The Firstborn — IC

[ratwizard]

"Fire's sure to attract the guard," Roof Boy says. "If the flames or the tide don't get them first. Course, it doesn't help your brother."

[FinalTemplar]

Dessarius looks at Roof Boy for a second longer before looking away- he puts a hand on his hip as he lets out a sigh. "Perhaps I could help delay them. I think it'd be better for you to get in there to... disable, the boat." He looks to Alierin, giving her a nod. "This is most important to you, and I think you'd be the best at getting in there without being seen."

[Namelessjake]

"Could work," Alierin agrees, mulling over Dess' suggestion. "If they're distracted I could probably sneak behind them. We just need to thing of a way to get Gerirl, and ourselves, out of there before the guards arrive," she adds, going quiet as she attempts to work the problem.

[Scratcherclaw]

"Aye, I like that," Aeron says, giving Dess a nod. "If we can cause a big enough scene, Gerirl may be able to slip away unnoticed too." He shrugs to the others. "It's just a matter of how, especially if they're on a schedule."

[ratwizard]

"Just pay attention to the order of things," Roof Boy advises with a frown. "If you sink their dinghies before they head out, there's no way to pin them to their work. Our employers need these fellows dead, gone, or caught in the act."

[FinalTemplar]

"So, perhaps Alierin heads down, maybe with another? Aeron and I should stray a little farther up the pier to catch them, and delay them if possible... Do we know which dinghy was theirs?" Dessarius fully turns away from roofboy now to ask the others; "I have not previously been fully informed, so tell me now and tell me true. What is our end goal here? And how best should we achieve it."

[Namelessjake]

"Our employer wants this crew gone," Alierin explains to Dess. "The 'easiest' way to achieve that is we just walk up to them and kill them, but that's not really an option, which means getting them caught in the act by the city guard. That itself should be easy enough, the problem is just that my brother Gerirl is apart of the crew, so we need to figure out a way to get him out of there so he doesn't join the others in the clan gaol."

"It could be risky, but I could approach them before they head out, saying I've been looking for Gerirl as our mother has taken a turn or something. Try and get him off the job. Then we just need to arrange for the clan to be waiting when the boats come back in," she suggests.

[Scratcherclaw]

"That may actually work," Aeron says, considering Alierin's plan. "A simpler plan, but maybe that's preferable to us going in circles, overthinking everything. Any plan has risk, but I'd say this could be worth it."

[ratwizard]

"It's risky," Roof Boy says, his brow furrowed. "Donleg might get suspicious, you knowing just where to find Gerirl. You seem a good liar, but is your brother?"

Cymril shrugs. "Well, he lied to you about this whole thing, right Ali?"

[Namelessjake]

"He did," Alierin agrees with Cymril.

"If knowing where to find him is suspicious, maybe not me but Aeron. I've sent everyone out looking for him and you just happened to be searching this part of the city," she suggests.

[Scratcherclaw]

"Whatever works," Aeron says with a shrug. "We just have to be convincing enough that they don't start questioning it. I think I might be able to pull it off."

 

[Fialova]

"Os yw'n mynd i ffwrdd yn y porthladd, yna beth? Rydym yn suddo'r llong felly? Neu dal i edrych i gael eu dal?" Sisera asks, switching to elven as her grasp of Kurnish leaves her unconfident in her ability to express their options. "Bydd pwy bynnag sy'n dod at y grŵp ar y tir yn sefyll allan os cânt eu gweld ar y môr, a fydd yn gwneud pethau'n fwy peryglus. Efallai ein bod yn rhannu pwy sy'n dod at Gerirl a phwy sy'n dod at y llong."

Elven Translation

"If he gets away at port, then what? We sink the ship then? Or still look to get them caught?" ... "Whoever approaches the group on land will stand out if spotted at sea, which will make things more dangerous. Maybe we split who approaches Gerirl and who approaches the ship."

[Namelessjake]

"We have to get them caught after the fact, so we wouldn't be approaching Gerirl and the boats at the same time anyway," Alierin replies to Sisera, also switching to elvish for her.

"If we want to sink the boats, we have to do it with them on board so they don't survive. Getting them caught by the clan seems easier and less... grey," she adds.

[ratwizard]

"The plan where we don't have to kill them ourselves gets my vote," Cymril adds.

Roof Boy's face grows skeptical. "The clan will hang them anyways. It's the same result. I don't care which one happens as long as it gets done. So you're gonna get her brother out, let them do their run, and have the guard waiting when they return?"

