With the dragonbornbound and gagged, Akyan and Jhaartael open the door and peer out. They see a wide loft/landing outside the door, which is open to the floor below. They hear voices alternately laughing and arguing; it seems there might be a game of chance going on downstairs. There is another door to their right on this floor, and an open stairway leading downward toward the voices. They can also look over the railing to see what is below.
As Jhaartael breaks eye contact with the dragonborn, her eyes suddenly widen as she realizes her restrained condition. She tries to speak, but her words come out as muffled grunts. She struggles with the cords that bind her.
Tamryn stands and bows to Torelli, "We accept this job. If you'll excuse us,Gretchenand I must go prepare an alibi to explain where we've been these last two days. Then we will return to the Serpents and do as you ask. We will return in three days time with the proof you require. If we do not, it is because we are dead." Turning to Annika, he asks, "Agreed?"
As Akyan meets Jhaartael in the hall, the high-elf scans the hallway attentively for any who might see or hear them.
Closing the door quietly behind Akyan, Jhaartael confides quickly and quietly with Akyan, "In this area, we need to be careful showing off our magic, or at least not leave witnesses of our abilities. Magic is rather jealously guarded here. My non-magic hypnosis can work on any who can see or hear me - but only on one at a time. My suggestion, I turn invisible, scout ahead while relaying back to you and the others. As you approach, I can whisper in the ear of a guard and thereby remove a threat until you can take them out, or at least reduce the numbers you will have to face. Am I correct in thinking we are more of a strike-team first on this mission, and casualties of these slavers are acceptable? What do you think?"
Jhaartael can clearly see that there is no one else on this second-floor loft. The voices come from below the loft, on the bottom floor of the building. It is possible that someone descending the stairs would be seen by those below. Speaking in whispers is unlikely to be overheard, but loud noises could certainly carry over the railing to those below.
Annika nods, and replies with a simple "Yes." The tiefling places the document he was holding onto the table, and asks you to sign it. "Or make your mark if you can't read or write,"he adds, with boredom laced with mockery in his voice. You get the impression that most of the underlings he deals with are not big on educational achievements.
You are now free to leave, unless you have any questions for Torelli or farewells for Fatima.
Kyrsa gives Lydaran a surprised look before changing her expression back to a more serious one. Turning back to the Dragonborn she says, "We have some questions for you, but first we need assurance that you won't make any loud sounds if we remove your gag. If you make any attempt to struggle or draw attention to us up here...well I'll let my friend do with you as he pleases. Nod if you understand."
Akyan listen's to Jhaartael's plan. He had been aware that the high elf would have to be careful when using his magic, but he hadn't considered that his own abilities could put him in the same boat. He never really considered it to be magic, but he guesses others may see it that way.
"That sounds like a good plan to me. Better than anything else we've come up with anyways. I suppose I'll just keep this guy's face for now. That way if i do need to fight someone they won't be able to tell who I am. I would say it's better if we can just avoid any more contact with the underlings, that would be better. The less noise we make going in, the easier it will be to get out. And as we have been told, we are a stealth team, or a precision strike team in this case. While casualties are acceptable, we don't need to completely annihilate the slavers."
As he speaks, he creates a link with Jhaartael and Kyrsa for 6hrs.
He also goes to look over the railing.
"Might as well get an idea of how many people we will be dealing with if this goes poorly."He says to Jhaartael.
Lyndaran's threat causes the dragonborn to cease struggling and hold very still, her eyes wide and terrified. When Kyrsa speaks to her, she nods slowly, not making any sign of struggling.
As Akyan leans over the railing he can see a card table surrounded by three humanoid figures, dressed in leather, chatting and laughing as they play their game.
Tamryn reads on the paper an agreement or contract that spells out in writing the agreement that Torelli verbally proposed to you.
Because I have Ear for Deceit, I have to treat Insight rolls of 7 or less to determine if someone is lying to me as an 8, which means the above roll is actually a 13.
