Descent into Avernus 4

Sol — Today at 9:32 PM
After securing funds, supplies and information the Flaming Fist conscripts finalize their plans to infiltrate the bathhouse that is rumored to house the cult of The Dead Three.
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 9:33 PM
"Let us....go over the plan again, shall we?" Kiryuu says to everyone.
"Simply put, we go in posed as customers. Two teams, and we use as many of their....services as we can. We are looking for signs of this cult, entrances, members...and so on." Kiryuu grunts as he adjusts himself.
"I've never been inside this one...I generally keep to the more....affordable baths near the barracks."
Kovgan Mox — Today at 9:43 PM
"Looking around seems like a lovely excuse for a bath, won't need much posing from me."
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 9:53 PM
"You'll take the first visit. We'll follow the act in the evening. If everyone is ready?"
Xavier Smith — Today at 9:54 PM
Xavier nods in agreement.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 9:54 PM
"Aye."
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 9:54 PM
"Xavier, Aelar, and Kovgan. Aye."
Kovgan Mox — Today at 9:55 PM
"Lovely, will be nice to loosen up."
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 9:55 PM
"Kovgan, I will be ready in case things go...south. I should hope you should do the same for me." Kiryuu wiggles the finger with the ring of transposition.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 9:57 PM
"Might need a smaller blade," as he takes off his two Shortsword.
Kovgan Mox — Today at 9:58 PM
"Remember the range on the transposition ring is 100ft so be ready to run to the building."
Xavier Smith — Today at 9:58 PM
"Dress lightly."
Kovgan Mox — Today at 10:02 PM
"Alright lets go."
Kovgan by this stage is simply dressed in his formal clothing and cloak, with a silver dagger at his waist alongside a few pouches.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 10:05 PM
Aelar makes sure his travelers clothing is in good shape as he borrows a dagger from Kovgan.
Xavier Smith — Today at 10:07 PM
Xavier dresses lightly and prepares to head out.
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 10:10 PM
Kiryuu finishes preparing the meeting room at the tavern they're using as a temporary base. "Best...of luck."
Sol — Today at 10:10 PM
The conscripts separate into their respective groups, one secures a private dining room at a nearby Inn, The Gilded Chalice, while the others head a few blocks over and approach their target location.
The bathhouse is a one-story stuccoed building with stained-glass windows and clay roof tiles. Ten-foot-tall walls enclose a large courtyard outside the southeast corner of the building. The closed wooden doors to the courtyard are engraved with images of smiling nymphs dancing and frolicking in water.
Kovgan Mox — Today at 10:16 PM
Kovgan leads his posse into the bathhouse.
Sol — Today at 10:22 PM
Past the engraved doors there lies a courtyard. This L-shaped courtyard features a trimmed lawn and nicely manicured shrubbery. The yard is decorated with white marble benches and stone fountains, each in the form of a smiling nymph tipping a jug that spills water into a circular stone basin. A woman with a burn scar across her left cheek stands next to a pair of sturdy double doors that lead to the interior of the bathhouse. Near her is a lectern with open book and a large leather sap leaning against the nearby wall.
She glances up at the approaching group of three and reaches her hand forward from behind the lectern and taps the ledger. "Sign in n write the service, after that you'll pay."
Kovgan Mox — Today at 10:27 PM
Kovgan approaches the lectern "Thank you", then noticing the steps off to the side then looks to Xavier, "Sign in for us would you, I'll be taking the full service."
Xavier Smith — Today at 10:29 PM
"Understood." Xavier signs up for the full service for the group.
Sol — Today at 10:39 PM
The woman nods and unknots a coin purse from her waist and opens it with both hand gripping either side of the rim. She shakes it a little impatiently at the group.
Kovgan Mox — Today at 10:41 PM
Kovgan retrieves payment from one of his pouches and puts it into her pouch.
Xavier Smith — Today at 10:41 PM
Xavier pays the 8 gold for his part.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 10:41 PM
Takes out 8 gold pieces from his pouch and tosses them into the coin purse.
Sol — Today at 10:41 PM
Once each member has paid she nods once more and reties the pouch before knocking in a strange manner. Shortly following the knock the doors swing wide revealing the interior.
The walls of this twenty-foot-high pillared chamber are adorned with frescoes of bathing royalty. Natural light streams through stained-glass windows, creating colorful patterns on the tiles of polished blue marble that cover the Acor. Three shallow, sunken pools contain scintillating perfume-scented water. White marble benches bearing stacks of dry towels are situated near the pools, each of which comes equipped with a pair of brass faucets.
Five other patrons partake of the water and steam the bathhouse offers. A large, barrel chested, gray-skinned human sits on a bench at the back, seemingly asleep. Three elves of indeterminate age occupy the bath on your right. The final patron, a male halfing with a full gray beard almost collides with the group as he makes his way outside and past you.
