Kyrsa nods to Aldara, "We understand, it was with great hesitance that we decided to return, but we all agreed that it was the right thing to do. Regardless, we will not make a habit of disobeying orders." She clasps her hands behind her back and bows her head slightly, "Thank you for trusting us with this new rank, I look forward to farthing our training. I believe our team has come a long way since that first messy practice mission." She turns to her companions and gives them a warm smile.
"This sounds pretty strait forward to me. Are we going to be continuing our training in Athkatla?"
"Your official training is on hiatus until we get the new Farm up and running, with increased defenses. We estimate approximately a tenday until that happens. In the meantime, rest, practice your skills, and get to know Athkatla. It will be your duty station, and you will be spending at least the next year there as operatives. Get to know Spar's team. Maybe you can provide some support for a few of their missions."
As Krysa and the others begin to speak with Aldara, Jhaartael remains a little further withdrawn. Pretending to speak to the Raven that he has recently summoned, he casts Detect Thoughts on himself and then directs his attention first to Aldara's surface thoughts.
((He will similarly skim the surface of each of his teammates' thoughts in turn, to better understand their reactions to the circumstances surrounding them)).
"Well, since we are going to be spending more time with Spar's team, that'll give me a bit more time to get to know Duncan before I ask him to help me remember where I came from. I don't really want him poking around my head again, but if it means I learning what Elran was keeping from me..."
(Mostly he's just thinking about how to go about asking Duncan if he can revive a memory from when he was an infant, without having the dwarf learn his whole life story. This is why he was looking a bit distracted.)
"No questions? That's surprising... maybe they're too tired. Or frightened. That was a terrible night, and to come into it unexpectedly like that... I have to do better to prepare them. I can't let those bastards take any more of my people. I will not let that happen.
"I wonder what's taking Percy so long to report back. Haven't heard anything from him since the attack except that one-word message: 'safe'. Well, gods know he can take care of himself. Unlike Hiborius, that nincompoop. Lucky for him he's away visiting the Druids. Otherwise he'd have ended up like Cephas... oh, Cephas....
"*Sigh* I wish Victor were here to tell me what to do, I miss him so.'
I'm feeling a bit in over my head. These other elves with me sure seem to know what they are doing. I still can't get the image out of my head about Cephas... how could this have happened? The Farm seemed so untouchable. I'm glad Kyrsa is on the team with me, she's easy to talk to and really seems to be taking charge of the group. Good thing since she has experience. I wonder what these dwaves are like...
I wonder how working with the dwarves will work. I imagine we’ll case their targets and gather intel so their assault will be more effective. They have a telepath. That brings up interesting possibilities. Maybe we could get him to come with us for stake outs, see what he picks up. Are we going to be working in Athkatla? Maybe we should insert a couple of us into the local underworld to get intel. I suppose it will depend on how long we stay.
(Lyndaran is daydreaming about flying machines and wildfires...)
Aldara says, "So... no questions? Very well then, you can head to the over to those mages and they will teleport you to the safe house. You are dismissed."
She then nods at Spar, and turns and walks away, looking for Breezy.
Your party heads to the indicated spot, and in turn is transported to the safe house where they initially encountered Spar and his team. Further exploration of the building reveals it to be a sturdily-constructed edifice of stone floor and walls, with wooden accents, and rugs and wall hangings to add some color and warmth. You are assigned two bunk rooms, one for males and one for females, where you sleep and store your gear. There are washrooms, a kitchen and pantry, a common room for socializing, and two conference rooms, one for your team and one for Team 2. As you glance into the dwarves' conference room, you notice several maps and diagrams pinned on the walls and scattered on the large central table, along with drawings of individual humanoids.
The twins, Millie and Mollie, with great delight attach themselves to Kyrsa and Mina and show them around. The rest of the party is mostly ignored by them, but you tag along and they do not object. They show you the main entrance and exit, as well as two different hidden exits, passages that lead out, one into the sewer tunnels below the city, and another that goes under the alley into a warehouse next door. "Dwarves 'n Elves ain't common in Athkatla,"Millie says, "and so everyone'll know where we live if'n we don't take pains to disguise our movements." "And it wouldnae be much of a 'safe' house if'n everyone knowed where to find us," adds her sister.
