"Sagin is busy preparing breakfast and Villanoh is coming to meet us, so I suggest we get the wagon into yard and safely stored in the stables away from sight. House Cardona are coming to the manor later on, so we could reach out to the Harper and Silge to meet us there this evening? Best we get moving though, we've appointments to keep."
"She is!? Like, out here or you're talking about at the manor?"Doozey questions but hardly waits for an answer before hurriedly waving a hand in a dismissive gesture. "N-nevermind. I-I thought, uhh... Nevermind, w-whatever, uhh, I guess I'll start getting the wagon loaded back up again."With a defeated sigh, the halfling motioned to his canine companion, and together the duo would properly get to work loading the wagon back up, believing based on Utar's words the intent was to hide their goods. Though lingering misgivings would go on to plague his mind, it wasn't so implausible that the party could deal with any over curious citizenry on the way back home if it came to it.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The plan's details begin to take shape as Doozey and Neya discuss further but, when Utar is given the final word, he shares with the group that they have less time than previously thought and more already-scheduled-appointments than most of them realized. The plan quickly changes and all the loot finds its way back into the wagon.
CRAP then begins to drive the oxen and wagon toward Phlan.
(OOC: Unless told otherwise, I am assuming all goods have been moved from the mansion back to the wagon. Also, please let me know what gate you are going to approach. Details can be seen here. The closest gate to the stables would be Podol Gate.)
As the last of the goods are moved back to the wagon, Utar shrugs his response. "At the manor, thought she might like to share our breakfast. We best get moving so we're through the gate and the market before it gets too busy."
Walking alongside the wagon as it approaches the gate, Utar slips a few silver pieces into his left hand and a couple of gold pieces into his right.
"With all the um artwork Jerellas gang put on this thing. It may not be recognized anyway" Raist rides around the wagon before taking station to the right of it wearing his "library" livery in plain sight
"Ah, well, aight. Just made it seem like fer a second that, uhh... eh..." Doozey trailed off from there giving a shrug of his own back to Utar, before taking up a spot in the driver's seat. Biscuit once again found his way to the back of the wagon, ready to ward off any sneak thieves' that might yet try their luck once the party reached the city proper. "Here's hoping, Raist. Here's hoping."Said the halfingly in turn to the wizard as the group made their way to Podol Gate.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
After a bit more planning and prepping, the group sets off toward Phlan's nearest wall. The Podol Gate is open, but traffic going in and out of the city is thin. If there was any hopes of CRAP blending into the usual early market traffic, those hopes are squashed by the grim trade situation in the city. CRAP's approach has all of the Black Fist guards' attention.
"Halt!" One of them commands. "Arriving in Phlan with a wagonfull of goods is quite the suspicious development these days." Other guards join the talkative one, staying slightly behind him and giving him an air of authority. The man is in full armor, while most other guards wear chain shirts and wield spears. "The Black Fist must inspect your goods and confiscate anything that may be deemed probable to cause disarray. We can have a whole city fighting for a few bushels of grain." He lets the command sit for a moment before signaling other guards to circle the wagon. "Step away from the vehicle."
Utar gives the guard a hard stare. He can already feel his blood beginning to boil. The city is crying out for food and the guards want to tear their wagon apart, for what? Taking a deep breath, Utar attempts to centre himself before looking into the back of the wagon...which stores a dead body and myriad of assorted weapons. Yeah...they're right to search the wagon. Addressing the lead guard, who Utar assumes to be the leader, he offers the following in explanation:
"Good sir! Yes! Where would you have us stand?" Utar indicates a point on the ground close to the leading guardsman, "Here?"
Despite what the guardsman indicates, Utar will stand close to them and continue.
