The elf woman smiles at Yoric "Wynbella Melianme." Giving you a quick nod and a wink, she moves on, heading towards other patients.
Meanwhile, the Arakocra warbles again. "You and I may prefer to soar through the land, but many of these ones have spent their entire life in the crowded industrial quarters of this city. They are as comfortable in the world beyond as you are in this city, I'd wager. No we can't fight the future, my friend. However, we can take ownership over it." He straightens up and sniffs the air. "Yes, even if I am doomed not to stretch these wings any more, the least this old bird can do is teach these workers how to fight against those bastards what would exploit them. And teach them how to win." He looks you over. "Looks like you could use a lesson in winning too, young elf. Why don't you try and hit me?"
He gestures at the guards. "Don't worry about them. They'll like as not give you a medal if you can bop my old beak."
In the Parapets District
Grin and Nevlav, you are in the midst of the Parapets District where most of the city's poorest lives. -- Stairclimber is still blowing his whistle urgently -- and its drawing a lot of attention. You see a number of figures in the crowded tenement buildings pushing aside their curtains and looking out into the street. It should only be a matter of time before the watch fill the city streets. You likely only have a few minutes to decide what to do. The prison is only a few blocks to the East, but there are a number of houses and seedy-looking local establishments around. Where are you going?
"I have no time for your bluster Jacobo. If you seek revenge against me, I completely understand but know this, you should have been a better criminal and drawn less attention from the watch. If it weren't me then it would have been someone else, Stairclimber maybe, but I doubt he could find a clue if it were under his bum." Alden says.
"I would like to speak with Yualkid," Alden states. "Tell him I have a business opportunity for him."
Thalion stares for a long moment at the old Aarakocra. "Hit you? Why..."
He smiles. He wasn't being a birdbrain, the feathered fighter had a plan. And while he wasn't so good at coming up with them Thalion certainly knew how to follow one. So he throws a punch.
The situation gets crazy as Nevlav watches Grin's plan, "We run, get to the prison and try to see what we can do to get our friends out. I have to say though Grin, this is crazy, we are basically up against a city right now and way outside of my comfort zone."He hopes out of the carriage and leads Grin east back to the prison. His brows furrowed as he thinks of a plan to help his friends.
(Grin and Nevlav -- are you guys running for it or being stealthy? If you are sneaking, you can make stealth checks with advantage.)
Alden, the Earth Genasi looks at you doubtfully, but he calls over a sallow-looking human to stand guard while he heads into the back, a bit . of dirt falling off of him with every step. You see him disappear into a tent held up by some greasy tent. After a few minutes, he comes back. He smiles at you, showing disgusting teeth. "MISTER Yualkid will see you. 100 gold. 50 gold pieces admittance, and 50 gold for..well, let's call it a consideration fee. Consideration for me not breaking you in half."
Thalion, you haven't known this Aarakocra long, but you can somehow sense he is a little disappointed in you as one of his wings brush off your . "No, no, no. How can you expect to stand up to the oppressors when your stance is all wrong Here let me help you." He takes a few minutes and shows you how to adjust your stance, both for unarmed attacks as well as weapon attacks and how to use the weight of weapons to your advantage. After a few minutes, he steps back, admiring his handiwork.
"That is better!" He warbles, then offers you his hand. "My name is Errk. I was thrown in here, along with my fellows, for the crime of demanding safety precautions to protect us from the virus since Prince Neskor demanded the factory reopens. But me and mein freunds will triumph, I promise you. All we ask is good men like you stand with us." As you shake his hand he pulls you in close. "Sorry about this son. Once we're both feeling better, I'll buy you an ale and we can have a good talk. And if i never see you again --- the only fight worth fighting is to protect those struggling to resist the oppressors."
He pushes you away and out of nowhere, throws two big hooks at you with his thick, meaty wings.
Unarmed Attack: 11 Damage: 5
Unarmed Attack: Attack: 24 Damage: 5
While the techniques he taught you allow you to sidestep one of his swings, the other clocks you right in the side of the head. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a swarm of guards appears and leaps on Errk, and you see a the big aarokocra takes several heavy blows before he is subdued.
A few guards come to hold you back, but they are noticeably more gentler with you, one of them actually laughing.
"I wanted to take a poke at that puffed up owl for weeks. You're okay, elf."
