[[Today suddenly turned very busy. Sorry.]]

By this time, they are back in Brand's father's bedroom and Koric closes the door to the walk-in wardrobe.

"Rawl—who I would not trust as far as I could kick—supplied me with the information about the poison threat," he says. "He also provided the men for this operation, so his agenda must align with my own to some degree, but perhaps that agenda does not align with that of the temple of Donai, as it seems he is acting without their knowledge."

He continues to speak as he walks around reigniting the lamps.

"Sameena's loyalties are unknown, but she has worked with me before without issue, so I don't suspect her of anything at this time. Her involvement has also been kept from Rawl; she is my insurance as she will be able to keep me informed as to what is happening."

He rubs his hand through his thinning hair and then says, "My main concern is the safety of Fazal, his man, and my trap finder, but when Gerrard Assam turns up, and with you shadowing the group and keeping an eye on things, I hope that we can learn something about what is going on under the bank."

"Your job, is to simply follow the group, watch what happens, and help Fazal, Bom and my trap finder escape, if necessary."

[[Today suddenly turned very busy. Sorry.]]

[[ No problem, it's worth the wait, and Kim just got back from OS, so catching up ]]

Brand laughs at the comment on Rawl, nodding.

 "Appalling man. But I'm not sure your assessment of his agenda and loyalty is correct, even though I still have no idea what the operation is" he says, looking his father in the eye, "I would also not trust the man. The fact he has hired help from the street suggests he could betray any and all at any point. His loyalty is money, their loyalty is money, you need to be truly certain who has paid them all. Whatever the case, I doubt his agenda has anything to do with Donnae."

"Knowing four things would help me at this point: One, what can Sameena do? Will she be following physically, or...by some other means? Two, where are they going and what are their plans? And three, do you trust Fazal and Born -- I like them both -- but the advice about the water valve seemed critical in some way I don't quite fathom. Can that be tampered with in a way that would make this operation fail? What is the advantage in me eavesdropping on dinner -- would I be better off getting to where they plan to go, or is that as yet uncertain?"

[[ Feel free to expunge the SECOND-Last, I picked up on it because it was the only snippet I heard, and it sounded significant. I don't like blanket assurances. ]]

[[Brand needs time to re-arm and re-armour; I assume this is still pre-dinner, correct?]]

Pending questions:

- Earlier today you said you thought you were not getting good information. Who provided that information?
- Who, in that room -- or elsewhere -- don't you trust?
- And, do you expect them to do anything overt while in the house?
- What am I watching for?
- I need to know about the mission.
- Is there a way to get into the office from the peep hole area, if things start going badly?
- Am I to follow any of them later, or just watch the meeting?
- Are any of them sorcerers?
- What is Sameena doing?

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[Today suddenly turned very busy. Sorry.]]

[[ No problem, it's worth the wait, and Kim just got back from OS, so catching up ]]

Brand laughs at the comment on Rawl, nodding.

 "Appalling man. But I'm not sure your assessment of his agenda and loyalty is correct, even though I still have no idea what the operation is" he says, looking his father in the eye, "I would also not trust the man. The fact he has hired help from the street suggests he could betray any and all at any point. His loyalty is money, their loyalty is money, you need to be truly certain who has paid them all. Whatever the case, I doubt his agenda has anything to do with Donnae."

"Knowing four things would help me at this point: One, what can Sameena do? Will she be following physically, or...by some other means? Two, where are they going and what are their plans? And three, do you trust Fazal and Born -- I like them both -- but the advice about the water valve seemed critical in some way I don't quite fathom. Can that be tampered with in a way that would make this operation fail? What is the advantage in me eavesdropping on dinner -- would I be better off getting to where they plan to go, or is that as yet uncertain?"

[[ Feel free to expunge the SECOND-Last, I picked up on it because it was the only snippet I heard, and it sounded significant. I don't like blanket assurances. ]]

[[Brand needs time to re-arm and re-armour; I assume this is still pre-dinner, correct?]]

