Almost late Jade and Cattle log
Nov. 16th, 2005 04:38 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
leticiaFrom 11/6/05
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Actually, that sounds like an excellent idea. Why don't you do a little storytelling right now; it'll fill in some of the time until Greer gets back, and that way, I inflict Kanfi with minimal sea-sickness to recover from once you land in Yane, and no combattyness.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "ooh stories!"
[Log editor's note: I was disconnected here and missed a little preliminary discussion]
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Ooh! I thought I'd never see my Circus again! Yes, that would be great."
Storyteller <to Liu> laughs. You paid for 'em at chargen, you get to keep 'em. ^_^
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "As they travel across Harborhead, PM will take time to tell stories wherever they rest. She'll save her best performances for the new tales she is telling, slightly different stories seeded the length of the nation. These are stories of the cunning Hare, and his family, and the pack of hyenas that menace them. In the stories, Hare hears that his big brother has heard about the hyenas and is coming to visit. In some, Hare, who has been so clever about tricking and fooling the hyenas, is encouraged and runs off to fight the hyenas, and his brother arrives only in time to avenge him. In some, it is Hare's son who does. In some, he taunts the Hyenas, and his daughter is carried off before the brother arrives. And in others, he cleverly lays aside a stock of arrows, planting them in his field and telling the hyenas they are grain which he will give them as tribute when it is ripe, waiting on the conflict until his brother arrives to 'help with the harvest'."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis Was looking for Fastest to Yane
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Yane, even"
Storyteller <to Phoenix Maiden> chuckles. "I see you're keeping up with the Theme of getting them prepared, and not rushing off to die. Cool.'
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Yay!"
Storyteller says "Any of the rest of you going to be helping out with the storytelling, or should I go for the straight roll with PM here? PM, do you have any Charms you want to use for this?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Kanfi might have been helping, but..."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis isn't much for ICly telling stories.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: I'll give you a +3 Kanfi Shoulda Been Helping With That die bonus, to add to the + 3 stunt die bonus you start with.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Wow. That's a useful die bonus. ;-) Can we add KSBHWT more often? *giggles*"
Storyteller <to Liu> chuckles. "If you can think of a way to add, we can give bonus Liu Is Here And Helping With That die bonuses.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Other than maybe juggling and jumping to draw a crowd to start with?"
<<OOC>> Liu says, "She's not much of a storyteller, but a crowd-drawer, yes."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Don't have any Performance Charms..."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden put all her social Charms in Presence, AKA, "Serve me, puny mortals!"
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Well, with +3 from Kanfi and +1 from Liu and +3 for writing a nice story, you've got a base +7 to your Charisma + Performance roll, so I think you're going to be okay. *chuckles* Roll it.
<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 15 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 7 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 8 successes.
Storyteller grins. Quite nice.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: You manage to get both the basic message across, and make it so popular that it becomes a generational fairy-tale. The anger and impatience of the young, at least, is temporarily -- yay, a Kanfi!
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden mmm, Zenithness.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: We're gaming out the effects of Phoenix Maiden's "Prepare, and don't explode messily all over the realm people" stories. I gave her a +3 Kanfi Shoulda Been Helping With That die bonus. :)
<<OOC>> Kanfi totally should be helping.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: You manage to get both the basic message across, and make it so popular that it becomes a generational fairy-tale. The anger and impatience of the young, at least, is temporarily positioned somewhere else. The story is -so- good that it actually makes for some telling in the enclaves of the Realm's patricians, although the Dynasts themselves are uneasy, seeing threat in any new thing.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden giggles.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "EMBRACE YOUR DOOM, HYENAS."
Storyteller says "Thankfully, the four of you avoid the major ports; rumor has it that storytelling itself has come under heavy 'Harmonious Doctrinal Oversight for Felicitous Bearing of Tales to Amuse the Common and the Indigenous'. In the big cities, in other words, the Immaculate Order is starting to censor even storytelling and other traditional amusements of the People."
Storyteller says "You may not have much time left."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Yeah. -That- Always works."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden smiles sweetly. The nice thing about seditious tales is that the harder you oppress them, the more people listen to them.
Storyteller says "Your sea voyage is uneventful, save for a close encounter with a naval escort of the Realm. However, apparently, the Captain, a water-blood named V'neef Sidel is dealing with some news from home-- according to his sailors, his impending nuptials to a certain Peleps Caranna has him quite intemperate for dealing with the captains of lesser ships. His vessels give you safe passage through waters that have had recently been attacked by the Lintha Family, as the ship you hire onto is carrying cargo to the realm ally of Yane as well as yourselves and the circus, before departing to once more patrol the ocean waves."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "... YOU."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Sidel HATES you."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: You've been on river vessels all your life, so this one gives you no trouble, and you are able to complete your work on the pillow-talismans.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden has never ever been on a boat. ;_;
Storyteller [to Liu]: You have a wonderful time. Ships are lots of fun! Rigging and ropes and sails and so forth give you plenty of room to scamper about.
Storyteller [to Phoenix; Maiden Kanfi;]: You two, however, are in for a bit of trouble. Give me Stamina + Endurance rolls, difficulty 2, please?
<ROLL> Kanfi rolls 4 dice: <6 7 8 9> for 3 successes.
<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 4 dice: <1 3 6 7> for 1 success.
Storyteller chuckles.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "I am supremely unbothered, yes."
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: The natural blood of an eclipse comes to your aid.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden gives the dice a deathglare.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "And also, Sidel still hates you."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: You, on the other hand, are heartily seasick, and VERY happy to see Yane.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden oooogh.
Storyteller says "The trip is otherwise uneventful, other than Phoenix Maiden's deep and personal connection to the leeward railing. You have time to plan, to think, and to craft, as you desire; anything I should know about for the ocean voyage?"
Phoenix Maiden mostly focusses on not throwing up too much, and ponders various strategies for serving the Realm their eviction notice.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Well, I could bug Diamond about crafting me these awesome gauntlets with spring-loaded grappling hooks that I "dreamed about." Or I could talk to the Storyteller about that first. ;-)"
Storyteller [to Liu]: Lay it on me? Are they the ones in the Night book that are artifacts, or...?
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: You're in charge of (above-board) mercantile. Are you guys going to be trading along the way, or relying on Liu's circus as cover?
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Yeah, those are the ones I'm thinking of. In the Night Caste Book, and they are artifacts. I don't know if we can actually do that, but it did seem at least fun to ask Diamond for."
Storyteller [to Diamond; Borealis Liu;]: I'd rather get you guys to Yane now so everyone can RP; would you guys mind if I brought you in for a brief two hour discussion period sometime during the week?
Kanfi will be chatting up the crew about the best places to buy and sell, and what interesting things they've seen lately. He's completely open to trading,-- that's his cover!
<<OOC>> Liu says, "I could be okay with that, yes."
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: You going for staple goods, small-n-valuable, clothes, a specific type, etc.?
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Small and valuable, mostly. Although anything really exquisite (mmm, fabric) will catch his eye."
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: Interesting. You should know, in the Varang city state, brightly colored clothing of various types signifies caste and type. I'm going to assume that, as a merchant who's been around, you know what to sell to and whom; you and I can roll out afterwards what you merch and how much you make, unless it comes up in game.
Storyteller says "But! Now we begin."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Does that mean I should keep an eye on my companions' clothing so we don't stand out too much?"
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: Well, you're foreign, so you can get away with a lot-- unless you guys want to go for subtle?
<<OOC>> Kanfi is all about the subtlety.
