Fortune's Favor — IC

Post by **Fialova** » Fri Nov 01, 2019 2:28 pm

"Oh, thank you!" Nyx says, continuing with her facade. "You are truly a generous woman, I will do my best to worthy of the AlcheLife name." With that she reaches into her pocket, conjuring a small dwarven coin to satisfy the woman's price. She hands the item over to the shop keeper before reaching for the kit she'd bought. This woman is a fool, but perhaps this will teach her not to try to swindle her customers.

"I must be going now, I need to start selling right away if I want to become your equal," she continues, as she steps for the door. Once outside she walks normally until she is a block or so away from the shop, and after that she begins to walk a bit more swiftly, though never in a way that looks suspicious. Best to get as far from here as I can before she figures it out.

[SHOW]: Minor Creation to make a dwarven coin counterfeit in my hood pocket as I reach into it. It will last five minutes unless I dismiss it before then.

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Nov 02, 2019 4:40 am

"Armed guards were already expected," Idrig says, unshaken by the reveal. "This inside agent. Is she expendable? This shipment seems like the true priority here."

If I botched a job, I'd expect to be left to rot. It's nothing personal, the dwarf justifies in his head. This industry is high risk, high reward.

Post by **Namelessjake** » Sun Nov 03, 2019 7:49 am

"I feel like we've missed something important," Ciraco says as he and Luca enter the room with the others in mid conversation. "It sounds like your contact got themselves found out and now they know we're coming? It shouldn't change too much." He says, trying to piece together the development from what he has heard so far.

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Sun Nov 03, 2019 2:55 pm

[SHOW]

Nyx

"I look forward to seeing your successes! Stop by any time for more!" the woman says, waving goodbye to you with her grin seeming to take up most of her face. With reagents in hand, you begin your trek back to the villa. With your hurried pace, it takes little time and the trip is entirely uneventful.

As you finally arrive at the villa and step inside the foyer, you notice Gina and your companions gathered and discussing something seemingly important. You notice immediately that Gina carries a distraught expression on her face. As you approach, you hear her say, "She is family! I will not have you acting as if she's less than that." She looks as if she's about to say more but stops as she notices your approach.

[SHOW]: At Idrig's and Narciso's words, Gina's face turns distraught. "She is family! I will not have you acting as if she's less than that," she says through a mixture of anger and sorrow. She looks as if she's going to say more but stops as you notice Nyx finally arrive.

[SHOW]: "Nyx, good, you're here," Gina remarks, appearing significantly more relieved than she had looked prior. "As I was explaining to your colleagues here, your job has had a complication. Besides just retrieving weapons, you'll have to rescue one of our own." Glancing at Idrig and Narciso, she emphasizes, "Alive. Besides being family, she might have learned vital information from her captors." She shakes her head and takes a deep breath as she continues. "You can expect armed resistance. They likely know we'll strike, but they won't know where. An ambush could be in order then. I am certain you all can handle everything though. Taking down the Cyclops is no easy feat, and your team did it without breaking a sweat."

Post by **Fialova** » Tue Nov 05, 2019 3:36 pm

Nyx enjoys the thrill as she successfully pulls of her prank, and makes it back to the villa with a rare smile on her face. As she steps in, however, the smile quickly fades. The shouting she finds alarming, and Gina's words eat at the girl's insecurities. They really expect a lot of us so fast. We didn't even fight the cyclops, and now we need to do a rescue and potentially fight a bunch of people? "Uh, hi," she manages to mutter as she steps into the conversation, unsure of what to add as she is still processing the new information.

Post by **ratwizard** » Tue Nov 05, 2019 6:47 pm

This woman is a fool, Idrig considers, frowning at Gina. A fruit-bearing bush only grows strong and fortuitous by trimming the weak, unfruitful ends. The solution regarding the captured agent is no different. She should be left to her own consequences, for the betterment of this family.

He ignores the raised temper of his host's scolding of him and Narciso, instead catching a glimpse of Nyx returning. "Welcome back," he greets her before turning back to Gina.

"An ambush seems quite up our alley, then. It has occurred to me that subtlety and premeditated, indirect injury works best according to our combined skill-set. Well, most of us. Perhaps we can apply a similar mindset here."

Post by **Namelessjake** » Wed Nov 06, 2019 3:32 pm

"You're probably right, Ciraco says in response to Idrig, mostly ignoring whatever had been going on between Gina, Idrig and Narcisco. "I say we scout out the area and find their trap. Then a couple of us spring it, only for the Ferraros to then fall into a trap of our own," he says, starting to formulate a plan.

