[Audio/Visual] Dude where's our map? [Date TBD?]

[naturaltwohands]

[Drizzt's human hands are holding up some paper, his eyes focused on a note in neat Imperial Calligraphy:

I have your charts. If you want a chance of ever leaving this benighted island, bring me the Bando rebels’ box and give me safe passage back to the Empire.

K

Drizzt's gaze continues to linger on it as he speaks out loud, voice even but laced with anger. Yes, he's got a young teenager's voice. And yes, it doesn't do anger very well. Also yes, shut up.]

As the note says, our sea charts have been stolen. [You know, the ones Drizzt found after they didn't need them anymore?] I found this ransom note on the back of our charter.

Does anyone possess clues that might lead to the identity of the traitor? What course of action should we take? And where exactly would we meet this individual? They've neglected to mention a location with which to meet.

Comments

[memoryandtheft]

They wouldn't be acting on good faith if the thing in the box was a kitten. Anyone who holds a few dozen people hostage isn't going to be the kind of person who keeps their end of the bargain.

The fact that they might be after a dangerous piece of magic just makes it that much more important to end this without giving them the box.

[naturaltwohands]

I have never had experience with such matters, other than a dear friend of mine being kidnapped once, and that man's intent was very clear. You're likely more right than I about how dangerous this individual will prove to be.

[memoryandtheft]

I'd say it gets easier to deal with, but I'd be lying.

[naturaltwohands]

I would take battle to the death any day before dealing with something like this.

[memoryandtheft]

Be careful what you wish for.

We're going to either need to set an ambush, or track the thief once we've handed off the decoy. Either way, it's probably going to get messy.

[naturaltwohands]

Only for myself, of course.

Messier still if I directly involve myself with the execution of the plan. As you well know, I am not particularly skilled at either acting or lying. It would also seem odd for an adolescent to be the one to handle such a dangerous request when there are adults about. That, and I could potentially expose the plan by revealing it if guilt or second-guessing gets the best of me.

[He at least knows he'll set the plan on fire?]

[memoryandtheft]

I don't think anyone wants you to be involved in the hand-off.

[Mostly because he's a kid, for her part, but being unable to lie to save his life is definitely a consideration.]

But we're going to need people keeping an eye out in case anything goes wrong.

[naturaltwohands]

Anyone who knows me would most assuredly not.

[Drizzt would be annoyed if he knew that his age has anything to do with this besides appearances. :[ He's capable. Just not of deception.]

I am capable of watching from afar, and staying hidden more than easily enough, even in this form. But I am not certain if I should be involved even that much.

[memoryandtheft]

[It's not even his age so much as it is the fact that in this shape, he reminds her of the kids she cares for, all of whom she would shelter from harm if she could, no matter how powerful they are in their own rights.]

Do we need to lock you in the basement so you can't cause trouble?

[naturaltwohands]

[This shape that represents his true age. He could use a bit of sheltering from the world. Or at least, this.]

... That is not particularly a bad idea, truthfully.

[memoryandtheft]

...You know, if you have a better idea, you can speak up. "Not murder" is usually a pretty good option.

[naturaltwohands]

Can I? It sounded as if my concerns have already been dismissed.

[It's said without malice.]

[memoryandtheft]

Then you weren't listening.

We all agree we need to keep the box from the thief, and get the charts back for the sake of the other ship. If we can do that without anyone getting killed, that's the best outcome - so come up with a plan, or figure out how to find them before anyone has a chance to go Wile E. Coyote on things.

[naturaltwohands]

Malik wants the person dead.

[But Drizzt goes quiet for a moment in thought.]

Can we rig the box to be trapped itself? My people have hand-held crossbows. The darts used are often either dipped in sleeping or paralyzing poison. Not permanent, but enough to render our foe defenseless.

[memoryandtheft]

He's one man, and not the only vote.

[There's a pause, and when she continues, there's a sharp note of wariness in her voice.]

...How long do they put the victim out for?

[Please don't say a hundred years.]

[naturaltwohands]

I suppose that is true.

[There's slightly heartening that they're listening to him.]

For hours, normally, and they begin working almost immediately.

[memoryandtheft]

[Oh, thank the oak and the ash. It's not elfshot.]

That sounds like it would work, if we could find a way to rig the box to fire one when it was opened. Mechanical traps aren't really in my wheelhouse, though.

[naturaltwohands]

[Thankfully.]

I might be able to rig something up with a wire, but someone would still need to create the darts. I cannot manipulate Liminal Space to create such a thing.

[memoryandtheft]

You don't have any with you? Well, that complicates things.

[naturaltwohands]

[A momentary laugh.]

Just a little.