If but for a fleeting moment, Doozey's expression brightened at Raist claims, before a nugget concern (or paranoia) began eating away at the glimmer of hope, leaving the stoutling with furrowed brows and air of worry about him. If he could steal a moment away from tending to the ship to write, then he does so immediately before handing the card off to Neya to read(preferably aloud to the group).
The gist of the message being concern over the recent difficulties with the Iron Route on top of everything else that has happened over the past few months having lead to crackdowns on any "misbehavior" in the guards. So at the very least, they should disembark soon and try for at least the less guarded entrances to reduce the number of eyes on Rathene, if nothing else. But towards the end of the message Doozey conveyed a willingness to acquiesce to whatever the party decides upon in the end.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Between Raist and Utar, a few possible plans begin to take shape: merchants returning to town at an odd hour; victims of highwaymen returning to safety with naught but their armor, weapons, and adventuring gear; adventurers escorting a scribe of Mantor's Library out on a field mission. Braden shares his thoughts : "Well, I am a merchant, I am returning home, and it is an odd hour. We just need the why should you want me to do the talking. But the scribe idea sounds quite official; it might just fly."
Through writing, Doozey shares another idea: disembark early and enter the city on foot. The gates are bound to be closed at this time, so some negotiation with guards would be unavoidable if CRAP is seeking to get one of the city's four gates to open for them at this hour. They could try to sneak up the wall or some other similar covert act, but Rathene doesn't look like the type to excel in such endeavors, and neither does Braden. Trying to be proactive, Rathene offers and adjustment to the halfling's idea: "I've waited long to get this close to Phlan. I can wait another 10 hours if needed. You lot look well equipped enough for a night on the woods. Why not enter the city under more sunlight and less suspicious circumstances?"
Utar weighs the words of their new companions. "I think if we are to do this now, we use Raist's scribe plan to get us past the guards. We are his guard and the Lord Scribe cannot be kept waiting given the urgency of our endeavour. That said, it isn't like we haven't slept on the floor before. There are plently of us to keep watch an ur rations would likely feed us all well enough. Would you feel confident slipping past the guards in the daytime, Rathene?"
"Coming in at night might help us out; and depending how far into the shift the guards at the gate are, we may have an easier time than we might think. More tired personnel might not be as scrutinizing than those more freshly put on duty."
Doozey still looked a touch worried. But with Utar adding more weight with the "loligaging" noble, the stoutling eventually sighed and bowed his head in defeat, before then lifting his head and grinning weakly at the party. "Eh, we press'om, 'em."He then gives Raist the sort of look of 'We're counting on you', before nodding focusing his attention more fully on steering the boat.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I imagine the gates would simply be open during daytime," Rathene replies to Utar. "I'll just act as I belong, another citizen of Phlan walking back into town."She cocks her head: "Or do you think that wouldn't work?"
Rathene's argument does not get a chance at the spotlight for long. With Neya, Raist, and even Doozey supporting a nocturnal move, the former prisoner feels compelled to nod in agreement. Braden does the same.
Before CRAP reaches the fork on the road, so to say, you spot the lantern light of a group of Black Fist guards posted by the river. Soon, your vessel floats close enough to the guards for the interaction to begin. "Kinda late to be travellin' down the Stojanow River, ain't it?" asks one of three guards. "What brings you to Phlan's back entrance at this hour?" asks a second. The third remains silent. While the two talkative ones wear the usual blackened chain shirt and wield the standard Black Fist spear, the third silent one is clearly a knight who is sporting a full set of plate armor and accompanying board & shield set up. You would all know that posting a knight on guard duty indicates that something quite serious is afoot.
(OOC: Please roll an appropriate skill check alongside your response to the guards.)
