As you are all discussing the days events you hear a knock on the door. Before you can respond the door opens and Falkas walks in holding a cloth sack. Around his arm a winged snake curls up tight against his muscles. He hands the sack over to Nadia saying Here, this should have everything you need to disguise yourself. Use it wisely. Now do you guys have a plan yet? We need to come up with something soon. The Snail wants me to come along and make sure the job is done, but hes made it clear that this is your show. So what do you need from me? The snake on his arm unfurls its wings and raises its head as it stares at Zack and Nadia, letting out an angry hiss their direction. The half elf pets the winged snake to calm it down saying Quiet Monty. Behave. 

Happy had just been reading to clarify a few things for Zack before being cut off by Falkas arrival. The abruptness of which hardly phases by much, and he even greeted the man with a wave. At the snake's response to the others and curse interpreted within it, a confused Happy looks between the two before addressing Falkas. "We were just in the process of finishing all that, truth be told. Glad to have you aboard." He said casually, still in either denial or unconcerned about Zhent sheninigans.

Then with a wave he adds something a sing songey language [Sylvan] in addressing Monty.

 
The two go back and forth for at least a short while, before he finally looks up to Falkas and the others, or at least their rough direction. Always hard to tell, what with his insistence on wearing a mask all the time. "Now I say, where was I before? Oh yes. It's about the timing. Mid to late afternoon aughta be fine. That way we have a few extra shadows to work with maybe, and all my contacts will -- should at least be right and properly available. Not to mention if the shifts are around 7 or so, those on hand will be their closest to exhausted and off guard without my particular magics having full run its course." Happy explained.

"Now, as far as burning things down, I'd... I'd like to say that's more of a last resort sort of thing. With the chaos my friends will hopefully be able to cause, they'll have more than enough on their plate. Plus, the one location I know is a quiet one, and could be used as an at least temporary refuge in the event things go a bit funky." Happy leans back so he rested more heavily against the wall. "'sides, my spikey haired friend, we don't want to have too many plates spinning at once in the general locale of where we gonna be. The longer their attention is focused outwardly, the easier -- or so I hope, it'll be to get where we be needing to go."

"But if you insist.." And he'll add to whatever rough spun map the group had managed to cobble together since the last time Happy made his report the location of the least used area. He then looks to Nadia, "Your mate there has a point. Nn.. Not about the berries thing." Happy glances over to Zack, rubbing the back of his neck. "Had a cousin tried that trick once, and nearly died for it. You got eat it proper, least you find yourself choking on it the moment you go down. Or, you bite too soon on accident and don't quite eat it, finding yourself bereft of the magic as its kind of been dispersed due to not being fully consumed." He admits.

"... It's... a swell little miracle but with plenty of drawbacks as well. Part of why I got at least a couple potions as well. A bit easier to get down in an emergency then trying to help someone chew and swallow something while out cold." Happy gives a hearty chuckle. "Anyhow. We'll use the morning to settle any last minute affairs -- holy water purchasing, mmmn... mybe Falkan can rustle up some rabble roursers to keep the guards that much occupied on the front gates, and I can -- again -- talk to my friends to let them know about the timing. Then around noon we start for castle... Though, problem is, we won't know for sure if the assault I got in mind regarding my friends is happening or not, so timing will be everything." He then looks to Frakas. "Also, can you get a few special ingredients for me? I need to mix up something tonight to help my, uh, 'friends' bowel movements in the afternoon" And he'll rattle list of minor baking ingredients.

Zack doesn't much jump when the man comes in, he had more or less been expecting it, when they had basically been ignoring him the last few days. He listened to what was said by him, and then by Happy. Seeming unhappy about the response using the berries as a reverse-suicide-pill. Sighing, he leans back, ignoring the snake. Not caring if it was the same one or not, as he already didn't trust the Zhents to begin with. Lacing his fingers behind his head to help support it, and closing the eye farther away from the zhent. We've been back for five minutes. Coool your jets. We just barely got done consolidating our info. Plan forming comes next. Or do the ... he cut himself off before he finished, for the sake of digression. Anyways....

With the information we have now... We'll be performing some shenanigans as distractions while we make our way through the sewer. Honestly with the plan we have, it seems timing will be our biggest issue. he rattles off all the details they had collected.

