Towards the Coastline 14

[Corwin]

19:05 <Kotono> Thus the party returns to town and...OOC: Any objections or things to say about the weapon/armor trade?
19:07 <Skaya> OOC: So long as it's fair I'm happy to support Anne
19:11 <Kotono> That's done and hands are shook. With that done, is there anything else you want to talk to them about? OOC: Loot.
19:11 <Skaya> OOC: I'm good. Let's go inside and unless the guards stop us to redirect us, we'll go to the Guild.
19:21 <Kotono> OOC: Sounds good. More.
19:22 <Kotono> The trip to the guild is uneventful. It's a big, four story building tht takes up most of a block. It's made of solid stone and wood, closer to a small fortress than anything else. A big central gate in the middle allows entrance, guards stationed there.
19:23 — Skaya leads Anne inside! It would be exciting to see another Guild building and compare the two of them.
19:27 <Kotono> Anne follows, taking it all in. This one is bigger inside - and has several desks with receptionists, almost all pretty ladies, you notice. Lines of adventurers form and feed into them, moving briskly enough. Off to one side are an array of doors and passages, all labeled with signs. On the other side is an archway that leads to a build in pub and restaurant. The buzz of conversation is
19:27 <Kotono> heavy here, noise comign from all directions.
19:28 <Skaya> "Why don't we have lunch first?" Skaya proposes, starting to head towards the pub. "Something local and authentic." And it'd come with a side of local rumors, no doubt!
19:31 <Kotono> Anne looks over, "I could go for something," she agrees, more floating than walking along. Thus the two of you to get some food and...OOC: Give me diplo for GI here. Anne will aid for +2 unless your score is a lot lower than I expect.
19:32 <Skaya> OOC: Bot please?
19:36 <Skaya> OOC: I guess I can take 10. With inspiration here it'd be 30 before any aid.
19:36 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@6E19136D.3448EB2C.9E5D0CF9.IP)
19:37 <Skaya> roll 1d20+20 before aid
19:37 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+20 before aid --> [ 1d20=8 ]{28}
19:37 <Skaya> OOC: So I suppose we're back to 30
19:37 <Kotono> OOC: Back to 30.
19:37 <Kotono> OOC: No escape.
19:37 <Kotono> OOC: Only whimpers.

[Corwin]

19:41 <Kotono> First of all, the party chats up the waitress that takes their order, "Well, there's that plague from down south, sugars," The woman drawls, twenty and full of potential and hope. "But I heard that's winding down. I've also been hearing about Laremy being at war again, and some troubles with ships going missing." As the three of you chat, meanwhile Devar spies Skaya and Anne, laying eyes
19:41 <Kotono> on them at last. OOC: Go ahead.
19:42 <Skaya> "Missing ships?" Skaya repeats, blinking in confusion. "Merchant vessels, fishing boats?"
19:48 <Devar> Devar will head over to Skaya's table! He doesn't want to interrupt so he just takes a seat.
19:48 <Kotono> "Merchant vessels, it might be pirates I hear," The brunette leans in as Rina joins the group as well, Sanda last. "They flare up every so often. Oooooh, what if it's a dashing pirate captain."
19:49 <Kotono> Anne smiles faintly, "Then he'll face justice in a dashing manner."
19:49 <Kotono> "Don't mind Anne, she had her sense of humor removed when she was an initiate." Sanda chimes in.
19:49 <Skaya> "Forget justice, basic hygiene on a pirate ship would be terrible," Skaya says with a grimace. "That's why pirates aren't actually dashing in real life."
19:50 <Kotono> Rina sighs, "And another fantasy, dead in the water. I can just imagine the smell now."
19:50 <Kotono> "Aren't you all a bundle of laughs," Your waitress sighs, "Let me go get your food."
19:51 <Skaya> "Sorry! And thanks."
19:57 <Devar> "We met up with the High Reeve of the city. He didn't seem like a bad sort. He hadn't heard of anything going on in the city we should be aware of." Devar explains. "So if our premonitions are still to be believed, whatever is going on must be much more hidden."
19:57 <Kotono> Once gone Anne turns, "We made a good contact and also traded Oathplate and Oathstrike to the original owners, all by happenstance," Listening along, "It must be," she reckons, "Refresh us all on what it was, Devar?"
19:58 <Kotono> Sanda relaxes in the meantime, eyes half closed. Losing herself in the noise, perhaps.