Whatever confidence Utar felt they had in their fledgling plan, he feels quickly evaporate under the gaze of the Black Fist Knight. The rank and file of the Black Fist tend to be more interested in lining their own pockets. The knights tend to have their own goals most of which exceed getting a handful of coin to spend at the nearest tavern. Utar hopes that the one that stands before them at the gate is one of the good ones. At a push, maybe one of the ones that Aleyd Burrall has command over or leverage on, although he hopes that it this isn't going to go that far.
Opting to let Raist come forward and do the talking, he focuses on the knight, trying to see if they are paying particular attention to Rathene.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Still wheezing "bringing urgent information and dispatches for mistress Brandywine at the library" leaning heavily on his staff. "I know the hour is late but I would like to accomplish this task as soon as possible so that I can take care of this" gesturing towards his throat as he wheezes some more
(Not.really.lying but deception. Performance and persuasion are all +1 so
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As much as Doozey wanted to aid in the ploy he knew in his heart the impracticality in the moment. At best, his garbled words would be ignored, and at worst he'd only add frustrate the guards to the point any pleas would land them in bigger trouble, especially with a knight present. So, he put on his best disgruntled mercenary (which looked an awful like his usual grumpy demeanor from when he first joined CRAP!) just wanting to get home and rest! One who'd occasionally side-eyed Braden with a frown as if to suggest he was in part to blame.
@Utar (perception): The knight's helm covers part of his face, making it more difficult for you to tell where exactly he is zeroing in. It is clear that he is looking at the group, but if he is paying attention to any specific person on the raft, his partially shielded face is giving no indication of it.
As Raist begins to embellish his tale, the two guards look back at the knight for guidance. The knight, towering over the guards and looking somewhat regal in the glow of the lantern light, steps forward to address the elf: "You are wearing the Library's livery, that is plain to see. Produce the necessary expedition documentation and I shall ascertain the veracity of your claim." The two guards look at the group and then back at the knight, showing a bit of uncertainty in their facial expressions.
While he waits for Raist's response, he looks over the entire group. Now, Utar can tell when he is looking at Rathene. For now, it doesn't look like he is staring at her any differently than any other person on the water vessel. The exception is, perhaps, Doozey. The knight's gaze lingers on the halfling a while longer.
The well-spoken knight is being fair and cautions in his approach, but straight to the point. You can tell that there is doubt in the knight's interpretation of Raist's story. You can also tell by the guards' reactions that the requested document is not something that comes up often. Perhaps the knight is following some arcane rule that is not observed in practicality during a mundane inspection.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Though he clocked the look from the knight its inception, Doozey pretended not to for a short stint, before then finally giving the knight a small nod of respect and a weak smile as if to say 'What a night, huh?' The moment Raist breaks out his "paperwork" however, the stoutling immediately facepalm and groans. "Oh for Big Mama's sa-We be here aww might!"He said amongst the groaning. He then looks almost pleadingly at the knight, wordlessly asking while halfheartedly gesturing over to the documents, 'Do we really have to go through all this -- for this!?'
(OOC: Using the 18history from @Red in the OOC channel.)
Raist produces a stack of papers among the many loose pages he brings with him everywhere. Many of these are written in Elvish, and some are purposefully written in as awful a handwriting as the well-educated elf could fabricate. Suddenly realizing the task he has given himself, and perhaps distracted by Doozey's performance, the knight spends as little time as possible trying to decipher the documentation while also saving some face. Those who are more insightful among the CRAPers might just realize that the knight still suspects something is off here, but his pride won't allow him to admit that Elvish is not one of the languages he has picked up in his studies...
"Well... hmm... all seems to be in order here." He hands the papers back to Raist. "Move along now and try to prepare better for your research excursions. I see you have guides and mercenaries, but your boat is in awful shape."
He waves CRAP through and you soon find yourselves hopping off the raft and into the city safely. Braden speaks: "Well, it has been a long day! Shall I stop by tomorrow morning to help finance the rental of your mounts? Was that the plan?"
