"I think a frontal assault is out of the question. However, we would be wise to prepare for violence. Mr. Alordan, with your permission, I will enhance your strength temporarily."
The short, dark creature holds his hand up to Andron when he prepares to cast his spell. He whispers something into his shell and holds it out towards him. Andron hears the words in plain common. "It will take a bit of time to reach the area where Garzanthanon resides. You may want to wait on your temporary magic until we get closer."
Zuhma looks at Feanol and nods his grey haired head. "It is always a good idea to be prepared for anything, my dear pupil. Though I have not visited his abode myself, I have heard some things. It is deep within the sewer tunnels below the Marketplace, well hidden and not without traps and other deterrents. Percy here will show you to a tunnel that leads to the area, but the decision how to approach will be left up to you. I would think that stealth would be your friend down there, and would agree that a full frontal assault will likely result in a bad day for you."
"I could also suggest trying to use Garzanthanon's arrogance against him, if you can figure out some way to do that. He is by far the most self-centered and narcissistic orange blob in all the lands."
"Use Garzanthanon's arrogance against him, if you can figure out some way to do that." Theo ponders that. What's involved in arrogance? Weakness to flattery? Maybe not. Overconfidence in own's own ability or position? Probably so. But how to take advantage of that?
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
"Arrogant people often have insecurities they try to mask with bravado. By understanding what drives their arrogance, we can better predict their actions and use this knowledge to your advantage. So what is Garzanthanon's insecurity?"
Andron replies to the shell, as Zuhma had done. "Thank you, Mr. Percy. A wise suggestion."
He nods sagely at Torbath, "Precisely, and that knowledge will be closely guarded, I'm sure. Perhaps we can leverage Maag's new reputation. If Garzanthanon has any interest in the pit fighting, he would certainly want to employ the best, if just for the prestige."
Percy holds the shell to his ear before nodding back at Andron.
Zuhma tries to answer Torbath. "The floating orange blob believes he is the leader of the underground here. Hell's, he probably believes he is the leader of.......everything, but we all know that is just out of touch thinking. In fact, there are plenty of other factions in the underground alone that could compete with his own criminal enterprise, and often do. Yet the Eye-Tyrant seems to hold some powerful sway over most who inhabit his realm. His power to con and bamboozle others is unrivaled, so do not allow the bastard to trick you into doing anything for him you don't want to do."
"I would guess he will either ask a price for the book so high that you likely cant pay it, or suggest that you do some type of service for him, as I have just done with you. Either way you approach this, he will try to get the upper hand with you. If you do not allow that to happen, you will have an easier time recovering my property. It might also behoove you not to mention my name, if you can avoid it. I don't think he is a big fan of me or my works, and he probably has no idea the tome once belonged to me."
Andron gets a head nod after his verbal speculation, from both Zuhma and the eavesdropping Percy.
So maybe we head in like we're wandering around down there, and use trying to get our brave fighters in on some of the more rewarding lethal combat in the underground. It could give us a chance to scout out and if encountered talk our way out of it, and maybe even get an in to get close so we could plan and strike from within.
Theo Hmm.... Pit champion Maag and his rookie failed but undeterred student Theo? The money was good on the surface, but not good enough?
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
"In dat case, we should talk to ol' Spike-nose. 'e sounds like a bloke wiv connections in der fight game".
"An' me an' Theo 'ad better pick up a few fings before we go. A couple of sets of brass knuckles for a start". He pounds his fist into his palm and winks at Theo
"An excellent idea, Mr. Maag. So, following Miss Feanol's plan, I could pose as your team's doctor. I assume there is no shortage for that line of work with the arena."
Yeah, if you have any contacts from the fights that might give you some idea who to ask and where to look that would be great. The more detailed our story the better.
If you go from wandering around looking for the pits to searching for a named pit boss then you seem even less of a theat. Who knows we might brag about you enough to get the eye to back you.
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer
Percy heads out the door as Zuhma calls to your backs. "Don't get killed now. This monster can be very dangerous, you understand."
Your short, dark, and mostly covered guide takes off down one crowded street before cutting up a narrow alleyway that leads to a questionable looking establishment that sells miscellaneous items of many sorts. Maag finds a pair of brass knuckles that should do nicely for what he has planned, and he only gets robbed of 20 gold coins to procure them.
Once that business is finished, Percy speaks into his shell again before holding it out to you. "Is there anything else you want to buy before we go below?" He points to the dirty streets as he speaks, reminding you of your next destination.
Theo mentally goes over his inventory. He can think of nothing he doesn't have that could be useful. Nothing for me either.
PCs
PCs Big Shiny Island (AD&D 1E) - Theo, unappealing human ranger Horror at Briargate (AD&D 1E) - Faron, droll human thief Lost City of Eternity (AD&D 1E) - Torix, proud Pictish barbarian Ghostal (Dungeon Goons) - Delx, canny musical wanderer