Other details they point out include a bulletin and message board in the common room (see campaign home page under DM notes) and that you will each collect 25 gp weekly for wages and expenses, in addition to room and board being supplied. You are also entitled to keep 10% of any treasure recovered from criminals, along with any magic items, with the rest to be distributed to their victims. Occasionally the DCL or local law enforcement will pay a bounty or bonus for capturing or neutralizing a particular high-value target. If, in time, your team wishes to establish a separate safe house or residence, that can be accommodated as well.
For those of you who may want to discuss your new home city with the dwarves, you can glean the following information (which I have shamelessly stolen from the Forgotten Realms wiki page):
Athkatla, also known as the City of Coin, was the oldest settlement and capital of the mercantile nation of Amn. It was one of the wealthiest countries in all of Faerûn, where nearly every aspect of life revolved around money and commerce. The concept of affluence was so well-connected with Athkatla there were rumors in foreign lands that the city's streets were paved with gold.
Society
The City of Coin was abuzz with peddlers and hustlers, hard-haggling merchants who were as competitive as they were ruthless in their pursuit of coin. The city offered a stark contrast between those who held power, i.e. money, and those who did not. Organizations that ran the city's economy, such as the oppressive Cowled Wizards, the enigmatic Shadow Thieves guild or obscenely wealthy mercantile houses could act with complete authority and near impunity. For the weak and the poor in the slums of the River District, life in the city was overwhelming affair where danger loomed at nearly every turn.
Decadence and overindulgence was a common pastime for the wealthier of Athkatla's citizens, especially those living in the Gem District. When someone ate and drank too much in a night of revelry, or after seafood that had expired, they would engage in "straking" or the forceful emptying of their stomach.
Athkatla was ruled by the Council of Five (formerly the Council of Six). Although council positions were once held anonymously, the council members ruled openly as of the late 15 century DR.
Just about anything was acceptable in Athkatla and actions that would be illegal or immoral in other lands were tolerated. The law permitted nearly anything including lewdness and slavery.
Minor laws could be broken, so long as the corresponding fine was paid, which often occurred before the offense. Thieves within the city operated under written contracts more than anywhere else in Faerûn.
Magic
The practice or use of arcane magic was explicitly illegal within the city of Athkatla, a ban which dated back to a royal decree by the young King Dhanar the late 13 century DR. Spellcasting by wizards or sorcerers were limited to a select few who were licensed by the High Houses of Amn, or their magical enforcement agency, the Cowled Wizards, who acted as little more than mercenaries and spies for House Selemchant
"I see," Kyrsa says to Millie and Molly as the two dwarves show them around. She smiles, and gives Mina a warm smile as well, hoping to keep their minds off of the darkness they'd witnessed and learned of earlier.
She asks a few questions about the city to get an idea of their new home, and is a disgusted to learn about the thieves guilds and the presence of slavery. "Well, I suppose we have our work cut out for us then," she looks over the bulletin before turning back to the twins. "Do you track down thieves often?"
Duncan and Spar both appear quite tired and head to their rooms for some rest. Rigel appears unfazed by anything that has happened and sits in the common room, contentedly cleaning and sharpening his greataxe.
The twins end their tour also in the common room, plopping down on some comfy cushions. "Och, thieves ain't all bad. Jes' ask yer friends there," says Mollie, smirking as she looks pointedly at Tamryn and Akyan. "Mostly depends on who they be thievin' from. Some rich merchant ain't gonna miss a chest or two o' gold. But stealin' from the poor, or the maimed, or widders and children, that ain't right. But us, mostly we been goin' after the slavers lately. We took out a whole vipers' nest o' traffickers last week, didn't we, sis?"
"You betcha," replies Millie, concentrating on balancing a handaxe on the tip of her forefinger, flipping it and then catching it on the same finger.
