Eirikur tries to think about what he knows of Alchemy and how it may relate to the Arcane.

OOC: Arcana 10 in the game log.

With a 10 you have heard of the tales of turning lead into gold and that of the philosopher stone granting immortality. Though most believe these tales as not true. 

"Alchemy huh? I am not sure that I would put much stock in that. I would need to see evidence that this is a real field of study instead of an avenue for snake oil salesmen to fleece the public. Dr. Baily might be getting senile in his old age. Our job isn't to diagnose him though, but to protect him." Eirikur crosses his arms tightly, his body language communicating passed judgement, misplaced and premature as it may be.

"Yeah.  We got a job to do.  And we'll see it through and get paid handsomely for it.  What else do we need to do to prepare?" Modoc asks the others.

OOC: Modoc has done all that he can think of to prepare.

 "A full belly, early night, and early rise is all I have left to plan. I want us at the train station several hours early." Eirikur responds.

OOC: I have nothing else I can think of that I want to do. Anyone else?

Assuming everyone is ready to continue, the party searched for an Inn for the night and finds a modest Inn called Pacy nestled on a cobblestone street in a quiet corner of the Near North Side, just a few blocks away from the hustle and bustle of the Chicago River. The inn is situated near a small cluster of shops and eateries, making it a convenient stop for travelers and locals alike.

Inside, the inn exudes a simple, homey charm. The floors are made of sturdy oak, creaking slightly underfoot, and the walls are adorned with faded floral wallpaper. The front parlor serves as both the reception area and a common room. The inn caters to a mix of travelers passing through the city and locals needing a temporary place to stay. It is not uncommon to find a mix of personalities here, from businessmen to laborers, each with their own stories to tell. The atmosphere is generally quiet and respectful, though the occasional lively conversation can be heard in the common room during the evenings.

It costs 5 sp for a room with 2 beds and a wash basin. 

For dinner there is beef stew, buttered corn, and bread to soak up the stew. It cost 5 cp

The eateries nearby offer a variety of foods, with some offering cuisine native to different races. 

I'm not against sharing rooms. Willing to take watches even though it aught to be safe.

Gaelan ponies up for the rooms and a meal for everybody.

"Thank you Gaelan." Modoc will eat up with gusto and listen into other conversations.  "Are you going to finish that Henry?"

Modoc is up for sharing rooms as well.

Eirikur nods to Gaelan. "Thank you. Two to a room should be fine. Try to get us rooms that are adjacent, if you can."

Eirikur watches the people in the common area, looking to see if anyone is spending their evening doing something interesting beyond having conversation.

"I spent all I care to spend on this mission so far, but does anyone have anything else they would want to get before we turn in?" He says while massaging his beef stew with his piece of bread. "We probably won't get a chance to get any supplies once we are on the train."

OOC: I have not updated my sheet with my purchases because dev work in the background has made a lot unavailable at the time. But I will update when I can see the items again.

As the party eats, they overhear snippets of conversation.

Protesters from Verdestone causes a ruckus by the Chicago River. Supposedly shouting how new technology born from ghost rock will lead mankind to ruin. 

Coyote Confederation making moves to expand their territories. 

California increasing trade tariffs as they know they are prime source for Ghost rock. 

At the end of your meal as you ready to head to your rooms you hear an explosion coming from the Chicago River. 

Everyone in the common room goes silent as you begin hearing sounds of panic people a couple blocks away. 

Shield and spear are in Eirikur's hands before he even thought to arm himself. Immediately, he places his shield hand on his chest, uttering an enchantment for eldritch life.

OOC: Casting False Life repeatedly until it gives me the full 8 hitpoints.

"Arm yourselves, team. Gaelan, scout ahead and report back what you are seeing. The rest of us will be close behind. Henry, if you think you can manage your arcane invisibility, Gaelan may benefit from your backup."

Eirikur waits expectantly for his crew to take action.

At the sound of the explosion, Modoc quickly stands up, knocking over his chair.  He'll grip his great axe and look to the others for direction. "This day just got more interesting."

Gaelan saunters out the door and moves in the direction of the ruckus. He rolls up his sleeves and pockets his gloves.

Perception check 11

Gaelen moves toward the Chicago River and sees many barges and steamboats on fire. The people are screaming in panic as they try to run away. Nearby at the edge of the river stands a 6 people proudly displaying the Verdestone insignia. A firbolg women in burgundy armor exclaims "This destruction was brought on by Ghost Rock. Redeem yourselves and cast of the yoke of ghost rock born technology!" With that another steamboat explodes tossing shrapnel and glass in every direction. These fragments seem to bounce harmlessly off of a near transparent protective field around the group from Verdestone.

There are wounded and dying people on some of the boats and along the riverbanks. 

Modoc frowns while looking at the group from Verdestone.  "What should we do?" Modoc asks the others.  "I can swim out to some of those boats, but I don't know much about healing."

Eirikur growls and his eyes narrow as he and Modoc catch up with Gaelan. “Crisis response...” He answer Modoc. “We can’t stop people from dying until we stop the ones killing them.” 

The leather wrapped around his spear squeaks in protest of his overly firm grip. His mind flashes to memories of illusions of fiends and undead melting away to pleading people before his unflinching blade.

”Modoc and I will approach the Verdestone murderers directly. Gaelan, you might be able to flank them, but I trust your instincts; join us if you like.”

With that, Eirikur breaks from the group and marches right up to effective spear-chucking range. If nothing stops him, he will hurl the spear at the firbolg woman. A throw powered by the crushing weight of his own shame.