1.2: You DO know there are more guns in the country than in the city?

[Sierra]

01[12:03] <Cidward> A quick review of the dilapidated stone hovel the gang was using as a hideout turns up, in addition to a small pile of coins, an odd collection of bric-a-brac: a bronze statuette of an Akaian woman, an alluring dancer clad only in swirling veils; a thick, leather-bound book that's written in the slashing, curling alphabet of Akai, and whose staid cover belies the frank lewdness of its interior drawings; a letter written in that same script, perhaps some sort of official document considering the ornate stamp and signature at the bottom of the page; and a slightly battered but still ornate spyglass.
01[12:03] <Cidward> "And someone get that mask off of her," Cala requests about Petrona, as the team hauls the survivors and assorted debris to the Roldans' wagon.
[12:04] <Leona> Leona is happy to oblige, unclasping the mask at the back of the pugilist's head and taking it off to toss onto the wagon afterwards.
01[12:04] <Cidward> The bandit leader looks like no one unusually exotic or imposing without her fierce iron carapace in place. Her features are placid, almost even delicate save for a nose that looks to have been broken and set more than once before.
[12:06] <@Santiago> Santiago finds himself studying the statuette. No doubt it was cast in the image of a real woman, perhaps some famous foreign performer! And it takes his mind off their lousy surroundings, however briefly. "An old war trophy, I suppose," he remarks.
[12:06] <Leona> Also given that she's fluent in Akaian, Leona volunteers to translate the letter, quite able to read even in this poor lighting. The book really doesn't need any translation.
01[12:07] <Cidward> OOC: K:R applies if you got it, Santiago
[12:07] <@Santiago> OOC: hrrr I have everything!
[12:07] <@Santiago> roll 1d20+7
[12:07] <Rei-chan> 6,0Santiago rolled :6,0 1d20+7 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{20}
[12:08] <Luiza> Luiza, for her part, keeps next to the sergeant and avoids looking too hard at anything, be it lewd findings or the bodies of their erstwhile opponents.
01[12:09] <Cidward> Leona finds the document is a simple writ for freedom of passage and trade throughout the sultanate of Huulak. It's signed by one Captain Yedira.
[12:09] <Morrison> Morrison just stays quiet as he watches the others.
[12:11] <Leona> Is the writ made out to the traders or the bandits?
[12:11] <@Santiago> Santiago winces inwardly for a moment, and ends up placing the statuette in the back of the wagon with the rest of the junk.
01[12:11] <Cidward> The Roldans are specified by name.
[12:12] <Leona> "This is just the Roldans' writ of passage, not much good to them any longer," Leona says, putting it with the book in the wagon away from the bloodied up bandits.
01[12:14] <Cidward> "If that's everything, let's move out," Cala says, rousing the Roldans' horses and starting them carefully down the uneven path down in the dark. "Anything that belonged to the merchants is likely going to their remaining family," she explains as you go. "Assuming they want it," she adds, casting little doubt upon her own feelings on some of it.
[12:16] <Leona> That's a matter for bureaucrats and of little interest to Leona, the monstrous six limbed figure shrinking back down to a more mundane size as they start their long trek back, taking the lead where her keen night-vision can better avoid obstacles for the horses and cart.
01[12:17] <Cidward> Night has truly fallen by the time the group makes it back to the watchtower. The blond officer who'd accompanied Cala to the crime scene earlier is waiting outside upon your return. Her wolfish dog pricks its ears up in interest and marches over in the unlikely but perpetual hope that someone might have a snack handy for the nice mutt. "Everyone make it one piece?" the woman asks.
01[12:17] <Cidward> "Only the ones wearing gray," Cala answers. "Night squad in, Amelia?"
01[12:17] <Cidward> Amelia nods. "Just signed on, ma'am."
01[12:17] <Cidward> "Good," Cala says. "They can move the bodies. Day squad's had their fill."
01[12:17] <Cidward> Cala disappears into the tower, leaving you alone for a moment with Amelia and her dog. Age is difficult to determine in the mix of torchlight and reflected Pyregon illumination that presently prevails, but one could estimate Amelia to be in her mid or late thirties. She has the rough and weathered look of a forester only occasionally found in polite surroundings, and has a longbow slung over her back. "How'd the first day go?" she asks, eyeing the cart and its slightly grisly haul.
[12:18] <Luiza> "Not as expected," Luiza responds, studiously avoiding looking at the cart.
[12:21] <Leona> "Lot more violence than I expected," Leona agrees as a black tar like substance rolls back over her bronzed and scaly skin, revealing the olive hues of the half-elf beneath, her extra arms vanishing along with the rest of the change. "I'll take a drunken brawl over cut-throats fighting to the death any day," she adds, taking off her baggy grey tabard, blouse and skirt worn beneath.
[12:21] <@Santiago> "There was murder and reprisal for the same! It was grisly and, one thinks, a futile effort on the part of these wretches," replies Santiago, leaning on the edge of his spear. "To live like such beasts... the path of the failed mutineer must lead nowhere good in life. How was yours?"
01[12:22] <Cidward> Amelia studies the cart quite thoroughly, by comparison. "I'd say that sort of thing gets easier, except maybe it shouldn't. Maybe we should expect this more in the future--things aren't getting any better over the hills, I hear. Still, every day won't be like this. That's some comfort, right?" She watches Leona transform. The dog ambles over to sniff curiously at a newly-humanoid foot. "That's an interesting trick," Amelia observes.