19:59 <Kotono> Rina listens, "Fortunate happenstance," is all she says, leaving it at that. "The High Reeve seemed more interested in food than anything else, but he didn't seem malicious."
19:59 <Devar> "All I really got was something about the coast and ships." He admits. "I haven't had anything since we got here, but I think if we were somehow not in the right place we'd know."
20:00 <Devar> Devar nods to Rina. "Yes, he's... certainly not wanting for taste in food." He says. "Oh, and you traded them? I guess with your other armor it isn't a big loss. I wonder how much other stuff got taken..."
20:02 <Kotono> "
20:02 <Kotono> "Or it could be stepping up now," Anne remarks thoughtfully, "It's not a great loss, and I have no regrets returning it to the original owners. The reward was satisfactory, and cooperation helps both of us."
20:03 <Kotono> Meanwhile the food comes back. As Sanda puts in an order and it gets noted, "Also, there's one more thing if you're asking about rumors," The waitress adds.
20:03 <Skaya> "Oh? What's that?" Skaya asks excitedly.
20:10 <Kotono> "I heard that someone saw a giant turtle-dragon rising from the ocean," She leans in to whisper, "And that the guild sent heroes after it."
20:10 <Kotono> "A turtle dragon?" Sanda lingers on that a moment, "Like a dragon and a turtle..." she makes a gesture with her hand and blushes.
20:10 <Kotono> "It's been known to happen," Anne's voice is bone dry.
20:11 <Skaya> "It's dragons, right? They get around."
20:11 <Devar> "I don't think I've ever heard of a turtle-like dragon before." Devar admits. "Sounds interesting."
20:18 <Kotono> "Interesting," Sanda agrees, "We'll have to ask about that. Thanks." Once she's gone she turns, "Not that interesting, but statistically speaking, fi there's trouble, a dragon's usually tied to it somehow.
20:18 <Kotono> :
20:19 <Skaya> "You just want to go after a dragon."
20:20 <Devar> "I think we can probably leave it alone unless it starts causing trouble." Devar says. "But what's our plan here, just look around and see if we can uncover anything?"
20:21 <Skaya> "Let's use the letter of introduction and see what's available behind the screen?"
20:22 — Devar nods.
20:28 <Kotono> "IT should get us in," Rina says, "And we can talk up from there."
20:29 <Kotono> "Once lunch is done. Did any of yo uwant anything?" Anne asks as she starts on hers.
20:29 — Skaya doesn't even bother offering as she mirrors Anne. They're all adults!
20:29 <Kotono> Sanda grimaces, "No thank you. I had lunch, dinner and I think breakfast."
20:29 <Devar> Devar nods. "Yes, we were treated to something."
20:35 <Kotono> With that the meal is had. Going to use your letter then?
20:36 <Skaya> Indeed! Once they've eaten, Skaya intends to use the letter rather than let it go to waste. They have their information from the government, and they've heard the rumors various heroes passing by have left. Now, let's see if there's more to it!
20:45 <Kotono> You stand in line and a pretty little blonde woman takes your letter. "Oh, you have a letter of introduction," she smiles at the party, "Are you looking for work?"
20:48 <Skaya> "That could be nice," Skaya agrees. "Are there any jobs to deal with missing ships or strange dragons?"
20:50 <Kotono> A smile, "Interested in the sea?" she asks back instead, giving your party a once over.
20:52 <Skaya> "We heard all the action is there recently. Unless you beg to differ?" Skaya responds, raising an eyebrow.
20:54 <Kotono> Leaning in, "You got any other references?" she asks softly.
20:59 <Devar> Devar leaves this one to Skaya unless she asks for any help!
21:02 <Skaya> "We do have a few more recommendations," Skaya agrees, leaning closer reciprocatively. "The most recent are from Dareslan."
21:03 <Kotono> A murmur at that, "Oh?" she asks, "Can you tell me more?"
21:03 <Kotono> Rina smiles faintly at that, but holds her tongue.
21:04 <Skaya> "I suppose I could, but is this really the best place for that?"
21:08 <Kotono> Skaya gets a look over before, "Come back with me," she says, putting an ON BREAK sign at her desk. It's a small little room, but it has a few chairs and a table. Once in, "Well dears," She elaborates, "You wanted my attention. What is it you have to say?"
21:11 <Skaya> "How up to date is your information about the plague and its causes?"
21:11 <Kotono> "That a madman was behind it?" Is thea nswer, "And that wandering heroes helped resolve it?"