DM Screen
Attack: 4 Damage: 2
Attack: 13 Damage: 1
Attack: 19 Damage: 4
20
After the guards move away, satisfied, his supporters surround him, helping him up. As he stands up, he winks at Thalion and flashes a large golden key that quickly disappears into his sleeve. He mouths "Later"to you as his supporters move him towards the medical station.
"That's fine. I don't have the money or the time to fool with him. Tell Yualkid if he wants to get some of his treasure and even a bit of power back from the Committee of Public Safety, send word and 25 gold and I might make it worth his while.' Alden states.
Alden will turn and wander off to find his companions.
(OCC: Oh and a Persuasion and Intimidation roll for good measure :P)
Thalion proves to be a fast learner despite his trademark pigheadedness. He channels his frustration at his feeble first attempt at a punch into a flurry of strikes and parries and dodges. Clumsy haymakers turn into precision attacks and even the weathered ranger works up a sweat as the training session continued.
With a breathless laugh he takes the Aarakocra's hand in his but his smile fades in mere moments as it gets punched right off of his face. Even as he rises to defend himself he's being dragged away, blinking at the guards in bewilderment.
Before he can respond to them though his keen eye catches the glint of the key and he cracks a smile. "Yes," he says, "maybe next time I'll land a proper blow."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(In the interest of facilitating Grin's departure as a character --and setting @Rylentar up in case they come back)
Nevlav Stealth - 11
Nevlav, as you and Grin move quietly through the city streets, you are amazed at how quickly the halfling is able to disappear into her surroundings. As you try to follow as best you can, you notice that the streets seem to be getting further and further crowded, a consequence of Stairclimber's Grin-induced breakdown. you are, to your own amazement, also able to keep up with her fairly well, ducking in and out of doorways and dark alleyways Finally, as you put some distance between yourselves and Stairclimber, the streets get a great deal calmer and you are able to relax slightly. Its about this time you get in sight of the massive Valance Gaol, the so-called "most ominous building in Valance." Unfortunately, its well guarded at the moment, with a number of prison guardsmen stationed outside, chatting amiably, seemingly unaware of the panic a few blocks away. The portecullis behind them seems to be the only way through the prison gates into the courtyard -- and though you can't necessarily see into the courtyard there are surely a few guards there too.
Grin watches the scene from the shadowy corner the two of you found. "Well, mon ami, Yoric, de elf, and Inspecktah Lostchile in heaps o' trubble 'less one o' us do sumting." She pulls the flintlock she took from the Genasi from her cloak, then speaks in a very clear, affectless voice. "Take care of yourself and the others, Nevlav. And if Aleksei was right and there's one of those hags near Larouche, find the Bristletoe clan. My mama will help." She cocks the flintlock and smiles at you. "Ah'll be seein' ya soon, mon frere." She charges out of the shadows, discharging the flintlock over the heads of the guards. "Ahhh! Ah got de illness in me bones! Stay 'way!"
The guards duck and look at one another bewildered. "Where the hell did the halfling come from? She's got a firearm! Get her!" The guards in front of the gates start to sprint towards her and a few stream out of the courtyard as the strange little halfling disappears into the crowded tangle of tenement buildings and teeming masses of humanity in the Parapets. And then, she's gone.
Watching the scene in disbelief and a side of awe Nevlav takes a beat to realize the boon Grin left him with. He steps forward at a brisk pace and with a firm confidence he enters the building in the same walk he has seen his mother do in the past.
As Yoric, Alden, and Thalion come together again and begin to compare notes, life continues on in the prison. A host of guards walk around, doctors and nurses make the rounds to the afflicted's beds, and in a few places, the seemingly healthy prisoners congregate together in isolated corners they cushion off with sheets or guards.
As you each discuss your own experiences thus far, you are approach by a thin, pale human, who stops directly in front of you, but stay silent for an extraordinarily long time, making you all uncomfortable.
Finally, he speaks. "My employer would have a word with you, Mister Lostchild. He asked that I stress that he has no interest in paying to add a former inspector to his payroll, but he will hear you out from an abundance of respect he has for the retired Chief Inspector Nailo, your mentor, I believe. Mr. Boehm, the Genasi you spoke to earlier, has been reminded of his place, and you will be allowed entry into the safe haven that Mr. Yualkid has established. He also asked that I remind your companions that they are newcomers to this place and more disruptions such as the elf's assault on the Aarakocra will not be tolerated. We will see you shortly, I hope." Without another word, he turns on his heels and walks away, not listening to any questions you may have.
