Fortune's Favor — IC

[ratwizard]

"Run!" Idrig shouts in a pitched voice, tearing forward as fast as his dwarven legs can carry him — his deathly costume shimmering as he goes. They look tired, and bored. But there is a desperation there. We must be keen and make not a single mistake.

[Namelessjake]

As the group slowly make their way up through the queue towards the legionnaires guarding the checkpoint, Ciraco performs a couple of subtle stretches, limbering up for their impending escape.

"Get fucked," he shouts in reply to the guard as they are made. The mercenary breaks into a run, following after Idrig. Narciso better loose that bag or this will all be for nothing, he thinks as he runs.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso walks with the others and waits in line with them. He goes over the plan again a few times in his head. Drop the bag, and run like hell. I've done that before, right? I can do that now. He lets out a soft sigh, eyeing up the guards. They look tired. It'll be easy. I just wonder if they'll take the bait.

A few moments pass as Narciso waits for his moment to shine. As they're called out, he says; "Can't catch the wind-" But seems to trip, barely catching himself. In the movement, the bag gets dropped. He makes it a few steps forward then looks back at it, 'realizing' the bag was lost. "Damn it." He says quickly before sprinting off after the others.

mechanics

Acrobatics to fake trip: [1d20+9]=5+9=14

[Fialova]

Nyx ignores the others' jabs at the guards, instead focusing on a nearby shadowy corner as they run past. Once she finds a suitable location, she moves her own shadow there to perch and watch for the guards' reactions to their bait, hoping that their plan goes off without a hitch. If they don't take it, then what? Not like we have much else planned. 

Mechanics

use Shaped Consciousness in a dark corner that would be difficult to notice the shadow in, then use it to spy on the guards.

[Scratcherclaw]

"Oi, hold up there!" the one Legionnaire says, his eyes wide as your group breaks into a sprint. Narciso's deft movement leaves the bag hurtling toward the ground. Looking back, you can see the man looking at it before barking out, "Don't let them get away, Tonio!"

Tonio's eyes narrow and he breaks into a sprint after the rest of you, weaving through drunk and otherwise belligerent festival goers in an attempt to catch up to you. "In the name of the Republic and the Crown, stop!" he growls. Continuing down the street, you know there are a variety of side streets and alleyways you might slip into, though your costumes and diverse group offer little discretion and he seems to have little trouble keeping his eyes on you for a time.

Nyx

Seeing through your shadow's vision, you spy the other legionnaire carefully picking up the dropped satchel. He feels around through it before pulling out the letter. Watching him, you see that him eyes widen and he seems to read it with a great intensity. Not waiting for Tonio to return, you see him grab the letter and bag and take off in the same direction you had fled.

 

[Namelessjake]

"Split up!" Ciraco says as he runs, noticing the Legionnaire following behind. He can't follow all of us, he thinks, darting down the first alley he spots.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso hears Ciraco, and while he doesn't like the idea of splitting off, does so anyway. He picks a different turn a short way further and bolts down it, hoping he made the right choice.

[ratwizard]

Idrig turns on his heel, finding a different alley to take off down at Ciraco's direction. There must be another passageway to the sewers nearby, he realizes, keeping his eyes peeled as he runs.

Mechanics

Perception: [1d20+1]=9+1=10 to look for an entrance to the sewers.

[Fialova]

As the others begin to break off down alley ways, Nyx search for a suitable one of her own to flee towards, hoping to find a dark spot where she can quickly doff her costume before proceeding further towards their meeting point.

[Scratcherclaw]

With one final glance before you split off, you catch the legionnaire Tonio with gritted teeth and narrowed eyes, breaking into a sprint. "Fuck you lot!" he barks out with a strained, gravely tone.

Though you each went in different directions, you recall Gina's mentions of the two potential safehouses: the Imperial Brennisian Casino on the west plaza closest to the docks which is due west, or an old flower shop south of Empire Beach and east of your position. From what you can tell, the casino may be slightly closer.

Idrig

In the rush of the escape, you struggle to notice any immediate access to the city's sewers. You do, however, hear footsteps round the corner in a steady sprint toward you. "Catch one, catch them all," he growls with sights set upon you.