Torelli arches an eyebrow. "Is there a need for magic to ensure you honor your contract? If you do not wish to fulfill the terms, then you may simply decline. Just write 'Decline' and sign under that, to witness that you accept the terms of refusal. Lady Dannihyr is offering you an opportunity to better your position in Athkatla. She has minions aplenty, it means nothing to her if you refuse. She will simply find another lackey to exact her revenge on the Serpents. She has no need to magically coerce you. If you betray her, she will simply have you killed."
While Torelli did not directly answer your question, you detect no hint of deception in his words.
"Very good. Let the others know then. I'll scout ahead."
Jhaartael waves his hand with the ring about himself, with a word and simply vanishes
He then creeps carefully below to the gaming humanoids. He takes a position to one side and tries to assess which of these humanoids might be the biggest threat.
Tamryn turns on Torelli, "Do you think I don't know that I am nothing to the Lady Dannihyr? I am a simple rogue and she is the matron of a great house. She could have killed me thriceover already, for nothing more offensive than displeasing her eye. And yet she knows that all cooperation is built on trust. She has extended some trust to me, perhaps on behalf of milady Fatima here. That is her right and an extension of grace I do not take lightly. But I am as a mouse under the gaze of a cat. I must be careful; to extend the same trust to her at this time would be foolish."
"But now, looking at you, I see that though you think yourself a rat, ready to bite and claw, you are just another mouse like me. You think yourself large but you are just as likely to be swatted away, should the lady so decide. And watching your behavior here, with visitors designated her guests, who have eaten with her at her table, I have no doubt that you shall be swatted soon. And how then, Torelli, will you be big enough to push anyone around?"
"I do the lady's bidding because she has asked me. And she will pay me what she sees fit. I do trust the lady will honor me in that. You can take your paper and shove it up your nose. I have had quite enough of your hospitality, Little Squeaker."
Tamryn then turns to Fatima, "My dear lady, I apologize for leaving so soon, but your mother has given me a task and I must prepare to fulfill it. If we have the opportunity to meet again, I'll be most pleased."
Tamryn draws his cloak around himself, motions to Annika, and walks toward the compound's entrance.
Akyan turns around to see that Jhaartael had vanished. He gives a flat look to the air where Jhaartael had been just a moment ago, then reaches out to him telepathically.
"I'll let Kyrsa know, I'll also see is they managed to get anything out of that dragonborn. Where are you headed?"
(Are there any other doors on this level?)
Rather than going back through the door, Akyan telepathically contacts Kyrsa. "Jhaartael is now invisible. He's scouting ahead. I have contact with him, and will let you all know where he is whenever he tells me. Have you gotten any information out of the dragonborn?"
As he communicates with the others, he keeps an eye out on the people downstairs, while avoiding their attention. He also looks around at whatever else he can see from his position.
Kyrsa's eyes flick to where Lyndaran stands behind their prisoner, silently asking him if he was alright with her removing the gag.
Sensing a familiar connection to Akyan, she uses that link to say, "It seems Lyndaran might have a bit of leverage over this Dragonborn. He seems to have frightened her enough that I am fairly comfortable removing her gag. Regardless, I want you and Jhaartael to be aware of this in case she does decide to risk her life to draw attention to us."
She waits a moment for a response, all the while staring at the Dragonborn with an icy gaze. As she does this she pulls out a dagger, hoping that Lyndaran will do the same, she lifts it up, examining it for a moment to make sure that the prisoner gets a good look at the blade.
If she gets a positive response from either Lyndaran or Akyan, she says to the Dragonborn, "Very good, since we have reached an understanding I will remove that cloth from your mouth. Just know that should your promise of quiet be broken...well..." She points the tip towards the Dragonborn's throat. "Our questions are as follows: What is your name? Who is your leader, and where can we find him? And finally, how many people are there in this building? Answer quickly, quietly, and precisely. Do this and we will spare you." Then, with her free hand, she slowly removes the Dragonborn's gag.
With the dragonborn bound and gagged, Akyan and Jhaartael open the door and peer out. They see a wide loft/landing outside the door, which is open to the floor below. They hear voices alternately laughing and arguing; it seems there might be a game of chance going on downstairs. There is another door to their right on this floor, and an open stairway leading downward toward the voices. They can also look over the railing to see what is below.