Storyteller says "It's been about a week at sea; you've made good time, and had _incredibly_ favorable winds. The vast, gear-shaped city of Yane is before you. The architects were so determined to make it resemble a tightly regulated, segmented clockwork gear that they actually landscaped out into the harbor; the "foreigner" dock is one of three partitions created by the "teeth" of the gear-- massive, ancient fortifications mounted with firecannons. To one side, of course, is the foreigner dock; it's unfortunately quite crowded, because it's a smaller segment-- the 'tooth' encloses a section of the old harbor. In the center, the widest area is for the Varang nationals and the Realm; the third section is for Varang and Realm military vessels. Despite the crowding, your captain finds docking within a decent amount of time, and you disembark swiftly."
Storyteller says "The sights and sounds of the city are bewildering; virtually none are marked by signs, but instead, by colors and geometric designs. There are a few, here, in the foreigner's dock that are recognizable-- the harbormaster's, a guide guildhouse, and a few sailor's inn's."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "If Kanfi mentions it, PM will try to dress all subtle. If she can find something to wear. Seems to have bad luck with clothes shopping."
Storyteller [to Diamond; Borealis Kanfi;]: You don't have anything definite, but there is some form of sympathy drawing on the sword within the city. You can't be sure whether or not it is Swan Dragon himself, though.
Kanfi will help his sister find something to wear, if she'd prefer.
Liu helps fuss over Phoenix Maiden's clothes! But she has this thing for spangles....
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: Amusingly enough, spangles are permissible to foreigners of the "middle" caste, although they would be considered somewhat gauche on nobles.
Kanfi is trying for 'middle' caste. Not too upper class, and certainly not lower caste. So... spangles it is. He'll even try getting Diamond to wear some.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: They're not required.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: But they look pretty.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden nudges Diamond. "Maybe the two of us should just stay on the ship."
Kanfi wants Diamond to look pretty!
Diamond Borealis just gives Kanfi a stern look. "I'll wear no such frippery." He stares over the edge of rail, contemplating how to enter the city. "So the sword is picking up some pull from the sword?"
Kanfi pouts a little, and adjusts his own bangles, letting them chime. "It certainly seems that way."
Phoenix Maiden eyes the spangles on her outfit, and asks Kanfi if this is really the right thing to wear, but wears it.
Liu cheerfully ties her braids up into a sensible ponytail, and gives Phoenix Maiden a friendly nudge. "You look nice."
Phoenix Maiden shrugs ruefully.
Kanfi laughs at his sister and leans up to kiss her cheek. "Don't you trust me, Vir-- Phoenix Maiden?" He flicks at one of his beaded necklaces.
Diamond Borealis starts toward the gangplank. "Let's get going then." He gives Phoenix a pat on the shoulder. "Buck up. The pickpockets will be focused on the peacock over there." Meaning Kanfi.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: You have a briiiieeefff heart-stopping moment as the wind gusts around you, but there are no whispers. ^_^
Phoenix Maiden twitches and gives Kanfi a mild glare.
Kanfi grins sheepishly-- hey, he didn't actually say it this time. "No pickpocket's going to get anything from me, old man!" He has to run a few steps to catch up with Diamond Borealis, and he pouts over-dramatically.
Phoenix Maiden follows Diamond and Kanfi off the ship - gratefully - and resists the urge to push her brother off the plank. With effort.
Liu bounds down the gangplank and pauses a few seconds to make sure her legs understand solid land again.
Storyteller says "Where are you guys heading?"
<<OOC>> Liu says, "There's a pull on the sword, right?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Into the city, yes. Are you just following it?"
Diamond Borealis grins at Liu. For all his old sour puss expressions, her youthful enthusiasm amuses him. The expression fades quickly though. "No, because I can slip a knife into their back if they try it, but they want notice me. Which way is the sword leading?" He asks quietly, peering from beneath the shade created by his big hat.
Kanfi groans. "Do you have to be so violent? I would just give them a coin and tell them to get a move on." Kanfi frowns, caressing the hilt of Shurtimu Ji.
Liu curbs her enthusiasm a bit, since we're trying to keep a low profile, and falls into step next to Kanfi. "Are we just going to follow the sword for now, or do you want to find an inn to put up in? My folks will be camping outside the city and setting up all day."
Phoenix Maiden chuckles softly. "That would be getting something from you, mm?"
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Erm, that was to Diamond."
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: You're on the Northeastern edge of the city right now. "In" would be straight south and west towards the center and the castle of the king; slight variations would take you to the segments assigned to those both high birth-caste and high-astrological-sign-profession-caste. You're a little wider than that and to the north, pointing you through one of the less clear areas, once you pass the middle and lower zones and their confusing boundaries.
Diamond Borealis doesn't respond to the question. "We'll follow it for now, I think." He glances up at the sun to check the time. "We can get a room later if need be."
Storyteller [to Liu]: The circus will be performing outside the walls, yeah, in one of their own tent. They've performed in Yane before, so you don't need to worry too much about them; do you want to take any with you or just go alone?
<<OOC>> Liu says, "No, I'll stay with my circle and not take any friends with me."
Kanfi bites his lower lip. "Well, if we're just going straight to the source, we should start heading west." He's really just taking what seems like the most direct route and starting to walk.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "I mostly just meant that we could stay with them if we didn't want to find an inn."
Phoenix Maiden nods in agreement with Diamond. "Let's see what the sword leads us to before we make any decisions about where we should base ourselves while we're here."
Liu is ready to jaunt off, then.
Storyteller says "Yane is... unusual. On one hand, it is ordered and regimented; clearly lain out to follow a strictly designed pattern; Kanfi and Diamond, you've been to quite a few cities in your time, and Yane, while clearly Second Age (not even Shogunate), reminds you of ruins of first age thauma-industrial or military cities; there is a precision here that mirrors the stars themselves. Unfortunately, it is also familiar in the total lack of relevance to an outsider. Were you not following the 'guide' of the blade, you'd swiftly become lost, especially in the interstitials where the profession you were born to by your astrological sign and the nobility of your family become intertwined; in these places, it is difficult to follow the logic by which each profession's segment is separated from another."
<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 3 dice: <5 6 10> for 2 successes.
Storyteller hmms.
Storyteller says "Everyone give me Perception + Awareness. This is not a danger check."
<ROLL> Liu rolls 7 dice: <3 5 8 8 8 10 10> for 7 successes.
Storyteller O_o
<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 6 dice: <1 3 5 7 10 10> for 5 successes.
<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 2 dice: <7 9> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden the not absolutely unobservant? ^^;
<ROLL> Kanfi rolls 3 dice: <6 6 8> for 1 success.
Storyteller says "Oookay."
Storyteller says "Liu, I'm going to hit you last, since it's going to take me a bit to figure this one out."
<<OOC>> Kanfi really should buy some awareness.
Storyteller [to Kanfi; Phoenix Maiden;]: You two notice someone suddenly start running through the crowd; you're not sure why, but it catches your eye.
<<OOC>> Liu has leet perceptive foo.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: _You_ know why; you noticed him staring at you and Kanfi for a few seconds before running off.
Storyteller [to Liu]: As for you... You know all of the above, and you have a weird feeling that whoever that is had a look of recognition on his face when he saw Diamond and Kanfi together.
Storyteller [to Diamond; Borealis Liu;]: The guy is a Varang native, by the by.
Kanfi hmms, and shrugs it off. "Are we going?"
Diamond Borealis has spent a great deal of time in odd places. And having someone stare at you in that fashion, then bolt when noticed. "Liu, help me catch him. I want to know who he's working for." Following his instincts, relying on them to tell him what to do.
Phoenix Maiden peers.
Phoenix Maiden shrugs.
Kanfi arches an eyebrow, surprised by Diamond's vehemence and shrugs. "I'll wait here?"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "<-- Feeling paranoid with the dreams and the heavy Realm presence."
<<OOC>> Kanfi is way too easy-going.
Storyteller says "Liu?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden wonders if Diamond hates pickpockets THAT much. :p
Liu slips a knife into one hand and takes after Diamond, saying low, "That guy knows you and Kanfi. He's looking for you."
