Dagmar seems surprised about having misjudged your character twice in quick succession: "Well... I'm glad to have your attention then.  'T won't be an easy matter, but wit' these here plans, we might have a shot. Now, 'fore anything, I'm insistin' that I'm comin' with. I spent too much time thinkin' bout this whole thing ta not see it through." He looks at you all, and takes your silence as affirmation.

He lays out the plan on his desk and starts pointing to the relevant parts as he goes on: 

"Wyrm's Rock's a fortress. It rises from the center of the river on a pillar o' sandstone, covered in algae. Nearly impossible to scale. As for guards, between twenty-five and fifty Flamin' Fist staff the checkpoint, which they operate durin' the day. After dark, they raise the drawbridges on either side of the keep, completely shuttin' off the island, an' the fortress. So, the first challenge will be ta figure out a way ta get there, but I think I've got a way.

The fortress has four levels: the bridge level, taken up by the gauntlet tunnel and offices devoted to traffic management. This is empty at night, since no one's usin' the passage then. Above it is the armory full of all sorts'a nasty things, like oil, javelins, and everythin' you'd want ta withstand a siege; above that are the soldier’s quarters. The dungeons're kept below the passageway an' the bridges. Watchin' em, they've also got some small boats fer supply runs or ta counter any threats from the river. There's a narrow sally port leadin' down to the waters' edge to launch the craft, right here. Now, approaching by night is out of the question, they'll be on watch fer anythin' even gettin' close to the rock. But we might be able to pass by on a small fishin' boat, an' force our way into tha sally port an' the dungeons."

You can all tell that these details had been the fruit of weeks of planning and weighing options, but that the plans provide the final key for the next stage.

"Once inside the rock, we'll have ta deal wit' any guards, quickly an' quietly. If we time it right we might cause a distraction on the main thoroughfare, drawin' some attention away, but we can't rely on that alone. We need ta find Twitch fast, as any half- smart Fist is goin' ta try to ring the alarm an' then we'll be dealin' with the whole garrison. From tha looks of it, there's several storage rooms, but the cells are at the back here. And these rooms over there could be the guard's quarters... but I'm not sure. The best we can do is study these plans an' be ready to adapt in the moment."

Map of Wyrm's Rock:


Map of the dungeons below:

“Seems a solid enough plan. I suppose it’s a good a cause as any to potentially die for. I’m in.” There’s another loud gurgling to be heard and a whiff of food enters the shop. “But how about after we get something to eat. I would hate to die on an empty stomach”

"Food is smart, can we grab some of those noodle bowls? This plan's got a lot going for it. Let's assume it works. And we get this Twitch, and we get out to the boat again. We can count on attention coming quickly. Do we have any decent options for a distraction to allow us to get away without the garrison on our tail? Explosives?" Murph says. 

"I'll need some time to work on these devices and rest after we eat. They should come in handy. I may be able to charm a guard for a time if we need. I can also manage some minor illusions, and I can make myself look like anyone, if there's a guard or aa figure I could see beforehand. Might give us an edge. When are we doing this?"

Dagmar looks to the three of you, noting that Blair has been studiously looking over the plans, but remained silent so far. "Time is of the essence of course. Every hour more that we take, she's gettin' tortured, an' just a little closer ta bein' broken. That said, better ta plan this right an' get her out, than to do it hasty an' join the cells next to her."

Looking at Murph, he adds: "Aye, the gettin' out part's tricky. I haven't gotten any good answers fer that yet, seein' as I didn't have these plans yet. While an explosion would get their attention fer sure, it'll also set them all on alarm. I'd say that's best left as a backup plan, if all hell's broken loose already. Otherwise, best ta try an' stay stealthy an' hide in plain sight. Around midday, there's plenty a' fishin' boats on the river. Or if we had some Fist uniforms, we could make it look like we're on a supply run from the rock. 

But no, I don't have any explosives, that'd be somethin' to ask around down here for, or maybe somethin you could reach a contact for. But I'd assume that the resistance wants to keep their stuff ta strike at the guard an' the Fist, rather than usin' it on the bridge as a distraction. Never hurts ta ask though... As fer tha Guild, they'll be yer best bet ta find some powderoutside o' the resistance. They'll make ya pay a hefty price for it though, I'd wager. An' not necessarily in coin..."

Blair would pat her nose. "Usually I'm the distraction..." She'd muse breaking her silence. "Hmm..." Standing upright, she'd begin to pace and continue her thoughts quietly out loud to the others. Maybe something would stick, or spark another idea. "Would another fire be too obvious? Something a little less loud, a smoke bomb? Maybe a 'simple thief' stealing in a different area for a misdirect?" She'd pause for a moment before adding. "Or, is there any way to stimulate confusion for them to fight amongst themselves?"

I stand silently looking at Blair, pondering her questions as my stomach gives another loud rumble.