01[12:24] <Cidward> "Quiet," Amelia answers Santiago. "It makes you wonder sometimes why they bother, doesn't it? I guess once someone's crossed that line, killing's just something they do to keep surviving."
[12:25] <Morrison> "...No one would've known to go after them if they hadn't just left the bodies laying there." Morrison says.
[12:25] <Leona> "Mmm, better I take blades and punches on that skin than my own, although a few got through towards the end," Leona says, lifting up her blouse above the hem of her skirt, an ugly brown and blue bruise spreading over her stomach. "The extra hands making fighting easier... although I can honestly say it's brought me more trouble than not," she sighs. "I don't really know how to fight, but that
[12:25] <Leona> bandit leader knew her stuff. I still beat her, though. What a strange world," she huffs, letting her blouse drop.
[12:26] <Luiza> "In a fight like that, the one who wants to win the most does," Luiza interjects.
[12:27] <Leona> "Ah," Leona nods, giving a short and sharp little laugh. "I did in fact very much desire to win, that is true!"
01[12:28] <Cidward> To Morrison, she answers: "The thing about desperation is, it brings out the animal in us. Except I guess maybe that's an insult to Cezar here." She gestures affectionately to her dog, who barks happily and returns to sit by her side.
[12:29] <@Santiago> "There can be no room for charming thoughts when your belly is empty, and you have already betrayed your flag," agrees Santiago. "Do you know much about the naval mutiny?" he asks, glancing at Amelia.
01[12:31] <Cidward> "I dunno much about naval anything," Amelia says. "Never seen the sea, myself. I mostly stick to the woods, except for when Cala needs someone tracked. Looks like maybe we have someone else to rely on for that now, though," she adds encouragingly.
01[12:35] <Cidward> Cala shortly reappears with your relieving squad:
01[12:35] <Cidward> The night squad's corporal is handsome young man with sandy hair and a rakish smile usually on offer. This is Isidro Jorda—the mayor's son requires no introduction for anyone who's spent any time in Rocina. His unit is rounded out by a short, wiry girl with dark hair and a dusky complexion; a pretty but subdued redheaded woman whose voice is quietly but obviously musical when she speaks to "Paloma" (the other female squaddie) to coordinate lifting one of the prisoners; and a tall, extravagantly dressed but undeniably dashing man with carefully-coifed black hair, who one may infer is perhaps too eager to use the heat as excuse to unbutton his shirt more than usual, and whose only adoption of Militia color is an afterthought of a gray cloak.
01[12:35] <Cidward> "Get those two live ones down in cells," Cala instructs the night corporal, "and have Brother Donato look at them, just in case. Amelia and I will haul down the leader," she adds, pointing to Petrona.
01[12:35] <Cidward> Isidro gives you all a little salute before his squad disappears back into the tower with the prisoners—proper introductions will have to wait for another time, it seems.
01[12:35] <Cidward> "This was a bit more of a rough and tumble introduction than I'd anticipated," Cala says, with a touch of sympathy. "I'm sure you all need rest by now."
[12:36] <Leona> "Mmm, I think I'll just go straight to bed and have a big breakfast tomorrow. Too tired to cook now," Leona agrees with a nod, stepping away and waving. "Goodnight, everyone."
[12:37] <Luiza> "Good night, Leona," Luiza returns, mustering a smile. "Santiago. Morrison. Ma'am."
[12:38] <Morrison> A nod follows.
01[12:38] <Cidward> "Do that," Cala agrees. "A soldier marches on his belly. Good night, folks."
[12:39] <@Santiago> "Sweet dreams, my comrades," replies Santiago, melancholic as he steps away.
01[12:40] <Cidward> Eight hours of solid bed rest, wherever such should lie for each member of the squad, proves exceedingly welcome after such an unexpectedly trying first day.
01[12:40] <Cidward> Cala isn't immediately apparent when you arrive for duty the next day, but the morning squad is ready with congratulations of varying degrees of enthusiasm (Carmen and Florina, for their part, sounding as though they could happily find any number of things to do more pleasant than talking to other people). A newspaper is lying open on the desk this morning, although presently an orange and yellow housecat is using half of the broadsheet as a bed.
01[12:40] <Cidward> "Heard you lot had yourselves some excitement yesterday," Corporal Evereaux concludes. "But more importantly, it looks like everyone made it through alive?"
[12:42] <Leona> "Everyone who counts anyway," Leona says, and perhaps mercifully for everyone else she's presenting her pleasant and mundane half-elven features to everyone today with an entirely typical set of four limbs. Given it only takes a minute to put her second skin on and they had plenty of time going out to the murder site yesterday, she figures there's not much point having it on consistently.
[12:43] <Luiza> "That is indeed the important thing!" Luiza chirps, looking entirely rejuvenated. She reaches into the woven basket she brought with her this morning, and withdraws a star-shaped cookie to offer the corporal. More mantecados are visible inside, of a variety of shapes and covered with a sprinkling of sugar. "We shouldn't feel bad for being the ones who survived!"
[12:44] <@Santiago> "I do feel bad for the Roldans, though. And our noble sergeant, who must be the bearer of bad news," replies Santiago, sitting on the table.
[12:45] <Luiza> "W-Well, yes, but we couldn't do a thing about that!"
[12:45] <Leona> roll 2d8+6 Leona casts lesser restore eidolon twice when she wakes up
[12:45] <Rei-chan> 6,0Leona rolled :6,0 2d8+6 1,0Leona casts lesser restore eidolon twice when she wakes up --> 6,0[ 2d8=13 ]4,0{19}
[12:47] <Leona> "They were nice people, didn't cheat their customers," Leona says of the Roldans. "Good for gossip on their routes, too. A shame," she agrees.
01[12:48] <Cidward> Cookies are duly accepted. "I can see one of us is going to have to learn to cook something here," Noemi says to her squad, who returns a collection of shrugs at this prospect. "Right, I'll do it, then. No promises on quality, though."
01[12:48] <Cidward> The cat sits up, stretches, and gives Santiago a penetrating stare as its space is invaded.
[12:49] <@Santiago> Much like a cat himself, Santiago preens for a moment. "Have you had any memorable calls to action?" he asks, turning to Noemi.
[12:49] <Leona> "I'd bring in some drinks, but I'm still putting everything back together. Maybe in a few more weeks," Leona says, folding her arms as she leans against the bookshelf of entertaining pulp fiction.
[12:52] <Luiza> "Do you need any help with that?"
01[12:54] <Cidward> "Oh, it's mostly breaking up drunken arguments in town, or escorting Lazaro home when he forgets where he lives again," Noemi says. "The worst we've had to chase down was this farmer went mad and cut down his family a few years back. Not that it wasn't awful in its own way. But there was only one of him, right?" The squad shares an awkward glance. "Fought like there were two or three of him, though," Nico adds helpfully, before Noemi clears her throat and answers Luiza: "Maybe if you can find sometime when neither one of us is on duty."
[12:57] <Leona> "Possibly," she answers Luiza. "An extra pair of hands could help with getting yeast and barley from the market, you must have your own suppliers for your baking too."
[12:57] <Luiza> Luiza smiles at Noemi, before nodding at Leona. "I really like sweetened anise!"
01[12:59] <Cidward> "Well, right now that's called 'mom,' but I see your point," Noemi answers. "Anyway, it's about time we were off. Sergeant said to send you up to see her when you get on duty. And prisoners are downstairs if you have a mind to check on them."
[13:00] <Leona> "Well, enjoy your afternoons then," Leona says, pushing off the bookcase and heading upstairs to report in.
[13:00] <Luiza> With a friendly wave, Luiza follows suit!
[13:00] <@Santiago> "I should hope they don't need much checking up on," replies Santiago, giving Noemi a prompt salute before heading after Leona.
[13:01] <Morrison> Morrison silently walks after the others as they go up.
01[13:01] <Cidward> The second floor of the tower holds a writing desk and a simple cot that looks hard and little-used. There's also a table large enough to sit the whole squad for a meal if necessary. There are also shelves with some modest artillery in case of siege—mostly crossbows, old but well-maintained. Cala is not here, but stairs continue upwards.
[13:02] <Leona> Leona has her own crossbow bouncing against her thigh as she marches further up the next set of stairs!
01[13:04] <Cidward> The roof of the tower is open to the air, but a canvas canopy in the black-and-gold of Verdana mercifully wards off most of the sun's attention. The Verdani flag would flutter on the flagpole up here were there a breeze to stir it: a golden sky above black earth, a brown bear poised between with one paw upraised as if in warning or menace.
01[13:04] <Cidward> Several more Militia members perch up here to keep an eye over the city and the surrounding countryside: a tall, nearly chinless teenage boy still growing into his uniform peers alertly to the west with the infinite patience and commitment of the simple minded; a slender, black-haired man with a neatly-trimmed beard and mustache turns to look you over with a keenly appraising look; and two women break off a lighthearted conversation at your appearance. One is thin and spritely, with an energetic air and braided blond hair; the other is stockier, with a bosom that seems to struggle against the confines of her armor, a great mass of curly black hair, and a serene and friendly expression.
01[13:04] <Cidward> Cala breaks off a conversation with the man as you arrive. "Good afternoon," she says in greeting. If she's at all fatigued from having been on duty all day yesterday, she doesn't show it.
[13:05] <@Santiago> "Sergeant," chirps Santiago. He finds himself sizing up the other mustached man, and strokes his chin as he considers their respective length and thickness.
[13:06] <Leona> "Afternoon, Sergeant," Leona greets, making way for the rest of her shift and nodding to the others present on the roof.
[13:06] <Morrison> A nod follows Leona's greeting.
01[13:07] <Cidward> Santiago can take comfort in having the more impressive mustache, though not wholly without contest.
[13:07] <Luiza> "Ma'am," Luiza greets her as well, smiling at the others.
01[13:11] <Cidward> "This is your junior squad," Cala says, gesturing to the other group. "I thought a proper introduction in order. They'll keep watch upstairs, mind the shop for you when you have to go out to answer a call, and handle basic tasks like feeding the prisoners." In turn, she names them: Eliseo Meria (the older man); Zoraida Argi (the black-haired woman); Silvia Charidad (the spritely blonde); and Mado Arturez (the gormless young lad). Each returns some variation on a bow or cheeky wave.
[13:13] <@Santiago> One day on the job for real and they already have juniors! "Welcome!" Santiago pronounces. "Would you like to train together? We are educated in many necessary arts! Though my friend Leona's abilities may be beyond anyone else's capacity to learn," he admits. Perhaps that's for the best.
[13:13] <Leona> "Hello, I'm Leona Corinth," Leona greets them in reply. "Try not to be too alarmed if you see me with an extra set of arms or a different face."
01[13:14] <Cidward> "But how would we know that it was you?" Silvia asks Leona, puzzled.
