CH. 3: Mages, Mages Everywhere

[Haahque]

"And hold there to you too good sir. I'm supposed to meet a couple of friends in here, and I figured there's no better way to pass the time then reading a good book. Could you direct me to the section with ancient cults of black mages? They always seem to make things interesting." Haahqae bows, and awaits a response.

[BishGada]

Tulbas nods to his uncle in agreement. Looking at the others he says "Regarding trusting Nora, I didn't think we should ask others." he shakes his head, "I thought that we might have someone track the cult lair and the expedition that will transfer Daxia to the hands of the Ergothians, to make sure they are really going in the direction we plan to catch them. For all we know the Ergothians could come and go by horses and we will never catch them." he explains, "But it might prove too difficult to manage that, and also I'm not sure how the tracker can inform the others if he sees they follow a completely different route." he finishes.
"As I said to Kynaston and Haaque, there could be about half score warriors and I might be able to neutralize some of the weaker warriors forcing them into magical sleep." he shot a glance at Raetmal to see if he approves the idea.
"Now, as you know there are be many small alleys between the lair and the docks, bypassing Riverway, so I guess if we are to ambush them, we should do it close to the 'Salmon' or we have a big chance to miss them. This, together with the fact that some of the docks are pretty far from each other, I still think we should check where is the 'Salmon' docked without asking directly about her. We still have plenty time to do that and to have Kynaston and Haaque made to their initiation.
And one last thing, Gregeddin, Darga, do you know where to find Kendra, or maybe someone, who knows her whereabouts? We need as many of your group as possible."

[JadedDM]

Haahqae (Harbor District, Outside the Council Hall)
"Only those with permission from the Highseekers can enter here," the guard says to Haahqae. "And I can assure you," she continues, "that the library does not contain such blasphemous books in it."

[djhyland]

Darga shakes his head in response to the elf's question. "I ain't seen her, but then, I ain't seen much o' anything since gettin' here so late."

[JadedDM]

Gregeddin, Darga, Kynaston and Tulbas (Erogundali Mageware Shop, 253 Herbalist Street)
"That's alright," says Kynaston. "We all agreed to meet up at the park at sundown, so if nothing else, Kendra should be there and we can fill her in then."

[Haahque]

"So you're trying to tell me that this, the library of the high seekers does not contain books about how the wondrous heroes of the highseekeres and the heroes of old overcame all odds in defeating strange cults of powerful black mages? Or I guess tried, I suppose not every hero can win all the time, there are probably a couple stories of black mages getting away, which only makes their inevitable downfall even more rewarding. For who's ever heard of a black mage that was never killed?"

[BishGada]

Tulbas looks at Kynaston, "Well, it would be better to tell her before hand, she might need time for preparations, especially since she is wounded, but if you don't know anyone who can locate her than the park it is."
Shifting his look to his uncle he asks, "Uncle, what do you think of the plan? Any suggestions?"

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin listens to Tubas' thoughts and nods along in contemplation.

"We could try the Norris's Gem place, where we went to sell the stuff. They are an item after all so she could be there or he would know anyway." Gregeddin offers.

"If we are to succeed we will definitely need all the advantages we can get: knowing the area, surprise, magical sleep, numbers if we can get them." Gregeddin muses deamily, "If only we could conjure an angry mob to overwhelm the warriors. Though that would put Daxia at risk of being harmed..."

[JadedDM]

Haahqae (Harbor District, Outside the Council Hall)
"Maybe there are, maybe there aren't," the guard says. "It doesn't matter, as you cannot enter to find out without a Highseeker's permission. So be on your way."

Gregeddin, Darga, Kynaston and Tulbas (Erogundali Mageware Shop, 253 Herbalist Street)
"Sundown will be around Eleventh Watch," Raetmal points out, "as the days are short in autumn. That still gives you five hours before Late Watch to fill in your companion on whatever she needs to know."

"It's about Fifth Watch now, I think," Kynaston says. "That gives us six hours before sundown, and another five after that. Surely we can come up with something by then."

[BishGada]

Tulbas looks around, "OK then, I told Haaque to come here after searching for you in the library. Since he couldn't find you, I guess he is already on his way here. Let's wait for him and then go check the docks area to find what we can about the 'Salmon' and the best place for the ambush. We can check the gem shop on the way there."

[Haahque]

"Well I should say I hope there are such books in the library. For who's ever heard of a library without a few good entertaining and educational books that exemplify the good qualities of the library's owners. A library without such books would be inconceivable and would be the laughing stock of all well educated circles around.

"Now you, sir, not wanting me to enter raises some small suspicion that perhaps there are not any such books in this library. I see I should leave and tell Malifico the Magnificant and Wendy the Wise about this short coming and see what the Highseekers think of two learned people like that learning their deep dark secret about their library. I say good day sir."

Haahqae turns and slowly walks away from the guards.

(OoC: I know in 3.5 or 4e this would take a bluff check. I don't know if it's such a check in 2e.)

[JadedDM]

Gregeddin, Darga, Kynaston and Tulbas (Erogundali Mageware Shop, 253 Herbalist Street)
"You may wait here then," Raetmal says. "I must return to my work, however." He finishes his tea and stands, then heads back out to the front of the store.

Haahqae (Harbor District, Outside the Council Hall)
"If these so called learned people want to visit our library, they can get permission from the Highseekers themselves," the guard says, calling the gnome's bluff. "Have a good day then."

==========

Haahqae makes a CHA check [09] (1d20): 18, fail.

[Haahque]

"Blasted guards wouldn't know a book if it hit them in the sternum." Haahqae mutters under his breath as he makes his way back to the main road.

Haahqae thinks to himself. I've still got me most of an hour to kill before we meet up, how should I spend it? Well I know someone else who might have a good book, or if not a book some other sort of useful knowledge. I should make my way over to that potions and magic item shop I found the other day. The chap there seemed friendly. Hey bonus, it's also on the way to Tulbas's so I won't waste much more time.

And with that Haahqae held his head high and made a path towards the magic shop.

[BishGada]

"While we wait, we should think of the battle to come.
I think we need to work in synchronization, guard each other. I think that two warriors should attack the Cavalier at any given time, while two others will guard their flanks, attacking the weaker warriors near the Cavalier. By the look of your weapons, even that I could be mistaken, it seems we have three warriors in the group, so every now and then one of the warriors attacking the Cavalier can rotate to keep your strength. I will try to force the weaker warriors into sleep and then do my best to find who's left, but I'm not a good at all in face to face combat." Tulbas looks around.

"What do you think? I guess you have fought together before, so you should have some group tactic already? Could you explain it and suggest where would I fit best?"

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin laughs nervously, "Heh while this sword looks nice, I am less experienced in combat than both Trench and Kendra. My millitary tactics are hit and miss too... as Darga found out rather quickly. but I agree, a good strategy will be the key that we should discuss before tonight."