Fortune's Favor — IC

[ratwizard]

"Aye. Perhaps we should design a route or two, depending on the level of caution. I had hoped there would be a sewer entrance from the alleyways behind, but I could not find any such thing." He scratches at his beard as he paces. "One route would be the quickest, and the other would be more snaking, if we need to lose a tail."

[Namelessjake]

"Well there is sewer access in the basement. Which is accessible from both behind the bar and backstage." Ciraco says looking over at the door he escaped through the day prior when he was sneaking around backstage after exploring the venue's basement. "We could get him out here through the private rooms. Sneak backstage through this door here and then slip into the basement and then the sewers," he says, pointing out the door to the others. "It could be risky heading back inside, but hopefully any guards would be distracted looking for the prince in the private rooms," he adds with a shrug.

[Scratcherclaw]

Nyx

As your sun-exposed eyes gradually adjust to the dimmer interior, you can see it's fairly quiet, only seven patrons for the late morning crowd. Most are seated at tables around the stage, though one is seated at the bar and another lingers towards the back wall. A dancer sensually shakes her hips on the stage, her eyes betraying her fake smile and alluring movements. You're able to see the young dancer you had befriended, delivering a cocktail to an older orcish gentleman. He grunts at her and she scampers away back towards the bar, where the bartender from the prior day absentmindedly cleans a glass.

Layout

P=Patron
B=Bartender
D=Dancer (* is your friend)

[ratwizard]

Idrig nods, visualizing the intended route. They wouldn't expect us to return to the building, that much is sure.

"This should be our first plan," he suggests. "Going underground will be our best cover. And, in the event that going back inside is not feasible, an escape on the street will have to suffice."

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso leads them away from the entrance in the back alley, for a moment hesitating and then finally... "There." He says under his breath, pointing at the hidden side entrance. He frowns at the sounds from within but tries to ignore them. He listens intently to the plan being formed between Idrig and Ciraco. "Huh." He smirks slightly. "I never really thought I'd want to go through that place again, but that sounds like a great plan." He thinks about it a bit more. "What about our second option, then? Can we make a route through the back alleys that loops around toward the villa? I feel like that's our next safest bet."

[ratwizard]

"Yes, one that has cuts at hard angles to lose sight of any tails," Idrig says. "I am intimately familiar with the surface roads of this place, however. I will leave the logistics to one of you, or we can consult the map that was pilfered from the Saluccis' library." He looks knowingly at Ciraco.

[FinalTemplar]

"If someone doesn't mind pulling out the map, that might be a good start-" He said. "I'd personally suggest splitting up into two groups and having a spot we meet up at... but that might be risky." He contemplated, dropping his voice so hopefully, only the group of them could hear him.

[Namelessjake]

"Here," Ciraco says rummaging through this belongings and producing the map of the city's sewer network. "Splitting up will definitely make our getaway more likely to succeed, but it will depend on how amenable the Prince is to our commands. We may need to stay as a larger group to control him," he says as he hands the map over to Narciso.

OOC

I'm assuming we do have the map with us, although maybe IC it is still in the library at the Villa?

[ratwizard]

"Splitting our numbers should only be done to stymy the efforts of any would-be pursuers. If we make a clear escape, then I suggest staying together. Still, a street-level route is advisable." Idrig peers over the map alongside the others, focusing on any cuts at hard angles and misdirections they can use to break visibility.

OOC

What do I roll to devise a good getaway route above-ground?

[Fialova]

Seeing the dancer busy at work, Nyx waits for a moment where she seems relatively free of duties to attempt to wave her over, hoping that she is happy to talk again, and not feeling too overwhelmed by her shift to speak.

[Scratcherclaw]

Nyx

After tending to a few more tables, the dancer, Corinna, takes notice of you. "Welcome to the Crimson Butterfly," she begins almost instinctively before she looks upon you and her words stop. "Oh, it's you again," she adds with recognition in her voice. "Welcome back, in that case. What can I get for you?" She looks over her shoulder towards the stage curtain, her tense shoulders beginning to relax after seeing, or not seeing, something.

