Fortune's Favor — IC

[Fialova]

"If you can tell me where the window to their room is, I'd be able to spy on them from outside, get a lay of the room," Nyx responds, feeling like she has little to offer this venture other than intel-gathering. 

[Namelessjake]

"Good idea," Ciraco says in reply to Nyx's suggestion. He goes on to explain to the best of his ability how the room's location inside the building would translate to the outside windows. "Are we ready?" He asks, looking to the others.

[ratwizard]

"Aye," Idrig nods, turning to Luca and Narciso. "Keep your eyes out for that server with the tonic. You need to flag them down and ensure it falls into our hands. Then, bring it here and I will add my tincture."

[Scratcherclaw]

"I could distract the server while you slip away with his drink," Luca says to Narciso, beginning to scout around for any sign of a server carrying a lone drink on a tray. "I am doubtful he would take kindly to us just grabbing it outwardly, and drawing the ire of security won't do us any good."

OOC

Narciso and anyone else who wants to help can give me a perception to spot the correct server

 

[ratwizard]

"Yes, that should do." Idrig peers out across the casino floor, searching for a server who bears the tonic, but he cannot see over the many heads.

Mechanics

Perception: [1d20+1]=3+1=4

[Namelessjake]

Ciraco also looks out across the casino floor, hoping to spot the server with the tonic.

Mechanics

Perception Check: [1d20+12]=7+12=19

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso nods, happy to even be able to potentially assist in this plan. He takes a careful look around the room, looking for the server in question.

Mechanics

Perception: [1d20+7]=14+7=21

[Scratcherclaw]

Idrig

You struggle to see any waitstaff through the sea of people weaving across the casino floor. You do, however, notice a gentleman who forgot to resecure his trousers' button after returning from the facilities.

Ciraco

Looking through the sea of people, you spot a multitude of waitstaff carrying trays of drinks. One stands out, however. Near the central bar, a young waiter lifts up his silvered platter, a single glass atop it.

Narciso

Looking through the sea of people, you spot a multitude of waitstaff carrying trays of drinks. One stands out, however. Near the central bar, a young waiter lifts up his silvered platter, a single glass atop it. You can tell that it looks quite fizzy, which you know from experience does wonders to ease an ailing stomach.

[ratwizard]

Idrig watches the patron with an almost bored disdain, making no attempt to warn him of his trouser mishap. Simple fool.

He holds the vial of his new formula, twiddling it idly between his fingers as he waits.

[Namelessjake]

"There I think," Ciraco says pointing to the young waiter by the bar with a solitary drink on his tray. "You two are up," he says to Narciso and Luca.

[ratwizard]

"Get me that tonic," Idrig commands, his posture straightening as the plan springs into action.

[Fialova]

While the others focus on the server, Nyx looks around, trying her best to find some sort of side entrance or service entrance to the building she could slip out of to try to spy on the window in question.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso locks eyes with the young waiter, and without a word, he casually begins walking over there. As he gets close, he looks over at the waiter and tries to get his attention. "Hey, looking to make a tip?" He says a little flirtatiously, pretty well playing on a gamble that the waiter may even be interested in his appearance.

Mechanics

Diplomacy to try and distract the waiter: [1d20+1]=13+1=14

 

[Scratcherclaw]

Narciso

"A tip, you say?" the waiter says, glancing at you curiously. He sets his tray back down on bar counter, resting his elbows down upon it. "How could I say no to that? Especially from a gentleman of your caliber..."

[FinalTemplar]

"How much for some time alone with you?" He asks, leaning gently on the counter. "I've got a few tricks I can show you that might keep you interested for a while." He says with a bit of a wink.

[Scratcherclaw]

Nyx

Looking around, you spy a door behind one of the multitudes of bars in the main hall. Based on your perception of the building, it leads outwards, likely into a service alley like many of the other commercial buildings in the city.

Narciso

The waiter blinks at you for a few moments, seemingly unsure if he's hearing it right. His cheeks flush red for a moment as he smirks at your advance. "Bold move, sir. I'm on the clock, but... pay's shit anyways and it's been some time since I've had that kind of fun... Fifty gold?"

 

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso smiles politely at the waiter, and reaches out a hand. "Narciso. Pleasure to meet you." He says. "Got a good spot in mind? I bet you know this place better than I do."

[Fialova]

OOC

Does the door require passing by staff to get to? Or is it otherwise going to be obvious if Nyx goes through it as a patron and not an employee?

[Scratcherclaw]

Nyx

There's a bartender chatting and serving patrons behind the bar the exit is located at. From your observations, she seems quite invested in her word currently and may not notice a patron slipping behind her.

