Quote from Kyleh2486 >>

OOC: This is a different town other than the one we are currently in, correct?

 Yeah.

Merlin speaks, evaluating the group silently, his piercing eyes sweeping over each individual with a discerning gaze. “This meeting begins in a few hours.” he continues, his voice calm yet firm, carrying a weight that commands attention. “It’s crucial that we all remain prepared. There is much at stake, and the decisions we make today could be lethal. Not just to you, but many others.”

Valeria nods at her companions, they seem a capable bunch. "Point us in the direction, I think we can handle this task."

The group has enough muscle that she is confident that if things go in an unplanned manner, they will be able to work it out. How could it be? Just go there, listen in and get back. 

And get paid.

Ianjin rolled his shoulders and let out a short breath, his vibrant feathers settling into place. “Prepared? I’m always prepared,” he said with an easy shrug, giving Merlin a sharp, confident grin. “If you told me to head out right this second, I’d be halfway there before you finished your sentence.”  His eyes flicked toward the others, taking in Igneous’ concentration, Fitzroy’s laid-back composure, and Valeria’s quiet confidence. 'Yeah,' he thought, 'we’ll manage.'

Tilting his head, he crossed his arms loosely, his wings shifting slightly as he considered the task ahead. “So, how far away is this place? And more importantly…” he let the words hang for a moment, his sharp, keen gaze settling on Merlin, “do you have any suggestions on how we slip in without stirring up a commotion?” His beak curved slightly in amusement. “I mean, some of us blend in better than others,” he added, glancing at Igneous and Fitzroy’s heavier gear. “But if this cult is the real deal, I’d rather not bumble in like a bunch of lost pilgrims.”

His stance remained relaxed, but there was an underlying sharpness to his presence now. He was lighthearted, sure, but he wasn’t careless. They had a mission. And if it was dangerous enough for even Merlin to sound concerned, Ianjin wasn’t about to take it lightly.

Fitz watches Valeria as Merlin spoke. She seems like a smart one. Surely she followed everything that was ging on. "Ay, infiltration a cult can't be too difficult. You just gotta have some natural dwarven charisma. It doesn't hurt." Fitz looks at Ian. "Though a golden feathered creature like yourself might be seen as some sort of good omen. Theough I guess it could also be a bad omen as well. Not sure how they would take you as such." 

After a little bit a thinking, Igneous pipped up. “I remember the time when Barnabas Bombast infiltrated a cult by putting on their robes. It was a disguise, you see! He then beat them up. Do we have anything that would help us look like them?” He was trying to be helpful. “I’m ready whether you have disguises or not.” And he didn’t want his idea to be misconstrued as fear. 

Ianjin smirked at Fitzroy, his golden-orange feathers fluffing slightly as he leaned in conspiratorially. “Oh, you know, Fitz, if you head in there first, you could do me a favor,” he said, his voice dripping with playful mischief. “Start spreading a little rumor—say, that you’ve seen three straight streaks of lucky rolls at the dice table, each time just after rubbing a rook’s feet.” He let the words linger for a beat before flashing a wide, feather-ruffling grin. “Give it a few hours, and by the time I walk through the door, they’ll be begging for a good omen.” His chuckle was warm and easy, full of the same lighthearted charm he carried everywhere.

Then, turning to Igneous, his tone shifted ever so slightly—still amused, but laced with a practical edge. “You might be onto something there, my friend,” he mused. “If this is a cult, then they must have some way to accept new followers, right? Can’t have a secret club without a way to bring in new blood.” He tapped his beak thoughtfully, then gave a knowing nod. “Maybe we don’t need disguises—maybe we just need the right story.” His keen eyes swept over the group. “Of course, if that fails… then we start improvising.” His grin returned, a little sharper this time. “I like to think I’m good at that.”

Merlin begins gathering documents and notes. “You have accepted your fate.” He said, his voice both comforting and commanding, carrying the weight of centuries of knowledge. “The path ahead is fraught with danger, but you are ready. I have seen it in you.” He hands Valeria all of the papers, taking her for the smartest of the group. “These notes are all the information I’ve been able to gather, maps, images, members, along with 5 glyphs of invisibility. These glyphs will last 1 hour, so use them carefully.” He gestures to a glyph on the ground, with intricate designs. “This is a teleportation circle. Once you step into it, you’ll be in the cathedral. Good luck.”

"Teleportation circle? Never heard of one but I'm ready." And, while holding his nose as if he was diving feet first into a lake for a swim, he jumps into the circle for teleportation to the cathedral. 

