"The brothel. Oh, yeah." he announced shooting to his feet and pacing back and forth, glancing at the floor, appearing to be deep in thought. However, the very same courier Scanlan had, 'relieved' himself on the night they took up the contract wheeled a small cart containing four barrels of ale right next to them, propping it against the floor, rubbing his aching neck, the young man simply sauntered of as a wide grin stretched across Grog's face. "Yeah, we can investigate there for hours if we need too." Scanlan concocted as his friend simply lifted the barrel like an oversized tankard, tore of it's wooden lid with ease and began gulping it's contents straight from the source.
"But won't Vex and that other guy be kind of pissed, if we ain't doing what they said to do?" he inquired, dropping the edge of the barrel from his lips as his distracted gaze fell upon the so called master planner.
Instantly, Scanlan jumped to his own defence pointing his stubby finger accusingly at the Giants tattooed head. "I don't give a wet fart what her or her boy toy think. Clearly, I'm the brains of this operation." he chittered bracing both hands sassily against his hips, with a proud smirk.
Grog reeled back slightly, raising a confused eyebrow as he dulled eyes darted between the stone work floor and the arrogant Gnome. "Really? 'Cause she told me you have 'dick for brains,' Which doesn't seem possible." he uttered, wrapping his head around the She-Elf's words.
Scowling, Scanlan gripped his fists tightly as he paced back and forth, even more agitated than before. "You know what, screw Vex and her stupid feather head. And forget fire-crotches impeccable abs. I'm going to the brothel." he declared confidently, only for his heart to sink and his eyes widen, as his gaze landed upon a conspicuously hooded figure approaching them amongst the crowd. Beneath it, Scanlan caught sight of Fince, looking more shifty than ever as he inched closer to the two Mercenaries. Gasping in shock, the Bard bent his legs in panic as his head darted side to side grasping for somewhere to hide.
A stammer passed through his lips as the desperate Gnome leapt head first into the perfectly sized barrel of ale Grog happily held, splashing it's golden brown contents over the stone steps. As conspicuously as he possibly could Grog slowly brought the keg to his face and hid it away slurping what remained of the now Scanlan flavoured alcohol. Thanks to the Goliath's quick thinking, Fince payed them no mind as he passed the two, by, making his way to his unknown destination.
Keeping the bottom of the barrel in line with were the Drow was, Scanlan poked the cork from the hole peering through it as the remaining ale drained from within, further drenching him the foul tasting beverage. Narrowing his suspicious eye the Bard spoke, his voice muffled within the his wooden hiding place. "It's that thin-lipped crypt keeper. Come on." he ordered shooting out of the barrel as held it from his face, unleashing an ungodly loud belch that echoed across the square catching Finces attention.
Wordlessly Fince, slowly turned to face the commotion behind him all while the two men panicked, quickly rolling across the ground and hiding behind the small cart, that barely concealed Grogs arching back. Peeking around it's corner both the Bard and Barbarian alike watched as the Councilman turned away and trotted on. Sharing a look, the two nodded as they emerged and followed as quietly as they could.
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Weaving their way down the winding back alleys of the residential district and the towering arched walkway's of the upper ring, Scanlan and Grog tailed the Drow from a distance doing a rather fantastic job of staying undetected, leaving Fince none the wiser to his unseen company. Eventually, among the gleaming mansions and gardens the mismatched pair pressed themselves against one of the properties tall perimeter walls, watching as Fince passed through the gateway and onto the property, trudging his way along the winding path toward the grandiose home.
Thinking on his feet, Scanlan clambered onto Grogs broad shoulders and peeked over the wall while the towering Barbarian simply accepted his new job. "Hey, can you see him from up there?" Grog called out loudly as Scanlan quickly shushed him, girlishly slapping the man's bald forehead repeatedly.
"That way. Across the street." The Bard demanded, extending his arm and pointing toward his right. Cautiously the Goliath pressed himself against the walls smoothened brick work and shuffled his way to their destination all while Scanlan kept a close eye on their target. However, he may have perhaps been too preoccupied as he straightened himself up on Grogs shoulders, unaware of the hanging sigh post quickly closing in on him. "He's sneaking to that fancy manor." he uttered only to collide face first with the sign, unleashing a loud clang. "Oh! The fuck... fuck...." he cried catching Fince's attention as he himself wheeled around to investigate.