Narciso

The waiter smiles back, blushing slightly and standing himself back up straight. His eyes are fixed firmly on you, not even noticing his drink anymore. "Lino," he says, taking you by the hand. "The pleasure is all mine. I can think of a spot of two..." His voice trails with anticipation as he begins leading you through the crowd and towards an unmarked door.

Stepping inside, you see a long hallway with a myriad of other doors, all marked for various sorts of storage. He leads you into a dim room marked Lounge Storage. Pulling a small firestarter from his pocket, he lights a few tabletop lamps, bathing the room in a warm, dim light. You can see it has a multitude of chairs and tables, and lounge couches. "No one should find us here. Now then, shall we?"

Everyone Else

You notice the waiter's whole demeanor change, though you're unaware of what Narciso has said. Assumptions are clearer, however, when you notice the waiter take your companion's hand and rush away with him towards a back room. With the drink left unattended, Luca grabs it and returns back to you. "I believe someone here ordered a drink, yes?" Luca says with a smirk.

 

[Namelessjake]

"Not quite how I saw that going," Ciraco says with a slight laugh. "You're up dwarf," he says, looking at Idrig and gesturing to the tonic. This is going fairly smoothly so far, he thinks a smile creeping across his face.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso

Narciso smiles softly as he lets himself be led off by Lino. His excitement builds, slowly overcoming his mild apprehension by the time they're behind a door and off into another room. He nods pleasantly, approaching Lino. "Couldn't think of a better way to spend my time." He says flirtatiously before he begins to kiss the waiter.

OOC

I am totally down for a fade to black from here until it makes sense for Narciso to rejoin the others. I mean, I guess I could make some skill checks? XD

[Fialova]

Seeing the opportunity, Nyx heads for the door, being as discreet and as quiet as possible. Just look like you belong and no one will question you, she thinks, recalling a time she'd snuck into a back room at the Academy library by simply carrying a stack of books and walking with purpose.

Mechanics

Stealth: [1d20+8]=7+8=15

[ratwizard]

"Did he just..." Idrig says, his question trailing off as he watches the server depart with Narciso. "It doesn't matter. The plan worked. Now, let it continue to work."

Uncorking the small vial, he delicately pours the contents along the glass rim of the confiscated drink as if pouring a beer. He swirls the mixture gently with both hands, a smile on his face as he admires his alchemical work. "Invisible. Tasteless. And if we are in luck, its effects irresistible."

After a brief moment, he looks up at the others. "Who wants to take this to our friend, now?"

Mechanics

Goodnight Tincture:

You apply the goodnight tincture to an item of food or drink you are holding or that is adjacent to you. A creature that consumes the food or drink is subject to the following attack 1 minute later: the tincture's level + 6 vs. Fortitude; on a hit, the creature falls unconscious for 1 hour, or until it is subject to an attack or to violent motion.

[Namelessjake]

"They've seen my face," Ciraco replies to Idrig, offering up a light shrug. "It has to be one of you too," he says looking between the dwarf and Luca.

"I will say you look the part with your armour," he says pointing out Luca's gladiatorial getup. "You could easily be a costumed waiter," he offers.

[ratwizard]

"Yes, you're — you're absolutely right," Idrig says, dramatically looking Luca up and down. "He does look quite the part. Perfect, one might wager."

More than me, at least. There is no chance I will wear a jester's outfit for such a ruse, not even for all the gold I would need to leave this seeping anus of a city. Yes, better to convince the man he is most fit for this.

"And he even speaks the language, too. What could be more convincing than that?" He smiles saccharinely, abruptly holding the drink out toward Luca.

OOC

Take it, Scratch. TAKE THE DRINK FOR US.

 

[Scratcherclaw]

Narciso

After some time...

Lino sighs contentedly, sinking into your arms and smiling in the dim candlelight. "Damn..." he says, his breaths deep and relaxed. "That sure beat spending another minute working at this hell on earth." He sits up for a moment and looks at you, his expression growing a bit more serious. "You know, I had to dote on these Tulrissian tourists all day, and I didn't even get a single thank you. They think that just because you have money means you can do whatever you want..." He sighs again, this time with more irritation, and shakes his head. "I'm sorry. Thank you for the wonderful time. If I could stay here with you, I would."

Nyx

Deftly, you're able to slip behind the bar and through the door without anyone noticing you. One through, you find that you're in a long corridor. To your left and right, you notice a line of doors, each labeled for various storage and maintenance. Straight ahead, however, the room is more open, containing various crates and barrels seemingly due to be sorted. There's a large wooden gate in the center, leading outside by the sound of the light rainfall on the other side. Adjacent is a smaller door that seems to be an ordinary staff entrance.