All but Nyx

Ciraco unfurls the map from his bag and you crowd around it, visualizing the snaking tunnels and pipes beneath the city. Being close to the central plaza of the city, you discover the Crimson Butterfly's basement is nearby a subterranean hub of sorts, with tunnels branching out to each end of the city underbelly, including one towards the villa. Given the age of the map, however, you're still unsure which remain in navigable condition.

"I'm inclined to agree with Idrig," Luca says, taking a glance at the map. "And worse comes to worse, we can head back to the streets after we're far enough away. Knowledge on both will prove useful."

Idrig

Give me a perception and streetwise

 

[ratwizard]

Idrig frowns as he stares blankly at the map, trying to devise a plan but coming up short. Pah, this city looks like its streets were designed by opium-huffing dullards with addled minds. I can't make heads nor tails of this.

Mechanics

Perception & Streetwise: [1d20+1]=5+1=6, [1d20+8]=3+8=11

[Namelessjake]

"Makes sense," Ciraco says nodding in agreement with Luca. He too peers at the map, trying to spot a useful above ground escape route to use as a backup plan.

Mechanics

Insight: 14 Streetwise: 12
[1d20+5]=9+5=14[1d20]=12

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso gently rubs the back of his own neck as he looks down at the map, trying to parse the information.

Mechanics

Thievery to see if there are any spots Narciso knows about that could be used for a quick getaway: [1d20+6]=10+6=16

[Fialova]

Mechanics

Insight, to see if Nyx can design what caused Corinna to become less tense: [1d20+2]=9+2=11

[Scratcherclaw]

Idrig

Ciraco

Though difficult to find routes while in the heart of the city, you manage to find a series of narrow alleyways about a block over, winding up the mountain rise back towards the residential districts. Additionally, you see a courtyard marked between your location and the villa, with a concealed surface-level sewer entrance apparently present.

Narciso

Though you struggle to find any specific routes, the layout of the map makes you recall some seedier taverns that you've used as temporary havens to escape trouble in the past. In particular, you believe the Tipsy Lynx is a close and safe option, with staff you've encountered before.

Nyx

You're unable to tell from her demeanor alone, but you recall her looking back to a woman watching from backstage the last time you spoke with her.

[Namelessjake]

"These alleyways here could prove useful," Ciraco says pointing out the narrow alleys a block away. "This courtyard also has sewer access," he adds, moving his finger to the courtyard roughly halfway between the Villa and the Crimson Butterfly.

[ratwizard]

Idrig follows Ciraco's gesturing, nodding thoughtfully. "The sewer could be a boon to us. I am quite certain we can lose any dissatisfied bodyguards there. Good work."

 

[FinalTemplar]

"I'm struggling to read the map - I'm better with physical landmarks. But," He points at a tavern he's been to before. "The Tipsy Lynx, it's a seedy place, and if we need to lay low there, I'm pretty sure we can stay there - Might not be very good to walk in with the Prince, though, but as a last resort..." He shrugs, looking around at the others. "Just a thought." He said a little softer, desperately trying to shrink and retroactively wished he had said nothing.

[Namelessjake]

"A secondary place to lie low that's not the villa isn't a bad idea - especially if everything goes wrong," Ciraco in reply to Narciso. "I guess on the day we can assess what will be easier, getting into the sewer in the Butterfly's basement, or losing any guards in the alleyways here. If we can fully lose them - great! - If not we hopefully would have enough breathing room to slip into the sewer in the courtyard as lose them that way," he says, starting to piece the various elements together into a semblance of a plan.
 

[ratwizard]

"The logistics of the escape back to the Villa seem plausible," Idrig adds, satisfied between the brainstorming between the two others. "We shall hope that Nyx's new confidant will be able to play her role. If not, we are in need of a new lynchpin to bring our young lord to the room with the false wall."

[Namelessjake]

Ciraco nods as he carefully begins folding the map back up before stowing it away in his jacket pocket. "Yes hopefully Nyx comes through. Otherwise we're nearly back at square one, and we might have an untrustworthy witness out there in the form of this dancer - depending on what Nyx has told her," he says, coming to a rather macabre realisation of what might be necessary.

