Mission Prep: Thick as Thieves

This is me attempting to weedle out some information on the thieves that set up shop in the dockside. Perhaps it will work perhaps not. All thugs, no matter how crude, follow certain simple rules. Maybe rules is a bit strong; behavioural patterns. They are much like predators in the wild, hunting game with an eye for weakness, preferring to strike suddenly and from concealment. They are also very protective of their territory, chasing other, up-and-coming gangs out as soon as can be. But what happens when a stray predator wanders into their hunting grounds? Come along, as the hunter, becomes the hunted. - The Narrator Afternoon. The sun is setting on the western sea outside Ardaal's quaint settlement. Kai is walking the docks, fingers idly thruming on a pouch at her side. Passing a group of chatting fellows in dyed wool cloaks there's a flap of wings on the side opposite, as a seagull comes in to take a bite out of one of their steaming trays of grilled fish. At the same time, nimble fingers make a sidetrip into pocketland, a snip with a small razor set into the tip of one of the glove's fingers, and out comes hand and coinpurse both. It's light, coppers and worse, but it's not the first of the day. But though the victim does not notice, other hunters are watching the streets as people make their way homeward, stopping to buy, with purses open. Eyes glint in alleyways, soft soled boots pad past. There's a sranger at the docks, and she forgot her wits at home... Credits (in order of appearance): Unweary thief - Kailara Springsap Hungry Craftsmen - Robb Dyst, Herrfudd Ludt, Brask Harlan, Dernt Gulch Not-so-hungry Seagull - Talons Suspiciously not at the scene - Feathers Your move Niko Niko.

The early autumn dusk shines its array of oranges and yellows upon the town, and especially its waterfront. Truly has the view changed since Kailara last engaged in the activities of a cutpurse here. But the landscape of the area hasn't been the only thing which has shifted to resemble the large cities of the vast empire. Few shadows of street corners and booms of various piers appear unnaturally wild in the late hours of this evening. Something a more wary individual might avoid; however a point of interest to another.

"Is it just me or are those shadows enjoying themselves a bit more than would be usual?" Kai takes a few quick steps to cross the street, doding past a carriage rumbling down the paved flag stones with its load of barrels. Looking around supiciously, like a cat sneaking up on a mouse she then focuses her attnetion wholeheartedly on the shadow. One step becomes two steps, and then suddnely she pounces! Curiosity killed the Kai, I mean cat, man am I glad I'm she's not a cat.

Your landing is soft. The shadowy figure turns out to be a cloaked man, who lets out a scream of surprise, a youngster if his voice is anything to go by. He attempts to lift himself upright after your assault knocked him down, sending an assortment of coin scattered onto the cobblestone street. He reaches for a few at first, then deciding it'd be a sounder idea to scram.

Trailing coins, Kai watches him run and picks up the scattered shinies on the ground. The youth rounds a corner and on the other, in the dark, there's something waiting for him... It is death; with dark wings spread out to cover the first stars as they twinkle in the night sky, death walks towards him from the deep shadows; forcing his retreat. Of course Kai will be there to catch him if he turns and runs back.

The boy halts in the middle of a side street after a few failed tries of losing you. He keeps a keen eye on the strange creature on his tail and now brandishes a sharp knife in both hand. "Leave me be you,.. whatever you are! I guarantee nothing I have is worth loosing an eye for. Which I will deliver on if this continues."

" Oh, you want to be left alone? I'm sorry. I thought you might want your coins back, but we'll leave you be. And do stop that sweating and panting, people might get the wrong idea you know." Kai nods to Feathers and they withdraw. The goal is to confuse and distract the kid to let Talons track him back to their... Ya guessed it; hideout! :D

You leave the youngster truly confused. For a good minute he refuses to lower his guard, sliding from corner to corner with his weapons out. Eventually he returns to the place where Kailara tackled him and seems to be searching for something. Quickly though he makes his way to a house in the western docks. Make a Stealth check for Talons.

Soaring above, Talons' soft wings carry him almost soundlessly through the cool air. Stealth is 19.

The small building is a hut-like storage building with a pointed roof and no windows. It stands some way to the side of other houses in the area and appears to be made of second-hand lumber. Talon's chase goes unnoticed, unlike yours. A score of commoners are peering out of their homes. Some scouling at you for the slight ruckus having taken place. One even calls you a troublemaker having brought such a sizable beast to their town.

At being called "beast" Feathers would turn, surpsingly quick, and stare menacingly at the offender. Kai would pretend like nothing is going on and walk off down the street, leaving Feathers to menace and bully whichever common believes themselves an equal to her. Eventually the trio meet up at a pier, at the other side of town, to watch the stars rise. Ever since the fight with the Shadow Claw, Kai has taken to sleeping outdoors, and soon she snoozes off next to Feathers.