"I should be honest with you, good sir. We are not merchants but the Chaotic Relief Advetnuring Party, perhaps you have heard of our exploits, no? Nevermind. We have been employed by one of the merchant houses within the city, House Cardona to act for them in hunting down the various groups of bandits and highwaymen waylaying their wagons and causing the current unrest within the city. Through our efforts we hope to have had some mitigating effect but that remains to be seen as some of them still trouble the roads in the area. We have taken their weaponry from them, however, I wonder if the Blackfist would consider taking them off our hands at a discount? Better they be put to use in the defence of our city and in keeping law and order than sold to House Cardona who would then, sell them I suppose? I would imagine the enterprising guardsman who swelled the city's armoury would be well rewarded by his masters, and if there was no interest, is there anything we could do to speed matters along?"
At this point Utar clinks the gold coins in his right hand together, hoping the guard picks up the hint.
"We would appreciate a speedy resolution to matters, as you see we also carry the mortal remains of a cleric of Helm, slain on the road by the very bandits we seek. His bretheren are standing by to reclaim the remains you see, I would appreciate it if their remains went unmolested and we were allowed to see them swiftly interred according to their customs."
Insight - 23 - Does Utar get the impression the guard is buying any of this?
Whatever spark of relief that first entered Doozey's visage from seeing the gate up close, all but died immediately once the guards began initiating their shakedown "procedure". While it wasn't surprising in the least, he sighed softly all the same, having truly enjoyed those fleeting few moments of bliss, before disembarking from the wagon. "C'mon, Biscuit. Let's get this over with." He said over a shoulder, prompting Biscuit to slip out the back of the wagon and likely startle a few guards as he made his way around to join Doozey's side.
And at first, the pair had been content to step away, if though without any particular haste. Doozey 'tried', but with Biscuit near constantly shoving him or blocking his path, the halfling could only get so far without stopping to pet the dog. Conveniently keeping the pair close enough that, when it appeared Utar had the guard captain's interest, Doozey could clear his throat, break away, and step up as well with his fingers interlaced and hands at rest over his chest.
"My compatriot here has the right of it. In fact, we even happened to rescue a number of folk that been kidnapped as well, who by all accounts should've arrived well before us, no doubt praising our efforts. But, if word hasn't reached you fine gentlemen, then that's all right~ As I'm certain it will in due time... Either way, I'm sure not only would any aggrieved brethren of the dearly departed would be most appreciative, but I'd imagine House Cardona may be 'specially thankful to any that afforded their, uhh, employees all due kindness and understanding in these trying times."
Doozey tried to affect a pleasant smile but can scarcely manage a grin before forcing himself to press on in a confident air. "Of course, procedures may dictate you send a runner to further confirm things -- the name of our band alone being more than sufficient to elicit an expedient response, no doubt -- but, ehhh.... maybe they'd feel a little less than spontaneously magnanimous in the future in such a case for the added distraction? But, what do we know?"
Even though most of the finer points of the ongoing conversation goes over Biscuit's head, he watched with an uncanny attentiveness as Doozey tried to work his charms on the guards and knew almost intrinsically something had been missing to the presentation. A dog! Not just any dog, but a wing dog! No, not wing dog, but definitely the whole thing called for a magnificent beast to step up, so... he'd do just that!
"Boof!" Biscuit went as he padded closer to Doozey's side and plopped a paw on his shoulder. "Wiff'm hoo wiffm boof bif foom."He said(??) while patting the halfling twice hard enough to nearly push him to the ground. "Boof foom fim? Bof Brom! Byeh, rooo... Byeh roof!"The mastiff concludes by patting Doozey on the head next, as if emphasizing something about Doozey having a... big brain? And that maybe he should be listened to!?! Difficult to say, but Doozey finally picked up on what the mastiff was trying to do towards the end and add, "Th-that's right, Biscuit. Good, uhh, point. I would know 'cause I have a decent, uhh, head for these things."
The lead guard does not respond to Utar's first question with words, only with a look. His eyes shift to Raist suspiciously when the mounted wizard moves closer to Utar protectively, but his attention is then gathered by the orc's second question: "Yes, I remember you lot from the public announcement following the return of the library thief and the defeat of the black dragon in the marsh. Still, we have to check the wagon."