Kovgan Mox — Today at 10:51 PM
"Pardon us," Kovgan begins to move past the halfling, "oh and for your troubles ma'am." Kovgan says, leaving a silver with the door attendant.
Sol — Today at 10:53 PM
The woman takes the coin and rolls her eyes without saying anything to the small draconoid.
Kovgan Mox — Today at 10:59 PM
Taking que from the other patrons, Kovgan retrieves a towel, and claims a bench near to an empty bath, stripping off he folds his clothes, and tests the water before getting in.
Xavier Smith — Today at 10:59 PM
Xavier strips down and puts on a towel and puts his clothes and dagger away.
Xavier then follows Kovgan's lead and slowly enters the bath.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 11:02 PM
Aelar makes his way over to the same bench taking a towel and then takes off his clothing before entering the bath with Kovgan and Xavier.
Kovgan Mox — Today at 11:06 PM
Kovgan, allows himself to sink into the water, creating an image not dissimilar to a crocodile with its snout just above the water.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 11:08 PM
Aelar relaxes in the bath as he scans the room.
Xavier Smith — Today at 11:08 PM
Xavier relaxes in the bath.
Sol — Today at 11:10 PM
The water is a comfortable heat and holds a heavy floral scent, the better to cover the smell of the unwashed masses of the city. There appears to be a tight-fitting stone plug at the bottom of each tub that prevents any water from draining, while numerous tiny drain holes ring the tops to prevent them from overflowing. The faucets are marked in common, each with a letter.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 11:10 PM
Aelar makes a mental notes of the clothing of both the elves and the grey human.
Kovgan Mox — Today at 11:14 PM
Kovgan positions himself so to see the hall as he lets himself soak, taking note of where staff and patrons come and go to and fro.
Xavier Smith — Today at 11:16 PM
Situation Nominal
Kovgan Mox — Today at 11:16 PM
This place is plenty fine, nothing awry in the main bathhouse The relaxation Kovgan is currently feeling can almost be felt through the sending stones message.
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 11:17 PM
Move about. It's important we compare notes on the movement of staff.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 11:18 PM
Their is one human, looks to be some sort of adventure, and three elves, their clothing seems to have some kind of embossment.
Xavier Smith — Today at 11:18 PM
Steam room?
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 11:19 PM
Is there anything to indicated trapdoors or moveable entrances?
Aelar Liadon — Today at 11:22 PM
Not that I was able to see.
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 11:22 PM
Most perturbatory.
Kovgan Mox — Today at 11:22 PM
I'll head for the massage room in a few more minutes As he sinks ever so slightly lower.
Xavier Smith — Today at 11:23 PM
Bucket team moving to massages
Aelar Liadon — Today at 11:24 PM
Aelar looks at Xavier, then rolls his eyes.
Kovgan Mox — Today at 11:24 PM
Once an arbitrary but reasonable quantity of time has passed Kovgan rouses and returns to his folded clothes, drying himself and wrapping the towel around his waist before picking up his stuff and looking around for the massage rooms.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 11:25 PM
Aelar follows suit as he dry's off.
Xavier Smith — Today at 11:26 PM
Xavier follows suit.
Sol — Today at 11:27 PM
Towards the rear of the room there are two doors, one flanking either side of the middle bath. They are labelled "Massage Room" in common.
Kovgan Mox — Today at 11:29 PM
Kovgan chooses one at random and heads into the north door.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 11:31 PM
Aelar follows Kovgan to the North door.
Xavier Smith — Today at 11:31 PM
Xavier heads towards the south door.
Sol — Today at 11:33 PM
The northern room contains a massage table draped in clean towels. Bottles of perfume stored under the table are presumably used to scent the pools in the primary bath area. Natural light enters through a stained-glass window set into the south wall and  a female human sits near the table on a solid wooden stool.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 11:34 PM
Seeing that there is only one table in the north message room, he turns to look towards the south door.
Sol — Today at 11:35 PM
The southern room exactly resembles the northern, except for a differing person occupying the stool.
Kovgan Mox — Today at 11:35 PM
Kovgan continues inside and nods to the masseur.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 11:35 PM
Aelar decides to make his way back to the bath they were at and sit on the bench for the time being.
Xavier Smith — Today at 11:36 PM
"I have come for the massage I've paid for."
Sol — Today at 11:38 PM
The human woman stands from the stool and offers a bow to the kobold. "I am Qurmilah, masseuse and purveyor of relaxation at this establishment. I see your companion has retreated to the bath, will there be no coupled massage at this time? If it is a shyness issue I can assure you I am very discreet."
"Given that there is only a single table I assumed it was intentional. If I am the issue I can speak with my associate in the other room and see about transferring you to their care."
