JNAProductions
 OOC Thread 

 
Your home is still aflame. Indos is in shock-Crowley, a demon, a devil, a fiend? The Golden Avengers are triumphant.

Currently, you're in Geoffrey's Jambalaya Shack-a hole in the wall little tavern/restaurant, and also a front for various illicit activities. The food's great, and no one here will be eager to turn you in to the Plume.

What will you do?
Hof
     
 
 Spoiler: Status 

 AC 17 
 HP 54/54 
 Psi 5/5 
 Mastery 1/1 
 Rampage d4 
 Sup dice 4/4 
 Projected weapons: - 
 
 
 Even in this place, the table the kids sit at is the least noticeable one. What place is really safe now, after all?

It is not unusual for Salovair to be silent for long stretches at a time. But his normally calm demeanor is gone now. Often some small item floats around him, falling unheeded to the ground as another rises. They move erratically, as if to echo his thoughts.

  Order of the shining plume, really? They couldn't have chosen a more pompous, arrogant name if they tried. Where did they come from? Without warning, at least none I can remember. Unbelievably effective in their raid. Must have been planned thoroughly then. I knew Crowley had enemies, but not with this kind of sway - nor with this kind of zealous animosity. Bloody fanatics!  

A floating salt shaker clatters on the table, and Salovair uses this call to attention to finally speak up.
  "Before we decide what to do, we need to know more. Who and what are the plume?"  
 
 
  
TheAlmightyKue
 
 Spoiler: OOC - Hof 
I have no idea how you did that but its cool.
 


Daenery was sitting leaning forward at the table, she was slouching allowing her to hide herself more fully in her cloak and hood. In a place like this, not many would even take note of someone hiding themselves from an obvious view. She could hide better than most, a simple change of face and hair, and no one would be able to recognize her but still, she kept her hood up and head downturned. She was lost in thought, and would have remained so had Salovair not spoken up.   "Zealots by the looks of em, but not sure I know much about who they are."   she admitted glumly as she searched her memory for any reference to the name.
Khosan
Terric isn't much for disguises, after all it's been quite some time since he had to really hide. Still, he has his cloak wrapped loosely around his head and shoulders, not enough to hide the armor he'd hastily donned in their escape, but more than enough to cover key identifying features like his face and the holy symbol hanging from his neck. He looks like he's seen a ghost; eyes white, all color drained from his face, and currently grasping an empty mug so tight that most of his hands have gone cold and white. One thought runs through his mind, over and over,    This is my fault   .

The falling salt shaker pulls Terric out of his stupor. He listens and nods at Salovair, starting shakily,   "I've had an...experience with the Plume before."   He takes a hand and tries to place it on the table, but finds himself unable to stop it shaking, so balls it up into a fist again. He takes a deep breath in, closes his eyes, exhales, and starts again,   "I did a lot of reading about them too. They're practically storybook heroes like dad used to read us, been around since ancient times."   There's the briefest hint of a smile when he remembers Crowley, until recent events push those memories away. He sighs and continues,   "They go out. Fight evil-doers, help the needy, that sort of stuff."  

He stares down hard into his empty drink,    Do I tell them? I have to tell them. I can't not tell them.    He looks up, back down, then up at the ceiling, doing everything to avoid eye contact,   "I think they caught on to dad because of me. I was...in trouble with them when he found me. He hid me from them."   He lowers his head back down,   "I thought it was just one bad egg the first time. Now I'm not sure."  
animorte
Flit has been fidgeting with her glasses, rotating them back and forth between her hands, a very useful trinket that was gifted her a long time ago. Not sure where Crowley got them from, but they've been one of her most prized possessions, especially now. She continues running countless scenarios through her head, trying to think of how she could - should have prevented it. She hears the voices of her siblings, almost as if at a distance and waking from a dream. She barely even looks up from the table, making no effort of attention to her surroundings.

  "I do remember the stories..."   She pauses, still fiddling with her glasses. They seem to keep her grounded, for the moment.   "There's no way this all goes back to  just  you. Think of how many people he knew - knows."  
TheAlmightyKue
Danny continued to chew her lip before she spoke up again   "Right, that rings a bell."   The name was vaguely familiar but there were so many self-righteous groups out there they all blurred after a bit. But as she thought on it she remembered more   "There was a group that broke off years ago, same goody good behavior but much more secretive. Less zealous than the Plume. They only go after real big bad types."   She glanced at her siblings and she could see how hurt they all were.   "I agree with Flit, it's not your fault. One of the numerous reasons, I doubt very much the biggest of them."  
JNAProductions
You fall quiet for a few moments as an attendant brings you some chow. The food is hot and fatty, though you've opted to refrain from anything alcoholic for the moment-best to keep a clear mind until you're safer.
Khosan
Terric forces a smile to the attendant,   "Thank you."   He pokes at his plate with a fork, but doesn't eat much,   "You're probably right, Flit. It's just...I want answers. A reason. And I spent a lot of time blaming myself for the things happening to me before he found me. Bad habit."   He sighs, jabs a potato and stuffs it in his mouth.

