"It would be good to get a message to them," Lokilia says. "Sooner rather than later. I wonder if they even know one of their own is missing!" She pauses a moment, a mildly worried look on her face. "Or who it is even."
Dev nods vigorously. “I was wondering that too. Like, we need to know who they are and a detail about, like, what they wear or something would help. I mean we need that to use the scroll I think?”
"It is good to have some names, at least now they are not truly Nameless. But what did it mean that this Poska was in two cities at once? We know they like magical disguises, perhaps it as simple as that. Or twins.
"Or... maybe they used one of those rods to move back and forth really fast. So it seemed like they were in two places at once, but were actually teleporting between them."
"Amber was not really designed for that sort of espionage. She has a bit of capacity to sneak, but no camouflage or capacity to turn invisible. Nor could she easily open drawers and rifle through papers. She is also very identifiable as related to us, so if found it would point directly to us. I am not sure what would happen to the captured hunter in that circumstance"
Dev's heart sort of slumps at this response. He hadn't thought of possible repercussions. "But," he replies, a little downcast but quickly regaining composure, "... but almost anything we do involves the same risk of being spotted and our actions, whatever they are, leading to... something bad. That's why we need to do something quick though. We don't know when we're being watched, and we don't know what the trigger would be for repercussions or what the repercussions would be. All we know is that the captive is helpless and could possibly suffer from our decisions for as long as they are being held. So the only way to end this like paralyzing catch-22 is to end their captivity. You know? And no matter what we decide to do, we might be putting them at more risk."
When Lokilia mentions the warehouses in the Southern Ward, he nods, "Perhaps that is the best route to continue investigating. It might be they won't expect us to know about the warehouses, rather than Glinnick's where they might expect us".
"One other thing, thinking back to what the intruder said. They mentioned no-one in Whitestone needed to die. That could relate to the kidnapped Grey Hunter, which was my initial thought, or perhaps to the fact that whatever they are doing here is designed to affect folk somewhere else. It sounds like Balaran's mother has caused them setbacks in Kymal. They could also be staging some kind of retribution. Of course, both these things could be true as well", he says, his face set in a mixture of concern and anger.
"We need to get that message to the Grey Hunt. I am not sure we can wait for morning, what do you all think? Should we risk contacting them today?".
Dev hadn't really thought of this either.
"Oh, yeah. You're right. They might be expecting us at Glinnick's but not at the warehouse. And the point to going to either of them is the same: to find information. So yeah, it makes sense to try the warehouses first. Like, now."
"I... don't know, Normont. I don't think the messenger was like, that involved in riddles that deep... I might be wrong, but I really think they were just talking about the prisoner."
"I think we have to risk contacting them, in the most discreet way we can think of, right away. And then go to those warehouses as soon as we can." Dev stands up, expectant and agitated.
Normont nods, "You are both right, we get nowhere by doing nothing. I will write a note to hand to someone at Grey Hunt Manor, detailing the alleged kidnapping and who has claimed to be responsible, along with their threat. And then we can head to the warehouses".
He gets pen and parchment and writes a concise note, and then is ready to leave.
"Perhaps if this way of getting message to the hunt works, Amber could collect and deliver in future".
Lokilia smiles. "Sounds good to me. I'm ready to leave as soon as you are." She patiently waits for Normont to finish up his letter then is ready to hit the road.
It is mid-to-late afternoon by the time the companions make their way as unobserved as possible to the South Ward, via a rather circuitous route taking in Grey Hunt Manor, drawing near the gate they find themselves in a small alley almost directly across the open area within the gate. Relaxed looking Pale Guard monitor the comings and goings.
Looking across to the warehouses they note they seem quiet and unoccupied, at least from initial observations.
( Random rolls not to worry about- 13, 24, 9, 12 )
Lokilia gives Dev a brief look at his suggestion, then turns to Normont. "Seems like a lot to ask." She then focuses on the warehouse. "It is odd that they seem so empty. But maybe that's just what they want people to think." She tries to inspect the buildings for more subtle signs of any traffic in or out of them. (Perception: 20)
Normont also surveys the scene a little concerned at how quiet it is. He focusses and looks across at the Pale Guard.