You recall Ciraco mentioning your quarry had booked the Royale Suite on the penthouse level of the casino's hotel. Based on his rough description of its location, you determine it's on the topmost floor, with its windows overlooking the piazza and the sea.

Idrig & Ciraco

Luca looks down at his getup and lets out a defeated sigh before shrugging. "I suppose you do have a point." He takes the drink from the dwarf, feigning a smile. "Grazie, poggiapiedi." He mimes a bow, shaking his head despondently, before setting off into the crowd with a quickened step.

Some few minutes later, Luca returns empty-handed. "Well, they weren't too happy that I wasn't their usual waiter, but they've got the drink. Now, I suppose, we wait. Surely the others will be back soon."

Brennisian Translation

"Thank you, footstool."

 

[Namelessjake]

Ciraco chuckles as Luca uses his previous moniker for Idrig. He waits patiently for the man to return, glad to see him return sans the poisoned tonic.

"Hopefully Nyx's scouting can confirm it's effectiveness," he says, anticipating her and Narciso's imminent return to the group. "Then I guess we bust in there and over power his lackey's," he adds thinking ahead in their plan.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso

Narciso nods as he gently holds Lino, giving him a smile. "You were damn good yourself, Lino. Don't think I could have asked for a better way to spend my time." He handed over a pouch of gold to the bartender, with clearly a little extra. "Thank you." He says softly, giving the man a kiss on his cheek. "Seek me out anytime, alright?" He winks.

OOC

Narciso hands him 100gp instead of only 50.

[ratwizard]

Idrig doesn't understand what poggiapiedi means, but he sours once Ciraco's laugh confirms its derogatory nature. Even still, he shrugs and watches as Luca departs and returns with good news. "There is a chance it may not work. If so, he will still be quite inebriated and not at full capacity to defend himself. We shall see what news Nyx brings."

[Fialova]

Nyx continues down the corridor, nervously looking around as she walks towards the apparent staff entrance. Once there, she opens the door slightly and peers out, hoping it has brought her as close as she hopes it will.

[Scratcherclaw]

Narciso

Lino's eyes light up as you hand him the pouch of gold, and he blushes intensely with your kiss. "Damn... I'll do that," he says, bearing a warm smile. "And likewise. I live out by the beach. Pay me a visit sometime." He gives you another quick kiss on the cheek and waves to you, disappearing back into the hall you came in from.

Once you're cleaned up, you're able to find your way back to the others, noting that Nyx is still absent. As you return, you see Luca shrug and say, "Aye, we'll see. That would certainly make this all easier."

Idrig & Ciraco

"Seems like a lot of his lackeys are spread around the casino as is. I wonder how quickly they might even gather," Luca says, recounting the many various black-clad bodyguards you've both come across throughout the casino floor. "But aye, we'll see. That would certainly make this all easier," he adds with a shrug in response to the dwarf. As he does, you spot Narciso approaching, his clothing slightly more disheveled than earlier.

Nyx

With the coast clear, you're easily able to sneak through the staff door, exiting into one of the many alleyways that make up the labyrinthine city. You notice it exits into the piazza on one end.

By now, the rain has steadied and the streets seem barren. Peering into the piazza, you can see that it's dwindled to a mere handful of people coming and going, quickened steps to escape the storm. Recalling Ciraco's description, you're able to spot the windows of the Royale Suite, penthouse level and overlooking the piazza.

[ratwizard]

"Preferably not quick enough for us to simply cut his throat and be done with the matter," Idrig says nonchalantly, satisfied with winging it so far. He catches Narciso as he approaches, noticing the man's disheveled appearance. So the man does have more talents than being a pretty face and a strong sword hand.

"I take it the waiter has been dealt with?"

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso takes note of it and returns the smile softly. Eventually, he escapes the room after taking an extended moment to relish the recent memory, and he then returns to the others. His ears perk up as he hears Luca's voice and he casually approaches the three of them. Putting his hands in his pockets, he glances between the three. "Nyx isn't back yet?" He asks not quite in response to his question but considering it. "Dealt with?" He asks, looking down at himself and quickly fixing his shirt, and then running a hand through his hair to try and make it a little tidier. "Depends on what you mean. He won't be bothering us if that's all you're meaning." 

[Namelessjake]

"Not yet," Ciraco replies to Narciso as he arrives back at the group. "Whatever that was - it wasn't the distraction I was expecting, but it certainly seemed to do the job," he says with a small laugh.

[Fialova]

With the window in clear view, Nyx once more produces her shadow - keeping it as small and unnoticeable as she can in such a public space - as close to the window as she can without making it obvious to anyone looking out.

