As the group enter Newthrone, I think I’ll make them aware of the people around them, people passing in and out of the city gates, beggars and kids running around. This would be my way of “in the background” gathering intel on them.
As they enter the city, they will be stopped by a street urchin in a somewhat busy area, most likely a market area, so there’ll be lots of people around them.
The urchin will warn them about “the red wave” or something, and claim to know how to help them.
Then, there will be some sort of loud ruckus happening, which would be staged by the Crimson Tide. E.g. a group of kids come running and loudly calling for help. This is to distract the party.
As they are distracted, the initial urchin (together with 1 or 2 associates) will try to pickpocket the party members.
I hope there will be some success of the pickpockets, and I think I’ll make it somewhat random to not just “meta-game” stealing the shard as I think it’s very unlikely that they know who carries it.
Whichever items end up being stolen, I then imagine that the party will have to spend some time investigating the thieves and try to retake their stolen items.
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The “Red Wave” Warning: Instead of a direct warning about the Crimson Tide, the urchin could mention something like “the men with the red eyes” or “the ones who take what they want.” This maintains a sense of mystery and intrigue while still hinting at the danger.
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The Ruckus: The staged ruckus could involve a street performer being harassed by a group of thugs, a runaway carriage, or even a small fire. This creates a chaotic environment that distracts the party and provides cover for the pickpockets.
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The Pickpocketing Attempt: To make the pickpocketing more believable and less “meta-gamey”:
- Focus on Distractions: The urchin and his associates could employ a variety of distractions. They might use sleight of hand, misdirection, and even simple crowd manipulation to create chaos and confusion.
- Target Common Items: Instead of directly targeting the Shard (which might be too obvious), the pickpockets could focus on stealing other valuable items, such as purses, jewelry, or even weapons.
- Vary the Success: Some attempts might be successful, while others might be thwarted by the party’s awareness or quick reflexes. This creates a sense of unpredictability and keeps the players on their toes.
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The Aftermath:
- The Chase: If the pickpocketing attempt is successful, the party will need to track down the urchins and recover their stolen goods. This could lead to a chase through the bustling marketplace, a confrontation with the Crimson Tide, or even a delve into the city’s underbelly.
- A Lesson Learned: The encounter will serve as a valuable lesson for the party. They will learn to be more vigilant in a crowded city and to be wary of those who seem too helpful.