  "So, to get back to Sal's question, what do we do now?"   Terric leans forward, looking between them,   "I'm of several minds. I could sit here and get  very  drunk with all of you and reminisce. Or we try to get some semblance of justice for our father. I'm leaning towards the latter."  
Hof
     
 
 Spoiler: Status 

 AC 17 
 HP 54/54 
 Psi 5/5 
 Mastery 1/1 
 Rampage d4 
 Sup dice 4/4 
 Projected weapons: - 
 
 
 Salovair nods in agreement to Terric.   "Justice, yes. Or vengeance if it comes to that. Really though, I just want father back."  
He takes a deep breath.
  "The plume are supposedly the good guys, if I understand you all correctly. They think so anyway. So in their minds we must be accomplices at least, perhaps worse. We were lucky to get away. The raid seems very well planned to me, seeing how they were able to catch Crowley off guard. An while we may have been secondary targets, I don't believe they will just leave us be."

"So I think our first step needs to be to find a safe place. Better then this. Father was always the man with the friends in convenient places. I know no one in the city, other than you, who I trust not to give us up to the plume. Do we just leave Indos?"   
 
  
animorte
  "As much as I'd love nothing more than getting out of here to safety, I'm with Terric. I want answers, plume good or not."  

Flit's determined eyes finally leave the table and her unwavering gaze touches each one of her siblings in turn. A look they have only seen during rather dire moments, if at all.   "Best to find some clues while it's still fresh. I might know somebody in the guild that would provide us temporary lodging until we figure something else out."  
TheAlmightyKue
Daenery was attentive to her sibling's thoughts. Yes, they were in a really dangerous position. The Plume zealots would no doubt be looking for accomplices.   "If they are looking for people who worked with him, they will be quite busy for a while, everyone had some contact with him it seemed."   She had always been surprised that he knew virtually everyone, that everyone seemed to owe him a favor or hold him in some high standing.

She looked to Flit, then the others on order of their statements.   "I want to know who told them, how they found out after all this time. But also"   her face tightened a little   "Is there anything we can do to get in touch with him, he got out of that place once. Or is there a way to make sure they never come for us again?"  
Khosan
  "We will need a place to lay low, if you could arrange that, Flit."   Terric gives a quick, awkward thumbs up,   "The Plume isn't going to like us poking around if they aren't already looking for us. Better safe than sorry."  

Terric's eyes light up at Danny,   "I can get in touch with him! Not today, but come morning I should be able to get the proper spell from Lord Apollo,"   he tugs at the small golden laurel wreath hanging from his neck.   "It's higher order magic for me and very limited, but we can get a short message down to him and he can respond. It's not great, but it's better than nothing."   He smiles, genuinely.
JNAProductions
With a plan settled on, you leave the Jambalaya Shack, heading for the contact you know best among the Thieves' Guild-a woman by the name of Audrey Sinclair. She oversees the training of newer members, having long since passed her prime, though she's still got nimble fingers. It takes more than an hour of searching, mostly since you're trying to avoid drawing any attention to yourselves, but eventually you locate her sitting on a fountain's edge, knitting. She looks at you all, and nods.

"Oh dearies, it's been so long!" she says, approaching you all. "You've grown so much-but you look like you need some good meals. Come on, come along! Let's get you some food."

You follow her to a small home, just outside an alley, with her acting the part of a doting grandma the whole way. One of you graciously opens the door for her, earning a quick hug. With everyone inside, she closes, locks, and bars the door. "I heard what happened," she says, her voice much more serious. "I'm... I'm sorry."
animorte
Flit is glad to see a trusted face, but she's still very much concerned about the unknown. She doesn't say a word on the way, just keeps her head down and attempts to push all the worry out of her head.

The moment they get inside and the door is safely locked, she embraces Audrey and all of her siblings at one time. Tears begin running down her face.   "I just want to know why!"  

After a few moments, she begins to recollect herself, it's the most emotion she has shown since the incident.   "We know that he was established in many sorts, but whoever would have a reason?   The determined look finally returns to her face, almost as if the display of emotion hadn't occurred.   "All I know is, we're going to fix this."  
Hof
     
 
 Spoiler: Status 

 AC 17 
 HP 54/54 
 Psi 5/5 
 Mastery 1/1 
 Rampage d4 
 Sup dice 4/4 
 Projected weapons: - 
 
 
 
Returning Flit's embrace, Salovair suppresses an emotional tremble as he tries to focus on the task at hand.   Cool your rage. Rash action will not help find Crowley. Patience and effort lead to success.   He thinks, almost like a mantra.

Eventually Salovair turns to Audrey.   "Thank you miss Sinclair. We were taken by surprise and could not help. But with enough information I'm confident we can find a way to free him. Can you help us?"   
 