Rethene remains nearby but is silent. She looks about in amazement, and it is plain to see that she hasn't been in Phlan for some time.
Knowing better than to call the knight out, Doozey kept up the act and even showed genuine relief when the group is allowed through and eventually disembark. "Mm! Is p'am for sure, if you ma' mime." Answered the stoutling, prior to then letting out a yawn as he turned to the others. At that point Doozey started to say more, only to instead find himself grimacing and scratching a cheek as a newfound hurdle presented itself while looking between Raist and Rethene. But eventually, halfling eyes fall upon Neya and Utar with a look of uncertainty to them.
Braden nods at Doozey and reiterates that he shall find the group in the morning. "Why don't we simply meet at the stables on the second hour past dawn?" When the conversation soon turns to regard Rathene, the merchant exclaims "Better if I don't know!"and takes his leave. He waves from afar and disappears behind a city corner.
Rathene notices Doozey's sudden consideration but, before she can spare a few words voluntarily, Neya asks the question more directly. "Start over,"she says. "I'm not sure what that means yet but I'll figure something out." She turns to leave. "Thank you for freeing me. I know you had hopes of me taking a more proactive role in your imminent confrontation with Sahnd, but I feel like I have already played my role. It would be crazy to throw away this second chance here, now, in Phlan in order to turn back and face the Gray Patriots again."She takes a few steps before turning to face you once more: "Has my debt to you been fulfilled with all the information I shared? May I have my leave?"
Some eyes soon turn to Raist as well. Will the scribe return to Mantor's Library for the night or will he be bunking with his new team tonight?
If but for a fleeting moment, Doozey's expression brightened at Raist claims, before a nugget concern (or paranoia) began eating away at the glimmer of hope, leaving the stoutling with furrowed brows and air of worry about him. If he could steal a moment away from tending to the ship to write, then he does so immediately before handing the card off to Neya to read(preferably aloud to the group).
The gist of the message being concern over the recent difficulties with the Iron Route on top of everything else that has happened over the past few months having lead to crackdowns on any "misbehavior" in the guards. So at the very least, they should disembark soon and try for at least the less guarded entrances to reduce the number of eyes on Rathene, if nothing else. But towards the end of the message Doozey conveyed a willingness to acquiesce to whatever the party decides upon in the end.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Between Raist and Utar, a few possible plans begin to take shape: merchants returning to town at an odd hour; victims of highwaymen returning to safety with naught but their armor, weapons, and adventuring gear; adventurers escorting a scribe of Mantor's Library out on a field mission. Braden shares his thoughts : "Well, I am a merchant, I am returning home, and it is an odd hour. We just need the why should you want me to do the talking. But the scribe idea sounds quite official; it might just fly."
Through writing, Doozey shares another idea: disembark early and enter the city on foot. The gates are bound to be closed at this time, so some negotiation with guards would be unavoidable if CRAP is seeking to get one of the city's four gates to open for them at this hour. They could try to sneak up the wall or some other similar covert act, but Rathene doesn't look like the type to excel in such endeavors, and neither does Braden. Trying to be proactive, Rathene offers and adjustment to the halfling's idea: "I've waited long to get this close to Phlan. I can wait another 10 hours if needed. You lot look well equipped enough for a night on the woods. Why not enter the city under more sunlight and less suspicious circumstances?"
Utar weighs the words of their new companions. "I think if we are to do this now, we use Raist's scribe plan to get us past the guards. We are his guard and the Lord Scribe cannot be kept waiting given the urgency of our endeavour. That said, it isn't like we haven't slept on the floor before. There are plently of us to keep watch an ur rations would likely feed us all well enough. Would you feel confident slipping past the guards in the daytime, Rathene?"
"Coming in at night might help us out; and depending how far into the shift the guards at the gate are, we may have an easier time than we might think. More tired personnel might not be as scrutinizing than those more freshly put on duty."
