Graxx looks down at Soares and then back into the alley.
Graxx gives a nod motioning back the way they came.
"Do we need to carry anything for you? Anything left behind? The others may return and don't want them to find anything we have forgotten." asks Graxx casually and helpfully.
Utar and Obsben seem to disagree on next steps, and the halfling takes the opportunity to remind the others that, by their calculations, the book thief may be active again this very evening, if they haven't already made a move.
With a definite decision still to be made, Graxx takes the chance to engage Soares in conversation directly. Forced into confusion by magic, the cultist can only assume the mercenary bullywug is the one talking to him now. "Hmm.. I didn't realize you spoke so clearly... Well, if you'd be so kind to gather my backpack and odd belongings... I can't quite get to them with my hands manacled behind my back.... Speaking of which, why are you caring me? I can walk."
@Obsben (surface thoughts):
The mention of his belongings has Soares thinking of the note B sent him. This is the note CRAP has already collected, judging by Soares's thoughts about it.
"Might feel that way, but those guys did a number on you after that big guy knocked you out. Try moving it again."Obsben is quick to say in the "not-half-orc" voice again. If Soares tries to move the limb afterwhich, Obsben asserts just enough control to keep both still for a moment or two, prior to then having one move a bit jerkily to prove her point.
Turning back to Utar and Neya, she starts to say more, pauses for a moment, and then continued saying instead just for their ears again, "You know what? Let's see if we can have this meeting of yours going. It's fairly late, I could use a breather, and I can also check in with 'Harold' to see what he dug up. Could be he's even found our actual thief or has his suspicions." She glances over to Soares. "... aaand if anyone asks along the way, we can say our friend there is the victim of a dalliance with some kinky street walker who forgot to free him."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Oh, you are right..."The fooled man says, "I can't seem to properly control my own legs. This is a bit demoralizing but I guess I will not complain about being carried. Where are we going?"
Even though the question was directed at Graxx, the tall man remains silent. He doesn't want to risk disrupting the deception started by Neya and carried further by Obsben. Instead, Graxx shoots a quick request towards Utar, who makes sure none of Soares's belongings are left behind.
Obsben comes around to the idea of bringing Soares to the Leadstopper home and, even though CRAP gets a few curious looks on their way, they reach the house without trouble. Sagin is happily waiting for the party and already in the process of cooking a meal, as has become the norm unless he is told otherwise. The little kobold has picked up quite the taste for homemaking after a brief stint at adventuring with the party, and is quite happy these days with his new employment. The fact that he gets paid, which was never a thing back in his den, goes a long way here too. His food still has room for improving, but Mar at the Laughing Goblin has taken the little kobold as an apprentice. they meet whenever the two of them can spare the time. Surely, their partnership will continue to yield results.
"Supper is a great idea." Soares exclaims. "Which new tavern is this one?"
After some finger waggling in greeting to Sagin, Obsben declared while still keeping up the half-orc act, "Only the best one in town noone's every heard! You just wait and see!" With that and a final mental command to sit quietly unless asked a question, the lightling signals a need to step aside and heads off into an adjacent room to place a call to Harper.
"Any luck? We secured a low rank member of cult at Leadstopper Home. Mentioned Boss named 'B', and may have ties to textile or library."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Duck and Dragon?"Soares asks. "Ne'er heard o'it..."The confused man is happy to accept Utar's claim at face value. He seems even more convinced once Obsben claims this is the best new tavern in town.
@Obsben (Harper's response via the sending spell):
"Not much, but you names are being mentioned in the library. Head Curator Opanrael awaits for your arrival on business for one Aya Glenmiir. Familiar?"
"Oh... right, that /was/ a thing, wasn't it?"Obsben asked of herself, prior to then spending a good minute there looking thoughtful. Yet ultimately in her usual nonplussed way, she shrugged off any visible concerns and returned to the group.
"So, this is a touch awkward, but we seem to have forgotten our meeting with a certain Curator. And I unfortunately do not have the, uhm... reserves to reach out to my contact and maybe correct the matter. But I can -- I should be able to get back there fairly quickly on the back of Basil, late though the hour is."She looks to Neya. "Or mayhaps you can on this party's behalf have the meeting, seeing as I'll probably be needed for a time more. Or shall we blow them off?"