"I would like a little time to calibrate my equipment to detect magical auras. I am concerned that all is not what it seems. We know The Nameless Ones employ magic and disguises. Perhaps the Pale Guard are not who they appear", he suggests. "And perhaps the warehouse is alarmed".
"If I can tell everything is genuine, I would be happy to talk to the Pale Guard".
Perception (with Guidance: 12+4+2=18 (OOC: Casting Detect Magic as a ritual is Normont's suggestion. Also, are there one or many Pale Guard?)
Dev tries to explain to Lokilia. “I don’t think we should trust that we can avoid the guards entirely. And if we run into trouble I’d rather know ahead of time where we stand with them. If Normont asks for their acquiescence then we’ll know. Maybe ‘turn a blind eye’ wasn’t the right way to say what I meant,” he finishes.
He nods vigorously in response to Normont’s idea, to take a few minutes to calibrate his equipment. There’s no need to rush, he thinks. Dev keeps an eye out in the other direction. Lokilia seems well-focused on the warehouses, so Dev observes the alleyway and other buildings.
Lokilia gives Dev a brief look at his suggestion, then turns to Normont. "Seems like a lot to ask." She then focuses on the warehouse. "It is odd that they seem so empty. But maybe that's just what they want people to think." She tries to inspect the buildings for more subtle signs of any traffic in or out of them. (Perception: 20)
Lokilias exceptionally keen eyes note that there is much less road dust on the steps on the long right side of the furthest of the paired warehouses and that this door is only accessible down a long narrow lane.
Normont also surveys the scene a little concerned at how quiet it is. He focusses and looks across at the Pale Guard.
"I would like a little time to calibrate my equipment to detect magical auras. I am concerned that all is not what it seems. We know The Nameless Ones employ magic and disguises. Perhaps the Pale Guard are not who they appear", he suggests. "And perhaps the warehouse is alarmed".
"If I can tell everything is genuine, I would be happy to talk to the Pale Guard".
Perception (with Guidance: 12+4+2=18 (OOC: Casting Detect Magic as a ritual is Normont's suggestion. Also, are there one or many Pale Guard?)
There are two Pale Guard ( Young, unknown to Normont ) at the gate doing extremely cursory inspections of those entering and their goods....Normont doesn't recall inspections being normal practice...perhaps the companions words have had an effect....
There are also two other Pale Guard, older ones......possibly Knurl and Challet....from Normonts spotty recollection. They seem to be watching where people go after they pass through the gate.
At the close of the ritual Normont doesn't see anything magical in the area except what his companions carry, a few small items on other people......oh, and the door that lokilia pointed out.
Dev tries to explain to Lokilia. “I don’t think we should trust that we can avoid the guards entirely. And if we run into trouble I’d rather know ahead of time where we stand with them. If Normont asks for their acquiescence then we’ll know. Maybe ‘turn a blind eye’ wasn’t the right way to say what I meant,” he finishes.
He nods vigorously in response to Normont’s idea, to take a few minutes to calibrate his equipment. There’s no need to rush, he thinks. Dev keeps an eye out in the other direction. Lokilia seems well-focused on the warehouses, so Dev observes the alleyway and other buildings.
"The door has magic?" Lokilia says softly. "Not a good sign, but I suppose it's the sort of thing we should have suspected." She leaves it to Normont to decide how to work with the guards. But she asks the others, "Do you have any ways of getting past the magic? Whatever it is."
A small smile crosses Normont's face, it is exactly what he did suspect, hence being wary.
"It does. I do not know a way to circumvent the magic of the doors, other than to find another entrance", he replies to Lokilia. "Of course, some magic merely makes it more difficult to pick a lock. Other types can alert someone when a threshold is breached. I would not be able to tell the different kinds though unfortunately. Of course, if it is a trap that is harmful, that is different. Just a second".
He takes a closer look at the school of magic.
(OOC: DM: is it abjuration or something else on the doors)
“Maybe…,” suggests Dev, “…maybe there’s a way in from above, like a skylight? Or from below, like a basement window? Or, just a regular window?”
(I think we’ve already determined that the door is the only way in, but just in case, can we scout for alternatives? Maybe Amber could help (and sorry if I keep leaning on the Amber idea!)).
