Journey to the Surface - Just about there!

Linli Speaks:

Xar' Zin, your suggestions are awesome, however, I have worry about the group being able to follow through with some. First and foremost is my worry about maintaining a neutral demeanor as that is not the forte of some members of the party. The other is the preparation when questioned. I worry about some members being put on the spot and the difficulty there will be in negotiating around a believable outcome. This is not an insult to any but a realistic preparation. I don't know how well I will do to be honest.

What I'm saying is let's be prepared for the worst-case scenario for if that happens then what?

Xar'Zin Speaks - I agree with Linli, Jevan and Nin'Tzar. This is how I suggest that we make it happen We should  Approach with Caution and Discretion, keeping a low profile; avoid drawing attention to yourselves; Dress modestly and behave politely, blending in. Maintain a Neutral, Non-threatening Demeanor, show curiosity without arrogance or hostility, and avoid aggressive postures or overtly confident behaviors. Be Observant and Gather Intelligence, observe social dynamics, guards, customs, and timing of things subtly.  Communication Strategy, we should stick to minimal, truthful statements: "We're travelers here to shop," or "Looking for information." Avoid elaborating unless directly questioned. If questioned, keep stories consistent and simple. Practice neutral responses for potential questions about our background, or purpose, or origins. Avoid Revealing Too Much Information, Don't mention our true origins unless you fully trust the individual you're speaking with, and even then, don't give all the information. We should say that we are merely shopping or studying is a safe default; emphasize your interest in their culture or products. Building a Cover Story, We should probably make up and use a simple cover story: "We are traders, explorers, or researchers passing through." If pressed, mention a plausible reason for our visit, such as looking for rare items, researching surface cultures, or seeking information about trade routes.  Prepare for Being Questioned, Everyone should rehearse their stories and responses beforehand to ensure consistency and confidence. Remember that inconsistencies will be deadly, so everyone must stay aligned. Contingency Plans, We should agree on signals or code words to alert others if things go wrong. We should also know how to quickly exit or blend into the crowd if suspicion arises.

Jevan speaks:

I feel like we say as little as possible. We are here to shop. And we look for opportunities to learn about our target and the best tactics to eliminate....

DM Speaks:

This is the first mission since this drow campaign started where I have serious worry about the group. This is going to definitely be fun but very dangerous and challenging. This mission can transform the entire campaign in directions that were never planned depending on what happens. I look forward to how this plays out.

Linli Speaks Again:

You present very good questions Nin' Tzar and to be honest I don't know what the best answer is. I think the best approach to gain entrance is to simply state we are looking to browse the shops and purchase some goods. Once inside I'm not sure how we play this out. Maybe we can do something with poison that will kill this drow or maybe one of you men try and establish a "friendship" and lure her to a location where we are waiting to ambush her. I am open to all suggestions.

this mission is next to impossible. And we need to discuss, what exactly we are doing once we get there. How are we acting, what are we saying why we are here, and so forth. or are we just walking and telling them the truth and see where that gets us. If we are lying about being here, that will only be as good, and the person who lies the worse. We will all be questioned, and if things stories don't match up, or everyone doesn't look truthful about the story, then we can all be killed.

Jevan speaks:

I can only hope these members of my kind feel the same and are learning the concept...

I see more and more tendencies of looking out for eachother...and I do not feel it is strictly for the benefit of our business...

Linli Speaks:

I want to thank each for your commitment to the group. We are one and we will be to the end. We are "family" and will be until we die. Yes, I know this is hard for many of you to recognize or even understand, but family is NOT what you have been taught in Menzoberranzan. What we have here is "FAMILY"!