The city of Vorah had a distinct smell—a sweet mix of flowers, rusty metal, and factory smoke in the streets. Even at dawn, the city seemed to be only half asleep, with numerous people waking up and heading to their jobs, seeking business, or simply surviving in the vast Duchy. Strax, Rogue, and Samira knew that creating a new guild here would be an immense challenge, not only because of the local authorities but also due to the guilds and factions that already had their claws deeply embedded in the social and economic structure of Vorah.
And that was just one problem... However, they were already beginning to think of ways to get around it.
They walked silently along the damp cobblestone streets, their breaths forming small clouds of vapor in the chilly morning air, which was indeed quite cold. Strax led the group with firm steps, but his thoughts were immersed in the countless variables that could sink their plan before it even began. Vorah was not like Eudoria, where the problems seemed simple compared to the latent chaos of the new city, and here, the Underworld was very different...
"We need a safe place to start operating," he said, breaking the silence. "Something discreet, but big enough to accommodate our initial operations. And preferably far from the curious eyes of the other guilds that hang around the outskirts or in the noble areas."
Rogue, walking alongside him, nodded. "I have a few contacts that can help, but... things here aren't as easy as they seem. The local guilds have eyes everywhere, and, as you said, we're not the only ones trying to gain a foothold; there's a lot going on."
"Who's in control of the city right now? I mean, which guild is dividing the power? I find it hard to believe there's anything here, especially with Albert Vorah—basically, it's a meritocracy," Samira asked, her eyes scanning the surroundings cautiously.
Rogue paused for a moment, crossing his arms as he looked at the distant horizon, where the sun began to shine faintly through the gray clouds. "I've done my research. Three major factions dominate Vorah. The Iron Fist Guild, specialized in mercenary work and protection; the Shadows' Alliance, focused on espionage, extortion, and... well, other illicit activities; and the Wind's Hand, a guild of merchants and escorts. They have their zones of influence well-defined, but the balance of power is fragile. One wrong move and we could end up attracting unwanted attention from one of these factions."
Strax frowned. "And how do we avoid that?"
"Simple," Rogue replied, with an ironic smile. "We don't."
Samira scoffed. "Of course not. Let me guess, you already have a brilliant plan to attract everyone's attention, right?"
"More or less." Rogue shrugged. "The thing is, there's no way to set up a base without stepping on someone's toes here. The best strategy would be to divert attention away from us while we consolidate our operations."
"So, distraction, then," Strax murmured. "But who are we going to distract?"
"I know of a few smaller guilds that are trying to establish themselves as well. I can plant false information among them, make them think one of the major factions is planning to crush them. While they're busy tearing each other apart, we'll have room to operate more calmly."
Strax nodded slowly, although he didn't like the idea of pitting guilds against one another. Chaos always came at a high cost, and he knew that eventually, they would also pay for it. But at that moment, there was no choice. They needed to be quick and efficient.
"Alright. Let's go with your plan," Strax decided, looking at Samira, who rolled her eyes but didn't protest. "Now, about the location... You mentioned some contacts."
Rogue clicked his tongue, shaking his head with a sarcastic smile. "Contacts, yes. But not all of them are exactly 'friendly.'"
"On the outskirts of the city," the informant replied. "But it won't be long before they reach here."
Rogue let out a sigh, clearly frustrated. "I should have seen this coming. Torrin's never been the type to forget grudges."
"You think?" Samira said sarcastically. "So what now? Are we going to wait for him to find us, or are we going to take care of this before it escalates?"
Strax observed the two, trying to weigh their options. Torrin represented an immediate problem, but perhaps he could be turned into an advantage. If they dealt with him quickly, they might use that victory to gain some respect and influence in Vorah.
"We're not going to wait," Strax decided, his voice firm. "We'll find him before he finds us. But we won't engage in a direct confrontation, not yet. If we can use this to our advantage, we might secure a base without having to deal with a war right off the bat."
Rogue nodded, appearing satisfied with the decision. "Leave it to me. I know exactly how to lure Torrin into a trap."
"Great," Strax agreed. "But remember, we want to avoid an open fight. The goal is to secure our base and keep the bigger factions away from us for now."
As Rogue began to outline the plan, Samira stepped closer to Strax. "Do you really think we're going to get out of this without fighting?"
Strax gave a half-smile. "If everything goes right, maybe. But if not, you'll get your chance to spill some blood."
Samira scoffed, but there was a glimmer in her eyes that suggested she wouldn't mind if things went south.
They moved quickly; Rogue's plan was simple: use the information the hooded man had brought to lure Torrin into an ambush in a more secluded part of the city, away from the gaze of the larger guilds. If they could force Torrin to retreat or, better yet, convince Rogue's former ally to ally with them temporarily, it would buy them time and space to establish their base without immediate interference.
As they navigated through the narrow, grimy streets of Vorah, the cold wind cut through their skin, and the tension in the air grew. Strax knew the decisive moment was approaching. And, as always, the line between success and disaster was thin.
"Are you sure he'll fall for this?" Samira asked, her voice low and cautious, her eyes scanning every shadow that moved.
"I know Torrin better than he would like to admit," Rogue replied, adjusting her cloak. "He's ambitious, but also impulsive. He won't resist the chance to confront me directly, especially if he thinks he can crush me now."
Strax, always analyzing the surroundings, nodded. "As long as he believes he has the upper hand, he'll come. We just need to make sure the trap is set before he realizes what's really happening."
The group approached an old, abandoned factory, located in an isolated part of the city. The place was perfect for the ambush — crumbling brick walls, broken windows, and vast empty spaces that could be used to their advantage. Rogue had chosen well; they would be out of the reach of the curious eyes of the larger guilds while also positioned to control the terrain.
"Let's split up," Rogue suggested, pointing to several strategic positions around the factory. "Samira, you take the high ground and keep an eye on the surroundings. Strax, you come with me. Let's ensure that Torrin doesn't have any surprises waiting for us."