[Fialova]

"Oh," Nyx responds, having not put any thought into a drink order. I suppose I should get something to appear like I belong here. "Uh, a glass of wine would be fine. I also was hoping to speak again," she continues, her last words softer and less sure. Was this a good idea? It's so busy in here, surely someone will notice if she sits with me to chat.

[Scratcherclaw]

All but Nyx

"I should imagine that elixir of yours may be useful too," Luca says to the dwarf. "Regardless of what our plans may be. Though lugging an unconscious man about might prove challenging if it's too potent."

Nyx

Corinna nods to you, stepping away toward the bar and chatting with its tender for a moment. She soon returns, setting the glass, generously filled, in front of you. She sits down, letting out a hefty sigh as her body hits the chair.

"I've been on my feet all day, so I welcome a reprieve, however short." She sits up slightly, resting her elbows upon the table and looking to you with a cocked head, eyes noticeably drained. "What is it you wish to speak about? But I don't have long so please don't mince words with me." You detect some apprehension in her voice but still a level of self-assurance that wasn't there the previous time you spoke.

 

[ratwizard]

"Deadweight is certainly a challenge, though it may be easier than a resistant quarry," Idrig agrees with Luca. "He is most likely to bring an armed escort, and a single shout will bring them upon us."

[Namelessjake]

"Hopefully that will be where the private room will come into play," Ciraco says at Idrig's mention of the Prince's likely entourage. "Separating him from his minders will be the first step. Keeping them apart, the second."

[Fialova]

She is short on time, so brevity, Nyx thinks, finding herself a bit nervous at the prospect of speaking quickly and directly. "Very well," she begins, fidgeting slightly in her seat as she does. She takes a sip of the wine, before placing it back down and beginning again. "I wanted to talk about my offer from before, if you are willing. My offer to get you into a better job, away from this... place," she continues, motioning with her head towards their immediate surroundings. As gross as it is, I feel almost lucky to have run afoul of the Clowns, and not whoever owns this place. I do not know if I'd have made it for long.

Lowering her voice, she continues again. "My companions and I, we have a job for our employer, and were hoping you might help us complete it, both as a favor and - if you wanted to join in our work - a test, of sorts, of your skills. It does not involve sleeping with anyone, or removing your clothing, but it would require you to feign interest in an otherwise uninteresting man for a brief time. After, we could make arrangements for you to join with us, if you desired." She pauses, looking into the woman's eyes with a bit of nervousness and full of anticipation at her response. "Does that... is that something that would interest you?" Would you like to aid us in a kidnapping? Would asking it that bluntly make this seem more or less shady? I can only imagine how this all must sound to her.

[Scratcherclaw]

Nyx

"I..." Corinna pauses for a moment, looking back at the empty place on the stage's curtain again. You catch her take a deep breath before she looks you in the eyes and gives a simple nod. "I will do it. It would hardly be the first time I've feigned interest... Just promise me that you will uphold your end of the bargain." She seems to relax a bit, as if a weight is removed from her shoulders, before adding, "Just alert me when the moment comes, yes?"

 

[Fialova]

Nyx is somewhat taken aback by the quick agreement, having expected much more resistance from the young woman. Things must really be bad for her here to have jumped so quickly at such a vague and questionable opportunity. She frowns, imagining what it must be like, and how excitement the promise of escape must be. How exciting it had been for herself only recently. "We will. Look for us on the day of the parade. We will be costumed, but I will be going as a knight of Fiorina, so I should stand out," she continues, offering the young woman a weak smile before she takes another sip of the wine, causing her frown to return once more. Too watered down.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso looks around now, hoping no one else has wandered down the side street now. "I mean, I can probably carry them. I've lugged around crates probably as heavy as a man. I'm sure I can find some straps I used to use." He says, considering it.

OOC

Would I have access to any kind of straps or weight-lifting tools that could help me carry things? I can carry up to 200lbs without penalty, and up to 400lbs while slowed. He currently is only carrying 35lbs of equipment on him at any time, including the armor he is wearing.