Kovgan Mox — Today at 11:41 PM
"Don't worry yourself, he is just of a nervous disposition and wanted to see the room so he could mentally prepare himself for when its his turn."
Kovgan steps up towards the table.
Sol — Today at 11:43 PM
The woman nods her head once more. "I understand. Shall we begin?" She gestures for the kobold to lie down.
Kovgan Mox — Today at 11:43 PM
Kovgan follows the the masseurs guidance.
Sol — Today at 11:44 PM
Meanwhile the androgynous human in the southern room stands and offers a bow to the gith artificer.
"I am Jabaz, if you will lie down on the table we shall begin."
Xavier Smith — Today at 11:44 PM
Xavier lies down on the table.
"My shoulders and lower back are particularly stiff."
Sol — Today at 11:46 PM
Jabaz bobs their head. "I shall set to work immediately."
Xavier Smith — Today at 11:47 PM
"Aye."Sol — Today at 12:05 AM
Time passes. Aelar receives a massage once the others are done. They are relaxing experiences. Shortly thereafter the first group returns to the private dining room of the Gilded Chalice to reconvene with their comrades.
Kovgan Mox — Today at 12:06 AM
Kovgan walking in "Definitely somewhere you could have a private meeting..., only staff we saw was the door lady and the masseurs"
"Wasn't much going on of note though that I could see."
Xavier Smith — Today at 12:07 AM
"My shoulders and back feel better."
Kovgan Mox — Today at 12:07 AM
"None of you will be able to relate but that lady really knew how to get a kink out of a tail."
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 12:08 AM
"Something...I don't need to know either." Kiryuu grunts.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 12:09 AM
"She was ok, though it doesn't beat a good old hot spring from from my home."
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 12:11 AM
"Okay....perhaps we will see differently after we go later tonight."
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 12:12 AM
"Frustratingly uneventful, your visit."
Kovgan Mox — Today at 12:12 AM
Kovgan retrieves his stuff from the bag of holding
Xavier Smith — Today at 12:13 AM
Xavier equips his gear.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 12:14 AM
"Wasn't able to see anything in the main room at least."
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 12:16 AM
The half-oni starts to strip off his armor and retrieve his non-work clothes.
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 12:16 AM
"Right. We dine, and prepare."
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 12:17 AM
"Indeed."
Sol — Today at 12:18 AM
The group dines and then splits once more. A short walk and the second group finds themselves in front of the same door and female human that the first group encountered.
"Sign in and write the service you want, afterwards you'll pay."
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 12:19 AM
Tharivol nods, and gets matters sorted to go in for a massage.
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 12:20 AM
Kiryuu writes his crude signature and pays the lovely woman manning the desk.
Heat Stones — Today at 12:21 AM
Gundz signs in and pays for a massage.
Sol — Today at 12:21 AM
The woman takes the payment and knocks, once more the door opens an reveals the interior. There are roughly double the patrons as there was in the afternoon, all of various races and genders.
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 12:24 AM
The half-oni takes a long breath, inhaling the scents of the floral scents and oils. "It smells...refreshing in here." Kiryuu nods to Tharivol and Heat Stones and makes his way to the least occupied bath and benches. He quickly undresses and then enters the waters, noticing how they rise visibly as he enters.
"Pardon."
Sol — Today at 12:25 AM
In short order Tharivol and Heat Stones split up and move to different massage rooms, where they are met by the androgynous human Jabaz and the female human Qurmilah respectively.
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 12:26 AM
"Evening," Tharivol greets his masseur/se with a nod.
Sol — Today at 12:28 AM
"Good evening honored patron. If you will lie down on the table we will begin."
Heat Stones — Today at 12:28 AM
"'Hello." She responds to Qurmilah.
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 12:29 AM
While they get their massages, the half-oni makes small-chat with the large loxodon. Talking about the current state of the city, how nice the waters feel, etc.
Sol — Today at 12:29 AM
Qurmilah is slightly surprised by the presence of the tribal, orc female but quickly regains her composure. "Good evening patron. If you will lie down on the table we will begin your relaxation."
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 12:29 AM
"Thank you," Tharivol gets comfortable after looking around the room.
Heat Stones — Today at 12:30 AM
Gundz grunts and lays down on table while looking around the room with a look of mild annoyance.
After several minutes, Gundz decides she has had enough of the massage and gets down. She says "Thank you" to the Qurmilah and heads into the bathes. She says into the sending stones to her companions I noticed something in that room. A seam runnin' from the floor to the ceiling on the North wall.
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 12:40 AM
Precisely the sort of detail we want. Kiryuu, another set of eyes in this room may give us more. Care to swap?
Heat Stones — Today at 12:40 AM
Gundz looks around at the 'colorful' characters in the main bathe rooms.
