Xintris takes a step closer as well, curiously peering over shoulders to get a better look at the sphere embedded in the kobold's chest. Explosives are familiar enough to them, at least when they come without being attached to a still-living body. They take Luma's position by the body when she steps away to get a better look, wanting to find out if the explosive is at least stable, and if there's anything else they can find out about it- or if it's stable enough to poke and prod at a little for further insight, even if removing it would be hard. "I might be able to help removing it, but I don't have much experience with it being attached to someone living nor with healing. Is there anything left of the explosive from the dead kobold?"
OOC: I'd like to do an Arcana check on the sphere to see if I can find anything out that we don't know yet, and if that doesn't yield to any new information and if possible to take another action so soon, I'd like to Investigate to see if there's anything salvageable from the exploded kobold that could give us any information about the explosive. Arcana: 11 (Investigation: 22)
As Xintris steps forward to investigate what is visible of the sphere from inside the still-unconscious kobold's chest, they find it difficult to determine much of its nature, arcane or otherwise; too little of it is visible from this angle, the rest apparently surgically implanted inside the creature and thus hidden from view. Without removing it, it's nearly impossible to study the nature of the object, and they find little new understanding in the task.
With so little in the way of new information, Xintris instead turns to scouring the remnants of the exploded kobold, hoping that search might offer them somewhat more in the way of clues; very little remains of any part of the kobold, brass or flesh or otherwise, but through a combination of nature and experience, through the unfolding years of working diligently with small parts and small pieces, they know how to spot exactly the kind of thing most other people would miss: there on the ground they pick up a piece still just large enough for them to identify it as a clockwork trigger of some kind, suggesting a technical feat of some kind, with at least some measure of technical prowess behind it.
Luma's guilt gnaws at her as she realizes that her decision to prioritize the kobold's life might compromise their ability to find more clues. That weighs heavily on her conscience, especially as she watches Xintris move on to the dead kobold, even though they have an intact device available. However, she takes a deep breath, deciding to do her best to make up for her hesitation.
She steps closer to Cy. “Here is the key," she says, showing it to him. “Maybe we can find something distinctive about it.”
Luma holds out the key so they can both examine it. Her eyes run over its surface, searching for any markings or details that might provide a clue.
OOC: Investigation w/ advantage on the key - nat 20
Cy stands beside Luma, their heads bent close as they scrutinize the key in the dim light. He traces the key with a calloused finger, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Anything?" he murmurs, his voice a low rumble.
A grim smile plays on Cy's lips. "If my hunch is right, those kobolds might not be so keen on having those things planted in them. Perhaps when one of them wakes up, they'll be more forthcoming with information. Hopefully we can speak with one after we finish investigating the blast site."
As Luma and Cy put their heads together and examine the key — each feeling the weight of it, examining it for any hints as to its purpose, or its origin — Luma becomes certain of a few things: the key itself is made entirely of lead; a small amount of dirt has smudged just slightly around the edges, suggesting the key may have been acquired and worn by the kobold at least long enough for them to see slight wear, so longer than a handful of days; and the heft suggests a significantly sized lock, indicative of a large door — certainly more imposing than would be required of the average house’s front door. Luma suspects whatever it is must house something important, to someone — or perhaps dangerous — though why it would be worn around the neck of this kobold is difficult to know for sure.
After not finding much on the device still embedded in the living kobold Xintris moved on to explore the rest of the blast site, and headed towards the corpse of the exploded kobold- their shoes were already pretty much covered in grime and gore, it wasn't like this was going to do much extra damage. While the small device ended up in pieces it seems to have been made from good enough materials that it wasn't completely pulverised by the blast, and after a little looking around they find a small piece that has just enough intact to be determined to be a clockwork trigger, although it's impossible to say anything more about it.
"I doubt whoever made these was doing so for the first time, or at least they must have worked with similar mechanisms before. I'm not sure if magic was used in the making or while embedding them in the kobolds, but someone involved definitely knew their way around working with metal. It's not high enough handiwork to really narrow the search down, but maybe it'll help even a little?"
Xintris gets up and abandons the corpse although they pocket the small piece of the explosive, just in case it can be of use in any way later. They walk over to where most of the others are examining the key and try to catch a glimpse of the small object. "Anything that might help us?"