Extended Signature
Doozey still looked a touch worried. But with Utar adding more weight with the "loligaging" noble, the stoutling eventually sighed and bowed his head in defeat, before then lifting his head and grinning weakly at the party. "Eh, we press'om, 'em." He then gives Raist the sort of look of 'We're counting on you', before nodding focusing his attention more fully on steering the boat.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Agreed" raist wheezes
Laissez les bons temps rouler
"I imagine the gates would simply be open during daytime," Rathene replies to Utar. "I'll just act as I belong, another citizen of Phlan walking back into town." She cocks her head: "Or do you think that wouldn't work?"
Rathene's argument does not get a chance at the spotlight for long. With Neya, Raist, and even Doozey supporting a nocturnal move, the former prisoner feels compelled to nod in agreement. Braden does the same.
Before CRAP reaches the fork on the road, so to say, you spot the lantern light of a group of Black Fist guards posted by the river. Soon, your vessel floats close enough to the guards for the interaction to begin. "Kinda late to be travellin' down the Stojanow River, ain't it?" asks one of three guards. "What brings you to Phlan's back entrance at this hour?" asks a second. The third remains silent. While the two talkative ones wear the usual blackened chain shirt and wield the standard Black Fist spear, the third silent one is clearly a knight who is sporting a full set of plate armor and accompanying board & shield set up. You would all know that posting a knight on guard duty indicates that something quite serious is afoot.
(OOC: Please roll an appropriate skill check alongside your response to the guards.)
Whatever confidence Utar felt they had in their fledgling plan, he feels quickly evaporate under the gaze of the Black Fist Knight. The rank and file of the Black Fist tend to be more interested in lining their own pockets. The knights tend to have their own goals most of which exceed getting a handful of coin to spend at the nearest tavern. Utar hopes that the one that stands before them at the gate is one of the good ones. At a push, maybe one of the ones that Aleyd Burrall has command over or leverage on, although he hopes that it this isn't going to go that far.
Opting to let Raist come forward and do the talking, he focuses on the knight, trying to see if they are paying particular attention to Rathene.
Perception - 16
Still wheezing "bringing urgent information and dispatches for mistress Brandywine at the library" leaning heavily on his staff. "I know the hour is late but I would like to accomplish this task as soon as possible so that I can take care of this" gesturing towards his throat as he wheezes some more
(Not.really.lying but deception. Performance and persuasion are all +1 so
11
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Neya keeps an track of the knight's demeanor, if any can be gleaned by the presumably more professional member of the Black Fist.
Insight: 23
Extended Signature
As much as Doozey wanted to aid in the ploy he knew in his heart the impracticality in the moment. At best, his garbled words would be ignored, and at worst he'd only add frustrate the guards to the point any pleas would land them in bigger trouble, especially with a knight present. So, he put on his best disgruntled mercenary (which looked an awful like his usual grumpy demeanor from when he first joined CRAP!) just wanting to get home and rest! One who'd occasionally side-eyed Braden with a frown as if to suggest he was in part to blame.
-Performance: 9.(17) (if needed)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
@Utar (perception): The knight's helm covers part of his face, making it more difficult for you to tell where exactly he is zeroing in. It is clear that he is looking at the group, but if he is paying attention to any specific person on the raft, his partially shielded face is giving no indication of it.
As Raist begins to embellish his tale, the two guards look back at the knight for guidance. The knight, towering over the guards and looking somewhat regal in the glow of the lantern light, steps forward to address the elf: "You are wearing the Library's livery, that is plain to see. Produce the necessary expedition documentation and I shall ascertain the veracity of your claim." The two guards look at the group and then back at the knight, showing a bit of uncertainty in their facial expressions.
While he waits for Raist's response, he looks over the entire group. Now, Utar can tell when he is looking at Rathene. For now, it doesn't look like he is staring at her any differently than any other person on the water vessel. The exception is, perhaps, Doozey. The knight's gaze lingers on the halfling a while longer.
@Neya (insight):
The well-spoken knight is being fair and cautions in his approach, but straight to the point. You can tell that there is doubt in the knight's interpretation of Raist's story. You can also tell by the guards' reactions that the requested document is not something that comes up often. Perhaps the knight is following some arcane rule that is not observed in practicality during a mundane inspection.
Raist produces a stack of.documents written in a couple of different languages.and symbols
"Herre. (Wheezing) I myself can only read a couple of them but it's supposed to be eyes only for mistress Brandywine"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Though he clocked the look from the knight its inception, Doozey pretended not to for a short stint, before then finally giving the knight a small nod of respect and a weak smile as if to say 'What a night, huh?' The moment Raist breaks out his "paperwork" however, the stoutling immediately facepalm and groans. "Oh for Big Mama's sa-We be here aww might!" He said amongst the groaning. He then looks almost pleadingly at the knight, wordlessly asking while halfheartedly gesturing over to the documents, 'Do we really have to go through all this -- for this!?'
-Persuasion: 13. (if needed)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: Using the 18 history from @Red in the OOC channel.)
Raist produces a stack of papers among the many loose pages he brings with him everywhere. Many of these are written in Elvish, and some are purposefully written in as awful a handwriting as the well-educated elf could fabricate. Suddenly realizing the task he has given himself, and perhaps distracted by Doozey's performance, the knight spends as little time as possible trying to decipher the documentation while also saving some face. Those who are more insightful among the CRAPers might just realize that the knight still suspects something is off here, but his pride won't allow him to admit that Elvish is not one of the languages he has picked up in his studies...
"Well... hmm... all seems to be in order here." He hands the papers back to Raist. "Move along now and try to prepare better for your research excursions. I see you have guides and mercenaries, but your boat is in awful shape."
He waves CRAP through and you soon find yourselves hopping off the raft and into the city safely. Braden speaks: "Well, it has been a long day! Shall I stop by tomorrow morning to help finance the rental of your mounts? Was that the plan?"
Rethene remains nearby but is silent. She looks about in amazement, and it is plain to see that she hasn't been in Phlan for some time.
Knowing better than to call the knight out, Doozey kept up the act and even showed genuine relief when the group is allowed through and eventually disembark. "Mm! Is p'am for sure, if you ma' mime." Answered the stoutling, prior to then letting out a yawn as he turned to the others. At that point Doozey started to say more, only to instead find himself grimacing and scratching a cheek as a newfound hurdle presented itself while looking between Raist and Rethene. But eventually, halfling eyes fall upon Neya and Utar with a look of uncertainty to them.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Rathene. Since we will be leaving tomorrow, what do you plan to do for the short term?"
Extended Signature
Braden nods at Doozey and reiterates that he shall find the group in the morning. "Why don't we simply meet at the stables on the second hour past dawn?" When the conversation soon turns to regard Rathene, the merchant exclaims "Better if I don't know!" and takes his leave. He waves from afar and disappears behind a city corner.
Rathene notices Doozey's sudden consideration but, before she can spare a few words voluntarily, Neya asks the question more directly. "Start over," she says. "I'm not sure what that means yet but I'll figure something out." She turns to leave. "Thank you for freeing me. I know you had hopes of me taking a more proactive role in your imminent confrontation with Sahnd, but I feel like I have already played my role. It would be crazy to throw away this second chance here, now, in Phlan in order to turn back and face the Gray Patriots again." She takes a few steps before turning to face you once more: "Has my debt to you been fulfilled with all the information I shared? May I have my leave?"
Some eyes soon turn to Raist as well. Will the scribe return to Mantor's Library for the night or will he be bunking with his new team tonight?
"Second hour past dawn. Understood" Raist wheezes then looks at the rest of the group
Laissez les bons temps rouler
"Why don't you come stay the night with us, Raist. It will be easier than meeting up somewhere."
Extended Signature