>>3353905
>Climb through a window. You'll skip the downstairs but get upstairs right away.

>>3353905
Here's your inventory by the way.

[Iventory]
>One set of padded armor
>Lockpick Kit [Average Quality]
>Pocket Knife
>Blackjack
>Length of Rope [10 Feet]
>Prybar
>Spyglass

>>3353905
>Climb through a window. You'll skip the downstairs but get upstairs right away.
Hello there Sleepy. Nice to see you trying an OC quest.

>>3353905
Window. Leaky roofs are way more dangerous than a bathing jeweler.

>>3353905
>Climb through a window. You'll skip the downstairs but get upstairs right away.

>>3353916
>>3353924
>>3353956
>>3353973
Alrighty. I won't call for a roll since this is the easiest route in.

>>3353924
>Nice to see you trying an OC quest.
Yep, I'm hoping it'll be refreshing.

>Writing

>>3353905
Since he's counting the earnings he'll be moving them to his safe after he finishes. If we hit it before he gets there he'll call the guards when he finds it.

Also, 5 people is a lot to pay to guard your shop. This city must not be having a labor shortage. Or he's not buying insurance from a Jeweler's Guild and is waiting for trouble from competition. Hiring that many bodies is kind of the opposite of skimping on security. You'd need a really big house/shop combo for five people on a lazy patrol to not cover it completely, if most of them aren't outside, even not including Ivan himself.

File: You.jpg (63 KB, 564x897)

63 KB JPG

>>3354012
You'll stick to the windows. You don't fancy the idea of falling through a leaky window and alerting the entire City Watch to your presence. You wait until the guards have turned their gaze elsewhere and cross the street in a flash. Entering the alley between the jewelry store and the building next door, you kick off of that building's wall, and climb up the side of the store. The patrolling guard vanishes around the corner just as you get to work on the window.

Locked. Of course, but you expected this. Slipping out your short prybar, you force the window open quietly, open it, slide inside, and close it before the patrol comes back around. The second floor of the store is a bit dark, lit only by already dimmed electrical lights. When you hear the heavy boots of a guard coming up the stairs, you slip behind a tall shelf and press yourself to wall.

He wanders by without incident, complaining about not getting a bathroom break in a low voice. Only the best. You think to yourself dryly before considering your next move. The office is up ahead. The door is open and it looks like there's a guard posted in there just sitting around. On the other hand, this room off to side seems like it may be Ivan's bedroom. You'd probably find something worthwhile in there.

And finally, there seems to be a locked door here. As a quick test turn of the knob reveals. Interesting. Ivan didn't even lock his bedroom but he feels the need to lock this up even with his hired muscle around.

>Continue on the office. No distractions.
>Fleece Ivan's room, you're bound to find something.
>Pick the lock to this room.

>>3354066
You raise some good points. What I was trying to impress was that he skimped by hiring low quality security. It is a lot of guys for a small-medium sized building but that's because he thinks more eyes means it'd be too difficult for anyone to try and rob the place. I'll be more thoughtful about this stuff in the future.

>>3354087
>Fleece Ivan's room, you're bound to find something.
Then lock door and office as the last thing

>>3354087
>Fleece Ivan's room, you're bound to find something.

>>3354087
>Continue on the office. No distractions.
Keep your eyes on the prize.

>>3354087
>Fleece Ivan's room, you're bound to find something.

We should probably do this first as (logically) the bedroom is going to be Ivan's last destination for the night, and we probably don't want to still be there after he puts the earnings away. There's also more to steal if we let him do that first.

>>3354089
That was just brainstorming, not really a criticism. Only wondering to myself why he'd make these kinds of choices.

>>3354101
>>3354103
>>3354106
>>3354124
Goin' in Ivan's room it is.

>Roll 1d20

best of three

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3354186

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3354186
EXPLOSIVE MINE

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3354186

>>3354190
>>3354191
>>3354196

>16
>Success!

>Writin'

>>3354211
Waiting until the patrolling guard comes back down the hall and back downstairs, you creep into Ivan's room while he and the other guard downstairs begin conversing with the jeweler. Their voices becoming muffled as you close the door just enough to hide your presence but not alarm anyone observant enough to notice the door closed. Ivan's room is about what you expected. And that isn't saying too much.

There's lot's of cultural junk from his homeland in the greater north. Mostly consisting of rugs and gaudy glassware that you can't take with you. Once you get into his drawers and closet though, you start finding the good stuff. The guy clearly values status symbols. He's got a couple silver plated watches and even a hair brush with a couple of set jewels. Funny, considering what little hair he's got left. Needs to learn to let go.

You pop the jewels from their sockets with your knife and pocket them along with the watches. There's some cuff links, and what seems like some spare change in a dish at his bed side. Shrugging you dump the contents into your bag and then toss the dish as well, seeing it's got some craftsmanship to it. You were sort of hoping for a little more. But this ought to help in making the run worthwhile in case something goes wrong.

Looks like that's all you'll get in his bedroom, especially with the moonlight serving as your only visual aid. Pressing yourself against the wall beside the door, you wait and listen for the foot steps of a guard. But hear none. What you do soon hear though, are the slow labored steps of a fat man coming up the stairs. The wood of the steps creaking in time with him.

He walks past his room, completely unawares of you. Then, you can hear him admonish the guard in his office. Apparently, he was sleeping on the job. That could've been your perfect opening. But now, he seems to be locking up his earnings for the day. Which means a bigger payday for you once he leaves. After assuring the sleepy guard he'll end his unremarkable career in security if he catches him dozing again, he marches back downstairs. Leaving you with a choice.

>Enter the office and knock out the guard. Quick and efficient.
>Attempt to create a distraction for the guard. No one will know you were here.
>Attempt to pick the locked door first. You want to see what he's hiding.

>>3354298
>Enter the office and knock out the guard. Quick and efficient.

>>3354298
>Attempt to create a distraction for the guard. No one will know you were here.

>>3354298
>Enter the office and knock out the guard. Quick and efficient.

>>3354298
>Enter the office and knock out the guard. Quick and efficient.
Sorry bud, time for a new career. Let's hope we don't just outright murder him.

>>3354309
>>3354323
>>3354326
>>3354329
Get in there. And get out.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3354417

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>3354417

>>3354422
>>3354426
I'd ask for one more but in the interest of time I'm gonna take the 15.

>Writing

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>3354475
Rolling for curiosity.

File: Lockpick Kit.jpg (190 KB, 1000x708)

190 KB JPG

>>3354475
You're not going to waste time with a room that you're not even sure has anything of value. You need to take care of that guard and clean out Ivan's safe. Then get clear before he notices. you creep down the hallway, pressing against the wall outside of the doorframe to stay just outside of the guards view. He's pacing now, probably trying to wake himself up. Which just gives you an opening.

Stepping into the room silently, you unhook your blackjack from your belt. The heavy weight of the head reminding you how your're able to put men down with such a small thing. Raising it above your head, you strike him hard in the back of the head. He falls to his knees in a daze. And looks up just in time to see your masked face and the blackjack coming down for the knockout swing. He now lays on the floor, completely out of it.

Moving quickly, you close the door to the office and lock it to buy yourself some time if a patrolling guard or Ivan wanders back upstairs. Ivan's office reeks of the same kind of air that his bedroom and wardrobe did. A man of average means that desperately wants to be taken seriously by higher society. The man even has a gold letter opener. Which you pocket.

Under his desk, sits a weighty safe. You remove your kit from your belt and get to work. Feeling the subtle mechanical movements of the locks internals through your picks. This shouldn't be too difficult.

>Roll 3d20

2 out of three successes will be enough to pick the lock in one attempt.

>>3354496
Damn. I'd take that if you hadn't rolled already.

Rolled 8, 13, 7 = 28 (3d20)

>>3354543

Rolled 8, 15, 14 = 37 (3d20)

>>3354543

>>3354739
>>3354744
Welp, guess I'll take these.

>8, 15, 14
2 Successes

>Writing

>>3354858
As you set to work with your kit you try to split your attention between the pins of the lock and listening for footsteps. All goes well until you're almost done and the on the final pin. You're startled by the unconscious guard stirring and throwing his hand out to the side in a dreamy daze. Your pick breaks and you stifle an annoyed sigh as you produce a replacement and finish the job.

The safe opens with a satisfying series of clicks and you're greeted by a very nice pay day. There's a generous amount of coins and bills that you pocket easily and then pick up what he was obviously worried about someone like you getting their hands on. A jewel encrusted dagger that has to be from a craftsman down south and a jeweled mask. Most likely something some wealthy noblewoman would wear at one of their social events.

With your haul safely secured, you peer out of the window and see the patrolling guard about to round a corner. You decide to take your leave as the man you knocked out will come to any moment now. You cling to the open window to lower yourself to ground as much as possible before dropping down into a roll, and climbing over a nearby wall to escape into one of the city's many alleyways. Another clean run.

As you get further and further into the less wealthy side of town you're more secure in tonight's victory. There's been too many occasions where a City Watch patrol you caused forced you to hole up for the night in an abandoned building or shut down factory. Might have to work more on your get away strategies. But for now. You're looking to get paid.

>Continued

>>3355015
So you go where you usually go. A filthy pawn shop. It's the closest thing you have to a fence. And if you worked on stolen coinage alone you'd run out of money before long. You slip around to the back, where the owner also has excessively locked up. With a triple knock, you get him to open up. Even his rear door is barred and only has a small hole to exchange goods through.

The greasy older man smiles when he sees you. "Well if it isn't the amateur. What've you got for me tonight?"

You want to say that it's your best haul yet but he'd just respond with some snide remark. "The usual." You say simply.

Placing the stolen goods onto the metal counter, you allow him to appraise your haul. He observes them with little interest. He even scoffs at the make of the silver watches. But the dagger and mask from the safe really catch his eye. He even takes out a small lens to examine the gems on the items. After some time. He places them back down. "Fifteen hundred."

If most of your face weren't covered, he'd be able to see stupid look on your face when he throws out that number. "You're joking. That's all worth 2000, at least."

He just grins his usual smug grin through his stained teeth. "You can't blame me for market fluctuations, boy. That's my offer, take it or leave it." Your fists ball up unconsciously at your sides. You know he's stiffed you before. But this! You'll never get ahead like this. You need a real fence.

>"Fine. But I'never coming back here." [Trade the items for money]
>"Keep your shit offer. I'm finding a real fence." [Take the items and go]
>"Keep shortchanging me and maybe you'll find your own inventory on this counter." [Threaten]
>Write-In?

>>3355021
>"Keep your shit offer. I'm finding a real fence." [Take the items and go]

>>3355021
>Keep your shit offer. I'm finding a real fence." [Take the items and go]

>>3355021
>>"Keep your shit offer. I'm finding a real fence." [Take the items and go]

>>3355048
>>3355180
>>3355304

Taking your ball and going home.

>Writing

File: Oliver.jpg (53 KB, 564x830)

53 KB JPG

>>3355369
You're done dealing with this. You can't afford to keep getting shortchanged. "Keep your shit offer. I'm finding a real fence." You sweep the items back into your bag and storm off. Happy that you never showed your face to the greedy cretin. He merely laughs at your declaration. Guffaws, really. "See you next week then?!" He cackles from his barred door. You can even hear him through the alleyways until you get a decent distance away.

He's sure you'll be back. But he's used to dealing with desperate people. You're not desperate. You have a goal. And besides. Getting a real fence to process whatever you lift through is something you've been thinking about for a long time now. Anyone in your line of work is going to need it to make a good enough payday. As you head for the best place you know of to obtain info, you pull down your hood and mask, and conceal your tools of the trade. You'll be the opposite of unseen if you walk in a bar like that.

Walking past a storefront you stop to make yourself decent in the reflective surface of the window. Yup, still the same as ever. Red shock of low cropped hair. The only features to give away your elven ancestry are the slight points your ears taper to, and your slightly angular features. Moving on, you spot the bar and even hear the happy commotion before you even enter. The Sleeping Giant. Kind of a generic name to be honest. But memorable. Without exchanging these items, you've only got about 500 on you. Let's hope the asking price is modest.

You enter and are hit by the strong but pleasant scent of alcohol and whatever the patrons are smoking. You hear the clink of glass and coin alike, fist slamming on tables in heated arguments and celebration as patrons play cards in the dim light. Behind the actual bar. You see a man you've heard plenty about. Oliver, the owner of the establishment. And somewhat of an info broker. A fixer. He can set you up with a good fence.

Approaching the counter, he notices you and smiles an easy smile while polishing a glass. "Welcome, friend! I know every face in this bar except yours, so you must be a first timer. How can I set you up? Something strong? Something tasty? I'm afraid there's not much overlap!"

"I'm looking for something with a more subtle taste." You reply.

Though Oliver doesn't skip a beat just nodding along. "You can speak plainly, friend. This establishment is a bit of a neutral space."

Almost reflexively, you look around you. Everyone is just minding their own business. "I see, then I'll cut to the chase. I need a fence. One I could go to for all future exchanges."

He only looks you in the eye now. Appearing deathly serious despite the smile never leaving his face. "Well that sort of matchmaking is valuable. It'll cost you about 1000."

>"I can give you half now, you'll get the rest when your info is vetted."
>"That's rather expensive, anything I could do to lower it?"
>"How about in exchange instead? My... services."
>Write-In?

>>3355458
>>"How about in exchange instead? My... services."

we are dude, right? we are not offering to fuck him but to steal for him right?

>>3355458
An ELF?!

Well he's obviously gauging us, the money's not so much important as how we react.

>"How about an exchange instead? For discerning transportation services."
Because someone who barters with their skills is more reliable than someone who barters with doubt.

>>3355489
>>3355483
+1

>>3355483
Yeah no, I was just trying to convey how awkward that might sound saying it out loud. You're a dude. It's an offer to steal.

>>3355489
Only half

>>3355555
Also, I'll be back in a couple hours or less. Gotta catch a movie.

>>3355458

>>"How about in exchange instead? My... services."

>>3355483
>>3355489
>>3355514
>>3355609
I'm back. Looks like we're going for a trade of services.

>Writing

>>3356080
You're short by a large margin. But if this is going the way you think it is, you can barter with something more valuable than promises. "How about an exchange instead. My... services. You stand to lose nothing if I fail. But if I can complete an errand for you-"

"I'll set you up with one of my contacts." He finishes for you. "Alright. You have yourself a deal. One's ability to deliver in this line of work is worth it's weight in gold." You had a feeling he understood the way these things worked.

Oliver finishes polishing his glass and tops off a dwarf to the far right of the bar, who responds with a barely perceptible grunt of thanks. He leans on the counter, tapping his finger on his chin, probably deciding what task to send you on. "I know. A friend of mine is in a bind. She works in the pleasure business. More of a manager, really. Anyway. There's this watchmen, who's been a bit clingy with one of her girls. And a bit violent. She doesn't just let customers slap around her employees but he's holding some serious evidence of some less than legal activity over her head."

Anyone can see where this is going. "And you want me to steal it from him."

"Indeed!" He grins. "I was actually arranging for this to be done already. But your service will be much cheaper. And the Madame was thinking about having him killed. This is much less suspicious. No?"

"And where should I find this evidence?"

The bartender hands you a slip of paper with an address, and a name. Levine. You try not to look too shocked when you recognize it as the location of one of the Watch barracks. "The barracks? Seriously?"

He only shrugs. "You're looking for a letter penned by the Madame herself. He's probably keeping it in his locker. Most anyone still there at this time of night probably sleeping. Good luck." All a test then? If that's what it takes, if anyone could buy their way in you'd be running into fellow thieves every night. You make your exit and throw your hood up. It's starting to rain. Thankfully, the barracks he stays at are still in the low end of town, low Watch presence.

You stand across the street from the place. Mulling over your options. There's a few ground entry points but most all of them would have a checkpoint of some kind. Might be some kind of service door. But you can't get a good look over the wall around the perimeter. The windows are a safer bet but they leave you a bit exposed while climbing. Finally, you see a balcony. Unoccupied. Probably leads to the captain's office though.

>Climb the wall and try the service door.
>Scale the side and go through a window.
>Risk the balcony.

>>3356232
>>Scale the side and go through a window.

>>3356232
>Risk the balcony.
We roll good so it's good to take risks, yes? Yes.
The answer's always yes.

Let's try to steal more than a letter, too.

>>3356232
>>Scale the side and go through a window.

Cowards...

>>3356232
>Scale the side and go through a window.

>>3356232
>>Risk the balcony.

>>3356249
>>3356250
>>3356350
>>3356400
>>3356431

The tried and true window. Roll me a 1d20

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>3356543

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>3356543

>>3356554
Welp. no more rolling for me in this thread.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>3356543

File: 1552508431010.jpg (19 KB, 385x383)

19 KB JPG

>>3356554
>nat 1

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>3356543
Another too-late curiosity roll.

>>3356554
Holy shit good thing that wasn't a balcony roll.

This bodes ill.

File: tumblr_mh8399Fa5k1ril7tio(...).png (32 KB, 512x512)

32 KB PNG

>>3356575
>>3356554

>>3356575
It was meant to be.

No Morgan dice for this quest I guess.

File: pd5ds4aZcz1vzqum3o8_1280.png (426 KB, 658x543)

426 KB PNG

>>3356548
>>3356554
>>3356566
Our first one! Now you get to learn about our second chance mechanic that I in no way just lifted whole sale from another quest.

You have a resource called Devil's Luck. It can be expended to negate a crit-fail, and to boost a normal success to a crit.

You currently have one to begin with. Do you want to use it and negate this fail? Or take the hit and save it for later? Remember, all is not lost with a single 1.

>Use it!
>Save it!

>>3356613
>Save it!
Betcha we'll go the entire quest saving this in case we "really need it".

>>3356613
>that I in no way just lifted whole sale from another quest.

This is my believing you jpg.

Is there any way to regain our luck through gameplay, or is it one reroll per thread?

>>3356613
>Use it!
We ain't gonna lose this job interview

>>3356613
Oh no it's dice bargaining.
>Save it!
I have a feeling we'll need this for the next crit-fail when we're running away. Shortly.

>>3356613
>Save it!
Just like my japanese rpgs!

>>3356620
You can gain it through various actions like pulling off an especially tough run, a really good write-in, or even just by interacting in a meaningful way with characters.

That one's a little nebulous but you get the idea. If you use this one, it's gone until you earn another. But you can stock them up to five. Don't want you saving a hundred of them.

>>3356613
>Use it!
Don't want to wake up whole barracks

>>3356613
>>Use it!
Damn it, forgot to vote.

>>3356633
>saving a hundred roll boosts
>wheredoyouthinkyouare.jpg

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>3356673
You raise a good point. But I've seen severe cases of "But what if I need it later" in quests before.

Welp, I think that's all the votes we're gonna get here. And we're at an even split. So we gotta roll for it.

1 - Use
2 - Save

>>3356685
And we're savin it.

>Writing

>>3356691
After some consideration. You figure the window is the safest bet. Scaling the perimeter wall is a breeze, the old brick makes for good hand and foot holds. You flip over the top of the wall and roll across the grass, the rain rolls of of your armor. You'd be a fool to run around in the City of Rain without some waterproofing. Scaling the wall proves a little difficult, but you take your time after watching to be sure no one was loitering outside.

Hanging of of the lip of the roof's gutter, you pull out your prybar, but the window is slightly ajar. For a moment you think it must be your lucky day as you slide the window up. It is not. The watchemen having a cigarette at the window stares at you. And you stare at him. Both of you at a loss for words.Your hand begins to drift to your side, towards your blackjack. And the watchmen fumbles for his pistol!

>Roll 1d100

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>3356725
Now's about the time for a crit 100.

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>3356725
damn.

Next anon please roll very very well.

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>3356725

C'mon, need that third roll.

>>3356779
Well fuck me I guess.

>Writing

>>3356779
woo

>>3356785
WOOOO

>>3356785
Thinking quickly, you smash your blackjack onto his fingers. He recoils and you dive inside, knocking him on his ass. Covering his mouth before he can yell out. You bash him over the head and he goes down. You release a sigh of relief and look around. A hallway locker, perfect. After cutting some length off your rope, you tie up his hands and gag him before propping him up in the locker. Which you bar with a mop you found inside.

He'll be waking up before you get out of here but they won't be finding him til morning most like. Getting back on track, you follow some some directions you see on a nearby wall, pointing you towards the male bunks. You creep through the halls under the slightly dimmed lights. You can hear some people snoring as you approach the bunks. The door is ajar, which lets you peak inside. You poke your head in the door at a low level, as not to draw attention to anyone still awake in there.

There are several men in here, most of the snoring up a storm. But all of them are asleep. Seeing it as safe to enter, you go inside and examine the feet of the bed. Looks like they all have metal foot lockers with name cards. Aha, F.Levine. Found it. And he's not in bed. These lockers don't actually have locks but there's a padlock. Poor make, it only takes you a moment to pop it open.

Of course, there happens to be a lot of junk in here. You quietly pick up each item and place it to the side to stay quiet. You go through a couple of packs of cigarettes, two bottles of cheap cologne, a spare blanket. Hmm, a picture of some woman. Maybe the object of his obsession. And at the very bottom, lies a letter with a wax seal that wasn't broken, but clearly removed using other means. Finally. Now you just need to leave without alerting the entire City Watch.

Or you could check the other lockers for valuables.

>Check the others for loot.
>Get out now.

>>3356844
This'll be my last post for tonight. Sleep beckons. I'll be back tomorrow morning, around ten.

>>3356844
>Check the others for loot.

>>3356844
>Check the others for loot.
Obviously. After all, why not build a name for ourselves while we're at it? Since we've been spotted. The thief ballsy enough to steal from the city watch while they sleep.

>>3356848
Thanks for running and g'night.

>>3356844
>Check the others for loot.

>>3356844
>Check the others for loot.

>>3356844
>Check the others for loot
This will help cover up the letter theft, steal all sorts of junk

>>3356844
>Get out now

>>3356852
>>3356867
>>3356874
>>3356889
>>3356905
>>3357185

There's always a time to get greedy.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>3357636

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>3357636

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3357636
Okay, I'll do it.

>>3357663
>>3357675
>>3357688

>15

Definitely good enough.

>Writing

>>3357697
After taking another cursory glance of the room, the sleeping watchmen, and the boxes in which they lay their valuables. You can't really resist. And besides, you want to make a good first impression. But first things first. You pull the letter out and unfold it just enough to see the name at the bottom. Madame Elise. Written in flowing, elegant cursive. Knowing you have the letter on you now is a big relief. Even if you get caught now, you know how to make a get away.

After softly clicking Levine's pathetic little padlock back into place, you set upon the other lockers. Looking somewhat like a hungry predator. The Watch doesn't pay that well, but you'd be shocked if nobody kept anything valuable in these. They're probably the only personal space they have. And you aren't wrong. You find watches, rings, some chains, even some cash just stored away for a rainy day. Which bumps you up to 800.

It's nothing special, but your bag is growing heavy, and when that happens, you find it prudent to call it a night. Going out the same way you came. You hear some rumbling from the hallway locker as the tied up man tries to escape or alert someone else. Too bad for him. He'll probably spend the night in there. Can't say you feel too bad about it. With your loot in tow, you exit the building easily and disappear back into the alleyways.

Again, you shed your mask and hood. Doing your best to look inconspicuous. Not that they could do much with your face. Or even your name. People like you barely exist in the system. The face of a nobody. And your name? You named yourself. It doesn't take long to get back to the Sleeping Giant. And while you think it's been nearly a couple hours, it's just as lively as when you left.

Oliver looks very pleased to see you back. "Well done friend! Well done!."

Raising an eyebrow, you place the letter on the counter, which he picks up and gives a cursory read. "Congratulating me already? You didn't even read it yet."

He waves away your concern. "You don't seem the type to return before a job is complete. Ah, and I was right. You got the evidence. And Levine?"

"Wasn't present. Not in his bed at least. And I fleeced the rest of the Watch while I was at it." Which was a lucky break for you. Not that you couldn't handle a single Watchmen, you already have.

He whistles, somewhat impressed. "All's the better. Now, I believe I owe you some info." He reaches below the counter and produces a small envelope. "Now you just need to play messenger. Take this to an elvish woman by the name of Margot. She owns an antique shop in midtown. I've written a bit of a letter of introduction. She should be more than willing to do business with you."

>Continued

File: Margot 1.jpg (90 KB, 616x1000)

90 KB JPG

>>3357859
Nodding, you take it from him and start on your way again. "I know which one you're talking about. Used to get people telling me all the time to stay away from there. Guess I know why now."

Oliver yells after you over the buzz of his customers. "Oh! And if you're in need of a little info or a tactical advantage, don't forget me now. And have a drink next time!"

Your feet are beginning to get a dull ache in the soles. Must be all this walking. You'd usually do your job, take the spoils to the pawn shop, and head home. But moving up requires more than a little legwork. It's all worth it. You've been thinking small. Too small. Connections are something everyone needs, especially in this life. And you've made some important ones tonight. You won't be robbing jewelry stores just to stay afloat.

When you spot the antique shop, it's still open for business. It's a got a very quaint look. Hanging flower pots outside. The storefront painted with green accent marks on the white body of the building. In the window, there are several curios and knick knacks of various make and probably of dubious quality. But what do you know? You've never been one for things you can't use.

You can already see the silhouettes of a man and a woman inside. When you step in, you're hit the scent of some kind of herb. Probably used for tea. It gives the shop a comfortable atmosphere. And breaking that serene feeling, is the large oaf at the counter. "Ms.Margot, Are you free this weekend? I've been informed that there are empty reservations available at the most wonderful restaurant, authentic Rozan cuisine!"

Looks like thing's don't change much, no matter where you go. Looks like he's bothering her for a date. And even you can see why. An older woman but you'd bet plenty of gold she still turns heads. But she appears to be used to it. She turns him down with a soft smile. "I'm afraid not. You know me, my work never quite seems to end!" She looks at you for a moment before going on. "Now, if you don't mind I'd like to attend to this last customer before closing up for the night."

While clearly annoyed at being rejected, the suited oaf takes his leave. Wordlessly, you place the letter on the counter in front of her. She reads it, smiles, and presses a button under her counter that obscures the windows of the storefront with curtains. "Well well, a recommendation from Oliver is as good as gold. May I see the the items please?"

You place all of your ill gotten gains on the counter, minus the raw cash. Unlike the grease ball at the pawn shop, she allows herself to react to the items. Oohing or aweing at whatever she finds impressive. Of course, the best are the dagger and the mask. She barely even has to think about a price. "For every item here, I can exchange 3000. Is that adequate?"

>"Yes. More than adequate. I'll take it."
>"Hmm. I was hoping for a bit more."
>"You've an unusual name for an elf."
>"What did that letter say? If you don't mind."
>Write-In?

>>3357859
>You named yourself.
Uh oh.

>>3357865
>"Yes. More than adequate. I'll take it."
Good first impression, we knew they were at least this valuable. We should be streetwise enough not tot ask about the blackmail letter.

>Write-In?
Should of remembered earlier when we were at the bar, but since she's an actual fence let's ask if she knows any individuals who sell gear and equipment for the king of stuff we do.

If we want to move up then any job that's truly valuable isn't going to be as easy as all this. By the way, how much is our rent? Assuming our home isn't some abandoned leaky piece of shit in the middle of a dark alley.

>>3357865
>>"Yes. More than adequate. I'll take it."

And I must say, it's a relief to work with someone who actually knows how to value a business partner, I was getting tired of being cheated on my craft by others.

now, if I'm not intruding too much, Can know what Oliver said to you that made you willing to do business with me?

>>3357865
>"Yes. More than adequate. I'll take it."

Thank her for the business and tell her we will be dropping by again.

Is she has any jobs or requests we can take care of we can do it too, maybe keep those vultures away.

>>3357865

>"Yes. More than adequate. I'll take it."

>"You've an unusual name for an elf."

Maybe she is only half or named herself like us.

>>3357865
>>"Yes. More than adequate. I'll take it."
I bet you have to beat the men away with both hands, eh love?

>>3357865
>"Yes. More than adequate. I'll take it."

>>3358059
I'll add the question too, get to know her a little better

>>3357895
>>3357934
>>3357953

Sorry about the delay, had to eat.

Looks like we're accepting and chatting a little.

>Writing

>>3358073
>>3358090
>>3358096
Oh hey, almost missed you guys.

I'll be counting yours

>>3358101
That's more than you can usually make in a month or two. You try your best to hide your excitement and give a satisfied nod. "Yes. More than adequate. I'll take it. It's a relief to work with someone who actually knows how to value a business partner, getting cheated on ever haul get's old quickly."

"Not to worry, I'm a professional." She says with a pleasant smile. The woman couldn't be any more out of place. But who are you to judge? "By the way, I suggest you cut ties with whoever you were dealing with previously."

"Done. I want nothing more to do with that man." You've got half a mind to empty his coffers but you know that place is locked up tight to deter people exactly like you. It's not worth it.

"Very good. Just give me a moment." She leans down again, this time producing a strong box that she locks all the most valuable items inside of. Then deposits the box in a floor safe. You don't see any visible brands, and the keyhole is an unusual shape. Dwarven make, most likely. Those are notoriously tough to crack. But thankfully, their value is reflected in their cost. You haven't seen many of those at all.

While she counts the money, you feel curiosity pulling at your mind. "You've an unusual name for an elf."

She seems somewhat surprised by the statement but carries on nevertheless. "Yes. I suppose it is unusual. Even for our people." You aren't sure what she means by that. You just let her continue. "It wasn't always my name, you could say I inherited it, along with this shop."

Hmm. If you had to guess you would've said she was given the name by humans. Adopted, perhaps? Well, you know when not to pry. Besides you just had a thought, you could use better gear. Better jobs means more money, but it also means more danger and more complicated runs. "By the way, would you know of anyone who provides equipment for my work?"

"Why, yes I would. It's not far from here, a machinist shop called Hot Shot. Simply tell them I sent you and it should be fine. They could use another customer." She gives you directions, and finishes counting your payout and hands it to you neatly. "I look forward to doing business with you again. And if you don't mind, may I ask your name?"

You hesitate for a moment, but it's harmless at this point. "Call me Ailas."

She seems a little surprised about it. "Truly? Well then, Ailas. have a pleasant night." With that, you take your leave. Not caring enough to ask what she found strange about your name. If anything, yours is more common than hers.

>Continued

File: Beldan.jpg (32 KB, 500x616)

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>>3358335
The machinist shop is a squat but wide building. With a hand crafted metal sign boldly advertising their even bolder name with electrical lighting. Sliding the front door open, you are greeted with unique smells again. The place reeks of metal, oil, and gunpowder. There's a man at the counter, though not who you were expecting. A demon. The demonic population is Aquilla is quite low.

The large horned man stands behind the counter with his arms crossed. Analyzing you with his gaze. He says nothing as you approach. "Margot sent me. I'm a customer." He stares at you for a few second longer before glancing to the back of the shop, behind him. "Master?"

An old man's voice calls out from the back room. "It's alright boy, let him through." His posture changes to be less stand-offish as he relaxes. He unlatches the divider keeping customers from the area beyond the counter and gestures towards the back. You follow his instructions and go deeper into the store while the young demon locks up the shop behind you.

When you enter the back room, you see an old dwarvern man, doing some high precision work on some machinery you can't make heads or tails of. "So, Margot sent ya. Eh? He lifts his lenses from his face and looks at you. Seemingly judging you front he look in your eye alone. Then he looks at gear, up and down. And scoffs. "Yeah, you came to right place. Beldan! Show our customer here the inventory."

"Yes." He says simply. Beldan walks to a nearby wall and turns the wall mounted lantern on it upside down before pulling, revealing a cross section of the wall with all sorts of tools splayed out on it. There are many items here. Though not all of them you can use. Somethings do stand out to you right away though. But you still shouldn't spend it all here.

You have 3800

[HOT SHOT INVENTORY]
>Lockpick Kit [Superior Quality] - 2000G
>Armor Plate Inserts - 1000G [Armor Upgrade]
>Grappling Hook - 300G
>Quality Dagger - 500G
>Studded Blackjack - 500 [Uprgade]
>Flashbomb - 200G
>Wristbow - 2000G
>Snub-nose Pistol - 1500G
>Caltrops - 100G
>Throwing Knives - 500G
>Smoke Capsules - 500G

More things will be added over time

>>3358338
>Smoke Capsules - 500G
>Grappling Hook - 300G
>Throwing Knives - 500G
>Flashbomb - 200G
Save the rest

>>3358335
>You aren't sure what she means by that.
Baka Ailas.

>>3358338
TOYS. Yes. Time to give this a think.

>Grappling Hook. 300G
Getting into and out of trouble in a way that makes us hard to follow.
>Studded Blackjack 500
Because ours is already good, may as well make it great.
>Flashbomb 200G
Good money for failure padding. Can we buy two?
>Smoke Capsules 500G
Also a great investment.

Not so concerned with armor, though the watch has pistols, things like flashbombs and smoke ought to be better than relying on inserts. I want to save up for that lockpick kit, if I recall correctly we already broke some picks of our average quality kit and not even on tough places to break into. That's an investment that needs to happen. Also, fuck captcha to death.

>>3358338
>Flashbomb - 200G
>Grappling Hook - 300G
>Studded Blackjack - 500 [Uprgade]
>Throwing Knives - 500G
>Smoke Capsules - 500G

>>3358338
>Studded Blackjack - 500 [Uprgade]
>Grappling Hook - 300G
>Lockpick Kit [Superior Quality] - 2000G
>Smoke Capsules - 500G

>>3358352
>[
>>3358392
>>3358458
>>3358477

Looks like there's a consensus on
>Smoke Capsules - 500G
>Grappling Hook - 300G
>Studded Blackjack 500
>Flashbomb - 200G

I try to only include items that the majority of voters wanted, so that's a no on Throwing Knives and the superior lockpick kit for now. But you'll be back.

>Writing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eIKPqzER9A

>>3358616
I can appreciate this background music.

>>3358558
You peruse the items for a short time, but your decision is easy to make. The grappling hook is an investment that should pay itself back in no time. Easier access and getaways are invaluable. The studded blackjack is a marked improvement over your humble, homemade one. A solid cylinder of steel with blunt studs that would cause serious pain and dent the hell out of armor. You wouldn't be surprised if you could knock out someone wearing a helmet with this.

Then there's the smoke capsules and flash bombs. Smoke would help a lot in getaways when knocking someone out isn't an option. Especially if you need to just leave the building. Causing a little chaos and confusion is exactly what you want. And lastly the flash bombs, much more powerful than the smoke but much less numerous. And the cost could add up. But they could be used to disorient even if you're surrounded or locked into a fight. That kind of breakaway tool is incredibly useful in a bind.

All in all, you cough up 1500. Which really isn't bad considering the unprecedented payday you just had. The demonic man you now know is named Beldan, gathers up your purchases into a discreet box. Just before he hands it to you, the dwarf stops him. "Now, I can tell yer gonna be a repeat customer. So take another on the house." He tosses another flashbomb into the box. "I'm sure you'll appreciate the quality."

You give the odd pair your thanks and depart with your new gear. To get home, you return to the lower end of town, not to far from the shop so you won't have to be walking all over the city to do some business. You toe the line between ganger territories on your way home, like you always do. And you hold your box of gear close and do your best not to draw anyone's eye. You'd hate to have to fight off some street toughs as tired as you are.

And soon enough. You're home. Your home being a small apartment you've holed up in for dirt cheap. With quality to match. With probably the only other person in the world you care for more than yourself. Unlocking the door with your key, you open up and notice your sister is awake. With her nose buried in a book as per usual.

"Didn't expect you to be up, Shalana." You say as lock the door back up and bar it for the night. Can't be too careful.

She stretches and yawns. "And I didn't expect you to be out for so long, Ailas. What happened? Did you need to lay low from the Watch?"

"Quite the opposite really, I was busy securing a few contacts, then did some shopping. A productive night." You pull up a floor board under your bed and leave all of your gear underneath, slid out of sight from the hole. "You didn't have to wait for me."

She gasps dramatically. "How could I sleep? Knowing my twin brother was out gallivanting on roof tops and dodging bullets!"

>"You truly have no grasp on how thieving works, do you?"
>"And while I was... gallivanting, what were you up to?"
>"Do all magicians read as much as you, or is that a unique trait?"
>Write-In?

>>3358616
Nice.

That track made me so damn anxious when I was a kid.

>>3358776
>"You truly have no grasp on how thieving works, do you?"
>"And while I was... gallivanting, what were you up to?"

>>3358776
>"You truly have no grasp on how thieving works, do you?"
>"And while I was... gallivanting, what were you up to?"

>>3358776
>"And while I was... gallivanting, what were you up to?"
>write-in
Brag that we scored big. Ignore the parts where we almost got caught. Maybe someday we won't have to live like this.

>>3358776
>>"And while I was... gallivanting, what were you up to?"

I met a pretty lady today too while gallivating, she's going to buy my goods for at least double what I usually got

>>3358808
+1

>>3358794
>>3358796
>>3358807
>>3358808
>>3358826

Whatcha doin? And some light teasing.

>Writing

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>>3358906
Hiding the money in a similar spot, you plop down on your own bed and kick back. "You truly have no grasp on how thieving works, do you? First of all, roof tops are quite dangerous. Especially in this city, constantly slick. Could fall and just break your neck. And bullets are not an easy thing to dodge. In my work, of you're being shot at, you've flubbed the whole thing."

Shalana just stares at the ceiling, unamused. "Wasn't looking for a serious answer, brother. Besides, you didn't really tell me what happened tonight. Come now, I want details!"

You might as well, now that you're comfortable. Recounting your night from top to bottom takes longer than you thought it would. Makes it feel like you've been out until sunrise. She claps like she's at the theater when you finish telling her how you robbed old Ivan blind. And crinkles her nose at the mere thought of the pawn shop owner. Never bothered to learn his name, oh well. Then she get's quite interested in your description of the Sleeping Giant and your transaction with Oliver.

"Wait.Is this sort of thing normal? Information brokers moonlighting as bartenders?" Your sister ponders.

"I wouldn't know, I'm the hands on part of these kinds of deals. Anyway, stop interrupting." Continuing your retelling of tonight's event you kind of skim over the barracks and tell her everything went smoothly. Rather her not worry about you getting shot as soon as you open a window. Then you get to your clandestine meeting with Margot. Which she's happy enough to hear that she'll be giving you fair rates for the items you lift.

You end your tale with your visit to the machinist workshop. "I knew you had the drive Ailas, I'm impressed. We'll be out of here in no time if I could just find a job that's worth a damn." Here we go again, she gets all moody and pouty when she's reminded you bring the lion's share of money home.

Time to change the subject. "Never mind that. What were you up to while I was out... gallivanting?"

She shrugs, absentmindedly tapping her feet against the wall. "Same thing I do every day when I get home from work. Study as much as I can. Once I figure out this summoning ritual, I'll be ready to move on to real spellcraft." Another source of frustration for her. She can't properly cast or maintain her spells without a familiar. But learning anything about magic with a master if a long game of trial and error.

But you smile regardless. You both have your goals. And one that you both share. You're going to buy an apartment in midtown. It's higher up enough to be far from gangers and the more abusive watch members, and it's low enough to be an attainable dream. Especially now that you're being paid real money. This dream of moving up may not just be a dream.

You have 2300 left after your gear purchases. You need 30,000 to buy your way in. An attainable dream is all you can ask for.

>End of Session

>>3359081
Okay guys, think I'm going to call it here as my creative juices need a little time to refill. What do you think? I'm trying to only flesh out the setting when it makes sense. Lore dumps can be draining thing for all involved. You have any questions or want me to clear something up. Just a reminder, I'm NOT dropping Metahuman. I just wanted to write for something else to clear my head and help me re-focus. Even if you guys think it's going fine. I'm trying to lead to something I hope you'll enjoy, and it requires a little finesse.

>>3359083
I liked the writing, can't say I ever played a quest from you but this one was quite pleasant so far, the pace and challenge seems nice and the characters so far are interesting, thanks for running and see you next time.

do you have a prediction for when you are continuing this? or some means we can keep an eye out?

>>3359081
nice character pic, she is one of my favorite characters from another quest

>>3359083
I assume you're going to do a rotational schedule for this and Metahuman?
Anyway, very interesting quest you got here Sleepy. I'm curious to see where this goes.

>>3359081
>>3359083
Thanks for running! I didn't know you ran another quest.

>>3359083
I think I wanna steal more cool shit and see how much cool shit we can steal.
I like Ailas and Shalana and have a good amount of questions for you to loredump if you'd like, too.

How old is Aquilla/The City of Rain? Any specific cultural identity or is it the melting pot it looks to be? What fart sniffing head honcho bureaucrat is in charge of this wreck?

What's we know bout demons?

We've seen a lot of different races here. And we're a mutt, so that speaks of itself. Are the tensions between them high, or is this a colony/backwater kind of grey space where nobody really cares?

What do magicians do? Are they powerful fireball tossing military assets, or just kind of "there" being eccentric with their noses stuck in books doting over theory? Either way, I expect it would be difficult to steal from a high profile or otherwise experienced magician.

Since there is some kind of magic, at least summoning and casting (and demons, obviously) do we know of any commonly known magical artifacts?

How old are we? Do elves live long?

I have lots of other detailed questions but I think they're the kind that'll get answered over time just sort of naturally, but this general stuff is what comes to mind first.

Know when you'll run next?

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>>3359126
>Spoiler
Oh really? I should read more often, then I probably wouldn't have picked that one. But it's a good pic nonetheless.

>>3359132
>I assume you're going to do a rotational schedule for this and Metahuman?
Indeed. Though I'm going to be running just this for a little while.

>>3359160
>How old is Aquilla/The City of Rain?
Relatively new, actually. Compared to most other major places on the continent. It was established a couple hundred years ago.

>cultural identity
Rather industrial. Culture gets a little assimilated but people can still hold on to their individual stuff pretty easily.

>head honcho bureaucrat
We'll get to that.

>demons?
This could end up being a big lore dump so I'll sum up. Demons are a race from another realm entirely. They came to this realm hundreds of years ago to escape their dying sun. So did this peacefully. Others, did not. It was a whole to do.

>Racial tensions
Not much. There are always gonna be racists and whatnot, but it's not so much a systematic thing here. There are specific grudges still being held, but we'll get to those in due time.

>What do magicians do?
A bit of both of what you're describing. There are extensive rules of engagement regarding magical warfare. And a LOT of magic is study and making sure you say/write something correctly so you don't melt your own face.

>magical artifacts?
Magical items aren't that rare. But most of them don't have crazy effects. For example, a simple enchanted item that one could buy (at a high price) in a clothing store could be a cloak that keeps you warm even in freezing temperatures. Not super exciting but the ones you'd be after will be very expensive to commission and difficult to lift.

>How old are we?
22

>Do elves live long?
Longer than humans. But not like, lord of the rings long.

>Know when you'll run next?
Next weekend!

>>3359083
Just read up on this, and im liking it

I appreciate the good formating, makes it easier to get into :)

are pistol single shot or is it revolver lever action etc?
load the powder etc or are cartridges a thing

>>3359420
This is a great question for other reasons, too.

What if we learned how to make some of our own, cruder bombs? We'd need to know where to buy the ingredients but paying 200g/flash and 500g/smoke is pretty expensive if we could do it in our downtime. Not that we should actually be using them enough for the expense to really add up. Rudimentary explosives might be useful for other reasons, like an excessively mean door lock or something.

Of course, a watchman searching our shit finding things someone like us shouldn't need, like a worktable with gunpowder and casings, would be its own stupidly suspicious thing.

>>3359250
What's the general technology level?

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121 KB PNG

>>3359420
>>3359484
As a general rule, think like industrial era shit. We've got plumbing and electricity and shit but no digital tech. Automobiles are a luxury in most places. As for weapons, they can get more advanced. But something common is a revolver. That's what the low rank watchmen are issued. But they're rather expensive and ammo is also quite costly for a normal person. Expect to encounter more firearms from richer people. And enchantments. Of course, there's fantastical tech like airships and other shit like that. That's powered by a mix of real tech and magical nonsense. If I'm coming off as vague as fuck, I apologize but keeping a tech level that makes sense has always been the hardest part of world building for me. Just accept the this is a world where people can still fight using swords and shit.

>>3359674
Airships. There are airships?
Can we steal from them?
Can we steal them?

>>3359679
You can certainly try.

But what about dragons?

>>3360655
I can't imagine there are any thieves that actually can.
I mean, I'm talking about traditional dragons. Giant arrogant lizards with really good noses and autistic counting abilities with hoarding tendencies. The boring sort.

That sounds like an effort that would require a team. And what I mean by that is it would require people slower than as so we can run away with the loot as a dick ass thief while the party gets reduced to flamey organic shrapnel.

>>3359674
> If I'm coming off as vague as fuck, I apologize but keeping a tech level that makes sense has always been the hardest part of world building for me.
eh, it's actually more believable than a lot of fantasy for me. i figure fantasy worlds have to progress too, and if they do it's probably through a mixture of magic, industry, and nonsense.

the cool thing about fantasy is that you can almost always claim something is magic/nonsense and get away with it

>>3360655
All I'll say for now is that they are included in this setting. But I like where your head is at. Think big.

Yoooo found it.
https://twitter.com/sleepyqm
You never posted your twitter.

>>3367145
Yeah in retrospect, I should have given that out after the session was through.

Follow me here for run time details and such. It's pretty much all I ever post.

i don't supposed that a repeated heisting at the same location is do-able? do we get news reports of our actions?

>>3369197
Dunno what Sleepy thinks so I'll rant but I imagine if we fail hard enough or on purpose with something important we could retry it with increased risks. Assuming the failure wasn't followed by death. Discovery usually entails a chase/moved items/more alert guards. Like if we'd woken up the entire sleeping city witch and led them on a chase, we could probably go back and get what we need if they think we won't return or don't know what we're there for. Or the guy we were actually stealing from would show up and get in the way. Either being not so great PR with the barkeep, obviously. That one good roll to get that guy before he fired off a round made me super anxious. Could've just been shot down like a moron as Shalana alluded to. If we get seriously injured, sneaking or acrobatic/quick movements become impossible. Torn muscles don't move shit. Or worse, we can't actually work for two months because whoops we fell off a roof.

The other side of that is with stuff like the jewelry or shops, a noble's vault etcetera, there's pretty extensive diminishing returns. We'll have stolen what's worth carrying out with one person on the first go, assuming we're not just casing a place for a later time. We're probably savvy enough to know it's not smart to return to an area where valuables have gone missing. People talk to each other, so stealing from that Jeweler will have merchants around them on edge for a little bit. People start spending a lot of money on security when two homes/businesses get broken into on their street in quick succession. The same business multiple times? I dunno, if we really hate someone I do wonder if we have the skills to rob them every single night until they can't even pay for guards. Would be hilarious, and stupidly risky. Not worth it outside of spite or a vendetta.

>>3369197
>>3369504

You're correct, generally speaking. Repeat thieving in the same place will get proportionately more difficult, with low risk targets becoming moderate risk targets. High risk targets becoming extreme risk targets and so on. There will more than likely com times when you get an opportunity to revisit a place you've already been for REASONS. So you can expect it to be changed thanks to your successful thieving.

As for returning after a botched job, it's possible. But the problem of course is that the opposition will be more difficult to overcome. You can expect things like more guards, security measures, sealed entrances, etc. Although, you'd stand a lot to gain from completing a failed job. Beyond the obvious, people in criminal underworld would really appreciate that kind of determination. If it doesn't get you killed. That being said, failing twice is just pathetic.

Either way, it's up to you.

Also, I'll be running tomorrow. Not sure if I should use this thread or not.

>>3370033
Trust your instincts. But only maybe.

>>3370033
I would recommend just starting a new thread, but that's just my opinion.

For anyone still checking this thread. Today's session is still on, but I'm gonna have to delay it. The new thread will be up at around 4.

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