Even though you may feel your reconnaissance was unsuccessful upon your return you notice the last straggler around the docks at this late hour turn a corner and leave you alone with Molly, Lace, and Smithy.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
((whoops sorry! I actually forgot about step 1! hghg I was in a zoom meeting and wasn't paying attention. I dive in headfirst, no thoughts. so does I guess Asbestos because I control him))
((Persuasion: 4 + 2 = 6 a FAIL))
The changeling notices the lack of enthusiasm from the bugbear, but without knowing the plan of Fist and the others, he sort of just kept going on a horribly failing autopilot. "My what big strong arms you have, dear~"He coos. The bugbear's icey cold stare does not wavier, and so the changeling's voice quivers. "Ah well, maybe it is best I get going." He feels a hand go around his waist and immediately tenses up. Realizing it is Fist, he only slightly relaxes. "Well. Um ta-ta! Farewell!"He mumbles before being dragged away.
As the group goes into an alleyway away from sight of the bugbear bouncer. Asbestos looks around confused at the group. There is a tension in the air that he can't quite put his finger on. The younger changeling looks morose. The wizard looks agitated. And Fist looks downright pissed. After the human brute is done with his lecture, he nodded. Walking over, the druid puts his hand on Fyn's shoulder and looks at him delicately.
"It's okay, my friend. I got this one." It's a goofy smile with an unbridled optimism that might make one doubt he is truly capable of doing anything seriously. He takes Fyn's hand without a word and uses it to give himself a high five. "Tap me into the ring!"It's a phrase he stole from seeing some form of wrestling once, and misused. He then spun around in whimsy but at the end of the twirl, he locked eyes on Fist.
"Oh right... Yes, very well." He lowers his head in submission and begins to change into the form of a wood elf, looking down at his own body as it shifts. He wiggles out of the breastplate he was wearing and just puts it into his bag. He wonders what to do with the skirt, but keeps it on anyways. He throws his arm about the other and leaned his head on the man's shoulder. His gaze drifting towards the docks softly. "Ah yes, let us go."
The brute wraps his arm around the changeling's waist. Leading him back to the bouncer, Fist whispers in his ear: "Alrigh', lad. Keep doin' wha' yer doin'. Don' look 'im in his eyes, act embarrass'd. Blush. He'll like tha'."
He thinks for a moment. "If'n things go wrong n' he gets viol'nt, run 'n find te others. They'd be by te wharf. Go' tha'?"
He doesn't feel like mentioning his hope that things get violent. Instead, he just squeezes the "elf" in his arm tighter and steps towards the bugbear, a shit-eating grin plastered on the big man's face.
His eyes went wide as he is told what to do, "Oh okay. Alrighty. Sounds great."His agreements come out in a bunch of nervous mumbles. That instant, he felt his own cheeks go red as if by command, or maybe it was because he was embarrassed for real. The skirt was itchy and so were his mosquito bites. He felt sweaty and hot despite the cool breeze from the docks. Even though this was their second go around, he didn't like to be on the spotlight, well expect maybe for a joke. 'Be brave. Be brave' He commanded himself.
Initially the squeeze and the grin from Fist brought him a flood of anxiety, but it soon gave way to a wave of vile comfort as it reminded him of the chaos of the circus. Fist's face reminded him of the carnies that always haggled and harassed the circus-goers.The atmosphere. He breathed it in like a sponge. It brought back the thrill of trickery and his face conformed to a similar twisted smile. He wanted to just start laughing manically in the middle of the alley. The feeling bubbled up in his chest, but stopped short in a whimper. His thoughts were getting clouded by visceral thoughts of destruction. Of him just going full animal and with his teeth holding the bugbear by the throat. This onslaught of feeling gave way to a heavy heart as he tried to shake away the image.
'No. No. No. You're better than this.' He inhaled deeply. The fur and claws that began forming in his hands retreated as he regained his composure. He didn't even bother to remove his hands away from Fist's arm (though he wanted to shove them into his pockets, but he felt too committed to the role), just hoping he wouldn't notice. He wondered if the brothel had nice wallpaper. In his mind, he traced the lines of the imaginary curves and twists of supposed walls.
The changeling rubbed himself around the big man's arm, feeling weird and trying to look as unimposing as possible. He took shaky steps along with Fist towards the bugbear again for a round two. Hopefully this time, he told himself, it would work. He opened his mouth and hoped he didn't choke.
"Hey dear~ May we please come in. My guest... doesn't like waiting." He walked his fingers up Fist's arm and giggled. A real red flush of embarrassment came over his cheeks and he immediately shut his eyes and winced. He tried to hide this pain into looking flirty. 'This is for the best...' He convinced himself. He giggled.
Pig glances at Fist and Asbestos before answering, "The girls will charge extra for two but that's between you and them to work out." He then opens the door to admit the two of you.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Pig glances at Fist and Asbestos before answering, "The girls will charge extra for two but that's between you and them to work out." He then opens the door to admit the two of you.
Fist claps the bouncer on the shoulder, the smile unwavering. "'Ey, t'anks Piggy. How's Yeni?"