[ratwizard]

Bastards, these Brennissians. Always keen on dwarves, Idrig complains as he hears the footsteps behind him. With no sewers to find, he instead looks for locked gates, fences, anything that he might be able to use to break cover from the man.

[Scratcherclaw]

Idrig

Continuing in your alley, you see it's growing closer to the docks. Here, large warehouses and manufactories take up the bulk of the space, with barrels and crates occasionally haphazardously stacked along their outer perimeters. Up ahead to your left, you spy a set of large double doors leading into one such building, closed much like the business on account of the holiday. Further ahead still, you see the alley splits off into another street.

[ratwizard]

Idrig pulls his crossbow free as he runs, turning slightly to loose a dummy shot at the man. Taking advantage of the sudden hostile action, he slams the butt of his crossbow into a vial on his waist. It immediately explodes. Idrig splashes on the cobbles, his entire form taking on a liquid state that sizzles and bubbles.

Through the crack, and don't look back, the dwarf thinks, trying to shake off the bizarre feeling of being pressed under a gap as his fluid shape creeps under the warehouse's doors.

Mechanics

Use Acid Surge to shift half my speed (2 squares?) under the doors of the warehouse.

[Namelessjake]

Once out of sight, Ciraco looks around, double checking he wasn't followed, before removing his costume. He bundles it up before making his way back out on to the street, deciding to head for the casino. Along the way he disposes of his costume piece by piece, discarding them into the rest of the mess left by the parade, hoping they will blend in as simply lost costume pieces and will be sweep away during the cleanup.

[Scratcherclaw]

Idrig

The legionnaire Tonio jumps aside, deftly dodging Idrig's dummy bolt. You watch as his head turns to trace it whizzing past him. His head snaps back with the sound of shattered glass and a corrosive sizzle. The last thing you see before seeping beneath the door is the man looking around bewildered before slamming his fist against the wall, screaming, "Damn it!"

Inside, you see you're in a large manufactory. Large barrels take up a portion of the building, assembly stations littered with treated planks and iron rings across the room. Orange-hued sunlight spills into the room near the ceiling, motes of dust your only company now.

Everyone

With cunning and swiftness, you outrun and outlast the legionnaire, potentially shedding your costume along the way. You know the risk remains, however, and make your way to one of the safehouses.

OOC

If not already mentioned, let me know which safehouse you're headed to

 

[Fialova]

OOC

When confident she has a moment of safety, Nyx will find a secluded spot in the alleyway and remove her costume, before making her way towards the flower shop on the docks. Let me know if you need any additional rolls.

[ratwizard]

Idrig quickly undresses from his silly costume, jamming it into one of the barrels before replacing the lid. He makes his way to the other side of the warehouse, looking for a door that may be locked from the inside, that he can use to leave.

Idiot guardsmen. Fooled by one of the oldest tricks in the book. Ha-ha! Liquid, how basic.

OOC

He will head toward the flower shop.

[Namelessjake]

OOC

As mentioned Ciraco will head to the casino.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso continues running, cutting corners where he can to try and take the straightest path possible. Towards the docks, the docks are safe. To the docks. He thinks to himself, trying his best not to worry.

ooc

He's heading to the casino, but he might take a wider route to it just in case someone ends up following him. Right now he's just trying to take the fastest route toward the docks.

[Scratcherclaw]

Narciso & Ciraco

With disguises shed, you find traversal through the city to be much easier. You still keep to the shadows and keep a steady pace to blend in with the crowd. At one point, you walk past a pair of legionnaires much like before, though they pay little mind to you. You overhear hushed mentions of Leone Imports, of an operation to be held, and of the five criminals still at large.

But without your recognizable costumery, you proceed without issue. Eventually you arrive at the Imperial Brennisian Casino, with Ciraco arriving first, followed soon after by Narciso and eventually Luca.