"Ah, yes. We promised Aya we would vouch for her," Neya says in realization. "I think I could also bring that coded note with me. Maybe the Curator could recognize something about it. It's a shot in the dark, but it's the only lead we have."
"Now that I think about it, I think I'll need to borrow our sending stone in case something happens. Considering what just happened, I don't think it would be wise to have no line of communication if only one of us is going."
She then approaches Graxx and requests the stone with the same explanation.
While Utar piles on the deceitful statements, Graxx absconds himself in the bathroom. Feeling sufficiently isolated, the man contacts Aleyd via their pair of sending stones and soon receives an answers:
@Graxx:
"I was in the middle of my own supper but I take this development as good news. I'll be there as soon as possible."
By the time Graxx is back, Neya is mentioning something about borrowing the sending stone. The two ladies in the group have quickly devised a plan to meet with the Head Curator at the library and potentially collect more information.
(OOC: Who is going and who is staying. Are those who are leaving waiting for Aleyd to arrive before departing or are they leaving immediately?)
”Anything that is mine is yours.” says Graxx assuredly.
”Be careful now.” says Graxx
Graxx will enter back inside.
Graxx enters and let’s Utar keep talking.
Graxx will keep an eye out the window waiting for Aleyd’s arrival.
Upon seeing Aleyd approaching Graxx will step outside in order to brief Aleyd on what has occurred so far regarding the failed ambush and Soares ties to the cult.
OOC: Graxx will be staying behind at the house in case Soares gets out of line.
If Obsben yet had the note, she'd be sure to pass it along to Neya enroute to taking a seat at the table. It's from there that she at least intended to further sell Utar's cover up with some tales supposedly heard from some other minstrels, Bard Tipp and Busta Chimez. She also takes care during this time to keep his actions limited to sitting by and not try to break free. At least until the effects of the potion wore off. And if asked again to be helped free, she'd assure him that the one that left (Neya and whoever else left with her) are out trying to get a better lockpicker for just the job!
-If able to during the wait, she'll grant herself, Utar, Graxx, and Sagin 14 Temp HP from her Inspiring Tales.
If, perchance, they are yet waiting as Obsben feels the effects of the potion begin to wane, she'd motion to Graxx and whisper, "Hate to ask, but you may wish to knocking him out. I'd recommend this thing called a 'sleeper hold' to limit the damage. I'll make sure he doesn't resist. Think of it as a 'just in case' measure."
With stone and note in tow, Neya leaves for the Library. She takes a slight detour in an alley in order to dismiss her magical disguise without rousing suspicion.
Unsure if Utar is talking to him directly, Soares unknowingly follows his orders of only speaking if directly spoken to, that is, he goes quiet for the next several minutes. Following this, Obsben takes over the conversation again and fills the air with lengthy fabricated tales. Neya has already left the residence by the time Obsben is over, but the allies who are present feel inspired. (Obsben, Utar, Graxx, and Sagin gain 14 temp HP.)
A while later, Aleyd arrives. Graxx intercepts her outside and summarizes the evening's happenings out of Soares's listening range. Once both paladins are ready, they reenter the house. Now in the know, Aleyd pokes the charmed man for a quick confession: "So, Soares was it? The Cult wanted you to take those meddling adventures out of the game board? You fell short of killing them but you at least led them in the wrong direction, I hear. Is that right?"
If allowed to respond, and still thinking he is among allies, Soares confirms the plot and his interpretation of the half-success he achieved. Turning to speak to CRAP next, she invites at least one CRAPer to meet her in a separate room. There, she states: "Thank you for the swift work. With your verbal account and his confession, I'll have no trouble putting him in a well-deserved dungeon cell. The use of the spell may become a bureaucratic hurdle, but the expediency of marshal law may work in our favor this time. However, something larger is clearly at play here, especially now that we are certain that the Cult of the Dragon are involved yet again. You said this "B" had blue ink on their hands? I agree with your assessment that this may require some explanation from Cassra Brandywine. Perhaps that should be your next stop?"
