[Game Thread] The Atea Gem

[AwesomeEllie]

While Ozan had never been one to flaunt his wealth, the run-down inn that everyone found themselves at was significantly sketchier than most would be comfortable with. The sorcerer had rented a large room in order to serve as a meeting room, for lack of a better term, and stood before his five most-trusted employees. Sadly, his activist ways had gotten a lot of attention recently, and a lot of his followers had been apprehended in a large raid performed by the city law enforcement. These five were most of what he had left.
"Greetings, friends. I am afraid that our attempts at gaining equality have met with more resistance than I could have expected, and that has put our goals at risk. I fear that as long as I am here with you personally, it will only continue to jeopardize our mission as my personal enemies continue to try bringing about my downfall." The older gentleman wrings his hands, appearing slightly worried, and somewhat sad. "I'm afraid I must leave you. In my place, I shall leave a great uncut gem, which will need protecting. During this time, I shall be creating a very powerful spell to help us make everyone equal! While I am away, I am leaving most of my wealth to Traven to manage," and Ozan gestures to one of the five, an elderly kobold with white, almost translucent scales, and a small squirrel sitting on his shoulder. "In addition, the innkeeper downstairs has been known to sell information on abandoned locations that you all could set up shop at, if that were to your liking. Any questions, my friends?"

[Andramal]

Seeing as Munsin normally dressed to impress, this was not an idea place to be while so dressed - at least not without a good reason. Most of his attire was simpler pieces now, along with a cloak to help cover him up.

"Leave? I can understand if you are going into hiding, given the circumstances, but what is the gem for?" Presumably, the gem is not right there on the table, "What is so great about it? Why does it need protection?"

Under the circumstances - it sounded like they were being borderline abandoned. The choice of words suggested they were getting something to use in regards to the wealth to possibly cover them for that trouble but it was very vague information to go on in the first place.

[AwesomeEllie]

Ozan half-smirks, half-grimaces at the piercing question, glad that he wasn't leaving incompetents behind, but also a bit hesitant to answer. "This gem will be great in that it is going to be... somewhat large. Massive, even. It will be serving as a locked door to where I will be, a small pocket dimension stocked with what I need to perform my research. However, there is a good chance that if someone were to breach this gate or even destroy it, I would be in grave danger."

[Andramal]

Munshin had to arch a brow at that. "If it is that big...I'm afraid to ask why it won't draw attention from the sheer size. Is it safe to move it if we must?"

[Nevrend]

In the dark corner of the room everyone else instinctively avoided, Morvian lurked silently. If anyone were able to tell anything of his features, they would be able to tell that he was pleased by this news. After all, it is much easier to subvert magical binding while the caster isn't around.

[TheJeanyus]

Eran could not care less about the state of the inn, just as he often cared little for his appearance. He was a bit unsettled by Ozan's impending departure, however. If he has been driven off... hmmm... but protecting this gem, the possibilities! His thoughts quickly wandered to the ways they could guard the gem. Elaborate traps, a dungeon, the possibilities were endless! Munshin's questions snapped Eran out of his reverie. He listened as Ozan explained about the pocket dimension and Munshin asked about transport. "That is an excellent point, about moving the gem. It would certainly be difficult to conceal, depending on how truly massive it is. I would normally say transferring it in an extra-dimensional space would be the best solution, but with it already being linked to another extra-dimensional entity, that could cause... issues. How large exactly is this gem you speak of?"

[AwesomeEllie]

"It's quite likely that the size WILL draw attention, from both those seeking riches, and those canny enough to realize it is magical in nature. And while it will be quite large, about the size of a large human, I'll be able to initially place it wherever you wish, and enough strong workers should be able to move it if need be."

[TheJeanyus]

"Ah, well that makes things a tad bit easier. How soon would you like us to give you an initial point for placement? I'm sure that it is somewhat... urgent that you disappear for a while, but to what extent exactly? Needless to say, we shall start looking immediately, but it still may take time to find a suitable spot." The fact that they might not have to transport it through public areas put Eran's mind slightly at ease. He began Both knowledge checks can be made untrained through Jack of All Trades

Dice Knowledge (Geography):

d20+6

(17)+6

Total = 23

Dice Knowledge (Local):

d20+6

(5)+6

Total = 11

contemplating spots that might be of use nearby. He would certainly have to talk to the innkeeper as well. Or perhaps have someone else talk to him... I so dislike talking to people. Hmm...

[AwesomeEllie]

 

While Eran fails to think of any specific locations that may be particularly defensible, he comes up with a few ideas that may be feasible. Any kind of crypt or underground system might work, as would acquiring a building or at least a portion of a building. In the low income district that you currently find yourself in, there certainly wouldn't be anything too fancy, but it would also help avoid the attentions of the law, which explains why Ozan chose to host this meeting in such a downtrodden place.

[Nevrend]

"I believe I know of the perfect hiding place." Moravian say with a whispery voice that sends shivers down the spines of all who listen. "Long ago there stood a powerful nation. Though most of their great works are nothing but dust, their tombs still remain. There is one in particular that I think would serve our needs well. As far as I know, nobody has lain eyes upon it since the entrance was buried thousands of years ago. Fortunately, I was present for this tomb's construction and know it's location."

[TheJeanyus]

"Hmm, a crypt or tomb could certainly work. Is it nearby? I would like to examine any potential spots before we come to a final decision. If that does not suit our needs, there are a number of other similar places in this district. Being run down as it is, it gets far less attention from those we may wish to avoid."

[Andramal]

"Another option is to hide it in plain sight, in a manner of speaking," came Munshin's reply, "If the crystal is roughly the size of a man, it could likewise be hidden within another crystal; something simple to form and not too fancy. Light it up, use magic to hide what is within and make it seems as if it is a false beacon if need be. It might work as an adorable centerpiece to some holy building, and with glowing light in it to give a pleasant atmosphere, be considered relatively harmless. A simple novelty. So long as it doesn't become too popular, few may think much of it, and if such a place does grow popular, it has the shelter of a thousand unknowing eyes to watch for trouble-makers. Depending what we put around it, of course."

[Nevrend]

"Well, perhaps it would be a little further than you would like. I had thought the seclusion would aid our defense, but you are right to think that we should explore all our options." The shade admits reluctantly. "Though your idea of hiding it in plain sight holds much promise Munshin, I can see a few flaws with it. The first is that if anyone were to discover the truth, they wouldn't have a very difficult time stealing or destroying the gem if they were talented. The second is that it would put to waste the talents of several members of our group. The third is that in a public place, more people will have to chance to discern the gem's true nature. Also, I would be unable to directly aid if we take this path. The reputable people who would be visiting such a place would grow quite suspicious if they witnessed one such as I."

[Andramal]

"Rare is a plan without flaws." Munshin countered. "Anyone with talent that finds out could just as easily go about trying to steal or destroy it in any other place. Location is moot if the person has means. That is also the point of hiding it within a shell and some concealing magics and keep its nature innocent and mundane." He gave a shrug, however. "It is only a thought to be placed out there. Regardless it must also be a place we can check on it easily enough ourselves. If you go hiding it in a crypt or dungeon, we would have to make sure something else did not move into it thinking it a lovely location as well."

[AwesomeEllie]

The old kobold leans forward a moment, wheezes slightly, and feebly says, "Maybe both? Many churches have crypts below them. Having a decoy gem in the atrium, and the real gem hidden below," the kobold pauses and draws a breath, "Protect both, and and we further guarantee its safety."
The kobold sags back against his chair, tail slowly swishing back and forth.