 So... this is how *I* see it working best. We have to do something in the way the animals can understand, and that means we have to set out before them. So uh.. Falkass? How long will it take for us to get from [the manhole that Happy used to talk to Geoffrey] to the palace? he paused, waiting until any needed answers were given before proceeding, and usign that information to describe the rest. So with that in mind, We'll need happy to tell all of his 'agents' that 'when the sun is at hits highest point' so they will know exactly when to begin. And we start heading in at [Falkas response time] .. perhaps an extra half hour early... just to account for any potential mishaps, as we can always wait any extra time needed to keep with the timeline.

Then, when the distractions begin.. which we should know when that is as they will probably be shouting or atleast reporting on it.. there will be some visible sign. That's when we go in, as soon as the immediate coast clears. Since it'll be mid-day, we can assume the Duchess will either be in the grand chambers where the common-folk go to meet and complain about things, or in the feasting hall which shouldn't be too far from the man hall as rich types like to keep all the 'guest' access areas nearby one another. I doubt she'll be anywhere else at that time of day.. and as we're making the boldest attack ever, we're most likely to have the upper hand, like someone making jokes at a funeral.

From there, we seek our target, execute the target. As much as I want to ask ahead of time like 'Did you really do this?' or 'were you apart of that?' I've heard enough old stories, and that will just buy the guards time to respond, or for her to shout for aid.  So we don't have time for questions; right OR wrong. We only deal with what we have to on the way - the fewer interactions we have, the better. And the sooner the job is done... the better. So I hope we're clear on that - we don't have time to waste. No questions. No doubts. Just in and out as fast as possible.

If it becomes needed... we'll use your tower as a 'hiding spot' but I'd rather just not potentially trap ourselves in a place with no escape. So... I was wondering if Rillex could.. with a lit torch go to the tower with all that clearly burnable stuff... as a cat with a torch won't be nearly as visible at midday making its way there to prepare there so that regardless of when we need it.. it can ignite the tower, and set it ablaze, to further sow confusion in their ranks. And if we're spotted, by someone, we'll make it seem as though we're insurgents from the cult of the Dragon, that way we don't risk starting a war with another nation. Even if Daggerford may or may not deserve it, The other nation doesn't and I don't believe the Zhents want a war on the town either. And since the cult was only semi-recently dealt with, the possibility of stragglers still exists. 

Once we eliminate our target, we can attempt to head back the way we came, or, barring that, I saw a wall on the eastern fence in disrepair, maybe we can slide down it, or burst through it. And Falkass... if you intend to go shopping for that water tonight... could you also get us a set of grappling hooks? three, with rope. Just in case. Never hurts to have a plan-C. 

Regardless of how we get out. According to what the Snail said, our next objective is to head to the docks. And get on the boat to make our way out. As for what we do if we find resistance inside? We deal with it as best as we can. Our group isn't exactly stealthy, least of all me. In any case, that's my idea of a plan. Any suggestions, or entirely different ones?

Other than what I've said here, I just have to go pick up our supplies before we get started in the morning.

Just a response for Happy.

Nadia's eyes were so focused on the floor she hadn't noticed Zack lean in just to flick her forehead and startle her out of her thoughts. She gives the fighter a look of bewilderment as a hand goes to gently rub the area despite it not hurting by any means. Then he spoke and her eyes returned to the ground, her face heating up again out of sheer embarrassment. She had been relatively positive the whole day, in high spirits after sending off the package and receiving praise from her improvements in training, so she shouldn't have been taking her failure to heart the way she had been. There were positives to the whole ordeal that he had to point out to her though the fog of doubt for her to see, which she was thankful for, but there was still a feeling of guilt that wouldn't wash itself away from her mind so easily.

Regardless of the fact, she would take a breath to recollect, push that feeling back and try to pull more positivity forward. She lifts her head finally, but just as she's about to speak, Falkas makes his entrance and hands her the sack of items requested. She hesitates, yet manages to mutter out to him, "Ah, thank you." Before looking through the bag and double checking what he got for her. At least she would be entertained tomorrow while the others... set up everything. She bites her bottom lip to stop herself from thinking too into it, and instead simply listens to what they had planned up so far, only giving the snake a quick side glance when he hissed at them. Should've shot you down when I had the chance.

