Lyndaran nods to Tamryn and says. "You better be back with us before we go to the farm, or we would have to come down there and burn another building. I know that any of us were with you on your first visit but, are you sure you don't want any of to go with you?"
Once he is gone he turns to the others.
"We better hurry"he says to the others "Specially if we want to copy this before seeing Nyblond. " looking at his hand flickering between the greenish skin of the half-orc and his, he looks and around and when he makes sure there was no one watching he drops the spell.
"Goodness. I need a bath" he says rubbing his own arms.
At this point of the early morning, it takes a while to find a cab willing to cross the river. By the time you find one, clatter across the cobbled streets, and then walk the last quarter of the way there, the Eastern sky is just beginning to lighten. It is approximately 6 AM as you arrive on foot at the gates of the Dannihyr mansion. Several large, armored guards watch you approach.
Everyone else:
Your group slips across the street and passes Tinkers' Alley while everyone else's gaze seems firmly fixed on the smoking tower. Looking back over your shoulders, you notice several levitating mages casting water spells directly into the upper levels of the structure. As you pass the alley, you see Sword and Flask tavern at the opposite end, and the last few tipsy customers are spilling out of the door as the establishment closes for the night. You proceed to the small chapel with the single candle, and pass inside, to see Nyblond meditating on a cushion toward the back. His eyes open as you enter, and he smiles.
"You made it back! Wonderful! Is everyone all right, no casualties?" He looks you over. "Oh no, someone seems to be missing. I'm so sorry."
Before Tamryn leaves, Akyan grabs his arm. "You're going back. Alone. That sounds like a pretty stupid plan to me." Just as his orc disguise drops, the drow replaces it with the human disguise he had earlier. "I understand why you want to go in alone, but... I just...I can't let you do that. I would prefer if someone went in with you, but you can at least let me stay close enough to maintain a telepathic link."
Kyrsa gives Tamryn a flat look. She has no intention of loosing any more comrades, but she also knows that if to many of them try to help out in this situation they might just make everything worse. With a sigh she nods, "Alright... I wish that there was a better option, but I understand why you want to go alone. However, if sending Akyan with you doesn't compromise anything... then perhaps it would be good to have backup. Even if he just tails you in case of an emergency. The choice is your's though." She pauses, a sullen expression on her face. If she were in his position, she would go alone, without question. However, in this situation, she wanted to make sure that Tamryn would come back.
Whatever is decided, she stays with the rest of the group to accompany them to see Nyblond. "If we want to copy those, we should do it now." She looks at the papers...realizing how long that could take. Sighing, she looks to Jhaarteal, "This might be a foolish question... but you wouldn't happen to have any spells that could help with copying these?" She gestures at the papers, "Honestly, we may be better off simply reading them before handing them over and then reporting what it was to team two. I don't think we have time to copy all of that text...and, if we report to our superiors and find out that Nyblond is not of the Circle, then we know where to find him. Honestly, I understand Tamryn's suspicions, but I rather doubt we have anything to worry about. If Nyblond knows of the Circle, and he doesn't realize that we could really threaten him if he turns out to be playing us, then he is either a fool or...he's powerful enough not to care, which is less likely in my opinion."
When they meet up with Nyblond...
"No, we didn't lose anyone," Kyrsa says in response to Nyblond. "Our missing friend has other business he is taking care of."
Tamryn smiles at Akyan. “Lady Dannihyr demanded that I not be followed back to her home and I can’t guarantee that you won’t be nabbed under suspicion of doing just that. I am grateful for your concern, but it is better if I take the risk alone.” He then walks off, not looking back.
Once out of the cab, he does his best to disguise his movements before reaching Lady Dannihyr’s home. Stealth: 16. He steps out of stealth as he approaches the gate guards. He says, “I am Gorondarel. I am hear to see Torelli.”