Nevlav, you walk into the prison's main entry point with the confidence of a Peer of the Realm and you are immediately faced with the hostile glare of one of the prison's endless functionaries -- a balding, middle-aged human dressed in a prison officer's uniform that seems a size too big for him. There are a number of stains that appear to be his breakfast or lunch all over the front of his uniform. There is a trashy paperback entitled The Engineer and the Warlock's Daughter face down on the desk. He mops the top of his head with a handkerchief and says "Can I help you, sir? What business do you have here?" He looks at you expectantly, but seemingly not suspiciously.
After finding everyone and comparing notes Alden will fill them in on what he thinks is a plan.
"So, There is an old acquaintance here. An underworld minor boss called Yualkid. Going along with the old adage, The enemy of my enemy is my friend, I think he may be able to get us out of here and/or provide us with a place to lay low and decide what our next moves are." he says and winces in a bit of pain from his beating. "I know its a long shot," he pauses then asks "Do either of you have any suggestions? We do need to get out of here as soon as possible. I fear more assassins will arrive soon enough and I personally am not in any shape to fight them off." he states.
Alden pauses for a moment then says something more to himself than the others "I knew someday I'd leave the watch and start out on my own. It's almost how I envisioned it." He half smiles.
After the messenger comes, gives his message and turns to leave Alden will say "We shouldn't be long."
Turning back to the party Alden will say "Damn it, I was hoping he'd bite and we'd get some coin out of this to restock." he says with a smile.
"So" Alden asks you "What do each of you see as our next course of action?"
"I think we should keep our heads down until it calms down in here and we can meet up with the Aarakocra again. He has a key," Thalion says in hushed tones.
Thalion looks equally confused. "Um. I'm not sure, now that you mention it... but I think it's safe to assume it's a key that gets us out of here, right? I approached him asking for help to get us out of here and he didn't strike me as a charlatan."
The elf woman smiles at Yoric "Wynbella Melianme." Giving you a quick nod and a wink, she moves on, heading towards other patients.
Meanwhile, the Arakocra warbles again. "You and I may prefer to soar through the land, but many of these ones have spent their entire life in the crowded industrial quarters of this city. They are as comfortable in the world beyond as you are in this city, I'd wager. No we can't fight the future, my friend. However, we can take ownership over it." He straightens up and sniffs the air. "Yes, even if I am doomed not to stretch these wings any more, the least this old bird can do is teach these workers how to fight against those bastards what would exploit them. And teach them how to win." He looks you over. "Looks like you could use a lesson in winning too, young elf. Why don't you try and hit me?"
He gestures at the guards. "Don't worry about them. They'll like as not give you a medal if you can bop my old beak."
In the Parapets District
Grin and Nevlav, you are in the midst of the Parapets District where most of the city's poorest lives. -- Stairclimber is still blowing his whistle urgently -- and its drawing a lot of attention. You see a number of figures in the crowded tenement buildings pushing aside their curtains and looking out into the street. It should only be a matter of time before the watch fill the city streets. You likely only have a few minutes to decide what to do. The prison is only a few blocks to the East, but there are a number of houses and seedy-looking local establishments around. Where are you going?
Grin pulls Nevlav into an alley on the way to the prison. "Us lay low or us bolt? Quick now."
Alden
"I have no time for your bluster Jacobo. If you seek revenge against me, I completely understand but know this, you should have been a better criminal and drawn less attention from the watch. If it weren't me then it would have been someone else, Stairclimber maybe, but I doubt he could find a clue if it were under his bum." Alden says.
"I would like to speak with Yualkid," Alden states. "Tell him I have a business opportunity for him."
Thalion stares for a long moment at the old Aarakocra. "Hit you? Why..."
He smiles. He wasn't being a birdbrain, the feathered fighter had a plan. And while he wasn't so good at coming up with them Thalion certainly knew how to follow one. So he throws a punch.
Unarmed Attack: 11 Damage: 1
The situation gets crazy as Nevlav watches Grin's plan, "We run, get to the prison and try to see what we can do to get our friends out. I have to say though Grin, this is crazy, we are basically up against a city right now and way outside of my comfort zone."He hopes out of the carriage and leads Grin east back to the prison. His brows furrowed as he thinks of a plan to help his friends.
"Crahzy is my pro-feshan, ya get yoozed ta it Mon Amant."
(Grin and Nevlav -- are you guys running for it or being stealthy? If you are sneaking, you can make stealth checks with advantage.)