The role of bait will definitely come with risks. Could be a good way to get rid of any weak links in the group.

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Tue Nov 12, 2019 8:56 pm

"An astute observation, Idrig. Playing to your strengths can assure you stay alive. And you will stay alive," Gina instructs to the dwarf, shooting the party a cold glance.

Taken somewhat aback, Luca replies, "Hey, I don't plan on dying. At least not to a bunch of hot-headed fools."

Ignoring Luca's words, Gina instead turns towards Ciraco and nods. "Scouting would do you well. I know you're not all highly familiar with the city, so knowing the terrain is a matter of life and death." She remains silent momentarily and takes a deep breath. "You may leave now while you still have daylight, or perhaps you prefer to scout in darkness. It is up to you, but begin your search near on Strada Roccia. Our target was taken near this decrepit building with a lion sculpted above the doorway. I would begin there."

Post by **FinalTemplar** » Tue Nov 12, 2019 10:25 pm

Narciso nods at Gina then looks back at his party. "I'm ready to go, shall we go now?" He smirked gleefully.

Post by **Namelessjake** » Thu Nov 14, 2019 1:22 pm

"No sense in wasting the daylight," Ciraco adds to Narcisco's comment, as he begins to move for the door.

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Nov 16, 2019 7:42 am

Scratcherclaw wrote:
"An astute observation, Idrig. Playing to your strengths can assure you stay alive. And you will stay alive," Gina instructs to the dwarf, shooting the party a cold glance.

"I certainly plan on it," Idrig shrugs. Even if it means using these people as a foothold.

At the motion to leave, the dwarf nods and follows. "We shouldn't move in a pack once we arrive. Maybe one goes ahead to scout."

Post by **Fialova** » Tue Nov 19, 2019 1:47 pm

Nyx listens on as the group makes their plans, not sure what to add of her own. These must all be hardened criminals if they are so good at this stuff already. As Ciraco mentions luring the other family into a trap, she chimes in saying, "I could probably use my shadow to help with that. It can't go very far from me, but it could be enough to get their attention and lure them somewhere if needed." As the others prepare to leave she simply nods in agreement and follows after.

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 1:58 pm

"I grant you leave to begin your scouting then," Gina remarks, gesturing towards the nearest doorway. "Be careful and do not draw suspicion." She gives a quick nod before leaving the five of you alone in the foyer.

Pulling out a map, Luca points to a nearby major avenue and mentions, "This is Strada Roccia. It's nearly a straight shot to the docks from there, so you can bet those bastards will be taking it tonight." Making his way towards the door, he asks, "Who wants to scout when we arrive? And keep your eyes open for that lion building."

Post by **ratwizard** » Sun Nov 24, 2019 8:25 am

"Someone quick, with young eyes," Idrig answers, hardly interested in volunteering for scout duty.

Post by **Namelessjake** » Sun Nov 24, 2019 3:39 pm

"I'll do it," Ciraco says, not trusting the others to do a good enough job to not land them in a problematic situation. "I used to do this sort of thing all the time in Talguta. I've got an eye for it."

Post by **FinalTemplar** » Sun Nov 24, 2019 7:00 pm

"I don't think I'd be very much help, in this scenario..." He mutters dejectedly. "But as soon as we have our target and know the layout I'm sure I'll be plenty of help!" He smiles brightly. "And as long as we stick together this should be easy, I'm sure of it."

Post by **Fialova** » Tue Nov 26, 2019 3:21 pm

Nyx prepares to offer up her conjuration as a means of scouting, but decides against it when Ciraco so eagerly volunteers. He is probably better than I'd be even with that, she thinks, as she awaits the next step in their mission.

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Sun Dec 01, 2019 11:44 am

Luca nods to Ciraco as he volunteers to scout ahead, heading towards the door. "Two pieces of advice," Luca remarks, stopping just before he reaches the door. "Don't be stupid and don't blow your tempers. The Ferreros can sniff out anger like it's their Nona's cooking." With another nod, he steps out.

After a short walk, you arrive at Strada Roccia. It's a fairly wide avenue, larger than most others in the city. Its sides are lined with storefronts and residences, a strange mixture of ornate and decrepit, as the street veers up toward the mountain. The sun is high overhead and the Strada is bustling with tourists and locals alike. Based upon your maps, Fyrus Ironworks is past the end of Strada Roccia, along a side street known as Viale Fyrus.

From where you are now, you're unable to spot the building with the lion's head built into the facade, yet Gina insisted it would be found upon this road.