Luma looks up from the key at Xintris's question. "I’m not sure how much help it is,"Luma begins, holding the key for Xintris to see."but the key is made entirely of lead and it seems like the kobold had it for a while.”She turns the key, pointing to the dirt and smudges around the edges.“It’s also quite heavy and sturdy, which makes me think that it must open something larger and sturdier than usual.” Luma eyes the key with a pensive expression.“Maybe it’s lock guards something important."
She pauses, considering the implications."I wonder why the Kobold would have it, though? It’s not like they are the sturdiest creatures.”
Luma shrugs, running out of information."That’s all I got.”
“You all done with this one?” interrupts the gnome Crownsguard, clearly not bothering to disguise the edge of impatience as he waits to fulfill his duty; he stares pointedly down at the kobold that some of you had been gathered around, brass sphere in its chest, before again making eye contact with each of you. The one other Crownsguard still remaining — human, with angular features and disheveled brown hair — seems not to notice at all; they stare off in the direction of the Upper Level, apparently transfixed by the sounds of distant but raucous celebration, paying little heed to the kobold now at their feet. Perhaps dreaming of an evening spent not hauling around almost-corpses, or dodging exploded kobold organs.
Hovering nearby, Nemira waits for those more skilled in investigating to look over everything. "If we're done here and it's too late to go to the shop right now, why don't we try tracing their footsteps backward and see if we find any other clues? Or we can try and figure out which way the genasi went?"
She looks down the street where the cloaked figure had disappeared to. "I'm not sure what else we can do tonight though."
Cy nods towards the gaping hole in the building. "I think it's time we took a closer look at that explosion," he says, his voice low. He turns to Xintris and Luma, his eyes scanning their faces. "Want to join me? There might be clues there that could help us unravel this mystery."
"Of course,"Luma nods quickly, turning in the direction of the explosion site."I can’t say I know much about explosions, but I'll do my best to help if I can."
Xintris takes a good look at the key, hopefully if they find a lock it might fit in at least one of them will remember to try. They resist the urge to roll their eyes at the Crownsguard and stay quiet, at least until Cy speaks.
“Sure. Explosions aren’t exactly my expertise either, but with luck we might find some remains of what caused it. Is.. anyone else coming along?” They turn to look at the others who accepted the payment for the quest and are still hovering around.
Jojo nods fervently. "I've been wanting to get this show on the road," he pipes up. "Not a bad idea to go check the scene of the crime even if we don't have much exper-tees about explosives n' such. Something tells me there might be more to find, even if it's just to see the big hole they busted in the rock up close. So let's quit yappin' and get to tappin' our boots!"
Jojo couldn't help overhearing their conversation as the the doctor, the dodgy one, and the mage conferred amongst themselves, due to the nature of his being an onlooker and not knowing anything of value in regards to surgical procedures. When he heard that Cy was an "Assembly Mage" earlier, the words meant nothing to him, and frankly still do. But just by his mannerisms and weird sense of excitement, it was enough to throw Jojo a little off. He feels the need to learn more about these new teammates. But for now he decides he'll stick close to Nem and Luma, those familiar faces, when the group sets foot towards the prison.
The remaining Crownsguard seem to take your internal discussion for disinterest in the kobold they have in hand, and together (with some prodding and pointed coughing from the gnome) they heave the creature up and toward the eastern path, wherever that might take them -- clearly not toward the prison itself.
Left to your own devices, you all begin to follow the western path, retracing the steps taken by the kobolds and the escaped prisoners. Well before you close in on the prison, you make easy note of the obvious metallic sheen of many tall steel plates affixed to the mountainside — the outer walls of Gearhole Prison. Even now, remnants of smoke billow from the gaping hole in the rock and metal — clearly the escape route that this Onyx had utilized. It becomes apparent almost immediately that those Crownsguard who had not arrived at the scene of your previous scuffle have positively descended on this place: the blast site is absolutely crawling with them, although at least half seem to be focused largely on keeping anyone else from entering the scene.
"Stop right there," shouts one of them now, though you're still not near enough to actually see much through the massive hole. Two of the Crownsguard approach -- one gnome, one half-elf -- and the gnome guard sizes you up slowly, eyes narrowed. "No civilians allowed past this point."
