Cami was rather quiet. As long as the others could handle it, she had no business trying to act socially. Different from others, she was horrible at talking to people, but, at least, she knew better than to get in the way of those who were more skilled.

She takes your gold with a grin, bites down on each of the pieces, then drops them into a pocked on her apron. Leaning in close, she mutters, "Your fair-headed friend was here the other night with that writer, Volo. After that fop left, your buddy was joined by someone else - Renaer, the son of the old Open Lord Dagult Neverember."

A patron at the bar spits on the ground at the mention of the previous Open Lord. "Bah, chip off the old block, that one! Another spoiled, rich noble bastard who likes to rub our noses in it."

"You're just miffed that he wiped you across the floor at three-dragon ante," The barkeep laughs. "Anyway, your buddy and Renaer played a few rounds of ante and drank, then they left, but they were followed. Rough types, regulars. Haven't seen them since, but I've heard they hang around a warehouse on Candle Lane, not far from here. Hope that helps."

Kassar speaks up from under his hood, "Perhaps he was caught up in a kidnapping of the Open Lord's son. Sounds suspicious to me."

Ianric nods "It does indeed. We have our next destination.....though if it's a warehouse I would say that waltzing up t othe front door and asking would be less than intelligent." The Goliath strokes his chin gently, frowning at the fact that he might have to act a bit more reserved for this leg.

"Mm. Thanks for the help. Hopefully the two of them are alright." Topaz remarks, nodding to the barkeep as they exit the tavern with a wave. "Candle Lane. Let's go check that out."

Cami only makes input and shares her opinion once the conversation moves back to the five of them. "We're not going directly to their front door to ask, yes? May I offer Pocket for that mission? We're more conspicuous than them, and they got good eyes." None of the group have heard the name Pocket directly from her mouth until that night, but it's not impossible to guess, as the owl on her shoulder keeps reacting every time it hears the name.

Is everyone ready to move on?

(Sure thing.)

(Yep!)

(Indeedly)

(Nods in agreement)

Candle Lane is a short walk away from the Skewered Dragon. You all set out, but are stopped by one of the regulars, a blind old human man perched near the front door. 

"Heard you're going to Candle Lane... Look for the snake symbol on the door..." He slurs, alcohol on his breath. Before you can ask him anymore questions, he drifts off to sleep right where he is sitting. You decide it's best to head out.

It does not take long to reach Candle Lane. Gloom envelops the narrow alley; it's dark as a dungeon, and reeks just as much. Nearly all of the streetlamps have been smashed. The only light that pierces the darkness is a faint flickering from down the lane, like a distant candle. It is at this moment that the skies grow overcast and snow starts to fall. You all draw your coats and hoods closer as you make your way down the freezing, dark alley. You find that the light is coming from a lamp, the only one in this ragged street that still sheds any light. Across from it you spot a large, two-story warehouse. The flickering lamplight falls on the warehouse's front door - the symbol of a black snake with wings lurks above the door handle. It is a familiar symbol to Cami; the half-orc you met in the tavern, Yagra, had a similar tattoo on her neck.

The street is silent, save for the chill wind coming off the coast. No apparent sound comes from within the warehouse, but lights do shine in its high windows.

(If you all check the roll20 I have updated the display to the warehouse map, so you can spot points of entry.)

"Must be where they are," Topaz says as he sneaks up to the snake door. He slowly turns the handle to check if it's locked.

(I can't seem to move my token on the map, but if it matters he'll go to the tile just below the snake door.)

(My bad - you all should be able to move your tokens now.)

The door is indeed locked. 

Holding his finger in a shushing motion, Topaz slowly pulls out a set of lockpicks and begins to try and pick the lock.

Thieves' Tools check rolled in the dice log: 17

It doesn't take long for Topaz to successfully pick the lock. Peeking inside, you all find the main room of the warehouse, and this place is a mess. Tables, chairs, and crates full of weapons, boots, and dark uniforms have been carelessly tossed on the floor. The corpses of a dozen men lie along the walls, their rapiers and daggers lying nearby - a bloody battle was fought here. On the north side of the area, stairs rise to an open level. 

In the middle of the warehouse, four short avian creatures with long beaks and black feathers are gathered, murmuring to each other in mimicked sounds and communicating with hand gestures. Each wears a hooded cloak and a shortsword. They appear to be unaware that the door was unlocked. 

Ianric gives Topaz a firm pat on the shoulder after the tools were utilized successfully. The Goliath rolls his neck a bit, grabbing his shield and morningstar at the ready, making a motion as though wanting to bash a skull in, giving a shrug as he didn't want to start moving just yet until stealth was completely abandoned.

Topaz peeks around the corner, nocks an arrow and fires his shortbow toward one of the unknowing bird people.

Attack: 20 Damage: 11

The arrow twangs out of the bow, but the bird-folk are unable to react in time - it pierces the one nearest to the door, sinking deep into its back, but it is not enough to kill the creature. It lets out a pained squawk, followed by the noise of a crying baby. The rest all draw their shortswords, their beady black eyes falling on the source of the arrow.

"Rats!"  One screeches with the voice of a horrified woman.

"Cut the bastards down!" Crows another with a gravelly voice in an orcish accent.

"Xanathar sends its regards!" Hisses another one in the same voice.

It's time for initiative! I'll roll in the game log, where you can confirm my results.