"Watching a door, down a long narrow lane. Sounds like a way to trap any who are too inquisitive," Lokilia speculates. "Another entrance would be good. Assuming we can all get to it."
( There are a number of other doors visible but they are obviously not currently being used observing the road dust on the stoops and ramps leading to them. There are shuttered windows along the sides of the buildings that could possibly be forced, the main double loading doors face the streets and are likely barred from within. One could possibly also simply break in if you followed the side of the buildings towards the walls and out of sight from the streets.)
“What if…,” Dev begins then immediately trails off, following an idea. “What if… Wait!,” he interrupts himself, and his eyes shine. “Okay, this is the only door being used, right? So we need to see what’s behind it. But it’s protected by Divination magic… that’s not going to hurt us but might show someone who is at the door, right? So what if I make an illusion in front of the door that keeps everything there hidden. Like… like an illusion of a big black box? We can walk through and try to get through the door. But anyone else looking… we’ll be covered or at least obscured, so they might not know it’s us.”
"An interesting idea," Lokilia muses. "If it works, that could make them think all is fine while we make it inside. I wonder if there is a way to test that it is working. You know, before we try it and they still detect us."
Dev nods vigorously. “I was wondering that too. Like, we need to know who they are and a detail about, like, what they wear or something would help. I mean we need that to use the scroll I think?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Or... maybe they used one of those rods to move back and forth really fast. So it seemed like they were in two places at once, but were actually teleporting between them."
Dev's heart sort of slumps at this response. He hadn't thought of possible repercussions. "But," he replies, a little downcast but quickly regaining composure, "... but almost anything we do involves the same risk of being spotted and our actions, whatever they are, leading to... something bad. That's why we need to do something quick though. We don't know when we're being watched, and we don't know what the trigger would be for repercussions or what the repercussions would be. All we know is that the captive is helpless and could possibly suffer from our decisions for as long as they are being held. So the only way to end this like paralyzing catch-22 is to end their captivity. You know? And no matter what we decide to do, we might be putting them at more risk."
Dev hadn't really thought of this either.
"Oh, yeah. You're right. They might be expecting us at Glinnick's but not at the warehouse. And the point to going to either of them is the same: to find information. So yeah, it makes sense to try the warehouses first. Like, now."
"I... don't know, Normont. I don't think the messenger was like, that involved in riddles that deep... I might be wrong, but I really think they were just talking about the prisoner."
"I think we have to risk contacting them, in the most discreet way we can think of, right away. And then go to those warehouses as soon as we can." Dev stands up, expectant and agitated.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Normont nods, "You are both right, we get nowhere by doing nothing. I will write a note to hand to someone at Grey Hunt Manor, detailing the alleged kidnapping and who has claimed to be responsible, along with their threat. And then we can head to the warehouses".
He gets pen and parchment and writes a concise note, and then is ready to leave.
"Perhaps if this way of getting message to the hunt works, Amber could collect and deliver in future".
Lokilia smiles. "Sounds good to me. I'm ready to leave as soon as you are." She patiently waits for Normont to finish up his letter then is ready to hit the road.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
It is mid-to-late afternoon by the time the companions make their way as unobserved as possible to the South Ward, via a rather circuitous route taking in Grey Hunt Manor, drawing near the gate they find themselves in a small alley almost directly across the open area within the gate. Relaxed looking Pale Guard monitor the comings and goings.
Looking across to the warehouses they note they seem quiet and unoccupied, at least from initial observations.
( Random rolls not to worry about- 13, 24, 9, 12 )
“Normont, I‘m thinking, maybe you could ask the Pale guardsmen there if they’ll, like, turn a blind eye to us if we sort of trespass?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilia gives Dev a brief look at his suggestion, then turns to Normont. "Seems like a lot to ask." She then focuses on the warehouse. "It is odd that they seem so empty. But maybe that's just what they want people to think." She tries to inspect the buildings for more subtle signs of any traffic in or out of them. (Perception: 20)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Normont also surveys the scene a little concerned at how quiet it is. He focusses and looks across at the Pale Guard.