(If anyone would have preferred to hang further back / out of the way, or to take off elsewhere, that's fine too! Just let me know.)
"Good evening! We're not civilians, or well not all of us are. We are here on official business that has been approved by the Watchmaster." Stepping forward to ease their transition into the blast sight, Nemira opens her cloak to reveal the small badge the group had just been given copies of.
"We wish to examine more of this location and investigate for clues to the whereabouts of the escapee and the people involved."
Luma follows the group once the decision to investigate the explosion site is made, her steps quick and determined. As they arrive and are stopped by the guards, she nearly takes a step back, momentarily forgetting that they have permission to be there. Used to being a civilian, the authoritative tone of the Crownsguard catches her off guard.
However, when Nemira steps forward and flashes her badge, Luma quickly remembers their position. A smile spreads across her face as she watches Nemira handle the situation with such professionalism. Inspired by her confidence, Luma quietly shows her own badge to support Nemira's words.
The gnome Crownsguard pauses, leaning forward to expect first Nemira's and then Luma's badges for several long moments, before glancing around at the rest of the group. She doesn't confer with her elf companion, only catches his eye, briefly, before offering them all a quick nod. "Ah," she says, apparently satisfied. "The Watchmaster's getting creative, then. Right this way -- see what you can make of it." She gestures them onward and toward the site of the explosion with a quick wave of her hand; the Crownsguard nearest it offer them first a look of confusion, but with a glance at their badges and a look from the gnome guard who'd offered them passage inside, they return to their business, and keep any objections stowed away as the group walks past.
A ten-foot-wide hole edged with twisted steel and jagged rock opens up above a pile of rubble. Beyond the hole is a badly damaged stone prison cell, little more than soot-stained walls and an overturned bed charred on one side. A thin skylight above the hole matches others alongside it in the steel wall, and apparently once functioned as the cell's window. A mangled chamber pot is embedded in the right wall, where an elf in a long leather coat is pulling it from the stone. She pockets three charred pieces of paper from the brass pot before turning and acknowledging your presence. "Well, quite an eclectic group of visitors," she remarks, a tilt to her smile that might be sly, or amused, or something else entirely; her hair is a long, dark brown, her brows raised slightly as she leans a shoulder against the stone to have a look at all of you. "What business has brought you in here?"
As they walk closer to the explosion site, Luma's attention is drawn to the extent of the damage. The twisted steel, jagged rocks, and charred remains of the prison cell capture her focus, and she finds herself momentarily lost in thought, remembering the force behind the explosion and the chaos it caused.
It takes a moment for Luma to notice the presence of the elf, but as she speaks, Luma's attention shifts from the rubble to the new figure, and she offers a cheerful smile.
"We were hired to investigate the situation," Luma responds, gesturing toward the damage. "We thought there might be something to uncover here."
Curiosity getting the better of her, Luma continues, "What about you? What brings you here?"Almost as an afterthought, she adds, "I'm Luma, by the way."
OOC: Can Luma perceive anything interesting about the elf? Insight w/ advantage - 15
The elf eyes them all for a moment, brow raised, the shadow of a smile still curling the corner of her mouth as Luma explains what it is they're all doing here. "Well, hello, Luma," she says, somewhat wryly, as if everything she offers comes with a small dose of irony. "And company," she adds, a moment later, glancing briefly at the others. "I'm Yinra Emberwind, a bounty hunter by trade," she says, in answer. "I heard the commotion from the Idleworks Shelf, and -- well, I never could resist the lure of curiosity."
Yinra pauses briefly, patting the outside of her cloak with apparent satisfaction, before adding, rather smugly: "But I'd be glad to get out of your hair, let you get to work -- it seems I've just wrapped up my own business here."
Cy steps over the threshold of the gaping prison wall. The musty scent of decay and despair clings to the air, intermingling with the acrid scent of smoke and burned wood. The dim light filtering through the barred windows casts eerie shadows that seem to dance on the damp stone floor. As Cy scans the environment, his gaze lingers on the tall figure of Yinra Emberwind, a bounty hunter whose presence in this place is as unexpected as it is intriguing. “And what is your business here, Ms. Emberwind?” he asks, his voice confident, a hint of challenge in his tone. “I thought civilians aren’t allowed in here.”