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 12:41 AM
Yes...I'll wait for you to leave before approaching.
Xavier Smith — Today at 12:45 AM
The seam running through the north room wall could be a secret room, hidden storage, or structural weakness.
Sol — Today at 12:46 AM
Tharivol exits the southern massage room and is swiftly replaced by the half-oni mercenary.
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 12:47 AM
Once Tharivol has left, Kiryuu enters and bows slightly to the androgynous figure. He takes a moment to admire the room, or at least appear to before lying on the table. "I feel...knots in my lower back and shoulders."
Heat Stones — Today at 12:48 AM
Seeing nothing of real interest. City folks tryin' to... work out carnal needs.
Sol — Today at 12:49 AM
"This is a common ailment this day honored patron, I assure you I can relieve you of this burden to your relaxation." Jabaz bows to the half-oni and gestures to the table.
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 12:49 AM
The mercenary makes himself comfortable on the table.
"What...is your name...if you don't mind my curiosity?"
Sol — Today at 12:52 AM
The masseuse begins working the knots in your shoulders and neck. "I am called Jabaz."
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 12:54 AM
"Jabaz...thank you. My name is Kiryuu...are you distressed?" He pauses as Jabaz gets to work. "More to the left...yes thank you." After another moment he continues.  "You seem nervous. Are you always nervous around....your patrons?"
Sol — Today at 12:57 AM
"Nervous? Of course not honored patron." Jabaz offers a quiet laugh. "Though your concern is appreciated."
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 12:59 AM
"It is okay if you are...Jabaz. I know I am an intimidating...person. You would not be the first....to stand in fear of me." Kiryuu chuckles dryly.
"I will not be offended if you....wish to say why."
Sol — Today at 1:02 AM
Jabaz hesitates before answering. "You are known in the city. You work for the Flaming Fist."
"I can only worry you are here for a reason."
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 1:04 AM
"So you do know me!" Kiryuu laughs. "Well Jabaz, I understand my company has much to be feared for. But why the fear here? You've not done anything wrong..." Kiryuu pauses for a moment before replying. "Yes. To try out the finer life of bathing. I've had my fill of the bathing houses in the poorer districts."
"Perhaps I personally have garnered a bad reputation?"
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 1:07 AM
Getting friendly in there, Kiryuu?
Kovgan Mox — Today at 1:07 AM
They offer couples massages you know.
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 1:08 AM
I'm certain he has all the company he wants in there.
Sol — Today at 1:08 AM
Jabaz shuffles from foot to foot. "The company has a reputation."
"Nothing of you in particular. Just that you are one of them."
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 1:11 AM
Kiryuu sits up suddenly, and hops off the table and turns to Jabaz. "What kind of reputation, Jabaz?" Given the half-oni's height he naturally looks down on the man, but there's something in the mercenary's eyes that speaks of controlled violence. "I would.....prefer if you were honest, Jabaz. I don't care for....liars."
Sol — Today at 1:13 AM
"T-t-t-t-the company is a group of t-t-t-thugs playing at soldiers!" Jabaz cowers back from the half-oni.
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 1:15 AM
"Perhaps there is....some truth to that." He taps a finger to his chin and then nods. "Thanks for the massage." Kiryuu walks past the cowering man and back to the baths where he can use his sending stone.
I found nothing like the other room, no seam or anything. However the masseuse knows me by reputation, or at least my association with The Flaming Fists.
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 1:16 AM
Good enough.
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 1:17 AM
Kiryuu rolls his shoulders as if to shrug. So it seems we will need to investigate more thoroughly after they have closed.
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 1:20 AM
A'ghashum's find is the best we have. We rendezvous and wait for nightfall.
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 1:21 AM
Kiryuu nods, submersing himself under the waters completely thinking to himself of the potential violence later tonight.
Aelar Liadon — Today at 1:21 AM
Do you think they will expect something to happen tonight?
Xavier Smith — Today at 1:22 AM
If possible I would like to take a closer look at the seam in the north massage room.
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 1:23 AM
You will. And for that, we will have to infiltrate.
Tharivol dresses himself, gathers his belongings, steps in to the massage chamber to leave a small tip, and exits the bathhouse.
Xavier Smith — Today at 1:26 AM
I shall prepare for combat.
Tharivol Amberwood — Today at 1:26 AM
Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Xavier Smith — Today at 1:27 AM
Events rarely go in our favor.
Kiryuu Yamashiro — Today at 1:27 AM
Kiryuu will enjoys the waters of the bath a little longer than the others. He will be the last to leave, dressing himself after drying off. He makes a circuit around the outer walls, admiring the stained glass and other wall decorations before finally leaving.
Heat Stones — Today at 1:28 AM
Gundz headed back as soon as possible, annoyed at the gold she had to spent for the massage.