Alden, the Earth Genasi looks at you doubtfully, but he calls over a sallow-looking human to stand guard while he heads into the back, a bit . of dirt falling off of him with every step. You see him disappear into a tent held up by some greasy tent. After a few minutes, he comes back. He smiles at you, showing disgusting teeth. "MISTER Yualkid will see you. 100 gold. 50 gold pieces admittance, and 50 gold for..well, let's call it a consideration fee. Consideration for me not breaking you in half."
Thalion, you haven't known this Aarakocra long, but you can somehow sense he is a little disappointed in you as one of his wings brush off your . "No, no, no. How can you expect to stand up to the oppressors when your stance is all wrong Here let me help you." He takes a few minutes and shows you how to adjust your stance, both for unarmed attacks as well as weapon attacks and how to use the weight of weapons to your advantage. After a few minutes, he steps back, admiring his handiwork.
"That is better!" He warbles, then offers you his hand. "My name is Errk. I was thrown in here, along with my fellows, for the crime of demanding safety precautions to protect us from the virus since Prince Neskor demanded the factory reopens. But me and mein freunds will triumph, I promise you. All we ask is good men like you stand with us." As you shake his hand he pulls you in close. "Sorry about this son. Once we're both feeling better, I'll buy you an ale and we can have a good talk. And if i never see you again --- the only fight worth fighting is to protect those struggling to resist the oppressors."
He pushes you away and out of nowhere, throws two big hooks at you with his thick, meaty wings.
Unarmed Attack: 11 Damage: 5
Unarmed Attack: Attack: 24 Damage: 5
While the techniques he taught you allow you to sidestep one of his swings, the other clocks you right in the side of the head. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a swarm of guards appears and leaps on Errk, and you see a the big aarokocra takes several heavy blows before he is subdued.
A few guards come to hold you back, but they are noticeably more gentler with you, one of them actually laughing.
"I wanted to take a poke at that puffed up owl for weeks. You're okay, elf."
DM Screen
Attack: 4 Damage: 2
Attack: 13 Damage: 1
Attack: 19 Damage: 4
20
After the guards move away, satisfied, his supporters surround him, helping him up. As he stands up, he winks at Thalion and flashes a large golden key that quickly disappears into his sleeve. He mouths "Later" to you as his supporters move him towards the medical station.
Alden
"That's fine. I don't have the money or the time to fool with him. Tell Yualkid if he wants to get some of his treasure and even a bit of power back from the Committee of Public Safety, send word and 25 gold and I might make it worth his while.' Alden states.
Alden will turn and wander off to find his companions.
(OCC: Oh and a Persuasion and Intimidation roll for good measure :P)
Persuasion 10
Intimidation: 13
Thalion proves to be a fast learner despite his trademark pigheadedness. He channels his frustration at his feeble first attempt at a punch into a flurry of strikes and parries and dodges. Clumsy haymakers turn into precision attacks and even the weathered ranger works up a sweat as the training session continued.
With a breathless laugh he takes the Aarakocra's hand in his but his smile fades in mere moments as it gets punched right off of his face. Even as he rises to defend himself he's being dragged away, blinking at the guards in bewilderment.
Before he can respond to them though his keen eye catches the glint of the key and he cracks a smile. "Yes," he says, "maybe next time I'll land a proper blow."
Stealth: 21
(In the interest of facilitating Grin's departure as a character --and setting @Rylentar up in case they come back)
Nevlav Stealth - 11
Nevlav, as you and Grin move quietly through the city streets, you are amazed at how quickly the halfling is able to disappear into her surroundings. As you try to follow as best you can, you notice that the streets seem to be getting further and further crowded, a consequence of Stairclimber's Grin-induced breakdown. you are, to your own amazement, also able to keep up with her fairly well, ducking in and out of doorways and dark alleyways Finally, as you put some distance between yourselves and Stairclimber, the streets get a great deal calmer and you are able to relax slightly. Its about this time you get in sight of the massive Valance Gaol, the so-called "most ominous building in Valance." Unfortunately, its well guarded at the moment, with a number of prison guardsmen stationed outside, chatting amiably, seemingly unaware of the panic a few blocks away. The portecullis behind them seems to be the only way through the prison gates into the courtyard -- and though you can't necessarily see into the courtyard there are surely a few guards there too.