Annika the artificer passes through, not acknowledging anyone, due to concentrating on some problem rather than rudeness. About three-quarters of the way out of the room, she stops, and turns, staring at Tamryn, her mouth slightly agape. After several seconds, she flees down the hall and you hear a door slam shut. The twins burst out in giggles and laughter.
Kyrsa laughs, “Yes I suppose you’re right.” She smiles in the direction of her two teammates. “As long as they’re doing it for the right reasons, I suppose I can’t fault them. I definitely see why the slavers would be your priority.” She wrinkles her nose, “What a foul trade. I would love to help out next time you go after some.”
Akyan remains silent as the two dwarves lead them through the safehouse. He listens to them when Kyrsa asks them questions about the city, but remains silent on this as well. Akyan has to keep himself from cringing when Mollie looks at him. Yes, he had been a thief, but he had also done more than just stealing money. He nods as she continues talking, he agrees with that statement. He'd never dealt with slavery, but he would not deny that it is a foul trade.
When Annika walks by, sees Tamryn, then proceeds to run off. He shrugs and decides to ignore what just happened.
He looks back at the twins, "You mentioned disguises? Will be be required to have them whenever we go out?"
(OOC: At this point he would be wearing the hat of disguise, I'm guessing it looks similar to his old hat, as it came from a rural town. He still doesn't know what it is, he's just wearing it because it's newer than his old one.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jhaartael muses silently over what he has learned of the others thoughts. He closes his eyes trying to see some sense in all of it. He still has trouble reconciling the many directions thoughts can go from a single event. He breaths slowly, trying to string the path between their thoughts: compassion, anxiety, loss. He opens his eyes, still firmly resolved to limit his verbal insertions, for the sake of all.
Following silently along with the group, he readily helps with any adjustments their lodgings require. He listens intently to all the information about their new base and the city it is in. Listening to descriptions of the City he turns over several topics in his mind, to think of he can recall anything about them.
Cowled Wizards
Council of Five
Arcana check: 13 was 11
History check: 9 was 15
((Gah! I did not touch anything even near to the roll tags!))
Mina is amused by the twin dwarves as they take them on a tour throughout the safe house. "How long have you two been with the organization? You say that dwarves and elves aren't common here in town, are we welcomed by the most part or shunned? Just want to know what we need to expect!"
After the twins burst out in laughter once Annika scurries out of the room, Mina leans over to them and asks, "What was that all about?"
Akyan ...looks back at the twins, "You mentioned disguises? Will be be required to have them whenever we go out?"
(OOC: At this point he would be wearing the hat of disguise, I'm guessing it looks similar to his old hat, as it came from a rural town. He still doesn't know what it is, he's just wearing it because it's newer than his old one.)
(Not necessarily disguise yourself, although it's not a bad idea. Disguise, as in hide, your entrance and exit to the building. So people don't see a bunch of elves and dwarves going into and out of the safe house all the time. And you would have been able to identify the hat during your rest, so you should know the details of what it is and does.)
The wizard realizes that use of arcane magic is illegal here, and that he will have to be very circumspect about his use of it. Big, showy spells like fireball are going to attract attention from the Cowled Wizards. Subtlety will be needed.
You say that dwarves and elves aren't common here in town, are we welcomed by the most part or shunned? Just want to know what we need to expect!"
Mollie responds, "We's uncommon, but not super-rare either. The natives are overwhelmingly human, but this be a city of commerce, and so there be trading missions and diplomats and teamsters and sailors and entertainers from all o'er Faerun. Most people'll notice ye, but then ignore ye unless ye do somethin' worth rememberin'."
Kyrsa nods to Aldara, "We understand, it was with great hesitance that we decided to return, but we all agreed that it was the right thing to do. Regardless, we will not make a habit of disobeying orders." She clasps her hands behind her back and bows her head slightly, "Thank you for trusting us with this new rank, I look forward to farthing our training. I believe our team has come a long way since that first messy practice mission." She turns to her companions and gives them a warm smile.