One of the gate guards turns and walks inside the compound, while three others remain at their posts, watching you closely. After about 10 minutes, the guard returns and nods to the others. They open the gate, and two of them escort you into the mansion. You are led back to the room where you previously had breakfast with Annika and Lady Dannihyr. The two guards remain in the room with you, but indicate that you may seat yourself if desired. A servant appears shortly with a steaming kettle of spiced cider, mugs and a tray of pastries. After another 10 minutes, Torellienters the room, and dismisses the guards with a look.
"Well, you're back. After thatstuntyou pulled in the marketplace, I wasn't sure we'd ever see you again. I hope your dwarvish friend is well?"
He seats himself at the table, and pours himself a mug of hot cider. A small smile curls his lips upwards. "I don't normally awake this early. Luckily for you, my sources confirm that you have been busy the last couple of days, and that you have fulfilled your contract, despite your reluctance to sign it. I confess, I underestimated your resourcefulness."
He pauses for a few moments.
"We will need to wait a few days to ensure that you were not clumsy enough to leave any trail leading back to House Dannihyr. If that turns out to be the case, then the offer I make to you now is null and void. However, if you somehow managed to pull this off without exposing us, I am authorized to offer you a monthly stipend in exchange for information about the operations of the Seven Serpents cartel. Alternatively, you may choose to become a franchisee of House Dannihyr. We have several entry-level operations available from which you may choose: an 'alternative' money-lending operation, a brothel, an unsanctioned gambling hall, or an import/export facility for certain popular substances. Or you may make a proposal of your own. Fifty percent of your profits will belong to House Dannihyr, the remainder you will use to compensate yourself and your comrades. Yes, I know that you had help in completing your contract, and that is acceptable. The sort of work we do is of necessity not a solo operation. However, you will be held personally accountable for the actions of your crew, so choose carefully who you bring into your franchise. If you choose to run an operation for us, I will provide further details on how to transfer funds, etc. What questions do you have? "
Jhaartael frowns responding to Krysa, "Hmmm... No. I have no such spell." Then, with his finger to his head he muses, " It never really occurred to me that anyone would wish to copy mundane documents with magic. Copying mundane works is already so much faster than copying magical works. However, I see how such would be practical in our current occupation. I will do some research... Maybe I will find something in the Circle's libraries... Or maybe I will try to make such a spell myself!" His voice trails off in thought, "Probably something from the transmutation school... Although, one could charm a quill, but that would not really be faster..."
Mina accepts the gold and as they head down the street towards the chapel, she dashes off towards the Sword and Flask. She looks around for Nara and if she doesn't see her in the alley, she ducks into the tavern looking for her.
Assuming she finds the halfling, she ushers her to a quiet corner. "Sorry to bother you again, here take this." she hands her the bag of gold, "we don't think anyone will connect this tavern with what we did tonight, but in case they do, it would be a good idea to skip town for a little bit, use this gold to help you and yours."
Jhaartael frowns responding to Krysa, "Hmmm... No. I have no such spell." Then, with his finger to his head he muses, " It never really occurred to me that anyone would wish to copy mundane documents with magic. Copying mundane works is already so much faster than copying magical works. However, I see how such would be practical in our current occupation. I will do some research... Maybe I will find something in the Circle's libraries... Or maybe I will try to make such a spell myself!" His voice trails off in thought, "Probably something from the transmutation school... Although, one could charm a quill, but that would not really be faster..."
I'll allow a DC 14 INT ability check to memorize the narrative portions of the document, make it a DC 18 if you want to memorize the numerical bookkeeping proof of the embezzlement.
Mina accepts the gold and as they head down the street towards the chapel, she dashes off towards the Sword and Flask. She looks around for Nara and if she doesn't see her in the alley, she ducks into the tavern looking for her.
Assuming she finds the halfling, she ushers her to a quiet corner. "Sorry to bother you again, here take this." she hands her the bag of gold, "we don't think anyone will connect this tavern with what we did tonight, but in case they do, it would be a good idea to skip town for a little bit, use this gold to help you and yours."