[Scratcherclaw]

Nyx

"Alright, I will," Corinna says with a quick nod, giving you a somewhat pained smile, though you're able to see some sense of relief in her eyes. "Is there anything else you wish to ask or relay? If not, I must return to work."

Narciso's OOC

You're welcome to buy some type of harness or equipment if you want to try to find a store, or ask Gina when you return to the villa. Note that you'll also be wearing a costume during the parade which may add some additional weight.

 

[Fialova]

"No," Nyx responds, a worried look creeping onto her face as she realizes that she is keeping the young woman from her duties. "No, that is all. I will see you again, though." Lowering her voice, she adds, "and you may yet receive a note with further instructions."

[Scratcherclaw]

Nyx

Corinna simply gives you a quick nod, followed by a genuine smile. "The drink is on me," she says, stepping away from the table and giving you a wave as she returns to her duties. After finishing up the wine, you make your way back outside and find your companions discussing in the alleyway they'd mentioned prior.

Everyone else

After a few moments pass, you see Nyx round the corner and make her way toward you.

 

[ratwizard]

"Welcome back," Idrig offers Nyx. "We have been discussing routes, and appear to have reached a satisfactory few options. How did your meeting fare?"

[Namelessjake]

"Is she onboard or do we need to find another plan?" Ciraco asks, keen to get to the point.

[Fialova]

Nyx gives a small wave as she sees her companions' approach. "Yeah," she responds to both men. "She was surprisingly open to the plan, and the offer to leave that life for ours after." She pauses, turning to Idrig, asking, "what are options there?"

[ratwizard]

Idrig nods, assured. "Well done," he offers. At Nyx' question, be points a thumb below. "The sewers will be our primary route. There is an entry within the building, and another in this plaza. Should that fail, or simply need a distraction, there are a series of surface alleys that will aid in throwing off any pursuant problems."

Everything appears to be falling into place, he considers. My research notes shall soon be my own once more.

[Namelessjake]

"We'll have to be ready to act fast and adapt if we need," Ciraco adds. "Our moves will mostly be down to what the Prince's security detail do."

[Fialova]

"It sounds like we've got everything in place, then," the young woman responds. "Was there anything else we needed to plan out for the, uh... outing?"

[ratwizard]

"No, and especially not here," Idrig says, aware of their surroundings. "We should return to our benefactor. The only task left is to retrieve our costumes for the... festivities."

I should take some more time to perfect my incapacitating potion. He remembers Fulke, however, and grins to himself. Or perhaps it is as effective as it needs to be.

OOC

OK to skip forward for now!

[Namelessjake]

"Agreed, I'm excited to see how they came out," Ciraco says. "It's a shame we won't get to fully enjoy the festivities," he adds, realising they won't see much of the parade or get to partake in the event. "That's the job I suppose."

[Scratcherclaw]

With the dancer's aid and an array of routes agreed to, you depart the alleyway and make your way back to the villa. The rest of the day goes by quietly, with each of you afforded time to yourselves and your hobbies around the estate. The next few days pass similarly with Gina giving a much-needed reprieve in anticipation for the job that lies ahead.

“Do not strain yourself,” she reminds from time to time, giving a stern look more akin to a mother than a mafiosa.

~ ~ ~

The dawn before the parade, you're woken up early to the boisterous voice of the flamboyant tailor, Il Tonnellato, echoing through the villa's great halls. He wears a beaming smile, toting bags of clothing and accessories. With great care, each of you tries on yours, with the seamster checking for a perfect fit and fashioning on-the-fly alterations where needed. "You will dazzle, all of you! Shimmering stars in the sea of mediocrity, restoring faith in fashion and beauty! Pure majesty!" He lets out a contented sigh, moving to leave the estate without another word. The morning's sun seems to shine directly upon you as he thrusts the doors open. He turns back a moment and you see a single teardrop glimmer on his cheek.

He redon your everyday attire and go about your business again, seeing to any last minute preparations before you're beckoned in for dinner, much of the family present at the grand table in the dining hall. A magnificent spread of food is lain on the table: soups and breads and salads. Roasted chicken wings, warm and cold pastas, braised pork, a cascade of wine nearly endlessly flowing as the attentive servants don't let a glass go empty.