"Your official training is on hiatus until we get the new Farm up and running, with increased defenses. We estimate approximately a tenday until that happens. In the meantime, rest, practice your skills, and get to know Athkatla. It will be your duty station, and you will be spending at least the next year there as operatives. Get to know Spar's team. Maybe you can provide some support for a few of their missions."
Akyan nods, then looks to his companions. He is ready to go, but he waits to see if anyone else has any questions.
As Krysa and the others begin to speak with Aldara, Jhaartael remains a little further withdrawn. Pretending to speak to the Raven that he has recently summoned, he casts Detect Thoughts on himself and then directs his attention first to Aldara's surface thoughts.
((He will similarly skim the surface of each of his teammates' thoughts in turn, to better understand their reactions to the circumstances surrounding them)).
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
(Well here's what Akyan's thinking about.)
"Well, since we are going to be spending more time with Spar's team, that'll give me a bit more time to get to know Duncan before I ask him to help me remember where I came from. I don't really want him poking around my head again, but if it means I learning what Elran was keeping from me..."
(Mostly he's just thinking about how to go about asking Duncan if he can revive a memory from when he was an infant, without having the dwarf learn his whole life story. This is why he was looking a bit distracted.)
(Kyrsa's thoughts)
At least Aldara doesn't seem angry with us for disobeying her orders. ...perhaps a little disappointed, but she seems grateful as well.
I hope everything went well with Tymothy. Akyan seems...troubled. Gods that must have been hard for him...
Jhaarteal's been awful quiet. I hope he doesn't think I'm mad at him or something.
Aldara's thoughts
"No questions? That's surprising... maybe they're too tired. Or frightened. That was a terrible night, and to come into it unexpectedly like that... I have to do better to prepare them. I can't let those bastards take any more of my people. I will not let that happen.
"I wonder what's taking Percy so long to report back. Haven't heard anything from him since the attack except that one-word message: 'safe'. Well, gods know he can take care of himself. Unlike Hiborius, that nincompoop. Lucky for him he's away visiting the Druids. Otherwise he'd have ended up like Cephas... oh, Cephas....
"*Sigh* I wish Victor were here to tell me what to do, I miss him so.'
Mina's thoughts
I'm feeling a bit in over my head. These other elves with me sure seem to know what they are doing. I still can't get the image out of my head about Cephas... how could this have happened? The Farm seemed so untouchable. I'm glad Kyrsa is on the team with me, she's easy to talk to and really seems to be taking charge of the group. Good thing since she has experience. I wonder what these dwaves are like...
Tamryn’s thoughts:
I wonder how working with the dwarves will work. I imagine we’ll case their targets and gather intel so their assault will be more effective. They have a telepath. That brings up interesting possibilities. Maybe we could get him to come with us for stake outs, see what he picks up. Are we going to be working in Athkatla? Maybe we should insert a couple of us into the local underworld to get intel. I suppose it will depend on how long we stay.
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 is daydreaming about flying machines and wildfires...)
Aldara says, "So... no questions? Very well then, you can head to the over to those mages and they will teleport you to the safe house. You are dismissed."
She then nods at Spar, and turns and walks away, looking for Breezy.
Your party heads to the indicated spot, and in turn is transported to the safe house where they initially encountered Spar and his team. Further exploration of the building reveals it to be a sturdily-constructed edifice of stone floor and walls, with wooden accents, and rugs and wall hangings to add some color and warmth. You are assigned two bunk rooms, one for males and one for females, where you sleep and store your gear. There are washrooms, a kitchen and pantry, a common room for socializing, and two conference rooms, one for your team and one for Team 2. As you glance into the dwarves' conference room, you notice several maps and diagrams pinned on the walls and scattered on the large central table, along with drawings of individual humanoids.