The exterior is a large building more akin to an ancient temple or palace than one would expect of a casino. Columns line the front, illuminated in dusk by blueflame torches. Stepping through its grand archway, you're greeted by a column-lined hall, painted statues of the Brennisian gods filling in the space between. The floor is a colorful mosaic depicting a trio of triremes cutting across the sea, Mount Arad cutting through in the distance. Storm clouds part above them, granting a view into the heavens.

A woman notices you and approaches with a smile. She seems to be in her 30s, dark wavy hair and an olive skintone. She wears a simple white toga and a golden laurel wreath in her hair. "Welcome, welcome to the Imperial Brennisian, my friends. Where the heavens themselves open to give you fortune." You see her pull a bit of greenery from a small pouch. Standing on her tiptoes, she reaches up and puts green wreaths upon your heads. "And a Happy Carnival as well." She smiles again, looking to each of you, though her smile lingers longer on Luca.

"Now, shall I arrange for a tour of our beautiful venue? Though I see you already have quite the strapping gladiator amongst your ranks. But if you require anything at all, you need only say the word. You may call me Elissa."

Idrig & Nyx

With disguises shed, you find traversal through the city to be much easier. You still keep to the shadows and keep a steady pace to blend in with the crowd. At one point, you walk past a pair of legionnaires much like before, though they pay little mind to you. You overhear hushed mentions of Leone Imports, of an operation to be held, and of the five criminals still at large.

But without your recognizable costumery, you proceed without issue. Eventually you arrive at the flower shop, with Nyx arriving first and Idrig a short bit after. It's a two-story building, its exterior quite shabby if not for ivies and flowers covering chipped stucco and faded paint. There's a small sign near the door, simple text saying Sincerely, Ceres. The imagery of a geranium is etched into the wood beneath the text. The door gets stuck against the frame at first, but you successfully pull it open with enough of a yank.

Stepping inside, you find yourself in a small, warmly-lit room. A few candles burn, wafting the scent of lavender toward you, and the last rays of sunlight trickle in through a dusty window. Shelves line the closest wall, holding jars of dried flowers and potpourri. Towards the center is an assortment of various gardening supplies, from watering buckets and cans to trowels, as well as some seed pouches. Against the windows, you see potted plants just beginning to sprout.

Across the room, you see a short young woman with tousled hair and glasses. She's seated at a desk, seemingly reading through a book. She barely reacts at first when the door closes and you step inside. But after a few moments, she looks up with wide eyes. She stands in what seems like a slight panic, trying to fix her hair and otherwise make herself presentable.

"Gods, I'm so sorry. I hope you weren't waiting long," she begins, giving a nervous smile. "I'm Ceres, welcome in. And Happy Carnival! Is there something I can help you with?"

[Namelessjake]

"I'm sure the priests in Vizadel would hate this place," Ciraco muses as step into the casino's grand entrance.

I'd like to see her out of that toga, he thinks as the olive skinned woman greets them at entrance, offering her a smile in return. He bows his head slightly, accepting the laurel. "Grazie bella," he says, winking at her as he lifts his head back up.

I guess we're made already, he thinks as Elissa mentions Luca. "We're friends of Nives, although I think you picked up on that already," the mercenary says, still wanting to follow procedure.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso bolts through streets and back alleys, the constant movement pretty well the only thing keeping him from losing it. Eventually, he escapes the labyrinth and sees his destination, the casino. He doesn't stop running until he makes it to the steps, catching sight of Ciraco ahead of him. He takes a moment now to catch his breath, his side now in pain from running as far as he had, but he manages to shake it off with a quick stretch.

He makes his way up into the building, looking around at the interior as he gathers his senses, eventually laying eyes on the woman speaking to them now; he gives a soft smile as she places the wreath on his head, quite happy to let Ciraco talk for a moment.

[Fialova]

"Oh, hello," Nyx says, startled somewhat by the woman's sudden announcement of her presence, having instead been focused on admiring the plants growing around the shop. "I'm Nyx," she begins, before pausing again to think of what Gina had said. What was it again? Friends of someone? Knives? Knees? Oh! Nives? "We're, um... friends. Of Nives?" she continues, still unsure of if she had remember the name correctly. Hopefully that's it. I'm sure Idrig will correct me if not.