01[13:15] <Cidward> For her part, Zoraida smiles at Santiago. "I am always prepared to learn something new."
[13:15] <Leona> "I still sound the same," she answers. "If we get a call out you'll see my second skin then so you can recognise it in future."
[13:18] <Luiza> Luiza, having plenty of cookies left, makes the rounds as introductions happen!
01[13:18] <Cidward> "Duly noted," Eliseo concludes. "If we see a horrifying beast stalking about the tower, we must be assured that it is an ally."
01[13:19] <Cidward> Luiza quickly proves to know how to make friends with at least three quarters of the watch squad.
[13:19] <Leona> "I'm not horrifying," she huffs, crossing her arms (all two of them at the moment). "Just intimidating and otherworldly."
[13:20] <Luiza> "Perhaps a demonstration is in order?"
01[13:20] <Cidward> "Of course," he says apologetically. "Forgive me for not seeing the distinction."
[13:21] <Leona> "Fine," she steps aside out of the way. "Give me a minute," she says, adopting a look of concentration.
[13:22] <Leona> She also takes her baggy grey tabard off so she can put it back on again afterwards, given how her second skin appears on top of her clothing otherwise.
[13:22] <@Santiago> "Indeed! Perhaps you would like to learn to sing? I have been working on a marching song," Santiago suggests. "In any case, once one masters their voice there are incredible and surprising benefits; the use of elegant wands becomes possible. Had I my way every young boy and girl would attend a conservatory for at least a year."
[13:24] <Morrison> "Thank goodness you don't." Morrison says with a glance over the edge of the tower.
01[13:25] <Cidward> "Oh, I know a few songs," Zoraida says. "Only...they're not the sort you sing for marching. It's, you know, just tavern ballads."
01[13:26] <Cidward> Morrison sees that it's a fair ways down from here! It's only three floors up, sure, but folk favor high ceilings in Verdana. One could maybe survive the fall, but likely not without significant injury.
[13:27] <Morrison> Well, that's one quick way to get away from any singing...
[13:27] <Leona> A moment passes and then a black treacle like substance begins to flow down from the top of Leona's head, coating her body and leaving greenish-bronze skin in its wake, a reptilian cast to her now bald-headed face as the new skin over-runs her blouse and threatens to show off more than she'd like before a quick motion tosses the tabard back over her torso, covering up just as a second set of
[13:27] <Leona> arms sprouts out from her sides, all four limbs well muscled and long-fingered with sharp claws on the end. Her legs grow a bit longer, large bare feet taking place of her boots, faint scale patterns visible on her skin where it's exposed. "And done," she announces, crossing one set of arms while waving with the other. "This is the face that got me into the militia, so be grateful." She
[13:27] <Leona> certainly isn't!
[13:28] <Luiza> "So now if you see two intimidating and otherworldly individuals fighting it out in the tower, you know who is on your side!" Luiza chirps.
01[13:29] <Cidward> The squad's reactions are diverse: Mado backs off with wide eyes and a breathy "'cor!"; Zoraida puts one hand to her mouth with a flush of surprise; Eliseo is studiously impassive; and Silvia observes carefully before concluding: "That's very...impressive!"
[13:31] <Leona> "The bandits last night certainly thought so," Leona agrees with a nod before the same process occurs in reverse, leaving her back as an unassuming half-elf girl.
01[13:32] <Cidward> "How does it work?" Eliseo asks coolly.
[13:32] <@Santiago> "Though they stood and fought to the last. Next time we must try to maximize our shock value."
[13:32] <Leona> "Very well, thank you."
[13:33] <Luiza> "Actually two tried to run away from me," Luiza corrects Santiago. "Unfortunately they tried to run towards Leona to fight her, so I couldn't let that happen."
01[13:34] <Cidward> Eliseo snorts at this response. "But I suppose it's something like a sorcerer's trick, yes?"
[13:35] <@Santiago> "A most deadly trick," replies Santiago, misliking the man's tone.
[13:36] <Leona> "It's some sort of magic, yes. Apparently it bears some similarities to a kind of outsider, according to a sage in Solfrina I consulted," Leona admits. "Though my mind remains wholly my own no matter how I look."
01[13:37] <Cidward> Eliseo's response is merely a speculative, "Hm." Cala decides to interrupt at this point: "And there's something else I'd like to say before you all get back to work, if we could withdraw to the office below."
[13:38] <Leona> Leona nods, glad to move on from being the centre of attention for her annoying monster form and she leads the way downstairs.
01[13:41] <Cidward> "If you should feel inclined to stroll up and entertain us with a song during some slow afternoon, we would be most grateful!" Silvia calls coquettishly after Santiago as you descend. Cala frowns and takes a seat at the desk down on the second floor.
[13:42] <@Santiago> It's too easy to make a promise to do so before he returns downstairs.
[13:42] <Luiza> Luiza waits for the sergeant to speak, not showing a hint of her apprehension. Is it wrong to socialize with others? They are at work, she supposes....
01[13:43] <Cidward> "I should warn you," Cala says to Santiago seriously, "that I suspect Silvia signed up to hunt down a husband. Although that isn't specifically what I had to say here."
[13:45] <@Santiago> "That's an unorthodox approach to seeking a courtship. Are there rules about fraternization?"
[13:46] <Luiza> "Apparently not, if this is an open goal."
01[13:46] <Cidward> Cala's response is a wry nod to Luiza. "Maybe not enough of them," she muses.
[13:46] <Leona> "It's not bad if you seek a strong and manly husband," Leona mentions casually. "More than a rich one, anyway."
