Jade and Cattle log, 3/10

[leticia]

Brian says "Okay. Kanfi, you've completed your little hell-trip into alcohol poisoning land, and have woken up with something of a hangover. By evening and the disappearance of the two Dragon Kings, the Captain has returned, walking with his staff. It's been a long day, but he was able to acquire supplies; he also realizes that you had important visitors, and has come up with a few leads on ships. It's the next morning."

Kanfi mmphs and needs some water. His mouth tastes icky.

Liu is finishing her last set of pushups, which she does vertically instead of horizontally, in a handstand. She's down in the hold, next to Midnight With Stars, who has his nose deep into a feedbag.

Phoenix Maiden will want to go buy a ship and get loaded as soon as possible; she will, in fact, be pushing for taking the second ship and the refugees directly to the Lap, to get done with this quest and get back to Harborhead.

Diamond Borealis is busy in a makeshift workshop. Inspired by the Dragon King's prosthetic, he's working on designs for human useable false limbs. Scratching the quill across his paper, he waits on the rest to come and get him when Kanfi returns to the land ofconsciousnesss.

Brian says "Alrighty. Phoenix Maiden, your brother has managed to drag himself out of bed. You going to get the others, and/or spend time tormenting him first?"

Phoenix Maiden prods Kanfi with an accusatory finger. "You wasted a full day like that."

Kanfi blinks at her, squinting a little bit, since his vision isn't fully in focus yet. "Did I? How much did I drink? And did you get the name of the horse that rode me down?" He rubs his head, leaning over nearly double and whimpering.

Brian says "Diamond, Othalak has left a couple of King Vine seeds in your possession. He didn't make his own prosthetic, so he couldn't help you make one, but the King Vines are the root *cough* of Dragon King vine technology. He did warn you not to let any of them grow in uncontrolled conditions unless you suddenly needed a sorcerer or astrologer's tower. With an attitude."

Brian says "Liu, you can hear Kanfi's suffering all the way in the hold. :)"

Brian says "And... ditto you, Diamond, in fact."

Kanfi WHIMPERS.

Phoenix Maiden prods her brother again. "Don't you have any self-control?" She sighs and pats Kanfi on the top of the head. "Pull yourself together, Kanfi. We still need a boat. Ship."

Liu flips backwards and streeeeetches upwards to buss Midnight-With-Stars's cheek with her lips, and removes his food bag. He tosses his head fitfully, and she whickers softly at him, then turns to head back up to her Circle-mates.

Kanfi swats at his sister's finger. "Course I have self-control. Usually. Drinks aren't usually that strong." He's a little sulky. "Got any water around here? My mouth feels like a small furry creature died in it."

Brian says "There's water by the Captain's desk, in a barrel under a small statue of a seagull."

Phoenix Maiden gets a cup of water for Kanfi, but he's not so lucky as to be handed it with no comment. "It's probably your tongue that died," she says, "You're going to smell like a wineskin for weeks the way you saturated yourself."

Diamond Borealis has been careful to not plant the King vine seeds. But he has studied them as best he is able without damaging, and made copious notes on how to control their growth. A greenhouse/factory that could be worked by some of the former slaves. A potential income-generating enterprise for the Circle.

Kanfi grumbles and drinks the water without rising to the bait. "I just need to clear my head a bit and get changed." Damn, this bad a headache and he didn't even get laid first.

Phoenix Maiden smiles slightly. "We're still going to have to disguise you," she points out, helpfully.

Kanfi blinks, confused, before the memory of the Wanted posters returns. "Oh. OH." He curses a little under his breath. "What do you have in mind?"

Liu peers into the cabin Phoenix Maiden and Kanfi are in, and cocks her head to the side. "Tiana said she did have a dress that'd fit him."

Phoenix Maiden shrugs, as Liu walks in. "Liu's got some good ideas." Her smile to Kanfi is serene and absolutely evil in the way big sisters do best.

Brian says "Unfortunately, Diamond, there's only so much you can do without actually controlling one of the vines' growths; a limit to what you can do while shipboard."

Kanfi looks from Liu to his sister and back again. "I--WHAT!? Ow. Ow. Ow." The yelling sends a sharp pain through his brain, and he leans over, massaging his temples. "You want me to do what?" he asks again, quieter, this time.

Phoenix Maiden shrugs again and ruffles Liu's hair. Ignoring Kanfi's protests, she says, "Why don't you go get him all dressed up, and I'll find Diamond?"

Diamond Borealis finishes his notes, writing down speculations and potential avenues of study, then putting it all away. That's where Phoenix will find him. Mostly lost in thought, lips pressed into a thin line.

Liu pads over to Kanfi and takes his chin in her hand, moving his head from side to side, somewhat gently. "It's either the dress, or we'd have to cut and dye your hair, and you'd have to wear Diamond's clothes. I think the dress is better. C'mon, let's go see what Tiana's got, then we'll put some paints on you."