As Jhaartael breaks eye contact with the dragonborn, her eyes suddenly widen as she realizes her restrained condition. She tries to speak, but her words come out as muffled grunts. She struggles with the cords that bind her.
Tamryn stands and bows to Torelli, "We accept this job. If you'll excuse us, Gretchen and I must go prepare an alibi to explain where we've been these last two days. Then we will return to the Serpents and do as you ask. We will return in three days time with the proof you require. If we do not, it is because we are dead." Turning to Annika, he asks, "Agreed?"
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Lyndaran whispers from behind the dragonborn.
"Not a sound, or I will make sure you don't make one... ever again..."
PbP Character: A few ;)
As Akyan meets Jhaartael in the hall, the high-elf scans the hallway attentively for any who might see or hear them.
Closing the door quietly behind Akyan, Jhaartael confides quickly and quietly with Akyan, "In this area, we need to be careful showing off our magic, or at least not leave witnesses of our abilities. Magic is rather jealously guarded here. My non-magic hypnosis can work on any who can see or hear me - but only on one at a time. My suggestion, I turn invisible, scout ahead while relaying back to you and the others. As you approach, I can whisper in the ear of a guard and thereby remove a threat until you can take them out, or at least reduce the numbers you will have to face. Am I correct in thinking we are more of a strike-team first on this mission, and casualties of these slavers are acceptable? What do you think?"
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Lyndaran please roll Intimidation at advantage.
Jhaartael can clearly see that there is no one else on this second-floor loft. The voices come from below the loft, on the bottom floor of the building. It is possible that someone descending the stairs would be seen by those below. Speaking in whispers is unlikely to be overheard, but loud noises could certainly carry over the railing to those below.
Tamryn:
Annika nods, and replies with a simple "Yes." The tiefling places the document he was holding onto the table, and asks you to sign it. "Or make your mark if you can't read or write," he adds, with boredom laced with mockery in his voice. You get the impression that most of the underlings he deals with are not big on educational achievements.
You are now free to leave, unless you have any questions for Torelli or farewells for Fatima.
.
Intimidation: 20
PbP Character: A few ;)
Kyrsa gives Lydaran a surprised look before changing her expression back to a more serious one. Turning back to the Dragonborn she says, "We have some questions for you, but first we need assurance that you won't make any loud sounds if we remove your gag. If you make any attempt to struggle or draw attention to us up here...well I'll let my friend do with you as he pleases. Nod if you understand."
Akyan listen's to Jhaartael's plan. He had been aware that the high elf would have to be careful when using his magic, but he hadn't considered that his own abilities could put him in the same boat. He never really considered it to be magic, but he guesses others may see it that way.
"That sounds like a good plan to me. Better than anything else we've come up with anyways. I suppose I'll just keep this guy's face for now. That way if i do need to fight someone they won't be able to tell who I am. I would say it's better if we can just avoid any more contact with the underlings, that would be better. The less noise we make going in, the easier it will be to get out. And as we have been told, we are a stealth team, or a precision strike team in this case. While casualties are acceptable, we don't need to completely annihilate the slavers."
As he speaks, he creates a link with Jhaartael and Kyrsa for 6hrs.
He also goes to look over the railing.
"Might as well get an idea of how many people we will be dealing with if this goes poorly." He says to Jhaartael.
Stealth: 25
Tamryn picks up the paper and reads it if he can.
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Lyndaran's threat causes the dragonborn to cease struggling and hold very still, her eyes wide and terrified. When Kyrsa speaks to her, she nods slowly, not making any sign of struggling.
As Akyan leans over the railing he can see a card table surrounded by three humanoid figures, dressed in leather, chatting and laughing as they play their game.
Tamryn reads on the paper an agreement or contract that spells out in writing the agreement that Torelli verbally proposed to you.
Tamryn looks at Torelli and asks, “Is there magic on this quill, this ink, or this document?”
Insight: 18
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Because I have Ear for Deceit, I have to treat Insight rolls of 7 or less to determine if someone is lying to me as an 8, which means the above roll is actually a 13.