Gina stands at the head of the table, raising her glass. “My family, we have come far to get where we are. And tomorrow is the first step in taking us even further. With the gods as our witness, we shall attempt our largest plot yet. May Democles give us luck, and all the rest strength." She hoists her glass further into the air, wearing a uniquely large smile. “But for now, let us revel and make merriment!" The rest of the family raises their glasses to the toast, downing the fine wine with vigor. Those of you with a knowledge on wine recognize it as a vintage variety, well-aged and full-bodied. The remaining courses flow from the kitchen leaving no one unsated, with warm cookies, pastries, and cappuccinos rounding out the evening.

Soon, you retire for the evening, a gentle rainstorm plinking on the terracotta tiles and lulling you into a sound sleep.

~ ~ ~

You're awoken after rest by servants knocking at your door. After a light breakfast, they help you into your costumes and you all convene in the villa's grand foyer. Luca is waiting, wearing a tight-fitting gladiator armor set with a mask adorned like a lion hiding is visage.

Idrig steps from the shadows, wearing a hooded black cloak with luminescent blue and white threads creating ominous patterns around it. His face is covered by a deep blue and white mask shaped like a skull. A Spettro of Khloros, seeing the souls of the departed to the afterlife.

Ciraco soon joins, donning his ancient legion attire, black with purple and blue lightning motifs across it and a lightweight cape flowing off the back. His black and blue laurel wreath shimmers atop his head, coming down into a mask to complete his look as Aradamus, the god of war and thunder.

Narciso steps in next with a crimson toga trimmed in golden detailings befitting a man of high status. Like Ciraco, he wears a laurel wreath and mask combo, but gilded instead. The hero detective Justus of Thermas, tasked with solving an absurd string of crimes at the setting's bathhouse. 

Finally, Nyx walks into the room, prismatic and proud, as a champion of Fiorina, the goddess of art. She wears faux-centurion armor with a multicolored cape that morphs into a sash toward the front. Atop her head is a centurion helmet which conceals much of her face, save a brief glance at her visage hidden behind rainbowed face paint.

"Looking sharp," Luca says to all of you. "Guess this is it then."

Gina emerges on the stairs, gazing down at you and nods. “I'm inclined to agree. Good luck, all of you. Pull this off and there will be quite the reward and celebration to be had." She gives a warm smile and curtsies to you before returning upstairs.

With a nod, Luca walks towards the door. "Parade isn't too far off. Shall we?"

OOC

Feel free to roleplay whatever you were doing on your off days and this morning if you'd like

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso wandered the streets in their days off, nowhere in particular in mind. He tried to find ways to blow off steam, so he was fully prepared for their job.

Narciso spent much of his downtime people watching, as he had found a spot high above the streets, quietly laughing and enjoying the foolishness of people going about on their daily lives.

Carefully now, dressed in his costume, he arrived out to see the others. He gave a gentle bow, and looked around at the others' costumes, comitting each one to memory for later.

"I agree, lets get this task done."

[ratwizard]

Idrig spends the next few days at a reluctant leisure: further refining his alchemical recipes, recreating some of his more minor of notes, and spending time discussing theory with Fioralba. He even passes one afternoon practicing on targets with his trusty crossbow.

Anxiously, he toils away until the day of the abduction is upon them. A specter of Khloros himself, Idrig considers as he looks upon his reflection of the mirrored glass in his quarters. A silly practice, these costumes. Though I cannot discount the needlework of Il Tonnellato, even if he is much too loud.

The dwarf steps out to meet the others in the foyer, faintly admiring the personas given to each of them. "Sufficiently festive," he admits. "Let us go and abduct a Crown Prince."

[Namelessjake]

Ciraco takes Gina's words to heart and spends the next few days lazing around the villa, although he does spar with Luca a couple of times but that is the extent of his productivity.

We may leave the prince questioning his divine right, Ciraco thinks, as he looks over their mostly pantheon themed attire, having donned his costume and joined the others.