[ratwizard]

Idrig peruses the gardening tools, the various horticulture, admiring some of the stock while critiquing others. Perhaps I should bring something back for that Salucci gardener. To make things even after I... experimented on her nightshade. You'd never believe such a saccharine woman could become such a hazardous witch, and over the simple act of cross-breeding a patch of flowers, too. He bristles at the memory, before his thoughts are interrupted.

"Greetings. Friends of Nives, indeed. Have we come to the right place, then?"

[Scratcherclaw]

Narciso & Ciraco

"Perhaps. Or perhaps Luca worked here many moons ago, my dear," Elissa responds to Ciraco, giving a smirk and raised eyebrow at the wink. "But yes, I have known him and Nives for a long time. Come, she's arranged a room for you three." She gives a polite nod and gestures you to follow.

You continue down the entry hall and eventually step into the main hall, a large chamber at least three stories tall albeit still smaller than the Crown Royale. The floor is an intricate mosaic tilework of swirling waves and whirlpools, intermingled with thunderbolts. In the center is a massive stone carved in the shape of the mythological Mount Arad, once believed to be a gateway to the heavens. Fountains with equally detailed tilework dot the room, with small open-air "buildings" making the room appear as a forum. Game tables, bars, and lounges are interspersed through the room. On the far end, you see an alcove with a reconstructed Brennisian trireme, a group of employees performing music and magic aboard for onlookers.

The casino looks quite busy, with countless people both in and out of costume seated at game tables, enjoying cocktails, or wandering about. Weaving through the crowd toward a far wall, Elissa leads you to a statue of Amara, the Brennisian goddess of family and love. She produces a small key from her pouch and inserts it into a small divot in the pedestal. She turns it and a false wall opens behind it, shrouded in curtains. Elissa corrals the three of you through before stepping in after, the wall closing behind her.

"I am glad you are safe, my Salucci friends. Welcome to what I have called Villa Amara. Perhaps smaller than your other arrangements, but no less welcoming." She pulls another curtain back, revealing an inviting living space. It's slightly larger than the parlor at the estate, a room you've spent quite some time in. Half of the room is a seating area, with two plush couches and a pair of armchairs nestled around  a crackling fireplace. Across the room is a short dining table, able to seat six comfortably, with flickering candles in its center. On the left and right walls, you spy four doors, though one has a clawfoot tub carved into it.

"You've bedrooms if staying the night becomes necessary. And should you require food, drink, or anything else after your weary day, you need only ask. This will of course be at no expense."

Idrig & Nyx

"Oh!" Ceres says, putting her hands together in glee. "It has been some time since I've had a friend of hers visit." She smiles, nodding quickly to Idrig. "Yes, yes, you're in the right place. One moment." She steps to the door, latching its lock and peering through the dusty window before turning back to the two of you.

"Right then, if you'll follow me." She steps to a sturdy door behind her desk, nearly hidden with various clutter. Stepping through, there's a steep staircase to your immediate right. She steps past it and toward a bookcase at the short hall's end. She looks at each of you and shrugs. "Cliche, perhaps. But doesn't it add a bit of fun?" she says with a smirk, pulling out a book on botany. You hear a telltale click and she pushes the bookshelf forward.

Following Ceres, you find yourself in a conservatory of sorts, the last remains of warm sunlight shining in through the ivy-shrouded glass on the leftmost wall. Ornamental trees and tropical flowers surround it, a botanical rainbow against the darkening horizon. Opposite this wall, you see a small stove, crackling brightly with a teapot on top. A wicker couch and armchair surround it, with a small wrought iron table with three seats nestled in the corner. Across the room, you see a pair of simple doors.

"Ordinarily, this is my own hideaway. But I've known Gina since we were children, so hers are always welcome here. Bedrooms are ahead, if you've the need after a long day. I've tea on the stove, help yourselves. Oh, and I have dinner in the oven upstairs if you're hungry. You need only let me know. Likewise books, or board or card games if you'd like to pass the time."

[Namelessjake]

One room for the three of us? You'd think Gina would at least spring for our own rooms after what we just did for her, Ciraco thinks as Elissa leads the trio further into the casino. I'll have to test my luck some once we're settled in, he thinks, eying the game tables as they walk through.