[Namelessjake]

"Same result but there is a difference," Alierin responds to Roof Boy.

"That sounds like the plan though," she adds, looking to see if any of the others have anything more to say on the plan.

[Scratcherclaw]

"Aye, it's different from doing it ourselves. Just... the clan upholding the law," Aeron says with a frown, knowing how unequally the laws are applied in the bay. "Let's get to it then."

 

[ratwizard]

With an idea in motion yet few minutes to spare, you set off from Ramjan Lumber toward the far end of the Southward Docks that Gerirl had described to you. Roof Boy follows along — the first time he's taken part on a task directly. At this evening hour, few people are afoot on the piers, making it a quiet jaunt, though hard to avoid notice from the spare passerby.

You reach the particular wharf, jutting out and somehow mostly unmarred from the war. There is a chill breeze on the air. The warped planks creak and groan as the tide pulses with a slow but steady rhythm. Toward the water, you spot a dilapidated shack, a faded anchor emblazoned on its facade. Two loading doors sit wide open. Outside of it, three figures linger, speaking in unheard tones. You see another figure further down, at the edge of the wharf, facing the bay.

[Namelessjake]

"Well then, you're up," Alierin says to Aeron.

"The rest of us should say out of sight," she adds, looking around for somewhere less conspicuous to wait.

[FinalTemplar]

Dess nods toward Aeron; "Lets go." He says and starts to wander over.

[Scratcherclaw]

Aeron takes a deep breath and strides toward the three figures. I hope this works... He looks around, painting a look of concern across his face. He squints through the darkness as he approaches, trying to make out the faces ahead.

[ratwizard]

Aeron sets off down the wharf, hoping to get a better look at the shadowy figures ahead.

Aeron

You approach alone, and within moments the three figures notice your presence, ending their discussion and turning toward you. In the moonlight, you can get a better look at them — two young orcish men, and a young Serranborn man too. They are dressed plainly, and you can see one of them is armed based on the sheath at his hip.

Immediately, they began walking your way in a calm but alert manner. "Hey, you need something?" one of the orcs calls out, waving you down.

Everyone Else

Part of the way down the wharf, the three figures spot Aeron and begin to approach him.

[Namelessjake]

"He's got this," Alierin says aloud as she sees the figures approach Aeron.

Lying isn't exactly in his nature but he's good at convincing people.

[Scratcherclaw]

Aeron studies the trio, casting a stray glance toward the weapon before meeting their gaze. So they're armed. I suppose we shouldn't be surprised. He steps over to them, bearing a frown. "Sorry to bother you all. You haven't seen an elf pass by, have you? Dark hair, blue eyes, goes by Gerirl."

[ratwizard]

Aeron

Two two orcs exchange a glance, before the first one turns back to you. "I've seen him around. What's going on?"

[Scratcherclaw]

Aeron feigns surprise at the orc's revelation, looking relieved. "Really? Is he around?" he asks semi-truthfully, unsure if the lone man by the waterfront is even Gerirl. "His sister's looking all over for him. Their mom's taken a turn for the worse, I'm afraid, and they both really need to be at her side." He frowns, looking to them with pleading eyes.

Mechanics

Bluff: [1d20+11]=4+11=15

 

[ratwizard]

Aeron

The first orc frowns, studying you for a moment, before turning back to the Serranborn. "Tell the boss," he says. The human heads back toward the shack while the two orcs stand where they are, clearly not allowing you further entry.

[Scratcherclaw]

Aeron gives a nod and continues to frown, watching the Serranborn disappear into the building. Hope this works...

 

[ratwizard]

Aeron

A moment later, a greying orc with a missing ear walks out of the shack, a haste to his step. Behind him trails Gerirl, who looks your way with eyebrows raised.

Donleg approaches you, sizing you up blatantly. "Gerirl, you know him?" He stands with hands on his hips, hardly hiding the long blade sheathed at his waist. He seems to be wearing a strange pair of oversized leather gloves.

"Yeah," Gerirl answers.

"What's the problem? And make it quick," the smuggler demands of you.

[Scratcherclaw]

"His mother," Aeron begins, gesturing to Gerirl while maintaining his feigned frown. "It's..." He lets out a sigh, hoping to sell it further. "She's been ill and she's taken a turn for the worse. His sister sent me looking for him since he needs to be by their mother's side right now. Please," he pleads.