Grin watches the scene from the shadowy corner the two of you found. "Well, mon ami, Yoric, de elf, and Inspecktah Lostchile in heaps o' trubble 'less one o' us do sumting." She pulls the flintlock she took from the Genasi from her cloak, then speaks in a very clear, affectless voice. "Take care of yourself and the others, Nevlav. And if Aleksei was right and there's one of those hags near Larouche, find the Bristletoe clan. My mama will help." She cocks the flintlock and smiles at you. "Ah'll be seein' ya soon, mon frere." She charges out of the shadows, discharging the flintlock over the heads of the guards. "Ahhh! Ah got de illness in me bones! Stay 'way!"
The guards duck and look at one another bewildered. "Where the hell did the halfling come from? She's got a firearm! Get her!" The guards in front of the gates start to sprint towards her and a few stream out of the courtyard as the strange little halfling disappears into the crowded tangle of tenement buildings and teeming masses of humanity in the Parapets. And then, she's gone.
(Goodbye, Grinhilla! We will miss you.)
Watching the scene in disbelief and a side of awe Nevlav takes a beat to realize the boon Grin left him with. He steps forward at a brisk pace and with a firm confidence he enters the building in the same walk he has seen his mother do in the past.
As Yoric, Alden, and Thalion come together again and begin to compare notes, life continues on in the prison. A host of guards walk around, doctors and nurses make the rounds to the afflicted's beds, and in a few places, the seemingly healthy prisoners congregate together in isolated corners they cushion off with sheets or guards.
As you each discuss your own experiences thus far, you are approach by a thin, pale human, who stops directly in front of you, but stay silent for an extraordinarily long time, making you all uncomfortable.
Finally, he speaks. "My employer would have a word with you, Mister Lostchild. He asked that I stress that he has no interest in paying to add a former inspector to his payroll, but he will hear you out from an abundance of respect he has for the retired Chief Inspector Nailo, your mentor, I believe. Mr. Boehm, the Genasi you spoke to earlier, has been reminded of his place, and you will be allowed entry into the safe haven that Mr. Yualkid has established. He also asked that I remind your companions that they are newcomers to this place and more disruptions such as the elf's assault on the Aarakocra will not be tolerated. We will see you shortly, I hope." Without another word, he turns on his heels and walks away, not listening to any questions you may have.
Nevlav, you walk into the prison's main entry point with the confidence of a Peer of the Realm and you are immediately faced with the hostile glare of one of the prison's endless functionaries -- a balding, middle-aged human dressed in a prison officer's uniform that seems a size too big for him. There are a number of stains that appear to be his breakfast or lunch all over the front of his uniform. There is a trashy paperback entitled The Engineer and the Warlock's Daughter face down on the desk. He mops the top of his head with a handkerchief and says "Can I help you, sir? What business do you have here?" He looks at you expectantly, but seemingly not suspiciously.
Yoric is going to rest a hand on Alden’s shoulder and say quietly, “we’ve got your back.”
(take a d6 inspiration)
Paladin - warforged - orange
Alden
After finding everyone and comparing notes Alden will fill them in on what he thinks is a plan.
"So, There is an old acquaintance here. An underworld minor boss called Yualkid. Going along with the old adage, The enemy of my enemy is my friend, I think he may be able to get us out of here and/or provide us with a place to lay low and decide what our next moves are." he says and winces in a bit of pain from his beating. "I know its a long shot," he pauses then asks "Do either of you have any suggestions? We do need to get out of here as soon as possible. I fear more assassins will arrive soon enough and I personally am not in any shape to fight them off." he states.
Alden pauses for a moment then says something more to himself than the others "I knew someday I'd leave the watch and start out on my own. It's almost how I envisioned it." He half smiles.
After the messenger comes, gives his message and turns to leave Alden will say "We shouldn't be long."
Turning back to the party Alden will say "Damn it, I was hoping he'd bite and we'd get some coin out of this to restock." he says with a smile.
"So" Alden asks you "What do each of you see as our next course of action?"
“I know where to go. But it’s safer if only one of us knows til we’re out of here.” Yoric twiddles his thumbs a bit nervously.
Paladin - warforged - orange
"I think we should keep our heads down until it calms down in here and we can meet up with the Aarakocra again. He has a key," Thalion says in hushed tones.
Alden
Alden looks a bit confused. "He has a key to what exactly?" he asks.
Thalion looks equally confused. "Um. I'm not sure, now that you mention it... but I think it's safe to assume it's a key that gets us out of here, right? I approached him asking for help to get us out of here and he didn't strike me as a charlatan."
Alden
"Ok" he says reluctantly. "We have a place to go, we just need to get out."
He looks around to see where the guards are at and various other folks around him. "Do we see the criminal lord or do we see the bird?" he asks.