-> By the time this all happens, I'll say there is less than 10 minutes left on Obsben's spell.
After collecting the now spent-for-the-day speaking stone, picking up the scrambled incriminating note, taking a small detour to secretly ditch her disguise, and walking back across town, Neya arrives at the Mantor's Library's main entrance. It takes a little while for someone to come to the gate at this hour, but the attendant recognizes Neya: "Hello again, are you here to speak to Ms. Brandywine once more? I can take you to her office."
"Yes, there is many moving pieces here. We are getting close to putting them together. I can feel it." says Graxx.
Graxx stretches his arms.
"Now... The spell should be wearing off soon. It's best I can make him more... Easy to transport." says Graxx.
Graxx will approach Soares from behind.
"Remain still. Let the warmth come." says Graxx.
Graxx will apply the sleephold to Soares before the timer runs out.
Graxx will turn back to Aleyd.
"Thank you for coming so quickly. I hate to run but I fear the others could be in danger as there is no telling where this "B" could be. If they are Brandywine then... Well... We'll have answers soon. Do you need any help transporting Soares?"
Graxx will turn to Utar.
"Are you ready?" asks Graxx.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Graxx looks down at Soares and then back into the alley.
Graxx gives a nod motioning back the way they came.
"Do we need to carry anything for you? Anything left behind? The others may return and don't want them to find anything we have forgotten." asks Graxx casually and helpfully.
(OOC: The sun has set. It is evening now.)
Utar and Obsben seem to disagree on next steps, and the halfling takes the opportunity to remind the others that, by their calculations, the book thief may be active again this very evening, if they haven't already made a move.
With a definite decision still to be made, Graxx takes the chance to engage Soares in conversation directly. Forced into confusion by magic, the cultist can only assume the mercenary bullywug is the one talking to him now. "Hmm.. I didn't realize you spoke so clearly... Well, if you'd be so kind to gather my backpack and odd belongings... I can't quite get to them with my hands manacled behind my back.... Speaking of which, why are you caring me? I can walk."
@Obsben (surface thoughts):
The mention of his belongings has Soares thinking of the note B sent him. This is the note CRAP has already collected, judging by Soares's thoughts about it.
You detect thoughts spell will end in the next "round."
"Might feel that way, but those guys did a number on you after that big guy knocked you out. Try moving it again." Obsben is quick to say in the "not-half-orc" voice again. If Soares tries to move the limb afterwhich, Obsben asserts just enough control to keep both still for a moment or two, prior to then having one move a bit jerkily to prove her point.
-Deception: 19. (if even needed at this point)
Turning back to Utar and Neya, she starts to say more, pauses for a moment, and then continued saying instead just for their ears again, "You know what? Let's see if we can have this meeting of yours going. It's fairly late, I could use a breather, and I can also check in with 'Harold' to see what he dug up. Could be he's even found our actual thief or has his suspicions." She glances over to Soares. "... aaand if anyone asks along the way, we can say our friend there is the victim of a dalliance with some kinky street walker who forgot to free him."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx grunts realizing he might be talking too much and let's Obsben do most of the talking.
Graxx looks toward Utar and Neya and says in as few words as possible.
"Get things." says Graxx
Graxx will continue to carry Soares.
Graxx thinks that possibly the backpack will hold more clues or possibly the books.
"Oh, you are right..." The fooled man says, "I can't seem to properly control my own legs. This is a bit demoralizing but I guess I will not complain about being carried. Where are we going?"
Even though the question was directed at Graxx, the tall man remains silent. He doesn't want to risk disrupting the deception started by Neya and carried further by Obsben. Instead, Graxx shoots a quick request towards Utar, who makes sure none of Soares's belongings are left behind.
Obsben comes around to the idea of bringing Soares to the Leadstopper home and, even though CRAP gets a few curious looks on their way, they reach the house without trouble. Sagin is happily waiting for the party and already in the process of cooking a meal, as has become the norm unless he is told otherwise. The little kobold has picked up quite the taste for homemaking after a brief stint at adventuring with the party, and is quite happy these days with his new employment. The fact that he gets paid, which was never a thing back in his den, goes a long way here too. His food still has room for improving, but Mar at the Laughing Goblin has taken the little kobold as an apprentice. they meet whenever the two of them can spare the time. Surely, their partnership will continue to yield results.