The twins, Millie and Mollie, with great delight attach themselves to Kyrsa and Mina and show them around. The rest of the party is mostly ignored by them, but you tag along and they do not object. They show you the main entrance and exit, as well as two different hidden exits, passages that lead out, one into the sewer tunnels below the city, and another that goes under the alley into a warehouse next door. "Dwarves 'n Elves ain't common in Athkatla," Millie says, "and so everyone'll know where we live if'n we don't take pains to disguise our movements." "And it wouldnae be much of a 'safe' house if'n everyone knowed where to find us," adds her sister.
Other details they point out include a bulletin and message board in the common room (see campaign home page under DM notes) and that you will each collect 25 gp weekly for wages and expenses, in addition to room and board being supplied. You are also entitled to keep 10% of any treasure recovered from criminals, along with any magic items, with the rest to be distributed to their victims. Occasionally the DCL or local law enforcement will pay a bounty or bonus for capturing or neutralizing a particular high-value target. If, in time, your team wishes to establish a separate safe house or residence, that can be accommodated as well.
For those of you who may want to discuss your new home city with the dwarves, you can glean the following information (which I have shamelessly stolen from the Forgotten Realms wiki page):
Athkatla, also known as the City of Coin, was the oldest settlement and capital of the mercantile nation of Amn. It was one of the wealthiest countries in all of Faerûn, where nearly every aspect of life revolved around money and commerce. The concept of affluence was so well-connected with Athkatla there were rumors in foreign lands that the city's streets were paved with gold.
Society
The City of Coin was abuzz with peddlers and hustlers, hard-haggling merchants who were as competitive as they were ruthless in their pursuit of coin. The city offered a stark contrast between those who held power, i.e. money, and those who did not. Organizations that ran the city's economy, such as the oppressive Cowled Wizards, the enigmatic Shadow Thieves guild or obscenely wealthy mercantile houses could act with complete authority and near impunity. For the weak and the poor in the slums of the River District, life in the city was overwhelming affair where danger loomed at nearly every turn.
Decadence and overindulgence was a common pastime for the wealthier of Athkatla's citizens, especially those living in the Gem District. When someone ate and drank too much in a night of revelry, or after seafood that had expired, they would engage in "straking" or the forceful emptying of their stomach.
Inhabitants
High Houses
Merchant Families
Government
Athkatla was ruled by the Council of Five (formerly the Council of Six). Although council positions were once held anonymously, the council members ruled openly as of the late 15 century DR.
The five council positions were held by: House Selemchant who sponsored the Cowled Wizards of Athkatla, House Dannihyr which belonged to the Shadow Thieves, House Alibakkar, House Ophal and House Nashivaar which was closely allied with the church of Cyric.
Laws
Just about anything was acceptable in Athkatla and actions that would be illegal or immoral in other lands were tolerated. The law permitted nearly anything including lewdness and slavery.
Minor laws could be broken, so long as the corresponding fine was paid, which often occurred before the offense. Thieves within the city operated under written contracts more than anywhere else in Faerûn.
Magic
The practice or use of arcane magic was explicitly illegal within the city of Athkatla, a ban which dated back to a royal decree by the young King Dhanar the late 13 century DR. Spellcasting by wizards or sorcerers were limited to a select few who were licensed by the High Houses of Amn, or their magical enforcement agency, the Cowled Wizards, who acted as little more than mercenaries and spies for House Selemchant
"I see," Kyrsa says to Millie and Molly as the two dwarves show them around. She smiles, and gives Mina a warm smile as well, hoping to keep their minds off of the darkness they'd witnessed and learned of earlier.
She asks a few questions about the city to get an idea of their new home, and is a disgusted to learn about the thieves guilds and the presence of slavery. "Well, I suppose we have our work cut out for us then," she looks over the bulletin before turning back to the twins. "Do you track down thieves often?"
Duncan and Spar both appear quite tired and head to their rooms for some rest. Rigel appears unfazed by anything that has happened and sits in the common room, contentedly cleaning and sharpening his greataxe.
The twins end their tour also in the common room, plopping down on some comfy cushions. "Och, thieves ain't all bad. Jes' ask yer friends there," says Mollie, smirking as she looks pointedly at Tamryn and Akyan. "Mostly depends on who they be thievin' from. Some rich merchant ain't gonna miss a chest or two o' gold. But stealin' from the poor, or the maimed, or widders and children, that ain't right. But us, mostly we been goin' after the slavers lately. We took out a whole vipers' nest o' traffickers last week, didn't we, sis?"
"You betcha," replies Millie, concentrating on balancing a handaxe on the tip of her forefinger, flipping it and then catching it on the same finger.
Annika the artificer passes through, not acknowledging anyone, due to concentrating on some problem rather than rudeness. About three-quarters of the way out of the room, she stops, and turns, staring at Tamryn, her mouth slightly agape. After several seconds, she flees down the hall and you hear a door slam shut. The twins burst out in giggles and laughter.
Kyrsa laughs, “Yes I suppose you’re right.” She smiles in the direction of her two teammates. “As long as they’re doing it for the right reasons, I suppose I can’t fault them. I definitely see why the slavers would be your priority.” She wrinkles her nose, “What a foul trade. I would love to help out next time you go after some.”
Akyan remains silent as the two dwarves lead them through the safehouse. He listens to them when Kyrsa asks them questions about the city, but remains silent on this as well. Akyan has to keep himself from cringing when Mollie looks at him. Yes, he had been a thief, but he had also done more than just stealing money. He nods as she continues talking, he agrees with that statement. He'd never dealt with slavery, but he would not deny that it is a foul trade.
When Annika walks by, sees Tamryn, then proceeds to run off. He shrugs and decides to ignore what just happened.
He looks back at the twins, "You mentioned disguises? Will be be required to have them whenever we go out?"
(OOC: At this point he would be wearing the hat of disguise, I'm guessing it looks similar to his old hat, as it came from a rural town. He still doesn't know what it is, he's just wearing it because it's newer than his old one.)
Jhaartael muses silently over what he has learned of the others thoughts. He closes his eyes trying to see some sense in all of it. He still has trouble reconciling the many directions thoughts can go from a single event. He breaths slowly, trying to string the path between their thoughts: compassion, anxiety, loss. He opens his eyes, still firmly resolved to limit his verbal insertions, for the sake of all.
Following silently along with the group, he readily helps with any adjustments their lodgings require. He listens intently to all the information about their new base and the city it is in. Listening to descriptions of the City he turns over several topics in his mind, to think of he can recall anything about them.
Cowled Wizards
Council of Five
Arcana check: 13 was 11
History check: 9 was 15
((Gah! I did not touch anything even near to the roll tags!))
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Mina is amused by the twin dwarves as they take them on a tour throughout the safe house. "How long have you two been with the organization? You say that dwarves and elves aren't common here in town, are we welcomed by the most part or shunned? Just want to know what we need to expect!"
After the twins burst out in laughter once Annika scurries out of the room, Mina leans over to them and asks, "What was that all about?"
(Not necessarily disguise yourself, although it's not a bad idea. Disguise, as in hide, your entrance and exit to the building. So people don't see a bunch of elves and dwarves going into and out of the safe house all the time. And you would have been able to identify the hat during your rest, so you should know the details of what it is and does.)
The wizard realizes that use of arcane magic is illegal here, and that he will have to be very circumspect about his use of it. Big, showy spells like fireball are going to attract attention from the Cowled Wizards. Subtlety will be needed.
(OOC: Ok)
Akyan nods, that makes sense. Then he waits for the dwarves to answer Mina's questions.
The twins respond in unison, "Three years." Then they look at each other and laugh some more.
Mollie responds, "We's uncommon, but not super-rare either. The natives are overwhelmingly human, but this be a city of commerce, and so there be trading missions and diplomats and teamsters and sailors and entertainers from all o'er Faerun. Most people'll notice ye, but then ignore ye unless ye do somethin' worth rememberin'."
Millie snorts, "Annika ain't the most experienced, romantic-like. But it looks like she's taken a shine to yon rogue."