Molly's patience had frayed to its last thread, the mundane chatter of her companions grating on her nerves like the screech of a barnacle against the hull. She muttered curses under her breath. "Verfluchte Langeweile... this dreariness gnaws at my very bones,"she hissed, glancing around with a wild glint in her eyes.
In her madness her attention soon turned to her grotesque companion, Drusilla, whose whispers only she could discern amidst the night's eerie silence. "Ja, Drusilla? Was sagst du?" she murmured, her tone softening with a twisted fondness as she listened to the doll's silent counsel. "Ah... die Bilgenpumpe sagst du, was für eine schlaue Puppe bist du?"Molly parroted with a nod, her voice echoing slightly too loud, a hint to her nearby companions of her focus.
Without another word to her human allies, Molly's slender form darted towards the edge of the dock. With the grace of a nightshade, she plunged into the chilling embrace of the dark waters below. The splash was minimal, her descent into the depths as fluid as a ghost slipping through the walls of a forgotten crypt.
Underwater, her pale skin gleamed faintly in the moonlight that pierced the surface. Using her Dhampir abilities, she effortlessly clung to the massive anchor chain and ascended with unnatural agility, a spectral figure climbing towards the deck shrouded in moonlight and mystery.
Once aboard, she slinked silently, her form barely a whisper against the wooden planks. From the upper deck Molly seeks to make her way to the ship's shadowy innards, the lowest deck, descending into the bowels where her prize awaited, hidden amongst the cargo and echoing with the slow drip of seawater.
OOC:@Brian_Avery, let me know how far Molly gets as she heads back on board the ship her destination being the lowest deck and her target, the bilge pumps specifically flap valves... and/or whatever or whoever she may encounter along the way, any needed rolls, etc. to see how far we take take it?
It's not so much a hidden entrance but there is a backdoor.
It's locked.
(If anyone is using Stealth... or a disguise... or doing anything at all out of the ordinary, please put it in your post so everyone is aware of it.)
Gotu looked around as he quietly left the others to head to the back and perform the ritual casting of Unseen Servant. Once that's done, he had the Unseen Servant go underneath the back door to unlock it from the inside.
"Hard to tell over the past few days. What with Biscotti's death and all the upheaval, and I suspect there's more to come, but she appears to be holding up."
Fyn hangs back to give your ruse a chance.
@Molly
It takes you a 'quick minute' both to swim and climb, but stealing over the rail onto the deck would require a stealth check with advantage as the lone human on watch patrol has to rely on a lantern to see at night, this unfortunately gives away his constant position as you can time your infiltration with just exactly where he is at any given moment.
And a regular stealth check once inside and heading toward the lower decks.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
It takes a few minutes to perform the ritual but Gotu figures this will coincide with and give Fist's ruse a chance to play out. There is a soft click from inside alerting Gotu that he doesn't need a key to gain entry.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
@Molly, It takes you a 'quick minute' both to swim and climb, but stealing over the rail onto the deck would require a stealth check with advantage as the lone human on watch patrol has to rely on a lantern to see at night, this unfortunately gives away his constant position as you can time your infiltration with just exactly where he is at any given moment. And a regular stealth check once inside and heading toward the lower decks.
OOC:Stealth with Advantage: (20, 4) + 7 = 27 for Molly to evade the lone human on watch patrol. Stealth Flat Roll:8 + 7 = 15as regular stealth check once Molly is inside and heading toward the lower decks.
Under the cloak of a starless night, the Rhinemaiden transformed the water into her own shadowy realm as she plunged into the icy depths with a splash muffled by the whispers of the sea. Molly's descent was swift, a spectral glide through the dark waters, until she grasped the anchor chain with her pale, claw-like fingers. Her ascent was a silent dance upon the rusted links, a macabre ballet choreographed by the chilling gusts of wind that swept across the harbor.
Reaching the ship's railing, Molly peeked over with the calculated patience of a predator. The lone watchman, his path illuminated only by the feeble glow of his lantern, was predictably punctual in his rounds. Timing her movements with the rhythm of his steps, Molly slipped over the rail—a ghostly figure melting into the shadows of the deck. Her form melded with the darkness, unseen and unheard, her presence as fleeting as the mist that clung to the night air.
After a short pause she navigated the deck with eerie precision, her steps as light as the sigh of the sea against the ship’s hull. The only evidence of her passage was a brief swirl of mist where she had once stood, a phantom’s caress upon the wooden planks.
Inside the ship, her journey continued, the dim lanterns casting long shadows that danced to the quiet tune of her movement. Her stealthy movement allowed her to weave through the corridors with a grace that belied the ominous purpose of her visit. The lower decks beckoned, their secrets shrouded in the deep silence that only the bowels of a ship could hold.
Molly's heart did not beat with fear or hesitation; it was stilled by her otherworldly nature, yet it thrummed with a dark excitement for the task at hand. Drusilla, ever her silent confidant, seemed to whisper encouragement with each creak of the ship’s timbers.