So far, she had no qualms with what as being said, nodding along quietly. "... If I can get a clear shot off on her, I could get her throat or mouth to avoid her from calling any guards if there are any around..." She catches herself, realizing quickly that came out a lot more morbid than she intended it to be. "Er, sorry, just, um... Maybe ignore that bit, but, ah... As for sneaking about," She looks to Happy. "While I'm not too well versed with druidic magic, I do know that there is a spell from past friends of mine that can help make it easier to get around. You wouldn't happen to have that spell stored away in your arsenal would you? Like Zack said, he isn't the most sneaky guy out there, and I'm worried that I won't be either with my new armor. It may be much, but it's better safe than sorry!" 

"Other than that, the rest sounds good to me, truthfully. Oh, and, in the case of someone catching a glimpse of our faces, I had Falkas procure some make-up for me that I can apply before we head off. Don't need a full face of it, just enough to cover up any notable markings like my birthmarks and your cheek scar, maybe draw some others on to confuse 'em if anything. Happy already wears a mask, and can also disguise himself so I think that should be cushion enough for us to not end up on any wanted posters in other cities, juuust in case." With that final thought, she adds in, "I think we're good for now...?"

Just for Monty.

 Happy listens to Zack's plan, if albeit with much head scratching throughout it all. He never interrupts the man, erring on the side of patience and gradually digesting things. Before addressing Zack after the spiel he says to Nadia first, "I don't know anything about an arsenal, but I'll ask the earth for such a miracle come the morning, having made use of them before. If things go well, it aughta even make it easier for us to slip away again. As for us being good now--" He turns back to Zack, and shuffles about on his butt for a more comfortable seating position.

"Seeing as you're rather dead set on this being a mid-day operation, I'll tell'em to make it happen then. It's a simple enough concept that it should come across easily enough. Don't think I can specify to so small a detail a time beyond that though. They can be clever, but they ain't all like Rillex here." Rillex sat up straighter and puffed out his chest a little. "Now, as for that bit fire, and your apparent obsession with the stuff." He said with a bit of a chuckle to his voice. "Rillex is a cat with wings... and you want a cat with wings carrying a lit torch to a location, set it on fire, and then somehow escape without notice? I know I said the area isn't exactly well patrolled, but that's still asking quite bit. And like I said before, you'd be drawing attention back 'inside' even more with that sort of thing. Which, if the gators agree to help, we'll be doing that well enough, of that you can rest assured." He admits.

"That said, while I ain't much in the business of blaming folk that don't deserve to be blame for something they ain't do to begin with, I... understand the nature of this whole thing requires a bit of bending. So, I won't press there. HOWever, exactly in what way were you planning to convince folk we're them? I ain't never seen one of their folk before, nor do I know enough about them. If its just us saying that we are, then... well, I'll leave that to yaw'll. Borrowing a face is one thing, but outright lying for my people? Well... we can get physically ill for just trying. At least those of us from the Feywild, anyhow. Other than that, I got complaints. You'll have to convince Rillex about the fire thing, but other than that, it sounds like we've got ourselves a plan."

Just for Happy.

Falkas interjects saying I don't necessarily think starting a fire in the tower is a bad idea. We do run the risk of them turning back to the castle and finding us sure, but if we wait until we are in the sewers before its lit then it would be a good distraction. That said, your pet...Rillex? He won't be able to carry a torch there. If someone were to leave something in the tower he could knock over then maybe. But he might be better to act as a scout in the sky though my Monty can do that too. That said I don't see either of them carrying a torch up to the tower anytime soon.

Just for Monty:

Happy nods in agreement with Falkas. "Now I say, if we had a spare day, I could've set something up like that... I think. But you know what? That's okay. So long as I can hold on to certain, uhm, reserves, for lack of better words, I can handle the fire operation. It'd mean you lot needing to escape on your own, and me catch'n up. But, I wouldn't worry too much more than we have been. By the sounds of it all, it seems we got a pretty decent plan going for us. The rest we'll have to improvise based on what we encounter. Agreed?"

Just for Happy

 For everyone else.

Falkas nods in agreement with the plan thus far. Sounds like we sorta have a plan. I'll meet you all here tomorrow so get some rest. You'll be needing it. Falkas leaves the room to leave you all to you're rest. The next day comes by soon enough. If you have any RP to do news the time otherwise you can meet Falkas downstairs.

Apart from whatever last business Zack and Nadia have to bring up, a patient Happy waits until after which before broaching the subject. "Now, I hope you both don't take this the wrong way, as I wish to be impartial in this matter. But if you two could tell me the story again of the time before you met me? Namely speaking, around the time you met Rillex, and had that -- as I understand from Monty -- the unfortunate falling out with his friend."