[[Correct.]]

 

Brand continues to question his father.

"Knowing three things would help me at this point: One, what can Sameena do? Will she be following physically, or...by some other means?"

"She has a powerful magical orb that allows her to follow someone and use them to see their surroundings. She will be keeping me informed of what is happening, and with Assam's help, we might be able to relay information to the group that might be of assistance."

"Two, where are they going and what are their plans?"

"The cistern itself is now guarded on the outside by the temple of Donai, but Fazal believes he can get in using an overflow channel that leads from the cistern to the river. Once inside the cistern, the plan is to follow the in-flow channel back along its path under the bank to find out where the water was tampered with and investigate to see if there are any clues as to who might have done this deed. That is where the danger lies. The man I lost tried this path, but wound up floating in the cistern with most of his soft parts eaten away by rats."

"Three, what is the advantage in me eavesdropping on dinner?"

"I hadn't planned on your being at dinner," says Koric. "And I certainly don't want Rawl to know that you are involved. If you wish to eavesdrop, then I can arrange for that. But, now that you know what is happening, perhaps you have other ways you can keep these people under surveillance. However, I warn against doing anything rash. The protections of the bank vault have prevented my magi from investigating what is going on magically, but what they have been able to tell me is that there is a powerful magical presence in the area, which is what has led to my being cautious and using people other than my own for this operation."

[[And once more it is after midnight. Cya.]]

[[ What happens in torch-light or lamp-light if Darkvision is active? Can Brand dismiss when he wants to? ]]

[[ Where did Mikkel leave the plain sword...can it be easily retrieved if necessary? ]]

[[ How far is the tunnel entrance? ]]

[[ Does Brand know how tall/wide the tunnels are? ]]

[[ If Brand is using a Stone, can he transfer it from one hand to the other without breaking the effect? (clearly not if it's in his glove) ]]

 "It's probably best if I get some food -- and maybe caf -- myself, then just follow them, especially if you want me to try to keep anyone safe. Do you know when they plan to leave, and can I examine the tunnel maps you were looking at earlier? It would be extremely helpful if someone could tell me the route or routes they planned to take."

[[ Hopefully Brand gets simple answers, and can continue with: ]]

"Earlier today you said you thought you were not getting good information. Was that to do with this operation, and if so, what was the information and who provided it?"

Pending questions:

- Earlier today you said you thought you were not getting good information. Who provided that information?
- Who, in that room -- or elsewhere -- don't you trust?
- And, do you expect them to do anything overt while in the house?
- Are any of them sorcerers?
- What is Sameena doing?
- Is it more important that people live, or that Koric gets info on who/what is behind this?

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[Very hard and long day.]]

[[ What happens in torch-light or lamp-light if Darkvision is active? Can Brand dismiss when he wants to? ]]

[[Not a lot. A lot of creatures have darkvision to 60', but I believe it is only creatures with darkvision to 120' who have difficulty with excessive light. Brand can dismiss the light when he wants, but once it is gone, it is gone.]]

[[ Where did Mikkel leave the plain sword...can it be easily retrieved if necessary? ]]

[[It should be able to be retrieved easily. It is not in a room that is currently being used.]]

[[ How far is the tunnel entrance? ]]

[[The riverside tunnel entrance that was mentioned is in the Temple Ward. It is about five minutes up river from the Brand residence by boat, and ten minutes on foot.]]

[[ Does Brand know how tall/wide the tunnels are? ]]

[[No. But Bom is bigger than Brand, so that might tell him something.]]

[[ If Brand is using a Stone, can he transfer it from one hand to the other without breaking the effect? (clearly not if it's in his glove) ]]

[[From experience he knows that passing a stone from one hand to another breaks the effect.]]

---

 "It's probably best if I get some food -- and maybe caf -- myself, then just follow them, especially if you want me to try to keep anyone safe. Do you know when they plan to leave, and can I examine the tunnel maps you were looking at earlier? It would be extremely helpful if someone could tell me the route or routes they planned to take."