With a spectral smirk playing upon her lips, Molly delved deeper into the ship, her path marked by the silent whisper of her movements and the soft, sinister giggle that occasionally escaped her lips. The adventure was far from over, and the Rhinemaiden was just beginning to dance with the shadows of the deep.
Asbestos wondered what to do now that the plan actually worked. Though, as the blind follower he is, he didn't have any doubt on whatever Fist had planned. It's just that he actually expected to be quite pummeled by the bugbear the moment he stepped in here. He took in the sight before him. Huh, it was nice. The incense and perfume was a bit choking, but otherwise it was fine. The wallpaper, well, wasn't as great as he'd hoped.
The changeling also wanted to ask who's Yeni, but decided it was now not the time to ask. But would there ever be a good time to ask? He didn't know, but didn't say anything either. He looked over Fist, still holding onto his arm, not sure he should still be doing that.
"Is there anything, perhaps, we should be looking for? Yes? ... I do not spy anything out of the ordinary." He had forgotten a bit of the plan, but was a bit too sheepish to admit he forgot it.And in his head, he'd hope for quite possibly it was time for a snack. He bet fancy places like this had fondue. "By chance, did you know where darling Gotu has gone?"
As the odd couple step inside, Fist feels the familiar heat of the place. Elven women walk about in skimpy outfits and human women lay about in provocative positions. Heavy incense perfumes the showroom, chokingly so. It reminds the brute why he never liked this place much. All this glitz, all this glamor, an' ye could only pick between elven girls n' human girls. It was as pretentious as it was boring.
Hearing the scantily clad "elf boy" on his arm, the big guy pulls him close as if to feel him up, and whisper in his ear. Instead, he whispers instructions. "You n' me, boyo, are gonna find somethin' to frame t'is place fer the robb'ry of our o'er target. Find te wizard boy if you can, tell him we'll meet 'im at te o'er place when he's done 'ere. You two break into Ma'ame Yeni's safe an' swipe somethin' wit' her handwritin' on it. I'm gonna keep Yeni busy. Once we case te o'er place, it's back to te tavern te regroup wit' our o'er Guildmates, an' plan."
He pats the "elf" on the rump, a ruse for anyone watching, and switches ears while his other hand lightly grips the the young man's arm. "T'is is Guild business, boyo. Frame one, rob te o'er. Go' it? First thing's first, lad. Look fer te Ma'ame. She's as bitter-lookin' as Gotu when dealin' wit' Molly."
Eventually Steelclaw returns from scouting to the group and looks at them "I didn't see anything..." he said gritting his teeth at the lack of paying attention to the surroundings. His face still reflecting the sorrow from the loss of a close friend.
"Well, we think they've got a valuable spice aboard, called saffron. Let me change into something more suitable for sneaking." With that, Lace slides her skirt down & off, removes her top and takes the red band off her hat. She quickly rolls them up & stuffs them in a pouch.
Underneath, she was wearing a black bodysuit like a ninja or cat burglar. She buttons the top buttons & puts her black veil back on. Surprisingly quick, but...
"Now we lost Molly again. Let's go, before anyone else wanders off. Mr. Steelclaw, as a master of stealth, could you please guide us to remain quiet & hidden, thank you."
(OOC asking for help action with stealth.
I assume we timed the movements of the Watch when Molly was off earlier. If not, we time our movements to the guards now
A shiver went down his spine as he was reeled in closer to the man. 'Oh dear, please don't touch me.' Went his thoughts, both of a fear of being felt up and also of being hit (for he was afraid maybe he had asked something stupid).He felt the hot breath of the man's whisper in his ears. Then, loosened. 'Ah, just instructions.' Asbestos's eyes darted across to room to see if anyone caught wind of that something ulterior was going on. But surprisingly none did.
"Ah, yes. Copy that." He tried his best to keep up with the hip cool language of youngsters, albeit he was only in his 20s, but yet somehow seemed so far away from that? But it was also a repeat of instructions to himself. All the hip-hoppity-jumping of the plan made his head spin. He was to get a copy Madame Yeni's ('oh so she was the head of this place, how nice. very entrepreneurial!') handwriting, which he assumed he would then have to forge. And since he was a changeling, mimicking was something he had no trouble doing. Plus, it was also a pun.
Once he got the plan down, he was energized to be (playfully) sneaky. He imagined himself crouching and creeping with some mysterious music in the background. 'Ah yes opera would do quite well.' Yep, definitely something with pipe organs and a piano suited the mood right. Yes, and with him wearing a fun cape and a half mask! 'Dun dun dun!' No wait was that the right music for that. 'Maybe it was something more like dun dun dun dun dunna dun dun!'
The slap on his backside rear-ended his train of thought. He internally sighed. He really wished he could zone out of this one, so he limply let himself be jostled around. C'est la vie.