01[13:48] <Cidward> "But my real point here is simply that every squad needs a corporal, and I think Santiago's battlefield voice is highly suitable for that purpose."
[13:49] <Leona> Leona has absolutely no problems with someone else taking on more militia responsibilities so she doesn't have to. The pay isn't nearly enough for her to care for it over having more time to reconstruct her business.
[13:50] <Luiza> You should marry for love! But maybe looking isn't bad, Luiza muses. There's no way she's actually saying that and interrupting the sergeant on official business, however. "What does that change for us, Ma'am?" she asks, changing tracks.
[13:50] <@Santiago> "You do? If that is the only requirement, I can enter the role with confidence!" declares Santiago, without a moment of hesitation.
01[13:56] <Cidward> "People like to know who's in charge when the Militia shows up. That's mostly what it's about. No one wants us to send them a committee when they're in distress. Puts folk at ease to know instantly who to report to. Of course, as a unit, you should still confer amongst yourselves when necessary, make the most use of your various talents, and watch each other's backs," she concludes. "Cooperation's what keeps us alive. But the public needs to see a chain of command at work."
[14:02] <@Santiago> "I shall maintain our reputation," replies Santiago. "Inside and out the militia, at that."
01[14:04] <Cidward> "That's as much as I can ask of anyone," Cala says. "Now, I have some formal paperwork to handle in relation to our prisoners downstairs. I expect Justice should be retrieving them in the near future, assuming they don't wind up butting heads with the navy over the fate of mutineers. Unless there's anything else, I'll leave you to your watch."
[14:05] <Leona> "Not from me," Leona says, heading downstairs to grab a book and settle in for a hopefully quiet and uneventful shift.
[14:05] <Luiza> "No, Ma'am," Luiza responds, ready to do her duty! Which involves sitting around and waiting for bad things to happen.
[14:07] <Morrison> Morrison offers a shake of his head.
01[14:07] <Cidward> After your first eventful day on the job, the next few weeks pass quietly—perhaps mercifully so, considering the first day's violent encounter, though this does leave plenty of time for people to grapple mentally with the unaccustomed violence of Petrona's arrest.
01[14:07] <Cidward> Most days are spent in or around the Militia tower, as Cala professes a preference for making the watch easy to find rather than hoping they're coincidentally present at the site of any emergencies while out and about, but the Sergeant does send everyone on patrols occasionally too, just to make sure that everyone's familiar with the town and its surroundings (and that the town is familiar with its guards!)
01[14:07] <Cidward> It's during one of these walks, at the edge of Rocina's northern fringes, that the party is hailed in the road by a young farmhand. A summer storm of violent intensity swept through several nights past and brought a front of mercifully cool air with it, but by this afternoon the heat is ratcheting itself up to oppressive levels once again.
01[14:07] <Cidward> The approaching petitioner is the typical picture of a landless, hired laborer: sleeveless vest, old trousers cut off at the knees, frayed straw hat. He waves the party down and hustles forward once he recognizes the flash of badges. "Officers? I was just coming to find you. My boss, Mister Dimas, he's got something to report to the Militia."
[14:09] <Leona> Since she's actually on patrol and could thus be stabbed at any moment, Leona is comfortably ensconsced within her second skin, two hands holding her crossbow and two others swinging at her sides as she traipses around town with her comrades. At the cry for help she stops but lets the reassuring cadence of the corporal answer the man.
[14:10] <@Santiago> Santiago steps forward. "What does he need to speak with us about?" he asks, sternly and firmly.
01[14:10] <Cidward> "One of the granaries exploded." He takes off his hat, wipes a sheen of sweat from his brow, and replaces his hat.
[14:11] <Luiza> Luiza hangs back, a coiled whip hanging opposite her rapier.
[14:12] <@Santiago> Santiago lets out a low breath. "No lie?" he remarks. "We'll go and speak to him right away."
[14:12] <Leona> Oh no, that'll put the price of grain up again! "Lets go," she agrees.
01[14:13] <Cidward> "Many thanks, officers," he says, starting to lead the way out of town. "We work on the Sastre estate, north a ways."
01[14:14] <Cidward> OOC: K:L and K:N could both apply here, for anyone inclined
01[14:14] <Cidward> OOC: that's nobility, not nature
[14:14] <@Santiago> roll 1d20+9 local
[14:14] <Rei-chan> 6,0Santiago rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0local --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{21}
[14:14] <@Santiago> roll 1d20+7 nobility
[14:14] <Rei-chan> 6,0Santiago rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0nobility --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{19}
[14:14] <Luiza> roll 1d20+6 nobility for me as well
[14:14] <Rei-chan> 6,0Luiza rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0nobility for me as well --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{7}
01[14:19] <Cidward> Sastre manor sprawls across a broad swath of farmland well north of the town's limits. The house itself is a rambling, two-floor mansion that proclaims for all with eyes to see that the owner has room to expand and means to use all of it. A collection of low work buildings and granaries sits off to one side. Elsewhere, what you can see of the estate is given over to industrial-scale cultivation of grain.
01[14:19] <Cidward> One man surveying the crops stands out from the line of farm workers. He's wearing a fine suit befitting a prosperous city trader—though in deference to the sun's relentless assault, he's opted practically for white clothes instead of the darker hues of a fashionable urban parlor or salon. The wide-brimmed hat that he wears has not been entirely successful in warding off sunburn. Your guide points this man out as Arlisto Dimas, overseer of the estate.