Zack would quietly tell Happy the story, with Nadia's help, on the parts he did't know, or couldn't remember well. And having her take over on the parts he just couldn't answer, or felt needed an additional angle. Letting Happy at-least hear, f not understand why they did what they did. Once all was said and done, though, he agreed, they would all need a solid nights sleep, and for the first time, he didn't take or ask for shifts.

Once the morning came, Zack woke up quite a bit before dawn, getting in another set of exercises to limber up his body in the morning, much as he had the day before. And when the others woke up, he'd talk to them, telling them that it was all gonna go fine, even if not perfectly. That they would all make it, and to trust one another. (Giving the party and  Rillex 8 temp HP)

Finally trusting after Happy's display the other day, to eat the food provided.. that and desiring something other than berries. Once that was said and done, he'd wait in the lobby for Falkass to come back, as he was supposed to be picking up several things of Holy Water (unless that already happened and I'm derping OOC) as well as the three grappling hooks + rope, which, if he had, Zack would use his strength to test whether they had been tampered with in any way, just in case. As well as any other things Falkyboy had been asked to do. Hoping that Happy was out greetign his 'contacts' to get them ready. Once all was said and done... Zack would head to the armor shop to pick up the requested items that would hopefully be ready by now. Assuming they were, he'd thank the man, and take the supplies back, and following her up to the room to help her get it on - or atleast that was the excuse, having given Happy the cats-claws and armor. After ogling... helping Nadia with her armor, and heading back down, Zack would double check all his supplies.... Glad he had kept that battering ram with him at all times, as it may very well be needed soon. 

Once all was said and done, Zack would say Anything else we need to know? If not I think we're ready to do this.

Nadia was more than willing to help explain what had occurred between them and the Zhents back then, finding it best to get it all out in the open for Happy to formulate his own opinions on the matter, even if he hadn't been there to experience it first hand. Had it tarnished whatever view the firbolg had on her and Zack, she personally didn't mind, as long as he would know that she was being truthful and honest with her recollection of events.

 While the boys had gone out and done final preparations for the mission, she remained in the room like she had said she would, deciding to do her own little exercise routine when they left to loosen up her muscles and relax bubbling nerves. After a quick clean up, she then decides to start playing with the make-up brought to her, starting with covering up her most obvious birthmarks on her face and neck. A quick glance at her full face in the small mirror caused her to frown a bit at the sight of her plain face. She didn't feel much like herself, but that was supposed to be that point, wasn't it? To mask any notable features that will make you easier to track down? That was the reason why she was doing this. Besides, it was only going to be for today and she could take it off when they got on the ship. No big deal.

When Zack had returned with her new armor, the plain faced elf did request some help in getting it on, despite knowing full well he would ogle her, not that she minded it anyway, however, it would be painfully obvious to him that she had no prior experience with putting on something else other than her usual leathers. The weight wasn't something she was used to either, however, she did feel safe and secure in it which was good. Would take a little bit of time to grow accustomed to it, but she was certain she could do it.  "Maybe you should stay behind me. Could probably tank a hit better than you now." She jest to the fighter with a cheeky little wink, trying her best to keep in high spirits. "Next time we're gonna see if we can get something for you, though, okay? No if, and's, or but's. Maybe we'll be lucky and find someone who can upgrade your sword."

After throwing on her new hooded cloak, and before the two had gone to join the others, she is sure to take a quick minute to cover up his scar with make-up. "Better safe than sorry, yeah?" She would say to him with a crooked smile, only for it to soon fade as she finishes up. "Zack... I-I know it's selfish to ask, but... Please promise me you won't do anything crazy. We've already..." She pauses to take a breath, trying to keep her voice steady. "We've already lost Nadaar, and... I don't think I can bare the sight of losing you too." 

Had there been something she needed to say in reply, she would, otherwise when with the others, she would patiently wait for them to speak had there been any additional information they needed to know.

Happy gives a faint smile in appreciation for the honesty. In fact, he even says as much. But, if either thought to ask him of his thoughts, rather than leave him be, his only answer is that '"That's a whole lot to chew, and I'm gonna need time for that. But, I get where yaw'll coming from, and I'm still willing to work with ya. Just... It's a lot to process." Otherwise, if left to his own devices, he spends the remainder of the evening outside of any last minute Ceremony rituals genuinely appearing to ponder over the story, if not something else, until sleep eventually claims him.