Utar continues his persuasive effort by brushing on a few arguments: official employment by House Cardona, some success in ridding the Iron Route from bandits, potential extra arms for the Black Fist, and even an immediate monetary "understanding". In case none of these stick, he adds that CRAP is returning the remains of a cleric of Helm to the city. It is this last argument that gets the most reactive response from the lead guard, as subtle as it comes. Utar realizes (insight) that he must have struck the right chord. The lead guard must be a religious man.
"Well," the lead guard resumes speaking. "We wouldn't want to affront The Great Guard himself, would we? His fallen champion must be returned to his care, no doubt there. But..." The lead guard hesitates a bit. "...if these weapons you brought were to find their way into the hands of rioters..." He looks at his guards, who share a nod with him as they look inside the wagon, Utar understands the nod to confirm that they see the weapons. "I'm afraid I still need to confiscate the weapons." He looks at Utar with a serious face and repeats: "Confiscate, not buy."
Sensing that the wind is blowing in their favor, Doozey joins the conversation at this point. The halfling adds his own arguments to the pile: a group of rescued villagers, the appreciation of the family and compatriots of the fallen, the perhaps more enticing appreciation of House Cardona itself. The lead guard can't help but pay attention to the ever increasing list of potential benefits coming his way. Even the dog seems to agree this is a good idea (persuasion).
"No need," the lead guard waves off the idea of sending a runner. "We'll unload your wagon of any weapons and then you are free to go. This is for the protection of the people of Phlan. I am sure you understand. We shall take nothing else, you have my word, as long as you promise to deliver the Helmite's remains to its proper place of rest immediately after passing through the gate..." He pauses for a minute. "And mention our good guarding duty here at Podol Gate in your prayers to The Great Guard when you do so, yes?"
Utar doubles down on the pious aspect. "Of course, good sir. You have your orders and we would not want to cause any trouble for either yourselves or the city. Will we help you unload the weapons from the wagon? And rest assured, we will ensure our precious cargo is returned to his order and that we will remember you and your men in our prayers."
Though inwardly he was a touch disappointed at the profit loss, Doozey outwardly projected an understanding and thankful air. Meanwhile, Biscuit "Boof'd" and approvingly nodded at the captain, before picking up his halfling brother up by the scruff of his collar and carry him off to the side to make room for the guard to have at the wagon. "Now I do dare say there, Utar, that there ain't no need for us to get any further underfoot than we've already been. Though, I'm sure -- as this fine gentleman can no doubt confirm -- your sentiments in further aiding in the process is most appreciated." Doozey calmly says while still dangling several inches of the ground even after Biscuit sat back down on his haunches.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@Ori: Great imagery! I had a good laugh at imagining Doozey speaking seriously with Utar while dangling from Biscuit's maw.)
The lead guard nods in agreement to Utar and signals his men. Over the next few minutes, they proceed to carefully but thoroughly remove all weapons laid openly within the wagon.
Here are the weapons that are confiscated according to my understanding of your list. These are all weapons listed as "in the wagon" with the exception of those which have been unequivocally claimed by a party member. Namely, it seems to me that would be a single scimitar. I am also including the chain here as the Black Fists would plausibly consider that a potential weapon. Feel free to let me know if you think my list here has any errors.
A belt with two handaxes;
1 greataxe;
12 javelins;
1 longsword;
2 spears;
35 daggers;
1 scimitar;
24 darts;
6 shortswords;
20-foot loop of iron chain
With the dangerous items confiscated, CRAP is given access to the city of Phlan once more. Upon passing the gate, you see the great vastness of Podol Plaza, where the bazaar would normally be set up. Today, there are no stalls on the plaza and the area looks deserted in terms of commerce. It is still filled with people, however, and almost all of them are now looking at you as you enter the city with a wagon full of goods.
CRAP knows that moving straight ahead is the fastest way to eventually reach HQ (i.e., moving eastward), but Utar would know that the Stojanow Gate, a great structure serving as the heart of the defenses of Valjevo Castle, is located just north of Podol Plaza. This is relevant for two reasons. First, the Stojanow gate serves as the Black Fist headquarters. Second, lacking a temple dedicated to Helm, a small shrine to The Great Guard has been placed just outside the plaza-facing side of the Stojanow Gate.