"I would like a little time to calibrate my equipment to detect magical auras. I am concerned that all is not what it seems. We know The Nameless Ones employ magic and disguises. Perhaps the Pale Guard are not who they appear", he suggests. "And perhaps the warehouse is alarmed".
"If I can tell everything is genuine, I would be happy to talk to the Pale Guard".
Perception (with Guidance: 12+4+2=18
(OOC: Casting Detect Magic as a ritual is Normont's suggestion. Also, are there one or many Pale Guard?)
Dev tries to explain to Lokilia. “I don’t think we should trust that we can avoid the guards entirely. And if we run into trouble I’d rather know ahead of time where we stand with them. If Normont asks for their acquiescence then we’ll know. Maybe ‘turn a blind eye’ wasn’t the right way to say what I meant,” he finishes.
He nods vigorously in response to Normont’s idea, to take a few minutes to calibrate his equipment. There’s no need to rush, he thinks. Dev keeps an eye out in the other direction. Lokilia seems well-focused on the warehouses, so Dev observes the alleyway and other buildings.
(Perception: 11)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilias exceptionally keen eyes note that there is much less road dust on the steps on the long right side of the furthest of the paired warehouses and that this door is only accessible down a long narrow lane.
There are two Pale Guard ( Young, unknown to Normont ) at the gate doing extremely cursory inspections of those entering and their goods....Normont doesn't recall inspections being normal practice...perhaps the companions words have had an effect....
There are also two other Pale Guard, older ones......possibly Knurl and Challet....from Normonts spotty recollection. They seem to be watching where people go after they pass through the gate.
At the close of the ritual Normont doesn't see anything magical in the area except what his companions carry, a few small items on other people......oh, and the door that lokilia pointed out.
Dev doesn't spot anything additional.
"The door has magic?" Lokilia says softly. "Not a good sign, but I suppose it's the sort of thing we should have suspected." She leaves it to Normont to decide how to work with the guards. But she asks the others, "Do you have any ways of getting past the magic? Whatever it is."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
A small smile crosses Normont's face, it is exactly what he did suspect, hence being wary.
"It does. I do not know a way to circumvent the magic of the doors, other than to find another entrance", he replies to Lokilia. "Of course, some magic merely makes it more difficult to pick a lock. Other types can alert someone when a threshold is breached. I would not be able to tell the different kinds though unfortunately. Of course, if it is a trap that is harmful, that is different. Just a second".
He takes a closer look at the school of magic.
(OOC: DM: is it abjuration or something else on the doors)
( Divination)
"Or as it turns out, it is divination. So someone is watching it remotely perhaps", Normont reports.
“Maybe…,” suggests Dev, “…maybe there’s a way in from above, like a skylight? Or from below, like a basement window? Or, just a regular window?”
(I think we’ve already determined that the door is the only way in, but just in case, can we scout for alternatives? Maybe Amber could help (and sorry if I keep leaning on the Amber idea!)).
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Good idea", Normont says and asks Amber to fly up and look at the roof, keeping her distance.
(OOC: No worries, Amber should be able to get a look at the roof from afar without being seen. Or not close enough to see she isn't just a bird).
"Watching a door, down a long narrow lane. Sounds like a way to trap any who are too inquisitive," Lokilia speculates. "Another entrance would be good. Assuming we can all get to it."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
( There are a number of other doors visible but they are obviously not currently being used observing the road dust on the stoops and ramps leading to them. There are shuttered windows along the sides of the buildings that could possibly be forced, the main double loading doors face the streets and are likely barred from within. One could possibly also simply break in if you followed the side of the buildings towards the walls and out of sight from the streets.)
“What if…,” Dev begins then immediately trails off, following an idea. “What if… Wait!,” he interrupts himself, and his eyes shine. “Okay, this is the only door being used, right? So we need to see what’s behind it. But it’s protected by Divination magic… that’s not going to hurt us but might show someone who is at the door, right? So what if I make an illusion in front of the door that keeps everything there hidden. Like… like an illusion of a big black box? We can walk through and try to get through the door. But anyone else looking… we’ll be covered or at least obscured, so they might not know it’s us.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"An interesting idea," Lokilia muses. "If it works, that could make them think all is fine while we make it inside. I wonder if there is a way to test that it is working. You know, before we try it and they still detect us."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer