Warehouse

[Knight of Roses]

The door open onto the main floor of a warehouse, rows upon rows of crates and bags are sacked, very neatly. Light comes in through slits in the roof.

It seems abandoned by its workers.

[eric]

It seems abandoned by its workers.[/b]

Walk in

"HALLO." Looking for other doors, get on top of a
crate if I can.

Sova

[The Speaker in Dreams]

"Ha!" Lucien exclaims, "Figures we'd land in this rut of a spot to hold up. You figure on stayin' put for this 'curfew' that winged sentry spouted off about?"

With that, he sits on a crate and listens to the area, looks around at the environment, etc.

[Skurvy]

"It might not be wise to move about the city under curfew, certainly until nightfall. It does mean they will have full control of the city gates, which will make it harder to leave. We might be best served in waiting to see what they will do tomorrow."

Alain takes the chance to view their surroundings a bit more closely, poking at a couple of the sacks to see what they contain.

[The Speaker in Dreams]

"True ... they *might* have control of the gates, but there must be other ways out of the city. I'm not fond of it, but the sewers must lead somewhere ... likely outside of the city where no one wants to be reminded of the waste and where it will bother no one." Lucien says leaning forward a bit in a more active posture of thought.

He looks to the lizardkin and says, "I know you're concerned with food, friend, but there's enough out in the wild to sustain us if need be. We can always hunt what we need, eh? If we stay, we'll be pressed into service, or if we resist become pin-cushions and target practice for some wandering patrol. Not that I mind helping others improve their skills, but I generally prefer when my hide is not at stake."

He leans back again, and props himself on his elbow saying, "Then again ... there's always the docks. Slip into the water under cover of night and make our way along the edges of the harbor. As long as we keep a low profile, I'm sure 5 people in the water is the last thing they'll be looking for during a siege. They'll be looking out into the harbors for ships, men-o-war, looking to retaliate, and to the inland looking for a land force to mobilize. I think we'd stand a fair chance of leaving that way, too." He then looks to Alain, "You, on the other hand, might have problems in the water clanking about like you do. I didn't catch your name before and I do so hate to be running with people I don't know. Lucien De'Traides at your service," he offers a nod by way of introduction and then stands with a slight flourish and gives an almost courtly bow of formality to Alain.

[eric]

He looks to the lizardkin and says, "I know you're concerned with food, friend, but there's enough out in the wild to sustain us if need be. We can always hunt what we need, eh? If we stay, we'll be pressed into service, or if we resist become pin-cushions and target practice for some wandering patrol. Not that I mind helping others improve their skills, but I generally prefer when my hide is not at stake." [/b]

Turning around on the crate and looking at Lucian

"I know more about living in the wild that your kind EVER will,
That does not mean that I like It. Oil, cooking pots, soap
knives, water jugs, all that will assist us living in the wild.

The idea of a ship was mine if you recall and if we do this we need to find a small
port like a rich persons yacht, you Lou C Ann is my deck hand,
unless you have a masters paper on your foppish clothing."

Sova

[Skurvy]

Alain gives a slight smile at Lucien's courtly manners, and offers a sweeping bow of his own in return.

"I am Alain D'Arborville, son of Senator Yvain D'Arborville of Eosiant, and all the glorious relatives that came before him. I travel on the behalf of my family with orders to meet with officers of the army of Truuk, but obviously they have more pressing matters to attend to currently. As for travelling light or in water, the armour does not make the man, I assure you."

He moves to the nearest sack, drawing his rapier from its sheath and stabbing it deftly into the sackcloth, ripping the material open with a flick of his wrist.

"As for supplies, I suggest we might find adequate travelling rations in this very building, if we look hard enough."

[colonialbob]

Jeffs' voice carries out from a corner where he is inspecting some crates. "Son of a senator, eh? Might not let that get around... I'm sure they'd love to get their hands on you." He pokes around, picks up a sack of something and sniffs it, then with a face tosses it back. "I'm sure there's something here, I just hope it's edible... or useful at all, really."