Kanfi shakes his head, a little confused. "I haven't been in the South for years. Who would recognize me?" Even his own sister hadn't recognized him after all that time!
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden was suspicious, anyhow! Just, subtly. >_>
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden admits that was mostly because he hadn't changed his name. But.
Phoenix Maiden blinks at Kanfi. "I suppose we should probably wait for them here. I didn't think Diamond was that serious about killing pickpockets."
Storyteller [to Liu; Diamond Borealis;]: Hmmm. Dex + Athletics checks, please.
<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <2 3 5 7 8> for 2 successes.
<ROLL> Liu rolls 11 dice: <2 3 4 6 6 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 8 successes.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Mmm, specialty."
<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 5 dice: <3 3 8 10 10> for 5 successes.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Guy's so doomed."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis imagines that's enough for one or the other of us to corral him into the other one.
Storyteller says "The pair of you easily catch up, despite the press of the crowds, although you definitely attract the attention of the guards; this is a ... high cl... a sort-of... er... this is the sort of neighborhood where the guards do actually pay attention to random street scuffles. There are a few nearby-- five are jogging in your direction."
Storyteller says "The guy himself hisses- well, do either of you know Flametongue?"
<<OOC>> Liu says, "I do."
Storyteller [to Liu]: He says, "Dammit, what's the -matter- with you? We can't afford to attract attention now!" in an exasperated whisper.
Liu giggles and wraps her arms around the man. "Uncle Ardo! I'm so glad we found you!"
Liu gives Diamond an insistent look.
Diamond Borealis joins the hug, clapping the man on the back solidly. "Ardo, you old scoundrel. It's good to see you." Picking up on Liu's dodge easily. While giving her a brow-lifting inquiry about what the man just said.
Liu has reconnected.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Lame."
The man looks confused for a second. "That's not the..." He spots the guards and cuts off quickly. "Ah, little one!" he says loudly. "I see that the stars have indeed favored your profession! Soon, perhaps you may grace the hall of an appropriately-ranked merchant-administrator!"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Did you see mine, Liu?"
<<OOC>> Liu says, "I did."
<<OOC>> Kanfi giggles.
Liu whispers sharply to Diamond, though keeping her face smooth and joyous, "He said we shouldn't attract attention. He sounds friendly. At least we shouldn't poke holes in him right away."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden likes the bet hedging there. :)
Liu looks around, and casts a beautifully dimpled grin in the direction of the guards, though not focusing it on them for a long while.
Diamond Borealis gives Liu a nod of agreement. He whispers back, "Good. Tell him he's with us, for now." Leaving an arm draped around the man's shoulder, his eyes flicking over the guards ever so briefly. He laughs at whatever the man said, picking up the jolly tone if not the words, letting Liu handle the talking as he doesn't know Fire Tongue.
Storyteller says "The guards, in the manner that guards do, look suspicious for a while, but seeing nothing amiss, decide that it is the right of the citizen to meet with whomever he pleases-- however he pleases, and return to their sauntering about on patrol, although they are keeping an eye on the pair of you."
Liu grins at Diamond and smiles sweetly at the man. In Flametongue, "You simply must come have a drink with us at... erm, at an appropriate location? We have so much catching up to do." With her on one side, and Diamond on the other, this isn't really up for negotiation.
Storyteller [to Diamond; Borealis Liu;]: Make Per + Socialize rolls, please?
<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 5 dice: <2 3 6 8 9> for 2 successes.
<ROLL> Liu rolls 4 dice: <3 4 6 9> for 1 success.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis is so glad he bought that damn 'Jack of All Trades merit'.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "That suits Diamond well, too."
Storyteller [to Diamond; Borealis Liu;]: The two of you briefly notice his face go utterly flat for a moment, and then he smiles. "Of course, of course," he tells Liu. "I know an auspiciously-founded tavern to celebrate your coming of age amidst the acrobat caste, little one," he says, and begins to lead you off in the direction he was running.
Storyteller [to Phoenix; Maiden Kanfi;]: You two can see this, by the by.
Phoenix Maiden glances at Kanfi. "...Think we ought to tag along?"
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Could we hear what Liu was saying?"
Liu has partially disconnected.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is going on the fact they're wandering off with this stranger all huggy.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: No.
Kanfi nods, grinning a little. "I don't think they're coming back this way." So he stretches his legs, hurrying to catch up with them. "Wait up, Liu!" He gives the words a cheerful spin, taking from the fact that Liu and Diamond are acting friendly.
Liu starts and looks over her shoulder, and smiles brightly. "And of course, you must meet the rest of my troupe."
Phoenix Maiden blinks a couple times as Kanfi bolts and follows, carefully not looking at them directly. Subtle. Right.
Diamond Borealis lifts his hat as he catches sight of Kanif and Phoenix Maiden. Still wearing a smile, which looks unnatural on his face. A sort of forced rictus. "Tell him not to try anything funny. And that I'm not bothering with threats."
Liu smiles and flutters her eyelashes. Translating, "Now, Uncle Ardo, you're not going to run off again without letting us know simply everything that's been going on, right? It would make my friend here so unhappy."
Liu says more softly, "Can we go somewhere to speak in private?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "ST? Is it common for people to wear weapons around here, IE, is PM likely to be carrying another toy spear?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "...PM is very fond of spears. They're her security blanket. A toy spear isn't as good as her pretty shiny one, but, it's better than nothing."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: It's permissible for foreigners, although, again, this is Realm territory. You could be carrying your orichalcum weapons concealed by various fineries and fripperies, though.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Surely not her oversized lance. ^^;"
'Ardo' gives a wan smile. "Of course not. Let's just head off, though; the heat of the day is getting to me." He wipes sweat away from his brow, exaggeratedly.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Not a problem. Exalted, remember! People carry big things covered all the -time-.
Kanfi bites back a laugh. "So you found our errant Uncle, did you? Why don't we find a nice tavern or something to trade stories and fine drink?"
Diamond Borealis seems amenable to a drink. "Have him lead the way then."
'Ardo' looks calm and cool as he wanders deeper into the higher-ranking districts. These areas are -definitely- well guarded, and there's even the occasional Legion patrol. "I think the House of the Fifth Serpent Sign of the Twelfth Decan will do nicely, don't you?"
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Can any of us figure out what that place might be like?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Well, he's certainly leading you into the wealthier district. It's not likely to be a dive. ;)"
Liu is a little miffed about the well guardedness, but relying on the suspicious fellow... well.
Kanfi pats 'Ardo's' shoulder with a wide grin. "You know me, uncle. I'm always open to new places, as long as they serve good drink!"
Phoenix Maiden wanders along behind the others, concerned when she sees the first Legion patrol. She's staying out of earshot, and hoping her Circle's companion has more important things on his mind than checking to see if they're being followed.
Diamond Borealis seems unworried even with the guards. Easy enough to slip a knife in someone's ribs. He keeps the bland expression on his face, and does his best to fit in as they wander toward the bar in question.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden just figures she doesn't know or trust this guy and there's no reason not to be unobtrusive for now.
'Ardo' manages to casually mention that his real name is Vanya, along the way. "It will be more natural if you call me by my right-born name," he says with a mild look of disgust at the idea of 'Ardo'.
Storyteller says "You're moving -away- from whatever the feeling of the sword was, by the by."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Oh, bloody..."
Liu bites her bottom lip and looks at Vanya's face searchingly while we're walking. Is this guy safe? Does he seem like a good guy?
Storyteller [to Liu]: Flat-out Perception roll here.
<ROLL> Liu rolls 4 dice: <6 7 8 9> for 3 successes.