Secret private parlour? Ok this is a bit more like it, he thinks, smiling at their new lodgings.

"Excellent, this will do quite nicely, thank you Elissa," he says, already undoing his sword belt to get comfortable. "A platter of oysters and some white wine wouldn't go amiss," he requests. "Would you care to join us?" He asks with a flirtatious smile.

[ratwizard]

Idrig follows Ceres with a quiet patience, the tension from the getaway fading from his shoulders and neck. "There is no shame in an effective trick," he reassures her, admiring the unassuming entrance. Such a hideaway would be quite useful for my studies. I should make note of this for when I have the opportunity to set up a permanent establishment.

He takes a seat in an armchair. "Thank you for this kindness, Ceres. I shall find you when hunger strikes." Turning toward Nyx, he eyes her closely. "Now, I suppose we wait."

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso smirks as Elissa responds. A room for the three of us? I'm unsure if Gina has gotten the entirely wrong opinion of me, or if this is the best she can pull. He follows along, as he isn't interested in causing a stir. A room to rest is a room to rest, after all.

Narciso is quite amused by the interior of this place- compared to his usual hangout, this place was quite luxurious. He was glad to have a guide, for he was not sure he would have found his way anywhere in this building... However, whether that was because of the design or if he would have willfully gotten lost in the casino or listening to the band is beyond his knowledge. He pulls himself back to his senses just in time to notice Elissa has walked them to a statue, and he looks up. The goddess of family and love, huh? Not my thing, but it makes sense. He snickers, having already pushed the thought of family far from his mind. I hope they never consider me part of their family. Once I've gotten back on my feet, I'm gone. I want to make a difference, not just replace who's at the top.

He quickly walks through the door with the other two and takes in the new room as he listens to her talk; he glances at the four doors and almost questions, but is thankful that she quickly clarifies. "Would you mind sending someone to let Gina know we made it here safely? I hope to hear back about our other allies but... I doubt we'll hear anything anytime soon." He says, his last words almost sounding doubtful that they made it to the other safe house. As he waits for a response, seeing Ciraco let his guard down, he slowly begins discarding his swords as well but keeps them close. We may be on the Salucci's payroll, but I still don't trust being given a room like this for free.

[Fialova]

"It's a lovely place," Nyx responds, offering the woman a polite smile. So friendly. All of Gina's friends seem to be, you'd hardly know they were involved in organized crime. I wonder what sorts of secrets they are hiding. Or are they truly so much better than the Clowns? She shudders slightly as she recalls her past 'employers' and how strict, and violent, they could be. "Yes, thank you," She responds to Ceres, as the woman explains the many amenities available in her small hideaway. "Dinner would certainly be nice once it's done, though I am not sure how late we will be here."

Once left alone, she grabs some tea, before taking a seat at the table and turning to face Idrig. "Wanna play cards?" she asks, curious to see how open to levity the man is after so many days of seriousness. You won't win, but it's fun to play either way.

[ratwizard]

Idrig takes a sip of his own tea, mulling the question over. "I suppose. While I rarely find much use in frivolity like recreation, I suppose there is nothing else useful to do in this place until we are clear to leave."

He takes a deck from one of the nearby shelves, scanning through the cards. Brennissian Royals, he notes, unsurprised to find the unfamiliar symbols and figures. I find myself at a disadvantage, but I care not. Without true stakes, there is no room for disappointment.

The dwarf hands the deck over to Nyx. "Would you teach me?"

[Fialova]

"You know none? A simple one, then" Nyx responds, as she deftly shuffles the deck and deals in front of each of you one face down and one face up card on top. She shows a queen on the top of her face down card, though she does not peer at the one beneath it. Idrig's, meanwhile, shows a two.

"Blackjack, you know it? The goal is to get your total as close to 21 as you can without going over, stopping when you feel like you're safe. The ace can be 1 or 11 depending on your other cards." She smirks as she sets the remainder of the deck on the table, before looking straight at Idrig. "So? Shall we give you another, or would you like to stay?"