"Supper is a great idea." Soares exclaims. "Which new tavern is this one?"
(@Obsben: Detect Thoughts has ended.)
After some finger waggling in greeting to Sagin, Obsben declared while still keeping up the half-orc act, "Only the best one in town noone's every heard! You just wait and see!" With that and a final mental command to sit quietly unless asked a question, the lightling signals a need to step aside and heads off into an adjacent room to place a call to Harper.
"Any luck? We secured a low rank member of cult at Leadstopper Home. Mentioned Boss named 'B', and may have ties to textile or library."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar shrugs and casts a panicked look to the rest of CRAP.
"It's, uh, the Duck and Dragon, mate. It's got a private dining room so we won't be disturbed talking shop if we need to."
"Duck and Dragon?" Soares asks. "Ne'er heard o'it..." The confused man is happy to accept Utar's claim at face value. He seems even more convinced once Obsben claims this is the best new tavern in town.
@Obsben (Harper's response via the sending spell):
"Not much, but you names are being mentioned in the library. Head Curator Opanrael awaits for your arrival on business for one Aya Glenmiir. Familiar?"
"Soft launch is still to come, so its underground right now. Makes it even cooler, right?"
Utar takes on a hushed tone of voice and gives a jazz hands flourish "Underground..."
Graxx holds a hand to his stomach.
"Bathroom." Graxx grunts.
Graxx waddles out of the room going outside making sure to bring his backpack as well as his axe.
Graxx walks out of earshot and retrieves his sending stone.
Graxx holds out his fingers and begins to count his words as he sends his message to Aleyd.
"Graxx here. Come to Leadstopper Manor. We were attacked. Captured the attacker. Ties to the cult. Get some answers. We have food."
Graxx will await the response.
"Oh... right, that /was/ a thing, wasn't it?" Obsben asked of herself, prior to then spending a good minute there looking thoughtful. Yet ultimately in her usual nonplussed way, she shrugged off any visible concerns and returned to the group.
"So, this is a touch awkward, but we seem to have forgotten our meeting with a certain Curator. And I unfortunately do not have the, uhm... reserves to reach out to my contact and maybe correct the matter. But I can -- I should be able to get back there fairly quickly on the back of Basil, late though the hour is." She looks to Neya. "Or mayhaps you can on this party's behalf have the meeting, seeing as I'll probably be needed for a time more. Or shall we blow them off?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Ah, yes. We promised Aya we would vouch for her," Neya says in realization. "I think I could also bring that coded note with me. Maybe the Curator could recognize something about it. It's a shot in the dark, but it's the only lead we have."
"Now that I think about it, I think I'll need to borrow our sending stone in case something happens. Considering what just happened, I don't think it would be wise to have no line of communication if only one of us is going."
She then approaches Graxx and requests the stone with the same explanation.
Extended Signature
While Utar piles on the deceitful statements, Graxx absconds himself in the bathroom. Feeling sufficiently isolated, the man contacts Aleyd via their pair of sending stones and soon receives an answers:
@Graxx:
"I was in the middle of my own supper but I take this development as good news. I'll be there as soon as possible."
By the time Graxx is back, Neya is mentioning something about borrowing the sending stone. The two ladies in the group have quickly devised a plan to meet with the Head Curator at the library and potentially collect more information.
(OOC: Who is going and who is staying. Are those who are leaving waiting for Aleyd to arrive before departing or are they leaving immediately?)
(OOC Utar will hang back and keep an eye on Soares and welcome Aleyd when she arrives.)
He tries to keep the charade going, "They're taking about getting bards and minstrels a couple of nights. Think that would be good."
Graxx will gladly hand over the stone to Neya.
”Anything that is mine is yours.” says Graxx assuredly.
”Be careful now.” says Graxx
Graxx will enter back inside.
Graxx enters and let’s Utar keep talking.
Graxx will keep an eye out the window waiting for Aleyd’s arrival.
Upon seeing Aleyd approaching Graxx will step outside in order to brief Aleyd on what has occurred so far regarding the failed ambush and Soares ties to the cult.
OOC: Graxx will be staying behind at the house in case Soares gets out of line.
If Obsben yet had the note, she'd be sure to pass it along to Neya enroute to taking a seat at the table. It's from there that she at least intended to further sell Utar's cover up with some tales supposedly heard from some other minstrels, Bard Tipp and Busta Chimez. She also takes care during this time to keep his actions limited to sitting by and not try to break free. At least until the effects of the potion wore off. And if asked again to be helped free, she'd assure him that the one that left (Neya and whoever else left with her) are out trying to get a better lockpicker for just the job!
-If able to during the wait, she'll grant herself, Utar, Graxx, and Sagin 14 Temp HP from her Inspiring Tales.
If, perchance, they are yet waiting as Obsben feels the effects of the potion begin to wane, she'd motion to Graxx and whisper, "Hate to ask, but you may wish to knocking him out. I'd recommend this thing called a 'sleeper hold' to limit the damage. I'll make sure he doesn't resist. Think of it as a 'just in case' measure."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
With stone and note in tow, Neya leaves for the Library. She takes a slight detour in an alley in order to dismiss her magical disguise without rousing suspicion.
Extended Signature
AT THE LEADSTOPPER RESIDENCE
(OOC: LOL at "Bard Tipp and Busta Chimez.")
Unsure if Utar is talking to him directly, Soares unknowingly follows his orders of only speaking if directly spoken to, that is, he goes quiet for the next several minutes. Following this, Obsben takes over the conversation again and fills the air with lengthy fabricated tales. Neya has already left the residence by the time Obsben is over, but the allies who are present feel inspired. (Obsben, Utar, Graxx, and Sagin gain 14 temp HP.)
A while later, Aleyd arrives. Graxx intercepts her outside and summarizes the evening's happenings out of Soares's listening range. Once both paladins are ready, they reenter the house. Now in the know, Aleyd pokes the charmed man for a quick confession: "So, Soares was it? The Cult wanted you to take those meddling adventures out of the game board? You fell short of killing them but you at least led them in the wrong direction, I hear. Is that right?"
If allowed to respond, and still thinking he is among allies, Soares confirms the plot and his interpretation of the half-success he achieved. Turning to speak to CRAP next, she invites at least one CRAPer to meet her in a separate room. There, she states: "Thank you for the swift work. With your verbal account and his confession, I'll have no trouble putting him in a well-deserved dungeon cell. The use of the spell may become a bureaucratic hurdle, but the expediency of marshal law may work in our favor this time. However, something larger is clearly at play here, especially now that we are certain that the Cult of the Dragon are involved yet again. You said this "B" had blue ink on their hands? I agree with your assessment that this may require some explanation from Cassra Brandywine. Perhaps that should be your next stop?"
-> By the time this all happens, I'll say there is less than 10 minutes left on Obsben's spell.
AT MANTOR'S LIBRARY
After collecting the now spent-for-the-day speaking stone, picking up the scrambled incriminating note, taking a small detour to secretly ditch her disguise, and walking back across town, Neya arrives at the Mantor's Library's main entrance. It takes a little while for someone to come to the gate at this hour, but the attendant recognizes Neya: "Hello again, are you here to speak to Ms. Brandywine once more? I can take you to her office."
Graxx nods in agreement with Aleyd.
"Yes, there is many moving pieces here. We are getting close to putting them together. I can feel it." says Graxx.
Graxx stretches his arms.
"Now... The spell should be wearing off soon. It's best I can make him more... Easy to transport." says Graxx.
Graxx will approach Soares from behind.
"Remain still. Let the warmth come." says Graxx.
Graxx will apply the sleephold to Soares before the timer runs out.
Graxx will turn back to Aleyd.
"Thank you for coming so quickly. I hate to run but I fear the others could be in danger as there is no telling where this "B" could be. If they are Brandywine then... Well... We'll have answers soon. Do you need any help transporting Soares?"
Graxx will turn to Utar.
"Are you ready?" asks Graxx.