Storyteller [to Liu]: He's not particularly safe, no, but not necessarily evil by that measure; just not a saint. He's definitely doing his best to conceal his real emotions and intent, though.
Diamond Borealis says through the thin line of his lips pressed into that smile, "What's he bitching about, Liu?"
Liu keeps an arm on Vanya's, and just looks about and pays attention as we're walking. This doesn't seem like the direction we want to go in, but...well, until we know we have to pull the guy into an alley, it isn't time to.
Phoenix Maiden is still just ambling along behind them, looking at things of interest and trying to get the guard's attention. Don't mind the foreigner with the huge not-an-Anathema-weapon.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden has no idea, mind, of what direction the sword's been pulling.
Kanfi touches Shurtimu Ji, every so often, a little uncomfortable that they're going in the wrong direction. But he retains the presence of mind to translate for the non-Flametongue speaker. "Uncle wants us to call him by his given name. Vanya." He reaches out to tap Diamond's hand and smile up at him.
"We'll call him the Spirit of Party Dresses if that's what he likes. The important thing is this: why was he watching for us and who was he planning to tell about us in such a hurry?" Diamond looks over at Kanfi when the younger man taps his hand, a single brow finding refuge beneath his hat in a silent inquiry.
Vanya takes you all to the House of the Fifth Serpent Sign. This is a cleaner, upper-establishment place; in the River or the Realm, it'd be a tea house, not a bar. As it is, the building itself is brilliantly outlayed in greens and whites, with flashes of red here and there. On the inside, the color continues, but the hues are subtly different depending on what section of the tavern you are in, with the most sedate nearest to the bar itself and the tavern. "Hail, my friend," Vanya says to the tavernkeeper. "Is my usual table open? I have family guests."
Kanfi glances around and nods to himself. Better than the dives he usually frequented in Nexus. "Nice place, uncle."
Diamond Borealis takes a glance around the place to see whether or not he should remove his hat and then follows the custom.
<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 7 dice: <2 3 4 6 8 8 10> for 4 successes.
Liu settles into "Vanya's booth", but is a bit trigger-happy on her knives.
Phoenix Maiden is waiting a short time after her friends enter the building to follow them in.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Okay.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: You're feeling a bit suspicious of friendly old 'uncle'. Not 'threat' way, but more like... this doesn't sound like casual conversation to you. He may be taking steps to protect himself.
Storyteller says "Vanya sits himself down at a fairly nice looking table. "Can I interest you all in something to eat? Drink?" he asks, looking to each of you. "And where is your tall friend? Has she gotten left behind us?""
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden .oO(Is it possible to protect yourself from43 Solar Exalted?)
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Does he know? :P"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Probably not! I'm just saying!"
Diamond Borealis shows a touch of teeth in his smile. "Tell him not to worry about her any more than we're worrying about the bartender and whatever buddies he has here. Make it clear we want answers. And I don't want any food or drink." He keeps his hands together on top of the table, offering his opinion once he gets a translation.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "See, I totally should have bought King of Masks already."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "I know I'm going to end up buying it, and yet I keep putting it off. :p"
Kanfi bites his lip, but keeps the friendly smile. He even smiles in his most unthreatening way to the tavernkeeper. "What do you recommend to drink?" he asks Vanya. "Not a drop of fine drink has touched my tongue in weeks." He curls into a seat and shrugs. "Don't worry about my sister. She can take care of herself."
Liu smiles at Vanya. "Do you speak anything besides Flametongue, dear uncle?"
Phoenix Maiden enters shortly after her friends, examines the interior and promptly tries to decide where to head, based on three things: noting the colors and trying to match patterns against her clothes for the 'appropriate' area; looking for some kind of individual seating arrangement (like bar stools, or something else intended for individual patrons, hopefully near whatever entertainment the place may have), and, finally, something where she can see her companions easily, without craning around. (And, if she can manage it, where she's out of Vanya's field of vision, but that's definitely her last priority. Highest priority is not getting kicked out. ^^)
Vanya chuckles quietly. "I am sure she can," he says, looking over towards the entrance. "I would recommend the Rising Star in the House of the Balances. It is a good wine to start long trips on," he explains, and then to Liu says, "You can drop the 'uncle'. And I speak high and low realm if that helps."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Diamond's been speaking High, hasn't he?"
Liu looks to Diamond and makes a little I-defer-to-you gesture. "He speaks High."
Kanfi shrugs and lays his hands flat on the table. "High Realm would be best. I'm afraid our companion," he waves at Diamond, "doesn't speak the tongue of the South.
Diamond Borealis manages to avoid looking sheepish when he is referenced.
Vanya smiles. "Look, friends," he says quietly. "This has all been a rather ironic misunderstanding. You two," he gestures at Diamond and Kanfi, "Reminded me of some important business associates that I thought would not be returning for some time. It gave me quite a start." He rubs the side of one cheek. "If at all possible, I would simply like to... erase any misunderstandings. You are foreigners, and would not understand the intricacies of Varang ways. Is there any way I could help to speed you on your way through our beloved High City?" he inquires, absentmindedly rubbing his thumb and forefinger together in offering.
Liu chuckles softly and settles back into the booth.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "What's Diamond's read on this guy? He lying? He's obviously offering some sort of payment..."
Kanfi sighs, toying with a fold of fabric, running between his fingers. As he does he listens carefully, used to hearing the meanings between the words to puzzle out true motives. "You ran away when we noticed you, my friend. I hope you don't have any outstanding debts."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Totally using Motive Discerning Technique, personal essence."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "He wants to get the heck and gone rid of you. He mistook you for someone important, someone who would have to have been protected, and now he thinks you're a threat to him and his organization."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Does Kanfi have any Riverspeak?"
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Yep."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Comes with living in Nexus for years."
Diamond Borealis just plays the heavy, giving Vanya a hard look. He grunts approvement with Kanfi, and keeps his arms folded over his chest. He does shoot a glance to his companions though. He leans over to Kanfi and says something softly in Riverspeak, "Milk any help we can out of him if you think he's on the level. Be nice to know who our look-a-likes are and if they have enemies."
Kanfi nods slightly and offers up a slightly sheepish smile. "I'm sorry that you mistook us for that which we weren't. Do you think," he pauses, dropping his head as though a little worried, "that it might happen again?"
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "See Kanfi. He is a shy embarrassed little bunny. You want to help him, don't you? ::flutters eyelashes::"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Trickster"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "You are an evil, eviiiiil kanfi."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Roll Cha or Manip + socialize"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Villain. Ne'erdowell."
<ROLL> Kanfi rolls 8 dice: <1 2 3 5 6 6 6 9> for 1 success.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "The dice HATE me."
Liu adopts a frightened look, mimicking Kanfi, and looks to Vanya for reassurance.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Can I add to that roll?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Dude."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "I thought they only did those things to me!"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "'fraid not, Liu."
Vanya rubs his chin, somewhat unimpressed. "Not if I have anything to say about it, my young friend. I'd just as soon see you on your way and warn others of my... association... to be careful when spotting fellows on the street!"
Liu bites her bottom lip and looks at Diamond. This just doesn't seem quite right, but... maybe it was just a simple misunderstanding.
Kanfi sighs, pushing braids from his face. "I understand, however, it's worrisome that even someone so level-headed as you could become unhinged by the sight of us that someone less stable might do something rash. After all, I don't know who these look-alikes are. If they were to have enemies, we'd be totally unprepared!" Well, that's stretching the truth. The four of them were hardly unprepared. "At least if you could tell us a bit about these men we look like...?"
Diamond Borealis is smelling a fish as well, and returns Liu's look. He gives what should be a reasonable smile, but isn't, letting Kanfi continue to do the talking. "Be a crying shame to wind up with a knife between our ribs over a mistaken identity."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Ooohkay."
[Insert abrupt pause of session due to hour.]