Idrig Bottom Card

8

OOC

Neither of us is DM, but I feel like we can do this without DM intervention. Just roll for the hits you plan to make and post the results and I can do the dealer cards after.

[ratwizard]

"I know many, but in the kingdoms we have our own decks," Idrig explains. "These Brennissian Royals, however, are unfamiliar to me. The only gambling I consented to in Teiros is that of my own business, you see."

He raises the bottom card. "Another," he concludes. This 'ace' would be keen. Though how can one ever truly feel 'safe' when leaving everything to chance?

[Scratcherclaw]

Narciso & Ciraco

"Ah, the favorites of Sextus the Bold," Elissa replies to Ciraco, flashing with a cheeky smirk. She considers the request for a moment, looking to the side as her smirk widens. "I suppose a break would not be remiss. After all, this is considered an official duty. I'll be but a moment." She steps towards the curtain you'd entered from again before calling back. "And yes, I will pass along what word I can to Gina. Likewise, I'll have a runner bring word if we hear from your friends." She smiles and nods, disappearing back into the main hall.

A few minutes pass and she eventually returns with a waiter. She carries a bottle of wine and four glasses, as well as a bucket of ice under her arm, while the waiter sets down two trays of fresh oysters on the dining table. He gives her a nod and departs quickly, while Elissa sets the glasses on the table. "I hope this is all too your liking, my friends."

OOC

Feel free to continue RPing this scene as long as you'd like

Idrig & Nyx

"Ah, of course. I will bring it out when it is ready," Ceres says with a warm smile. "Oh! And you had more friends, yes? I'll likewise tell you if I learn anything of their whereabouts. But I've no doubt in my mind that they're safe." She gives a polite curtsy and another smile. "Just call if you should need anything." She points to a speaking tube against the wall before stepping back through the false wall and closing it behind her.

OOC

Feel free to continue RPing this scene as long as you'd like

 

[Namelessjake]

"It is indeed," Ciraco says, eying the oysters and the wine greedily. "May I?" He asks, taking the bottle of wine from Elissa, brushing his hand against hers as he does. He examines the label for a second, not recognising it. Must be good then, he thinks - regular consumption of fine wines only a recent addition to his life. Uncorking the bottle, he pours out four healthy glasses.

"To the Saluccis then?" He propose, taking one of the glasses and raising it.

[Fialova]

Dealing another card, landing face up on top of your visible 2, Nyx deals you a 9 from the top of the deck. "Would you like another?" the woman asks, looking to Idrig with a calm confidence, a rare sight on her face in the past few days. Hit or stay? Always the question that trips everyone up. How close is close enough? How safe is safe enough? You will never be certain.

[ratwizard]

Nineteen. Were I to take another card, I would exceed her twenty-one unless I were to draw an ace or a two, Idrig ponders. Luck would be against me in that endeavor, I fear.

"No, I shall keep what I have." He looks up at Nyx. "What now? Do we both reveal our hands?"

[Scratcherclaw]

Ciraco & Narciso

Luca raises a glass with a smirk as Elissa raises hers high. "Indeed, to the Saluccis!" she says, clinking her glass against yours and taking a healthy sip. "A Teirosian blend. Full-bodied, notes of plum and cherry. I trust you will enjoy it." She gives a smile like the warmth of the sun, eyes fixed on Ciraco as she takes another slow sip.

 

[Namelessjake]

That's a dangerous smile, it could almost turn a man honest," Ciraco thinks as he returns Elissa's smile before taking a sip of his own.

"Delectable," he agrees, savouring the taste of the wine. "Quite like our host," he adds, giving Elissa another flirtatious smile.

"They say these are an aphrodisiac," he says, turning his attention to the platters of oysters atop the dining table.

[Fialova]

"Once the players have all chosen to stay, the dealer then takes their turn. I will stay as well, though," she continues, as she reaches over and flips your face down card, before returning to her normal posture and revealing her own, the second of the two black queens. She offers an unusually confident grin, before saying, "and that is why you never gamble in Teiros. The dealer almost always wins. Especially if the dealer cheat, which they usually do."