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Tamryn:
Torelli arches an eyebrow. "Is there a need for magic to ensure you honor your contract? If you do not wish to fulfill the terms, then you may simply decline. Just write 'Decline' and sign under that, to witness that you accept the terms of refusal. Lady Dannihyr is offering you an opportunity to better your position in Athkatla. She has minions aplenty, it means nothing to her if you refuse. She will simply find another lackey to exact her revenge on the Serpents. She has no need to magically coerce you. If you betray her, she will simply have you killed."
While Torelli did not directly answer your question, you detect no hint of deception in his words.
"Very good. Let the others know then. I'll scout ahead."
Jhaartael waves his hand with the ring about himself, with a word and simply vanishes
He then creeps carefully below to the gaming humanoids. He takes a position to one side and tries to assess which of these humanoids might be the biggest threat.
Investigation check: 11
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
(Jhaartael please roll stealth at advantage to account for squeaky stairs, tripping and falling, etc.)
Tamryn turns on Torelli, "Do you think I don't know that I am nothing to the Lady Dannihyr? I am a simple rogue and she is the matron of a great house. She could have killed me thriceover already, for nothing more offensive than displeasing her eye. And yet she knows that all cooperation is built on trust. She has extended some trust to me, perhaps on behalf of milady Fatima here. That is her right and an extension of grace I do not take lightly. But I am as a mouse under the gaze of a cat. I must be careful; to extend the same trust to her at this time would be foolish."
"But now, looking at you, I see that though you think yourself a rat, ready to bite and claw, you are just another mouse like me. You think yourself large but you are just as likely to be swatted away, should the lady so decide. And watching your behavior here, with visitors designated her guests, who have eaten with her at her table, I have no doubt that you shall be swatted soon. And how then, Torelli, will you be big enough to push anyone around?"
"I do the lady's bidding because she has asked me. And she will pay me what she sees fit. I do trust the lady will honor me in that. You can take your paper and shove it up your nose. I have had quite enough of your hospitality, Little Squeaker."
Tamryn then turns to Fatima, "My dear lady, I apologize for leaving so soon, but your mother has given me a task and I must prepare to fulfill it. If we have the opportunity to meet again, I'll be most pleased."
Tamryn draws his cloak around himself, motions to Annika, and walks toward the compound's entrance.
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Akyan turns around to see that Jhaartael had vanished. He gives a flat look to the air where Jhaartael had been just a moment ago, then reaches out to him telepathically.
"I'll let Kyrsa know, I'll also see is they managed to get anything out of that dragonborn. Where are you headed?"
(Are there any other doors on this level?)
Rather than going back through the door, Akyan telepathically contacts Kyrsa. "Jhaartael is now invisible. He's scouting ahead. I have contact with him, and will let you all know where he is whenever he tells me. Have you gotten any information out of the dragonborn?"
As he communicates with the others, he keeps an eye out on the people downstairs, while avoiding their attention. He also looks around at whatever else he can see from his position.
Perception: 9
Kyrsa's eyes flick to where Lyndaran stands behind their prisoner, silently asking him if he was alright with her removing the gag.
Sensing a familiar connection to Akyan, she uses that link to say, "It seems Lyndaran might have a bit of leverage over this Dragonborn. He seems to have frightened her enough that I am fairly comfortable removing her gag. Regardless, I want you and Jhaartael to be aware of this in case she does decide to risk her life to draw attention to us."
She waits a moment for a response, all the while staring at the Dragonborn with an icy gaze. As she does this she pulls out a dagger, hoping that Lyndaran will do the same, she lifts it up, examining it for a moment to make sure that the prisoner gets a good look at the blade.
If she gets a positive response from either Lyndaran or Akyan, she says to the Dragonborn, "Very good, since we have reached an understanding I will remove that cloth from your mouth. Just know that should your promise of quiet be broken...well..." She points the tip towards the Dragonborn's throat. "Our questions are as follows: What is your name? Who is your leader, and where can we find him? And finally, how many people are there in this building? Answer quickly, quietly, and precisely. Do this and we will spare you." Then, with her free hand, she slowly removes the Dragonborn's gag.
(Oh, I didn't see Akyan's previous post. I'll take that as a positive response and follow through questioning the Dragonborn.)