"You should start preparing the festivities of our own then," he replies to Gina. "The prince and his guards won't know what happened until its too late," he adds, following the others towards the door.

[Fialova]

Nyx spends most of her free time keeping Alina company. She finds books in the library to read together, hoping to give her a relief from her boredom, and hoping to continue to get to know the woman she had fallen for. On the morning of the parade, she makes sure to don her costume in Alina's - their - bedroom. She poses for her, and makes sure to show off all the intricate details, before making her way down to meet the others.

"Hopefully we can get him out without getting spotted," Nyx says. Despite her overall sanguine demeanor after the last few days, she can't help but to worry about the task to come. Confidence will not get us everywhere. We need to be cautious and precise, or else we'll have much more to worry about than Gina's frustration.

[Scratcherclaw]

With all the preparations completed, you make your way from the villa and onto the bustling streets beyond the gates. While you've grown accustomed to the streets being vibrant and busy every day, an ordinary would be appear desolate compared to the sights and sounds amidst the Carnival of Democles. Droves of festivalgoers, all in masked costumes, fill the streets with a display unlike you've ever seen. Shouts and music echo throughout the city, a steady beating drum akin to the beating heart of Teiros. Filing in with the crowd, you make your way to the Crimson Butterfly.

Arriving at your destination, you can already see an array of dancers capitalizing on the busy atmosphere, dancing and showing off near their front entrance. Along with masks, you can see they're wearing their most extravagant, and revealing, attire to draw in those seeking drinks or company on such a festival day. You can hear cheer and live music erupting from within, leading you to believe it's quite busy. "Guess they're doing half the job for us. Luring him in," Luca mutters to you as you step off to the side, awaiting the parade.

After some time, large float built upon cart platforms trickle down the streets, all decorated as if to tell a story and occupied by costumed individuals waving and tossing candy and trinkets. Shortly after the start, you catch a glimpse of the most regal and extravagant float you've ever seen, dazzling deep blue with gold and silver accents, and the Arvina family crest adorned on the front. Standing in front of a grand throne built atop it, you spy a tall woman in a flowing blue dress, a shimmering tiara with a mask atop her head. She smiles and gives a slow wave to those around her as armed, yet still festively costumed, guards flank her float. There is no mistaking that this is Grand Princess Valeria.

"May Democles grant you luck and fortune, today and always," she says in a composed but enthused voice.

Peering past her, you see a similarly regal float, with a younger man seated upon a throne and giving bored waves. He wears an elegant black suit with a mask. You catch his head look toward your direction, or rather behind you, and he whispers to a nearby attendant. Within a moment, he stands from his seat, hopping off the float and touching down on the cobblestone with the clack of his shoes.

You're able to notice his mother jerk her head towards some of the guards who then begin to trail behind him. A body double quickly replaces the empty throne as well. This leaves no doubt in your mind that this is Prince Maximus, your quarry. With a small posse of guards, he steps past you and enters the Crimson Butterfly.

[Namelessjake]

"We chose this place for a reason," Ciraco says in reply to Luca, as he surveys the crowd from behind his mask.

He grows antsy as the royal float appears, however he takes a moment to resolve himself for the task at hand. He smirks, hearing the Grand Princess' words, finding the irony in her wishing them luck at abducting her son.

"Ok let's give it a few moments for our dancer to do her thing," he says to group seeing the prince enter the Crimson Butterfly. "Then we're in and out before anyone realises what's happening," he adds, reiterating their plan.

[ratwizard]

"I will give one of you a refreshment to have delivered to the room," Idrig offers. "It might make our efforts easier."

He waits calmly, trusting the competence of their skillsets and the benefit of their planning. The arrogant young prince will soon be in our hands.

[Fialova]

"It might, um," Nyx begins, modest as ever. She thinks for a moment, however, about the past several days, the lovely attire she finds herself in, and the plan that is about to unfold - her plan - before she grows more confident, and it shows in her remaining speech and posture. "It might be best if I bring it. She does not know your voices, but she knows mine. Would not due for one of you to scare her in the act."