After a deflated "Right. Yes. I shall do my best", he gave Fist a light hug and whisked himself away. Hopefully that'll be the closer they'll ever get tonight. He even started to smell like him now. And no offense, but sweaty humans- not the best stench. Changelings on the other hand (he sniffed)... actually smelled about the same? Surprising for fey creatures. They didn't even have like those skin pores or whatever (at least he thought so). Maybe it was just a him thing? He did like digging through trash. But he didn't do that today. Maybe he should get a whiff of that perfume-
Asbestos sauntered over towards the back, successfully zig-zaggingly navigating past the scandalous elves and humans. 'So many people, so little clothing. Are they staring at me? Oh fun a mint!' He found a bowl of them on one of the tables back there and promptly shoved it into his mouth. While crunching and walking, for the first time it popped into his head if this was the right thing to do. To frame one for another? It didn't really matter, however. He never had much of any moral qualms with any of the other schemes they've pulled, so why start now? He shook the thought out of his head like water on top of a duck's head. 'Hbrrbrhr' He'll put some gold coins on the street for good measure. Though a fey himself, he hoped fairies wouldn't mess around with him if he didn't at least spread around some good luck. And at least there would be some delicious deviousness and trickery! Oh yes, quite fun, indeed!!! He hoped.
Also, was Gotu that bitter looking when dealing with Molly? He couldn't tell. The wizard always got the same face when the druid was around. He thought it was one of bemusement, now he couldn't tell. Maybe he really should be re-evaluating things...
He squinted, after being in the back alley earlier, he thought he memorized the layout structure and assumed where the backdoor would be. But right now he was a bit lost. The plan was to have Gotu got through the back entrance. But where was the front of this back door? He did not know. Hmm.
((Investigation check: 15 he's trying to find out where Gotu went so he could meet up with him.))
After easily sneaking by the crewman on deck Molly slips inside and begins heading to the lower decks. Luckily most of the crew is on shore leave and whoever remains is either busy inside one of the rooms or sleeping because Molly sees nary a soul as she creeps silently through the narrow passages making her way deeper into the bowels of the 'Cracked Pearl.'
The first time she was in and out so quick she hardly had time to keep track of where she was going but this second time around she was able to more accurately make a mental map.
@Lace
It is easy enough to mark the route of the crewman on watch duty as he needs the lantern to see by and unfortunately this makes him stand out like a beacon in the night. Whether or not you got help from Steelclaw or just took advantage of knowing where exactly the crewman was at any given moment it is only fair to give you advantage on stealth rolls while on deck, just the same as I gave Molly.
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
After zig-zagging through the common room where the 'girls' were entertaining patrons before heading upstairs to 'get a room' Asbestos found his way toward the back of the brothel. Trying to get his bearings and match up the inside with what he remembered seeing from the outside was proving to be difficult and just as he was about to enter what he assumed was the back of the building he found his way blocked by a blue skinned tiefling embracing one of the girls. Noticing you he releases the girl saying, "What have we here? A pretty little drow boy. What's your name love?" You can smell the reek of alcohol on his breath and realize he is both drunk and interested in your 'attentions.'
@Fist
Having given Asbestos his instructions and watching him weave his way through the common room you turn your attention to a small greeting room near the front where 'Auntie Yeni' is usually to be found. As you enter she greets you, "Well, well, look what the cat dragged in. I should of known you'd be by some time tonight but I honestly didn't expect to see you until later, much later. Shouldn't you be out 'painting the town red' as they say, in honor of Biscotti and all?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Having given Asbestos his instructions and watching him weave his way through the common room you turn your attention to a small greeting room near the front where 'Auntie Yeni' is usually to be found. As you enter she greets you, "Well, well, look what the cat dragged in. I should of known you'd be by some time tonight but I honestly didn't expect to see you until later, much later. Shouldn't you be out 'painting the town red' as they say, in honor of Biscotti and all?"
"Col' as ever, eh Yeni? Wha', did yer Pig get too rough wit' another boy an' cost ye some coin? I come to collect, only to hear ye've stopped payin'. Wha' gives, woman?"'
He doesn't care, not really. So long as the changelin' does what he s'posed to, Fist can hold this saggin' cow off.
After zig-zagging through the common room where the 'girls' were entertaining patrons before heading upstairs to 'get a room' Asbestos found his way toward the back of the brothel. Trying to get his bearings and match up the inside with what he remembered seeing from the outside was proving to be difficult and just as he was about to enter what he assumed was the back of the building he found his way blocked by a blue skinned tiefling embracing one of the girls. Noticing you he releases the girl saying, "What have we here? A pretty little drow boy. What's your name love?" You can smell the reek of alcohol on his breath and realize he is both drunk and interested in your 'attentions.'
Just as he was about finishing off his mint, he seemed to have run into tiefling-sized problem. The smell of alcohol was so intense he rolled his eyes and wished he had covered up his nose. Or at least had a disguise that just didn't have a nose (but wait then how would he breathe? If he wildshaped into say, a worm, would he still need a nose? How did his magic work anyways? ).
"Um, I'm actually a wood elf."He raised up a finger to correct him. At least he thought he was wood-elf-looking-enough. 'I can be a drow for you' was the only useful thought that rang in his head. He wondered if that thought was because he was too people pleasing or just because of instincts. Or maybe it was both. Why is he coming up with all these philosophical questions all of a sudden. 'Be quiet, brain. shush!'
