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!

[Corwin]

19:00 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, what groups and who is doing what?
19:04 <Devar> OOC: I think it was Devar and Rina investigate the death, Skaya Sanda and Anne investigate the pirates / dragon?
19:05 <•Kotono> Okay, that works. Devar into #dunes, then I'll get Skaya and friends going in here.
19:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, Skaya and friends, how do you plan to approach the pirates/dragons or whatever you're going to look into?
19:10 <Skaya> OOC: Let's see what jobs and information the Guild has available. As I mentioned to Kierson, perhaps we can join an upcoming investigation/raid? Or there might be a job protecting a merchant ship headed nearby.
19:12 <•Kotono> There's a big board with lots of jobs posted, as well as assisstants you can ask for aid. It's really up to you, but Sanda drifts towards the board, and Anne eyes the assisstants. "It might be simpler to ask questions," she murmurs to Skaya quietly, well outside of Sanda's ears. "I can do that if you prefer to check the board with Sanda."
19:14 <Skaya> "Go for it," Skaya tells Anne. "I'll go with Sanda this time."
19:15 <•Kotono> Anne nods briskly. There's all sorts of jobs, from the simple and easy, to the challenging. Sea and land, all over Rockgale and spreading outward. There's even one to head to the border with Laremy and investigate, and send back reports. Sanda is currently studying one, about a shop requesting protection from a shake down.
19:17 <Skaya> "Is that shopkeeper solidarity, or do you think it's related to the pirates?" Skaya asks Sanda, checking to see if there's one specifically to deal with strange dragonlike creatures.
19:19 <•Kotono> "Nostalgia," Sanda says with a hint of a smile, "These days I'd likely deal with a few dumb thugs myself, and statistically, the odds are skewed heavily in my favor."
19:21 <•Kotono> Meanwhile, you see there is one pinned to the center of the board. It reads: Turtle-like Dragon spied in the ocean! Investigate for big rewards! Contact any assisstant for details. Highest skill recommended.
19:21 <Skaya> "Let's go for this one?" Skaya proposes, tapping the Turtle-Dragon notice.
19:23 <•Kotono> A nod and a glance at the line, "Oh good, Anne's being useful and saving us a spot."
19:26 — Skaya wraps her arm around Sanda's and pulls her over to Anne with a grin. "Look who got lonely and wanted to join you," she tells Anne upon approach.
19:35 <•Kotono> Anne's expression is utterly deadpan at that, an exasperated sigh afterwards.
19:35 <•Kotono> Sanda follows along with her own smile, "I like to think it's because you took her to dinner, Anne."
19:37 <Skaya> "We want to investigate the turtle dragon!" Skaya announces. "It's a dragon and a turtle at once!"
19:40 <•Kotono> "Two is better than one," Anne adds dryly.
19:40 <•Kotono> "And in the water, I can keep up," Sanda mentions, "If need be."
19:41 <Skaya> "What's the details on the job? And who else is taking it, if any?"
19:49 <•Kotono> Fortunately, you're almost to a receptionist. This one's brown haired and with big, gentle eyes, "Oh, are you big heroes ready to fight?" A soft giggle afterwards, "I'll be glad to give you the details. The details are to track down and eliminate this dragon, or alternately neutralize it if it's willing to leave us be. So far Logan's Rider's have taken the job."
19:50 <•Kotono> Anne merely nods along to all of that, "Could you tell us more about the group that already took it?"
19:51 <Skaya> "Yes, please do!"
19:54 <•Kotono> A smile Skaya's way, "Sure thing, ladies," she responds. "Logan's Riders are a five person group that specializes in bodyguarding and eliminations. The leader's Logan, he's good at it and knows how to bring the best out in those who work with him. Fortier is his second and a bare handed brawler, there's also Anne his wife, who is a wizardess."
19:54 <•Kotono> "That's going to be so confusing," Sanda complains right away.
19:55 <Skaya> "People are allowed to have the same name," Skaya tells her.
19:55 <•Kotono> "It's a common name," Anne answers blandly. "Hardly the first time it's happened."
19:55 <Skaya> "I'm terribly sorry, her name is Sanda and she's never run into such a situation before," Skaya apologizes to her fellow guild receptionist.
19:55 <•Kotono> "You're an Anne?" The receptionist looks to Anne, "No offense, but you look more like a Maria or a Louise. If I had to think any of you were an Anne, it would be you there, miss." A little nod to Sanda.
19:56 <•Kotono> "Sanda's Sanda, please bear with her," Anne adds politely, as all of you get a dirty look fro Sanda.
19:56 <Skaya> Well she could always take Anne's name. But it might go beyond a mere dirty look if she made an innocent suggestion like that. "So Logan's group, what's the most impressive thing they fought and lived to tell the tale?"
19:59 <•Kotono> "Oooooh," A small, teasing smile, "I think it was that time a giant came across the ocean and decided to rampage. They managed to keep it out of town and kite it until it collapsed. That was a few years ago but it made their reputation."
20:00 <•Kotono> "Not bad," Anne murmurs, "Giants are no weak opponents from the stories I've heard."
20:00 <Skaya> "Sounds good to me. What's their view on sharing a bounty with another team? Would they be opposed to us pooling our forces together?"
20:00 <•Kotono> "They live across the sea?" Sanda interjects here.
20:00 <Skaya> That's actually a great question! Once Sanda learns to teleport they have to go and check.
20:02 <•Kotono> "Well Anne," A devious smile at Sanda as she gets the answer, "Giants do live across the sea. I don't know details, but I've heard that before. They mostly keep to themselves are and at war with something else, but I can't remember what." Then to to Skaya, "Only if you're willing to be fully subordinate to him. Logan's something of a control freak, dears."
20:02 <•Kotono> Sanda exhales, long and slow, "Excuse me, I'm going to go get some air and lower the odds of an unexpected homicide." she says, all snippy, and turns and walks away.
20:02 <•Kotono> Anne tries not to smile. She fails. She tries not to laugh. She manages, mostly. After a breath, "As funny as that was, please don't, miss."
20:03 <•Kotono> "Dearie, there's certainly some tension between the two of you, isn't there?" The receptionist goes on. "I'm not sure what that's all about, but it's obvious."
20:04 <•Kotono> "Less tension and more we simply tend not to get along." Anne admits, "Please stop."
20:04 <Skaya> "Don't worry, that's statistically improbable," Skaya tells the receptionist after Sanda's ominous words. "And they're just friends, it's all good. So when you say control freak, do you mean he'll leave the worst jobs to us, or just that he likes to call the shots in battle?"
20:05 <•Kotono> Taking that rebuke and changing tacks, "He likes to be in complete control. He's in charge and that's not up for discussion. He's good at it, but you have to be willing to accept that. If you don't, it won't work."
20:06 <Skaya> "Can I do it, Anne?"
20:08 <•Kotono> Anne crosses her arms, "You could, but that doesn't mean it's the best idea," Anne admits freely, "My instinct is that we have too many strong personalities to make this work."
20:09 <Skaya> "I suppose so. But Rina at least won't be an issue with this," Skaya muses. "Ah, my bad. Perhaps I'm just getting ahead of myself here. Would it be possible to ask you to make the introduction? We can decide after sitting down over some tea."
20:10 <•Kotono> "Only sensible," Anne agrees, "We might get along well enough to make it work, and instinct is only instinct."
20:11 <•Kotono> "I can take care of that. I'll send a message, why don't you get comfortable and have a drink over there," The receptionist points towards the restaurant to the side.
20:12 <Skaya> "Thanks so much! Hope it all works out!"
20:13 <•Kotono> "I hope so too. Say," With a coy smile, twirling brown hair around a finger, "You busy after this, miss Skaya?"
20:14 <•Kotono> Anne blink-blinks at that, "And here I wondered why you kept playing like that when it was only us ladies."
20:15 <•Kotono> "You know what, I'll get Sanda," Anne steps away, leaving that to the two of you.
20:15 <Skaya> "I should have some time," Skaya responds. "Don't mind Anne, we're all weird in our own way."
20:16 <•Kotono> "Lovely. I can get off whenever, come say hi to me and we'll go," A warm smile, "Call me Becca."
20:17 <Skaya> "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Becca! This shouldn't take long once Logan shows up."
20:18 <•Kotono> With that the three of you end up at a table, waiting. "Congratulations," Sanda smiles warmly for you, "Isn't it nice when someone makes a move like that?"
20:19 <•Kotono> Anne sips watered down wine, more to wet her lips than anything else. "Amid all the troubles we have, a moment of respite like that can be worth more than gold."
20:19 <Skaya> "It was pretty rare when I was working a counter," Skaya muses. "Actually, a lot of the time was trying to find nice ways to let someone down."
20:20 <•Kotono> "I've had a few that tried, but my vow is a simple and strong reason to let them down with a minimum of hurt," Anne remarks, "Far more troublesome are those who simply make comments or leer."
20:21 <•Kotono> "Being beautiful statistically brings out the worst in some," Sanda grumps, "Though enough strength keeps all but the idiots at bay. Unfortunately, there's a lot of idiots out there."
20:21 <Skaya> "No kidding. Lots of idiots everywhere."
20:22 <•Kotono> "STrength and fame attract their own sort of attention," Anne reflects, "Had we settled down here and taken that offer, I have no doubt all of us would have eager suitors." A soft hm at that, a sip of her wine but little more. "Strength helps greatly, but idiots have the advantage of numbers."
20:22 <•Kotono> "I'd expect something more optimistic from you," Sanda remarks at that.
20:23 <Skaya> "Also, if you really think about it, eventually you may grow strong enough to get others to back off for good."
20:24 <•Kotono> "Idiots are idiots. Treat them with love and respect, but do not forget that they are idiots," Anne says, "Some may grow out of it, some may not." Then softer, "I've seen that in some of my charges. Some simply need more time to grow, but some?" A shake of her head. "So it goes."
20:25 <Skaya> "It's twice today that I've yearned for Teleport," Skaya muses at that. "It's just so versatile and useful. Maybe I can just get someone to make me a ring of it, and then I could avoid all the idiots I want once a day?"
20:26 <•Kotono> A chuckle from Sanda, "That's the spell I look forward to the most."
20:27 <•Kotono> "Flight helps so much," Anne's voice becomes wistful, "Oh, even now I wish I were in the skies. To fly away, to leave your problems behind? How lovely that can be when the time is right."
20:28 <•Kotono> At that Sanda makes a soft noise and glances at Skaya. "Say, you've gotten some of the most obvious effects of your elemental transfusion? Or is it that flight is a temptation that's always there and always able to be answered?"
20:29 <•Kotono> Anne taps a finger on the table, "I think you're right about that it's always there. The ocean is usually far away for you, and how often does Rina stand in front of a fire? But there's always the skies above, or even leaving the ground to float."
20:29 <Skaya> "I have a bunch of new urges but that one is the most socially acceptable, really."
20:29 <•Kotono> "How are yours?" Sanda asks at that.
20:30 <Skaya> "The usual bird ones? Like when you think of birds, that's it for me."
20:36 <•Kotono> "Like crowing at the sunrise?" Anne's smile is starting to grow.
20:37 <Skaya> "Pretty much anything you can think of."
20:37 <•Kotono> Meanwhile, you see people coming towards your table. A man of maybe 30 years of age, a hint of a pointiness to his ears and natural grace that stands out. He's wearing light armor and approaches, and with him is a quiet, demure looking woman, short and with black hair. She walks a step behind him and follows. "Skaya, Anne, Sanda?" a simple question to the three of you.
20:38 <•Kotono> The conversation is interrupted and Sanda turns, "That's us."
20:40 <Skaya> "Hello!" Skaya greets him. "I'm Skaya, and these are Anne and Sanda." She points the other two, before offering, "Won't the two of you take a seat?"
20:40 <•Kotono> "Logan," The man introduces himself, "Anne," A nod to his wife, who curtsies and sits once Logan does. A waitress follows, placing down drinks for everyone, along with a bowl of nuts in the center of the table. "I don't usually get interrupted in my preparations by an offer like this."
20:40 <•Kotono> "We're a little behind," Sanda explains, "We just got into town today, Dareslan and then travel ate up time."
20:41 <Skaya> "We have to say, the dragon turtle interests us, especially the reports about it targeting people. Since we heard your group was already going, reaching out seemed like the obvious thing."
20:42 <•Kotono> "Logical," Is Logan's answer, and Sanda perks up slightly. "I'd normally ignore this, but Becca said you have the support of the High Reeve. What is it you want from this, then?"
20:44 <Skaya> "If people are threatened by a dragon variant, I want that dragon gone, either through force or negotiations. If someone is behind the dragon or the rumors, most likely a mage, I'd want them apprehended. And naturally, if it does come to a fight, I'd want us to get a fair share."
20:57 <•Kotono> "And what makes you worth the trouble?" Is the question right back.
20:59 <Skaya> "Aside from our combat accomplishments, we can fly and explore underwater if need be. That would prove invaluable on an expedition over sea."
21:06 <•Kotono> Anne floats up at that, enough to be obvious.
21:06 <•Kotono> "I can breathe water," Sanda speaks up, "I'd rather not be alone against it, but I can do things others can't."
21:07 <•Kotono> That gets a sharp, considering look, "This creature is..." A drum of his fingers, "It distorts and creates chaos in its wake. It disturbs me." Logan declares, "It needs to be stopped."
21:07 <Skaya> "How do you intend to approach this?"
21:11 <•Kotono> "We need a methodical approach," Is the answer, "We need to hunt it down and organize a decisive response. Half measures won't do against a dragon. We need to make one attack and have it be decisive."
21:12 <Skaya> "A turtle hybrid rather suggests a strong defense. How were you thinking of getting past it?"
21:13 <•Kotono> "My plan? Make it show its belly," Is the answer, "Avoid the shell and hit it where it's vulnerable. Either from below in an ambush and with magic's aid, or some means of flipping it. I have a few ideas."
21:14 <Skaya> "If we were to work together on this, what would you envision our jobs to be?"
21:20 <•Kotono> A pause to consider. "I'd want a further grasp if your abilities," he decides, "Too many unknown variables."
21:22 <Skaya> "Priestess," Skaya responds, gesturing to her side at Anne. "Specializing in healing spells, but decent in melee combat as well. And wizard," she goes on to say, gesturing at her other side, "who can also fight in melee, but I'd really prefer fought from a distance. Spells of the third circle for both of them. As for myself, I can do a little bit of everything, but I do specialize in hand to hand combat."
21:24 <•Kotono> "They know their place?" Is the next question.
21:24 <•Kotono> "Excuse me?" Anne asks archly.
21:25 <•Kotono> "You know what's expected of you," Logan answers bluntly. "You do that without hesitation and with skill."
21:25 <•Kotono> "That was a bad turn of phrase for it," Sanda comments, "But yes, we can."
21:26 <Skaya> "Now that you know us a bit better, how do you envision what's expected of us?" Skaya asks, also sparing a moment to see how the other Anne is taking all this.
21:32 <•Kotono> The other Anne is silent, head bowed and polite. Some thought before, "Healers stay in position and move to heal properly as needed. Aerial mobility will greatly enhance that role. I'd want her to be able to move in an instant and get to someone who needs healing. She stays above and uses flight to avoid anything but spells or dragon's breath, and protected enough that if she draws fire
21:32 <•Kotono> with those, she can withstand them. Sanda's position would depend if we face it in the water or lure it onto land, which is one of my plans. If it's water, a mobile harrier that can be used to distract the dragon and make it move into positions we want. On land, simply ranged magical support. Melee in an emergency only."
21:33 <Skaya> "What about your group, so we know their roles better?"
21:38 <•Kotono> "I lead, command and stay back, but not so far I can't move in," Is the answer, "Ideally positioned to affect as many with my abilities as I can. The right words drive people far higher than without them. Anne here works with Sanda. She specializes in magic to distract, debilitate and delay enemies, though she has offensive magic if Sanda's better than her at those. I'd like both of those
21:38 <•Kotono> covered, in case one proves to be ineffective."
21:41 <Skaya> "I heard there's a frontline brawler going by Fortier as well, who I presume is going to take the fight to the dragon?" Skaya voices. "If so, that still leaves two more people on your side and myself."
21:42 <•Kotono> A nod, "That's all unfortunately, our other two members are unavailable at the last minute," he admits, "This would be fortunate, even if it stretches any rewards thin."
21:43 <•Kotono> "Very thin," Anne murmurs, "Bu tthat's not why I'm doing this."
21:43 <•Kotono> "It's why I'm doing it, though," Sanda points out suddenly.
21:44 <Skaya> "What is your plan in case the dragon is open to negotiations?" Skaya decides to ask, not mentioning that going after one with just three people and not even a healer is suicide. "Possibly related, what is your stance on retreat if it proves to be a more difficult opponent than estimated?"
21:51 <•Kotono> "Talk it down," Is the answer, "Find out why it's doing this and come to an accord. I speak enough Dragontongue to get by in a conversation." A hm, "Only logical, any plan would have conditions to retreat and how to cover a retreat. Fighting to the death in a hopeless battle is a waste."
21:54 <Skaya> "I think I understand things better, now," Skaya muses. "Like I said, I'm a jack of all trades. I'm fluent in draconic and negotiations, and I'm agile enough to assist in harassment rather than frontline. If we run into something unexpected, ask me and there's a good chance I can do it." Glancing over at her Anne and Sanda, she asks, "What do you say? Want to cooperate on this with Logan and his team?"
21:55 <•Kotono> "I can live with it," Sanda says, "And more support would help if this goes wrong. It's a dragon, so it probably will, statistically speaking."
21:55 <•Kotono> Anne is quiet, "Anne," she says, "What do you think of it?"
21:56 <•Kotono> "I agreed with my husband's decision," she says, voice soft, almost a whisper. "I make...terrible decisions. My Logan makes wise decisions."
21:57 <•Kotono> "There is one thing I want to know," Sanda pipes up here as Anne chews on that answer. "Logan, do you have the blood of the planes? I'm not an expert, but do you have any ties to the forces of order?" OOC: Taking 10 on K:P.
21:57 — Skaya is speechless. Surely it can't be that bad? But she doesn't really show it, since if it is that bad cooperating on this job is the closest thing to going undercover and finding out.
21:59 <•Kotono> Perhaps Anne is speechless as well, for she's simply silent. A slight, tight nod to Sanda. "Yes." For a moment there's no elaboration, "A place called Mechanus, from my grandmother's side."
22:00 <Skaya> Oh wow! But if she with her lineage can do it, surely Anne can. "When do you plan on leaving?"
22:00 <•Kotono> "Tomorrow or the day after, depending on organization. Do you need time?" A simple question.
22:01 <Skaya> "I don't think we need much time, so tomorrow should work. Sanda? Anne?"
22:02 <•Kotono> "Tentatively yes," Anne points out, "We have two friends working on something else, and it's best we confirm with them first."
22:02 <•Kotono> "Fine with me," Sanda agrees.
22:02 <Skaya> "Great! How do we get in touch with you, Logan?"
22:03 <•Kotono> "I can work with that," he decides, offering his hand out. "I have my breakfast here most days, and I'll do that in the morning. Come find me and let me know."
22:03 <Skaya> "That works. In that case, is there anything else we should go over?"
22:05 <•Kotono> The answer to that question comes....next time!

[Corwin]

19:06 <•Kotono> ------
19:06 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay Devar and Rina, what's your plan here?
19:07 <Devar> OOC: Since we're already known by the local guard, go ask whoever investigated it for more information. Also find out how recent it was and so on. We'll go from there.
19:09 <•Kotono> That takes a bit of talking around, but showing your papers around smooths it over nicely. Eventually you come to middle aged man. He looks tired as he sits in a tiny office with a desk crammed full of papers. He looks up with a tired gaze, in simple guard clothes minor the armor. "So you're those heroes I heard about from Dareslan." He puts aside the paper he's on. "Good enough for me. What
19:09 <•Kotono> do you need to know?"
19:11 <Devar> "We'd like to cover the basics first about this attack - how long ago was it exactly?" Devar asks.
19:13 <•Kotono> Rina stays back, barely in the room. She glances at the walls every so often, shoulders bunched together and knuckles white, grasping air instead of the hilt of her sword. "Let me check," he starts shuffling papers, "What do you know so far? Also, my name is Ramirez."
19:14 <Devar> "All we've been told is the individual died and was likely poisoned." Devar says. "It's good to meet you, Ramirez - I'm Devar and this is Rina. I suppose it might be good for us to know the name of the individual too, we're probably going to go digging around a lot."
19:18 <•Kotono> More shuffling, a glance up. "You can step out if you need to," he says to Rina, bluntly. "Seen that look before." Rina startles at that as he finds his paper, but takes the chance and steps out without a word. "Here we are," A mutter as he pulls it out, "Ten days ago now."
19:21 <Devar> OOC: Just for my own timeframe reference, that puts us before we even got to Dareslan, right? It's been I think two days to travel there, and we spent a day or two in town with the plague and four or so in the Maelstrom?
19:22 <•Kotono> OOC: It took you several days to travel from Dareslan to here, so that puts you in Dareslan at the time.
19:22 <Devar> OOC: Okay
19:22 <•Kotono> OOC: You spent some time there as the plague raged, then a few days below, and then a few days resting up and preparing.
19:22 <•Kotono> OOC: But Brachidos having a lead on you isn't news due to being tangled in Dareslan.
19:23 <Devar> Devar murmurs to himself at the number. "Ten days, all right. Anything noteworthy about the victim? Any prior arrests, or were they known to associate with the shadow-y types?"
19:33 <•Kotono> A read, "No, his name was LeBleau, a known troublemaker. Used to be a corrupt merchant, he got caught cheating taxes and the fines wiped him out. He got into the less savory side of things from there."
19:34 <Devar> "Okay. It's probably too late, given the circumstances, but do you know what happened to his body?" Devar asks.
19:38 <•Kotono> A few checks, "You're lucky it wasn't burned. In theory anything disease or disease related requires cremation due to city law, but it was clearly enough poison to avoid that."
19:39 <Devar> "Trust me, I don't blame you." Devar says. "Can you write us something give permission to investigate it? Oh, we'd also like to look over his residence, please."
19:42 <•Kotono> Orders are quickly written and signed, then passed over. "I know you have the High Reeve's full support,' Is his answer, "If you have any problems, come to me." A moment, "Also, is the woman with you alright? I've seen that sort of response, and it's never healthy. Usually to something rotten happening to them."
19:44 <Devar> "This person we're chasing killed her brother." Devar says, simply - and with a bit of a frown. "So this is a very personal matter for her. You've got a good eye, please keep watch over your friends with it." He adds with a smile. "Thank you for your help." He will go and fetch Rina and make sure she's doing all right!
19:51 <•Kotono> Rina's outside, resting against a wall and breathing slow and steady. On your glance, "I'm fine. It reminded me of that cell I was locked in all of a sudden," She explains. "I was fine throughout that underground expanse, but something about that office brought me right back."
19:53 <Devar> Devar nods to her and gives her a pat on the back. "Take your time. That sort of thing always takes time to get through. I've got the paperwork we need - I'm going to see if there's anything we can learn from the corpse itself. In theory I should've asked Anne to be here, but I can always get her to cast her magic on it later."
19:58 <•Kotono> "We should go trade then," Rina suggests, "We should be able to catch up with the other three with any luck." A thin smile is given back to Devar at that pat.
19:59 <Devar> Devar considers for a moment. "Even if we do, I doubt she has them prepared, so it'd probably need to wait until tomorrow. If you want to go with them I can handle the investigation myself though."
20:03 <•Kotono> "No, then there's no sense leaving you alone. Just in case," Rina agrees, "Let's go, Devar."
20:04 <Devar> Devar nods - he will head to wherever it is that they are keeping the body!
20:07 <•Kotono> The body's kept in the sense it's buried. It's buried in a public cemetary on the outskirts of town. A gravekeeper escorts you, an old man with a brisk walk and white hair. "Right here," A simple, small stone marker with the name LeBleau is here. "You need it dug up, we can have it dug up."
20:08 <Devar> "Please. I don't mind helping." Devar offers. "Rina, you're not obligated for this part."
20:12 <•Kotono> "I'm not a doll ready to break," Rina shakes her head, "I'll help."
20:12 <•Kotono> "I'll get shovels," The gravekeep says, "Try not to breath in directly when the coffin is revealed in case it has a crack, or especially once it's opened."
20:13 <Devar> "We'll be careful." Devar promises.
20:13 <Devar> He turns to Rina with a smile. "I didn't mean to imply anything like that, just that you aren't obligated to pitch in when I decide to be selfless."
20:16 <•Kotono> "It's good work," Is all Rina says. From there thet wo of you and a few others excavate a coffin. It takes some time but it's done, and fortunately the coffin's structural integrity is intact, despite being cheap, thin looking wood.
20:20 <Devar> They don't need to breathe anyway, but Devar will hold his in order to open the casket and take a look at what's going on. OOC: The magic is surely gone at this point, but he'll do Detect Magic and Take 10 on Spellcraft for 24 for anything lingering or somehow still on him. Heal check for 20 for anything out of the ordinary and we'll go from there.
20:26 <•Kotono> Rina does the same, your outsider nature and enhanced longs making this trivial. No signs of magic that you can see, and it's hard to tell what he died of with some decay starting to set in, but no obvious fatal wounds does suggest poison or disease, or health defect.
20:26 <•Kotono> *lungs
20:27 <Devar> OOC: We don't see anything on the surface level in terms of where the poison likely affected him, correct?
20:30 <•Kotono> OOC: Correct.
20:31 <Devar> Devar will look the body over - any signs of those markings - the tattoos the exploding guy had or anything of that nature?
20:36 <•Kotono> You don't see anything like that, no.
20:37 <Devar> "I could try and open him up a bit to see where the poison affected him but I'm not sure that'll do us much good." Devar says. "I think it's fine to leave this to Anne, unless you've got any other ideas?"
20:38 <•Kotono> "None," Rina agrees as you talk away from the stench. "Hopefully Anne can wrest answers from him."
20:40 <Devar> Devar nods. He'll help put the casket back together and re-bury it - no sense in leaving it out further. "Thank you for your help." He will bid farewell to the gravekeeper and then take Rina to go visit LeBleau's abode - after a quick Prestidigitation to clean them up.
20:41 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
20:41 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=92 ]{92}
20:41 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 subtables
20:41 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 subtables --> [ 1d100=86 ]{86}
20:41 <•Kotono> The city in the summer heat is busy. The smells of people dominate the air, thick with sweat. But you make it through that and the smell of the city, to a small house. Two guards are already there, standing outside.
20:42 <Devar> Devar will greet them both with a polite nod. "Good day. We're here to investigate. I'm Devar, this is Rina." He says by way of greeting to the two guards.
20:45 <•Kotono> "We know and you're expected," They say, not barring your way in.
20:47 <Devar> He nods to them again and will go inside!
21:05 <•Kotono> It's a house. Mostly quiet and stripped of anything notable, except some old and bulky furniture. Any particular goals here?
21:07 <Devar> OOC: Give it a thorough searching, we'll do some Detect Magic-ing too on the way in case anything stands out. Looking for any notes, or really anything that might explain why Brachidos killed him or what sort of relationship they had.
21:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception check then.
21:07 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 20
21:08 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Rina will give rolling a shot
21:08 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Rina will give rolling a shot --> [ 1d20=1 ]{13}
21:08 <•Kotono> OOC: Hi Kobot.
21:09 <Devar> OOC: That's why we don't trust it!
21:14 <•Kotono> The house is searched. Nothing too unusual is found. At least nothing that suggests interesting beyond old furniture.
21:16 <Devar> "You think we're missing a secret room or something?" Devar asks. "These types always have something hidden somewhere."
21:19 <•Kotono> "WE could spend a few hours donig it prperly," Rina points out, "But it'll take time."
21:19 <•Kotono> *Doing it properly
21:22 <Devar> "I'll take a shortcut." Devar says - he goes over to a wall and then passes through it! OOC: Swimstone - he'll basically quickly go around the perimeter of the house from where they are to see if he can find a secret room or not. He's got 8 rounds to do it which should be plenty of time. If he doesn't find anything he'll try under the floor with any remaining time left.
21:24 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 vs ???
21:24 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs ??? --> [ 1d100=6 ]{6}
21:24 <•Kotono> Luck is in your favor - you find a hidden compartment in one of the walls of the bedroom.
21:25 <Devar> He doesn't have time to figure out how to get into it exactly, so he'll make sure he's on the outside when swimstone ends - but if he has any spare time he'll try to see how the compartment attaches to the room to find whatever switch it is that opens it.
21:26 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception for that part. Good luck!
21:26 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 20, nice try, Kobot in a wig!
21:29 <•Kotono> There's some sort of hidden latch. It's enough that you think you can figure it out on the other side now.
21:30 <Devar> Devar will deposit himself safely in the bedroom then. "Rina, I found it." He says as he starts looking - if there's a bookshelf there, he'll just start taking the books out - or maybe it's one of those "pull the book and it opens the door" kind of things like he's read about.
21:33 <•Kotono> There's no bookshelf. It takes some time, but you find an old bit of wall, wood pitted with age, that sags oddly inward, suspiciously.
21:34 <Devar> "Ah, it's just one of these." He says as he presses against it.
21:35 <•Kotono> OOC: Any damage reduction right now?
21:35 <Devar> OOC: Not by default, no. Well, besides the fire/cold stuff.
21:35 <•Kotono> Click! It presses in, as at the same time something pierces into your hand. It's a sharp pain, as...OOC: 1 damage and fort save. Bonuses against poison apply.
21:37 <Devar> roll 1d20+24
21:37 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+24 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{34}
21:38 <•Kotono> Fortunately, whatever it is, it doesn't feel like anything beyond a tingling numbness in Devar's hand.
21:39 Channel mode set to -t by •Kotono
21:39 <•Kotono> OOC: Fixed.
21:39 <Devar> "Damn!" Devar curses, shaking his hand quickly. "I think that guy set a small trap. I'm fine." He goes to see what's back there!
21:39 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 67/67 Devar 77/78 Anne 76/77 Sanda 55/55 Rina 73/73
21:40 <•Kotono> Rina looks on as you see a small needle poking out of the pitted wood. "I'll keep an eye on you," Rina promises as you go on. Inside of the compartment sits a rough burlap sack, tied shut.
21:41 <Devar> "This is where Skaya would search for traps, isn't it?" Devar says. He looks around quickly and then casts detect magic to make sure he didn't miss anything. OOC: Take 10 on Perception for 20, Spellcraft for 24 if it matters.
21:43 <•Kotono> "Let me," Rina gets into it, working away. OOC: Taking 10 this time. More.
21:44 <•Kotono> "I don't see anything," Rina announces, as you see no magic on the sack.
21:44 <Devar> Devar will open the sack and see what's inside - though he's going to hold his breath just in case.
21:47 <•Kotono> Inside the sack are a great many coins of pure, pale platinum. At least that's what they look like to the casual eye. It's heavy enough to be platinum, at least. What's more, a few gemstones sparkle, mixed in amid the coins and sitting atop them. Little splashes of precious color.
21:47 <•Kotono> Rina whistles long and low, "You know, Brachidos sucks at looting his enemies, doens't he?"
21:48 <Devar> "This is the second time now." Devar says, turning to Rina. "Remember, that other guy he killed? Had hidden away all of that gold?"
21:49 <•Kotono> "That came right to mind," Rina agrees, "That's actually interesting. He's not doing this for money, is he?"
21:52 <Devar> "If he was, then he'd be taking it." Devar says. He does search through the bag to make sure there's nothing else in it besides the coins and gems.
21:53 <•Kotono> No, just those. Rina's eyeing them. "That's got to be thousands and thousands, maybe more if those gems are high quality," she murmurs. "It may be wise not to tell anyone we found these, except Skaya and the others."
21:55 <Devar> Devar nods. "I don't like hiding things like this, but you're right." He says as he puts the sack into his Haversack. "I think at this point we need Anne's help, because we have no other leads, unless we wanted to get our hands dirty again by asking around in town for people who worked with him."
21:55 <Devar> He hums after that. "If we do that, promise you won't follow suit with that Talonain?" He smiles a bit. "I'd like to keep the peace if we can."
22:01 <•Kotono> "Fine, he can have the mercy of the gallows rather than the sword," Is Rina's retort.
22:02 <Devar> Devar nods. "Let's go track down some neerdowells." He smiles at that and will close up the hidden compartment.
22:05 <•Kotono> With that done, the party moves on...next time!

[Corwin]

19:00 <•Kotono> OOC: Refresh me on you rnext move?
19:03 <Devar> OOC: Let's poke around and see if we can find anyone who might've associated with our dearly departed. Take 10 on GI for 27
19:03 <Devar> OOC: Basically we're looking for likely "seedy" people who might've had dealings with him.
19:04 <•Kotono> OOC: Rina iwll aid for 29. Okay. More.
19:08 <•Kotono> You ask around about LeBleau. At first you don't get much, but with some digging you eventually end up in a shop. A pawn shop, all sorts of strange goods here. Heaps of old clothes mix with pots and pans, while battered weapons and armor mingle with wagon wheels. It's full of shelves that creak with goods of all kind. The owner is a small, sour faced man, barely five feet tall. He looks up at
19:08 <•Kotono> the two of you. "You askin' around about a dead man?"
19:10 <Devar> "Specifically, one who fell to foul poison." Devar says. "We're after the person who killed him, and we're hoping people who knew LeBleau in life might be able to piece some things together for us."
19:14 <•Kotono> "I'm afraid my memory's not much good, tall man," The owner admits without hesitation.
19:15 <•Kotono> "Your turn," Rina comments casually.
19:17 <Devar> "I'd rather you simply remember out of the goodness of your heart." Devar says. "But I'm willing to spare that ideal to understand what's going on." He takes out ten gold to put on the counter.
19:19 <•Kotono> The gold is taken. "What do you want to know?" The question is asked back.
19:20 <•Kotono> Rina snorts, "Gold cures a weak mind as surely as an empty pocketbook causes it."
19:20 <Devar> "Have you heard the name Brachidos? If so, what do you know of it?" Devar asks.
19:23 <•Kotono> A scowl, "Yeah, and you know who I heard it from? LeBleau." A glance around and a murmur, "That's a name dead people speak."
19:26 <Devar> "That is the person we are after. We want to put a stop to him." Devar says, with some amount of earnest. "So please, tell us whatever you know of LeBleau and his relationship - something must've happened if he came back to kill him."
19:30 <•Kotono> "LeBleau was always a greedy man," The shopkeep says, "But he started talking about how he had a big lead, and it was going to make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. He said he had to find and stop a Brachidos, and that he'd pay me platinum for information about him."
19:31 <•Kotono> At that Rina's eyes narrow sharply, "Really now?" she leans forward, "Who was going to make him r ich?"
19:35 <Devar> "We're not in the business of roughing people up for information." Devar says. "So please tell us whatever you know - there's clearly something else going on here."
19:38 <•Kotono> "Don't know, he didn't say," The man's gaze is even more sour as he looks at Rina, "He seemed confident they could pay him."
19:38 <•Kotono> "How-" Rina begins, but cuts off further words fromt he shopkeep. She glances at Devar, "Hold on," she says to the shopkeep, then pulls Devar away a moment.
19:39 <Devar> Devar is thusly pulled away!
19:40 <•Kotono> In a low whisper, "That money we found, how much do you want to bet it traces back to whomever LeBleau was talking about?"
19:40 <Devar> "Who would give someone that sort of money before they even validated anything?" He asks back.
19:41 <•Kotono> "To kill Brachidos? I would," Rina says without a second thought, "Someone like this has to have a lot of enemies."
19:42 <Devar> "So somehow or another this guy gets convinced to try and attack Brachidos? Well, do you want to try and see if we can find that source?" He asks. "Gotta be someone rich in the town..."
19:54 <•Kotono> "Or someone traveling. It is a port town," Rina points out, "More reason for Anne to speak to him."
19:55 <Devar> Devar nods. "Should we press for anything else then?" He asks. "I'm aware that he might talk to his own friends which might get us some attention, which works in our favor."
20:01 <•Kotono> "I doubt he knows much else that's useful, but why not get the omst of our your gold?" Rina asks back.
20:02 <Devar> He nods and walks back over. "Thank you for waiting." He says. "Can you tell me if you know where he met this generous benefactor, or anything about their meeting?"
20:06 <•Kotono> "LeBleau wasn't that sort of blabbermouth," Is the simple answer, "But he believed it completely."
20:07 <Devar> "When did you hear about it?" He asks. "Was it a day or two before he turned up dead?"
20:10 <•Kotono> "About," He reckons, "Maybe three. Hold on." He goes in the back and comes back after a few moments later, "Two days."
20:11 <Devar> "Last time he came in?" Devar asks with a small smile.
20:27 <•Kotono> "Last time," Then with an even more sour grunt, "He owed me four gold and a few silver, too."
20:28 <Devar> Devar takes out five more gold and puts it on the counter. "Consider it a good deed for the day and pay it forward with kindness." He says.
20:30 <•Kotono> The gold vanishes with the rest, "Good luck," Is the answer in return, "Not many people are mourning him, unless they owed him money."
20:32 <Devar> "I can imagine." Devar says. "But hopefully good comes of it anyway." He nods and will depart! Once outside he nods to Rina. "I think we've about exhausted what we can do without magic, like you said."
20:37 <•Kotono> "Then let's go meet up with the others?" Rina suggests.
20:38 <Devar> Devar nods. "Agreed."
20:48 <•Kotono> You go back - and fortune is with you. As you approach the inn Anne swoops down to cries from passerbyes, landing. "Devar, Rina," she greets, "Skaya and Sanda should be back in short time, we split up after some business."
20:49 <Devar> "Ah, good, we have some things to discuss from our investigation." Devar says. "We'll have need of your services tomorrow."
20:53 <•Kotono> "I had thought as much," Anne agrees, "We made contact with another group about a dragon turtle, meanwhile."
20:54 <Devar> Devar nods. "The short version is we found the person and a bit of a trail, but any more information is likely going to need to come from magic." He says. "
20:54 <Devar> OOC: no hanging "
21:01 <•Kotono> "Tell me what magic we need," Anne agrees, "And I can prepare it tomorrow."
21:02 <Devar> "We'll need you to speak to the corpse." Devar says. "I think that's the best way - I think that's within your power now?"
21:06 <•Kotono> "It is," Anne agrees, "I can do so without any difficulty, with any fortune."
21:08 <Devar> Devar nods. "Great. Do you know when we were going after the turtle?"
21:10 <•Kotono> "In a day or two, depending," Anne answers, "We gave ourselves some time in case it was needed."
21:10 <•Kotono> "Good, because this is more important than that dragon turtle," Rina cuts in, "That's a distraction."
21:12 <Devar> "Hey, I wouldn't call it a distraction - if it has the potential to hurt people we should help stop it." Devar says. "Don't let chasing Brachidos stop you from helping those in need on the way."
21:16 <•Kotono> "Just so," Anne agrees, "Though I would agree that if it comes up a choice, Brachidos should come first."
21:16 <•Kotono> Rina shakes her head, but doesn't argue it.
21:18 <Devar> "We'll figure it out if it comes to that." Devar promises.
21:22 <•Kotono> With that the party regroups at the inn, everyone back together once more and...OOC: Go ahead, y'all.
21:23 <Devar> "So, we found out that someone promised our dead man money for killing Brachidos." Devar explains, he takes out the bag and will place it on the table for everyone's benefit. "We think this might've been an advanced payment, since clearly the guy didn't do the job. We were going to have Anne help speak to him tomorrow."
21:23 <•Kotono> Sanda takes a peek in and whistles, "That's not nothing," she marvels, "Statistically speaking, that's not throwaway money."
21:24 <Skaya> "Even without statistics, this helps pay off my debt a bit," Skaya muses. "Any leads on Brachidos himself or his goals?"
21:25 <Devar> "It's about 3,200 gold by my eye." Devar adds. "I think I'd want to know who the money came from, how LeBleau knew Brachidos..." Devar shakes his head. "No, but some people here know the name at least, but nothing concrete came up during our look around town."
21:29 <•Kotono> "What's interesting is that Brachidos has angered everyone on all sides," Anne reflects as she takes a single platinum coin, rolling it between her fingers. "We had evidence of it before and more now. To anger so many on all sides and still breathe? Not only is he good, but he's protected."
21:30 <•Kotono> "That mask of his?" Sanda speaks up at that, "Do you think it's enchanted and protects him?"
21:30 <Skaya> "Or maybe he's this guy who found himself going past the point of no return and decided to speed up," Skaya says with a shrug. "For all we know he's living on borrowed time. As for the mask? I seriously thought it was what let him teleport."
21:31 <Devar> "He's clearly got some sort of angle." Devar agrees. He nods to Sanda. "That's likely it, maybe how he gets around invisibly too."
21:31 <•Kotono> "Mmm, almost certainly, though how much is that and how much is his patron I don't know," Anne considers it, "He could be that, too. At the least he'll contribute in death to the betterment of others through that, for what he has much be expensive."
21:32 <Skaya> "And speaking of betterment to others, I think we should at least look into the dragon turtle."
21:34 <Devar> "I don't have any objections." Devar says.
21:42 <•Kotono> "Neither do I," Anne says, "As long as it isn't a complete distraction."
21:42 <•Kotono> "Fine," Rina says, "So what about this group you want to work with?"
21:43 <Skaya> "They're weird and I want to make sure there's nothing concerning going on. But if there isn't, it would just be a pain to work with a quiet girl and a control freak."
21:44 <Devar> "It's also possible that somehow Brachidos riled up this creature. Don't forget all those weird experiments we found, like the wyrm at the bridge." Devar says. "So we might find more like that with this thing."
21:47 <Skaya> "If not that, we'll certainly learn more about what's going on in this town."
21:48 <•Kotono> "It's possible," Anne says after some thought.
21:48 <•Kotono> Rina sighs, "Yes, him doing that would make a lot of sense, wouldn't it?"
21:48 <Devar> Devar nods. "That's fine. So tomorrow we'll talk to the corpse and then get ready for dealing with the turtle?"
21:48 <•Kotono> "So we see if we can work with them and Anne also interrogates that corpse," Sanda concludes. "Anything else?"
21:52 <Skaya> "Good point. Do you need me to help with anything?"
21:53 <Devar> "I don't think so." Devar says.
21:55 <Skaya> "Way to make me feel needed~"
21:57 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay then, what's your todo list coming up, y'all?
21:57 <Devar> OOC: Devar, Anne and whoever wants to come along will talk to the corpse, and then they'll meet up with whoever's left for the dragon turtle?
21:58 <Skaya> OOC: If you want to quickly talk to the corpse, maybe we can just do it now?
22:00 <•Kotono> OOC: Anne has 3 questions per casting. How many do y'all want?
22:03 <•Kotono> OOC: Bear in mind it's just three, since it's one casting per week. Almost forgot that.
22:03 <•Kotono> OOC: So rather, what questions do you have in mind?
22:04 <Devar> OOC: Who told him to attack Brachidos is at least one
22:05 <•Kotono> OOC: Fair.
22:05 <Devar> OOC: uhh, maybe what he knows about Brachidos as well? The first question's answer might lead to other ones.
22:06 <•Kotono> OOC: Anne would suggest that one if asked regardless, since who wanted him to kill Brachidos is important. The why, however, may be even more important, since he's just a merchant as far as you all know, and she's curious about that now.
22:08 <Devar> OOC: That makes sense to me
22:10 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. Any input of your own, Cor?
22:12 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, Cor's in awayland it looks like so I'll just roll the save and see if it's going to matter or not.
22:12 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+3 vs DC 19
22:12 <•Kotono> OOC: Which requires me to rouse the dread Kobot.
22:13 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@1F4851F.D88DD26B.8F3DD4EE.IP)
22:13 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+3 vs DC 19
22:13 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+3 vs DC 19 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{19}
22:13 <•Kotono> OOC: Alas Kobot. Okay, that didn't work out.
22:14 <•Kotono> OOC: We'll pick up on the rest ther enext time, since Cor's away and we're a bit over as it is.
22:14 <Devar> OOC: Okay

[Corwin]

19:01 <•Kotono> "We'll discuss that tomorrow if you accept," Is the answer you get in return.
19:02 <Skaya> "Got it."
19:09 <•Kotono> A nod back and with that, Logan and Anne depart. Once gone, "Good guess, Sanda." Anne admits.
19:09 <Skaya> "Hmm?"
19:10 <•Kotono> "He might have just been that sort, but something about him felt different," Sanda admits, "About him being planar blooded.A need to control things and a need for order explains him rather well."
19:10 <Skaya> "Oh! Right. Sorry, I just roll with these things. But maybe that's from my blood too?"
19:11 <•Kotono> "That or birds," Anne says, "Though a flight does sound nice after all of this."
19:11 <•Kotono> "Birds," Sanda shakes her head, "We'll have to find out if the other two are agreeable to this. Statistically I think they will be."
19:12 <•Kotono> "Devar will go along with it, and Rina will as long as it doesn't get int he way of Brachidos," Anne predicts, "I don't quite like him, I think, but he may be competent."
19:12 <•Kotono> "May be?" Sanda challenges back.
19:13 — Skaya shrugs at Anne's words before pausing at Sanda's. "In the interests of clarity I originally imagined us going after the dragon on our own, but we were always going to discuss our options together. As for Logan," she continues, after making sure they're not overheard, "I really do want to see how he acts normally to tell if there's an issue here or not."
19:13 <•Kotono> "He is..." Anne frowns, "Suppressive. Repressive. It is not a feeling I relish. Guidance is not control, and his wife's everything makes my skin prickle and shiver."
19:16 <•Kotono> "Tomorrow then," Sanda says after some thought, "I wonder how Devar and Rina are doing right now?"
19:17 <Skaya> "Want to go and see if they're back?" Skaya offers. If they have, it'd be a chance to talk things over. If not, she'll return to the Guild and just see Devar and Rina later.
19:20 <•Kotono> General agreement at that. As the three of you get up, "Also, do we want to do any shopping today?" Anne asks. "Hopefully magical goods will not be as strained as in Dareslan."
19:21 <Skaya> "I'm so broke it's not funny," Skaya laughs.
19:22 <•Kotono> "I'm not," Sanda is all cheer at that, "I'd love to go shopping. Skaya, would you like to go with me?"
19:22 <•Kotono> "While not poor, I lack the funds to indulge in such," Anne admits.
19:23 <•Kotono> "Good for you," Sanda says dryly, barely a glance at Anne.
19:24 <Skaya> "I think that'd just make me sad. Since you'd like to go shopping, how about you two stick together, then? We'll meet at the inn in th evening. It won't be too late to fill each other in on everything then."
19:26 <•Kotono> "I'm going shopping." "I'm going flying." Sanda and Anne say that at the same time, two decisions made at once. Then after an awkward moment, "All of us can meet up later, then." Anne says, then takes to the air and flies on out of the guild.
19:26 <•Kotono> "Still, shopping," Sanda nods to herself, going off as well.
19:28 — Skaya waves after her before making her way to the reception. It's one thing to just quickly touch base, but if she were to go shopping she might as well had turned Becca down.
19:28 <•Kotono> OOC: Looking up Becca then?
19:28 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
19:32 <•Kotono> Becca's still at work, but when you come by? She slips away with a little smile, "Hey there," she smiles, brushing back a bit of her hair, "How'd your meeting over there go, Skaya?"
19:33 <Skaya> "It was a strange experience."
19:39 <•Kotono> "Oh, I hear it's like that, sugar," The receptionist smiles warmly, "Logan's sure something, isn't he?"
19:42 <Skaya> "He was pretty much what I expected. Thanks for the heads up, by the way." Skaya returns the smile. "It's Anne, if anything."
19:52 <•Kotono> "Not that sweetie Anne with you, huh?" Falling in step with Skaya, hands behind her back and with that smile in place, "Yeah, she's..." A pause, "Well, there's something for all seasons, isn't there?"
19:54 <Skaya> "That's what I thought," Skaya agrees. It's the nicest possible interpretation, so might as well favor it! "What's fun to do around here?" she asks to change the subject to a more pleasant one.
19:59 <•Kotono> "There's plays going on every day," Becca smiles, "They're so much fun to watch, especially with someone fun."
20:01 <Skaya> "It's been ages since I've seen one!" Skaya cheers, practically skipping. "How about catching one, then?"
20:07 <•Kotono> Becca slips her soft hand into yours and smile, "Let's go," she agrees, nothing but warm happiness. As you head out...OOC: PErception, -2 penalty.
20:08 <Skaya> OOC: Perception 10 for 26
20:26 <•Kotono> It's a lovely play. It's of the story of Selune and Shar's final battle, when at last Shar was laid low. A grand battle re-enacted on stage, Becca tense for every bit. She watches rapidly, holding Skaya's hand tightly throughout.
20:31 <Skaya> Could she perform on a stage? Skaya's thoughts drift in a strange direction, and she pauses to consider it. She's pretty decent at pronunciation, and limber and swift enough to execute a daring mock battle on stage. But acting? Is there more to it than lying and subterfuge?
20:31 <Skaya> "I really want to give it a try some day," Skaya admits to Becca after the show's climax. "Won't it be exciting to stand on the stage like that?"
20:35 <•Kotono> It's a simple, open air theater. The warmth of the day is on both of you, "Wouldn't it?" Becca says breathlessly, cheeks dusted pink. "Just imagine, Skaya. All the eyes on you as you perform and tell a story."
20:38 — Skaya laughs. "And a Guild receptionist never lacks for a fun story to tell. But playing off against that might be difficult!"
20:49 <•Kotono> "Well..." With a little lean in to whisper, "I'd love to play off of you sometime."
20:50 <Skaya> "That can be arranged~"
21:00 <•Kotono> A giggle at that, "So..." Breathy now, all teasing, "Are you going to be in town long?"
21:02 <Skaya> "I might need to leave in a day or two for that job, but it shouldn't take long before I get back."
21:06 <•Kotono> "Something to look forward to," A little murmur, "A few days then?"
21:07 <Skaya> "A few days," Skaya promises. "I'll bring you a souvenier~"
21:11 <•Kotono> "I can't wait," Becca meets your gaze, "Something beautiful."
21:12 — Skaya giggles. "Your wish is my command~"
21:17 <•Kotono> "Until then," A promise, and...OOC: Anything else to do here?
21:17 <Skaya> OOC: Let's regroup!