to take 'his turn'.
As he approaches he waves in a friendly way, "Hey there. We were just at the bakery over there, and they said you might need some folks to work at the gala so we came over to see what's what." He absently watches his friend Lorsan stumble away in disguise and thumbs his hand in that direction, "Hopefully that guy wasn't lookin fer a job too." He grins like he's made a joke, though the punchline is absent.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Lorsan bows obsequiously, pockets the silver coin, and then turns and slouches away without another word. The ploy didn't get him a look into the building's basement, but at least he picked up the name of the curator - Van Licked-her. Interesting name - he might have to use it himself sometime. The elven youth barely glances at the passing Early, but just enough to give a quick approving wink at the boy's own attempt at deception, before disappearing back around the corner to catch up with Uril.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"We?" The woman arched an eyebrow and glanced past Early, scanning for any other individuals accompanying the young man. "Not to my knowledge. I think they have all the lazy bums they need already. Still, if this is a job you are after, come in the evening, around the eighth bell. Cleaning up might require more hands."
"However," she looked Early up and down, sizing the height, build and general look, "a boy like you could do well as a guardsman. If you are interested, I can point you to the captain at the barracks. They are always looking for fresh recruits. And once you prove yourself enough, say, half a year of good service, who knows, you might get the job here as well."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Banks squints upon Uril's greeting. It takes until Early's reminder that it was 'Earl' that she'd recognize the scholar outside of the previous establishment. A big ol' smile would pop on her face and she'd give him an enthusiastic wave. "Hey, I know you!" She chimes. "Good job. Hic! You keep watch on that mischievous pair. Never know what trouble they find 'emselves in." Robin chatters at Uril as she watches Early saunter off towards the Captain. Perfect.
Everyone was was occupied. Which meant Robin was unsupervised. Her eyes shift to Uril keeping watch beside her, then she takes a step back and slinks away.
While the boys were busy and keeping the Captain occupied, it was time for Robin stuff. She was much too curious not to try to scope out the area. Where was Cheese anyways? Bank's found herself meandering around seemingly 'aimlessly'. She'd fall into the crowd in attempts to blend in for closer looks, and maybe find a little inspiration. First the elf would put her hearing to good use, listening to the gossip of people and/or guards talking, listening for where people come and go the most, different type of foot traffic etc. to learn patterns or ways to navigate around, and to make her way closer to the building. She'd see if she could find ways to look into the building before actually trying to see if she could access openings to test them. This meant windows and doors. Upper floor(s?), main floor, basement. Honestly Bank's would be satisfied with even finding access to a janitor's closet (or the like).
Of course if the opportunity was ripe, the green haired elf may find find something new on her person. Perhaps an unsuspecting guard missing a key, or a mop, broom, even a cane, or a matching spork! Perhaps some gardening tools or maybe simply, a plucked flower tucked into her hair and a new friend. Robin had range.
Stealth: 8 (if w/ advantage cause the boys are distracting enough: 19 )
Snooping: 12 (if w/ advantage if a 'successful' stealth?: 13 + 7 Perception or -2 if Investigation)
Sleight of Hand: 27 (if w/ advantage if a 'successful' stealth?: 21 )
just an unstable unicorn.
One would assume, a tipsy tall green-haired elven girl would quite stand out in any crowd (even if the said girl got rid of an addition to her attire, that imitated pregnancy). And yet, Robin practically dissolved in the small group of spectators watching the events by the museum door. The crowd itself turned out to be not that interesting - usual idle speculations and comments of idle onlookers, and not even the first round of them. She moved around - still in plain view and yet still skillfully "invisible", got herself closer and closer to the door, and finally, without anyone noticing the girl managed to sneak behind the open carriage, which brought everything here. Even when the Captain ended her brief conversation with Early, she seemed to ignore the elf behind the cart, allowing the girl to take a peek inside.
However, this is where the luck ended. Not for the inattentiveness but rather for the circumstances. The bright sun contrasted with the dark space behind the doors and did not allow Robin to see anything other than the blurry movent of people getting out and in again with the loads from the cart. One thing was clear, though - getting inside was not an option even with her exceptional skills. Not right now. Similarly, an attempt of lifting anything from the Captain did not look like a good idea - extremely risky with no apparent reward (Robin did not see anything worthy of the risk but could feel the danger in her bones).