The next morning is a busy one for Happy. Zack receives a thumb's up for the pep talk, and only as much, as Happy had no words to describe how inspiring they were to him. If Falkas returns with Happy's requested ingredients, the firbolg mixes up and backs a nice little food concoction. He would also work with Falkas in seeing if they could get another member of the organization to deliver the goods at a specified location near-ish the castle. If so (or not, and in which case he would just have to designate a time and place the foodstuffs well head of time himself under disguise), he informs his contacts of the individual's description and the timing in which they were to feed on the goods, then take to the air for strafing run of poop on the guards along the wall.

He would ask that others go for any on the ground as well by the gate, thereby distracting them for the cats, who were to make their way inside in force, and cause as much havoc as possible. If they can somehow turn the dog's handlers on their masters, all the better! He even gives the cats a few, if potentially risky ideas, such as having the dogs bowl over their masters in racing between legs, or even wrapping them up if on leashes, among other things. For their signal, it would of course be the moment the outer guards are distracted trying to dodge bird poop, if not the birds themselves. "And get as many as your fellows in the city you can on this." He would say for both sides. If not at the same time, then at least roughly to it. "And remember to have fun with it, if you can."

With all that cleared up one way or another, Happy regroups with the others after they are geared up and shared some last words with at least each other before the mission truly starts. One in which Happy, in preparation, traced a pattern around the eye holes of his mask, causing a unique design to appear and the vision of the bats. And while he did think to do the same for Zack, not wishing to push the limits of his magic too much, he refrained.

(Since it only lasts an hour, assume Happy still casts PoWT when it comes time to do some actual sneaking.)

When you all wake up a package is sitting on a table in your room. The bundle of cloth contains Happys requested items as well as Zacks grappling hooks and rope. A quick inspection reveals them to be, while a bit worn from heavy use, in good and stable condition. A quick stop at the smith to collect the finished items later, you all should be equipped with everything you were trying to get. 

Falk is waiting at the bar below and nods to Zack when he arrives. You get my delivery? I'm sure itll help with that problem of yours. Then in a quieter voice he says We should try not to be seen together until its time. Same with your friends. I'll meet you at the docks at midday.  He then goes back to his drink and waves you away.

Nadia stays inside covering up her face with make up to make herself less easily recognizable and she potentially does the same for Zack. Happy meanwhile is out and about confirming with his local contacts the plan and making sure everything is all set. 

A few hours pass and just before Midday you all head to the dock ward where you meet Falkas. He leads you to a secluded area where you can enter the sewers without being noticed. Falkas is dressed much differently. Wearing dark leather armor with a matching hood to keep his face hidden and dark leather gloves. He has a small crossbow on his hip and a short sword on the opposite side. He gives you all a quick once over before nodding and opening the manhole with a crowbar. Alright, you all ready? He waits for confirmation before climbing down the manhole and into the sewer.

The morning had been a flurry of business, even if that business was straightforward and simple. Once the armor and other packages had been collected, and distributed as needed, one rope-grappling hook each just in case Happy couldn't spider it out or something. Making sure these supplied were easily accessible. Allowing his scars to become dainty puffs of sticky powder before ultimately they all met up once more.

Doesn't matter if we are or not, now's the time, like it or not. So lets not waste any time. Looking to Happy, he for once suggest he go in first.. since it is happy that has the 'pact' with Curious George. Regardless, he'd go in just after Happy, so that if things did somehow go south, he'd have backup right away.

As simple as covering up marks and scars was, she was still proud of herself for blending it in correctly, not having ever really played with make-up since arriving at the orphanage. Had she ever gotten more practice with the stuff, she was sure she could get more elaborate with disguises, but now certainly wasn't the time to do so. She draws her hood up, making sure to cover up her pointed ears as they made way to meet with Falkas to get the ball rolling. 

She unable to stop a look of disgust from crossing her face when he opens up the manhole. This is the best option we have... Gonna definitely need a bath after this... She thinks, then briefly gazes over Zack and Happy (after they decided who was going in first), her eyes focusing on Falkas now. "Let's go."

Apart from nodding in agreement with Zack on both accounts, and at least staying close to, if not in the lead to handle the crocs, Happy is more than content to see the mission through. Rillex rests on his shoulder, not caring at all about a second trip down into the depths. And yet, armored up as he was, he bravely stayed, striking as much as an imposing and stalwart figure as he can in the gloom further enhanced by druidic magics when the time came for it.

Stealth roll: 16

Stealth: 14.
(for when it becomes necessary)