[[His father says he will get the chance to look at the maps when the others break for dinner.]]

[[ Hopefully Brand gets simple answers, and can continue with: ]]

"Earlier today you said you thought you were not getting good information. Was that to do with this operation, and if so, what was the information and who provided it?"

"I simply do not know what Handleader Rawl's game is, that is all," says Koric, "but if I can use him to find out who befouled the cistern, then I will." 

[[Very hard and long day.]]

[[ Is this a new CEO factor, or approaching Christmas deadlines?...or both? Either way, no expectation of answers tonight ]]

[[ Where did Mikkel leave the plain sword...can it be easily retrieved if necessary? ]]

[[It should be able to be retrieved easily. It is not in a room that is currently being used.]]

[[ Cool; will do that when opportunity arises ]]

[[ How far is the tunnel entrance? ]]

[[The riverside tunnel entrance that was mentioned is in the Temple Ward. It is about five minutes up river from the Brand residence by boat, and ten minutes on foot.]]

[[ Ah OK, unless I have misunderstood something, this probably means Brand needs to leave ahead of the group; they will/may use boat, and he can't go with them...or is the "family boat" too small for 8?]]

"I simply do not know what Handleader Rawl's game is, that is all," says Koric, "but if I can use him to find out who befouled the cistern, then I will." 

Brand nods, "If nothing happens tonight, then shadowing Rawl for a day or two would seem prudent. But I assume your comment means that you expect any betrayal to come in the sewers, if at all? If things do go ... poorly ... can I expect any assistance? The guards you hired today might be usefully made ready for any eventuality...am I correct in assuming that is part of your plan?"

[[ Brand notes the answer, and if no response if required, then:]]

"It will be interesting to see if this ties to any of the other peculiar events I have heard about today: the kidnapping at the School, and the very dubious 'visitation' by Aeida." Brand shakes his head and smiles, "Minton is beside himself."

He takes a deep breath, "But more importantly, I do look forward to a relaxing dinner when we might be able to discuss this in more detail -- especially the storage space that my rooms have become, though I suspect I know what that is about. And I do need to congratulate you properly on becoming a father again!"

Pending questions:

- And, do you expect them to do anything overt while in the house?
- Are any of them sorcerers?
- Is it more important that people live, or that Koric gets info on who/what is behind this?

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[Very hard and long day.]]

[[ Is this a new CEO factor, or approaching Christmas deadlines?...or both? Either way, no expectation of answers tonight ]]

[[Multiple staff changeovers happening at the same time and only being able to do that level of IT support when I'm in the office, plus having to do the other aspects of my job and meet with my other clients this morning. And Christmas is way too far away for me think about its deadlines at the moment.]]

[[ Where did Mikkel leave the plain sword...can it be easily retrieved if necessary? ]]

[[It should be able to be retrieved easily. It is not in a room that is currently being used.]]

[[ Cool; will do that when opportunity arises ]]

[[ How far is the tunnel entrance? ]]

[[The riverside tunnel entrance that was mentioned is in the Temple Ward. It is about five minutes up river from the Brand residence by boat, and ten minutes on foot.]]

[[ Ah OK, unless I have misunderstood something, this probably means Brand needs to leave ahead of the group; they will/may use boat, and he can't go with them...or is the "family boat" too small for 8?]]

[[The family boat could carry 8+ people, but as to whether that is the boat being used, that is another question.]]

---

"I simply do not know what Handleader Rawl's game is, that is all," says Koric, "but if I can use him to find out who befouled the cistern, then I will." 

Brand nods, "If nothing happens tonight, then shadowing Rawl for a day or two would seem prudent. But I assume your comment means that you expect any betrayal to come in the sewers, if at all? If things do go ... poorly ... can I expect any assistance? The guards you hired today might be usefully made ready for any eventuality...am I correct in assuming that is part of your plan?"

[[ Brand notes the answer, and if no response if required, then:]]

"Not what I am employing them for," say Koric. "So, if things do go... 'poorly'... then I want you to just get out. With Fazal, if you can. He already knows the risks and the plan is for him and Bom to stay out of harm's way." 

"It will be interesting to see if this ties to any of the other peculiar events I have heard about today: the kidnapping at the School, and the very dubious 'visitation' by Aeida." Brand shakes his head and smiles, "Minton is beside himself."

"Sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about," says Koric. "We must talk about is later."

He takes a deep breath, "But more importantly, I do look forward to a relaxing dinner when we might be able to discuss this in more detail -- especially the storage space that my rooms have become [[I didn't have Koric respond to this, as I don't know what it means.]], though I suspect I know what that is about. And I do need to congratulate you properly on becoming a father again!"

Koric smiles and then clapping Brand on the shoulder says, "So your mother told you. That's good. And yes, a dinner together as a family would be good."

"And now I must go," Koric says. "They must be starting to wonder where I've disappeared to."

especially the storage space that my rooms have become [[I didn't have Koric respond to this, as I don't know what it means.]]

[[ This is a reference to the woman in Brand's rooms, who is is current;ly assuming is Tarrantine's daughter. A response would be interesting. ]]

[[Can a few drops of stink-of-life (ie. not a dose) spread on a bandana reduce the smell? Or is that going to fall 'foul' of the damaging effects of the concoction? ]]

[[ Re: Stink of Life -- does a vial get 'used up' when it is used? If not, he does not need 10...]]

[[ Hoping to get a response re: woman in room, but otherwise:]]

"One more thing -- will they be going on foot, or by boat?"

[[ He listens to answer ]]

Brand nods, "Very well, then. I will find Mikkel and get ready, if you see him, tell him to meet me in the attic" he says, making his way back to Koric's office. [[ I assume Mikkel has got them food and/or is guarding again ]]

When Brand arrives at the office, he nods to Mikkel [[if present]], then knocks on the door, waits a few moments, then enters [[unless something said or heard runs counter to that]].

"I am sorry to barge in, but I need to borrow Mikkel for a time, do you have all you need? I will send him back as soon as I can."

[[ Plan A Mikkel is there: ]]

[[Continue below]]

[[ Else: Plan B: arrive at office, no Mikkel: ]]

[[ If Mikkel is NOT in the room:]]

Brand glances around the room, "...do you know where I might find him?"

 [[ End If]]

]]

[[ If Brand does not have Mikkel, but knows where he's gone, go there. Else go to Attic ]]

[[ If he finds Mikkel. when in private area (corridor is fine, but noone in earshot), talk to Mikkel ]]

"Ah, Mikkel, I'm afraid I need to call upon your services again. I'd like something to eat; something sustaining, but not too heavy...and I definitely need a Caf. I'll be upstairs getting ready. I told cook I'd be at dinner, so make my apologies."

"Oh...and can you retrieve that sword for me? If anyone asks, just tell them I fell asleep there and just remembered where it was. Probably best to get that first, if there's noone there."

]]

Brand heads to the attic, and gathers his gear. He wipes down his armour again, and examines his equiment. [[ See below ]]

[[ Index to Notes ]]

[[ 'Operating' Equipment ]]

This is the 'standard' equipment when going on a mish.

Armour: Studded Leather
Cloak
Bandana equivalent to cover lower face (obscure his appearance and reduce stink of sever)
Scimitar (plain) on Back
Scimitar (special): at side
Dagger: in belt, boot, bandolier(3, one silvered), backpack (1 0)
Stink of life (2) in Belt; 2 in bandolier; 6 5 in backpack
Thieves tools: as usual
Money: usual

Gloves: He has heavy gloves that he wore most of the day, and lighter ones he wore on the way home...he'd wear the heavy ones if they are not sodden, while outside, then take off his right glove when in sewer.
Left glove, invis. stone.
Right Glove: Levitate ( when he gets into sewer, stone will go to Bandolier, and right glove will come off)
Cloak: Hopefully dry-ish
Boots: Ditto
Bandolier: Levitate and TK stone (when not in right hand glove), 3 daggers. 2 stink of life
Belt: the usual

Backpack:

• sack
• Snacks
• stink of life x 6 5 (1 used in Rawl Part 2 to save guard; NEED TO REPLACE)
  
• string
• other gloves
• Healers Kit
• cat gut or whatever is used for sewing wounds
• bandage (do I need anything 'special' for dealing with unconscious people?)
  