[The Speaker in Dreams]

Lucien nods and looks more engaged than he was before, "Senator ... I would have to agree with Jeffs assessment, then. We'll keep that to ourselves unless you want to mention it. Given the likely brigades we'll encounter, however, it may be a poor choice to mention at all, eh?" He gives a brief chuckle at the thought of someone of status from Eosaint speaking to the Dominion troops. "Yes, I'd think it a rather counter productive measure ... unless you want to be ransomed that is." At that, he laughs deep and puts his hands to his side laughing, "Yes, fine strategy that would be, eh? Force a capture for the safety of ransom! Hopefully we'll none of us be so desperate for an escape that thoughts such as those become favorable, eh?"

He then hears Sova's response, and says in a calm and sincere manner, "Oh, don't get me wrong, Sova. I never intended to imply that you can't sustain yourself in the wild, but rather meant to imply that we can find food where ever we go ... if we're not picky. In short, I meant that we can sustain ourselves if need be. Clearly you'd be the more proficient in that art and IF we get to that point, I, for one, will be the first to thank you for your efforts regarding the matter." As he says this, he relaxes to his previous ease and leans back with an elbow propping him up as he continues to observe the environment.

In an absent manner he adds in, "Truth be told, I love the comforts of civilization as much as the next man. However desperate times and all that, as they say. Given my choice of finding food, or a way out of a besieged city, I'll take my chances looking for the exit." At that, he stands and starts to look at the ground for any sign of a grate or lower level opening. He doesn't move far from the group, and moves only after all has been said.

As he begins moving he says, "I do believe Jeffs has the right of it, though. We should explore this warehouse more thoroughly and see what we have been given to work with." With that, he fully begins searching the place for any lower levels of potential access to a sewer system.

[Knight of Roses]

The nearby sacks mostly contain dried beans, not very tasty but very edible.

Distant noises, fighting perhaps, echo in from outside.

While there are drains, there is no immediately obvious way to access the sewers from the warehouse.

[colonialbob]

Jeffs grimaces slightly at all the beans. "I suppose we should grab some, since they're edible and won't really go bad." He glances at a bag and adds, "and if they do, I doubt we'll be able to taste the difference." He continues poking around the warehouse looking for anything else, meanwhile asking, "So, what's the consensus plan? I have to say I'm in favor of spending the night here and trying to exeunt the city in the morning." His tone of voice remains light and joking, it's hard to tell how seriously he's taking the situation.

[eric]

Is there a 2nd level up where we can see the surrounding area,
how close do we know we are close to the edge of the city.
Is there a loading dock with wagons or such what.

While the others poke bags Sova will
do the above and search for other doors
and windows. Also make sure everyone takes
Beans

"If we are not leaving while they are first attacking, we should
wait for dark and try to leave then if we can. Does anyone know
a sewer line?"

Sova

[The Speaker in Dreams]

After walking around the crates of the warehouse surveying the floor and walls, Lucien returns to the group and chimes in, "I'm all for the cover of night myself. Damned if I do anything to help this lot find me more easily."

"There are drains all around this place, maybe a few more under some crates if we pushed, but nothing that looks readily accessible for crawling through. There must be one entrance around here, though, if there are that many drains. If not inside the building, then maybe the alley we just left? Any windows up there Sova?" he calls out. "Maybe you can let us know what if you can see a drain cover nearby."

He picks up a handful of beans and eyes them suspiciously, and with little relish, "Ah yes ... beans ..." He begins to fill up his pack with some handfuls of beans - not too much, but enough to supplement what rations he still has ready in his pack. He does, however, add a few to his belt pouch.

[Knight of Roses]

There is a catwalk that runs around the upper part of the warehouse. A few narrow windows look out from the upper level.

In other nearby bags are raw wool, jute and walnuts. As are boxes of inexpensive glassware.

