A warlock walks into a bar. 

She's taken the form of another local: this time a tired-looking young man. His sports coat and skinny jeans aren't expensive, but they're clean and they suit him well. He sidles up to the counter and casts minor illusion. A soft voice in Sarai's ear whispers, "The cute kid at the bar"

Imani grins. I'm kinda getting a hang of this, she thinks. Her left wrist itches under the copper bracelet. After the absolutely CRAZY stuff I was throwing around last night, these little illusions are coming easy as breathing...

Sarai's Passive Investigation score is 16 (she's Observant) but that's not high enough to beat Imani's Spell DC of 18. But since Imani gave her a hint, Sarai can try an Intelligence (Investigation) check to see through the illusion (again vs. Imani's Spell DC of 18). Of course, she's only +1 on active Investigation checks, which is weird, but Observant feat, I guess: 8

That's a good disguise, Sarai thinks in her head.

Assassin, suppressing her presence still, lingers around the bar. Of course the servants could see her, but the little girl knows the bar wouldn't serve her anyway. They might even toss her out. How indignant. She lurks and watches the other servants, but doesn't approach.

(Stealth: 8)

Drawing the conversation back from... salted tea and booze, the servant leans forward to Oz and Caster, “So, here’s what I’m thinking, do either of you like games? Competition? I figured a little bit of a friendly wager may be in order, eh?”

“I’m not a betting man, but I do think that competition is healthy,” says Caster. “However, in our case, the competition is already set, is it not?”

Quote from Awaypturwpn >>

“I’m not a betting man, but I do think that competition is healthy,” says Caster. “However, in our case, the competition is already set, is it not?”

 The man crosses his arms with a chuckle, “That’s a fair point. However,” The man loses his jovial attitude for a moment, instead assuming a steely glare, “You forget that this is a war, not a game. I intend to end every one of you without flare. I won’t be chancing a victory on competition,” The man resumes his natural state once more, “But that’s stuff to worry about later tonight! So, here was my idea. Drinking contest, eh? Eh? Any takers? This kid looks like he could handle a few!”

“I’ve lost my appetite,” says Caster casually. He telepathically speaks with Oz, <Shall we be off?>

He communicates back, "Bah! I bet I could win but I better not try it." Out loud he says, "Thanks, but we must be off." He downs the rest of his beer, screwing up his face a little as he does so.

The Servant disappointedly closes his eyes and nods, “I understand, then I bid you peace until we meet again. I will forward to it.”

Sarai will leave with them, not looking at Imani in disguise.

<A wise warrior does not underestimate his enemy, young Master,> Caster says telepathically. 

Imani sends another minor illusion to Sarai. "Wait a minute. I'll be out in a bit"

After a moment, still in the guise of the hard-working young professional, she walks toward the exit and bumps lightly into the servant. "Oh, excuse m-" Her eyes widen. "Holy CRAP, you're big. Man, my girlfriend left me for a guy like you. How do you do it, man? How did you manage to put on so much mass?"

Persuasion (to get him to open up): 25 (Block watch!) + 2 (Guidance!)

The Servant looks down at Imani then to his arms, “I suppose exercise, proper diet, good genes, but...” He places a hand on your shoulder, “My friend, I too know the cold sting of a woman’s betrayal. Do not ask what you must change outside, but what you must change inside. How can you grow as a person? These are what will truly better you. The rest will follow.” He pats the shoulder a few times, which feels like Imani’s, and purses a lip, “However, in your case, I’d also suggest pull-ups, maybe some back exercises.” He then walks out the door into the busy streets. He vanishes into the crowd, likely dematerializing.

“Are they all this melodramatic?” Caster asks Oz out of the side of his mouth.

With that taken care of, what is the plan now?

(well, my plan was to ferret out the servant's name, but as he's already gone...)

Quote from Awaypturwpn >>

“Are they all this melodramatic?” Caster asks Oz out of the side of his mouth.

 "All the ones I met," Oz answers with a grin and a wink.

Imani meets up with the others on the street outside. Hands buried in the pockets of her bright red jacket, she appears as herself for a change. She chats with the others about the plan for nightfall (which is coming on fast) and in response to Caster's suggestion of finding high ground, accesses her city mind map.

"There's a place just to the west and a little south of here. It's called the 'Mount of Olives", I think? We should have a good vantage point if I set up my tower there. Oz, will you be able to use your techno skills if we do that? You mentioned that wi-fi would be important. I'm sure we could pick up a mobile hotspot for you somewhere."

As they pass by the Gatsby Cocktail Room, Imani feels a tingling in the base of her skull. There's another genius loci nearby. Right...

...there.

"One sec- hey! Are you watching us? I know you're here. Come on out- I'd love to speak with you!"

Quote from Aveiro_ >>

Imani meets up with the others on the street outside. Hands buried in the pockets of her bright red jacket, she appears as herself for a change. She chats with the others about the plan for nightfall (which is coming on fast) and in response to Caster's suggestion of finding high ground, accesses her city mind map.

"There's a place just to the west and a little south of here. It's called the 'Mount of Olives", I think? We should have a good vantage point if I set up my tower there. Oz, will you be able to use your techno skills if we do that? You mentioned that wi-fi would be important. I'm sure we could pick up a mobile hotspot for you somewhere."

As they pass by the Gatsby Cocktail Room, Imani feels a tingling in the base of her skull. There's another genius loci nearby. Right...

...there.

"One sec- hey! Are you watching us? I know you're here. Come on out- I'd love to speak with you!"

 As you do, you see the same man from before appear, albeit holding a cocktail, “My dear, good afternoon. You call on me for conversation once more?”

Imani smiles in spite of herself at the handsome older gent in his pricey suit. "You cover a lot of ground, Mr. Interesting. I assumed you would be tied to the JC Hotel." She looks back at the others. "My friends might have a couple of questions, but if you're willing to help out a beautiful young woman first..?" She gives him an ironic wink, "Tell me, besides the battle-hungry mage and his day-drinking servant, have any other notable practitioners come through here today? Are they here still?"