As Mina enters the tavern, she sees the halfling woman and two other barmaids wiping down some tables, the minstrel packing up his instruments, the barkeep corking bottles and sealing kegs, and the two enormous dragonborn hauling said kegs to a storeroom. Catchying Nyla's attention, she proffers the gold and the advice.
Nyla's eyes grow wide. "You didn't return all of the money?? What did you do tonight? Well, isn't that just GREAT?!" She sighs. "I can leave, but those girls have kids to feed. Now you see here, I grew up in a little town called Phandalin, and believe me, I've seen more than one group of adventurers breeze into town, cause chaos and shenanigans, and then head off for parts unknown with the locals left to pick up the pieces. Well, that's not happening tonight, Miss! No Ma'am. You are going to take some responsibility for you and your friends' actions!"
She slams the cleaning cloth down on the table, reaches back and unties her apron and throws that down too.
She reaches up with her index finger and pokes it in the middle of Mina's abdomen. "You are going to take myself, Leeloo and Hazel and their little ones and find us a safe place to stay right now and moving forward until we figure out what to do. Carlos[she points at the bartender]and Tsivini[the minstrel]as well. Tiny and Jake have some family nearby, and I think any cartel thugs would think twice about going after them in their own home. You are going to provide us food, shelter, and new jobs! You hear me?! You do NOT want to MESS. WITH. ME!!"
I'll allow a DC 14 INT ability check to memorize the narrative portions of the document, make it a DC 18 if you want to memorize the numerical bookkeeping proof of the embezzlement.
After a few additional mumbling musings, Jhaartael turns back to Krysa, "I suppose I could see what I can memorize. Shall I take a look at the documents?" He proffers his open hand to receive the documents.
Akyan’s hand drops to his side, then curls into a fist when Tamryn turns away. He watches the wood elf start walking away, before gritting his teeth and stalking back to the others. What Tamryn said made sense, but there were plenty of other options. Whatever, if the wood elf wants to get himself killed then so be it.
When Mina splits off from the main group, Akyan wordlessly follows her to the tavern. She hadn’t demanded to go alone, and he isn’t going to give her the chance to do so.
The drow steps forward as Nyla starts issuing orders to his companion. “We did return the money. That purse belonged to one of our companions.” There is more than a slight hint of irritation in his voice as he speaks, which he struggles to hide in his next sentence. “We doubt the cartel will come for you and your tavern, but our friend wanted to at least try to ensure your safety.”
((Re-read Krysa's last reply and realized she did indicate we could read the papers ))
Jhaartael takes the papers from Krysa and reads through them, trying to apply the memory built up from years of study and memorization of arcana to the memorization of mundane accounts and ledgers:
Int Check: 14 (in log).
"I have the gist of it, but these numbers make my head swim. They seem so arbitrary and abstract!"
Mina looks at the halfling, confused, as she starts in on how they didn't return all the money. She tries to interject, but Nyla barrels on, not letting Mina speak. As the woman starts poking her in her abdomen, however, her face hardens.
She is about to speak up, when to her surprise, Akyan steps out of the shadows. As he relays the information, Mina struggles, but stays silent, waiting for this news to sink in to the ungrateful halfling.
Lyndaran offers himself to help memorizing the documents but he returns them almost as soon as he got them. "It's just gibberish to me I will do no good here " he says to the others.
At the tavern he is trying to Aykran news to sink into the halfling before smile due to Mina's face during the halfling's explosion.
Tamryn says, "How enticing! A veritable buffet of intriguing possibilities. I can say that I don't particularly wish to remain with the Serpents; they seem plagued by security issues of late. I also assume that the percentages from all the offered endeavors are approximately the same. I think that I would like to take a few days to consider my future professional possibilities. I assume you'll use that time to double-check that I have not implicated (or double-crossed) the House Dannihyr. If I cannot think of a manner in which I can better serve milady than as a mere flunky, I shall return and offer myself to be your flunk."