Mechanics

use Shaped Consciousness, etc, as usual

[Scratcherclaw]

Nyx

As your shadowy simulacrum ascends the floors above, the penthouse floor soon comes into your view. The building is covered in expansive windows, offering guests unforgettable views of the city, and offering you unbridled access to snoop. The suite is quite large, with you able to tell there are at least four bedrooms and two sitting rooms. You count six guards within view, spread out between the rooms in the suite. Next to the smaller sitting room is what appears to be the master bedroom in the suite.

Sprawled out on the bed, you spot a hulkingly large man, though you're unable to tell if he's unconscious or simply resting his eyes. On his bedside stand, you spot a mostly-drunk tonic of sorts. He does not appear to be moving much, but you can still see his bulky chest rise and fall with each inhale and exhale.

[ratwizard]

"An odd choice, but a tactical one," Idrig says in commendation of Narciso. "Now let us hope that dear Nyx may continue our streak of luck."

Of course, all luck runs out when one finds themselves in a casino.

[Fialova]

With a clear understanding of the penthouse now firmly in her mind, Nyx smirks and dissipates her shadow before heading back towards the door to return to the others, keeping an eye on her surroundings as she goes to try to avoid prying eyes.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso nodded, shrugging. "What can I say, I can think on my feet." He says with a bit of a laugh. "Sometimes I get lucky. I think we're doing well."

[Scratcherclaw]

Nyx

Barring a damp cloak, you're able to get back into the casino without trouble. After filing through the crowd, you spot your companions where you'd last left them. Luca looks at you, crossing his arms. "Welcome back."

Everyone Else

After a short time of waiting, you spot Nyx filing in from the crowd and headed towards you. Her cloak is damp from the rain. "Welcome back," Luca says, crossing his arms and looking towards the woman.

[ratwizard]

"Well? What of him?" Idrig asks as soon as Nyx arrives. That fascinating talent of hers once again proves useful to our cause.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso glances over at Nyx as she returns, and gives her a bit of a warm smile. "She returns! And not a moment too soon." He looks over at Idrig, nods, and then looks back at her, interested to find out what she knows.

[Fialova]

Nyx approaches slowly, the rain weighing her down and causing her no small amount of annoyance, though she does offer a weak smile when greeted. Once close, she glances around and lowers her voice, before telling what she'd found. "There are indeed six guards, but the suite is quite large and they are spread out. Should be easy to get in without an immediate fight. Our mark seems to be sleeping in bed in a master bedroom, so if we can get there quietly, we might be able to poison him without anyone even knowing. There is a drink on the table right beside him." And just like the pizza, no one will be any the wiser. I definitely wouldn't want to be on Idrig's bad side.

[ratwizard]

Idrig frowns at the news of six guards. That is far too many. We would need quite the upper hand to walk away from without any losses.

"Is it a drink? Or the drink?" the dwarf asks, unsure how far their dosed cocktail got on the way to their mark. "And are there any other entrances? A side passage, a window? Or only the one door in?"

[Namelessjake]

Ciraco raises an eyebrow at the mention of six guards. "The sound of fighting six men could rouse him from his sleep, tonic or no," he adds, assessing their options. "Maybe one of us should sneak in and poison him, slit his throat, whatever," he suggests before waiting to hear of any more details from Nyx that might influence their plan making.

[Fialova]

"Based on how heavily he was sleeping, it is probably the one you made," Nyx responds to Idrig, realizing that the drink she saw was no coincidence. "And yeah, the men are there but the suite is huge with several rooms, and they are not gathered together at all. If someone were to sneak in, they could probably make it to the main room and back out without too much issue, if they are quiet enough."

[ratwizard]

"I am skilled in many things but a blade in the dark is not one," Idrig admits. "Are there any volunteers to do such a task? Another of us could knock on their suite door and draw their attention, keeping the rest of us close and on standby should things turn violent."

He frowns, still discontent with the risk involved and the lack of certainty of success in their planning. "Should we pass on this opportunity, we can simply wait until our mark is in the streets. An ambush might be easier, provided we have not set off too many suspicions with my tonic."

[FinalTemplar]

"I'm decent at sneaking," Narciso says quickly, though hesitantly. "I may be able to sneak in there and get it done." He seems a little worried about his chances, but after a brief moment seems to return to his usual cocksure self once more.

[ratwizard]

"Good," Idrig says, feeling somewhat trusting of the man after his competence has been tested. "Or perhaps... Nyx, your talent. Could your mimic do more for us? Perhaps open the windows. Or... even affect the man himself?"

[Namelessjake]

"If your shadow can kill him that'd make our job a lot easier," Ciraco says with a slight laugh. "Or put us out of a job entirely," he adds, finding the idea quite novel.