Mechanics

Bluff: [1d20+11]=1+11=12

[ratwizard]

Aeron

Donleg glances back at Gerirl, whose jaw slips open. "No," the elf manages, starting to step forward.

Donleg lifts a brawny arm, stopping the young elf. "Hold on," the smuggler interjects. "We've got a job to do."

"Don, it's my mom," Gerirl insists. "She's... I need to be there."

"We're short a man already." Donleg turns, eyeing you again. "You stay, take his place." He lets go of Gerirl's shoulder, but beckons you.

[Scratcherclaw]

A lump forms in Aeron's throat as he hears the aged orc's words. It's for Alierin. And for Gerirl, stupid as he may be. I'll just have to wiggle my way out before it's too late. He lets out a sigh and nods. "Fine," he says, giving Gerirl a pat on the shoulder. "Tell your sister why I can't be by her side too, could you for me?"

 

[FinalTemplar]

Dessarius looks around quickly, tapping his foot. He looks back at Aeron on the dock. He grimaces, "Do you think it's going well down there?" he asks the others, worrying slightly. "Should we wait?" He asks, looking back at Alierin. "Should someone see if we can catch sight of the guards to see how long we have?"

Mechanics

Perception, looking for Coast Guard: [1d20+6]=18+6=24

[ratwizard]

Aeron

Gerirl gives you an apologetic nod. "Of course," he says. "And, um, thanks. Good luck." He hurries off toward the boardwalk, where the others lie in wait.

Donleg gives the both of you a wary look, before beckoning you back toward the shack. "Nothing you do or see tonight leaves this pier. Got that?" he says, turning back over his shoulder with a dangerous look.

Everybody but Aeron

Moments later, you see not Aeron return, but Gerirl. He is at a slight jog, finding you laying low at the mouth of the pier.

"Where's Aeron?" Cymril demands.

"He had to stay. Donleg wouldn't let me go without a substitute," he explains with a grimace. "What do we do now?"

Dessarius

You keep an eye on the bay. It is a clear night, the rains of the morning long gone. You see a creeping fog off in the distance on the horizon, but it's a coin toss if it will head this way or not.

Moored out in the center of the bay are a number of ships, and you spot the occasional dinghy or canoe. However, you do not see the typical fare for the Groznid Clan's watchmen — small, fast single-sail boats that sometimes patrol the waters. If they are out here tonight, they must be south of here, by the Low Docks, or out beyond the bay near Alu Koroviz for now.

[Namelessjake]

Why are all the men in my life such idiot? Am I destined to clean up their messes forever? Alierin thinks exasperatedly as Gerirl reveals, it is now Aeron in danger instead of him.

"Well, the plan was to find a way to get the clan guards here to catch them in the act. That still needs to happen," she says after thinking on the situation for a moment. "At least, with Aeron in your place, he knows our plan so hopefully he can find away to get out of there in time. Unless anyone has any other ideas?" She asks, wondering if there's a better way to extricate Aeron from the gang of smugglers.

[FinalTemplar]

Dessarius grunts softly, looking back toward the group as Gerirl appears. If Aeron did not return, I'm sure he did so thinking that was best. He shifts a bit as he stands with them, and frowns softly. "How long were you there? Did you learn anything else while you were with them? I know you said you were transporting something, but did you find out what?"

[Scratcherclaw]

It's hardly the first time I've had to hear that, Aeron says to himself, giving the orc a shallow nod. "Got it." But how to get away before it's too late... I guess I've got the boat ride to figure that out.

 

[ratwizard]

Everyone but Aeron

Gerirl catches his breath, listening to your line of questioning.

"Not long," he answers Dessarius. "They're moving cages of birds. I couldn't get a good look, but they sounded familiar, like the type I've heard upriver."

He continues. "There's seven of us tonight. Three standing watch at the door, and one down the pier. Donleg, Aeron, and another are inside."

Aeron

Walking your way past the three sentries, you follow Donleg inside the dilapidated boathouse. It is dim, and smells of tar, and stiflingly cramped with cargo.

Looking closer, you identify stacks of what appear to be cages, with blankets, sheets, tarps pulled over them and secured with twine. From beneath the coverings you hear muffled sounds of cooing and the occasional chirp.

The center of the shack gives way to open sea-water, where two dinghies are moored. An older elvish man is already in the process of loading some of the covered cages into one of the vessels, sparing you a curious glance before continuing.

"Get to work," Donleg commands you. "Help him fill that one first. Then we'll send it out and load the second one." The greying orc pulls his sleeves up, wasting no time as he resumes loading.

[Fialova]

So we have traded rescue targets, but the goal is the same, Sisera thinks with a sigh, as the news comes from Gerirl. "They not know him," she says to the others. "Not like you," she continues, nodding towards Alierin's brother. "He leave, less suspicious. Not his job. Maybe he flee." Hopefully we can keep things simple, and he isn't in too much danger. 

[Namelessjake]

"So how should we draw in the clan guardsmen while they're out doing their run?" Alierin asks.

"Ideally we don't want to tip off Donleg and the others and let them get away, so maybe a fire isn't the best idea," she thinks aloud. "Do we just go find them and tell them something is happening?"

[ratwizard]

Everyone but Aeron

"It's the most direct way to shut their op down," Roof Boy answers Alierin with a shrug. "Course, that hangs your friend out to dry."

Gerirl shifts his weight uncomfortably at Sisera's question. "I don't know... If he takes off before things are underway, Donleg will get suspicious. He was already on edge about me leaving since we already had another person drop out for tonight."

[Namelessjake]

"Who was that? And why did they drop out?" Alierin asks her brother, her curiosity piqued.

[ratwizard]

Everyone but Aeron

Gerirl smirks. "Too drunk to load. Donleg's got a strict policy about being sober."

[Scratcherclaw]

Aeron stays silent, giving a simple nod at the command. Only speak when spoken to. Don't wanna get wrapped up deeper than I need to. Not wanting to draw the ire of his would-be employer, he begins helping with the loading. But... they're smuggling birds? Odd.

 

[FinalTemplar]

Dessarius grips the hilt of his sword and looks out once more toward the docks, squinting. "I can't trust my gut tonight. It calls for violence." He says softly, taking a deep breath. "If we could find out where they were going, maybe we could tip off the guards..."

[Namelessjake]

"Probably a good policy," Alierin replies. "Not that it helps us - we can't exactly get Aeron drunk," she adds, getting slightly annoyed as it begins to look more and more like they will be forced into taking lives tonight.

[ratwizard]

Everyone but Aeron

Gerirl shrugs at Dessarius. "Donleg didn't say. He keeps the details tight until it's time to go."

Dessarius

As mentioned before, there are a number of larger vessels moored out near the center of the bay. You would know that, logistically, the dinghies Donleg's crew must be using are limited to the shallows of the bay. Beyond them, the waters are too rough and the coast, too rocky. Therefore, it is a fair assumption to make that Donleg's crew is either moving the goods to another dock or pier in the city, or to a vessel moored out in the bay.

[FinalTemplar]

Mechanics

Streetwise to determine what areas of the Southward Docks are still in use: [1d20+4]=16+4=20

[ratwizard]

Dessarius

In your time traveling Groznid, you know that the destruction caused by the Serran sieges was heaviest on the eastern part of Southward — the docks that are sticking out into the bay. Most of the docks in that region were burned down entirely, little remaining other than charred pilings rising from the water.

However, the western portion — the docks sheltered a bit more between Vozto and the mainland — is in somewhat better shape. You're here now, and you're sure there are a few more piers within a short walk that are still used by the occasional vagrant, criminal, or other enterprising individuals.

[FinalTemplar]

"It's a long shot, but perhaps we could check out one of the other nearby piers? There may be a chance that they set off from here and move to another pier to pick up a larger boat-" He cuts himself off quickly at that, before continuing, "However, the more likely option is that they're going to take their smaller boat out as far as it can and meet another larger boat out closer to the deeper waters. There's a chance that if we go to one of the nearby piers, we might yet be able to take a boat out ourselves and catch them before they get to their destination. What we do at that point is something we should discuss, but I don't personally see another way forward here, short of just... Waiting for Aeron to come back from the job, and that's exactly what we came here to stop Gerirl from doing."

[ratwizard]

Everyone but Aeron

"What happened to calling the guard on them?" Cymril asks, rounding on Dessarius, her arms crossed.

Roof Boy shrugs. "There's more risk involved," he reasons. "They might not believe your claim or care to respond. Or they might think we're rivals of Donleg, or even associates looking to sell him out. Could be we all hang together. It would be a harder sell without your cousin here, but it avoids getting our hands dirty."