[colonialbob]

"The problem with attempting to sneak out at night, though, is the rather high risk of becoming a pincushion." Jeffs returns to the group and tosses some walnuts on the ground. "For variety," he explains, before continuing on. "The thing is, there's no way they'd keep the port closed up for long, or else why would they have taken it? The port's worth is in the trade, and to have trade you have to let people come and go. I think it would be easier to get out then... especially seeing as we have no real idea of what we'd be up against in the dark."

[eric]

...especially seeing as we have no real idea of what we'd be up against in the dark."[/b]

"The port will be closed for a while. Then as the dominant in the area will decide
who leaves. Most traffic will be the ships back up the supply line with loot, coming
in will be war supplies and such. I am goin to get a idea where we are if I can by
looking out the windows."

Head up to catwalk and look out each window, trying to get a direction for anything
besides the city we are in. Port, mountain, wall, etc.

Sova

[Knight of Roses]

From the other end of the warehouse come a crash as the door is thrown open and seven or eight scruffy looking men pour into the building.

[eric]

From the other end of the warehouse come a crash as the door is thrown open and seven or eight scruffy looking men pour into the building.[/b]

OOC: Assumption - by scruffy, meaning not the attacking military
OOC answer: Correct, more like dockland thugs.

Perch quietly on the catwalk watching the group coming in, pull a javelin from my sheath.

Sova

[The Speaker in Dreams]

Lucien stands behind a pile of crates and simply observes the newcomers while trying to keep himself out of sight as much as possible. His demeanor, even in observation, is one of amusement to have sudden new arrivals to their location. Since they don't look like the armed battalion, they can't be that bad ...

He watches quietly to see their intial actions upon entering.

[Skurvy]

Alain's head jerks up as the door crashes in, and his demeanor stays tense as the men enter. Even if these were not Dominion troops, they were armed and apparantly in a hurry. He steps closer to his new-found colleagues and rests his hand gently on his falchion.

"No need to get jumpy, let's see what they want," he mutters to no one in particular.

[colonialbob]

Jeffs turns at the noise the newcomers make entering the building, then edges closer to Alain. A quick glance assures him that his short sword is loose in its sheath; he then carefully examines the scruffy men, taking note of how they are dressed and what they are carrying.

[Knight of Roses]

The men spread out, pulling crates down, slitting bags, looking for anything valuable. They do not seem to have seen you yet.

[Barrok]

From behind all the party Tobias takes a soft intake of breath and notches a normal arrow into his short bow. Tobias aims carefully at any of the ransacking individuals who has their back turned.

"I think perhaps we should fan out and hopefully get them unawares from all sides."


:ooc: Readying an action for a sneak attack (hmm is there such a word as readying?)

[The Speaker in Dreams]

Upon seeing the men ransack the area, Lucien looks to Jeffs and Alain to make eye contact as if signaling that he's about to make a move. Once he has their attention, he steps forward from behind the crates, and with an arm upraised to his side, leaning casually against the crate at his shoulder, he speaks up, "Easy, gents! There's plenty of boxes and beans to go around. No need to thrash the place. Damnable racket your making in the process of it all, you know."

His demeanor is all calm to the outside observer, but already in his head he's calculating the best routs of attack and defensible positions to his immediate area. His reflexes are tense, but firmly under his control from years of negotiations across the table. Only this time, he knows the negotiating may be done at the end of a knife-point.

[Knight of Roses]

The looters react in a not unexpected way, they all produce weapons, ranging from clubs to hand axes to a short sword.

"This is our place! You get out," demands the apparent leader.

[eric]

"This is our place! You get out," demands the apparent leader.[/b]
Saying sharply, attempting to frighten them:

"No we share, lets be nice about this, plenty to fight outside."
Slight pause
"We have bows and javelins and armor, don't push it Hu-Man."
Sova

[The Speaker in Dreams]

Lucien smiles broadly and simply indicates his own weapons - still sheathed while standing a good distance away. "I'd listen to him if I were you. Then again, I know that he is quite the marksman, and I know that there are better things to worry about right now than each other."

He then lowers his voice a bit as if sharing a secret with the newcomers, "Besides, didn't you come in here to lay low? If you start a fight it's bound to draw the attention of the Dominion troops. Do you really want them to know, because of the sound of clashing arms, that there are armed men not of their own ranks taking shelter in this building?"

He just lowers his hands with his fists on his hips, giving the newcomers a moment to think (and creating a smaller distance between his own hands and the drawing of his weapon) before adding, "Think on it before you next action ... it may determine all of our fates, friend."

The last word of his final statement is a clear warning in tone, and his expression changes to match the gravity of his words. There is a predatory look that enters his eyes as he stares with the intensity of a tiger waiting to pounce at the man for his response.

Let me know if rolls matter - I can Bluff with the best of 'em, or Diplomacy - whatever seems more appropriate. Straight roll = 18, {Bluff = +9, for 27; Diplomacy = +11 for 29}. The bluff, I suppose, is that they can not win a fight with us, and that my assessment - that the soldiers will assume we are all enemies and attack us - is correct. Diplomacy, then, is to simply get them to calm down and try to work with us vs. against us.[/b]

[Knight of Roses]

Their eyes glances around at the characters and they wilt. "This half is ours then," says the leader. "You take what you want over there and we'll take from this side."

[eric]

"This half is ours then," says the leader. "You take what you want over there and we'll take from this side."[/b]
"All we want is a quiet night, don't mind if I sit up here and watch.

Sova will continue going around looking out the 2nd story windows,
trying to get his bearings.

Sova

[Knight of Roses]

Through the slit-like upper windows Sova can see distant fires and columns of smoke. Strangely echoing sounds of combat and panic can be distantly heard.

[colonialbob]

Jeffs glances at Lucien with some appreciation. He meanders over towards him, then says, "Nicely handled... a tongue worthy of the Empress' service." He glances towards the other men. In a lower tone of voice, he asks, "Do you think they will hold to their word, though?"

[Barrok]

"So just a quick question to be raised here... erm.. how the hell are we going to get out of this one? Personally I don't think being under martial law by the Dominion is a good thing and hanging around with looters could get is killed by them bring untoward attention our way."

Tobias makes sure that he voices his concern in whispers and lowers his bow.

"And if or when we get out of here what he hell are we going to do then?"

Tobias realises that he seems fairly alarmist and grows more silent.

[The Speaker in Dreams]

After Sova's comment, Lucien adds, "Well, you see,", and smiles again, "We can share this place just fine" he completes his response to the newcomers, "Though I still think being quiet will keep us all more safe from unwelcome eyes." He mentions this last bit as a bit of a reminder to the newcomers who initially entered to ransack the place.

At that, he heads back to gather with the others - back to the looters, and so that those in front of him can watch behind him. From that position they should all be able to speak in low tones to each other minus Sova.

Lucien smiles and nods at Jeffs comment with a brief half-bow, and then listens to Tobias. He pauses a moment, then responds.

"I'm with you on the martial law part, but right now I'm thinking Sova's our best bet - whatever he can see up there may well determine our possibilities of successfully escaping this city. Hanging around with these loose cannons can't be good for our long term survival, but if worse comes to worst ..." he pauses here to glance over his shoulder slightly, "they can always provide more target practice for the Dominion storm troopers, while we make good an escape. As for long term 'what do we do when ...' my friends, I propose that we worry first about surviving to a point where planning for the long term is possible. Preferrably, outside of these city walls."

[eric]

OOC: All I see from all directions are the city and smoke?

IC: Sova wants to transit all the way around the warhouse
on the gangway looking both out hte windows for anything,
the best way to leave if we have to and anything that
the other group is hiding out.

Sova

[Knight of Roses]

The land of Truuk is low, at best there are low hills and forests, and the building of the town tend to three and four stories. So there is not much to be seen from the warehouse.

Most of the smoke and fire originates from the dock areas.

[Barrok]

"So Soya, What do you see up there? Is there any way out of this mess at all? Surely we should be also thinking of getting at least some of the people out of this city and not leave them in the draconic clutches of the Dominion?"

Tobias makes sure all his backpack is secured, his rapier is by his side and his shortbow is in his hand to let loose a quick arrow at a moments notice.

[eric]

"So Sova, What do you see up there? Is there any way out of this mess at all? Surely we should be also thinking of getting at least some of the people out of this city and not leave them in the draconic clutches of the Dominion?"[/b]

"Well the idea of the main port is well out, it seems the major engagement is there,
we need a taller building if we want to look out beyond the walls. a Heavy 4 story is
just 2 blocks east, but I suspect its being used as a watch post by one
side or another. There is a 3 story mansion just south of that building that
has a tall flagpole. that might be the idea, if you want to be there before
a couple hours before the sun. I could shimmy up there and look around."

Sova

[colonialbob]

Jeffs finds a pile of bags of beans and gently falls back onto them. "Let me know what the plan is, and I'll be glad to go along or contribute if need be." He shifts to get comfortable, then leans back and tilts his hat over his eyes.

[Barrok]

"The mansion seems the best idea unless some of us feels like possibly trying to clear a building of Dominion troops or at least talking to some other people who maybe trying to resist them. All I know is we should get out of here. So East to the 4 story building or South to the flagpole. I vote flagpole.. anyone else?"

[Skurvy]

Alain pulls a small sack from his pack and takes sufficient rations of food from the various bags to last himself for a couple of days. Apparantly satisfied with this, he stows his gear and draws his sword.

"The mansion it is then. We'd best be moving on quickly though, the Dominion will be targeting buildings of that sort once they have secured the city."

[eric]

"The mansion it is then. We'd best be moving on quickly though, the Dominion will be targeting buildings of that sort once they have secured the city."[/b]"Wazzah a decision, Wake up Jeff-ss-ss."

Sova will come down so he has to walk through the looter
still holding his javelin, curious what they are doing
and to get a good look and smell of them.

"Everyone carry beans."

Sova packs some, grabs his bags and points to the closest
door.

"Out here, immediate right, 1/2 a block and a left
2 blocks, and we will be on the corner with the
mansion to our far right, I could not see the
entrance from there."

Sova

[Barrok]

Tobias heads fro the door, peers out and starts to scout slightly ahead with his faster movement (OOC if the spell is still in effect otherwise his normal movement) sticking to the shadows. He waits by any cover at all with his bow ready to give cover to the party..

[The Speaker in Dreams]

Upon hearing the decision to leave, Lucien pipes up just loud enough for those near him to hear, "What? After I worked so hard to keep us here? Pshah!" His face brightens up in a smile the whole time he 'complains' to the groups.

"Ah well ... to the next spot it is, then. I will say, for the record, that I'd rather do our movement at night when we've at least the cover of darkness to help out. If we wander out now, in the light, we're likely to draw attention. Especially moving all together like I'm sure we're likely to."

He sits back on a crate with one arm on his thigh and the other gesturing as he speaks waving his hand for emphasis at times. "Now ... maybe one of us could sneak out, manage to not draw attention and keep out of sight, while the rest of us hold down our meager position in this warehouse. I know that night means less visibility from on-high, and to get a good view means heading out now, BUT it also means we are more likely to draw unwanted attention if we all go out at the same time."

At this, he starts picking through some beans to gather a few more for the road ahead. "Far be it from me, however, to question your lordship's judgements, sire." With that he gives a deep bow with a sweeping wave of his hand for emphasis, again with a broad smile the comment is equal parts derision and mirth. "In all seriousness, though, I do think we need to think this out better than simply walking out the front door in some sort of formation trying to make our way a few streets down."

[colonialbob]

Jeffs speaks from under his cap. "Aye, he's right. As innocent an image as we pose, they might yet be suspicious. I say we at least wait for nightfall, then perhaps stagger our departures so we are not in one group."

[Knight of Roses]

Tobias looks out onto the Mean Streets (http://barroks-tower.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=12565&st=0&gopid=106838&#entry106838).

Inside, the looters keep an eye on you, but mostly seem interested in finding the most valuable things they can to cart away.