Ianjin adjusted the straps of his pack, rolling his shoulders as he eyed the teleportation circle. His feathers shifted slightly, a telltale sign of his anticipation. “Well, that’s a first,” he mused, stepping closer and tilting his head to get a better look at the intricate designs. “Never traveled by magic before… usually, I just fly places.” With a smirk, he set one taloned foot on the circle, then the other, rocking slightly on his heels. “Guess there’s a first time for everything.” He glanced over at Igneous, who had just jumped in like he was diving into a lake. Ianjin let out a low chuckle, shaking his head in amusement. Then, flashing a grin at the rest of the group, he spread his wings just a little for balance. “Alright, let’s see what all the fuss is about.” With that, he stepped into the circle, bracing himself for whatever came next.

Fitz follows suit after Ian. Slowly approaching the portal. He looks back to Valeria. “Hope you got all that,” he says looking at the notes provided to her. “We really need to go over those on the other side. Make sure there isn’t something we’re missing.” Fitz does a quick check of all his gear before slowly sticking a leg into the portal. “Not much of a fan of this magic stuff,” he says as he slowly allows the portal to swallow him up. 

Simon comes rushing in apologizing to Merlin.

"Sorry I'm late I wa-- oops! Aaaaaaahhhhh"

He trips and spills into the teleportation circle. 

(Sorry again about missing the thread)

Valeria pats her bat gently on the head while making sure all of the notes are stuffed in her pack.

OOC: Going to presume everybody has their own invisibility widget.

"Ready Benatar? Lets go!" and the fox girl does a jaunty hop into the circle and hopes she lands in someplace safe but interesting.

The scent of old parchment and melting candle wax fills the air as the shimmering remnants of the teleportation spell fade. They had arrived in a grand study within a towering cathedral. High vaulted ceilings loomed above, supported by intricately carved stone columns. Stained glass windows cast vibrant hues of red, gold, and sapphire across the room, while an iron chandelier swayed gently, its candles flickering from the sudden disturbance. The study is lined with towering bookshelves packed with dust-covered tomes. A massive wooden desk sits in the center, scattered with scrolls, and quills. A soft murmur of discussion can be heard in the other room.

As the last shimmer of magic faded from the teleportation spell, Ianjin took a slow breath, adjusting to the new surroundings. The towering cathedral study loomed around them—ornate, imposing, and full of secrets. The scent of old parchment and melted wax filled his lungs, and his sharp eyes flicked over the details in an instant: the massive desk cluttered with scrolls, the dust-covered tomes lining the walls, and most importantly—the faint murmur of voices from the next room.

His feathers flattened instinctively, his body shifting into stillness. They were not alone. (Stealth: 20) Ianjin quickly held up a hand—a universal sign for silence—before glancing at his companions to ensure they understood. His free hand traced the air, forming a small, precise gesture: two fingers pointing to his eyes, then toward the next room. Watch. Listen.

Then, in a barely audible whisper, he turned to Fitzroy. “You’re light on your feet, right?” His beak curved into a knowing smirk, though his voice remained as soft as a breeze through the trees. “See what you can pick up—who’s in there, what they’re saying. And...” He placed a steady hand on Fitzroy’s shoulder, his feathers shifting with quiet certainty. “Trust your instincts,” he murmured. “You’ve got this.” A small but undeniable spark of confidence surged between them—Ianjin’s words carrying an uplifting force—his natural gift inspiring Fitz to move with even greater focus. With that, he eased back into the shadows, wings tucked close, waiting to see what Fitz would uncover.

(Bright Gallus feature, Inspiring: By spending an action and giving words of advice or encouragement, you can inspire an ally who is able to see and hear you. The ally can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to their next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.)

Fitz takes a moment after the trip through the portal to count his fingers and other appendages. Talking with the others on the other side, "I knew someone that lost an arm in one of these magic tunnels. Twas a nasty sight to see."  

"Ay," Fitz says sort of reluctantly. He wasn't quite sure if the liquid from his flask was starting to catch up to him yet. "I reckon they aren't going to be the friendly sort, no matter who they are, us dropping in like this." Fitz straightens up and creeps his way over towards the door. 

Stealth: 22 

After his abrupt entrance, Simon lay prone on the ground looking up at the iron chandelier. As his companions have their hushed conversation he purses his lips and tries to remain still on the ground. 

(Rolled in game log Stealth: 7)

Valeria decides that this being a information gathering mission, hiding would be a good idea along with keeping ears open. Perhaps near the desk...if there is time she will definitely take a look at what is on and in it.

Stealth check 14

Perception 3

Perception if I get close enough: 22 

Upon seeing Ian’s gestures to be still and silent, Igneous freezes in mid-step. After several uncomfortable moments, he allows himself to shift into a more stable position with both feet on the ground. When satisfied that he has not caused trouble, he ventures to look around their new surroundings. “Where are the doors? We don’t want to be surrounded or surprised.” 

As Simon causes the wooden floorboards to creak slightly, a grunt of surprise can be heard right by the door. One of the guards were clearly woken up by this. Luckily, however, the guard seems to ignore this sound.

description of the murmurs for Fitz: