Tealon can't see anything different about the ship. It's still anchored in the harbor out at the island. He can vaguely make out the guards, but can't be sure how many.

He spots someone at the back door of the administration building, but no one on the roof. In the dark and shadows, the person at the back is somewhat obscured, but Tealon doesn't think it's one of his group.

She'd only half believed the tales of the strangers... that someone would come looking for them. She was pretty sure they only half-believed it, too. Still, she'd been keeping an eye out on the Hall of Law fairly regularly, especially at night. It'd helped that her sortes castings had warned her something would happen today.

They had come. She'd been able to tell by their manner of dress. No one here could have dressed in that manner.

She'd been prepared to help them find their missing crewmembers, but somehow they'd found them just the same. They didn't know about the other two, though. She could help them with that still.

She slid through the darkness to the back door of the Hall, pausing to listen. Had they gone yet? The locked door was no impediment to her, twisting the lock mechanism with a simple cantrip.

She cautiously stepped inside and closed the door behind her. She was worried that they might attack her before she could explain.

She was easing down the hall to the dungeon door just as the new strangers came up from the dungeon. She stopped then, and raised her hands in front of her, palms outward to show that she was not holding a weapon.

She waited until someone noticed her.

"Greetings, strangers from across the Great Sea," she said in perfect Llaelese. "I am Khuno Manco... a shaman. I am here to help you free the rest of your crew."

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 245):

Tealon wasn't happy that someone had gotten that close to the building without him seeing, maybe it was the one he gad seen on the roof some way off.

Swooping over to the back of the building, he didn't see the person, maybe it was just a shadow he had seen. To be sure, he swooped around the building to be sure, then landed on the top, making sure he couldn't be seen. Taking a chance, he then opened the trapdoor and leaned in to see if he could make out the rest of his crew.

Tealon opens the trap door on the room, and peers in, but there is not sign of the rest of his companions. Then again, it's a 3-story building, and they were probably looking on the lower floors. Even after listening for a bit, he can hear no sound... at first.

A moment later, though, a faint sound reaches his ears. It's too faint and too indistinct to identify, but it is soon followed by voices that sound very far away, not very loud and distorted by echoes.

No one is more surprised than Jheridan to not only see this new person but to hear her speak in what sounded like native Llaelese. He could detect no trace of an accent, which, considering the person also appeared to be a native of this region, was most peculiar. Either this person was an uncanny natural linguist who had learned Llaelese from one of the missing crew, or else she was using the Tongues spell.

He guessed the latter. He had the spell in his repertoire, but did not currently have it in his mental queue.

"Greetings, Khuno Manco," Jheridan said as he stepped forward to greet this person. He kept his hand at his side, but did not put it on his gun. Spells could easily be cast from open hands like she was displaying, so he wasn't taking any chances.

"Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated, but why would you wish to do this for us? Have not your people captured and imprisoned them?"

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 248):

With a watchman's concentration, Tealon tried to focus on the words and the rough location, we're they this native tongue or that of his group?

What of the shadow too? After a few moments, he walked carefully towards the edge where he saw Ioelanna enter to see if anyone had exited or was going in that direction.

Danyka had whirled to face the newcomer, a touch dumbstruck.  Twice in one day, she'd heard her native tongue spoken in this distant land.  She eyed the woman in the doorway suspiciously, still brandishing her thinblade in her right hand.

More than content to let Jheridan take the lead with 'negotiations', Dany couldn't help but ask a single question.  "Llaelese..." the thin Rynnish brunette muttered to no one in particular - though Del was probably closest, "how is it that everyone here speaks Llaelese?"  It was almost too convenient.  Or not convenient (or coincidental) at all.

Yet after that vocalization, Danyka fell silent.  Khuno Manco needed to say more before they'd blindly follow her into the street.  They may not have many other options - but, as Jheridan had noted; they were pretty much ignorant of the political factions involved here.  It would be all too easy to be duped; if they hadn't already been ...

"You must have political factions where you come from," Khuno replied. "It is that way here as well. Not all of us thought it was a good idea to... restrain your people and your ship."

"The Thergal faction are greedy and power-hungry. They wish to send the country to war."

"I represent the Chasca faction. We desire peace. We were excited and pleased to engage in trade with you."

"Up till the arrival of your Seacutter, we had tales of northern lands, but we thought they were all myths."

"We have been on the watch for someone looking for the Seacutter and its crew. We did not realize that you would be so... discrete. That is why it took so long for me to find you."

Whilst looking into the hole in the roof, utilising his magical item, Tealon tries to detect thoughts of anyone nearby (if it works like that) and calls down as loudly as he thinks he can without being overhear by anyone in the street..

"If you can hear me, we need to get moving right now. I've started a distraction as people were starting to move around. The Seacutter may also be less guarded right now if you hurry."

Danyka regarded the foreign woman for a pregnant moment after she'd finished speaking.  Then the tall Rynnish brunette simply shrugged.  "Touché." she acknowledged simply, when the woman asked her semi-rhetorical question about differing political factions in Immoren; the fact was that pretty much all of the Iron Fist was forcibly conscripted into services - a reality that was directly a consequence of the political realities and scheming of the Iron Kingdoms and their divisive ideologies.

Unfortunately, they were still at the mercy of the warring factions here as well, it seemed.  The Llaelese gun mage took a deep breath, the tip of her blade lowering, though it was still held firmly in her hand, while she gave her name, "Well, met Khuno Manco of the Chasca Faction.  I am Danyka."  She introduced her companions (or allowed then to introduce themselves as they preferred), as well.

Dany whirled once more to face the doorway when they were addressed from teh outside.  Danyka paused at the door when their flying arcane mechanik's whisper emanated from the side then she tapped on the door in a light rhythmic beat that was distinctly Llaelese knowing that Tealon would recognize that an Immoren native was likely on the other side before she opened it.

Holstering her pistol for a moment and then grasping the handle firmly, she pushed and opened the door.  "Tealon." she simultaneous acknowledged and introduced him. "Lead on, Khuno Manco of the Chasca Faction.  Show us where the rest of the Seacutter crew and her captain are..."  Dany fell in behind her hoping that they were being lead into a trap and that she hadn't just signed everyone's death warrant.

In reply to Danyka Ydrasyl (msg # 254):

Recognising the signal Danyka had used in training and on ship, Tealon kept himself ready yet at ease.

"Danyka, the diversion I have had to set is working well but they may have it under control before the sun crests the hills. Time is running out.

Here, take this translator disk in case you come across any more natives, I meant to hand it you when we landed at this building but worry of the locals finding up superceded my thoughts.

Ah, the shadow I watch criss the roofs and streets, I take it you speak our tongue since I heard accented speech which could only be you Khuno Manco. Well met.

I shall keep look out, please hurry."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Fri 06 Jan 2017.

Khuno lead you out of the building, and down some of the darker side streets. When you come to a wide avenue, she stopped and pointed down the avenue in the direction away from the sea.

"That is the Promaxim's estate. Verlo Granex is holding your captain and trader there. He wants to learn all the secrets that they have. He believes he can use these machines of yours to take over this country and then conquer Zu as well."

"Learning these secrets has been a slow process because there is not only the language barrier but the lack of understanding of basic concepts."

"Verlo, however, is a patient man."


Looking down the avenue, you can see a cliff with a large villa-style structure perched atop it.

In reply to Khuno Manco (msg # 256):

"If we take the ship now, the guards at the estate will be increased, if we go to the villa and take back the ships crew and captain, we should be able to take back the ship by force rather than stealth. We have to be careful that they don't spot our own ship.

Unless anyone has any other suggestions, I'll let our captain know what's going on and that he has to go further out to sea and we'll get back to him with the Seacutter."

Tealon takes to the sky once more to keep watch, report, then head back to his ship. Reports to the Captain, eats, drinks, restocks crossbow bolts and heads back to the others (15mins max with any luck)

23:49, Today: Tealon Holdron rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Fly-After Leaving Admin Building.
23:49, Today: Tealon Holdron rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  Fly-Ship.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Tue 10 Jan 2017.

Dany nodded curtly to Tealon and his plan to update the Resolute.  She suspected that there were other motives at play, but let it go.  "Make sure that you reconnoiter the target on the way back." the thin Rynnish brunette ordered ... or rather suggested strongly ... to flying mechanik.

She turned to their local guide, "Thank you, Khuno Manco.  Will you wait here?  Or do you wish to accompany us?"  Danyka knew that she could do no more or less than offer.  "Is there anything else that you can tell us that might help us on our rescue mission?" the Llaelese gun mage prompted the Chasca faction representative, "Anything that might be able to use as leverage against the Promaxim?"

Lastly, Dany turned to Jheriman, Del and Nicollo.  "Okay," she noted thoughtfully and quietly, "Let's do some of our own reconnoitering.  We need to know as much as we can about who and what is guarding that compound, if anything.  Don't do anything stupid, but the more information we have the better.  Pair up." and she gestured to the four of them, "Meet back here in 10 minutes."

---

OOC:  Dany also has Profession: Scout, if that is appropriate.

  14:51, Today: Danyka Ydrasyl rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  Hide/Move Silently Check:  As needed.
  14:51, Today: Danyka Ydrasyl rolled 13 using 1d20+7.  Spot Check: as needed.

Not stellar.  Hopefully, someone can roll better than I can...]

In reply to Danyka Ydrasyl (msg # 258):

As a Mechanik, he didn't always notice the subtle changes in human tone, different it it was the tension in metals or the crackle of energy along a conduit, he took the curtness as just an order from his leader and why not!

Arriving at the Resolute he quickly located his targets. "Captain, I know the sun is about to rise but we've got some if the crew back, a local faction Representative who is on our side is helping locate the rest. Danyka agreed with me to ask that you go further out as the people are waking. We'll get back with the Seacutter and crew...or I'll get back to you.!"

First awaiting a response from the Captain, the Crossbowman restocked his ammunition as he was low on standard bolts, got a quick bite in the shape of fruit whilst restocking then took back to the sky and did his job, to make sure all was safe for the Iron Fists.

12:22, Today: Tealon Holdron rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  Spot Check.
12:22, Today: Tealon Holdron rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Fly-Ship.

At least he got into the air and back to the group, could probably only see the crowd

In reply to Tealon Holdron (msg # 259):

Seeing the distraction he had caused starting to be controlled, even if the fires were still causing issues and not stopped, Tealon could still see that all around the admin building, nobody was any the wiser of their presence. Landing, thw high flying Mechanik reported back to Danyka for the next move, rescuing the rest of the crew and the Captain.

On seeing Ioelenna, a smile and nod was sent her direction, he was glad she got away unscathed.

"Danyka, the Captain is moving away and awaiting further contact from us. Are we away?"

In reply to Tealon Holdron (msg # 260):

Remembering something said previously...

"Ioelenna, hows the temperature doing for you, still bearable for now?"

In reply to Tealon Holdron (msg # 261):

Iolenna shrugs.

" I am still wet, which helps but as soon as I dry it will be unbearable quickly. But, I will do my duty. "
This message was last edited by the player at 03:34, Sun 05 Feb 2017.

In reply to Ioelenna Winterspire (msg # 262):

Tealon, ever dutiful nods to Ioelenna "maybe we should hurry then" and takes to the air as soon as Danyka suggests they are off.

Danyka nodded in agreement that they should get moving.  However, she does want to make one more reconnaissance sweep.  She can't help the niggling feeling that going in guns ablazing with out just a little more intel isn't just a little to reckless (even for her).

She pauses in a tree just to watch the grounds of the target mansion with the intent of making sure that an ambush isn't just around the corner...

---

OOC:  Dany still has Profession: Scout, if that is appropriate/helpful.

  00:28, Today: Danyka Ydrasyl rolled 10 using 1d20+6.  Hide/Move Silently Check:  As necessary.
  00:29, Today: Danyka Ydrasyl rolled 34 using 1d20+17.  Spot Check: as necessary (+1 Grit Point).

Danyka will burn a Grit Point to enhance her spot check, just in case.]

In reply to Danyka Ydrasyl (msg # 264):

From his high vantage point, he barely notices the group stop to check out the premises with it still being relatively dark, he was acutely aware that the sky was getting lighter though, maybe a hour or two before sun up, which would also explain why the city fishermen were starting to rise.

Circling lower just to ensure he did see right, that the group had stopped for a moment, then swooping high to get a clearer over view of the location they were going to, Tealon felt it was almost time to just let the wings carry him in a glide, moving forward needed the use of arms and they were a little tired from all the climbing.  Once high enough, the flying Mechanik soared high around the mansion and relied on circling to get some rest.  "It was very peaceful up here" he thought to himself.

The cliff face is more intimidating up close, even though it is only around 100 feet high. A compound/villa has been built at the top, which Tealon estimate holds about 200 people. Maybe half of them are soldiers or guards, based on the size of the barracks he spots. At this hour of the night, however, there is almost no activity in the compound.

There are two guards on the upper wall (20 feet higher than the top of the cliff).


Danyka spots the two lower guards. The ramp up to the clifftop is clearly manmade, and goes up about halfway before it becomes a series of four switchbacks. This was done to reduce the incline; if it went straight up, it'd have to be so steep no one could climb it.

About 20 feet from the cliff top, the ramp ends at a portcullis. Access to the upper level appears to be internal.

While climbing the cliff in the night is possible, there simply isn't enough time.

The guards on the upper wall are 'patrolling'--that is, they don't stand in one place, but walk the length of the front wall, turn and walk back the other way.

The lower guards also don't stay stationary, but pace back and forth in front of the portcullis... no doubt to keep from going to sleep.

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 266):

Seeing how, if this would have been a trap, there would be a welcoming party hidden behind those walls and Tealon could see no one except the two pairs of guards, Tealon felt it time to land and give his observations.

"Danyka, I don't know about you but are you sure about this? Doesn't seem to be a welcoming party, so I cant't see an ambush coming, not that once caught on this path, we wouldn't be sitting ducks anyway."

Speaking to their 'guide', "Khuno, are we expected and is the welcome likely to be amicable?"


The Mechanik wasn't always good at sensing the mood of others but he watched Khuno intently while she replied, for signs of subterfuge.

17:39, Today: Tealon Holdron rolled 17 using 1d20.  Sense Motive.

"I don't see how we could be expected," Khuno replies to Tealon. "While there are a few of us that half-expected another ship to show up, as far as I know, I am the only one that actually knows you are here."

"Even then, it was also half-expected that you would just sail in like the other ship, and make enquiries."

"Those in the Highgate might act amicable at first, but would seize the first opportunity to take you prisoners. You, in particular, would be interrogated harshly to learn the secret of your wings."

"To rescue your friends, we will need to take out those four guards quietly and then sneak in."


Tealon feels Khuno is sincere and being truthful.

In reply to Khuno Manco (msg # 268):

"Then knocking them off the wall is a reasonable course of action" said without a second thought, after all, his life would be threatened too.

"Danyka, your orders please"