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Xintris takes a step closer as well, curiously peering over shoulders to get a better look at the sphere embedded in the kobold's chest. Explosives are familiar enough to them, at least when they come without being attached to a still-living body. They take Luma's position by the body when she steps away to get a better look, wanting to find out if the explosive is at least stable, and if there's anything else they can find out about it- or if it's stable enough to poke and prod at a little for further insight, even if removing it would be hard. "I might be able to help removing it, but I don't have much experience with it being attached to someone living nor with healing. Is there anything left of the explosive from the dead kobold?"
OOC: I'd like to do an Arcana check on the sphere to see if I can find anything out that we don't know yet, and if that doesn't yield to any new information and if possible to take another action so soon, I'd like to Investigate to see if there's anything salvageable from the exploded kobold that could give us any information about the explosive.
Arcana: 11
(Investigation: 22)
As Xintris steps forward to investigate what is visible of the sphere from inside the still-unconscious kobold's chest, they find it difficult to determine much of its nature, arcane or otherwise; too little of it is visible from this angle, the rest apparently surgically implanted inside the creature and thus hidden from view. Without removing it, it's nearly impossible to study the nature of the object, and they find little new understanding in the task.
With so little in the way of new information, Xintris instead turns to scouring the remnants of the exploded kobold, hoping that search might offer them somewhat more in the way of clues; very little remains of any part of the kobold, brass or flesh or otherwise, but through a combination of nature and experience, through the unfolding years of working diligently with small parts and small pieces, they know how to spot exactly the kind of thing most other people would miss: there on the ground they pick up a piece still just large enough for them to identify it as a clockwork trigger of some kind, suggesting a technical feat of some kind, with at least some measure of technical prowess behind it.
Luma's guilt gnaws at her as she realizes that her decision to prioritize the kobold's life might compromise their ability to find more clues. That weighs heavily on her conscience, especially as she watches Xintris move on to the dead kobold, even though they have an intact device available. However, she takes a deep breath, deciding to do her best to make up for her hesitation.
She steps closer to Cy. “Here is the key," she says, showing it to him. “Maybe we can find something distinctive about it.”
Luma holds out the key so they can both examine it. Her eyes run over its surface, searching for any markings or details that might provide a clue.
OOC: Investigation w/ advantage on the key - nat 20
Cy stands beside Luma, their heads bent close as they scrutinize the key in the dim light. He traces the key with a calloused finger, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Anything?" he murmurs, his voice a low rumble.
A grim smile plays on Cy's lips. "If my hunch is right, those kobolds might not be so keen on having those things planted in them. Perhaps when one of them wakes up, they'll be more forthcoming with information. Hopefully we can speak with one after we finish investigating the blast site."
As Luma and Cy put their heads together and examine the key — each feeling the weight of it, examining it for any hints as to its purpose, or its origin — Luma becomes certain of a few things: the key itself is made entirely of lead; a small amount of dirt has smudged just slightly around the edges, suggesting the key may have been acquired and worn by the kobold at least long enough for them to see slight wear, so longer than a handful of days; and the heft suggests a significantly sized lock, indicative of a large door — certainly more imposing than would be required of the average house’s front door. Luma suspects whatever it is must house something important, to someone — or perhaps dangerous — though why it would be worn around the neck of this kobold is difficult to know for sure.
After not finding much on the device still embedded in the living kobold Xintris moved on to explore the rest of the blast site, and headed towards the corpse of the exploded kobold- their shoes were already pretty much covered in grime and gore, it wasn't like this was going to do much extra damage. While the small device ended up in pieces it seems to have been made from good enough materials that it wasn't completely pulverised by the blast, and after a little looking around they find a small piece that has just enough intact to be determined to be a clockwork trigger, although it's impossible to say anything more about it.
"I doubt whoever made these was doing so for the first time, or at least they must have worked with similar mechanisms before. I'm not sure if magic was used in the making or while embedding them in the kobolds, but someone involved definitely knew their way around working with metal. It's not high enough handiwork to really narrow the search down, but maybe it'll help even a little?"
Xintris gets up and abandons the corpse although they pocket the small piece of the explosive, just in case it can be of use in any way later. They walk over to where most of the others are examining the key and try to catch a glimpse of the small object. "Anything that might help us?"