[SHOW]: Roll Streetwise/Perception to look for the building, or look for whatever else you want (anyone can do that) and to scout (Ciraco, my boy)

Post by **ratwizard** » Sun Dec 01, 2019 12:07 pm

"The workshop is up there, on a side street," Idrig notes as they walk through the busy streets. "I've been around here once or twice." He keeps his eyes peeled for the lion statue in hopes of finding their mark.

[SHOW]: Streetwise to know see if I can find the lion-sculpture building is: 9(1d20) +8 = 17

Post by **Fialova** » Sun Dec 01, 2019 1:50 pm

Nyx follows along, keeping an eye out for the statue they'd been told about. It feels so weird walking this street again after so long. To think, last time I was here I was a tourist like anyone else.

[SHOW]: Perception: 21

Post by **FinalTemplar** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 5:55 pm

Narciso walks around and watches the people in the street going about their business, keeping an eye out for the building.

[SHOW]: Perception: 14(1d20) +7 = 21

Post by **Namelessjake** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 7:26 pm

"Good to know," Ciraco replies to the dwarf, keeping an eye out as they walk along.

[SHOW]: Perception: 5(1d20) +12 = 17

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 3:58 pm

[SHOW]: As you step through the streets, you feel a sense of familiarity from your first day within the city. You had caught wind of affordable lodgings from an elderly man at the docks, a small inn he had named Casa Leonessa. When you arrived, you discovered it long-since shuttered, but you recall it was tucked in an alleyway between the main street and the Ironworks.

[SHOW]: As you continue your ascent up the street, you notice the myriad of alleyways between clusters of buildings, their pathways dim from the shadows cast by the midday's sun. As you draw nearer to the Ironworks, its excessive smoke production giving away its location, your eyes peer into an alley wider than the others. Looking in, you notice an old building which appears to have a relief above the door. However, you're unable to ascertain its shape at this angle from the main street.

[SHOW]

Ciraco

As the others keep their eyes out for their marked building, you instead pay mind to the street and its layout. Between clusters of buildings, you easily notice the myriad alleys and side streets that weave through the mazelike city. At some instances, you notice enclosed courtyards at the ends of the alleys. Additionally, you notice several of the buildings have terraces, providing a perch away from a streetgoer's notice.

In particular, you notice a cafe with a staircase towards its terrace accessible from the street. Currently, the terrace is largely empty, save a pair of apparent employees pacing the deck. It has a handful of potted plants lining its wall closest to the street, partially concealing the view, but adding to the cafe's tasteful ambiance.

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Dec 07, 2019 9:12 am

"Know what? I think we're looking for the Casa Leonessa," Idrig says in a hushed tone. "It's in one of these alleyways, if my memories preserve."

Post by **Fialova** » Sun Dec 08, 2019 3:16 pm

"I think it may be this one," Nyx says, matching Idrig's tone as she peers down the wider alleyway that had caught her attention. "There is a building down there with a relief on it, though I cannot quite make out the design from here. Worth a look at least."

Post by **Namelessjake** » Sun Dec 08, 2019 3:52 pm

"There's a cafe up there with a terrace. It would make for a good vantage point," Ciraco says as he starts walking towards it.

"If someone comes with me it'll be less suspicious than just alone. All of us might raise suspicions even further though," he says as he pauses.

Post by **FinalTemplar** » Sun Dec 08, 2019 5:57 pm

Narciso shrugs. "I believe Nyx is right, that one caught my eye as well. I'll go with Ciraco and make sure nothing bad happens." He says trying to sound serious for once.

Post by **ratwizard** » Mon Dec 09, 2019 4:14 pm

"Nyx, Luca. Let's take a look down the alleyway. If anyone asks, we're looking for the Casa and hoping to catch a quick drink." He struts through the alley, looking to investigate the relief.

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Mon Dec 09, 2019 6:25 pm

[SHOW]

Ciraco & Narciso

With your destination in mind, the two of you begin to make your way towards the cafe's terrace. After a short flight of stairs, you find yourself upon the terrace. It's rectangular in shape, narrower against the street but extending the full length of the building inward.

Urns of assorted plants line the terrace's perimeter, with an ivy-ridden pergola overhead. Metal chairs and tables dapple the terrace, seemingly set for dinner service. All the tables are empty, though you spot two waitresses conversing in the far corner. At your approach, they look up. The first waitress, a brown-haired woman with a rounded face, approaches with a grin.

"Ciao! Welcome to Bernardo's! Will you be joining us this evening? For two?" she asks, her gaze darting between the two of you. Her eyes harbor a look of hope on the brink of desperation, as if you're the first visitors in some time.