Right. Name. Name. He got to think up of a name. "Edmond Dantès." Of course, he went with something theatrical. "And I best be going now, yes." He tried to push past him.
((Persuasion: 1 + 2 = 3 I'm gonna cry. I hate these dice. if I cry would the dice be nice to me?
also for the name. it's from the count of monte cristo because I'm in the mood for watching the my little pony fan song version of it "a story told" okay.))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
<---- me irl slow reader, even slower writer easily jumpy thanks for being patient
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Player: Dragonlance
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
@Steelclaw
Even though you may feel your reconnaissance was unsuccessful upon your return you notice the last straggler around the docks at this late hour turn a corner and leave you alone with Molly, Lace, and Smithy.
((whoops sorry! I actually forgot about step 1! hghg I was in a zoom meeting and wasn't paying attention. I dive in headfirst, no thoughts. so does I guess Asbestos because I control him))
((Persuasion: 4 + 2 = 6 a FAIL))
The changeling notices the lack of enthusiasm from the bugbear, but without knowing the plan of Fist and the others, he sort of just kept going on a horribly failing autopilot. "My what big strong arms you have, dear~" He coos. The bugbear's icey cold stare does not wavier, and so the changeling's voice quivers. "Ah well, maybe it is best I get going." He feels a hand go around his waist and immediately tenses up. Realizing it is Fist, he only slightly relaxes. "Well. Um ta-ta! Farewell!" He mumbles before being dragged away.
As the group goes into an alleyway away from sight of the bugbear bouncer. Asbestos looks around confused at the group. There is a tension in the air that he can't quite put his finger on. The younger changeling looks morose. The wizard looks agitated. And Fist looks downright pissed. After the human brute is done with his lecture, he nodded. Walking over, the druid puts his hand on Fyn's shoulder and looks at him delicately.
"It's okay, my friend. I got this one." It's a goofy smile with an unbridled optimism that might make one doubt he is truly capable of doing anything seriously. He takes Fyn's hand without a word and uses it to give himself a high five. "Tap me into the ring!" It's a phrase he stole from seeing some form of wrestling once, and misused. He then spun around in whimsy but at the end of the twirl, he locked eyes on Fist.
"Oh right... Yes, very well." He lowers his head in submission and begins to change into the form of a wood elf, looking down at his own body as it shifts. He wiggles out of the breastplate he was wearing and just puts it into his bag. He wonders what to do with the skirt, but keeps it on anyways. He throws his arm about the other and leaned his head on the man's shoulder. His gaze drifting towards the docks softly. "Ah yes, let us go."
<---- me irl slow reader, even slower writer easily jumpy thanks for being patient
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Player: Dragonlance
The brute wraps his arm around the changeling's waist. Leading him back to the bouncer, Fist whispers in his ear: "Alrigh', lad. Keep doin' wha' yer doin'. Don' look 'im in his eyes, act embarrass'd. Blush. He'll like tha'."
He thinks for a moment. "If'n things go wrong n' he gets viol'nt, run 'n find te others. They'd be by te wharf. Go' tha'?"
He doesn't feel like mentioning his hope that things get violent. Instead, he just squeezes the "elf" in his arm tighter and steps towards the bugbear, a shit-eating grin plastered on the big man's face.
His eyes went wide as he is told what to do, "Oh okay. Alrighty. Sounds great." His agreements come out in a bunch of nervous mumbles. That instant, he felt his own cheeks go red as if by command, or maybe it was because he was embarrassed for real. The skirt was itchy and so were his mosquito bites. He felt sweaty and hot despite the cool breeze from the docks. Even though this was their second go around, he didn't like to be on the spotlight, well expect maybe for a joke. 'Be brave. Be brave' He commanded himself.
Initially the squeeze and the grin from Fist brought him a flood of anxiety, but it soon gave way to a wave of vile comfort as it reminded him of the chaos of the circus. Fist's face reminded him of the carnies that always haggled and harassed the circus-goers.The atmosphere. He breathed it in like a sponge. It brought back the thrill of trickery and his face conformed to a similar twisted smile. He wanted to just start laughing manically in the middle of the alley. The feeling bubbled up in his chest, but stopped short in a whimper. His thoughts were getting clouded by visceral thoughts of destruction. Of him just going full animal and with his teeth holding the bugbear by the throat. This onslaught of feeling gave way to a heavy heart as he tried to shake away the image.
'No. No. No. You're better than this.' He inhaled deeply. The fur and claws that began forming in his hands retreated as he regained his composure. He didn't even bother to remove his hands away from Fist's arm (though he wanted to shove them into his pockets, but he felt too committed to the role), just hoping he wouldn't notice. He wondered if the brothel had nice wallpaper. In his mind, he traced the lines of the imaginary curves and twists of supposed walls.
The changeling rubbed himself around the big man's arm, feeling weird and trying to look as unimposing as possible. He took shaky steps along with Fist towards the bugbear again for a round two. Hopefully this time, he told himself, it would work. He opened his mouth and hoped he didn't choke.
"Hey dear~ May we please come in. My guest... doesn't like waiting." He walked his fingers up Fist's arm and giggled. A real red flush of embarrassment came over his cheeks and he immediately shut his eyes and winced. He tried to hide this pain into looking flirty. 'This is for the best...' He convinced himself. He giggled.
((Persuasion: 14 + 2 = 16))
<---- me irl slow reader, even slower writer easily jumpy thanks for being patient
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Player: Dragonlance
Pig glances at Fist and Asbestos before answering, "The girls will charge extra for two but that's between you and them to work out." He then opens the door to admit the two of you.
Fist claps the bouncer on the shoulder, the smile unwavering. "'Ey, t'anks Piggy. How's Yeni?"
Molly's patience had frayed to its last thread, the mundane chatter of her companions grating on her nerves like the screech of a barnacle against the hull. She muttered curses under her breath. "Verfluchte Langeweile... this dreariness gnaws at my very bones," she hissed, glancing around with a wild glint in her eyes.
In her madness her attention soon turned to her grotesque companion, Drusilla, whose whispers only she could discern amidst the night's eerie silence. "Ja, Drusilla? Was sagst du?" she murmured, her tone softening with a twisted fondness as she listened to the doll's silent counsel. "Ah... die Bilgenpumpe sagst du, was für eine schlaue Puppe bist du?" Molly parroted with a nod, her voice echoing slightly too loud, a hint to her nearby companions of her focus.
Without another word to her human allies, Molly's slender form darted towards the edge of the dock. With the grace of a nightshade, she plunged into the chilling embrace of the dark waters below. The splash was minimal, her descent into the depths as fluid as a ghost slipping through the walls of a forgotten crypt.
Underwater, her pale skin gleamed faintly in the moonlight that pierced the surface. Using her Dhampir abilities, she effortlessly clung to the massive anchor chain and ascended with unnatural agility, a spectral figure climbing towards the deck shrouded in moonlight and mystery.
Once aboard, she slinked silently, her form barely a whisper against the wooden planks. From the upper deck Molly seeks to make her way to the ship's shadowy innards, the lowest deck, descending into the bowels where her prize awaited, hidden amongst the cargo and echoing with the slow drip of seawater.
OOC: @Brian_Avery, let me know how far Molly gets as she heads back on board the ship her destination being the lowest deck and her target, the bilge pumps specifically flap valves... and/or whatever or whoever she may encounter along the way, any needed rolls, etc. to see how far we take take it?
Gotu looked around as he quietly left the others to head to the back and perform the ritual casting of Unseen Servant. Once that's done, he had the Unseen Servant go underneath the back door to unlock it from the inside.
@Fist
"Hard to tell over the past few days. What with Biscotti's death and all the upheaval, and I suspect there's more to come, but she appears to be holding up."
Fyn hangs back to give your ruse a chance.
@Molly
It takes you a 'quick minute' both to swim and climb, but stealing over the rail onto the deck would require a stealth check with advantage as the lone human on watch patrol has to rely on a lantern to see at night, this unfortunately gives away his constant position as you can time your infiltration with just exactly where he is at any given moment.
And a regular stealth check once inside and heading toward the lower decks.
It takes a few minutes to perform the ritual but Gotu figures this will coincide with and give Fist's ruse a chance to play out. There is a soft click from inside alerting Gotu that he doesn't need a key to gain entry.
Under the cloak of a starless night, the Rhinemaiden transformed the water into her own shadowy realm as she plunged into the icy depths with a splash muffled by the whispers of the sea. Molly's descent was swift, a spectral glide through the dark waters, until she grasped the anchor chain with her pale, claw-like fingers. Her ascent was a silent dance upon the rusted links, a macabre ballet choreographed by the chilling gusts of wind that swept across the harbor.
Reaching the ship's railing, Molly peeked over with the calculated patience of a predator. The lone watchman, his path illuminated only by the feeble glow of his lantern, was predictably punctual in his rounds. Timing her movements with the rhythm of his steps, Molly slipped over the rail—a ghostly figure melting into the shadows of the deck. Her form melded with the darkness, unseen and unheard, her presence as fleeting as the mist that clung to the night air.
After a short pause she navigated the deck with eerie precision, her steps as light as the sigh of the sea against the ship’s hull. The only evidence of her passage was a brief swirl of mist where she had once stood, a phantom’s caress upon the wooden planks.
Inside the ship, her journey continued, the dim lanterns casting long shadows that danced to the quiet tune of her movement. Her stealthy movement allowed her to weave through the corridors with a grace that belied the ominous purpose of her visit. The lower decks beckoned, their secrets shrouded in the deep silence that only the bowels of a ship could hold.
Molly's heart did not beat with fear or hesitation; it was stilled by her otherworldly nature, yet it thrummed with a dark excitement for the task at hand. Drusilla, ever her silent confidant, seemed to whisper encouragement with each creak of the ship’s timbers.
With a spectral smirk playing upon her lips, Molly delved deeper into the ship, her path marked by the silent whisper of her movements and the soft, sinister giggle that occasionally escaped her lips. The adventure was far from over, and the Rhinemaiden was just beginning to dance with the shadows of the deep.
Asbestos wondered what to do now that the plan actually worked. Though, as the blind follower he is, he didn't have any doubt on whatever Fist had planned. It's just that he actually expected to be quite pummeled by the bugbear the moment he stepped in here. He took in the sight before him. Huh, it was nice. The incense and perfume was a bit choking, but otherwise it was fine. The wallpaper, well, wasn't as great as he'd hoped.
The changeling also wanted to ask who's Yeni, but decided it was now not the time to ask. But would there ever be a good time to ask? He didn't know, but didn't say anything either. He looked over Fist, still holding onto his arm, not sure he should still be doing that.
"Is there anything, perhaps, we should be looking for? Yes? ... I do not spy anything out of the ordinary." He had forgotten a bit of the plan, but was a bit too sheepish to admit he forgot it. And in his head, he'd hope for quite possibly it was time for a snack. He bet fancy places like this had fondue. "By chance, did you know where darling Gotu has gone?"
((Perception check: 10 + 1 = 11))
<---- me irl slow reader, even slower writer easily jumpy thanks for being patient
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Player: Dragonlance
As the odd couple step inside, Fist feels the familiar heat of the place. Elven women walk about in skimpy outfits and human women lay about in provocative positions. Heavy incense perfumes the showroom, chokingly so. It reminds the brute why he never liked this place much. All this glitz, all this glamor, an' ye could only pick between elven girls n' human girls. It was as pretentious as it was boring.
Hearing the scantily clad "elf boy" on his arm, the big guy pulls him close as if to feel him up, and whisper in his ear. Instead, he whispers instructions. "You n' me, boyo, are gonna find somethin' to frame t'is place fer the robb'ry of our o'er target. Find te wizard boy if you can, tell him we'll meet 'im at te o'er place when he's done 'ere. You two break into Ma'ame Yeni's safe an' swipe somethin' wit' her handwritin' on it. I'm gonna keep Yeni busy. Once we case te o'er place, it's back to te tavern te regroup wit' our o'er Guildmates, an' plan."
He pats the "elf" on the rump, a ruse for anyone watching, and switches ears while his other hand lightly grips the the young man's arm. "T'is is Guild business, boyo. Frame one, rob te o'er. Go' it? First thing's first, lad. Look fer te Ma'ame. She's as bitter-lookin' as Gotu when dealin' wit' Molly."
"Well, we think they've got a valuable spice aboard, called saffron. Let me change into something more suitable for sneaking." With that, Lace slides her skirt down & off, removes her top and takes the red band off her hat. She quickly rolls them up & stuffs them in a pouch.
Underneath, she was wearing a black bodysuit like a ninja or cat burglar. She buttons the top buttons & puts her black veil back on. Surprisingly quick, but...
"Now we lost Molly again. Let's go, before anyone else wanders off. Mr. Steelclaw, as a master of stealth, could you please guide us to remain quiet & hidden, thank you."
(OOC asking for help action with stealth.
I assume we timed the movements of the Watch when Molly was off earlier. If not, we time our movements to the guards now
Perception 15 to see the guard pattern
Stealth 12
A shiver went down his spine as he was reeled in closer to the man. 'Oh dear, please don't touch me.' Went his thoughts, both of a fear of being felt up and also of being hit (for he was afraid maybe he had asked something stupid). He felt the hot breath of the man's whisper in his ears. Then, loosened. 'Ah, just instructions.' Asbestos's eyes darted across to room to see if anyone caught wind of that something ulterior was going on. But surprisingly none did.
"Ah, yes. Copy that." He tried his best to keep up with the hip cool language of youngsters, albeit he was only in his 20s, but yet somehow seemed so far away from that? But it was also a repeat of instructions to himself. All the hip-hoppity-jumping of the plan made his head spin. He was to get a copy Madame Yeni's ('oh so she was the head of this place, how nice. very entrepreneurial!') handwriting, which he assumed he would then have to forge. And since he was a changeling, mimicking was something he had no trouble doing. Plus, it was also a pun.
Once he got the plan down, he was energized to be (playfully) sneaky. He imagined himself crouching and creeping with some mysterious music in the background. 'Ah yes opera would do quite well.' Yep, definitely something with pipe organs and a piano suited the mood right. Yes, and with him wearing a fun cape and a half mask! 'Dun dun dun!' No wait was that the right music for that. 'Maybe it was something more like dun dun dun dun dunna dun dun!'
The slap on his backside rear-ended his train of thought. He internally sighed. He really wished he could zone out of this one, so he limply let himself be jostled around. C'est la vie.
After a deflated "Right. Yes. I shall do my best", he gave Fist a light hug and whisked himself away. Hopefully that'll be the closer they'll ever get tonight. He even started to smell like him now. And no offense, but sweaty humans- not the best stench. Changelings on the other hand (he sniffed)... actually smelled about the same? Surprising for fey creatures. They didn't even have like those skin pores or whatever (at least he thought so). Maybe it was just a him thing? He did like digging through trash. But he didn't do that today. Maybe he should get a whiff of that perfume-
Asbestos sauntered over towards the back, successfully zig-zaggingly navigating past the scandalous elves and humans. 'So many people, so little clothing. Are they staring at me? Oh fun a mint!' He found a bowl of them on one of the tables back there and promptly shoved it into his mouth. While crunching and walking, for the first time it popped into his head if this was the right thing to do. To frame one for another? It didn't really matter, however. He never had much of any moral qualms with any of the other schemes they've pulled, so why start now? He shook the thought out of his head like water on top of a duck's head. 'Hbrrbrhr' He'll put some gold coins on the street for good measure. Though a fey himself, he hoped fairies wouldn't mess around with him if he didn't at least spread around some good luck. And at least there would be some delicious deviousness and trickery! Oh yes, quite fun, indeed!!! He hoped.
Also, was Gotu that bitter looking when dealing with Molly? He couldn't tell. The wizard always got the same face when the druid was around. He thought it was one of bemusement, now he couldn't tell. Maybe he really should be re-evaluating things...
He squinted, after being in the back alley earlier, he thought he memorized the layout structure and assumed where the backdoor would be. But right now he was a bit lost. The plan was to have Gotu got through the back entrance. But where was the front of this back door? He did not know. Hmm.
((Investigation check: 15 he's trying to find out where Gotu went so he could meet up with him.))
<---- me irl slow reader, even slower writer easily jumpy thanks for being patient
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Player: Dragonlance
...meanwhile at the ship...
@Molly
After easily sneaking by the crewman on deck Molly slips inside and begins heading to the lower decks. Luckily most of the crew is on shore leave and whoever remains is either busy inside one of the rooms or sleeping because Molly sees nary a soul as she creeps silently through the narrow passages making her way deeper into the bowels of the 'Cracked Pearl.'
The first time she was in and out so quick she hardly had time to keep track of where she was going but this second time around she was able to more accurately make a mental map.
@Lace
It is easy enough to mark the route of the crewman on watch duty as he needs the lantern to see by and unfortunately this makes him stand out like a beacon in the night. Whether or not you got help from Steelclaw or just took advantage of knowing where exactly the crewman was at any given moment it is only fair to give you advantage on stealth rolls while on deck, just the same as I gave Molly.
(Thanks. The advantage roll for stealth is 22)
Lace leads the trio from 1 shadow to the next as they make their way below decks.
(Unless there's a problem getting below decks, Investigation 16 to figure out where the cargo hold with the saffron is.)
...meanwhile at the brothel...
@Asbestos
After zig-zagging through the common room where the 'girls' were entertaining patrons before heading upstairs to 'get a room' Asbestos found his way toward the back of the brothel. Trying to get his bearings and match up the inside with what he remembered seeing from the outside was proving to be difficult and just as he was about to enter what he assumed was the back of the building he found his way blocked by a blue skinned tiefling embracing one of the girls. Noticing you he releases the girl saying, "What have we here? A pretty little drow boy. What's your name love?" You can smell the reek of alcohol on his breath and realize he is both drunk and interested in your 'attentions.'
@Fist
Having given Asbestos his instructions and watching him weave his way through the common room you turn your attention to a small greeting room near the front where 'Auntie Yeni' is usually to be found. As you enter she greets you, "Well, well, look what the cat dragged in. I should of known you'd be by some time tonight but I honestly didn't expect to see you until later, much later. Shouldn't you be out 'painting the town red' as they say, in honor of Biscotti and all?"
"Col' as ever, eh Yeni? Wha', did yer Pig get too rough wit' another boy an' cost ye some coin? I come to collect, only to hear ye've stopped payin'. Wha' gives, woman?"'
He doesn't care, not really. So long as the changelin' does what he s'posed to, Fist can hold this saggin' cow off.
Just as he was about finishing off his mint, he seemed to have run into tiefling-sized problem. The smell of alcohol was so intense he rolled his eyes and wished he had covered up his nose. Or at least had a disguise that just didn't have a nose (but wait then how would he breathe? If he wildshaped into say, a worm, would he still need a nose? How did his magic work anyways? ).
"Um, I'm actually a wood elf." He raised up a finger to correct him. At least he thought he was wood-elf-looking-enough. 'I can be a drow for you' was the only useful thought that rang in his head. He wondered if that thought was because he was too people pleasing or just because of instincts. Or maybe it was both. Why is he coming up with all these philosophical questions all of a sudden. 'Be quiet, brain. shush!'
Right. Name. Name. He got to think up of a name. "Edmond Dantès." Of course, he went with something theatrical. "And I best be going now, yes." He tried to push past him.
((Persuasion: 1 + 2 = 3 I'm gonna cry. I hate these dice. if I cry would the dice be nice to me?
also for the name. it's from the count of monte cristo because I'm in the mood for watching the my little pony fan song version of it "a story told" okay.))
<---- me irl slow reader, even slower writer easily jumpy thanks for being patient
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Player: Dragonlance