[14:21] <@Santiago> "Mister Dimas!" calls out Santiago, approaching him. He's probably more comfortable than all of them, what with not needing to wear chafing armour in the heat all the time.
[14:22] <Leona> Leona is fairly comfortable! All she has on is a breezy tabard, not feeling her ordinary clothes where they've vanished beneath her second skin, nor caring if it gets sunburnt. It doesn't seem like it can anyway, though.
[14:22] <Luiza> Luiza can't even feel her armor, it's so comfortable she sometimes forgets she has it on! Also it looks really nice.
01[14:23] <Cidward> The suited man turns around. His teeth are very even and white as he smiles in greeting. "Good afternoon, officers," he says gregariously. "Arlisto Dimas, pleased to represent Don Vicente's interests whilst the Honorable Baron toils on our behalf in the capital." Dimas is rather short, and slight of build, but speaks with an expansive natural ebullience. He's keen to shake hands with anyone amenable.
[14:24] <Morrison> Morrison is more than happy to let Santiago be his warm and cheery self as he looks around for this apparent exploded granary, which, really, shouldn't be that hard to spot...
[14:25] <Luiza> Luiza is there, as if summoned by magic when hands are offered for the shaking!
[14:25] <@Santiago> Always willing to return one's grip with equal force, Santiago nods at the man with his own pearly whites. "Corporal Ruiz," he introduces himself as. "Your man told us a granary exploded. Dreadful news," he admits. "Was anyone injured?"
[14:25] <Leona> Leona shakes his hand while he's offering! She's good about not scratching people if she's careful. Which she is! "Leona Corinth," she offers up her own name as introductions are made.
01[14:25] <Cidward> Morrison sees a suspicious gap in an otherwise regular line of clay granaries just beyond the immediate barley field. He'd have to stroll closer to get an idea of what happened to it.
[14:26] <Luiza> "Luiza de la Vega," she fulfills her part in the introductions, though the actual conversation is left to Santiago.
01[14:26] <Cidward> "Gods save us but no one was killed or injured," Dimas says in response. "The sneak who did it came in the night, while all were abed."
[14:29] <@Santiago> "Let's take a look," Santiago suggests. "Our man Morrison here is a ferociously skilled tracker. They may have left some sign."
01[14:31] <Cidward> "Well, I should hope so, Corporal," Dimas says as he leads the group over to the granaries. "Although I could forward my own very strong suspicions about the matter if it should be of any assistance." Closer up, it becomes obvious that one of the granaries has been very thoroughly obliterated. There are only shards and fragments jutting from the ground where it once sat. Its neighbors do not look significantly damaged beyond some minor gouges from shrapnel.
[14:33] <@Santiago> "Who would know your potential enemies better than you?" agrees Santiago, turning back to Dimas once they arrive.
[14:34] <Morrison> Without a word, Morrison will go over to get a closer look at see if he can ascertain any information. Was it even a person who did this and not a freak act of nature? Wasn't there a storm?
01[14:34] <Cidward> OOC: Perception? K:E also applies if anyone has it.
[14:34] <Leona> roll 1d20+8 perception
[14:34] <@Santiago> roll 1d20+3 bards are special
[14:34] <Rei-chan> 6,0Leona rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0perception --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{19}
[14:34] <Rei-chan> 6,0Santiago rolled :6,0 1d20+3 1,0bards are special --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{18}
[14:34] <@Santiago> OOC: k-e for me
[14:35] <Morrison> roll 1d20+8 payin' attention
[14:35] <Rei-chan> 6,0Morrison rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0payin' attention --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{13}
[14:36] <Luiza> roll 1d20+7 I can see at least
[14:36] <Rei-chan> 6,0Luiza rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0I can see at least --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{14}
[14:39] <Leona> "No obvious footprints for any culprit, everyone's been around here it looks like," Leona observes.
01[14:39] <Cidward> "'Enemies' is a strong word," Dimas says. "That's something I endeavor *not* to collect. But our neighbor, well, he's a hot-tempered sort, let's say."
[14:41] <@Santiago> "How do you suppose he managed it?" replies Santiago, stroking his chin. "Is your neighbour a magician?" OOC: can I SM this guy
01[14:41] <Cidward> OOC: go right ahead
[14:41] <Morrison> Morrison nods to Leona and goes around looking for anything that might be more obvious in terms of -what- happened. A lightning bolt would do damage, but probably not blow it all up!
[14:42] <@Santiago> roll 1d20+12
[14:42] <Rei-chan> 6,0Santiago rolled :6,0 1d20+12 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{24}
01[14:44] <Cidward> "Well, he may be that," Dimas guesses. "I couldn't claim to know every inch of the talents an elf collects over a lifetime like theirs, could I? But I know he goes about armed with pistols when he's out on his property, so I think it stands to reason the man knows at least something about how to handle powder. More to the point, I suspect him for personal cause."
[14:46] <@Santiago> Neighbours are often rivals, Santiago thinks a touch sadly. "Does he hold some sort of grudge?"
01[14:46] <Cidward> Morrison sees most of the internal debris, though fairly thoroughly demolished, likely once consisted of barrels and boxes--there are wooden fragments interior to the crater, though mostly blackened and pulverized.
[14:49] <Morrison> He will go to the center of the crater to see if there are any other clues. Maybe some residue or something? He's no alchemist, but any clue is a clue!
01[14:50] <Cidward> "I'd say the man does," Dimas professes, arms spread helplessly to the sides. "We've had negotiations about purchasing his property--it'd be very advantageous for Don Vicente to have his own mill, you see--with Mr. Bosque ultimately refusing to sell. I think he took our interest rather the wrong way--you know their sort don't traditionally understand property--so a couple days ago, after a lightning bolt struck his barn during that storm, he seems to have taken it into his head that it was some kind of arson."
01[14:50] <Cidward> OOC: Nature/History equally applicable here
[14:51] <Morrison> roll 1d20+8 nature, sure
[14:51] <Rei-chan> 6,0Morrison rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0nature, sure --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{16}
[14:56] <Morrison> As he picks up a piece of wooden debris to frown at it he glances over at the conversation.
[14:59] <@Santiago> And of course, what elf would go to the mostly-human militia to try and resolve their grievances? "If he owns a mill and a house, I'd say he must have a solid notion of property, hmm? After all, taxes stop for neither man nor elf and force a certain understanding!" He glances at the other granaries. "Would you mind if we had a look in these? Just to be safe."
01[15:00] <Cidward> "Why, of course, be my guest." Dimas bows and gives the squad free reign to snoop around where they like.
[15:01] <Luiza> Luiza goes over to the nearest granary to take a look at all that potential bread!
01[15:01] <Cidward> OOC: feel free to roll Perception if you're searching around
[15:02] <Leona> Leona just sort of mills around. She doesn't feel any sort of pointy-eared solidarity with anyone, but still she has the feeling this was most likely an accident probably caused by one of the workers here, just based on the pattern of tracks around the granary. Also... "Why would someone destroy that granary and not one closer to the edge of the estate?" she wonders aloud.
[15:04] <Luiza> roll 1d20+7
[15:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Luiza rolled :6,0 1d20+7 --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{25}
[15:04] <@Santiago> Santiago joins her, poking at crates and other storage facilities. "Would it be hard work to destroy one of these? A little bomb wouldn't do it," he suggests, once out of Dimas' earshot. "Though I've heard grain can be plenty explosive on its own right."
[15:05] <Morrison> "...I didn't find any evidence of anything natural causing it. Um..." He looks off to the side, at Leona for a half-moment before he resumes. "It's kind of unusual for an elf to bother with surnames... I mean, ones who try and own property and things do... not really sure that helps any, but... there it is."
[15:07] <Luiza> "A lot of future deliciousness on the premises," Luiza reports, rejoining the others at this point. "Nothing looks amiss."
[15:12] <Leona> "It's not as if there's any evidence to connect him," Leona says. "All the tracks visible around that granary lead straight to the mansion, not elsewhere. Granaries do explode now and then if mishandled, and it seems odd for a saboteur to single out this one, passing by several others to reach it. Seems more like bad luck to me."
[15:13] <Luiza> "Ah, really?" Luiza shuffles her feet. "Was I the only one to think they set their neighbour's barn on fire?"
[15:13] <Leona> "Bad luck happens," Leona adds dourly, crossing both sets of arms. "Maybe a meteorite hit it."
[15:14] <Luiza> "Bad luck does happen," Luiza agrees. "But if there is a chance this is more, do we really want to watch them escalate?"
[15:14] <Morrison> "...It is odd that only one exploded." Morrison agrees with a nod. "If they wanted to, they could have destroyed all of them."
[15:15] <Leona> "We can go talk to this elf in case he confesses or acts obviously suspicious, but I don't think we have cause to take it any further."
[15:16] <Luiza> "If he is not involved, either as victim or perpetrator, I think we should look at those here again. I couldn't find any natural causes for this specific granary to explode," Luiza says doubtfully.
[15:17] <Morrison> Morrison just nods to Luiza.
[15:18] <@Santiago> "Mr. Dimas seemed quite sincere, at least," admits Santiago, upon rejoining the others. "But it would be extremely difficult for a lone rogue to be capable of blowing up granaries of this size. You'd need a large bomb! Too large to carry or sneak around with, I'd guess." He purses his lips. "Easier to arrange if you have access to the granary itself and could move barrels in and out inconspicuously. Of powder and such."
01[15:25] <Cidward> The elf's mill, you're told on your way out, is just down the road to the west, and its proprietor is one Iliandariel Bosque.
01[15:25] <Cidward> A low, split-rail fence marks the border between Sastre manor and the elf's property. It's waist-high and wouldn't serve to deter even a mischievous child, so its purpose is purely one of demarcation. The lot on the other side is barely cultivated; a copse of trees covers most of the visible land, save that cleared for the mill and a small vegetable garden outside of it.
01[15:25] <Cidward> Bosque's mill is a respectable, three-story brick structure that's kept in good repair. Less of virtue can be said for a neighboring barn, which is scorched all up the far side with telltale signs of a recent fire. The structure still stands, but it might be unwise to go clambering about inside. The vaunted waterwheel itself cannot be seen from your angle of approach, but the gurgle and slap of the river can be heard from here.
01[15:25] <Cidward> A human couple loiters by the front door of the mill, a middle-aged pair with the look of seasoned laborers. A grizzled man with brown hair smokes a pipe in the shadow of the wall while a stooped, redheaded woman peels vegetables by his feet. Both get up and hurry inside upon your approach, before anyone can say a word.
01[15:25] <Cidward> The proprietor soon emerges in their place. He is armed, though making no show of eagerness to employ the armaments he carries. A pair of short swords and pistols both are at his belt should there be any trouble. His clothes are rough and workmanlike, but the shirt of chainmail atop them is very professional craftsmanship indeed. Iliandariel is taller than most humans, with long blond hair swept back in no attempt to hide the telltale ears. His eyes are blue and keenly alert.
01[15:25] <Cidward> "Good afternoon, officers," he says coolly, settling some ways between the party and the door of the mill.
[15:27] <Luiza> "Good afternoon," Luiza responds, introducing herself to avoid discrimination.
[15:29] <@Santiago> "Good afternoon, sir," replies Santiago with a stern expression; he, too, is taller than most humans, and a shiny-looking fellow in general. "We're here to ask about the granary explosion from yesterday."
01[15:30] <Cidward> "It must have been an awful wreck," Bosque says. "We could hear the blast from here."
[15:31] <Luiza> "Then it was definitely an explosion?" Luiza queries. "Speaking as an expert, Sir? No freak natural conditions?"
01[15:32] <Cidward> He shrugs. "I can only tell you that that is certainly what we heard here." His employees shortly reappear at the door behind him, looking worried--the woman holding a musket, the man a large hammer--but Bosque brusquely gestures for them to stay where they are.
[15:33] <Luiza> Luiza's gaze draws from the armed employees to the gutted wreck of the barn.
01[15:34] <Cidward> OOC: to be clear, the building definitely has obvious fire damage, but hasn't wholly collapsed
[15:35] <@Santiago> "Do you suspect foul play, Mr. Bosque?" asks Santiago, curiously.
01[15:37] <Cidward> Another shrug. "I can't claim to be well-informed about the internal goings on at Sastre manor," he says. "So I suppose I couldn't rule out the possibility, but nor could I seriously suggest it."
[15:38] <Luiza> "What about here, Sir, a couple days ago?"
[15:38] <@Santiago> "No, but-" Santiago gestures to the man and his employees. "I can't help but notice you're well-prepared for trouble to come to your neighbourhood. Is there something we should know?"
01[15:40] <Cidward> OOC: could you roll Diplomacy?
[15:40] <@Santiago> roll 1d20+10
[15:40] <Rei-chan> 6,0Santiago rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{19}
[15:40] <Luiza> OOC: Could I aid?
01[15:41] <Cidward> OOC: sure
[15:41] <Luiza> roll 1d20+9
[15:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Luiza rolled :6,0 1d20+9 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{14}
01[15:42] <Cidward> Bosque follows Luiza's gaze, then seems to answer both questions: "Oh, the barn?" He pauses for a long moment and seems to consider the group carefully. "My suspicion there is that this was an attempt to frighten me off the property," he admits eventually.
[15:44] <Luiza> "Is there, by chance, any sort of proof? Or an eyewitness to a trespasser on your property that day, Sir?"
[15:45] <Leona> Leona just fidgets with her crossbow and watches the potentially jumpy looking woman with a musket, not having much of use to add to the conversation.
01[15:45] <Cidward> "I did not personally witness an act of sabotage, no," he says. "My reasons for suspicion are more personal. Of course, I would not impede any attempt to investigate the structure, should you feel it necessary."
[15:47] <Luiza> "I believe we should do so, Sir," Luiza agrees, glancing at Santiago in preparation for heading off to do so.
[15:48] <@Santiago> "Take your time," Santiago agrees, nodding to Luiza. "Were there any other, similar incidents, Mr. Bosque? We've been told that this barn did go down during a lightning storm, so an accident doesn't seem out of the question, no?"
01[15:48] <Cidward> OOC: Perception/Engineering/Nature all apt for anyone investigating the barn
[15:48] <Luiza> roll 1d20+7 perception
[15:48] <Rei-chan> 6,0Luiza rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0perception --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{21}
[15:48] <Morrison> roll 1d20+8 nature, sure
[15:48] <Rei-chan> 6,0Morrison rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0nature, sure --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{16}
[15:50] <Morrison> "Definitely not lightning." Morrison says to the others.
[15:52] <Luiza> "Started from below," Luiza agrees, before pointing out a set of footprints to Morrison. "Can you tell where these go?"
01[15:53] <Cidward> "The fire began *before* the storm," Bosque points out. "It was only our great fortune that the skies opened up not long after. Otherwise? My employees have been harassed on the road several times in recent weeks."
[15:54] <@Santiago> "By who?"
[15:55] <Morrison> "I'll try, but if a storm came through here..." He trails off as he looks at them!
01[15:55] <Cidward> "Toughs working for our neighbor. There have been a couple altercations."
01[15:55] <Cidward> OOC: Survival
[15:56] <Morrison> roll 1d20+9 survival skills
[15:56] <Rei-chan> 6,0Morrison rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0survival skills --> 6,0[ 1d20=11 ]4,0{20}
[15:57] <@Santiago> "I'm sorry to hear that," Santiago says, looking past the elf to his employees with a frown. "Rocina should be safe for everyone." He clucks his tongue for a moment. OOC: can I SM elfboi?
01[15:58] <Cidward> OOC: sure
[16:00] <@Santiago> roll 1d20+12
[16:00] <Rei-chan> 6,0Santiago rolled :6,0 1d20+12 --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{20}
[16:04] <Morrison> He shakes his head afterwards. "I can't tell you much... they either came from or went into the undergrowth afterwards. The rain ruined most of it."
[16:05] <@Santiago> Santiago nods for a moment. "How long have you been situated here?" he asks, curiously.
01[16:06] <Cidward> "Half a century now, give or take a few years," Bosque says.
01[16:09] <Cidward> ~