[SHOW]

Idrig & Nyx

With Ciraco and Narciso on their way, the three of you head into the alleyway. It takes little time to confirm that this is the building you've been looking for. Above the decrepit door is the chipped head of a lion, its intricate features worn from time but its shape recognizable nonetheless. The door hangs open, barely holding to its hinges anymore.

Peering within the dim interior, you can make out what was once an inn's lobby. A pair of armchairs and a couch fill up the bulk of the foyer, their fabric torn and faded as they've become home to a nest of rats. A stone fireplace rests against the wall, its own intricate carvings chipped from years of abuse. Dust and grime coat every surface as a constant reminder of decay and abandonment.

Against the rear leftward wall, a stairway reaches the inn's upper limits. On the left, behind a sturdy desk, is an unmarked door. The floorboards groan as you pass the threshold, still managing to endure a man's weight after so long. You catch a glimmer upon the desk: a steel knife jammed into the oaken surface. A remarkably new-looking one, at that.

Post by **FinalTemplar** » Tue Dec 10, 2019 6:06 pm

Narciso, after taking a look around, glances back at the woman who was addressing them. He clears his throat awkwardly and shifts his glance back to Ciraco, unsure of what to say.

Post by **ratwizard** » Thu Dec 12, 2019 4:05 pm

Idrig frowns at the discovery of recent use at the abandoned inn. "I don't like the look of this. We should head back for now, keep watch. Hm?"

Post by **Fialova** » Fri Dec 13, 2019 3:42 pm

"I could also try peering in," Nyx responds. "Well not myself, but magically, if you think it's a good idea." She looks to the dwarf for guidance, not eager to make the call herself.

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Dec 14, 2019 6:19 am

"Can they... see your shadow?" He shrugs. "I guess it's better than going in ourselves. Try it out, methinks."

Post by **Namelessjake** » Sat Dec 14, 2019 10:53 pm

"Yes a table for two please," Ciraco says to the waitress, taking the lead as Narcisco remains silent.

"Can we just sit over there by the edge of the terrace," he adds, gesturing to table which looks to provide the best vantage point over the street.

Post by **Fialova** » Sun Dec 15, 2019 7:40 am

"They can, but I can make it different sizes if I concentrate," Nyx responds. With the go-ahead given, she steps off to the side and a small version of her shadow-self appears. She sends it towards the unmarked door, hoping it can get a glimpse inside.

[SHOW]: Using Shaped Consciousness, which allows me to see, hear, and use powers from its square. Lasts up to five mins or until I dismiss it. It is a conjuration so as far as I know it does not need to walk or anything, it is just kinda 'there'. Will move it around as possible to look around.

Post by **ratwizard** » Mon Dec 16, 2019 5:04 pm

Idrig watches on in rapt attention as Nyx controls the strange projection of her own consciousness. Fascinating. I must learn how she does this parlor trick.

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Tue Dec 17, 2019 6:12 pm

[SHOW]

Ciraco & Narciso

"Of course! Take a seat and I will be right over for your drink order," the woman says cheerfully as she momentarily disappears into the building.

From your seat, you're offered a mostly clear view of the street below, although the plants' fronds partially obscure your vision. On the street below, heads scurry by, unaware of your presence or simply not caring enough to pay notice. From your elevated position, you're able to see much of the street's length as it continue down towards the sea, although your view stops at a fork near Piazza Vittoria.

Your view of the street winding upwards is less than ideal, with the cafe's structure serving to block it. Above the roof, however, you're able to see the smoke and haze rising from the nearby Ironworks.

After a moment of surveying, the waitress returns, a chipper smile on her face. "Might I interest you two gentlemen in a drink? We have a special tonight. Buy one drink and your next is free!"

[SHOW]

Idrig & Nyx

Within an instant, Nyx's shadowy simulacrum appears and lurks towards the door. The air is still and the abandoned inn seems eerily quiet, though there is no obvious sign of activity yet.

Nyx
[SHOW]
Not Idrig
[SHOW]
Haha Idrig sucks
[SHOW]
With your head cleared and your thoughts focused, you move your shadowy imitation towards the unmarked door. As if peers through the cracks, you see its field of view nearly perfectly.

The room within is dark, but appears to have once functioned as an office and a storeroom of some sort. Papers are scattered around the room, their contents long-since faded over the years. Much of the room's center is taken up by a fallen cabinet, heavy by the looks of it, that smashed through a portion of the floor. To your left, there is a lonesome desk with only a crystal decanter resting upon it. To the right, you catch a glimpse of an archway with stairs leading to a cellar below.

As your shadow approaches the stairwell, you could swear you hear quiet sobbing and groans coming from below.