With that, Tamryn stands and begins to leave again. But, in the doorway, he stops. He turns back to Torelli. "Master Torelli, I wonder if you would be willing to do me a favor. I have more business to conduct this morning; I cannot stay long. Would you mind terribly loaning me the materials necessary to write a letter to the Lady Fatima and then delivering it to her? I really must thank her for presenting me with this opportunity."
Lyndaran nods to Tamryn and says. "You better be back with us before we go to the farm, or we would have to come down there and burn another building. I know that any of us were with you on your first visit but, are you sure you don't want any of to go with you?"
Once he is gone he turns to the others.
"We better hurry" he says to the others "Specially if we want to copy this before seeing Nyblond. " looking at his hand flickering between the greenish skin of the half-orc and his, he looks and around and when he makes sure there was no one watching he drops the spell.
"Goodness. I need a bath" he says rubbing his own arms.
PbP Character: A few ;)
(Tamryn dropped his disguise before they exited)
To Lyndaran, Tamryn says, " Thank you for the offer friend, but it is best if I do this alone."
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
Jhaartael makes sure no eyes are on him as he pulls his hood up and turns toward a dark area. He passes his hand over himself mumbling some mantra. When he turns back, he has the appearance of an old man.
He follows the group as they walk toward Nyblond's.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Tamryn:
At this point of the early morning, it takes a while to find a cab willing to cross the river. By the time you find one, clatter across the cobbled streets, and then walk the last quarter of the way there, the Eastern sky is just beginning to lighten. It is approximately 6 AM as you arrive on foot at the gates of the Dannihyr mansion. Several large, armored guards watch you approach.
Everyone else:
Your group slips across the street and passes Tinkers' Alley while everyone else's gaze seems firmly fixed on the smoking tower. Looking back over your shoulders, you notice several levitating mages casting water spells directly into the upper levels of the structure. As you pass the alley, you see Sword and Flask tavern at the opposite end, and the last few tipsy customers are spilling out of the door as the establishment closes for the night. You proceed to the small chapel with the single candle, and pass inside, to see Nyblond meditating on a cushion toward the back. His eyes open as you enter, and he smiles.
"You made it back! Wonderful! Is everyone all right, no casualties?" He looks you over. "Oh no, someone seems to be missing. I'm so sorry."
Before Tamryn leaves, Akyan grabs his arm. "You're going back. Alone. That sounds like a pretty stupid plan to me." Just as his orc disguise drops, the drow replaces it with the human disguise he had earlier. "I understand why you want to go in alone, but... I just...I can't let you do that. I would prefer if someone went in with you, but you can at least let me stay close enough to maintain a telepathic link."
Kyrsa gives Tamryn a flat look. She has no intention of loosing any more comrades, but she also knows that if to many of them try to help out in this situation they might just make everything worse. With a sigh she nods, "Alright... I wish that there was a better option, but I understand why you want to go alone. However, if sending Akyan with you doesn't compromise anything... then perhaps it would be good to have backup. Even if he just tails you in case of an emergency. The choice is your's though." She pauses, a sullen expression on her face. If she were in his position, she would go alone, without question. However, in this situation, she wanted to make sure that Tamryn would come back.
Whatever is decided, she stays with the rest of the group to accompany them to see Nyblond. "If we want to copy those, we should do it now." She looks at the papers...realizing how long that could take. Sighing, she looks to Jhaarteal, "This might be a foolish question... but you wouldn't happen to have any spells that could help with copying these?" She gestures at the papers, "Honestly, we may be better off simply reading them before handing them over and then reporting what it was to team two. I don't think we have time to copy all of that text...and, if we report to our superiors and find out that Nyblond is not of the Circle, then we know where to find him. Honestly, I understand Tamryn's suspicions, but I rather doubt we have anything to worry about. If Nyblond knows of the Circle, and he doesn't realize that we could really threaten him if he turns out to be playing us, then he is either a fool or...he's powerful enough not to care, which is less likely in my opinion."
When they meet up with Nyblond...
