Fortune's Favor — IC

[Namelessjake]

"They could be part of the plot against you my liege, we must keep moving," Ciraco says to the Crown Prince, as he tries to hurry him past the guards. This can still easily get quickly out of hand.

Mechanics

Bluff: [1d20+9]=2+9=11

[ratwizard]

"Most assuredly. We've heard of threats to the crown posing as legionnaires," Idrig explains, hoping a rush of information will keep the prince suppressed long enough to hurry him past the guards. Or as circus-goers.

Mechanics

Bluff Check: [1d20+6]=6+6=12

[Fialova]

"They were once Legionnaires in truth, but they've since sold their allegiance to foreign powers who wish to bring you harm. Don't be fooled if their claims seem legitimate, they know more than common thugs would," Nyx adds, noticing the relatively unconvincing attempts of her companions.

Mechanics

Bluff: [1d20+12]=1+12=13 ._.

[Scratcherclaw]

"N-nonsssense! They are loyal su-ubjects!" the crown prince stammers, putting out his arms in a jovial, welcoming gesture. "I muss grace 'em w-with my presssence! It's the carnivvval, after all!" He wiggles himself free from his escorts' grasps, slippery as an eel, and begins stepping toward the pair of legionnaires.

"Your highness, please wait," Corinna attempts, futilely grabbing onto the heir's wrist. It is too late, however, as the officers step up towards him. They look at one another before looking at you, skepticism and confusion in their eyes.

"My eyes are still good, it seems," the one says, switching to Common as he eyes the mixed company before him. "Our nation's future, sloshed, and with a most interesting posse."

"M-my good men!" Maximus raises his arms in a display of drunken triumph. "The crown thanksssss y-you fer your service!"

The other crosses his arms, raising an eyebrow. You notice his one hand rests upon his blade's hilt. He ignores the prince, looking to the rest of you instead. "Care to explain how he's ended up in your company? You do know who this is, yes?"

"Doubt he's kept his mouth shut long enough for them to not know, but who's to say?" the other chimes in again. Their eyes feel heavy on you, though you gather they are simply gauging suspicions for now. "I suppose it's on them to say. Do enlighten us, and pray be convincing."

[Namelessjake]

"Of course, he is our charge," Ciraco says in reply to the guards.

"Captain Bruno Carano of the Royal Guard," he continues, extending a hand to the guards. "We're uncover security for the Crown Prince, although as you've seen, it's more about wrangling him," he explains, dropping his voice mid way through his sentence to avoid the Prince's ear, hoping that pitying a peer will throw off any of the guards' suspicions.

Mechanics

Bluff: [1d20+9]=2+9=11

 

[ratwizard]

"Aye, I suppose the rabble get-up's convincing if you stopped us," Idrig says to the Legionnaires, aware of the double-lie he speaks. "Unless you gentlemen have anything else, I'd ask your blessing to pass, and preserve our cover for the security of His Highness." He narrows his eyes at the men through his mask.

Mechanics

Bluff Check: [1d20+6]=11+6=17

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso shifted slightly, a bit awkward as he let the other two attempt to convince the guards. He looked around once more to see if anyone was watching their group.

Mechanics

Perception: [1d20+7]=16+7=23

[Fialova]

Watching as her less subtle companions once more aim for subterfuge, Nyx reaches her hand towards the sleeve beneath her cape, and fashions on it an insignia like the one's she'd seen on the royal guardsmen accompanying the prince. She then steps forward, moving the cape to the side to reveal the insignia to the Legionnaire's before her.

"Now if you wouldn't mind, we need to continue with escorting our young prince away from this area. It is not safe with all of the parade-goers about."

Mechanics

Use Minor Creation to fashion the royal guard insignia on her costume sleeve

Also bluff: [1d20+12]=7+12=19

[Scratcherclaw]

"Somehow I find that incredibly hard to believe," the first Legionnaire says to Ciraco, eyes narrowed firmly upon him. He shakes his head. "Captain, he says. You have some gall to make that claim in front of your own superiors." He gestures to Nyx and Idrig, shaking his head again in disapproval.

"Rookies and always having their inflated heads up their asses. Tale as old as time," the other chimes in, glaring at Ciraco for a moment. He then looks to the insignia Nyx has produced and gives her a quick nod. "I see. Your commander failed to tell ours to expect anyone undercover. Security concerns, I suppose."

"Apologies for interrupting your mission, Captain. I would suggest disciplining your subordinate when you find the time," the first says to Nyx as well. "It is disrespectful to a woman of your station and dishonorable to your title."

"Aye, now scurry along. We've taken up too much of your time." The Legionnaire Captain looks to Ciraco again and says, "Try and keep up, rookie."

Narciso

Occasionally, a passerby looks your way while walking past, but none look suspicious or stop to listen in. However, looking down from the way you came from, you do spot a pair of gentlemen in black suits approaching. You recognize them as the personal guards that accompanied the prince to the club. It does not seem like they have caught onto your group yet, however.

 

[ratwizard]

You do not need to tell me twice, Idrig considers, grateful their ploy seems to have worked for now. He turns to the Prince, lowering his voice to a soft yet assuring whisper. “Come, Your Highness, we are nearly there.”

The dwarf eyes his other companions, urging them forward with a look of urgency.

[Namelessjake]

Ciraco moves to follow Idrig, keeping quiet and happily playing the part of the embarrassed rookie if it means their lie holds up long enough to get away. Despite his personal feelings towards the guard's admonishment.

[Fialova]

Nyx nods to the soldiers, but does not say anything else in response. I can't believe that worked, she thinks, as they continue to make their way back to the Salucci Estate.

[FinalTemplar]

As they begin to walk again and create distance, Narciso gently pats Ciraco's shoulder. "Behind us, our doppelgangers." He whispers, lightly thumbing the air in the direction they came from, hopefully showing Ciraco the men in black suits they saw earlier.

[Namelessjake]

"We have a tail? Shit," Ciraco says, glancing back himself to confirm Narciso's words.

"Any ideas?" he asks the group, as he looks around trying to gauge how many people are in the area. It would hurt to do it, but enough coins on the floor might put enough people in their way, he begins planning.

OOC

Are there enough people around that they could form a crowd large enough to block the road/conceal us if they are grouped together?

 

[Scratcherclaw]

OOC

The streets are quite busy, with carnival goers still steadily streaming toward the direction you came from. Additionally, merchants stand by the street's edge, hawking their wares or otherwise advertising their businesses to the passing crowds.

Looking back, you spot what Narciso had pointed out: spot a pair of gentlemen in black suits approaching. You recognize them as the personal guards that accompanied the prince to the club. It does not seem like they have caught onto your group yet, however, but they continue your way.

[Namelessjake]

Fuck it! The payout for kidnapping the fucking Crown Prince should easily cover it, Ciraco thinks, grabbing one of his coin pouches from his jacket. He quickly opens it up and takes out the gems collected from Bretz and a handful of gold, pocketing them, then he slashes the pouch open and lobs it behind the group letting the coins spill to the ground.

Mechanics

Throw 200gp

[ratwizard]

Idrig curses under his breath at the mention of a tail. We shall need to approach this with needle-like precision, and razor-like cleverness. Perhaps I could—

The dwarf's mouth falls agape under his mask, helplessly watching as Ciraco dumps the entire contents of his coinpurse across the cobblestones. "That... that..." he mutters, hardly able to keep up with their pace at such a poignant sight of gleaming coin bouncing and spinning and rolling across the street right before him. That... would have bought my logbook back from the Morettis. And then some. Gods below... He forces himself to turn away from the gold, steeling himself forward. This idiot failson had better be fucking worth it all.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso wasn't sure what to expect of his allies as he continued walking, only to notice - Well, hear - The contents of Ciraco's purse clatter across the ground. Hopefully, that buys us some time... He thinks, trying to just let the distraction play out.

[Fialova]

Nyx continues along, worry growing inside her at the mention of them being tailed. Who could be following us? We've already convinced the legion of our facade. As Ciraco showers the ground in coin, she watches in a mixture of befuddlement and amusement. It is an odd tactic, but it is the best we can do at the moment.

[Scratcherclaw]

With a swift toss, a cascade of shimmering gold is flung through the air, catching the gaze of the streetgoers. Looking back, you see it's also caught the attention of your pursuers. 

"Oi! Stop!" you're able to hear one shout over the cacophonic jingle of coin hitting the cobblestone. You see them begin sprinting toward though. Any other words drowned out, however, as the crowd rushes in with almost feral motivations. Bickering erupts into shouting, but the crowd grows too large to make out anything discernable from the greed-driven mob.

The path is blocked and, as you make your getaway, you're able to see the royal guards struggling to weave through what seems to be a burgeoning brawl. As you continue, more people rush toward the way you'd come from, apparently attracted by word of turmoil.

"We wanna lay low somewhere or push on? Not sure if we wanna potentially lead them home," Luca chimes in with a momentary breath of relief.

[ratwizard]

"We have created some distance," Idrig reasons. "Perhaps we should find an entrance to the sewers, and continue from there. I doubt our adversaries would be able to track us then."

He keeps an eye out as they move along.

Mechanics

Dungeoneering: [1d20+1]=16+1=17

Or Perception, if required. Same bonus, same result.

[Namelessjake]

"Good idea," Ciraco says in reply to Luca and Idrig. "We don't want him knowing where he is either," he adds quietly so that the Crown Prince can't hear him.

The mercenary racks his mind, trying to think of the closest way down into the sewer network or, failing that, anywhere nearby that could serve as a potential safe house.

Mechanics

Streetwise: [1d20]=8

[Scratcherclaw]

Idrig

You recall that the alleyways in Teiros often have a surface-level sewer entrance every few blocks, tucked away in courtyards and alcoves. Peering into them as you stride past, you're able to make out one such alcove in a narrow alley littered with refuse.

Ciraco

Besides the usual haunts and dive bars in the area, you're unable to think of any safe place to lay low in. But you recall the prince's proclivity towards alcohol and remain unsure of the discretion of such places.

[ratwizard]

"Elite guard, with me," Idrig says in a heroic tone, bee-lining toward an alley — beyond which lies an alcove littered with refuse. "I have found a way to evade these threats to the crown."

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso follows quickly behind, giving one last look to the crowd behind them before he rushes to keep up. "I'll watch our backs. Get the prince to safety and I won't be far behind." He says, looking to Idrig as they stand in the alley.

[Namelessjake]

Ciraco nods at Idrig's words, trusting the dwarf, as he ushers the Crown Prince after him.

Hopefully he knows somewhere good, he thinks, aware he failed to think of anywhere that could work nearby.

[Fialova]

"Good eye, guardsman," Nyx responds to Idrig, trying to play up her commanding role the Legionnaire assigned her. "We will make sure none of these godless rabble get their hands on you, your highness," she says more quietly, now towards the prince, now in a more comforting tone. How long are we going to be able to keep up this charade for? Hopefully long enough to get back to the estate in one piece. Poor Corinna, already tossed into the thick of it. Hopefully she is not regretting her decision.

[Scratcherclaw]

At Idrig's lead and with the prince in tow, you dart into a narrow alleyway. It is littered with refuse, and the stone buildings appear older and in disrepair compared to many of the other nearby ones. A short ways in is a slight alcove that houses the surface-level gate to the Teirosian subterranea. Similar to the buildings, its condition is derelict: well-rusted with a timeworn lock. The iron looks brittle by now, however.

[ratwizard]

"Fret not, my companions," Idrig whispers as their momentum is stopped by a locked gate. "But I do ask that you step back." The dwarf slips a vial from his waistband. He flicks the tip of it with a finger, bubbles forming in the thin, green substance. Still suitable, then.

Idrig pops the cork out before hastily trickling the liquid into the lock's keyhole. After waiting a few moments for the sizzling to end, the dwarf takes the butt of his crossbow and drives it against the base of the shackle.

Mechanics

Acid Surge on the lock to sizzle that shit open.

Dex Check to Handle Acid: [1d20]=9 I actually forgot the modifier which is 1/2 level, so +1, so a total of 10 (phew).

Acid Surge on Lock: [1d8+5]=3+5=8[/url]

[Namelessjake]

As Idrig works to open the gate, Ciraco keeps his eyes on the street at the other end of the alleyway, watching to make sure that his diversion was successful in losing the Prince's guards.

[Scratcherclaw]

You hear a caustic sizzle as the solution begins dissolving the metal around it. Fumes emit from lock, followed by a clunk as the locking mechanism finally gives way. A moment later, the rusted gate eases open with a creaking dirge, flakes of rust raining to the alleyway floor.

Back on the main road, you catch sight of the suited guards frantically stride past your alley, their boots hurried against the cobblestone below. One passes a glance in your direction, but the alcove provides enough cover to conceal your group.

"The sewers," Corinna says, a clear grimace on her face. She releases a hefty sigh. "If this is what it takes." She hoists the bottom of her dress up, taking the prince's hand. "Come, your highness. Safety awaits."

Maximus nods slowly, eyes still hazy and his lids beginning to droop. "The royal t-tunnel suuuure look diff-*hic*-erent," he says sloppily, releasing a hefty yawn.

Stepping inside, you're immediately taken by the engulfing darkness. It is only interrupted by another grate spilling faint sunlight into the underbelly. A steady trickle of water, the skittering of rat paws against stone and debris, the faintest of echoes from chatter above. And that swallowing darkness.

"Where to? The villa?" Luca says, squinting ahead and waiting for his companions to lead onward.

[Namelessjake]

"I guess so. There's no way he'll know where we are if we use the sewers the whole way," Ciraco says in reply to Luca.

There wouldn't be much point in ransoming him if he knew who we were and where we lived, he thinks, satisfied that won't be the case.

[ratwizard]

Once safe from the passing eye of the royal guards, Idrig lights a torch, nodding at Luca's suggestion. "My friend, the map," he whispers, nudging Ciraco in the arm covertly. He eyes Corinna, pleased to find the young woman falling into line, helping lead the prince along. She will do well among the Saluccis.

[Namelessjake]

At Idrig's prompt, Ciraco grabs the old map from his bag and unfurling it. Hopefully the tunnels back to the villa from here are unchanged, he thinks, looking over the map with the dwarf to plot a route back to the Salucci Villa.

Mechanics

Dungeoneering: [1d20+5]=8+5=13

[ratwizard]

Idrig tries to peer over the map with Ciraco. "I'm down here, you dolt. Lower it a bit," he growls. I can't see a damn thing in this sewer, much less if a human is waving the damned map above my head.

Mechanics

Aid Another on Ciraco's Dungeoneering attempt.

Aid Another: [1d20+1]=1+1=2

Okay, so he gets a -1.

[Scratcherclaw]

Ciraco

Though you struggle to get a good look at the whole map with Idrig's hands clumsily pointing at various tunnels and vestibules, you're eventually able to get your bearings and determine a two hundred year old route back to the villa. Assuming you don't run into any obstacles, you figure the nearest underground "crossroads" should be able to steer you back towards the villa and its familiar underbelly. You recall some areas collapsed closer to the villa, but are unsure if any are on your route. Regardless, other inlets and outlets are marked on your map.

[Namelessjake]

"I can read the damn map," Ciraco says at the dwarf's grumblings. "It's this way," he says, starting off on the route towards the "crossroads".

[ratwizard]

Idrig harrumphs, resigning himself to holding the torch and following along. Thinks he knows tunnels better than a tunnel scout like myself. He is lucky his arrogance is defended by his other competencies.

[FinalTemplar]

As the last of his companions leaps into the sewers, Narciso follows behind. "Where to now?" He asks, before quickly realizing that Ciraco was already on the move. He follows behind, keeping up the rear.

[Scratcherclaw]

With a route in mind, Ciraco begins leading you through the dim sewer tunnels. As the sunlight begins to grow more and more infrequent, Luca pulls out a torch to light the way forward. As you walk, the flame-cast shadows make the sewer walls feel increasingly claustrophobic, though you know your senses are simply playing tricks on you.

Soon, you come across a circular room, more open than the labyrinthine tunnels you've otherwise traversed. Beneath you, sturdy iron grates keep you above the flowing cascades of water and the rank of sewage. Looking around, you can see that multiple tunnels branch out from here, akin to spokes on a wheel.

You take a brief moment to orient yourself again with the map. Your focus, however, it taken away by the light rumble of snoring. Its source soon becomes evident: the crown prince, seated against a beam with his knees to his chest, head lurched forward in slumber.