• small amount of water (500ml)
  
• spare dagger NOTE: the dagger lost in Rawl Part II has been replaced.
  
• small hooded lantern (empty) wrapped in cloth
  
• small oil flask wrapped in cloth FLASK EMPTY. REFILL. (Melitta's House)
  
• Horn
• Silk Rope (used, but later recoved, in Melitta's House)
  

These last two were added while in Melitta's house...they were added by Brand the previous night (Mikkel got them for him)...I just didnt update:

• Caltrops REPLACE/RECOVER (Melitta's House)
  
• Ball bearings REPLACE/RECOVER (Melitta's House)
  

 ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

especially the storage space that my rooms have become [[I didn't have Koric respond to this, as I don't know what it means.]]

[[ This is a reference to the woman in Brand's rooms, who is is current;ly assuming is Tarrantine's daughter. A response would be interesting. ]]

[[I understand now, but there is no response from Koric about this at the moment as he has to go.]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[Can a few drops of stink-of-life (ie. not a dose) spread on a bandana reduce the smell? Or is that going to fall 'foul' of the damaging effects of the concoction? ]]

[[The water needs to be drunk to contract the disease. Sorry, I should have made that clearer.]]

[[ Re: Stink of Life -- does a vial get 'used up' when it is used? If not, he does not need 10...]]

[[Yes, a vial contains one application due to the volatile nature of the substance.]]

[[ Hoping to get a response re: woman in room, but otherwise:]]

---

"One more thing -- will they be going on foot, or by boat?"

[[ He listens to answer ]]

[[By boat. Fazal has arranged one.]]

Brand nods, "Very well, then. I will find Mikkel and get ready, if you see him, tell him to meet me in the attic" he says, making his way back to Koric's office. [[ I assume Mikkel has got them food and/or is guarding again ]]

When Brand arrives at the office, he nods to Mikkel [[if present]], then knocks on the door, waits a few moments, then enters [[unless something said or heard runs counter to that]].

"I am sorry to barge in, but I need to borrow Mikkel for a time, do you have all you need? I will send him back as soon as I can."

[[ Plan A Mikkel is there: ]]

[[Continue below]]

[[ Else: Plan B: arrive at office, no Mikkel: ]]

[[ If Mikkel is NOT in the room:]]

Brand glances around the room, "...do you know where I might find him?"

 [[ End If]]

]]

[[Brand finds Mikkel standing guard outside his father's office.]]

[[ If Brand does not have Mikkel, but knows where he's gone, go there. Else go to Attic ]]

[[ If he finds Mikkel. when in private area (corridor is fine, but noone in earshot), talk to Mikkel ]]

"Ah, Mikkel, I'm afraid I need to call upon your services again. I'd like something to eat; something sustaining, but not too heavy...and I definitely need a Caf. I'll be upstairs getting ready. I told cook I'd be at dinner, so make my apologies."

"Oh...and can you retrieve that sword for me? If anyone asks, just tell them I fell asleep there and just remembered where it was. Probably best to get that first, if there's noone there."

]]

[[Brand gives Mikkel his orders and has a chance to talk to the people in his father's office, if you want. Otherwise, we put him up in the attic preparing his gear and waiting for Mikkel to arrive with his food.]]

Brand heads to the attic, and gathers his gear. He wipes down his armour again, and examines his equiment. [[ See below ]]

Before he leaves, Brand turns to Saneena. "Thank you for your assistance madam, it is most appreciated. Do you have any insights or advice about this endeavour that might be useful to me?"

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[ Index to Notes ]]

---

[[ 'Operating' Equipment ]]

This is the 'standard' equipment when going on a mish.

Armour: Studded Leather
Cloak
Bandana equivalent to cover lower face (obscure his appearance and reduce stink of sever)
Scimitar (plain) on Back
Scimitar (special): at side
Dagger: in belt, boot, bandolier(3, one silvered)
Stink of life (2) in Belt; 2 in bandolier; 6 in backpack
Thieves tools: as usual
Money: usual

Gloves: He has heavy gloves that he wore most of the day, and lighter ones he wore on the way home...he'd wear the heavy ones if they are not sodden, while outside, then take off his right glove when in sewer.
Left glove, invis. stone.
Right Glove: Levitate ( when he gets into sewer, stone will go to Bandolier, and right glove will come off)
Cloak: Hopefully dry-ish
Boots: Ditto
Bandolier: Levitate and TK stone (when not in right hand glove), 3 daggers. 2 stink of life
Belt: the usual

[[Everything is still quite wet, but it is also still raining outside, so it is going to get wet again anyway.]]

Backpack:

• sack,
• stink of life x 6
• string
• other gloves
• cat gut or whatever is used for sewing wounds
• bandage (do I need anything 'special' for dealing with unconscious people?)
  

[[The game allows characters to carry what is called a 'Healer's Kit', which allows characters to stabilise an unconscious character without having to make a Medicine check. Without this kit, which has 10 charges, a Wisdom(Medicine) check has to be made against a standard DC of 10. This check can be done every round until either they are stable, or they have failed 3 Death Saving Throws, in which case they have died.]]

• small amount of water
• spare dagger
• small hooded lantern (empty) wrapped in cloth
  
• small oil flask wrapped in cloth
  

 ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Before he leaves, Brand turns to Saneena. "Thank you for your assistance madam, it is most appreciated. Do you have any insights or advice about this endeavour that might be useful to me?"

"Yes," says Madame Damass. "I do not know your part in tonight's endeavour, but whatever it is, do not trust Rawl. He is a bad man, I know this from direct experience."

[[ Any chance I can retcon a healers kit, or pick one up from the house? ]]

Brand nods, "I've yet to meet anyone with a good word about him. It's surprusing that he is able to keep his job, though perhaps this is a pattern with the temple of Donnae. Do you have any sense of the loyalty of the men with him?"

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[ Any chance I can retcon a healers kit, or pick one up from the house? ]]

[[Sure. I have added it to your equipment list. Please subtract 5 cons from your funds. Did you actually pay for the elephant? If so, how much? ;-) Also, you might like to move some of that stuff off the equipment list so your encumbrance make sense.]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Brand nods, "I've yet to meet anyone with a good word about him. It's surprusing that he is able to keep his job, though perhaps this is a pattern with the temple of Donnae. Do you have any sense of the loyalty of the men with him?"

"All I know is that Rawl is involved and that I am to use my knowledge of him to follow what is happening. I do not know of these others of which you speak."

Madame Damass is now sitting in Brand's father's chair and that among other paraphernalia there is a large glass orb in front of her. 

[[Sure. I have added it to your equipment list. Please subtract 5 cons from your funds.]]

Done. Financial details here.

[[Did you actually pay for the elephant? If so, how much? ;-) ]]

[[ It was a birthday present, so I didn't ask. That would be rude. ]]

Also, you might like to move some of that stuff off the equipment list so your encumbrance make sense.

Done the best I can; moved a bunch of stuff off, added weights for custom items, kept the silk rope and caltrops (and will add to SOE list), also kept shield and bow and arrows for simplicity in combat, but they are NOT on the SOE list, though they may be added later.

Current: 101lb, but 80lb if you remove stuff not in SOE.

[[Current SOE list]]