Note: The Stonjanow Gate separates two areas internal to Phlan: Valjevo Castle and Podol Plaza. It is not one of the four gates on the external walls of the city linking to the outside world.
"Sagin is busy preparing breakfast and Villanoh is coming to meet us, so I suggest we get the wagon into yard and safely stored in the stables away from sight. House Cardona are coming to the manor later on, so we could reach out to the Harper and Silge to meet us there this evening? Best we get moving though, we've appointments to keep."
"She is!? Like, out here or you're talking about at the manor?" Doozey questions but hardly waits for an answer before hurriedly waving a hand in a dismissive gesture. "N-nevermind. I-I thought, uhh... Nevermind, w-whatever, uhh, I guess I'll start getting the wagon loaded back up again." With a defeated sigh, the halfling motioned to his canine companion, and together the duo would properly get to work loading the wagon back up, believing based on Utar's words the intent was to hide their goods. Though lingering misgivings would go on to plague his mind, it wasn't so implausible that the party could deal with any over curious citizenry on the way back home if it came to it.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The plan's details begin to take shape as Doozey and Neya discuss further but, when Utar is given the final word, he shares with the group that they have less time than previously thought and more already-scheduled-appointments than most of them realized. The plan quickly changes and all the loot finds its way back into the wagon.
CRAP then begins to drive the oxen and wagon toward Phlan.
(OOC: Unless told otherwise, I am assuming all goods have been moved from the mansion back to the wagon. Also, please let me know what gate you are going to approach. Details can be seen here. The closest gate to the stables would be Podol Gate.)
As the last of the goods are moved back to the wagon, Utar shrugs his response. "At the manor, thought she might like to share our breakfast. We best get moving so we're through the gate and the market before it gets too busy."
Walking alongside the wagon as it approaches the gate, Utar slips a few silver pieces into his left hand and a couple of gold pieces into his right.
"With all the um artwork Jerellas gang put on this thing. It may not be recognized anyway" Raist rides around the wagon before taking station to the right of it wearing his "library" livery in plain sight
Laissez les bons temps rouler
"Ah, well, aight. Just made it seem like fer a second that, uhh... eh..." Doozey trailed off from there giving a shrug of his own back to Utar, before taking up a spot in the driver's seat. Biscuit once again found his way to the back of the wagon, ready to ward off any sneak thieves' that might yet try their luck once the party reached the city proper. "Here's hoping, Raist. Here's hoping." Said the halfingly in turn to the wizard as the group made their way to Podol Gate.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
After a bit more planning and prepping, the group sets off toward Phlan's nearest wall. The Podol Gate is open, but traffic going in and out of the city is thin. If there was any hopes of CRAP blending into the usual early market traffic, those hopes are squashed by the grim trade situation in the city. CRAP's approach has all of the Black Fist guards' attention.
"Halt!" One of them commands. "Arriving in Phlan with a wagonfull of goods is quite the suspicious development these days." Other guards join the talkative one, staying slightly behind him and giving him an air of authority. The man is in full armor, while most other guards wear chain shirts and wield spears. "The Black Fist must inspect your goods and confiscate anything that may be deemed probable to cause disarray. We can have a whole city fighting for a few bushels of grain." He lets the command sit for a moment before signaling other guards to circle the wagon. "Step away from the vehicle."
Utar gives the guard a hard stare. He can already feel his blood beginning to boil. The city is crying out for food and the guards want to tear their wagon apart, for what? Taking a deep breath, Utar attempts to centre himself before looking into the back of the wagon...which stores a dead body and myriad of assorted weapons. Yeah...they're right to search the wagon. Addressing the lead guard, who Utar assumes to be the leader, he offers the following in explanation:
"Good sir! Yes! Where would you have us stand?" Utar indicates a point on the ground close to the leading guardsman, "Here?"
Despite what the guardsman indicates, Utar will stand close to them and continue.
"I should be honest with you, good sir. We are not merchants but the Chaotic Relief Advetnuring Party, perhaps you have heard of our exploits, no? Nevermind. We have been employed by one of the merchant houses within the city, House Cardona to act for them in hunting down the various groups of bandits and highwaymen waylaying their wagons and causing the current unrest within the city. Through our efforts we hope to have had some mitigating effect but that remains to be seen as some of them still trouble the roads in the area. We have taken their weaponry from them, however, I wonder if the Blackfist would consider taking them off our hands at a discount? Better they be put to use in the defence of our city and in keeping law and order than sold to House Cardona who would then, sell them I suppose? I would imagine the enterprising guardsman who swelled the city's armoury would be well rewarded by his masters, and if there was no interest, is there anything we could do to speed matters along?"
At this point Utar clinks the gold coins in his right hand together, hoping the guard picks up the hint.
"We would appreciate a speedy resolution to matters, as you see we also carry the mortal remains of a cleric of Helm, slain on the road by the very bandits we seek. His bretheren are standing by to reclaim the remains you see, I would appreciate it if their remains went unmolested and we were allowed to see them swiftly interred according to their customs."
Insight - 23 - Does Utar get the impression the guard is buying any of this?
Still mounted Raist moves away from the wagon to a position covering Utar
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Whatever spark of relief that first entered Doozey's visage from seeing the gate up close, all but died immediately once the guards began initiating their shakedown "procedure". While it wasn't surprising in the least, he sighed softly all the same, having truly enjoyed those fleeting few moments of bliss, before disembarking from the wagon. "C'mon, Biscuit. Let's get this over with." He said over a shoulder, prompting Biscuit to slip out the back of the wagon and likely startle a few guards as he made his way around to join Doozey's side.
And at first, the pair had been content to step away, if though without any particular haste. Doozey 'tried', but with Biscuit near constantly shoving him or blocking his path, the halfling could only get so far without stopping to pet the dog. Conveniently keeping the pair close enough that, when it appeared Utar had the guard captain's interest, Doozey could clear his throat, break away, and step up as well with his fingers interlaced and hands at rest over his chest.
"My compatriot here has the right of it. In fact, we even happened to rescue a number of folk that been kidnapped as well, who by all accounts should've arrived well before us, no doubt praising our efforts. But, if word hasn't reached you fine gentlemen, then that's all right~ As I'm certain it will in due time... Either way, I'm sure not only would any aggrieved brethren of the dearly departed would be most appreciative, but I'd imagine House Cardona may be 'specially thankful to any that afforded their, uhh, employees all due kindness and understanding in these trying times."
Doozey tried to affect a pleasant smile but can scarcely manage a grin before forcing himself to press on in a confident air. "Of course, procedures may dictate you send a runner to further confirm things -- the name of our band alone being more than sufficient to elicit an expedient response, no doubt -- but, ehhh.... maybe they'd feel a little less than spontaneously magnanimous in the future in such a case for the added distraction? But, what do we know?"
-Persuasion: 14.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Even though most of the finer points of the ongoing conversation goes over Biscuit's head, he watched with an uncanny attentiveness as Doozey tried to work his charms on the guards and knew almost intrinsically something had been missing to the presentation. A dog! Not just any dog, but a wing dog! No, not wing dog, but definitely the whole thing called for a magnificent beast to step up, so... he'd do just that!
"Boof!" Biscuit went as he padded closer to Doozey's side and plopped a paw on his shoulder. "Wiff'm hoo wiffm boof bif foom." He said(??) while patting the halfling twice hard enough to nearly push him to the ground. "Boof foom fim? Bof Brom! Byeh, rooo... Byeh roof!" The mastiff concludes by patting Doozey on the head next, as if emphasizing something about Doozey having a... big brain? And that maybe he should be listened to!?! Difficult to say, but Doozey finally picked up on what the mastiff was trying to do towards the end and add, "Th-that's right, Biscuit. Good, uhh, point. I would know 'cause I have a decent, uhh, head for these things."
-Persuasion: 27.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The lead guard does not respond to Utar's first question with words, only with a look. His eyes shift to Raist suspiciously when the mounted wizard moves closer to Utar protectively, but his attention is then gathered by the orc's second question: "Yes, I remember you lot from the public announcement following the return of the library thief and the defeat of the black dragon in the marsh. Still, we have to check the wagon."
Utar continues his persuasive effort by brushing on a few arguments: official employment by House Cardona, some success in ridding the Iron Route from bandits, potential extra arms for the Black Fist, and even an immediate monetary "understanding". In case none of these stick, he adds that CRAP is returning the remains of a cleric of Helm to the city. It is this last argument that gets the most reactive response from the lead guard, as subtle as it comes. Utar realizes (insight) that he must have struck the right chord. The lead guard must be a religious man.
"Well," the lead guard resumes speaking. "We wouldn't want to affront The Great Guard himself, would we? His fallen champion must be returned to his care, no doubt there. But..." The lead guard hesitates a bit. "...if these weapons you brought were to find their way into the hands of rioters..." He looks at his guards, who share a nod with him as they look inside the wagon, Utar understands the nod to confirm that they see the weapons. "I'm afraid I still need to confiscate the weapons." He looks at Utar with a serious face and repeats: "Confiscate, not buy."
Sensing that the wind is blowing in their favor, Doozey joins the conversation at this point. The halfling adds his own arguments to the pile: a group of rescued villagers, the appreciation of the family and compatriots of the fallen, the perhaps more enticing appreciation of House Cardona itself. The lead guard can't help but pay attention to the ever increasing list of potential benefits coming his way. Even the dog seems to agree this is a good idea (persuasion).
"No need," the lead guard waves off the idea of sending a runner. "We'll unload your wagon of any weapons and then you are free to go. This is for the protection of the people of Phlan. I am sure you understand. We shall take nothing else, you have my word, as long as you promise to deliver the Helmite's remains to its proper place of rest immediately after passing through the gate..." He pauses for a minute. "And mention our good guarding duty here at Podol Gate in your prayers to The Great Guard when you do so, yes?"
Utar doubles down on the pious aspect. "Of course, good sir. You have your orders and we would not want to cause any trouble for either yourselves or the city. Will we help you unload the weapons from the wagon? And rest assured, we will ensure our precious cargo is returned to his order and that we will remember you and your men in our prayers."
Though inwardly he was a touch disappointed at the profit loss, Doozey outwardly projected an understanding and thankful air. Meanwhile, Biscuit "Boof'd" and approvingly nodded at the captain, before picking up his halfling brother up by the scruff of his collar and carry him off to the side to make room for the guard to have at the wagon. "Now I do dare say there, Utar, that there ain't no need for us to get any further underfoot than we've already been. Though, I'm sure -- as this fine gentleman can no doubt confirm -- your sentiments in further aiding in the process is most appreciated." Doozey calmly says while still dangling several inches of the ground even after Biscuit sat back down on his haunches.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@Ori: Great imagery! I had a good laugh at imagining Doozey speaking seriously with Utar while dangling from Biscuit's maw.)
The lead guard nods in agreement to Utar and signals his men. Over the next few minutes, they proceed to carefully but thoroughly remove all weapons laid openly within the wagon.
With the dangerous items confiscated, CRAP is given access to the city of Phlan once more. Upon passing the gate, you see the great vastness of Podol Plaza, where the bazaar would normally be set up. Today, there are no stalls on the plaza and the area looks deserted in terms of commerce. It is still filled with people, however, and almost all of them are now looking at you as you enter the city with a wagon full of goods.
CRAP knows that moving straight ahead is the fastest way to eventually reach HQ (i.e., moving eastward), but Utar would know that the Stojanow Gate, a great structure serving as the heart of the defenses of Valjevo Castle, is located just north of Podol Plaza. This is relevant for two reasons. First, the Stojanow gate serves as the Black Fist headquarters. Second, lacking a temple dedicated to Helm, a small shrine to The Great Guard has been placed just outside the plaza-facing side of the Stojanow Gate.
Note: The Stonjanow Gate separates two areas internal to Phlan: Valjevo Castle and Podol Plaza. It is not one of the four gates on the external walls of the city linking to the outside world.