She sets the deck on the table, this time face up, and splays the cards to reveal that the next card would have been a three, and the remainder of the deck appears to be shuffled so that it makes a consistent line of each suit, clearly manipulated from the random state it ought to be. Sitting back in her chair, she manifests an ace of spades in between her fingers before setting on top of her two queens. "Of course, I cheated too, at first. Hard for the sleight of hand of the casino dealers to do much against this. But they caught on, and I got forced into cheating for them instead of myself..." she trails off, her smile quickly fading into her usual frown. And I won't be going back, at least not without a fight.

[ratwizard]

Idrig titters, finding Nyx's machinations a treat to his eyes. "Impressive," he admits. "Though I'd make the claim that your talents are much better suited in this environment than simple tricks to line a casino's pockets."

The dwarf narrows his eyes, studying her a moment. "Will you stay? With the Saluccis, I mean. It seems you've cozied up well with one of their number."

[Fialova]

Nyx's smile returns slightly as Idrig first laughs, and then praises her skills. The smile quickly turns to a nervous expression at his follow-up question, her face flushing slightly at the mention of Alina. "Yeah," she says, trying her best not to sound as taken aback by it as she is. "Yeah, I think I will. I hadn't originally planned to, I just wanted out from under the Clowns. But I've been quite happy here the last few days, and... especially with Alina."

She pauses, pondering the reasoning behind the question, when the thought occurs to her. "Why? Are you planning on leaving?" What would prompt such a question if not to contrast my plans with his own?

[ratwizard]

Idrig listens closely, his eyes on the cards as he helps return them to a neat pile in front of Nyx. "Good," he responds curtly. "It is not so terrible a position to hold, being one of these... mafiosi. I suspect you will find great fortune with the Saluccis. As much as I detest the tiresome chatter with our laggard of an employer, she does offer surprising opportunity."

He pauses, considering his next words. "I am," the dwarf admits. "Once we receive payment for our encounter with the prince, I will be leaving Teiros." Idrig pauses once more, glancing down at the table a moment, before meeting Nyx's eyes again. "You are the first to know."

[FinalTemplar]

Ciraco & Narciso

Narciso takes the glass of wine that was poured for him, giving it a quick smell before he takes a sip.

Mechanics

Narciso is probably being over-cautious, but I'd like to roll a Perception to see if it's been poisoned: [1d20+7]=16+7=23

[Fialova]

"Oh," she says, eyes widening for a moment at the quick and simple response. I suppose it is not surprising. None of us came here looking for our new lot in life, just a way to get out of our old one. I can't imagine I'd feel much different if Alina hadn't been so forward, and charming, and... she catches her face reddening again, and makes a point to think about other things.

"I'm glad," she continues after her moment of though, offering the man a warm smile. "Not that you're leaving, of course, but that you did not leave suddenly, without telling us. And that you seem to have gotten what you wanted out of this job. I cannot say Teiros is my favorite place, and if not for my current circumstances, I'd be just as eager to leave it as you." Though not to return to my home. I can't go back there, where I'd have to hide everything about myself I like to fit in. Maybe someday Alina and I could find someplace more peaceful, and put the crime behind us. 

"It has been nice working with you, Idrig. I hope you find happiness once you leave," she finishes, before grabbing the deck of cards and quickly rifling through it, before producing one in particular: the queen of diamonds. Returning the deck to the table, she hands the man the card. "Take it with you, to remember me by. It was my 'persona' at the Carnevale. You can think of me - of all of us - when you look at it."

[ratwizard]

Idrig stares blankly at the Queen of Diamonds as he takes it from Nyx. Then, he smiles. "I will keep this. Thank you for this kindness," the dwarf says. "Despite the involuntary manner in which I lingered in this city, performing wetwork for coin, I consider myself lucky to have done so beside the competent few among our little and motely crew. Chiefly among them: yourself."

He peers up at the young woman. She may not have the interest now, but I suppose it cannot hurt to seed the thought.

