Folk nodded and then began to ponder "It seems that our Anonymity is our key strength in getting a hold of the package, but this does not mean we need to resort to unlawful or villainous methods to attain the box, i propose we go to the establishment and take our time scouting out the area and understanding who frequents the tavern so we can know what motivates talkers, we can get information on the Wintermarsh and using that information trick him into a meeting that will allow us to corner him and convince him to give up the stolen property without resorting to violence, at least...hopefully"

"Yes. Well. I'd like to point out that if this Wintermarsh is of finer cloth than most perhaps I best talk to him. After all, I'm sure he's used to being around nobles and we want him to trust us don't we. And, in case it isn't obvious to you if we run into any matters of the arcane leave it to me. I may be an Elementalist but I do have some training and practical theory knowledge in all the arcane schools."

Blitz chimes in.  

"Blitz, I don't think I have to remind you, but folk in Vasselheim aren't exactly... keen on the arcane. While I don't want to discourage you from trying to help out your companions, I am with Folk in thinking that it would be best to gather as much information as possible before approaching young Wintermarsh. After all, he is not the sort of noble that deserves the title, I don't think he is one to respect it in others." 

Turning to Folk, Ezekiel adds "If you agreed, I would be happy to sit outside the tavern, a wondering monk is often overlooked, yet hears a lot. It is often fools, cowards, liars, and the selfish who hide in high places."

After nobody speaks up for a plan Blitz offers one 

“To get close to this guy we need more information about him. Not just that he’s a wine merchants son but more exclusive details. I say we do that by visiting some of his favorite locals. He’s a wine merchant sons let’s visit his family’s winery, he’s favorite gambling halls, his favorite brothels. Go there and see how much we can learn about him. Now we are on a time limit so let’s split up to cover more ground and then meet back up here at sunset. As a dwarf I know a lot about alcohol; after all I’ve studied it along with magic. I’ll take the winery. Perhaps you, Folk can visit the brothels; I’m sure they’re use to seeing Bards there. Ranla you can visit the gambling halls. Zeek, we’re in the city of religion, I’m sure that the Wintermarshs have to go to some temple. Figure out and visit whatever temple it is. I would start with something to a wine or business god. And finally Tyrm, you’re obviously a seamstress. Figure out who he goes to for his clothes if he’s been visiting lately. If that all sounds good to you guys let’s go.” 

Folk stands up a bit too suddenly at the mention of sending them all over the city alone "Hold on, we cant go alone to these locations, even Vasselheim has dark alleys and daggers to be placed in spines" he explained "we should at least pair up in case we are attacked and one needs to get away to deliver a message of our attack" he explained and wondered "I can go to the brothels or really anywhere and inquire as to the secrets, but we need to make sure we work in groups or as one group"

Blitz sighs and rubs his temple

”Okay then. Let’s split into a team of two and a team of three. Me and Folk can go to brothel, winery, and gambling hall. You three can go to the temple and nobles market. Meet back up here at sunset. Does that sound good to everyone.” 

Folk nods softly and rises "then we should go and start our search Lord Thunderbrand" he grins and goes to leave the tavern letting Blitz catch up to him

Ranla nods. "That sounds good to me." She looked to her two teammates. "Any objections to being seen with a half-orc?"

"Only if you get any delusions of grandeur all of a sudden." Ezekiel jabs back. "In all seriousness though, starting at the market might be best. Lots of rumours where there are lots of goods"

Blitz and Folk you need directions, you are now walking together out of the tavern. Which way do you head?

Ranla, Zeek, and Trym you've assembled Also needing directions, which way are you guys heading?

Zeek is slowly heading towards the throng of people, gathering that's where the market district is at. Years of travel on the road mean that he's not checking whether Trym and Ranla are following. Not because he doesn't care, but because he isn't used to traveling with companions.

As they walk, Ranla follows a bit behind, asking people about the location of the temple district.

Investigation 17

Zeek suddenly realises he's a good ten metres ahead of he companions, and stops to give them some time to catch up. "Ranla, any ideas which way we're headed?"

“All right Folk. Do you know where the wineries, brothels, or gambling halls are it? If not maybe you should ask someone? It would look weird for a nobleman such as myself to inquire about such things.”

Blitz says to Folk as they begin walking in the opposite direction of the others. 

OOC: Break time for Critical Role!!

Ranla you find a group of bastions in uniforms for the Quadroads are all huddled around a braziers almost shoulder to shoulder. The only big group out in this weather, its still raining and cold. Do you approach them? If so what do you ask?

-sorry had a late night with my in person group last night!! Here again.-

Trym nodded along with all the plans being made and smiles at Ranla when she asks if Trym has any problem with being seen with a half orc. “Only if you have a problem being seen with a tiny halfling, large friend!!” She insisted with a kind smile before looking at Zeek. “And you truthseeker, I feel like we make a grand team!”

As they walk through the roads Trym would like to make perhaps a persuasion check to try and talk to some people looking for directions?

22

Trym you see the same group of bastions for the Quadroads that Ranla spotted. You know their crests being from the Vesper Timberlands. Zeek however being unfamiliar walked right passed them. Will you and Ranla to speak to them?

Folk tilts his head and thinks on it before searching for a guardsman of the crossroads and inquiring "Excuse me sir, myself and my companion are looking for the best wineries in the city, we were hoping to see if the city of the gods truly had a divine vintage, would those be near the druidic district by chance?" he asked with a parchment and charcoal pencil out to aid in jotting down directions and fabricating a map of sorts were it needed. 

Roll for deception: 21

Zeek rejoins Ranla and Trym, looking around and, upon noticing the Bastions huddled around a brazier wants to inspect them from a distance to notice any religious pendants or other markings, that might give him an idea which gods they follow, before talking to them.

Roll for Perception: 5 

Folk the bastions look at you curiously knowing you're not being truthful. The largest of them, a human man about 6'6" with a balding head and broad shoulders turns to you with a curiously lifted eyebrow and a sobering look.

"If you're looking for the Abundant Terrace it's that way," he says pointing left back towards the Take. He looks at your parchment the looks over at the group lingering behind you before return his gaze to you. "They on a wine tour too," he asks as laughter from the other bastions finds your ears.

Zeek you see they're all wearing the same type of armour in various stages of age and use. There are six altogether looking like their ages range from late teens to middle age. The man speaking to Folk seems middle age human but they are human, dwarven, and the one half-eleven bastion that is female with a large spear in her hand.

Zeek: Roll a religion check to see if your studies you can recognise their symbols.