"Guess your tonic finally caught up with him. What's the move? Try and wake him or just carry him?" Luca asks, giving the rest of the ground a side eye.

[FinalTemplar]

"I can carry him," Narciso offers, "I doubt he's that heavy." He looks down at the sleeping prince, tilting his head.

[Namelessjake]

"Do it," Ciraco replies to Narciso, looking up from the map. "At least we don't have to worry about him knowing where he is when we get to the villa," he adds and he continues trying to figure out the way back.

[ratwizard]

"Yes, do carry him. If you need a second pair of hands, don't be afraid to admit so."

Idrig nods in agreement with Ciraco. "He will soon realize he is a prisoner for ransom once he awakes. When our patrons broker a deal, and he is to leave, he should be bound and blindfolded to protect their identity and location."

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso picks up the sleeping prince, taking a moment to adjust until he finds the right spot to carry him. "Alright, onwards."

ooc

I assume 20 strength is enough to carry the prince with little to no penalty?

[Fialova]

Nyx frowns as they once more are forced to enter the sewer, watching in solidarity as Corinna grimaces and reaches to save the skirt of ehr dress from the filth below. As they reach the central segment of branching tunnels, she turns to Ciraco. "Do you know which branch is correct?" Hopefully we do not run into any strange old men like the last time we were down here.

[Namelessjake]

"Yes, it should start looking familiar soon," Ciraco says to Nyx, steering the party down the tunnel which should lead back to the villa.

[Scratcherclaw]

Luca gives a nod to the group, giving Narciso a hand with lifting up the unconscious royal. "Right, let's keep going."

Despite the maze-like surroundings you're caught in beneath the bustling streets, Ciraco manages to get you back on course with the help of the subterranean map. True to his words, a wave of familiarity does wash over you. Looking to your left, you spy the alcove where you'd fought a deranged hermit and his unique pets. His body still remains, skin and flesh largely picked away from the carrion feeders dwelling below. Corinna catches sight of this, her eyes widening as she moves to cover her mouth. "Oh gods..." she mutters, face contorting into a grimace.

After what feels like an eternity of walking, you find your way back to the familiar ladder beneath the garden shed. Mushrooms grow along the tunnel wall, glowing faintly in the dim firelight. Luca glances at the prince dozing in Narciso's arms and raises an eyebrow. "Ladder might prove tricky with our cargo. But can always find another way if we can't get him up in this state."

[Namelessjake]

Sucks for him. Shouldn't have attacked us, the crazy bastard, Ciraco thinks as they walk past the decaying remains of the hermit, holding his breath as he does so to avoid the stench of death.

Made it, thank fuck for that, he thinks as the ladder up to the potting shed comes into view.

"We might as well at least give it a go before we go looking for another exit," the mercenary says in reply to Luca's suggestion. He tears a strip off cloth from his costume and uses it to blindfold the unconscious crown prince. "In case he wakes up," he explains, preempting any questions.

"Narciso, why don't you head up and we'll try passing him up to you," he suggests, looking to the young man.

[ratwizard]

Crazy, old fool, Idrig thinks as they pass by the decaying hermit. He got what he deserved. May the rats and slugs feast on his flesh and his bones be lost to the world above.

When they arrive at the ladder, Idrig releases some of the tension in his shoulders and breathes deeply.

"Good thinking, Ciraco. Here, whoever is lifting him up should use these." The dwarf pulls from his bag a pair of what appear to be sandals, though with a thick buckle and sharp chisel-like shapes radiating off them. "You strap them outside your boots. Helps with your grip. I'm afraid we'll need it with all this dead-weight."

He also pulls out a coil of rope, beginning to tie it around the prince's incapacitated torso. "Narciso can help apply a gentle pull from above, reducing some of the lifting required up the ladder. Gentle," he repeats, eyeing the young man's rippling muscle.

Mechanics

Dagger boots give a +2 to Athletics checks to climb but a -2 penalty to Stealth checks.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso shudders a tiny bit at the decaying corpse of the crazed hermit but tries not to let it bother him. As the group approaches the ladder, he nods, "Yeah, let me take one end of the rope. I'll head up and check to see if the coast is clear, then I can help with the weight of our cargo." He says, gently putting the prince down and taking one end of the rope before climbing the ladder.