The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

Balassar just begins to look over the scene hoping to find some sort of tracks or strands of hair so he could at least point it out to individuals showing up.

Once they get back to the inn, Alton will head back inside to gather up his gear and put on his armor. He will also stop by the counter to pick up breakfast for all three of them. Once back he will hold up what the tavernkeeper gave him, "Hey, I got us some breakfast."

Balassar, give me a Survival check to look for tracks or evidence of what Silent describes.

Alton, breakfast is three bowls of porridge, with some bread. The tavernkeeper gives you a tray.

OOC:

survival check: 8

Footprints, here and there around the carriage. One has a distinctive mark, as though there's a cut in the bottom of the boot where damage hasn't been fully repaired. You hunt around and see the same mark again, several feet away, out in the street; another several feet further down. It's a hard trail to follow, and it may disappear soon if you do not follow it now. But there is a trail for Balassar to follow, if he wishes.

Balassar looks at his companions "Looks like they left tracks, might lead to their hideout."

Silent, not having taken any food, shifts in his seat. Crownguard not on the case, then? 

Alton sits down next to silent and takes a bite out of the bread, "Not yet, at least." He holds out some of the other bread to Silent, "Have some breakfast. The bread is a little bland but I can try to make it taste better." He waves his hand over the bread casting prestidigitation to warm the bread up and flavor it with a little cinnamon-sugar. He talks quietly with Silent, "I managed to somewhat convince Balassar not to go directly to the crownsguard until we talk with our contact."

Balassar just looks back still frustrated by everything that has gone on and now the two seemed to have ignored him. He just grunts as he begins to follow the tracks, no way that Krynn would hurt his city or family if he could help.

Silent nods at Alton and calls out after Balassar. Oi, Balassar. I asked because I wasn't sure why you'd be following a trail if the Crownsguard weren't already after 'em. Either way, one of us is gonna need to stay here to take the heat from the Lawmaster. Who's it gonna be? Or rather, who do you want at your back if you run into the soldiers? 

Balassar just freezes as he hears Silent "Don't care, but this is an actual clue to finding them versus us just waiting. We should follow, see where they lead and report that information."

Who's we? Me or Alton, make your call. Like I said, one of us has to hang back, the last thing we need is the Lawmaster thinking we all took off with the prisoners and putting a warrant out for us. 

“I don’t care who, I’m just wanting to follow this one lead we have before it dies. Can we stop delaying and just make a decision.” 

Alton gets up and dusts himself off, “I guess I’ll go with Balassar. That way if we run into trouble I can send a message to Silent.” 

Silent returns to attending to his blade as the two follow the trail. Good luck. 

Balassar just nods “Appreciate Alton.” He says as he begins to follow the trail again.

Balassar and Alton, following the trail is difficult, but fortunately it doesn't lead too far; less than a hundred feet it turns into a dark side alley where the muddy ground makes it easier now to discern. The trail leads up to a circular metal grate set into the ground; Balassar would have seen these before, grates leading to the sewers beneath the city. Normally such grates are guarded by the Crownsguard day and night; always they have a metal lock that prevents unauthorised persons from entering or exiting. There is no sign of either guards or lock.

Balassar just kicks the ground as he begins to look around for the lock or guards “This isn’t good. This should’ve been locked and there should be guards around here.”

"Why do you need guards and a lock on a grate in the ground? Does it lead to somewhere? Is it a secret tunnel in and out of the city or, um... what was it called again, the Three Towers district." Alton says as he watches Balassar look around, and periodically looks behind him to see if anyone comes their way.

Balassar just pauses "I never really considered it. Growing up it becomes normal, but I would also guess its an easy way to move around with little to no restrictions. So locking it could help secure the city."