"If you ever tire of this ragged and bleeding place, or of Good Alina, then I invite you to seek me out. I suspect I will have returned to the mainland in the coming months, and there I shall stay. The work I have set out to do is no small feat. I will need brilliant minds with brilliant talents. People like yourself. Somebody who understands the weight of genius, and the effort necessary to fulfill its true purpose."

[Scratcherclaw]

Ciraco & Narciso

"My, it seems I'm in the presence of the avatar of Sextus himself," Elissa responds to Ciraco's flirtations. She helps herself to an oyster, giving the Brennisian charmer a knowing look. "But surely a man of your talent would wait til he gets the woman alone, hm?" She gestures her wine glass to the other two at the table before taking a sip from her glass, giving Ciraco a teasing smirk.

A moment later, you hear a coded knock against the wall. Elissa stands up and steps over to the hidden door. You can overhear hushed conversation between her and someone, and she returns to her seat not long after. "Pardon the interruption, that was just my assistant bearing news. It seems your other friends are both safe and accounted for across town. And you've received a dinner invitation for tonight, nine o'clock. Pavona, quite the fancy place." She downs the rest of her wine.

"You three may wants to clean up. My assistant should be bringing by fresh attire shortly." She looks to each of you and smiles, though her eyes linger on Ciraco. "Ah, but only one bath amongst the three of you. Accounting for heating and changing the water, that hardly leaves the time. We can't have that." She takes a hold of Ciraco's hand. "Come, I've my own suite for long shifts. We may get you clean there."

Narciso

As far as you can tell, the wine is not poisoned. Likewise, you witnessed Ciraco uncork the bottle himself.

Idrig & Nyx

After some time, Ceres peeks her head into the room with a light rap on the wall. She smiles, carrying a small tray of teacakes. "I'm sorry to interrupt, friends. I come bearing snacks, and news." She step inside, pushing aside a potted flower to make room for the tray on a table. "One of yours stopped by and confirmed your friends are safe across town. It seems like Gina's inviting you all to dinner tonight too. Pavona at nine o'clock." Her smile warms as she pours herself a cup of tea, still talking as she does so.

"That's a pretty fancy place, but your colleague dropped off some really nice tailored outfits. Take your time to bathe, get cleaned up, and whatever else you need. I've a tub upstairs and to the left."

 

[Namelessjake]

"Good to hear they made it. I think that means we can count the day as a wild success," Ciraco replies as it is revealed Nyx and Idrig made it to the other safehouse.

"Lead the way," he says to Elissa as she takes his hand, downing his own drink. "I guess I will see you two for dinner then," the Brennisian adds, looking back to Luca and Narciso before swiping the open bottle of wine with his free hand.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso & Ciraco

Narciso drinks the wine happily as they wait, and takes a seat. As they hear the good news he raises his glass; "Dinner at Pavona's?... I suppose we can't say no." He shrugs, finishing his glass. He glances between the woman and Ciraco, "I'll wait, you may wash yourself first, Luca. At least, I'm assuming you don't want company." He smiles to show that he's joking, "See you at dinner, Ciraco."

[Fialova]

"Oh," Nyx responds, wide-eyed at the sudden back-to-back compliment and invitation. Genius? He thinks too highly of me, she considers, momentarily silent as she tries to decide how to respond. "I-" she begins, before shaking her head and smiling as well. "Thank you. For the compliment, and for the invitation. I am not sure what is in store for me here, or how long I will stick with the Saluccis, but if you think I'd be of help to your work, I will keep it in mind as an option." What sort of project could he be working on, if he is so picky about who can aid him with it? And what about me makes me qualified? Such an odd man, I do not think I will ever understand him.

[ratwizard]

"Very well," Idrig says with a decisive nod to Nyx. "In the meantime, we have work to do. Let us hope that we do not have to wait here very long, for I tire of idle time."

As if on cue, Ceres enters to bring them up to speed. I am heartened by their successful escape. No loose threads, then, and our payment is sure to come soon. He is less heartened, however, at the premise of dinner with Gina — though framing it as one final burden allows him to come to terms with it.

"Upstairs and to the left," Idrig repeats, noting the tub's location for later. Turning into the form of an ooze did soil my belongings. I should take care to scrub them well before I leave.