”It seems Dagmar has a decent way in devised. It’s the getting out part that’s going to be more challenging...” another stomach gurgle, louder than the one before emanates around the room. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get us some vittles. I think much better on a full stomach.” I then leave the shop and make my way towards the nearest food vendor. (Hopefully the one I kept smelling 😊)

Dart, you find food nearby, and it is every bit as delicious as it semelled, but only cost you a silver for everyone. You all spend an hour planning your escape and discussing details and agreeing on necessary preparations, while eating your fill.

At Blair's suggestions, Dagmar grumbles through spatterings of egg noodles and peanut sauce: "Problem ish, that'sh usually shomethin' fer tha Watch ta handle. A fire could get their attention, but might shet them on guard too. Shame goesh fer them fightin'- I got no problem dealin' with a Fist in tha dark, bu' I ain't got the trainin' or the inclination ta take on two dozen o' them. But yer raisin' an interesting point: We might be able ta get help from some o' the urchins or some poor farmers, insteada doin' the work ourselves."

“Perhaps some of the farmers that didn’t get the full value from their livestock a few days ago?” I offer trying to suggest a place to look for disgruntled citizens... Not that it was necessarily that hard to find people these days with the increased Fist presence. 

Dagmar, between mouthfulls of noodles, says :"Graet, if ye've got shome people in mind.... by all meansh, shee whether they'll be willin' ta help out. You might even be able ta convinshe.... one of them ta pull a cart wif straw an' the incendiary inside onta the Rock an' then set the whole thing ablaze, right there in the gatehouse... Would have ta be a mighty grudge they hold gainst the Fist though..."

Scratching my chin thoughtfully I add, “You’ve got a point there. So are we decided on what we are going to do?” Looking towards Murph and Blair to get their thoughts on breaking someone outta jail. 

Blair fell silent, accepting her bowl of noodles. She'd rest her chin in her palm while her other hand held her utensil, picking at her food in thought. Listening to all this chatter and talk about the Flame, she'd let out a bit of a longing sigh. The dancer found herself practically missing 'her Flame' at this point. She'd take a bite of her meal, savouring the flavours as she'd reminisce.

When Dart would look her way expectantly, it'd take a moment for Blair's green hues to focus on him. She'd lift her head from her hand, sliding her hand in her lap while the other continued with her food. "Mmm..." She'd hum thoughtfully, sucking some noodles into her mouth and licking her lips. Chewing on some thoughts, the red head would swallow. Green eyes would then scan the others. "Perhaps you're afraid of more than one at once, but I'm not." A confident smile tugged at her lips. Two, or two dozen, Blair welcomed a challenge. "Nimble fingers or a convincing tongue normally gets me out of jail." She'd purr, leaning forward thoughtfully. Shifting in her seat, she'd dip in to prepare another tasty bite. "Sometimes some good old fashion gambling wins a guards favour." Taking her bite, she sat on the thought of whether a bet would be enough. Or a promise, bribe or threat she’d muse as well. 

Murph has been quiet during these discussions, working on the clockwork mechanisms and stones, while picking at his noodles. He gets most of the way done with one, and then quickly retraces his steps to show Dagmar what exactly he did, to enlist his help on a set. 

"Sorry, my new friends, I trust your planning on this. I thought that being able to silently talk to each other no matter where we are using these things would be helpful on this caper. I'm trying to work as fast as I can, and hopefully Dagmar can help get it done quicker. But maybe we stop by Magnus on our way to the Rock? And before we do that, perhaps there's something you two can seek out or check in this place while we work? Time is of the essence, and all."

With Dagmar's help and over the next hour, Murph completes another two sets and you now have three sets of Murph's prototype of a Spies' Murmur. He demonstrates placing it on and behind your ears, and you all do a quick testing to see how it works. Amazingly, you can hear each other whispering, even when as far apart as three hundred feet.

Dagmar looks at you all, pleased: "I know ya didn't count on me bein' part of this. Guess I'll jus' have ta stick close to the others, so I don't need such a thing.

As fer tha next steps: Not much more we can do here, jus' by discussin. Sounds like ye got a hookup fer some materials, might be best to go see wit' him ta see what we're workin' with. I'll be here, or can go someplace else if yer preferrin' that" With a look to Blair, he adds: "I'll keep thinkin' of ways ta get the guard's attention up at the top while we get ta work down below. Yer idea of usin' some circusfolk ta try an' get dangerous materials near the gate is a good one, lemme see wha' I can come up with."

With that, you depart from the undercellar, making your way to Tumbledown cemetery and the secret passage to Magnus' hideout. It takes you an hour to get there, but you're able to quickly convince one of the guards that you need to speak with Magnus as a matter of urgency. A mere five minutes later, he appears, dressed like a well- to- do merchant, many of his usual rings and jewellery removed.

He looks at Blair and Dart with a mixture of joy and concern, before resting his gaze on Murph: "It's great to see you, we were afraid something had happened after I heard rumours that Parker disappeared. Well, I guess something has happened, you would be here with him otherwise... Anyway, what can I help you with? You said you were here as a matter of urgency?"