"No, we didn't lose anyone," Kyrsa says in response to Nyblond. "Our missing friend has other business he is taking care of."
Tamryn smiles at Akyan. “Lady Dannihyr demanded that I not be followed back to her home and I can’t guarantee that you won’t be nabbed under suspicion of doing just that. I am grateful for your concern, but it is better if I take the risk alone.” He then walks off, not looking back.
Once out of the cab, he does his best to disguise his movements before reaching Lady Dannihyr’s home. Stealth: 16. He steps out of stealth as he approaches the gate guards. He says, “I am Gorondarel. I am hear to see Torelli.”
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
(... pausing in case you want to do something with the documents before returning to Nyblond)
Tamryn:
One of the gate guards turns and walks inside the compound, while three others remain at their posts, watching you closely. After about 10 minutes, the guard returns and nods to the others. They open the gate, and two of them escort you into the mansion. You are led back to the room where you previously had breakfast with Annika and Lady Dannihyr. The two guards remain in the room with you, but indicate that you may seat yourself if desired. A servant appears shortly with a steaming kettle of spiced cider, mugs and a tray of pastries. After another 10 minutes, Torelli enters the room, and dismisses the guards with a look.
"Well, you're back. After that stunt you pulled in the marketplace, I wasn't sure we'd ever see you again. I hope your dwarvish friend is well?"
He seats himself at the table, and pours himself a mug of hot cider. A small smile curls his lips upwards. "I don't normally awake this early. Luckily for you, my sources confirm that you have been busy the last couple of days, and that you have fulfilled your contract, despite your reluctance to sign it. I confess, I underestimated your resourcefulness."
He pauses for a few moments.
"We will need to wait a few days to ensure that you were not clumsy enough to leave any trail leading back to House Dannihyr. If that turns out to be the case, then the offer I make to you now is null and void. However, if you somehow managed to pull this off without exposing us, I am authorized to offer you a monthly stipend in exchange for information about the operations of the Seven Serpents cartel. Alternatively, you may choose to become a franchisee of House Dannihyr. We have several entry-level operations available from which you may choose: an 'alternative' money-lending operation, a brothel, an unsanctioned gambling hall, or an import/export facility for certain popular substances. Or you may make a proposal of your own. Fifty percent of your profits will belong to House Dannihyr, the remainder you will use to compensate yourself and your comrades. Yes, I know that you had help in completing your contract, and that is acceptable. The sort of work we do is of necessity not a solo operation. However, you will be held personally accountable for the actions of your crew, so choose carefully who you bring into your franchise. If you choose to run an operation for us, I will provide further details on how to transfer funds, etc. What questions do you have? "
Jhaartael frowns responding to Krysa, "Hmmm... No. I have no such spell." Then, with his finger to his head he muses, " It never really occurred to me that anyone would wish to copy mundane documents with magic. Copying mundane works is already so much faster than copying magical works. However, I see how such would be practical in our current occupation. I will do some research... Maybe I will find something in the Circle's libraries... Or maybe I will try to make such a spell myself!" His voice trails off in thought, "Probably something from the transmutation school... Although, one could charm a quill, but that would not really be faster..."
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Mina accepts the gold and as they head down the street towards the chapel, she dashes off towards the Sword and Flask. She looks around for Nara and if she doesn't see her in the alley, she ducks into the tavern looking for her.
Assuming she finds the halfling, she ushers her to a quiet corner. "Sorry to bother you again, here take this." she hands her the bag of gold, "we don't think anyone will connect this tavern with what we did tonight, but in case they do, it would be a good idea to skip town for a little bit, use this gold to help you and yours."
I'll allow a DC 14 INT ability check to memorize the narrative portions of the document, make it a DC 18 if you want to memorize the numerical bookkeeping proof of the embezzlement.
As Mina enters the tavern, she sees the halfling woman and two other barmaids wiping down some tables, the minstrel packing up his instruments, the barkeep corking bottles and sealing kegs, and the two enormous dragonborn hauling said kegs to a storeroom. Catchying Nyla's attention, she proffers the gold and the advice.