  
JNAProductions
She nods. "You're going to need a safehouse-probably multiple. I can get you out of Indos, if you want to lie low for a bit, or find places you can hole up in the city." Audrey moves to the kitchen, and does start preparing a meal. Her hands move without thought, and you get the feeling that the actions are more to keep herself steady than the actual benefits of making a sandwich. "Your father... You knew him better than most. You know he had a checkered past. But, hell, don't we all? No one's free from their past..."

"There are three places, right off the bat, where you should be safe," she says. "One-The Golden Cat. Upscale brothel-you might've been there before, if you were inclined. I don't judge, but the owner, Sam, worked a lot with your father. She's got her finger on the pulse of Indos nearly as well as Crowley had. Two-Brighthome's Orphanage. We used to recruit from there, but it's been taken over by a dwarf, named Snattle Brighthome. She's hanged it in a lot of ways-and given a lot of kids opportunities they wouldn't've had otherwise. Do  not  go there if you're being followed, or if you're in a fight-but if you need a place to recuperate, you can spend a day or two just looking after some kids. She'd appreciate the help. And lastly, three-The Trove. It's a casino, club, nighthouse, and fighting pit. Run by Brassy Ruehl."

Audrey distributes sandwiches amongst you all. "Golden Cat for information. Brighthome if you need a break. The Trove if you need equipment or mercs. Any questions?"
Khosan
  "Thank you, missus Sinclair,"   Terric takes the sandwich graciously,   "We'll be staying in Indos for now, I don't think we're ready to move on quite yet."   He glances towards his siblings with a sympathetic smile,   "We might be back to see you before long. No telling how long we have here. But we'll make the best of that time."  
  "So, The Golden Cat?"  
TheAlmightyKue
Danny nodded her head in agreement with Terric   "I agree, the Golden Cat sounds best."   she would consider what form to take for this mission.   "We can see if any of the plumes men have a weakness or vice we can exploit to gather intel"  
JNAProductions
Audrey nods. "Leave one at a time, and travel safely."

One of you gets going soon, while the others wait for at least five minute intervals. Audrey chats with you, doing her best to lighten the mood a bit, but it's only somewhat effective. Eventually, the last of you depart, and she is left alone.

The trek through Indos feels a lot more harrowing than it actually is. The Plume doesn't have a massive presence here-barely anything, in fact, before the Golden Avengers arrived. While that might change sooner rather than later, for now, you make it to the Cat without any trouble. The building stands lower than its neighbors, but quite wide and deep. Inside, there's a gorgeous young man dressed in a nice suit waiting behind a counter. "Good day, my fine friends!" he calls over when you enter. "How can I be of assistance today?"
animorte
Flit agrees about the Golden Cat. Being near Sam could provide them some more insight and - she hates to think of it - would set them near enough to be prepared for a Plume encore.

Just before they leave, she prepares a telepathic connection with Danny, Salovair, and Terric. She hopes to be one of the last to leave, she keeps fiddling with her glasses, attempting small talk with Audrey, and trying to take a general interest in the room.

She keeps her head down walking through town, but notices a lack of influence, at least for now. She tries to focus on the bond with her siblings, hoping they can keep this nonsense from getting out of hand.

During the walk, Flit is talking mentally with her siblings (something they're all accustomed to by now) about what plans to go forward with.   "When we get there, do we need one room or two? Do you think we should make it a point to check out the other places? Should we go back home and poke around? I wonder how much Sam knows..."  
 
 Spoiler 

Expend one psionic die to maintain her Telepathic Connection with all three siblings for one hour.

Rolling two investigation checks:

 First:  at Audrey's, passively looking for any sign of the Plume.

Investigation:
 (1d20+11)[ 25 ] 
 Second:  with her glasses (eyes of minute seeing) at the Cat, especially looking for anything suspicious relative to the Plume.

Investigation (advantage):
 (1d20+11)[ 14 ] 
 (1d20+11)[ 17 ] 
 
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: Investigation 
First result: There's no sign of the Plume at her residence.

Second result: Nothing here either.
 
Hof
     
 
 Spoiler: Status 

 AC 17 
 HP 54/54 
 Psi 5/5 
 Mastery 1/1 
 Rampage d4 
 Sup dice 4/4 
 Projected weapons: - 
 
 
 Eager to take a next step, Salovair volunteers to leave first. With a quick hug to the siblings and a nod in thanks to Audrey, he leaves as soon as Flit creates her mental link.   I'll say if I see something concerning, and when I get to the cat. Be safe.  

During the trip he keeps alert, hoping to sense any danger before it finds him.  
 Spoiler 
Perception: (1d20+6)[ 19 ] , but I assume nothing special happens along the way.
 


At the Golden Cat, Salovair indicates he is waiting for companions and sets up to wait in a corner. When everyone is there, he turns to the young man with a simple   "We need to speak to Sam."   
 
  
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: Perception 
Despite feeling like everyone is watching you, no one takes that much note. People see you, of course, but not more than they see any other stranger on the streets.
 