Murph, completing your first gadget is a milestone, you get to level 4! Dart and Blair, for returning to Magnus and completing your first mission successfully, you also reach level 4!

“We met someone claiming to be sympathetic to our cause and he seemingly has the means, though lacking in manpower, to get twitch outta the tower. We are in need of a few supplies that should help bust her out. What can you tell us about Dagmar?”

Blair would look at the curious device Murph handed her, popping a brow. "Exchanging whispers of sweet nothings from so far apart..." She'd muse.

The redhead would exchange a smile with Dagmar, leaning forward and taping her fingers in excitement when he'd pipe up about the circusfolk. She simply adored circus performers, gypsies and the like. There was always something, or someone, she could learn a few things from. She was looking so forward to what Dagmar could surprise her with, she bounced the whole way to Magnus'.

Entering with returned sway to her steps, Blair gave the merchant a very welcoming greeting. She'd settle in her usual perch as they discussed business. Her demeanor flickered for a moment at the mention of Parker, but her eyes would return focused and unphased. She'd nod along with Dart's summary and question, keeping her hands in view and listening, for now.

Murph extends his hand. "I'm Murph, not sure we're formally met. Orren's friend. I'm the one who lost his job at Felogyr’s. After 'losing' those barrels. But now I'm fully wrapped up in this. Not sure if I've wrapped myself up in it, or I've been wrapped up in it. Dagmar was working with me on this little... auditory aid," he says, tapping his spies' murmur and looking at the others in the group's ears. "Anyhow, I've picked up a few tricks here and there. Wouldn't mind trying them out on this rescue mission. But any support we can have, especially on the extraction and escape part, well, that'd be grand."

When he mentions tricks, he moves his hands and in a minor illusion, a lifelike statue of Orren appears for a few seconds and then disappears.

After he finishes talking, he looks around, suddenly hyperaware he just spoke so much in a new setting. His eyes drop to the ground once more.

Magnus' eyebrows rise significantly both at the presentation of your new communications device, and at the display of magic. After Dart's summary, he briefly looks at him and Blair: "Parker didn't make it then?" At Blair's unsure gaze, he filled in the blank: "taken or gone to ground then. A shame, but if it's the only cost for the blow we struck, it'll have been worth it. There's thirty families we've helped already with the medicines, and none of that would have been possible without your raid." Looking to Murph, he adds: "It's a pleasure to meet you, even under these circumstances. It's good to know that our cause grows day by day, although it's a shame you lost your job. The whole thing with Orren was a mistake too, they were only meant to prepare the charge there, but something went wrong and they blew themselves up, along with the watch post on the other side of the street, at least that's what I heard. Mistakes happen, but unfortunately for us they usually mean the end for someone..."

When the matter turns to the rescue mission at hand, Magnus gives a low whistle: "Don't know any Dagmar, but a break out from the Rock is quite something. We don't have any members specialising in that sort of thing, so as far as that's concerned, I can't help you. We got our hands on plenty of equipment though, maybe there's something there that we could do for you and her" As if to emphasise the point, he takes you along a corridor to a rough hewn chamber further into the rock underneath Tumbledown cemetary. Inside, you find an improvised, but well stocked storage area, with Watch and Fist uniforms, ropes, grappling hooks and handaxes for sabotage operations, and even a few daggers and a crossbow. 

Looking at you, he asks: "What do you need? If we haven't got it here, we might be able to get it elsewhere. Or perhaps I might be able to help with another idea."

"Do you have any gnome-sized studded leather armor in here?" Murph says, looking around. "And these uniforms would be helpful, whatever we decide to do."

When he spots the crossbow, he sits down immediately in front of it and begins examining them closely, amazed to see a fully-functional weapon after trying to cobble together parts for one of his own. He checks over the parts for proper function and grabs it and some bolts. He raises his eyebrows in a silent plea to the group.

Magnus looks at you: "Most of the fighters have left the city, there aren't many of us that can use this. Just know that being seen on the street with it will immediately draw the attention of the Watch and the Fist alike. As far as armour goes, we have some left-over pieces, you'd have to check for the sizes yourself. Which kind of uniform and how many of them do you need? We got three medium- sized ones for the Watch, and two small, a medium and a large one for the Fist."

Magnus also looks to Dart and Blair: "Anything I can do for you too?"

“Well I had an idea for a makeshift incendiary. We will need glass bottles, spare cloth and flammable liquid. Any type of alcohol would work... though preferably the stuff no one likes. Do you have such materials? Or know where we can get some quickly?” 

I then grab enough of the appropriate uniforms for the four of us. (Dart, Blair, Murph and Dagmar. Though Blair might not need it. In which case I would only grab three. Having the uniforms would help us sneak in unnoticed I think couple with the distraction of fire and whatever Blair has up her... sleeve)