21:11 <Kotono> Anne clears her throat.
21:11 <Kotono> "What she means is that you're looking at them," Rina cuts in, "All the dancing around it done with. There."
21:13 <Skaya> "There was indeed a crazy mage behind it, but--" Skaya goes on to say with a sad look at Rina, "--unfortunately, we strongly suspect another set the conditions to be favorable for him in the first place. This masked wizard uses poison, disease and traps, and leaves a trail of death behind him. Brachidos. Perhaps you've heard of him as well?"
21:15 <Kotono> "I've been told to be alert for that name," Is the answer, "Though I didn't know why until now." A soft murmur, a hand to her lips.
21:17 <Skaya> "Talona seems to think he's coming here to interfere with her plans and sent her own people after him. That's horrifying enough, but we did run into Brachidos on the way over here. So I'd really like to know if there's been any word of disease, poison or strange magic recently here or elsewhere along the coast."
21:21 <Kotono> "I think..." With a smile she get sup, "That this is above my rank to deal with. I'll be right back with someone who can help." At least it doesn't take long, only a few minutes. The man who comes in is scarred and walks with a cane, despite only looking thirty at most. He's big and muscular, or at least was, but it's slowly wasting away. His dark gaze settles over all of you and he sits
21:21 <Kotono> without a word, exhales heavily and says, "So you're some of Picke's fellows, if I don't miss my guess?"
21:22 <Skaya> "It's a very good guess, Sir."
21:23 <Devar> Devar just nods with a smile. "I'm glad to hear he's well-regarded even this far out."
21:27 <Kotono> A grunt and a sealed envelope is stuck out towards you. "Came this morning in case you all came this way."
21:27 <Kotono> "Good timing," Sanda observes, "I really should learn about his sense of timing, it beats the odds."
21:28 — Skaya accepts the envelop and opens it after a brief pause to see if their host will interrupt.
21:37 <Kotono> All of you?
21:37 <Kotono> I'll be brief. War's broken out, but I suspect you'll know that when you read that. What you may not know is that Milla and I, along with more than a few others have been mobilized for the southern theater. Yes, as in more than one theater of war. It's looking increasingly likely that the Petty Kingdoms are going to want their pound of flesh, and a sharp, immediate counterattack that shatters
21:37 <Kotono> them may be a war winner. I have my doubts, this stinks too much of manipulation, but too many people want or profit from bloodshed to stop this. Not with all the bad blood in the past.
21:37 <Kotono> In theory, you have orders from the crown to return and aid Laremy in her time of need. In reality, the choice is yours. I won't stop you or report you, as far as I'm concerned, I never said a word about it to you all. Brachidos needs to be stopped if what I've heard is true, and you may be the ones to stop more senseless miseries. It's up to all of you. For what it's worth? If you think
21:37 <Kotono> it's about glory or victory? Don't come back. War's never like that in the present, only in the history books.
21:37 <Kotono> We'll do our best here. No matter what you choose, choose it of your own will.
21:37 <Kotono> Anne: I'll siphoned some extra funds and a few old ladies I know to help with your orphanage. I doubt I need to tell you that times may be tough if the war comes this way, but they'll do what they can.
21:37 <Kotono> Sanda: I have a few people keeping an eye on your shop. It won't matter much if Mellanics gets sacked again, but it should stop any petty troubles.
21:37 <Kotono> Rina: I made sure a few of your friends know you're alright last I heard.
21:37 <Kotono> Skaya: Your job's here if you want it after the war, no matter what you choose.
21:37 <Kotono> Devar: As a follower of Eldath, I don't remotely expect you to participate in this misery. Others might try if you come back. War brings out the worst in people.
21:37 <Kotono> Good luck.
21:37 <Kotono> Picke.
21:38 <Skaya> "It's about as bad as we thought," Skaya says with a heavy sigh upon reading the missive.
21:39 <Kotono> Sanda matches that with a soft whimper, sorrowful. She shakes her head, "I really hoped it didn't come to this, even if I thought the odds were against my hopes."
21:40 <Devar> "I'm really hoping that dealing with Brachidos may help in this effort." Devar says.
21:40 <Kotono> Anne's silent. She closes her eyes and take sa few moments. "So am I, Devar. So am I. At the least, it's a worthy effort no matter what he has to do with that war."
