From the back of the group, Torm says, "The barkeep's remarks about closing the well were interesting. I don' t think he believes this was locked up because of 'plague'. Especially if they are still letting the residents use the water."
Torm scans the wall and the area around them looking for any sign of the watch.
"There were some among my order who specialized in stealth and bypassing things ment to keep people out. I have some knowledge and training in this area," Tuu'Saayn says. He moves in closer to get a look at the locks with Gus. As he walks, he pulls a bundle of rolled up leather from his pack. The soft leather has been stained to a very dark brown, bordering on black. Before removing the leather cord securing the bundle, he joins Torm in glancing quickly about for prying eyes.
perception 22
If the coast is clear Tuu'Saayn offers to help with the lock. If no others in the group are proficient in that area he offers to give it a try. He carefully opens the leather bundle exposing a well organized collection of small picks, bits metal (some straight, some bent at various a angles), and a tiny mirror with a long handle. After selecting the right tool for the job he gets to work.
[On a Nat20, you notice everything there is to notice, but it still might not help]
Gustav has seen these before: Specifically, they are 'Arlington and Burke Number 13B' - hardened bronze padlocks famous for their rugged exterior, exceptionally long working life.. and all being keyed the same. Every single 13B ever shipped can be opened with the same key - they are widely used by fire brigades, town watches and other such officials to secure public property.
Strangely, none of the watch are anywhere to be seen - you'd have thought they would put a guard on the gate, if it was important enough to lock it. You've not seen any of the Watch since you arrived, just two city guard manning the gate, but various people have mentioned their constant presence.
The roadway is dim, but only fifteen or so feet wide, the dappled light from the market stalls casts more shadow than light.
Splashes of water on the steps suggest recent use - Gus remembers the discarded buckets just down the road, and realises there was a familiar double-scrape mark just in front of them. Whatever caused that should have made a noise - but the sound of drum-and-pipe music from a nearby pair of entertainers might have covered it.
From the description the washerwoman gave, and her advanced state of inebriation, the disappearance must have happened about twenty eight minutes ago - before either the baker or Hildegard disappeared, and while your cart was still coming up the approach road to the entrance tunnel, along a deep-cutting. The gates must have been locked some time after the two washerwomen left, which puts that in the last twenty five minutes as well.
Over in the market itself, business continues as normal, idle shoppers and bargain hunters picking their way amongst the crowded stalls, the cries of vendors advertising their wares and the smells of apples, soap and beer fill the air.
If the coast is clear Tuu'Saayn offers to help with the lock. If no others in the group are proficient in that area he offers to give it a try. He carefully opens the leather bundle exposing a well organized collection of small picks, bits metal (some straight, some bent at various a angles), and a tiny mirror with a long handle. After selecting the right tool for the job he gets to work.
thieves tools 12+2=14
No-one in the market seems to be paying any attention to the Well-Gates, but the '13B' proves to be a well-made lock, with none of the gaps around the shackle that make cheap padlocks so easy to open. That leaves the lock mechanism itself, and Tu'Saayn's lack of experience lets him down - he knows the theory, but even after a few minutes of work, he can't feel the right place to push.
Tuu'Saayn's face is the picture of practiced focus. He hears nothing but the soft clicks of his pick against the tumblers. His hands move slowly, methodically, probing the well made lock. A bead of sweat rolls down his face and his brows furrow as frustration builds. A soft but steady stream of profanities begin to drip from his mouth with a reptilian hiss (he only swears in draconic). Finally he surrenders to the hells spawned metal contraption. Turning, frustration painted all over his face, he apologizes to the group.
"We could hide and watch the gate," he offers half heartedly. His disappointment in his failure momentarily tainting his practiced even keel demeanor.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
"Looks like it's locked up pretty good and secure."
Gryn scratches the side of his head in confoundment.
"I don't think we're getting in this way."
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.”
As the group watches and waits, a man pushing a handcart stops at the well-gates - he stares at the padlocks in puzzlement, rattling the gate in frustration.
"What's going on here? Where's the Watch? Where's Captain Clay? Is this somebody's idea of a joke?"
At his loud complaints, one of the vendors from the market wanders over to commiserate
"Watch came and locked it up, they did - 'Bout a half hour since. Locked the Wells and all headed off toward the North Gate. Clay wasn't here, but that smarmy lieutenant Higgins was giving the orders.
Gryn scratches at the side of his head in contemplation.
"I wonder what's going on at the North Gate that would draw so many of the Watchmen away?"
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.”
“Oh Gryn, you’ve just asked the most important question of the day!”
He paces dramatically, one hand on his chin, the other gesturing wildly as if painting conspiracy lines in the air.
“Think about it. The entire Watch—the entire Watch—gets pulled off post at the exact moment someone or something is dragging washerwomen into plague-locked wells like it’s laundry day at the end of the world?”
He spins and points an accusatory finger at nothing in particular.
“Either there’s a fire-breathing dragon juggling babies at the North Gate, or someone wanted those guards very far away from here. Which means whatever’s happening here is worth covering up.”
He leans toward the group, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
“Doors are locked. Wells are closed. Guards are gone. And we’ve got a missing laundress, a crying colleague, and a sewer that practically screams 'investigate me.'”
Gus grins, clearly delighted.
“So what do you say? Shall we chase the mystery down the drain, or go find out what’s stealing the Watch’s attention?”
[OOC: Would Gus be able to fit through the culvert?]
Tuu'Saayn listens to the group, processing their thoughts and suggestions, but his eyes remain fixed on the lock. His training allows his breath and body to remain calm, but his mind is churning.
"I would rather avoid going to jail, but it does not appear as if there are any guards to arrest us. I believe that the answers we seek lie beyond the gate. I would like to try again on the lock. Does anyone have magic that could help? I am positive that I can get it, but it is also possible to break a tool inside the tumblers," he pauses a minute to consider the wisdom of his next suggestion. "An appropriate amount of force would open it up as well..."
***OoC: DM, can Tuu'Saayn try again even without assistance of some sort?***
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
***OoC: DM, can Tuu'Saayn try again even without assistance of some sort?***
[No - subtlety has failed, you're left with violence or trickery. For future reference, because this is PBP, Gryn could have cast guidance on you while you were struggling with the lock - but it's too late for that now.]
Torm rubs his chin and says, "I agree with Tuu/Saayn. If the watch secured this gate, I respect their position and would not usually dare transgress it. However, if answers may be found beyond this barricade and the watch is preoccupied at the north wall . . . Does anyone have a crowbar?"
Torm rubs his chin and says, "I agree with Tuu/Saayn. If the watch secured this gate, I respect their position and would not usually dare transgress it. However, if answers may be found beyond this barricade and the watch is preoccupied at the north wall . . . Does anyone have a crowbar?"
[A quick check of character sheets suggests not: But you are standing feet away from the Night Market...]
[A quick check of character sheets suggests not: But you are standing feet away from the Night Market...]
[hahaha, yeah that was plan B]
Torm asks the vendor that wandered over, "Which merchant would have tools for purchase? Also, you mentioned LT Higgins was giving orders instead of Captain Clay. When is the last time you recall seeing the captain?"
"Which merchant would have tools for purchase? Also, you mentioned LT Higgins was giving orders instead of Captain Clay. When is the last time you recall seeing the captain?"
13
1
The man doesn't look pleased to see such a shining Paragon of Virtue, but gives brief answers before turning away
"There's a couple of hardware stalls just a couple of rows in - you can't miss Urin's. Captain was here around lunchtime, doing the early rounds."
While Torm heads back to the stalls Tuu'Saayn begins to follow the flow of water in the gutters. He glances back at the lock one more time, he thought, "If this doesn't work it will be satisfying to see that lock broken." Although the idea of leaving evidence like that in plain view does not sit well with him either. He continelues to quietly ponder these things as he tracks the flow of runoff watter, looking for another way to the well.
Perception 12
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
From the back of the group, Torm says, "The barkeep's remarks about closing the well were interesting. I don' t think he believes this was locked up because of 'plague'. Especially if they are still letting the residents use the water."
Torm scans the wall and the area around them looking for any sign of the watch.
[Perception: 4]
"There were some among my order who specialized in stealth and bypassing things ment to keep people out. I have some knowledge and training in this area," Tuu'Saayn says. He moves in closer to get a look at the locks with Gus. As he walks, he pulls a bundle of rolled up leather from his pack. The soft leather has been stained to a very dark brown, bordering on black. Before removing the leather cord securing the bundle, he joins Torm in glancing quickly about for prying eyes.
perception 22
If the coast is clear Tuu'Saayn offers to help with the lock. If no others in the group are proficient in that area he offers to give it a try. He carefully opens the leather bundle exposing a well organized collection of small picks, bits metal (some straight, some bent at various a angles), and a tiny mirror with a long handle. After selecting the right tool for the job he gets to work.
thieves tools 12+2=14
***OoC: had to manually add prof **
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
[On a Nat20, you notice everything there is to notice, but it still might not help]
Gustav has seen these before: Specifically, they are 'Arlington and Burke Number 13B' - hardened bronze padlocks famous for their rugged exterior, exceptionally long working life.. and all being keyed the same. Every single 13B ever shipped can be opened with the same key - they are widely used by fire brigades, town watches and other such officials to secure public property.
Strangely, none of the watch are anywhere to be seen - you'd have thought they would put a guard on the gate, if it was important enough to lock it. You've not seen any of the Watch since you arrived, just two city guard manning the gate, but various people have mentioned their constant presence.
The roadway is dim, but only fifteen or so feet wide, the dappled light from the market stalls casts more shadow than light.
Splashes of water on the steps suggest recent use - Gus remembers the discarded buckets just down the road, and realises there was a familiar double-scrape mark just in front of them. Whatever caused that should have made a noise - but the sound of drum-and-pipe music from a nearby pair of entertainers might have covered it.
From the description the washerwoman gave, and her advanced state of inebriation, the disappearance must have happened about twenty eight minutes ago - before either the baker or Hildegard disappeared, and while your cart was still coming up the approach road to the entrance tunnel, along a deep-cutting. The gates must have been locked some time after the two washerwomen left, which puts that in the last twenty five minutes as well.
Over in the market itself, business continues as normal, idle shoppers and bargain hunters picking their way amongst the crowded stalls, the cries of vendors advertising their wares and the smells of apples, soap and beer fill the air.
No-one in the market seems to be paying any attention to the Well-Gates, but the '13B' proves to be a well-made lock, with none of the gaps around the shackle that make cheap padlocks so easy to open. That leaves the lock mechanism itself, and Tu'Saayn's lack of experience lets him down - he knows the theory, but even after a few minutes of work, he can't feel the right place to push.
[missed the roll by 1]
Tuu'Saayn's face is the picture of practiced focus. He hears nothing but the soft clicks of his pick against the tumblers. His hands move slowly, methodically, probing the well made lock. A bead of sweat rolls down his face and his brows furrow as frustration builds. A soft but steady stream of profanities begin to drip from his mouth with a reptilian hiss (he only swears in draconic). Finally he surrenders to the hells spawned metal contraption. Turning, frustration painted all over his face, he apologizes to the group.
"We could hide and watch the gate," he offers half heartedly. His disappointment in his failure momentarily tainting his practiced even keel demeanor.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
"Looks like it's locked up pretty good and secure."
Gryn scratches the side of his head in confoundment.
"I don't think we're getting in this way."
[Dead End? Fear not: All the Pleasures and Treasures of the Night Market still await you ]
As the group watches and waits, a man pushing a handcart stops at the well-gates - he stares at the padlocks in puzzlement, rattling the gate in frustration.
"What's going on here? Where's the Watch? Where's Captain Clay? Is this somebody's idea of a joke?"
At his loud complaints, one of the vendors from the market wanders over to commiserate
"Watch came and locked it up, they did - 'Bout a half hour since. Locked the Wells and all headed off toward the North Gate. Clay wasn't here, but that smarmy lieutenant Higgins was giving the orders.
Haven't seen a single Watchman since."
Gryn scratches at the side of his head in contemplation.
"I wonder what's going on at the North Gate that would draw so many of the Watchmen away?"
“Oh Gryn, you’ve just asked the most important question of the day!”
He paces dramatically, one hand on his chin, the other gesturing wildly as if painting conspiracy lines in the air.
“Think about it. The entire Watch—the entire Watch—gets pulled off post at the exact moment someone or something is dragging washerwomen into plague-locked wells like it’s laundry day at the end of the world?”
He spins and points an accusatory finger at nothing in particular.
“Either there’s a fire-breathing dragon juggling babies at the North Gate, or someone wanted those guards very far away from here. Which means whatever’s happening here is worth covering up.”
He leans toward the group, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
“Doors are locked. Wells are closed. Guards are gone. And we’ve got a missing laundress, a crying colleague, and a sewer that practically screams 'investigate me.'”
Gus grins, clearly delighted.
“So what do you say? Shall we chase the mystery down the drain, or go find out what’s stealing the Watch’s attention?”
[OOC: Would Gus be able to fit through the culvert?]
Tuu'Saayn listens to the group, processing their thoughts and suggestions, but his eyes remain fixed on the lock. His training allows his breath and body to remain calm, but his mind is churning.
"I would rather avoid going to jail, but it does not appear as if there are any guards to arrest us. I believe that the answers we seek lie beyond the gate. I would like to try again on the lock. Does anyone have magic that could help? I am positive that I can get it, but it is also possible to break a tool inside the tumblers," he pauses a minute to consider the wisdom of his next suggestion. "An appropriate amount of force would open it up as well..."
***OoC: DM, can Tuu'Saayn try again even without assistance of some sort?***
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
[Probably not: But you can try an Investigation roll]
Investigation: 11
[Good enough for an easy hint: Where do small, narrow drains end up? All those little culverts must go somewhere, if you want to go look.]
Torm rubs his chin and says, "I agree with Tuu/Saayn. If the watch secured this gate, I respect their position and would not usually dare transgress it. However, if answers may be found beyond this barricade and the watch is preoccupied at the north wall . . . Does anyone have a crowbar?"
[A quick check of character sheets suggests not: But you are standing feet away from the Night Market...]
[hahaha, yeah that was plan B]
Torm asks the vendor that wandered over, "Which merchant would have tools for purchase? Also, you mentioned LT Higgins was giving orders instead of Captain Clay. When is the last time you recall seeing the captain?"
13
1
The man doesn't look pleased to see such a shining Paragon of Virtue, but gives brief answers before turning away
"There's a couple of hardware stalls just a couple of rows in - you can't miss Urin's. Captain was here around lunchtime, doing the early rounds."
While Torm heads back to the stalls Tuu'Saayn begins to follow the flow of water in the gutters. He glances back at the lock one more time, he thought, "If this doesn't work it will be satisfying to see that lock broken." Although the idea of leaving evidence like that in plain view does not sit well with him either. He continelues to quietly ponder these things as he tracks the flow of runoff watter, looking for another way to the well.
Perception 12
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond