March 15th, The Encounter by the Warehouses

Higaide shoots a glance at the party, just enough to know that they can see him make the turn, and makes for the North route.

Fortunately Higaide thinks quickly and hesitates for a few seconds so that Zeiss, panting behind him, can spot him for a split second before he heads through the northern path. By his vague recollection, this path will again split... many times, actually, but there is an immediate exit not far ahead that will lead out of a false sewer grate in a back alley, still in the Warehouse District of course. The other paths will branch outwards, probably elsewise into the District (given the massive size of said District this is no real surprise).

Meanwhile, the soldiers have not given up their pursuit of Rory nor Zeiss, and have overcome their initial obstacles to make a more coordinated run after the two, though as both glance behind them on approach to the first branch they both roll high enough to tell that there are less than there were before.

Just before he takes the northern path, Zeiss throws a purse of gunpowder at the soldiers. Hopefully, it will blind them.

OOC:

As he makes the turn north, Rory splashes all of his writing ink onto the ground, hoping that someone will slip and cause a blunder for the rest at the corner. He keeps the inkwell. If necessary, he points it out to Zeiss.

Rory, ahead of Zeiss, splashes the ink and quickly points to it as he darts around the corner.
Zeiss, having already prepared a small tinder device in the pouch so it would ignite rather than simply land on the ground pointlessly. Fortunately he avoids, barely, slipping on the ink himself in his haste but does notice the direction Rory went in and follows suit. Both of them hear a bit of a commotion behind them and after some running can tell that the sounds of pursuit are quieter, though still present.

Higaide, ahead of the rest, is just starting to get a bit winded from all the running when he notices a few squatters up ahead; Humans, as it happens, who look up at him with a bit of puzzlement. Given his pace and his expression, they reach a conclusion quickly and their eyes widen, and they quickly start gathering themselves to flee.

Higaide decides to continue running ahead, past the squatters, who soon find themselves passed up by Zeiss and Rory as well.  By the time Zeiss has caught them they've mostly gathered their belongings and have begun running behind Zeiss at a slower pace.  After a bit more time Zeiss, in the rear, hears some noises which he correctly deduces is the soldiers catching the Humans and detaining them, leaving far fewer footsteps chasing after the party.

After enough more running that all three players have to roll Fortitude (which they succeed ta thankfully) Higaide finally comes across another branch in the area, which he knows will either loop back into the labyrinth or, if he turns right, allow him the aforementioned exit.

Zeiss secretly thank the humans for their honorable sacrifice and keeps running.

OOC:

Higaide waits to catch a glimpse of Zeiss again, then turns right once he knows he saw him do so.

Higaide, cautiously, exits the false grate in the back alley and is relieved to notice there is no one about. He also notices the sun has set some time prior, and the surrounding area has quieted down as the evening business trails off.

Higaide holds the grate open for Zeiss and Rory, shuts it once they're through and checks the area for any hiding spots.

And Advoc.

Sure.

When looking for a direction to take off in, Rory examines their surroundings for any heavy object they might be able to place on top of the grate. Presently, he notices someone new standing right beside him. "Who-- dammit, when you decide to change skins, it wouldn't hurt to announce it to the rest of us," he mutters hoarsely to Zeiss.

He then takes a moment to gather bearings. "Alright, this way," he announces, starting off in a direction, not believing the new tactic is to find a place to hide.

actions:

Zeiss quickly replies to Rory: "You're right. I'll do that next time we have to run for our lives."

OOC:

As one would expect, there are innumerable ways out of the district given the vast size of the place, but 'best' in this case would either be heading towards the Docks to escape the city entirely, or towards the Commerce District to make their way back home as fast as possible. There are roughly 20 paths the party could take that are estimated off the top of their head in either direction. Rory manages to find a nice big crate and shove it over the false grate, mere seconds ahead of the soldiers who are even as they finish their work clamoring to shove it open.

Would it be feasible to leave the city by using the docks and then coming back in by using the entrance Zeiss once took to get into Holtburg? I think it was a smuggling entrance.

Zeiss asks the air, but only the Meowths answer him... though they seem to be saying yes.

OOC:

Zeiss goes for the docks, realizing he doesn't have time to share his plan when the soldiers are right behind this crate.

"Follow me!"

Thanks to a few lucky rolls, the party does not encounter any major resistance on their long, long trip out of the Warehouse District and towards the Docks. They have a few close run-ins with some local military but in each case they don't really seem to be looking for anyone or otherwise on high alert. Assuming the trio continues their plan to exit the city and sneak in via Zeiss' entrance, they will return to their particular home in the Veil on their second action on the 16th.

The party rather suddenly decides to hail a taxi (which will be far faster than walking) and zoom their way to the Royal District in the middle of the night. Getting in will require talking or bribery (connections or no, since they won't be going to Ursolan of Prowler's offices but rather his home).

It's that late? Oh well.

Let's talk. Diplomacy roll. I'll forcibly take money from Higaide or Rory to bribe them if need be.

Good luck with that, my balance doesn't hit triple digits.

Zeiss explains, hurriedly, that he has news about the safety of Holtburg with regard to the war effort and has to be let in to see Ursolan immediately in his official housing in the Royal District. While the guards are dubious, especially given the maniac taxi driver behind them, he is eventually convinced. Naturally the taxi must wait outside, as no hovercraft are ever allowed inside the Royal District, and the trio huff it on foot to where the officials bunk for the night and begin rapping at the Drudge's door. It matters what they are going to say through the door, if anything, and with what tone.

In a calm tone, Zeiss says:

"Zeiss of Wintersong here. I have something urgent to report."

OOC:

There is a bit of a pause before a rather attentive-looking Dwarven individual in fine garments opens the door, his face a study in professional disinterest. "His master is currently asleep, good sir, may I take a message for you?"