Post by **Fialova** » Tue Dec 17, 2019 8:13 pm

"I... I think someone is here," Nyx whispers. She inches the shadow a bit more forward towards the archway, hoping to get a bit closer to the source of the sound she'd heard. Why would someone be in this place? It is clearly abandoned.

Post by **ratwizard** » Tue Dec 17, 2019 8:34 pm

"Don't blow our cover too early. We've still got a long while we need to be running reconnaissance for before the shipment even takes off."

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Tue Dec 17, 2019 9:35 pm

[SHOW]

Nyx

As your shadowy simulacrum moves forward, the vague shape of a cellar at the bottom of the stairwell forms. The light is dim, with a single sconce providing the only light below. You're unable to see much given the limited light source, but you can make out what appears to be a chain.

As you squint, you swear you make out an arm reaching towards the stairs. The quiet sobs continue, but you hear little else.

Post by **FinalTemplar** » Tue Dec 17, 2019 9:45 pm

He clears his throat. "Sure, uh..." He lists off a beverage, something light that he could sip on. He didn't want to be rude, but he also knew this was rather important.

Post by **Namelessjake** » Thu Dec 19, 2019 4:46 pm

"The same," Ciraco adds with a smile. Once the waitress is gone he turns back to Narcisco.

"The view isn't quite as good as it looked to be from the street. Let's stay for the drink and then go find the others. I don't think they'd appreciate us staying for a whole meal," he says as the cafe blocks the view to the ironworks itself.

Post by **Fialova** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 2:08 pm

Nyx's face grows pale and her face distorts into a frown. Turning to Idrig, she says, "I think they have someone chained up down there. It is hard to tell from the darkness, but I can definitely hear sobbing and I saw some chains and a hand." What kind of person would do that to someone? We need to go down there and help.

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 4:10 pm

"Sounds like our associate," Idrig says, his brow narrowing. "Any jailors in place? Perhaps we can wait, and then spring her just before our hit on the caravan."

Post by **Fialova** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 6:42 pm

"I don't think so, but I can hardly tell. But we can't just leave then there," Nyx says, alarmed at the dwarf's lack of empathy. "They could be hurt." With this she moves her fragment slightly further in, hoping to get any other information she can.

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 7:01 pm

"And if we raise alarms before nightfall, it's us who are going to get hurt," Idrig whispers bitterly. "We have to trust that they will be alright until then." He looks Nyx in the eyes. "I won't be the one to ruin our chance at this."

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 8:19 pm

[SHOW]

Idrig & Nyx

"The alarm is already raised, you're forgetting," Luca says, unsure if leaving the woman chained in the cellar is the best course of action. "They know we'll be coming anyways. They just don't know when."

Nyx
[SHOW]
As you move your specter down the stairs, little more of the room is visible, owed largely to the limited light sources. However, beyond the sobs and the chained individual, you're unable to detect the presence of any others within the cellar.

You do notice, however, what appears to be a key hanging near the lit sconce, which you realize is where the hand is reaching.

[SHOW]

Ciraco & Narciso

With a quick nod, the waitress disappears into the building to prepare your drinks. As you wait, a large man ascends the stairs, carrying a ladder. The other waitress quickly takes notice and walks towards him.

"You needed help with a bird's nest on the roof, yes?" the man asks her, setting the ladder up against the building's wall. The roof, you can tell, is nearly flat and tiled with terracotta.

"Yeah, but you're late," the waitress replies, her tone clearly annoyed. "It's too late now. We've got customers. Just leave the ladder and come back tomorrow." She shoos him away before returning to her duties elsewhere.

A moment later, your waitress returns with your drinks. "Will there be anything else you'd like tonight?"

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 8:51 pm

"They don't know shit," Idrig says, shaking his head. "There's always a chance an operative gets left for the dogs in times like this. The only way the Ferreros know — with absolute certainty — that we are coming... is if they've been told. Now let's fall back and let the others know that we're about to do something stupid — before we do it."

Post by **Namelessjake** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 9:49 pm

"And just like that, our luck gets a little better," Ciraco smirks to Narcisco as the man leaves the ladder.

"Thank you, we've got everything we need for now," he replies to the waitress with a smile as he takes his drink and sips it.

Once both the waitresses are out of sight he takes another swig before standing up. "Let's go!" He says to Narcisco as he makes his way over to the ladder and up on to the roof.

Post by **FinalTemplar** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 9:56 am

Narciso nods at Ciraco as he makes his observation. He takes a quick swig of his drink, sliding one gold piece next to his glass and follows confidently, assured that the best way to go unnoticed is to act like you know what you're doing.