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Actually, that sounds like an excellent idea. Why don't you do a little storytelling right now; it'll fill in some of the time until Greer gets back, and that way, I inflict Kanfi with minimal sea-sickness to recover from once you land in Yane, and no combattyness.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "ooh stories!"
[Log editor's note: I was disconnected here and missed a little preliminary discussion]
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Ooh! I thought I'd never see my Circus again! Yes, that would be great."
Storyteller <to Liu> laughs. You paid for 'em at chargen, you get to keep 'em. ^_^
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "As they travel across Harborhead, PM will take time to tell stories wherever they rest. She'll save her best performances for the new tales she is telling, slightly different stories seeded the length of the nation. These are stories of the cunning Hare, and his family, and the pack of hyenas that menace them. In the stories, Hare hears that his big brother has heard about the hyenas and is coming to visit. In some, Hare, who has been so clever about tricking and fooling the hyenas, is encouraged and runs off to fight the hyenas, and his brother arrives only in time to avenge him. In some, it is Hare's son who does. In some, he taunts the Hyenas, and his daughter is carried off before the brother arrives. And in others, he cleverly lays aside a stock of arrows, planting them in his field and telling the hyenas they are grain which he will give them as tribute when it is ripe, waiting on the conflict until his brother arrives to 'help with the harvest'."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis Was looking for Fastest to Yane
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Yane, even"
Storyteller <to Phoenix Maiden> chuckles. "I see you're keeping up with the Theme of getting them prepared, and not rushing off to die. Cool.'
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Yay!"
Storyteller says "Any of the rest of you going to be helping out with the storytelling, or should I go for the straight roll with PM here? PM, do you have any Charms you want to use for this?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Kanfi might have been helping, but..."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis isn't much for ICly telling stories.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: I'll give you a +3 Kanfi Shoulda Been Helping With That die bonus, to add to the + 3 stunt die bonus you start with.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Wow. That's a useful die bonus. ;-) Can we add KSBHWT more often? *giggles*"
Storyteller <to Liu> chuckles. "If you can think of a way to add, we can give bonus Liu Is Here And Helping With That die bonuses.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Other than maybe juggling and jumping to draw a crowd to start with?"
<<OOC>> Liu says, "She's not much of a storyteller, but a crowd-drawer, yes."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Don't have any Performance Charms..."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden put all her social Charms in Presence, AKA, "Serve me, puny mortals!"
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Well, with +3 from Kanfi and +1 from Liu and +3 for writing a nice story, you've got a base +7 to your Charisma + Performance roll, so I think you're going to be okay. *chuckles* Roll it.
<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 15 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 7 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 8 successes.
Storyteller grins. Quite nice.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: You manage to get both the basic message across, and make it so popular that it becomes a generational fairy-tale. The anger and impatience of the young, at least, is temporarily -- yay, a Kanfi!
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden mmm, Zenithness.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: We're gaming out the effects of Phoenix Maiden's "Prepare, and don't explode messily all over the realm people" stories. I gave her a +3 Kanfi Shoulda Been Helping With That die bonus. :)
<<OOC>> Kanfi totally should be helping.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: You manage to get both the basic message across, and make it so popular that it becomes a generational fairy-tale. The anger and impatience of the young, at least, is temporarily positioned somewhere else. The story is -so- good that it actually makes for some telling in the enclaves of the Realm's patricians, although the Dynasts themselves are uneasy, seeing threat in any new thing.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden giggles.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "EMBRACE YOUR DOOM, HYENAS."
Storyteller says "Thankfully, the four of you avoid the major ports; rumor has it that storytelling itself has come under heavy 'Harmonious Doctrinal Oversight for Felicitous Bearing of Tales to Amuse the Common and the Indigenous'. In the big cities, in other words, the Immaculate Order is starting to censor even storytelling and other traditional amusements of the People."
Storyteller says "You may not have much time left."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Yeah. -That- Always works."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden smiles sweetly. The nice thing about seditious tales is that the harder you oppress them, the more people listen to them.
Storyteller says "Your sea voyage is uneventful, save for a close encounter with a naval escort of the Realm. However, apparently, the Captain, a water-blood named V'neef Sidel is dealing with some news from home-- according to his sailors, his impending nuptials to a certain Peleps Caranna has him quite intemperate for dealing with the captains of lesser ships. His vessels give you safe passage through waters that have had recently been attacked by the Lintha Family, as the ship you hire onto is carrying cargo to the realm ally of Yane as well as yourselves and the circus, before departing to once more patrol the ocean waves."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "... YOU."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Sidel HATES you."
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: You've been on river vessels all your life, so this one gives you no trouble, and you are able to complete your work on the pillow-talismans.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden has never ever been on a boat. ;_;
Storyteller [to Liu]: You have a wonderful time. Ships are lots of fun! Rigging and ropes and sails and so forth give you plenty of room to scamper about.
Storyteller [to Phoenix; Maiden Kanfi;]: You two, however, are in for a bit of trouble. Give me Stamina + Endurance rolls, difficulty 2, please?
<ROLL> Kanfi rolls 4 dice: <6 7 8 9> for 3 successes.
<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 4 dice: <1 3 6 7> for 1 success.
Storyteller chuckles.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "I am supremely unbothered, yes."
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: The natural blood of an eclipse comes to your aid.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden gives the dice a deathglare.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "And also, Sidel still hates you."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: You, on the other hand, are heartily seasick, and VERY happy to see Yane.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden oooogh.
Storyteller says "The trip is otherwise uneventful, other than Phoenix Maiden's deep and personal connection to the leeward railing. You have time to plan, to think, and to craft, as you desire; anything I should know about for the ocean voyage?"
Phoenix Maiden mostly focusses on not throwing up too much, and ponders various strategies for serving the Realm their eviction notice.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Well, I could bug Diamond about crafting me these awesome gauntlets with spring-loaded grappling hooks that I "dreamed about." Or I could talk to the Storyteller about that first. ;-)"
Storyteller [to Liu]: Lay it on me? Are they the ones in the Night book that are artifacts, or...?
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: You're in charge of (above-board) mercantile. Are you guys going to be trading along the way, or relying on Liu's circus as cover?
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Yeah, those are the ones I'm thinking of. In the Night Caste Book, and they are artifacts. I don't know if we can actually do that, but it did seem at least fun to ask Diamond for."
Storyteller [to Diamond; Borealis Liu;]: I'd rather get you guys to Yane now so everyone can RP; would you guys mind if I brought you in for a brief two hour discussion period sometime during the week?
Kanfi will be chatting up the crew about the best places to buy and sell, and what interesting things they've seen lately. He's completely open to trading,-- that's his cover!
<<OOC>> Liu says, "I could be okay with that, yes."
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: You going for staple goods, small-n-valuable, clothes, a specific type, etc.?
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Small and valuable, mostly. Although anything really exquisite (mmm, fabric) will catch his eye."
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: Interesting. You should know, in the Varang city state, brightly colored clothing of various types signifies caste and type. I'm going to assume that, as a merchant who's been around, you know what to sell to and whom; you and I can roll out afterwards what you merch and how much you make, unless it comes up in game.
Storyteller says "But! Now we begin."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Does that mean I should keep an eye on my companions' clothing so we don't stand out too much?"
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: Well, you're foreign, so you can get away with a lot-- unless you guys want to go for subtle?
<<OOC>> Kanfi is all about the subtlety.
Storyteller says "It's been about a week at sea; you've made good time, and had _incredibly_ favorable winds. The vast, gear-shaped city of Yane is before you. The architects were so determined to make it resemble a tightly regulated, segmented clockwork gear that they actually landscaped out into the harbor; the "foreigner" dock is one of three partitions created by the "teeth" of the gear-- massive, ancient fortifications mounted with firecannons. To one side, of course, is the foreigner dock; it's unfortunately quite crowded, because it's a smaller segment-- the 'tooth' encloses a section of the old harbor. In the center, the widest area is for the Varang nationals and the Realm; the third section is for Varang and Realm military vessels. Despite the crowding, your captain finds docking within a decent amount of time, and you disembark swiftly."
Storyteller says "The sights and sounds of the city are bewildering; virtually none are marked by signs, but instead, by colors and geometric designs. There are a few, here, in the foreigner's dock that are recognizable-- the harbormaster's, a guide guildhouse, and a few sailor's inn's."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "If Kanfi mentions it, PM will try to dress all subtle. If she can find something to wear. Seems to have bad luck with clothes shopping."
Storyteller [to Diamond; Borealis Kanfi;]: You don't have anything definite, but there is some form of sympathy drawing on the sword within the city. You can't be sure whether or not it is Swan Dragon himself, though.
Kanfi will help his sister find something to wear, if she'd prefer.
Liu helps fuss over Phoenix Maiden's clothes! But she has this thing for spangles....
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: Amusingly enough, spangles are permissible to foreigners of the "middle" caste, although they would be considered somewhat gauche on nobles.
Kanfi is trying for 'middle' caste. Not too upper class, and certainly not lower caste. So... spangles it is. He'll even try getting Diamond to wear some.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: They're not required.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: But they look pretty.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden nudges Diamond. "Maybe the two of us should just stay on the ship."
Kanfi wants Diamond to look pretty!
Diamond Borealis just gives Kanfi a stern look. "I'll wear no such frippery." He stares over the edge of rail, contemplating how to enter the city. "So the sword is picking up some pull from the sword?"
Kanfi pouts a little, and adjusts his own bangles, letting them chime. "It certainly seems that way."
Phoenix Maiden eyes the spangles on her outfit, and asks Kanfi if this is really the right thing to wear, but wears it.
Liu cheerfully ties her braids up into a sensible ponytail, and gives Phoenix Maiden a friendly nudge. "You look nice."
Phoenix Maiden shrugs ruefully.
Kanfi laughs at his sister and leans up to kiss her cheek. "Don't you trust me, Vir-- Phoenix Maiden?" He flicks at one of his beaded necklaces.
Diamond Borealis starts toward the gangplank. "Let's get going then." He gives Phoenix a pat on the shoulder. "Buck up. The pickpockets will be focused on the peacock over there." Meaning Kanfi.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: You have a briiiieeefff heart-stopping moment as the wind gusts around you, but there are no whispers. ^_^
Phoenix Maiden twitches and gives Kanfi a mild glare.
Kanfi grins sheepishly-- hey, he didn't actually say it this time. "No pickpocket's going to get anything from me, old man!" He has to run a few steps to catch up with Diamond Borealis, and he pouts over-dramatically.
Phoenix Maiden follows Diamond and Kanfi off the ship - gratefully - and resists the urge to push her brother off the plank. With effort.
Liu bounds down the gangplank and pauses a few seconds to make sure her legs understand solid land again.
Storyteller says "Where are you guys heading?"
<<OOC>> Liu says, "There's a pull on the sword, right?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Into the city, yes. Are you just following it?"
Diamond Borealis grins at Liu. For all his old sour puss expressions, her youthful enthusiasm amuses him. The expression fades quickly though. "No, because I can slip a knife into their back if they try it, but they want notice me. Which way is the sword leading?" He asks quietly, peering from beneath the shade created by his big hat.
Kanfi groans. "Do you have to be so violent? I would just give them a coin and tell them to get a move on." Kanfi frowns, caressing the hilt of Shurtimu Ji.
Liu curbs her enthusiasm a bit, since we're trying to keep a low profile, and falls into step next to Kanfi. "Are we just going to follow the sword for now, or do you want to find an inn to put up in? My folks will be camping outside the city and setting up all day."
Phoenix Maiden chuckles softly. "That would be getting something from you, mm?"
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Erm, that was to Diamond."
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: You're on the Northeastern edge of the city right now. "In" would be straight south and west towards the center and the castle of the king; slight variations would take you to the segments assigned to those both high birth-caste and high-astrological-sign-profession-caste. You're a little wider than that and to the north, pointing you through one of the less clear areas, once you pass the middle and lower zones and their confusing boundaries.
Diamond Borealis doesn't respond to the question. "We'll follow it for now, I think." He glances up at the sun to check the time. "We can get a room later if need be."
Storyteller [to Liu]: The circus will be performing outside the walls, yeah, in one of their own tent. They've performed in Yane before, so you don't need to worry too much about them; do you want to take any with you or just go alone?
<<OOC>> Liu says, "No, I'll stay with my circle and not take any friends with me."
Kanfi bites his lower lip. "Well, if we're just going straight to the source, we should start heading west." He's really just taking what seems like the most direct route and starting to walk.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "I mostly just meant that we could stay with them if we didn't want to find an inn."
Phoenix Maiden nods in agreement with Diamond. "Let's see what the sword leads us to before we make any decisions about where we should base ourselves while we're here."
Liu is ready to jaunt off, then.
Storyteller says "Yane is... unusual. On one hand, it is ordered and regimented; clearly lain out to follow a strictly designed pattern; Kanfi and Diamond, you've been to quite a few cities in your time, and Yane, while clearly Second Age (not even Shogunate), reminds you of ruins of first age thauma-industrial or military cities; there is a precision here that mirrors the stars themselves. Unfortunately, it is also familiar in the total lack of relevance to an outsider. Were you not following the 'guide' of the blade, you'd swiftly become lost, especially in the interstitials where the profession you were born to by your astrological sign and the nobility of your family become intertwined; in these places, it is difficult to follow the logic by which each profession's segment is separated from another."
<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 3 dice: <5 6 10> for 2 successes.
Storyteller hmms.
Storyteller says "Everyone give me Perception + Awareness. This is not a danger check."
<ROLL> Liu rolls 7 dice: <3 5 8 8 8 10 10> for 7 successes.
Storyteller O_o
<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 6 dice: <1 3 5 7 10 10> for 5 successes.
<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 2 dice: <7 9> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden the not absolutely unobservant? ^^;
<ROLL> Kanfi rolls 3 dice: <6 6 8> for 1 success.
Storyteller says "Oookay."
Storyteller says "Liu, I'm going to hit you last, since it's going to take me a bit to figure this one out."
<<OOC>> Kanfi really should buy some awareness.
Storyteller [to Kanfi; Phoenix Maiden;]: You two notice someone suddenly start running through the crowd; you're not sure why, but it catches your eye.
<<OOC>> Liu has leet perceptive foo.
Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: _You_ know why; you noticed him staring at you and Kanfi for a few seconds before running off.
Storyteller [to Liu]: As for you... You know all of the above, and you have a weird feeling that whoever that is had a look of recognition on his face when he saw Diamond and Kanfi together.
Storyteller [to Diamond; Borealis Liu;]: The guy is a Varang native, by the by.
Kanfi hmms, and shrugs it off. "Are we going?"
Diamond Borealis has spent a great deal of time in odd places. And having someone stare at you in that fashion, then bolt when noticed. "Liu, help me catch him. I want to know who he's working for." Following his instincts, relying on them to tell him what to do.
Phoenix Maiden peers.
Phoenix Maiden shrugs.
Kanfi arches an eyebrow, surprised by Diamond's vehemence and shrugs. "I'll wait here?"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "<-- Feeling paranoid with the dreams and the heavy Realm presence."
<<OOC>> Kanfi is way too easy-going.
Storyteller says "Liu?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden wonders if Diamond hates pickpockets THAT much. :p
Liu slips a knife into one hand and takes after Diamond, saying low, "That guy knows you and Kanfi. He's looking for you."
Kanfi shakes his head, a little confused. "I haven't been in the South for years. Who would recognize me?" Even his own sister hadn't recognized him after all that time!
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden was suspicious, anyhow! Just, subtly. >_>
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden admits that was mostly because he hadn't changed his name. But.
Phoenix Maiden blinks at Kanfi. "I suppose we should probably wait for them here. I didn't think Diamond was that serious about killing pickpockets."
Storyteller [to Liu; Diamond Borealis;]: Hmmm. Dex + Athletics checks, please.
<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <2 3 5 7 8> for 2 successes.
<ROLL> Liu rolls 11 dice: <2 3 4 6 6 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 8 successes.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Mmm, specialty."
<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 5 dice: <3 3 8 10 10> for 5 successes.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Guy's so doomed."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis imagines that's enough for one or the other of us to corral him into the other one.
Storyteller says "The pair of you easily catch up, despite the press of the crowds, although you definitely attract the attention of the guards; this is a ... high cl... a sort-of... er... this is the sort of neighborhood where the guards do actually pay attention to random street scuffles. There are a few nearby-- five are jogging in your direction."
Storyteller says "The guy himself hisses- well, do either of you know Flametongue?"
<<OOC>> Liu says, "I do."
Storyteller [to Liu]: He says, "Dammit, what's the -matter- with you? We can't afford to attract attention now!" in an exasperated whisper.
Liu giggles and wraps her arms around the man. "Uncle Ardo! I'm so glad we found you!"
Liu gives Diamond an insistent look.
Diamond Borealis joins the hug, clapping the man on the back solidly. "Ardo, you old scoundrel. It's good to see you." Picking up on Liu's dodge easily. While giving her a brow-lifting inquiry about what the man just said.
Liu has reconnected.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Lame."
The man looks confused for a second. "That's not the..." He spots the guards and cuts off quickly. "Ah, little one!" he says loudly. "I see that the stars have indeed favored your profession! Soon, perhaps you may grace the hall of an appropriately-ranked merchant-administrator!"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Did you see mine, Liu?"
<<OOC>> Liu says, "I did."
<<OOC>> Kanfi giggles.
Liu whispers sharply to Diamond, though keeping her face smooth and joyous, "He said we shouldn't attract attention. He sounds friendly. At least we shouldn't poke holes in him right away."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden likes the bet hedging there. :)
Liu looks around, and casts a beautifully dimpled grin in the direction of the guards, though not focusing it on them for a long while.
Diamond Borealis gives Liu a nod of agreement. He whispers back, "Good. Tell him he's with us, for now." Leaving an arm draped around the man's shoulder, his eyes flicking over the guards ever so briefly. He laughs at whatever the man said, picking up the jolly tone if not the words, letting Liu handle the talking as he doesn't know Fire Tongue.
Storyteller says "The guards, in the manner that guards do, look suspicious for a while, but seeing nothing amiss, decide that it is the right of the citizen to meet with whomever he pleases-- however he pleases, and return to their sauntering about on patrol, although they are keeping an eye on the pair of you."
Liu grins at Diamond and smiles sweetly at the man. In Flametongue, "You simply must come have a drink with us at... erm, at an appropriate location? We have so much catching up to do." With her on one side, and Diamond on the other, this isn't really up for negotiation.
Storyteller [to Diamond; Borealis Liu;]: Make Per + Socialize rolls, please?
<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 5 dice: <2 3 6 8 9> for 2 successes.
<ROLL> Liu rolls 4 dice: <3 4 6 9> for 1 success.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis is so glad he bought that damn 'Jack of All Trades merit'.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "That suits Diamond well, too."
Storyteller [to Diamond; Borealis Liu;]: The two of you briefly notice his face go utterly flat for a moment, and then he smiles. "Of course, of course," he tells Liu. "I know an auspiciously-founded tavern to celebrate your coming of age amidst the acrobat caste, little one," he says, and begins to lead you off in the direction he was running.
Storyteller [to Phoenix; Maiden Kanfi;]: You two can see this, by the by.
Phoenix Maiden glances at Kanfi. "...Think we ought to tag along?"
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Could we hear what Liu was saying?"
Liu has partially disconnected.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is going on the fact they're wandering off with this stranger all huggy.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: No.
Kanfi nods, grinning a little. "I don't think they're coming back this way." So he stretches his legs, hurrying to catch up with them. "Wait up, Liu!" He gives the words a cheerful spin, taking from the fact that Liu and Diamond are acting friendly.
Liu starts and looks over her shoulder, and smiles brightly. "And of course, you must meet the rest of my troupe."
Phoenix Maiden blinks a couple times as Kanfi bolts and follows, carefully not looking at them directly. Subtle. Right.
Diamond Borealis lifts his hat as he catches sight of Kanif and Phoenix Maiden. Still wearing a smile, which looks unnatural on his face. A sort of forced rictus. "Tell him not to try anything funny. And that I'm not bothering with threats."
Liu smiles and flutters her eyelashes. Translating, "Now, Uncle Ardo, you're not going to run off again without letting us know simply everything that's been going on, right? It would make my friend here so unhappy."
Liu says more softly, "Can we go somewhere to speak in private?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "ST? Is it common for people to wear weapons around here, IE, is PM likely to be carrying another toy spear?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "...PM is very fond of spears. They're her security blanket. A toy spear isn't as good as her pretty shiny one, but, it's better than nothing."
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: It's permissible for foreigners, although, again, this is Realm territory. You could be carrying your orichalcum weapons concealed by various fineries and fripperies, though.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Surely not her oversized lance. ^^;"
'Ardo' gives a wan smile. "Of course not. Let's just head off, though; the heat of the day is getting to me." He wipes sweat away from his brow, exaggeratedly.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Not a problem. Exalted, remember! People carry big things covered all the -time-.
Kanfi bites back a laugh. "So you found our errant Uncle, did you? Why don't we find a nice tavern or something to trade stories and fine drink?"
Diamond Borealis seems amenable to a drink. "Have him lead the way then."
'Ardo' looks calm and cool as he wanders deeper into the higher-ranking districts. These areas are -definitely- well guarded, and there's even the occasional Legion patrol. "I think the House of the Fifth Serpent Sign of the Twelfth Decan will do nicely, don't you?"
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Can any of us figure out what that place might be like?"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Well, he's certainly leading you into the wealthier district. It's not likely to be a dive. ;)"
Liu is a little miffed about the well guardedness, but relying on the suspicious fellow... well.
Kanfi pats 'Ardo's' shoulder with a wide grin. "You know me, uncle. I'm always open to new places, as long as they serve good drink!"
Phoenix Maiden wanders along behind the others, concerned when she sees the first Legion patrol. She's staying out of earshot, and hoping her Circle's companion has more important things on his mind than checking to see if they're being followed.
Diamond Borealis seems unworried even with the guards. Easy enough to slip a knife in someone's ribs. He keeps the bland expression on his face, and does his best to fit in as they wander toward the bar in question.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden just figures she doesn't know or trust this guy and there's no reason not to be unobtrusive for now.
'Ardo' manages to casually mention that his real name is Vanya, along the way. "It will be more natural if you call me by my right-born name," he says with a mild look of disgust at the idea of 'Ardo'.
Storyteller says "You're moving -away- from whatever the feeling of the sword was, by the by."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Oh, bloody..."
Liu bites her bottom lip and looks at Vanya's face searchingly while we're walking. Is this guy safe? Does he seem like a good guy?
Storyteller [to Liu]: Flat-out Perception roll here.
<ROLL> Liu rolls 4 dice: <6 7 8 9> for 3 successes.
Storyteller [to Liu]: He's not particularly safe, no, but not necessarily evil by that measure; just not a saint. He's definitely doing his best to conceal his real emotions and intent, though.