Nyla's eyes grow wide. "You didn't return all of the money?? What did you do tonight? Well, isn't that just GREAT?!" She sighs. "I can leave, but those girls have kids to feed. Now you see here, I grew up in a little town called Phandalin, and believe me, I've seen more than one group of adventurers breeze into town, cause chaos and shenanigans, and then head off for parts unknown with the locals left to pick up the pieces. Well, that's not happening tonight, Miss! No Ma'am. You are going to take some responsibility for you and your friends' actions!"
She slams the cleaning cloth down on the table, reaches back and unties her apron and throws that down too.
She reaches up with her index finger and pokes it in the middle of Mina's abdomen. "You are going to take myself, Leeloo and Hazel and their little ones and find us a safe place to stay right now and moving forward until we figure out what to do. Carlos [she points at the bartender] and Tsivini [the minstrel] as well. Tiny and Jake have some family nearby, and I think any cartel thugs would think twice about going after them in their own home. You are going to provide us food, shelter, and new jobs! You hear me?! You do NOT want to MESS. WITH. ME!!"
After a few additional mumbling musings, Jhaartael turns back to Krysa, "I suppose I could see what I can memorize. Shall I take a look at the documents?" He proffers his open hand to receive the documents.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
(ha! I've stumped you all....)
Akyan’s hand drops to his side, then curls into a fist when Tamryn turns away. He watches the wood elf start walking away, before gritting his teeth and stalking back to the others. What Tamryn said made sense, but there were plenty of other options. Whatever, if the wood elf wants to get himself killed then so be it.
When Mina splits off from the main group, Akyan wordlessly follows her to the tavern. She hadn’t demanded to go alone, and he isn’t going to give her the chance to do so.
The drow steps forward as Nyla starts issuing orders to his companion. “We did return the money. That purse belonged to one of our companions.” There is more than a slight hint of irritation in his voice as he speaks, which he struggles to hide in his next sentence. “We doubt the cartel will come for you and your tavern, but our friend wanted to at least try to ensure your safety.”
((Re-read Krysa's last reply and realized she did indicate we could read the papers ))
Jhaartael takes the papers from Krysa and reads through them, trying to apply the memory built up from years of study and memorization of arcana to the memorization of mundane accounts and ledgers:
Int Check: 14 (in log).
"I have the gist of it, but these numbers make my head swim. They seem so arbitrary and abstract!"
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Mina looks at the halfling, confused, as she starts in on how they didn't return all the money. She tries to interject, but Nyla barrels on, not letting Mina speak. As the woman starts poking her in her abdomen, however, her face hardens.
She is about to speak up, when to her surprise, Akyan steps out of the shadows. As he relays the information, Mina struggles, but stays silent, waiting for this news to sink in to the ungrateful halfling.
Lyndaran offers himself to help memorizing the documents but he returns them almost as soon as he got them. "It's just gibberish to me I will do no good here " he says to the others.
At the tavern he is trying to Aykran news to sink into the halfling before smile due to Mina's face during the halfling's explosion.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Tamryn says, "How enticing! A veritable buffet of intriguing possibilities. I can say that I don't particularly wish to remain with the Serpents; they seem plagued by security issues of late. I also assume that the percentages from all the offered endeavors are approximately the same. I think that I would like to take a few days to consider my future professional possibilities. I assume you'll use that time to double-check that I have not implicated (or double-crossed) the House Dannihyr. If I cannot think of a manner in which I can better serve milady than as a mere flunky, I shall return and offer myself to be your flunk."
With that, Tamryn stands and begins to leave again. But, in the doorway, he stops. He turns back to Torelli. "Master Torelli, I wonder if you would be willing to do me a favor. I have more business to conduct this morning; I cannot stay long. Would you mind terribly loaning me the materials necessary to write a letter to the Lady Fatima and then delivering it to her? I really must thank her for presenting me with this opportunity."
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