21:41 <Skaya> "That's the thing. I feel he had something to do with this, but even if we caught him and got him to confess it won't be enough to stop the special interests on all sides."
21:41 <Kotono> "The best fire is the one you only need to spark, and that burns all on its own," Rina muses, "In other words, minimum effort, maximum results."
21:42 <Kotono> "I'm staying on the trail," Rina decides after, "I know what I'm in for."
21:42 <Kotono> "Me too," Sanda speaks up here, "We need to stop Brachidos, and letting him off the hook means he causes more trouble. We're close to ending this, closer than we thought."
21:43 — Skaya nods slowly. Maybe it's the sunk cost fallacy she's fallen for, but she doesn't want to quit at this stage.
21:44 <Kotono> "...We need to finish this, even if it sickens me with worry," Anne says at last, "Perhaps you're right, Sanda, and we can finish this soon."
21:46 <Kotono> "Sounds like it's the worst news," The man says, "Name's Kierson, by the way. It's that's bad down there, is it?"
21:48 <Kotono> "Yeah, you got eyes, and he sent you a letter too, didn't he?" Rina guesses.
21:48 <Skaya> "Almost everyone is gearing up to fight. We've actually visited through a magic artifact, and civilians on both sides blamed the other for an ambush with almost no survivors. Given the history, that's probably all it took for war to start."
21:49 <Kotono> "Suppose he did," The man agrees, "Probably all it took. Only good thing is that Welland's not ready for a war right now. If it makes you feel better, I suspect unless it drags out into a stalemate, Welland's going to profit off the war but not intervene."
21:51 <Kotono> "If I were Welland's leadership, it's what I'd do," Sanda speaks up, "And possibly intercede once it's dragged out without a winner as the 'neutral' third party to broker a peace, while reaping advantages from it. It's the best return for almost no cost."
21:52 <Kotono> "Yes, and when those in power are rational and wise, war never happens to begin with," Is Anne's too sharp words. A beat, a glare from Sanda. "...I spoke too sharply. I apologize."
21:52 <Kotono> "You kids know what you're going to do?" Kierson asks then, "Hunting down this Brachidos, or...?"
21:53 <Skaya> "We're definitely hunting him down, but we do want to know if there are any waves he's been making here or in the neighborhood."
21:54 <Kotono> "You got a writ or anything from someone in power? I heard you did, but let me see it," Kierson says.
21:55 <Skaya> Skaya has the writ they received while investigating Regis's murder, so she provides it. Perhaps Devar and Anne have a newer one?
21:56 <Devar> Devar will take out the paperwork they got from the High Reeve in Dareslan from the High Lawmaker. "We haven't opted for citizenship, but I think this will suffice in terms of how regraded we are." He says.
21:58 <Kotono> The moment it's read it's handed back, "Good enough. I knew who you are, but..." He grunts. "There's been rumors. A murder attributed to that name last week. Poison work, the man collasped just like that," A snap of his fingers, "Or so I hear. He has a taste for theatrics." On that last comment, "You got an out if Laremy goes wrong before you get back. Don't forget it if you need it."
21:58 <Kotono> "That sounds somewhat familiar," Rina scowls, "He's done that sort of thing before."
22:00 <Skaya> "Any news from the other cities by the coast?" Skaya inquires. "Plus what's with the pirates and turtle dragons? Any substance to all that?"
22:04 <Kotono> "Pirates happen, doesn't seem to be anything special to it. Then again, it's just starting," Is the answer, "I have some good men looking into it. The dragon turtle's not related." A shake of his head, "It's a problem but we're trying to deal with it. Thing's strong enough that our first effort didn't go well. Lost a few good members."
22:05 <Skaya> "Is it actually hostile?"
22:07 <Kotono> "Looks that way. It attacked," Is the simple answer, a shake of his head, "Why, got a reason to think ab east isn't hostile?
22:07 <Kotono> "
22:08 <Skaya> "We've had some success with dragons, that's all." Glancing at the others, Skaya asks, "Want to investigate that death as a lead, or see why there are dragon turtles here at this time?"
22:08 <Devar> "I can investigate the death, if you want." Devar offers. "If you want to split up to look into both."
22:09 <Skaya> "That might work. Rina can help with that, while we could join any team following up on that first encounter with the dragon," Skaya muses, looking over at Kierson. "How does that sound, Sir?"
22:12 <Kotono> "Split up," Rina agrees.
22:12 <Kotono> "Then..." which an answer comes...next time!