The doors themselves seemed to be pry-able. There could be security inside but it did not look (at least from Robin's position) as if the doors were trapped somehow by themselves. There were definitely stairs right behind the doors, leading down into the basement - both Early and Lorsan could confirm it.
The outside looked exactly as Uril described - windows, that looked forever shut and part of decore, no other visible entrances (unless one counts the obvious skylight of an obvious attic as an entrance. If Uril did not mention it, it was for the prominence of the feature). Enough potential places to hide (with the skill) in the niches with the statues.
The last basket was picked up by a guard, the carriage driver turned to the Captain asking if he is done here and got permission to leave. The Captain looked around one last time - very attentively, stepped inside and closed the door behind her.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"That's what I am doing..." (right, DM?) Uril responds faintly to Early when asked to figure out the patrol's patterns... "Did he not understand me?" His question falls flat on Robyn's ears, who reveals with her reaction, if not words, that she had completely forgotten about Uril until this moment. Meagerly once more, he lets out his frustration: "But we were talking barely an hour ago in that tavern.... Uril... my name is Uril." By the time he was done complaining and had resumed his watching as encouraged by Banks, the Miss had already disappeared again.
Uril welcomes Lorsan back to their around-the-corner-hideout, and whispers: "What did you learn? I got a chance to study the patrols." The scribe excitedly goes over his notes with Lorsan, expecting the elf to be a more eager listener to his estimations than Early or Banks were.
"Oh look, they are closing the door now. I'm not sure we learned much after all... Where should we go next?"
(ooc: sorry, I've been unwell. Just a brief post to not hold things up)
Lorsan expounds his meager findings to Uril, and listens attentively to all of the scribes astute observations. He agrees that they didn't learn much, but points out that even a small piece of Intel can come in handy at the right time. He asks Uril if Early and Robin had any luck, and checks on the time to see how long until the Gala starts, to ensure they have time to prepare...
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
[Take care of yourself and get better soon!]
To say the group did not learn anything would be an exaggeration. Surely, to get inside a guarded facility in the broad daylight during preparations for an important event or inject yourself into said preparations without much preparation of your own would be a pure miracle. However, barring a miracle, the small party learned quite a bit about the building itself and at least some security measures, observed a few Varkenbluff's people - servants, guards and their captain, and even exchanged a few words with the latter, asserting one of the obstacles between them and the stone.
Should the group decide to infiltrate the building at a more suitable time (less sunny and quieter, maybe) they now had two entrances (plus the skylight? Hard to tell from down there but looks promising), the patrol schedule, the assessment of hiding spots and the path to the future meeting with Dr. Cassee Dannell, that - who knows? - can happen in a hurry.
It is shortly past the third bell, Darius has to be on his way to the tavern and the "museum" will open its doors to the guests in two hours.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Robin slinks back with the group as if she's been there all along. However, there's a flower (maybe a weed?) tucked in her ear. She stands there, swaying a bit, looking nonchalantly at her nails while the boys seem unsatisfied with their findings. "Figured out wut I needed teh find out." The green haired elf shrugs. Then, she starts patting down her person. "Them doors be 'pry-able' (not locked?)" Finding a wineskin she filled earlier, she coos in excitement and takes a swig. Having been distracted, it'd take her a moment to remember what she was originally looking for. "Even if there be a locked door, hic, I've got 'mum's ol' pocket book'." Robin makes a great effort to wink. Then suddenly remembering her original though, she puts a finger up. "Faster if I ask..." She blinks, looking up at the others. "Smarty Pants's's..." Her finger kinda wiggles to point between the others. "Think I need more than fifty feets?" Her head tilts while gesturing to a bundle of rope. "Can go topside, hic!" Eyes dart enthusiastically between them as she starts to hum a low catchy tune. "Drop in frum the ceilin' like a ninja." A pregnant ninja. She bends forward with her arms out as if she's hovering from a ceiling.
just an unstable unicorn.