Quote from Blakey >>

The warehouse office that Lucius is trapped under has a locked front door. No guards are visible. 

 Louis takes a peek in a window and inspects it as a possible entry point

stealth 19 

perception 6 

Nos Heliwr says quietly, “You be looking for something in particular, Louis? Or, just checking? I am a bit puzzled by the lackluster reaction upon our success and have long held some doubts about the the real reason for these shinanigans we’ve been looking into.”

All looks quiet in the warehouse to Nos and Louis

“Pry open the window and let’s find out. The reaction isn’t that weird to me... the place is weird. Who keeps a prisoner in a warehouse with no guard?”

The window looks easy enough to pry open.  

Louis and Nos Heliwr are stood in the deep shadows next to the window to the warehouse office.  They think it would be simple enough to pry open (OOC: Make a DC 10 Thieves' Tool check to open it.  DC 15+ would do so without anyone noticing.  If you are both skilled one of you can help the other).  They know that inside that office is a padlocked trap door below which three prisoners are kept.

Louis is not skilled, and is hoping Nos knows what to do with this instead of just prying the lock off

Nos Heliwr will get out his tools and go to work on the window, Hope this don’t make too much noise.”

16

At the first, slightest screech he’ll stop. “Nope, ain’t gonna work.”

Quote from Enkida >>

"Well, what are they saying about us?" Claire asks curiously, wiping her mouth.  "By the Light, this is delicious.  I can't believe the Baron hasn't managed to snatch Mrs. Ramsbottom up already.  Of course, seeing as how he's not throwing money at renovating this place, I suppose his offer isn't sweet enough for her..." she mumbles, scooping up another mouthful eagerly.

Captain Aaron tells you that you are known as the outsiders; a bunch of mercenaries who have turned up to answer the baron's request for help with a Delicate Matter.  People have noticed that you've been given orange bandanas and have pretty much instantly disappeared off into the wilds, presumably to sort out said Delicate Matter.   And now you're back.   Aaron tells you that he and Jack have been putting people right and telling them the truth about what you've been up to.

You get the impression Jack might have embellished the stories of your battle prowess and perhaps has mentioned the name Theressa in slightly besotted terms.

Nos Heliwr stops jimmying the window frame before he does any significant damage to it.  He realizes it's old and warped and a lot more stuck than it appeared at first glance.  Perhaps the well-used office door would prove easier to unlock?

Claire chokes on a bit on her fish and quickly washes it down with some ale.  "Just remind your son that the only one bested by those coal thieves was I, despite his glowing tales of my supposed skill," Claire murmurs to Aaron, feeling embarrassed.  "Though I thank you for looking after our reputations.  I wasn't quite expecting that, and do appreciate it.  Perhaps it will make it easier to find work in the future.  I suspect it is very likely that we won't be staying overly long here, though," she admits.  "I suppose it depends on what the others think, really.  Though personally, I am trying to make my way to Barusi.  There's a mastersmith there whom I would like to visit for some advice concerning a weapon of mine."  She frowns.  "Do you know anything of that area, perhaps?  I'm unfamiliar with northern Ibini, and am not even quite sure how one would reach it."

"Barusi?" he clarifies as he sucks down another quaff of ale.  "Well, it's home to the richest baron in the lands, Baron Isla.  She rose to power recently when her husband met a tragic and slightly suspicious death. Upon his death, Baron Isla immediately took over control of the territory.   I hear there is a great smith there, yes.  Apparently, he trained in his arts in far-off lands."

"Hmm.  Was Ilsa's unfortunate husband Baron before Ilsa herself inherited the title?" Claire asks suspiciously.  "With what I'd heard of House Jade, I'd thought women had equal standing here to men when it came to noble titles.  Or is that only true in the jungles?  I'm curious as to whether or not Baroness Ilsa is like Gilbert and Arbek, or if she's some kind of outlier.  I suppose she is already, if the rumors are that she had a hand in her husband's death..."

"Well," says Aaron, taking another gulp of ale, "Actually the rumours are that her husband was killed by agents of Baron Arbek.  No one really knows but I hear the late-baron was drowned after a heavy drinking session.  However, rumours also say that he hardly ever drunk and was a strong swimmer.  It's all quite a long way from here, though, so it's all just hearsay really."

Mrs Ramsbottom comes over to you about this time.  "We'll be shutting up shop soon, dearies," she tells you, wiping her hands on the front of her stained cooking apron.  "Can I interest you in a last drink?"

“The window isn’t in good shape, rotted and cemented by the salt air,” Nos Heliwr whispers to Louis. “Let’s try the door.”

He will check the door carefully before trying to open it.

9

”Beskited trolls! I can probably get in but not without some noise. Can you run fast? We could try the roof.”

OCC What’s the ‘climb ability’ of the building?

Louis has already scoped out the roof and there are no ways in there.   However, Nos is confident after his initial efforts that he can get this office door open (it is DC 10). 

*click* “Shall we?” Sotto-voce with the hint of amusement.

Nos Heliwr will crack the door slightly, listen, and if it seems quiet, slip through the door.

All seems dark and quiet in the small office beyond the door.

It is a little, square room, maybe 15 ft on each side.  There is a door to your left which you know leads to the main warehouse.  A window next to the door you are coming in at leads on to a dark side road.  A desk and chair are in one corner and in another is a padlocked trap door, under which you left the three prisoners.  Nos recognises the padlock and knows it to be fairly tough to unlock (DC 15).

"Oh, I'd love to, but I'd better refuse," Claire says with a smile.  "I don't want to regret it tomorrow morning."  Thanking Aaron for his time, she finds Vaclav.  "I think I need to walk off that meal.  Shall we get back to the inn?"

Vaclav just nods after refusing a last drink as well. "Might as well. Find out anything useful?"