0. Prelude

[ybn1197]

Athriel chimes in, "I think an ambush would be the best way to gain additional information. I can play the role of the target." He looks down at his well-worn and singed coat. "I certainly do not appear to be a man of means in any capacity."

[Alethan]

Ty nods at Athriel. "Very good. Should we set it up here in Beacon's Point? Or maybe in Underbridge?"

[dmw71]

As the group begins to openly discuss their plans, Athriel notices their conversation is attracting some unwanted attention from a passing-by vagabond who's making very little effort to conceal his interest in the group's conversation. "Go on," the nearly toothless male in ragged clothes says unashamedly after the group hushes and he is no longer able to hear what is being discussed.

[ybn1197]

Athriel

"I'm sorry. Was there something of interest in our private conversation which you would like to know more of? Or did you have something to add?"

[dmw71]

"Aye, just that me maybe hear a rumor. Some'n that might be of use to you." the man replies to Athriel's questioning.

[ybn1197]

Athriel

Athriel places his hand in his pocket and pulls out a gold coin. "Let me loosen your tongue as it seems to be tied up at the moment." He holds the coin up for the man to see.

[dmw71]

The vagabond's eyes grow wide at the sight of a good coin. He reaches for it.

[ybn1197]

Athriel pulls his arm back as the vagabond goes for the coin. "First your information."

[dmw71]

The vagrant snarls at Athriel, flashing his infected gums when his intent was to bare the teeth he once had. "Me information is worth that coin. More than one!" he protests.

"You pay, or I no speak," he says, crossing his arms in front of his body defiantly. "And me price just went up -- I expect one gold from each of you!" he snaps, moving his gaze from one member of the group to the next.

[tooleychris]

Petra addresses her comrades "Come. If you flash coin here everyone in the shadow of the bridge will claim to have a secret to share. Let's get us to more private places."

[Alethan]

Finding wisdom in what the witch says, Ty nods in agreement.

"If you knew anything of value, one word to the wrong person and you'd be dead, instead of dead drunk. How do you know we aren't the wrong people?"

[dmw71]

The group heed Petra's suggestion and shuttle the payment-demanding man down a side alley and out of general view.

"If you knew anything of value, one word to the wrong person and you'd be dead, instead of dead drunk. How do you know we aren't the wrong people?" Ty asks of him. "Me heard you," the man protests. "You's lookin' to go where people gone missin', right?" he asks.

"Well, me know where you can start lookin'... tonight."

[tooleychris]

"Come friend.. " Petra addresses the urchin. "You're a clever man to know what the wisest do not. Do you see a pattern to the disappearances? Tell me what you have found. I'd be very appreciative. " she says with a warm smile.

Diplomacy roll please. A little charm to save some coin.

[dmw71]

The man, clearly enamored with Petra, freely volunteers that he has learned that a pickup for one of the slave runs has been scheduled for this very midnight. "But, it'll still cost you a coin to learn this location," he says, not wanting to completely lose out on a chance to capitalize on this information.


Rolls:

Petra charms vagrant (12+): [1d20+6] = 20+6 = 26

[ybn1197]

Athriel puts his hand with the coin down ashamed of himself after Petra'a astute observation of flashing coins in the open. He follows the others to the side alley and waits patiently as Petra tries to coax the information out of the vagrant more subtlety than his brutish attempt. When the man asks for a coin for the information, Athriel hands over the gold coin in his palm warily.

[dmw71]

The old man quickly snatches the gold coin from Athriel and pockets it. "There's an old, boarded-up shoreline tavern in Dockway." he starts. "The Puffy Pelican... That's where you need to be at midnight."

He looks to Petra, still clearly enamored with her. "I could come with you," he offers. "Show you the way."

[tooleychris]

Petra places a hand in his shoulder then his cheek.
"You've been more than generous enough. Such a Nice man, really. I wouldn't want to put you out more than we already have. But Thank you. Tell me, What are you called? I may like to speak with you again sometime. "

[dmw71]

The man flashes a near toothless grin. "Harold be my name, ma'am," he says proudly.

[tooleychris]

"A good strong name. Wonderful. Thank you so much. Now me and my friends must speak on matters I wouldn't want to bother you with. If you'll kindly excuse us?"

[Alethan]

Once Harold is gone, Ty whispers, "You think HE might be part of a trap, too? We should be cautious..."