Diamond Borealis says through the thin line of his lips pressed into that smile, "What's he bitching about, Liu?"
Liu keeps an arm on Vanya's, and just looks about and pays attention as we're walking. This doesn't seem like the direction we want to go in, but...well, until we know we have to pull the guy into an alley, it isn't time to.
Phoenix Maiden is still just ambling along behind them, looking at things of interest and trying to get the guard's attention. Don't mind the foreigner with the huge not-an-Anathema-weapon.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden has no idea, mind, of what direction the sword's been pulling.
Kanfi touches Shurtimu Ji, every so often, a little uncomfortable that they're going in the wrong direction. But he retains the presence of mind to translate for the non-Flametongue speaker. "Uncle wants us to call him by his given name. Vanya." He reaches out to tap Diamond's hand and smile up at him.
"We'll call him the Spirit of Party Dresses if that's what he likes. The important thing is this: why was he watching for us and who was he planning to tell about us in such a hurry?" Diamond looks over at Kanfi when the younger man taps his hand, a single brow finding refuge beneath his hat in a silent inquiry.
Vanya takes you all to the House of the Fifth Serpent Sign. This is a cleaner, upper-establishment place; in the River or the Realm, it'd be a tea house, not a bar. As it is, the building itself is brilliantly outlayed in greens and whites, with flashes of red here and there. On the inside, the color continues, but the hues are subtly different depending on what section of the tavern you are in, with the most sedate nearest to the bar itself and the tavern. "Hail, my friend," Vanya says to the tavernkeeper. "Is my usual table open? I have family guests."
Kanfi glances around and nods to himself. Better than the dives he usually frequented in Nexus. "Nice place, uncle."
Diamond Borealis takes a glance around the place to see whether or not he should remove his hat and then follows the custom.
<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 7 dice: <2 3 4 6 8 8 10> for 4 successes.
Liu settles into "Vanya's booth", but is a bit trigger-happy on her knives.
Phoenix Maiden is waiting a short time after her friends enter the building to follow them in.
Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Okay.
Storyteller [to Kanfi]: You're feeling a bit suspicious of friendly old 'uncle'. Not 'threat' way, but more like... this doesn't sound like casual conversation to you. He may be taking steps to protect himself.
Storyteller says "Vanya sits himself down at a fairly nice looking table. "Can I interest you all in something to eat? Drink?" he asks, looking to each of you. "And where is your tall friend? Has she gotten left behind us?""
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden .oO(Is it possible to protect yourself from
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Does he know? :P"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Probably not! I'm just saying!"
Diamond Borealis shows a touch of teeth in his smile. "Tell him not to worry about her any more than we're worrying about the bartender and whatever buddies he has here. Make it clear we want answers. And I don't want any food or drink." He keeps his hands together on top of the table, offering his opinion once he gets a translation.
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "See, I totally should have bought King of Masks already."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "I know I'm going to end up buying it, and yet I keep putting it off. :p"
Kanfi bites his lip, but keeps the friendly smile. He even smiles in his most unthreatening way to the tavernkeeper. "What do you recommend to drink?" he asks Vanya. "Not a drop of fine drink has touched my tongue in weeks." He curls into a seat and shrugs. "Don't worry about my sister. She can take care of herself."
Liu smiles at Vanya. "Do you speak anything besides Flametongue, dear uncle?"
Phoenix Maiden enters shortly after her friends, examines the interior and promptly tries to decide where to head, based on three things: noting the colors and trying to match patterns against her clothes for the 'appropriate' area; looking for some kind of individual seating arrangement (like bar stools, or something else intended for individual patrons, hopefully near whatever entertainment the place may have), and, finally, something where she can see her companions easily, without craning around. (And, if she can manage it, where she's out of Vanya's field of vision, but that's definitely her last priority. Highest priority is not getting kicked out. ^^)
Vanya chuckles quietly. "I am sure she can," he says, looking over towards the entrance. "I would recommend the Rising Star in the House of the Balances. It is a good wine to start long trips on," he explains, and then to Liu says, "You can drop the 'uncle'. And I speak high and low realm if that helps."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Diamond's been speaking High, hasn't he?"
Liu looks to Diamond and makes a little I-defer-to-you gesture. "He speaks High."
Kanfi shrugs and lays his hands flat on the table. "High Realm would be best. I'm afraid our companion," he waves at Diamond, "doesn't speak the tongue of the South.
Diamond Borealis manages to avoid looking sheepish when he is referenced.
Vanya smiles. "Look, friends," he says quietly. "This has all been a rather ironic misunderstanding. You two," he gestures at Diamond and Kanfi, "Reminded me of some important business associates that I thought would not be returning for some time. It gave me quite a start." He rubs the side of one cheek. "If at all possible, I would simply like to... erase any misunderstandings. You are foreigners, and would not understand the intricacies of Varang ways. Is there any way I could help to speed you on your way through our beloved High City?" he inquires, absentmindedly rubbing his thumb and forefinger together in offering.
Liu chuckles softly and settles back into the booth.
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "What's Diamond's read on this guy? He lying? He's obviously offering some sort of payment..."
Kanfi sighs, toying with a fold of fabric, running between his fingers. As he does he listens carefully, used to hearing the meanings between the words to puzzle out true motives. "You ran away when we noticed you, my friend. I hope you don't have any outstanding debts."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Totally using Motive Discerning Technique, personal essence."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "He wants to get the heck and gone rid of you. He mistook you for someone important, someone who would have to have been protected, and now he thinks you're a threat to him and his organization."
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Does Kanfi have any Riverspeak?"
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Yep."
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "Comes with living in Nexus for years."
Diamond Borealis just plays the heavy, giving Vanya a hard look. He grunts approvement with Kanfi, and keeps his arms folded over his chest. He does shoot a glance to his companions though. He leans over to Kanfi and says something softly in Riverspeak, "Milk any help we can out of him if you think he's on the level. Be nice to know who our look-a-likes are and if they have enemies."
Kanfi nods slightly and offers up a slightly sheepish smile. "I'm sorry that you mistook us for that which we weren't. Do you think," he pauses, dropping his head as though a little worried, "that it might happen again?"
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "See Kanfi. He is a shy embarrassed little bunny. You want to help him, don't you? ::flutters eyelashes::"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Trickster"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "You are an evil, eviiiiil kanfi."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Roll Cha or Manip + socialize"
<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Villain. Ne'erdowell."
<ROLL> Kanfi rolls 8 dice: <1 2 3 5 6 6 6 9> for 1 success.
<<OOC>> Kanfi says, "The dice HATE me."
Liu adopts a frightened look, mimicking Kanfi, and looks to Vanya for reassurance.
<<OOC>> Liu says, "Can I add to that roll?"
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Dude."
<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "I thought they only did those things to me!"
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "'fraid not, Liu."
Vanya rubs his chin, somewhat unimpressed. "Not if I have anything to say about it, my young friend. I'd just as soon see you on your way and warn others of my... association... to be careful when spotting fellows on the street!"
Liu bites her bottom lip and looks at Diamond. This just doesn't seem quite right, but... maybe it was just a simple misunderstanding.
Kanfi sighs, pushing braids from his face. "I understand, however, it's worrisome that even someone so level-headed as you could become unhinged by the sight of us that someone less stable might do something rash. After all, I don't know who these look-alikes are. If they were to have enemies, we'd be totally unprepared!" Well, that's stretching the truth. The four of them were hardly unprepared. "At least if you could tell us a bit about these men we look like...?"
Diamond Borealis is smelling a fish as well, and returns Liu's look. He gives what should be a reasonable smile, but isn't, letting Kanfi continue to do the talking. "Be a crying shame to wind up with a knife between our ribs over a mistaken identity."
<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Ooohkay."
[Insert abrupt pause of session due to hour.]