"Do you have an appointment?" the man asks. "She's a very busy lady."
Khosan
Terric is second to leave, doing his best to finish the sandwich from Audrey despite already having eaten at the Jambalaya Shack. Despite leaving fairly early, he's one of the last to arrive, looking worse for wear and smelling faintly of vomit. He slides in behind the others,   "No, sorry, this is all a bit unplanned."   Terric bows weakly, leaning heavily on his halberd,   "Could you let her know we're here on behalf of Crowley's estate?"  
JNAProductions
The man frowns, but nods. "I'll get that to her," he replies. He writes something down, and when another employee passes by-another man dressed in a loincloth and nothing else-he hands the parchment over. "Take this to Sam, please."

"Sure thing," the other man says.

"Please wait over on the bench-you should get a response shortly, but in case anyone else arrives, it'd be best not to clutter this space," the desk man tells you. You follow the instructions, waiting nervously on the bench off to the side.

As you wait, another person enters. You recognize him as one of the merchant-lords of Indos. He strides over to the desk, and drops a small coinpurse on it. "I'm entertaining guests tonight," he says, "and I'll need... Three, let's say, pieces of arm candy."

The desk employee nods, and starts counting from the coinpurse, while the loincloth-clad man returns. "Alright! You four want to follow me?" he says to you. You stand and follow, alert. He leads you behind the desk, into a spiral staircase leading down, down, down. Once you're thoroughly beneath the surface, he knocks at the bottommost door. "Miss Sam-I've brought the four folk from the estate."

"Come in," a pleasant alto voice floats out from within. The mostly-naked employee opens the door, gestures you in, and closes it behind. The room is simple-almost spartan, especially compared to the luxury of the rooms above. There's a large desk with tons of drawers, with a short and androgynous woman seated behind it. Two chairs are on the opposite side of the desk from her. "I'm afraid I don't usually see this many folk here in the office. Some of you will have to stand."
TheAlmightyKue
Danny would follow quietly behind her children thinking about what they could do for Crowley and for themselves. As they settle in at the Golden Cat Danny takes note of the Merchant-Lords request and files it away as a possible job for later. She smiles to Sam and says   "Oh we don't mind, thank you for seeing us."   She was cheerful and sweet when she wanted to be. And right now it was best if this lady liked them   "Do you think you could help us, please?"  
 
 Spoiler: Persuasion 

 (1d20+8)[ 14 ] 
 
JNAProductions
"Help how?" she asks. "And with what? If you want to stay safe, and get your dad back... Yeah. I can help. If you're looking to start a war over this... Not so much."
animorte
Flit prefers for the others do the talking as she's never been particularly skilled with people, unless it happens to be about, you know, shoes. As they enter the lower room with Sam, she finds herself appreciating the effectiveness of simplicity. Flit doesn't mind standing just inside the door off to the side.

  "Sounds like we came to the right person."   The two key words especially stood out to her, Safe and Dad.
Hof
     
 
 Spoiler: Status 

 AC 17 
 HP 54/54 
 Psi 5/5 
 Mastery 1/1 
 Rampage d4 
 Sup dice 4/4 
 Projected weapons: - 
 
 
 Salovair remains standing. Following Danny's lead, he bows slightly towards Sam, saying   "We appreciate whatever you can do. Safety would be nice, but getting Father back is worth any amount of risk. At least to us, we would not want to endanger you of course."

"After he is back, whether there is anything to be done about the Plume or the Golden Avengers would be up to Crowley. No doubt he could think up a better plan than all out war.  

He attempts to hide his true feelings about all this, but all the siblings know Salovair would not hesitate to dole out some vengeful violence if the opportunity presented itself.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

If possible, I would like to assist Danny with the persuasion. Help action for advantage? Salovair isn't the best at this either.

Also
 
 Originally Posted by TheAlmightyKue 
 Danny would follow quietly behind her children... 
 

 Wait,  her  children!? A typo, or am I missing something?
 
 
 
  
JNAProductions
"I've got someone on staff-well, not exactly on staff, but close enough-that could try contacting Crowley," Sam tells you. "He's more an expert on normal deceased, not the extraplanar sort, but we can find out if he's able to contact your father, at least. Follow me," she adds, standing and exiting her office. She leads you through the lowermost floor, towards a well-constructed and secure door. She knocks. "Mort, it's Sam. With company."

There's a brief noise from behind the door, some locks being undone, and then it opens. A pudgy man with spectacles is behind it. "Sam," he nods. "I'm Mortimer," he introduces himself.

Sam introduces you all as "These are Crowley's adoptive children. Is there any way you can try getting in contact with their father?"

"I can try, at least. Are any of them virgins?" he asks. "I'd use a bit of my own blood for the spell, but given the connection, if one of them qualifies, it might work better."
Khosan
Terric's grip on his polearm tightens at the possibility of bringing Crowley back. He nods emphatically in agreement with Flit,   " Best  person."  

The topic of the material component causes Terric's ears redden and his eyes begin darting back and forth. He extends a hand to Mort and stammers,   "H-here. I think m-my blood should be fine, I have-I've had, uh, but, uh, I got a thing?"   He nervously tugs at his holy symbol, his whole face bright red,   "Tha-that should be good, right?"  
JNAProductions
Mort hands Terric a small knife. "Get ready to prick your hand and put a few drops in. Lemme just..." He sets up some arcane instruments, including a small glass vial that sees some ingredients and a medium added. He swirls the concoction for a bit.

"Kid," Sam says, "lose it when you're ready. Not a thing wrong with staying chaste."

The vial starts to fizz a little, and Mort nods to Terric. "Alright, now."

Terric takes the knife to his hand and cuts himself slightly, dropping in some blood. The fizzing intensifies, and Mort waits just a moment before pouring it into a wide but very shallow basin. The medium spreads out, covering the whole basin in a thin sheen of slightly metallic liquid.

A moment passes.
Then two. Then three.

The medium gives its last fizzy gasp, and starts evaporating.

Sam asks "Mort, I've seen you do this before. What does it mean when there's just... Nothing?"

"It... It could mean a few things," Mort says. "Couple of guesses. One, he's not willing to answer, and has some protections that let him balk my ritual. Two, he's been captured, somehow, and prevented from moving on to his native plane. Three... He's gone entirely."
Hof
     
 
 Spoiler: Status 

 AC 17 
 HP 54/54 
 Psi 5/5 
 Mastery 1/1 
 Rampage d4 
 Sup dice 4/4 
 Projected weapons: - 
 
 
 After staring at the now empty basin for several moments, Salovair says   "Mortimer, thank you for the attempt."

"If Father is protected or unwilling, that means he has some control over his situation. He will contact us eventually if this is the case, or we could try again in a while if you are willing."

"The Golden Avengers are said to have banished him. But I do not know when or where this was done. It could be a rumor, and they are instead holding Crowley captive. Or the place he was banished to is in fact a prison of some type. These Avengers, and perhaps others in the Plume, have the information we need."  

Salovair looks towards Sam.   "Perhaps there is also another way to find out? The place where they supposedly held their banishment ritual could hold clues. Any path you could suggest beyond confronting the Avengers directly is welcome."  

Salovair is, reluctantly, doing his best to come up with a course of action other than seek-and-destroy.

  "As to the final option regarding Crowley... I'm not able to accept that. Not without proof."  

It is obvious that the elf is unable, or at least unwilling, to utter out loud the possibility that Father could be gone.
 
 
  
JNAProductions
"The Plume hasn't been active here-so I don't know, off the top of my head, what kind of vices their membership have," Sam replies. "But I'm pretty sure that'll change sooner rather than later."
animorte
Immediately Flit shows an excitement at such a close opportunity to contact their father. She follows with the slightest skip in her step, but still feels a great deal of skepticism.

She puts a hand of reassurance on Terric's shoulder to accompany Sam's encouragement. She then waits patiently through the process, an obvious aura of "anxious" emanating from her, which quickly reverts back to the skepticism, now confirmed.

She nods in agreement as Salovair presents far more articulate words than she could hope to. She prefers attempting to be concise, however ineffective that may often be.   "Yeah, since they don't seem to be very present just yet, it should be safe to investigate the... umm... the  scene of the crime.   

Flit pauses and makes a point lock eyes with Mort and Sam each in turn, the determined look has taken over again.   "The last one is not an option."  
Khosan
  "What, that's crazy,"   Terric swallows hard and takes a deep breath. Eager to move on, he takes the knife and hastily makes a small cut along the back of his left hand, wincing at the pain but still drawing enough blood for the ritual. He watches Mort intently, excited at the opportunity to reach Crowley, but as time passes and it becomes clear the spell has failed, Terric's excitement turns to worry, then fear.   Was that my fault? Have I had sex?  

Mort's explanation pulls him back to reality. He continues staring at the now empty basin, but nods along with his siblings,   "He can't just be gone. He deserves better than that."   Terric manages to tear himself away from the failed ritual, walking over to stand by his siblings again,   "The site of the banishment sounds like a good plan. We should go sooner rather than later, while magical energy still lingers. Past that, I would like to visit father's office. He must have had contingency plans in place if he ran into trouble."   He glances at the blood on his hand,   "Maybe he didn't plan for this sort of situation, but he must've had something."  
Hof
     
 
 Spoiler: Status 

 AC 17 
 HP 54/54 
 Psi 5/5 
 Mastery 1/1 
 Rampage d4 
 Sup dice 4/4 
 Projected weapons: - 
 
 
 Mirroring the need for actions of his siblings, Salovair moves closer to the exit as he speaks after Terric.

  "I expect searching the office is less time critical. If they ransacked it, that has no doubt happened already. That said, father is a crafty one. Hiding information where others would not easily find it is probably instinctual."  
  "Let's examine that scene then."   he nods towards Flit.

He makes a slight bow to Sam and Mortimer, with some words of thanks and farewell, and is obviously ready to leave at once. 
 
  
animorte
Flit runs the information over in her head again, taking into account how well they may or may not have known their father.   "They don't have influence here so it makes sense he might not have had a direct contingency. But they knew what they were up against apparently."  

She moves to the door, ready to find another clue, if you could even call this first encounter a clue. Maybe the lack of information will provide some more insight later. For now, maybe she could gauge the level of trust between Sam and their father.

  "Sam, do you know anything about his plans and what we need to look for? When did you last speak?"  
 
 Spoiler 

Insight check on Sam:  (1d20+5)[ 23 ] 

History check to remember anything about the guild's contingencies or clues their father might have left through conversation/guidance:  (1d20+8)[ 11 ] 

Investigation check to see if Flit recognizes any obvious signs of her father's presence here:  (1d20+11)[ 25 ] 
Advantage (glasses):  (1d20+11)[ 23 ] 

I know it's a lot of rolls, but you said worst case scenario, just ignore what isn't relevant. So, use as you see fit! 🙂
 
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: Insight 
Sam is being honest with you. She's not revealing absolutely everything, but she's cagey by nature. You can trust her, and you'd bet good money that she's acting in your family's best interest.
 

 
 Spoiler: History 
This far from home, you don't recall anything offhand.
 

 
 Spoiler: Investigation 
No sign of pops.
 

"Maybe a month ago? He came by to keep up appearances," she said. "You know how it is-he lacked a libido, but to appear more normal, every once in a while, he'd come visit the Cat to pretend. My staff liked his visits-always a handsome tipper, always a gentleman in bed. If he had any idea of what was coming, he didn't share it."

She sighs. "I wish I knew more. But for now, we've got a back exit. You can take that if you want to leave quietly."

You thank Sam and Mort for their time, and follow her directions to the exit. Outside the Cat, it's now late afternoon, approaching into the evening. You set off for your home.

Danny and Terric are the first to notice-patrolling your home are guards. But not the usual Indosian guard-members of the Plume. They count six, outside of the manor.
Khosan
Terric raises a hand to get everyone's attention,   "Plume. Six of them."   He squints,   "Looks like a patrol."   He sighs, tightening his grip on his weapon,   "Just...keep calm. No reason to get in a fight - yet."  
animorte
Flit appreciates the genuine assistance from Sam, offers great thanks, and bids farewell for the moment. The hope within gradually rises a little as they get closer to home, a chance to learn more. Unfortunately, that is equally combating the anxiety, not knowing what they'll find.

Sure enough, Terric gets their attention and then she begins to notice the patrol. Frustration begins taking place over her other feelings. Fighting should wait, but talking? Is that smart, or even possible?

  "The Plume know to look for us, surely? If we're going in, we'll have to figure out their pattern and a plan."  
 
 Spoiler 

Are we familiar with any possible secret entrance/exit for the house?

Also, do we know exactly where the  banishment  took place?
 
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
There's a TON of secret entrances. You doubt any one of you know of them all. But, there are some common ones you know-those should NOT be used, because the Plume probably knows about them as well.

It'd be a relatively easy check (call it DC 12, of an appropriate ability) to get to a secret entrance and make it inside.

You do not know exactly where your dad was banished.
 
Hof
     
 
 Spoiler: Status 

 AC 17 
 HP 54/54 
 Psi 5/5 
 Mastery 1/1 
 Rampage d4 
 Sup dice 4/4 
 Projected weapons: - 
 
 
 On the way to the manor, when there are no stranger's eyes to see it, Salovair makes sure his glamoured armor appears as something unremarkable.

When Dany and Terric warn of the guards, you can see Salovair move instinctively into a battle stance. But he doesn't create any weapons, yet. When nobody else appears to ready themselves for combat, he slowly and reluctantly relaxes.

He says in agreement with Flit:   "A place to observe them without being noticed ourselves would be best then. If there is no obvious way to get past them, we could wait for nightfall and use the darkness. Either way, we also have to get out when we're done."  

Salovair's expression hardens.   "Although less honorable, I would not balk at a plan that takes the guards out. Preferably one at a time. If that is our best option of course."  
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Skill checks if needed. Perception for looking for a vantage point perhaps. Investigation to determine a hole in the guards pattern? And stealth to remain unnoticed.
Perception:  (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Investigation:  (1d20+9)[ 22 ] 
Stealth:  (1d20+4)[ 16 ] 
 
 
 
  
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: Checks 
 Perception:  Your father's plans have worked against him, in this case. There is no good vantage point away from the home, to prevent people from spying on his home.

 Investigation:  Your home is large, so the guards have plenty of gaps. But you do not know where and how numerous their backup is.
 
animorte
Flit's frustration gradually turns into focus as she attempts to figure out a way through, and what they're even looking for. Father taught her that, how to focus the energy into something more productive.

She nods her head in agreement with Sal. Sometimes straight to the throat is the best method, but she's proud of him for considering alternatives. Right time, right place, that sort.   "Believe me, I want nothing more than to kick down their proverbial door. We'll get that chance. But for now, Danny. Do you think your disguise stuff could get us - or at least you - a closer look? Maybe ask a couple questions.  

Then Flit has another idea, maybe they could easily get by them after all...   "From what I can tell, they've been around some of our little  paths . Maybe we should check out one of longer trails.* And yeah, getting in might be the  easy  part."  
 
 Spoiler 

*Siblings would know that  "longer trails"  is specifically referring to the tunnels, but she's not really sure if they know much more  or  less than her about them.
 
Khosan
Having taken a moment to take several deep breaths and collect his own thoughts, Terric nods grimly.   "I get that feeling. Anger mixed with grief and loss. It's never just a loved one you lose, it can be a loss of purpose, or guidance, or support."   Terric recites these as if part of a eulogy, he catches himself,   "People lash out all the time. It's normal to want to. And as much as it  hurts  to say, we have to rein that in for now."   He takes another deep, focusing breath,   "They'll get what's coming to them in time - Apollo's arrows be swift."   He mumbles the last, not so much a prayer as a saying.

  "I didn't much walk the trails, but sounds like a plan."   Terric offers a meek smile,   "Less chance of an incident."  
Hof
    Taking his time to think it through, Salovair concludes there is no obviously better plan available. Nor any means to get enough information for a safer plan.

  "You had best select one of the trails for us to use then, Flit."   Salovair looks at Terric and Danny   "Unless either of you knows them better?"

"I suggest we stick together. A little more conspicuous, perhaps, but certainly better able to deal with any nasty surprises."  
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

perception to notice danger during the travel to the mansion perhaps?  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Status 

 AC 17 
 HP 54/54 
 Psi 5/5 
 Mastery 1/1 
 Rampage d4 
 Sup dice 4/4 
 Projected weapons: - 
 
 
 
  
JNAProductions
You take your time, and find one of the longer paths. It takes you under the ground, and is somewhat twisty and turny. But, luckily, it's also empty, and before you know it, you're in one of the wine cellars.

One of the casks has been opened that you're pretty sure was closed before.
animorte
After they've agreed on the plan, Flit heads back away from the house, retracing steps to find one of the safer ways in. The entire time, nobody says anything, they know how well voices travel. Once they've made it into the cellar, she feels a bit relieved to be back in the house, but at the same time, it doesn't feel as safe as did just a couple days ago.

They had obviously been in here enough to notice any minor difference, namely a freshly opened bottle.   "Yeah, of course they would."   She thinks to herself, then points that out to make sure everybody else noticed; somebody else no doubt noticed before she did.

Before going any further, she wants to make sure they can communicate without worry of being heard. She begins to form another telepathic connection with her siblings.   "Somebody keep a good ear and eye out for anything approaching... I think we should head to his office/bedroom/whatever for some emergency message he might have left... And if we catch one of these guys alone, we can  kindly  ask for some details... Oh, and we should stick together."  
 
 Spoiler 

Telepathic Connection for one hour.

Stealth check:  (1d20+10)[ 25 ] 

Investigation:  (1d20+11)[ 31 ] 
Advantage (glasses):  (1d20+11)[ 20 ] 

Moving forward Flit will begin inspecting pictures on the walls, books on shelves, misplaced accessories, anything to reveal a hidden cache of their father's.

She'll trust "navigating safely via perception" to a sibling more suited to the task. If I need to roll anything else, or additional investigation checks, let me know.
 
Hof
    Following Flit, Salovair keeps a sharp eye and ear out for any danger. When they encounter the opened cask, he searches quickly in the vicinity. Concentrating less on what they may have taken and more on any traps they could have left. Us siblings are hunted after all, and returning to known ground is often what gets prey caught.

He stays quiet through all of this, even in the telepathic link. This is nothing new, he's just being focused.

When Flit mentions the possibility of capturing someone though, Salovair can't help but flash a grin, with nothing kind about it.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Skill checks
Investigation  (1d20+9)[ 22 ] 
Perception  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] 
Stealth  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Status 

 AC 17 
 HP 54/54 
 Psi 5/5 
 Mastery 1/1 
 Rampage d4 
 Sup dice 4/4 
 Projected weapons: - 
 
 
 
  
JNAProductions
There are no traps laid in the wine cellar-but listening carefully, you can hear people moving about upstairs. They're likely not going to have left traps, relying on their patrols to entrap any ne'er-do-wells.

You sneak on through the mansion, using your knowledge of its layout to your advantage. Your first stop is Crowley's study-which has been absolutely ransacked. It looks like a small bomb went off-which is probably exactly what happened, given Crowley's wards against strangers rummaging through his stuff. But, it wouldn't get everything. You pour over the room, grabbing any surviving documents and anything else that might be of note.

Your next stop is his bedroom-which is basically a second office. He didn't need sleep. But as you reach the vicinity of the bedroom, you realize that this might've been where a lot of the fighting took place. It's utterly destroyed, with a gaping hole in the side of the building.

For the next place, you check your own rooms-you'd never put it past your dad to hide something in there for emergencies. Each room has, upon careful inspection, a hidden note.

You find a safe place to look them over.

 
 Spoiler: Notes And Documents 
The documents you recovered from the study will likely prove useful, but none of it is especially new news to you. The notes, however...

They all read largely the same, with some minor differences based on the recipient.

 If you're reading this, I am gone. I don't know why or how, but this message will only appear if I am gone from the plane without warning. I want you to know that I would never choose to leave you-you are my child, and I will always fight to support you.

There is someone from the upper planes-an angel I have worked with for eons. Their name, Azrael. If you find yourselves truly in desperate straits, they can help-but their aid does not come without a cost. If possible, try to work with the allies I have within Indos-you know them, or at least know how to find them.

I love you. 
 
Khosan
Reading the letter, a mix of emotions crosses his face. A few small tears, a hint of a smile. He wipes the tears away and transmits a thought to the others,    "I knew he'd have something like this."    His mind starts racing, sending perhaps a little too much through the psychic link,    "Should we reach out to him? Azrael, I mean, he might-should know something! I know dad said not to, but...He's an angel! What's the worst that could happen?    He looks back and forth, excitedly gesturing to the letter, generally upwards, and back out towards the city.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
  Religion  - (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  to see if Terric knows anything about Azrael off the cuff.
  Perception  - (1d20+7)[ 24 ]  to keep an eye and ear out for anything extra. Terric also has a passive perception of 22 if that catches anything.
 
animorte
The remnants of explosion are quite expected. Flit wonders how much, if any, of the Plume have suffered the consequences. When they encounter the aftermath of his bedroom, her jaw drops in surprise and she takes a brief moment to see if possible causes seem familiar.   "What exactly even..."   she trails off, accidentally expressing through the mental link.

The note takes Flit a long moment to process. She reads over it several times and eventually folds it up then presses it to her lips, the same way father would plant one gently on her forehead. She stows it away in the secret compartment in one of her shoes and then takes a deep breath, in and out.   "Okay, so there are probably more allies. We should bring this news back to Sam."  

The excitement emanating from Terric is helping her to focus on the task at hand, even though she also wants to jump straight into the highest course of action.   "Yeah, dad being gone already feels like we've met that  desperation  prerequisite. Any cost is worth it, but we need to make sure we have at least something to work with."  
 
 Spoiler 

 Arcana:   (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  ... Is Flit familiar with any of what specifically occurred in the bedroom?

 History:   (1d20+8)[ 12 ]  ... Useful information/stories about Azrael.
 
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: Arcana DC 21 
Could've been a variety of things.

Whatever it was, it exploded OUT-so it could've been a trap or ward from Crowley, or could've been fight action.

You don't think Crowley had any nasty wards like that in his room, though, so given your look, you'd guess it was either a spell (fifth circle at a minimum) or someone big, brawny, and ready to batter down a wall.
 
Hof
    After taking his time to absorb the details of the room and explosion, and later the same in reading the letter, Salovair eventually reacts to Terric and Flit.

  "Father's warning is clear. This Azrael is not to be called upon until our other options are exhausted. Back to Sam is probably best for now, yes. Perhaps checking out what the Trove could offer is helpful in forming a plan as well."

"Danny, you've been quiet. Copper for your thoughts?"  

Although he speaks calmly, the underlying angry tension is still very much present. 
  
 
 Spoiler: Status 

 AC 17 
 HP 54/54 
 Psi 5/5 
 Mastery 1/1 
 Rampage d4 
 Sup dice 4/4 
 Projected weapons: - 
 
 
 
  
Khosan
Terric sighs, the excitement visibly escaping his body as he deflates like a metal-plated balloon,   "If you insist. But...aren't you curious? How's a demon end up working with an angel? Shouldn't they, y'know..."   the cleric makes a few crude chopping gestures in Sal's direction to demonstrate his meaning,   "Eh? And why are we only finding out about him now?"  
Hof
    Wide eyed Salovair quickly shuts his mouth, as he realizes he was speaking out loud. He stays still for a moment, trying to listen for changes in the movement elsewhere in the building, hoping his words weren't noticed.

Using Flit's mindlink again:

  "Apologies for making unnecessary noise. I should have been paying more attention to our surroundings."

"I'm very curious, Terric. I didn't mean that father's warning means that we should not contact this Azrael. Only that their aid should be a last resort. Obviously he does not want us to pay whatever cost Azreal would ask, if it is not absolutely necessary."

"I suggest we go back to Sam or Audrey. Perhaps they know more about Azrael. We should leave anyway, I don't know how long we can hang around here undetected."
  
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Status 

 AC 17 
 HP 54/54 
 Psi 5/5 
 Mastery 1/1 
 Rampage d4 
 Sup dice 4/4 
 Projected weapons: - 
 
 
 
  