In a flash Grog yanked the pained Gnome from his shoulders and covered his mouth refusing to let Scanlan reveal their location. Holding him closely to his chest Scanlan let out muffled howls of pain as his tiny legs flailed back and forth widely, struggling against Grog's incredibly strong grasp. Eyeing the wall sinisterly, Fince drew a small blade from his sleeve and pushed open the large double doors, steeping inside and locking them behind him.
As soon as the locking mechanism clicked back into place, Grog released Scanlan as the bard in question hopped free of his grasp. "Okay. That skanky goat groper is up to no good. You keep an eye on that house, I'll go get the others." He ordered bolting back down the narrow walled street, ye not before the Goliath made a rather inappropriate request.
"Right. Can you pick me up a sandwich on the way back?" he requested casually, almost as if the two hadn't caught Fince red-handed.
Whirling around the Gnome slid to a stop, "What? A sandw.... no!" he hissed, mouth agape in absolute astonishment. "I'm not going on a food run, dummy." he insulted. Grog simply let out a soft whimper, as his eager form dropped slightly.
"Please?" he pleaded, almost like he were a begging child.
Turning his head, Scanlan dropped his arms limply at his sides, sighing in defeat. "What do you want?" he groaned as Grog's saddened expression shifted to one of happiness as he did his best to not cheer like a madman.
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Happily, Grog held a fat sandwich in his hands as he sat on the front steps leading toward the mansion humming with pleasure as he tore into the meat filled feast, muttering sweet nothing as he chewed away, all while Moonless sat before him on her hind legs, watching hungrily as well. All of Vox Machina now gladly reunited stood staring at the pair of locked double doors leading inside. A perplexed Scanlan, lute in hand examined the overbearing golden lock crafted into the door itself. "Sturdy lock. Nothing a little magical song can't handle." he muttered quickly placing his fingers on each of the cords and prepared himself, strumming both middle cords and loudly clearing his throat.
"Open your back door, baby"
"Loosen your hinges I'll show you my key."
He sang quickly turning to the lock and unleashing a bolt of purple magic toward the tightly secured lock. As soon as it struck, however nothing happened as the magic simple dissipated in cloud of thin smoke. "Damn. That usually works." he hissed, instead just choosing to try with all his puny might to push it open, which of course did not work.
"You're surprised? That's the front door, not the back you moron." Ragnvaldr deadpanned, frustratingly crossing one arm over the other as the Bard's naughty innuendo filled sonnet flew right over his sharp, yet oddly naïve head.
Approaching his dejected form, Keyleth took her place beside his, wiggling her fingers eagerly with a bright, near mischievous smile on her face. "What if I heat the metal and melt the lock?" she questioned, bending down slightly to examine the keyhole, only to straighten herself and use her Ashari magic and staff to attempt to turn the lock to mush. However, Scanlan, being lost in his own world still attempted to push open the door, shoving his shoulder dangerously close to the unaffected, now scalding lock.
Predictably, a small section of the Gnome's sleeve caught fire instantly as he leapt away and desperately snuffed the tiny flame with his hand. "What the hell, Keyleth? This is imported silk!" he cried out with an obvious panic laced in his wavering tone. The Druid reeled back apologetically as the Gnome continued his berating grunts only to be interrupted by Pike who used her God's guidance to detect the presence of any magic.
The white haired Gnome pressed her finger tips against her forehead, shutting her eyes tightly and reaching her other hand toward said lock. "The lock doesn't seem magical. I'm not sensing anything." she strained, immediately dropping her hands and opening her eyes.
"Can you people do nothing right? It's just a damn door." Vex hissed turning to face the struggling three, with her bow in hand prepared in case someone had tailed them or was preparing to attack them.
Next to give it a try was Ragnvaldr, who scoffed humorously at the trio's misfortune. "All it takes is a good hit or two, stand back, all of you." he ordered as Keyleth and Pike watched with expectant looks upon their faces. Of course, the bard refused to move leaving the human to simply push him effortlessly to the side. "This is how a warrior does it. Right Grog?" he called out only to be met with a muffled agreeing grunt as the Goliath stuffed his face. Without a moments hesitation Ragnvaldr raised his axe above his head and unleashed a mighty roar bringing his axe down upon the lock, only to watch as he blade simply scrapped against the contraption, still unscathed after the parties attempts.
"Um. Give me a moment." He uttered, a near unmissable embarrassed blush upon his pale cheeks. trudging to take a place beside Vex, he turned once again to face the impenetrable door charging head long at it and raised his foot to kick the doors open once and for all. However, instead of bursting open like he had planned, the doors shook violently as a mighty crack echoed across the Mansions idyllic courtyard, making everyone wince in pain. "Ow! You gold plated chuckle fuck!" he yelped loudly, stumbling back and dropping his axe to the ground, hopping away holding his ankle pathetically. Falling on his back next to Vex.
"A warrior, hmm? Very impressive." she laughed quietly only to be met with the shifting Oldegårdian raising his middle finger up to her.
"Bugger off..." he grunted nursing his twisted foot on the floor. Even though it wasn't broken, Pike simply trotted up the groups newest addition and used her healing power to ilvaite his throbbing pain. "Thank you." he uttered in defeat, staying on the ground as if too ashamed to stand up.
Finally having enough of his friends tomfoolery Vax effortlessly swopped past Grog, swiping the olive topped toothpick stuck into the top of his sandwich. "Not everything can be solved with the simple swing of an axe. Sometimes you have to be more subtle." he informed stepping over the astonishingly embarrassed Oldegårdian's outstretched legs. Silently, the Rouge bent down and pressed his ear against against the front doors lock plucking the green olive from the toothpick with his teeth and inserting the small stick into the keyhole. Within the ornate lock, as the Rouge jimmied the pick back and forth, the heavy mechanisms twisted and clanked slowly coming apart as he quickly removed the improvised lockpick and shoved the now unblocked entrance open with a loud creak.
"All it takes is a little finesse. Amateurs." he groaned with a deathly bored expression, tossing the needless toothpick away and trotting inside, leaving behind his less than enthused companions as both Scanlan, Keyleth and Ragnvaldr glared daggers at the casual Half-Elf. Vex turned and helped the formerly wounded man to his feet as himself and the others followed Vax inside, Ragnvaldr of course made sure to grab his axe along the way as well.
Grog however, sat stubbornly on the steps still munching away as he too turned to the Mansions grand entrance. "That was my toothpick." he whined as his sandwiches meaty touch slid from between the puffy white buns and slapped onto the ground. Though it didn't mean that it went to waste as Moonless, with her insatiable appetite shot forth and lapped up the half eaten meat, immediately following her master like nothing happened and leaving behind a rather justifiably heart broken Goliath who reluctantly abandoned his food and entered into the darkened abode.
Inside, the daylight which poured through the doors illuminated the ornately decorated foyer. As soon as they entered, the Mercenaries were met with a a grand smoothened stone stairs covered by an ascending crimson carpet along with the wood topped bannister. The perfectly cut staircase split on both the left and right leading to two separate rounded wooden doors either side of the second floor. Whoever, the painting hung on the wall as the grand designs centrepiece made it all too clear to whom the property belonged to. "This place is fancy." Keyleth spoke as she looked around in abject wonder of the architecture laid out before her.
The painting itself depicted the mighty General Krieg in all his egotistical glory, posing heroically in his gleaming steel armour and holding his sword with it's sharpened tip rested against the poignant green grass beneath him. "Apparently Krieg lives here. And has dreadful taste in art." Percy insulted locking his alerted form on the fantastic yet horribly self centred portrait.
"Oh, shit. I bet Fince is here to assassinate his ass." Scanlan hissed pushing himself as always to the forefront of the group, desperate to one up his already apparent usefulness thus far, much to Ragnvaldr's annoyance.
Unleashing an angered grunt the human glanced down at the short Gnome, "No. he's probably just here to give the 'illustrious' General a hug, Scanlan!" the man quietly hissed in a venom laced tone. "That's why he brought the bloody knife." the man finished impatiently, tapping his fingers eagerly against the wooden pommel of his axe.
Before the pair's argument could once again escalate Vex's scolding voice cut Scanlan off before he could reply, "Both of you shut up!" she chittered turning to both Percy, Keyleth and Ragnvaldr. "Why don't you three head to the second floor? Scanlan and Grog will search the attic. Vax and I will start here." she ordered only for said orders to fall null and void as a soft shuffling filled the room followed by a high pitched clicked.
Turning their attention to the source of the noise, Vox Machina's gaze once again fell upon Vax as he kneeled on the wooden floor with a section of carpet lift from it, revealing a trap door. "Or maybe we all just go check the cellar." he whispered as the groups single Oldegårdian nodded in agreement.
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Fince cautiously stood by one of the many shelves light by a single dangling latern, picking and choosing a myriad of worn scrolls and shoving them, as wistfully as he possibly could, careful not to draw any unwanted attention from his seemingly unethical action.
As quietly as luck would allow them, Vax pulled open the hidden trap door descending into the pitch darkness of the cellar. A faded light poured through the man made hole, illuminating portions of the surrounding bookcases stacked with what seemed like hundreds of years worth of books and parchment alike. Immediately the Bard broke any sense of advantage the group had gained by shouting toward the shifting Drow. "Aha! We caught you blue-handed, chicken humper!" Scanlan announced like he were some sort of overblown hero in some badly told story while the others levelled their own weapons toward Fince.
Without a hint of hesitation the Councilman drew his blade from his belt and twirled on the spot, raising it ever so slightly to face the motley crew of adventurers. "Drop your blade!" the Bard demanded wielding his lute in both hands, ready to use his magic should the need arise.
"What? No, no, you don't understand. I'm not stealing anything." his biting voice defended, cutting through the musty dust filled air of the unused library as his grip on the handle of his blade grew ever tighter.
"Of course your not. And that dagger isn't to murder General Krieg with, either, right?" Pike interrogated, pointing accusingly at the elderly sullen, cloak wearing Drow.
Not sensing his long time friend and companions sarcasm, standing tall behind her the axe wielding Goliath crouched to her level and peeked over her shoulder. "Pike, I think it is." he mumbled quietly, thinking that he had cracked the case of their assailants true plans.
In no time at all, Fince's face contorted with panic as he lowered his small dagger to his side to show some kind of civility in the already tense situation. "You must listen to me. These documents are evidence. General Krieg is planning to..." as he pleaded with the party, the same searing feeling once again shot through Vex's skull, the difference this time being that it felt as though her skull might implode as she dropped her bow with making it clatter to the cobbled floor and collapsed to her knees writhing in pain as it grew worse and worse with ever passing moment, as if someone, or something was closing in on them.
An open, doorless passage lay behind Fince, what lay beyond it was completely shrouded in overbearing darkness, that was until Ragnvaldr caught sight of appeared to be a momentary glance of a pair of dull silted eyes peering over the Drow's shoulder from within. Without a moments hesitation as the distinct sound of a sword being drawn from it's leather scabbard echoed through the cellar, and wasting not a single second the Oldegårdian rushed forward pushing Fince effortlessly to the side as the very same long sword depicted in the painting thrust from the darkness, narrowly missing the Drow's exposed back.
Toppling to the floor Fince watched on as the alleged savage tribesman deflected the sword's gleaming blade with his worn iron hand axe, grappling the would be killers weaponless, armour plated forearm and with great strength wrenched him forward into the lanterns fading light revealing the attacker to be, much to Vox Machina's surprise General Krieg himself. Frozen on the spot they watched as Ragnvaldr dashed Krieg's sword wielding arm against the wall forcing him to drop it, and without a hint of Mercy nor hesitation raised his chipped axe and dug the blade right into Krieg's broad shoulder giving Fince enough time to flee to Vox Machina's side.
Being smashed with such reckless abandon, Krieg's gleaming steel pauldron cracked and immediately shattered as the
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