The Exploits of Misfit Company

"SIX THOU-?!" Kasha says, so stunned at the price she couldn't even finish.

The cost didn't matter to him, truthfully. He had a pouch full of gold that he didn't know what to do with, and this was for a good cause. He unlatches his coin pouch from his belt and gets ready to pay for the guide.

(Unless Bixby tries negotiating the price down, Yvan will be adamant in paying for the guide)

Bixby doesn't so much as bat an eye at the price. "Hmm... Six Thousand. For such a price-..." He said aloud, and while keeping his eyes on the duo, Yvan would hear added on in his mind.

 Without a missing a beat, Bixby went on to say aloud, "I would presume there are other benefits included? Perhaps a sizeable enough transport to smooth our travels, details of the dangers of Na'lyeth, and... or maybe certain protections put in place?" He asked casually enough. Though the whole while he was trying to get a read on Erzget, and by extension Bardoz. Mentally, he quickly moved the telepathic link to Stella, apologizing for needing to make the request, but request all the same for her to use her expertise in bullshit detection on the duo.

Insight: 11.

(Ignore these: 1, 3.)

"But do forgive me. I do not mean to sound so miserly, of course. We've had a rough few days, and have had to learn the hardway to be more thorough when it comes to deals and details. Something I'm sure a being of your talent can appreciate given your trade and expertise, or so I would assume. Perhaps even there's something there in Na'lyeth we can acquire since few bother or dare to go there that might improve your business, and not require so hefty an initial fee?" He asked, hitting several potential points ranging from flattery to bribery, just as Barnabus once taught Alys, before finally awaiting a response.

While genuinely curious as well of what Ezgart knew and be willing to part offhand, those were but to establish a baseline on their nature. 

Persuasion: 24 (if needed).

As requested, Stella eyes both of them thoughtfully, trying to sort the bs from the genuine need.

Insight: 25

"I don't think you understand. No one goes to Na'lyeth. There isn't some bauble in Na'lyeth that makes me give you a discount. We might've kicked out the mindflayers a while back, but that doesn't mean we go running around there and risk running into whatever presents they might've left behind as a parting gift."

Seeing as the gith's wouldn't budge, even with Bixby's negotiating skills, Yvan hands them the coin. "There. That should cover it."

Kasha makes a loud noise, like a large cash register opening, and dinging noisily.

"Very well. Follow me, my travel barge isn't too far from here." Erzget leads you to a double-decked ship near the edge of the city. "There is space in the lower deck for you to make yourselves comfortable and make whatever preparations you need before you go into the city. I'll let you know when we've arrived within half a mile of the city so that you can disembark, as I'm not getting any closer than that." 

"Understood, my good man. If you would as well during the trip tell us any specifics you might know about the city, and its former inhabitants. As well as anyone else that might've made a like journey over the past few months? Honestly, anything at all woud suffice. Admittedly, we did do some research of course, but the perspectives of those of where we come from will of course more limited than someone whose people had a more direct hand in turning this 'former' mind flayer city into a husk." Bixby requests as they embark on the ship.

Alys would tentatively move in closer to Bixby to accompany him in learning more about the city. She’d remain quiet though, eyes a little distant. She wanted to listen to what they had to say.

Loud crunching, too loud, could be heard as Kasha lays on the ground, eating chocolate covered peanuts. Occasionally, she drops another one into her mouth while she's laying down, in a manner so that you're sure she's going to choke if one lodged into the back of her throat. In the meantime, she munches away loudly, clearly enjoying herself, and of course, not paying attention.

"The former inhabitants were mindflayers. You know, the tentacle faced freaks that control people's minds and eat brains? Anyway, we sacked the city a long time ago and drove them out of this plane, but the city had plenty of traps and other things that made taking it costly and there's probably still stuff buried deep in the city that we never got to. Fools and treasure seekers go there, but they never come back. What brings you there?"

Bixby will actually look back to Alys, and ask in look for permission. In the event of a refusal, or receiving a non-conclusive answer, the changeling eventually nods and looks back to their guide. "While imagine any trace of their being or their work might make for some... interesting spell components or the like, it is not treasure we seek. But rather, the city is not nearly so devoid of inhabitants as it seems, their -- the mindflayers living abominations not withstanding -- someone there has taken something of ours. Something, admittedly, too important to not let fear of danger override it." He admits as much.

"Now, these traps of theirs... do you have any hints of the potential form they may come in, or ways to thwart them?"

Alys' eye would meet Bixby's, although there was some distress beginning to bubble up to the surface, she'd nod to him. She trusted the way B could string words, and he was delicate for her sake. The elf knew she couldn't run away from the fears and anxieties that come with addressing the reality, but she appreciated it all the same. The longer she could keep her emotions from overwhelming her, the better. Things could only get more difficult from here. She'd listen intently for their response to Bixby's question about traps. It was an important one that could save them, or perhaps even assist them in learning how her mother became trapped and left in the first place. I do come from a family of foolish treasure seekers...

"Probably some dark magic shit. Or something that hurts your brain. Maybe some kind of weird monster that they keep as a pet. Any other questions?"

"Riveting." Bixby deadpans, finally realizing that it might have been cheaper to simply ask for directions and rent the ship. But then again... "

"No further questions. At least, none from me that I expect you can answer... no offense. But thank you for your time. If something does come to mind during our journey to the drop off point that you might wish to share, please do so." He gives the man a polite bow, and then stalks off for the quarters below deck.

The ship finally arrives at Na'lyeth and true to his word, Erzget stops the ship half a mile out from the city, not willing to sail any closer. Vastra casts Mage Armor on herself. The skyline of the city is dominated by large white buildings of a strange design and further in the city stands a castle that towers above all of them. Even with the city being long abandoned, it still radiates with an ominous presence as you move up to it.

Bixby spends the minutes the leading up to their arrival deep in meditation in preparation. With that done, he joins the others to see their destination. "It's.. much different than expected, and may take some time." Bixby then looks to Vastra and Alys. "I do not suppose you have prepared the spells necessary to perhaps ease our search? As it may take at least a few days otherwise, assuming we're lucky... and assuming whatever else lies here does not cut short our little visit."

Psychic Discovery:

"I believe that Alys' dream told her that what we're looking for is in that castle over there."

New Portents: 15 | 14

Alys would peak out from behind their gentle giant when Bixby would inquire if they had proper spells prepared. She'd nod sheepishly. She hoped she did. This place gave her the heebee jeebees... but she knew she needed to press on. It didn't mean she had to go first though... Did it? At least she wasn't alone. And that's what made all the difference. Alys had the support of all the Misfits, and for that she was grateful. Come on Alys... Do better... She'd step out (float out?) from behind Yvan and correct her posture. She'd give a bit of a more affirmative nod. "Yes. That's it." The elf would look around. One step at a time Alys. Slowly, she'd move to go ahead.