Luma looks up from the key at Xintris's question. "I’m not sure how much help it is," Luma begins, holding the key for Xintris to see. "but the key is made entirely of lead and it seems like the kobold had it for a while.” She turns the key, pointing to the dirt and smudges around the edges. “It’s also quite heavy and sturdy, which makes me think that it must open something larger and sturdier than usual.” Luma eyes the key with a pensive expression. “Maybe it’s lock guards something important."
She pauses, considering the implications. "I wonder why the Kobold would have it, though? It’s not like they are the sturdiest creatures.”
Luma shrugs, running out of information. "That’s all I got.”
“You all done with this one?” interrupts the gnome Crownsguard, clearly not bothering to disguise the edge of impatience as he waits to fulfill his duty; he stares pointedly down at the kobold that some of you had been gathered around, brass sphere in its chest, before again making eye contact with each of you. The one other Crownsguard still remaining — human, with angular features and disheveled brown hair — seems not to notice at all; they stare off in the direction of the Upper Level, apparently transfixed by the sounds of distant but raucous celebration, paying little heed to the kobold now at their feet. Perhaps dreaming of an evening spent not hauling around almost-corpses, or dodging exploded kobold organs.
Hovering nearby, Nemira waits for those more skilled in investigating to look over everything. "If we're done here and it's too late to go to the shop right now, why don't we try tracing their footsteps backward and see if we find any other clues? Or we can try and figure out which way the genasi went?"
She looks down the street where the cloaked figure had disappeared to. "I'm not sure what else we can do tonight though."
Cy nods towards the gaping hole in the building. "I think it's time we took a closer look at that explosion," he says, his voice low. He turns to Xintris and Luma, his eyes scanning their faces. "Want to join me? There might be clues there that could help us unravel this mystery."
"Of course," Luma nods quickly, turning in the direction of the explosion site. "I can’t say I know much about explosions, but I'll do my best to help if I can."
Xintris takes a good look at the key, hopefully if they find a lock it might fit in at least one of them will remember to try. They resist the urge to roll their eyes at the Crownsguard and stay quiet, at least until Cy speaks.
“Sure. Explosions aren’t exactly my expertise either, but with luck we might find some remains of what caused it. Is.. anyone else coming along?” They turn to look at the others who accepted the payment for the quest and are still hovering around.
Jojo nods fervently. "I've been wanting to get this show on the road," he pipes up. "Not a bad idea to go check the scene of the crime even if we don't have much exper-tees about explosives n' such. Something tells me there might be more to find, even if it's just to see the big hole they busted in the rock up close. So let's quit yappin' and get to tappin' our boots!"
Jojo couldn't help overhearing their conversation as the the doctor, the dodgy one, and the mage conferred amongst themselves, due to the nature of his being an onlooker and not knowing anything of value in regards to surgical procedures. When he heard that Cy was an "Assembly Mage" earlier, the words meant nothing to him, and frankly still do. But just by his mannerisms and weird sense of excitement, it was enough to throw Jojo a little off. He feels the need to learn more about these new teammates. But for now he decides he'll stick close to Nem and Luma, those familiar faces, when the group sets foot towards the prison.
The remaining Crownsguard seem to take your internal discussion for disinterest in the kobold they have in hand, and together (with some prodding and pointed coughing from the gnome) they heave the creature up and toward the eastern path, wherever that might take them -- clearly not toward the prison itself.
Left to your own devices, you all begin to follow the western path, retracing the steps taken by the kobolds and the escaped prisoners. Well before you close in on the prison, you make easy note of the obvious metallic sheen of many tall steel plates affixed to the mountainside — the outer walls of Gearhole Prison. Even now, remnants of smoke billow from the gaping hole in the rock and metal — clearly the escape route that this Onyx had utilized. It becomes apparent almost immediately that those Crownsguard who had not arrived at the scene of your previous scuffle have positively descended on this place: the blast site is absolutely crawling with them, although at least half seem to be focused largely on keeping anyone else from entering the scene.
"Stop right there," shouts one of them now, though you're still not near enough to actually see much through the massive hole. Two of the Crownsguard approach -- one gnome, one half-elf -- and the gnome guard sizes you up slowly, eyes narrowed. "No civilians allowed past this point."
(If anyone would have preferred to hang further back / out of the way, or to take off elsewhere, that's fine too! Just let me know.)
"Good evening! We're not civilians, or well not all of us are. We are here on official business that has been approved by the Watchmaster." Stepping forward to ease their transition into the blast sight, Nemira opens her cloak to reveal the small badge the group had just been given copies of.
"We wish to examine more of this location and investigate for clues to the whereabouts of the escapee and the people involved."
Luma follows the group once the decision to investigate the explosion site is made, her steps quick and determined. As they arrive and are stopped by the guards, she nearly takes a step back, momentarily forgetting that they have permission to be there. Used to being a civilian, the authoritative tone of the Crownsguard catches her off guard.
However, when Nemira steps forward and flashes her badge, Luma quickly remembers their position. A smile spreads across her face as she watches Nemira handle the situation with such professionalism. Inspired by her confidence, Luma quietly shows her own badge to support Nemira's words.
"Yeah, we're here to help," she adds softly.
The gnome Crownsguard pauses, leaning forward to expect first Nemira's and then Luma's badges for several long moments, before glancing around at the rest of the group. She doesn't confer with her elf companion, only catches his eye, briefly, before offering them all a quick nod. "Ah," she says, apparently satisfied. "The Watchmaster's getting creative, then. Right this way -- see what you can make of it." She gestures them onward and toward the site of the explosion with a quick wave of her hand; the Crownsguard nearest it offer them first a look of confusion, but with a glance at their badges and a look from the gnome guard who'd offered them passage inside, they return to their business, and keep any objections stowed away as the group walks past.
A ten-foot-wide hole edged with twisted steel and jagged rock opens up above a pile of rubble. Beyond the hole is a badly damaged stone prison cell, little more than soot-stained walls and an overturned bed charred on one side. A thin skylight above the hole matches others alongside it in the steel wall, and apparently once functioned as the cell's window. A mangled chamber pot is embedded in the right wall, where an elf in a long leather coat is pulling it from the stone. She pockets three charred pieces of paper from the brass pot before turning and acknowledging your presence. "Well, quite an eclectic group of visitors," she remarks, a tilt to her smile that might be sly, or amused, or something else entirely; her hair is a long, dark brown, her brows raised slightly as she leans a shoulder against the stone to have a look at all of you. "What business has brought you in here?"
As they walk closer to the explosion site, Luma's attention is drawn to the extent of the damage. The twisted steel, jagged rocks, and charred remains of the prison cell capture her focus, and she finds herself momentarily lost in thought, remembering the force behind the explosion and the chaos it caused.
It takes a moment for Luma to notice the presence of the elf, but as she speaks, Luma's attention shifts from the rubble to the new figure, and she offers a cheerful smile.
"We were hired to investigate the situation," Luma responds, gesturing toward the damage. "We thought there might be something to uncover here."
Curiosity getting the better of her, Luma continues, "What about you? What brings you here?" Almost as an afterthought, she adds, "I'm Luma, by the way."
OOC: Can Luma perceive anything interesting about the elf? Insight w/ advantage - 15
The elf eyes them all for a moment, brow raised, the shadow of a smile still curling the corner of her mouth as Luma explains what it is they're all doing here. "Well, hello, Luma," she says, somewhat wryly, as if everything she offers comes with a small dose of irony. "And company," she adds, a moment later, glancing briefly at the others. "I'm Yinra Emberwind, a bounty hunter by trade," she says, in answer. "I heard the commotion from the Idleworks Shelf, and -- well, I never could resist the lure of curiosity."
Yinra pauses briefly, patting the outside of her cloak with apparent satisfaction, before adding, rather smugly: "But I'd be glad to get out of your hair, let you get to work -- it seems I've just wrapped up my own business here."
Cy steps over the threshold of the gaping prison wall. The musty scent of decay and despair clings to the air, intermingling with the acrid scent of smoke and burned wood. The dim light filtering through the barred windows casts eerie shadows that seem to dance on the damp stone floor. As Cy scans the environment, his gaze lingers on the tall figure of Yinra Emberwind, a bounty hunter whose presence in this place is as unexpected as it is intriguing. “And what is your business here, Ms. Emberwind?” he asks, his voice confident, a hint of challenge in his tone. “I thought civilians aren’t allowed in here.”