Phoenix Maiden leaves Kanfi to Liu's management and heads out to go find Diamond.

<<OOC>> Liu cracks knuckles, speaks in gGermanaccent.

Brian says "On deck, the sailors, spooked as they were earlier, have gotten back to work getting the ship, well, ship-shape. Several of the rescuees, both former slaves and from the merchanter, have joined them, out of a real lack of anything else to do and a desire to get in shape. Either way, there is currently enough superfluous help that everyone's on half shifts. You find Diamond in repose in the hold, Phoenix Maiden."

Kanfi sighs. "Fine. Not touching the hair though. You have no idea how long it took me to do the braids like this. And the fighting is already playing havoc with them." He fingers a braid that's lost most of its beads.

Brian says "Kanfi, how much help are you going to give Liu here?"

Phoenix Maiden raps on a support, beam, or door before entering Diamond's workspace - she's not careless enough to startle him at work and let who-knows-what go wrong.

<<OOC>> Kanfi will help... he knows women's clothes, albeit usually on OTHER PEOPLE, and also knows what looks good on him. She'll have to do the makeup though. And he'll grumble.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Well, the one option is to temporarily be a pretty girl, the other option is to become an ugly man for a lot longer. :p"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay. Which one of you guys has the biggest Manipulation + Performance pool?"

<<OOC>> Kanfi is NEVER ugly, thanks!

<<OOC>> Kanfi has 5.

Liu confesses to Kanfi, with a shrug and a grin, that she's hopeless at dressing herself, so she'll be leaving him in the capable... err, hands, of two of the equestrian performers at the circus. They do have a rather nice feminine set of trousers and robe that complements his eyes, but they insist he tuck his hair under a wig. And proceed to dab paint and rouge over his face in large quantities.

Kanfi sulks ov er having to tuck his hair away. He thinks his hairstyle is moderately androgynous.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Liu, what's your Manipulation + Performance pool?"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Mine is 4"

<<OOC>> Liu says "5. :)"

<<OOC>> Brian laughs. "Okay, I'm going to count it as a 6, for one of Liu's people, instead of her, and give it a 2-die stunt, since PM is getting Diamond.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 dice: <1 2 3 5 5 5 6 6> for a botch!

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden CHOKES.

<<OOC>> Liu says "Oh god... *lol*"

<<OOC>> Sariel cackles.

<<OOC>> Liu says "Kanfi, you are one UGLY woman."

<<OOC>> Brian says "... buahahahahahaha."

Diamond Borealis looks up, turning over his shoulder and motions her further inside. "Come on in. I'm not busy summoning any demons or other arcane works that could endanger you. I'm trying to figure out how to create prosthetic limbs for some of our freedmen, similar to Othalak's, but that a non-Essence manipulating mortal can use."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "...Kanfi comes out looking like a clown!"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Liu, Kanfi, give me Perception + Awareness rolls, please, while I fall on the floor laughing."

Phoenix Maiden enters. "That'd be a good thing." She grins quickly. "Kanfi's back in the land of the living. Liu's getting him all disguised right now."

<<DICE>> Liu rolls 7 dice: <6 7 9 9 10 10 10> for 9 successes.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Yeaaaah."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 damage dice: <2 3> for 0 successes.

<<OOC>> Sariel says "...wow, these dice are _erratic_--HEE."

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 6 dice: <2 6 7 8 9 10> for 5 successes.

Diamond Borealis gives a nod of his head. "It could be an incredibly profitable enterprise for ourselves and them. Which would provide funding and propaganda for our attempts to change the world. Kind of hard to call people Anathema if they can give Timmy the Cripple a new leg, no?" He wipes his hands. Isn't he just the soul of altruism? "Shall we go see how they are doing?"

Brian says "Unfortunately, the performers aren't quite so good at actually making REAL cross-dressing as they are at the hilarious version thereof. Thankfully, the both of you notice in time that the the way they have Kanfi's, ah, underthings set would almost certainly cause very recognizable bulges were he to sit down, dress or no. Kanfi -especially- notices because he effectively gets the World's Worst Wedgie, almost pulling his groin up into his hipbones. Thankfully, it's more embarrassing and startling than actually painful."

<<OOC>> Sariel _snrk_.

Brian says "Liu, give me a Manipulation + Performance + 2 roll to see if you can salvage something here."

<<DICE>> Liu rolls 7 dice: <1 2 3 7 8 9 10> for 5 successes.

<<OOC>> Liu says "Scrub off the makeup, and just let him do his own... ;-)"

Brian giggles madly. "Okay. You've caught it in time. Kanfi does end up quite a pretty girl, and even has quite the high voice at the moment. Soprano, almost. Kanfi, when and if I call for Manipulation + Performance rolls to fool people into thinking you're female, you get +2 successes.

<<OOC>> Kanfi SIGHS. And wonders what would happen if he tries to flirt with boys.

Phoenix Maiden smiles wryly at Diamond's motives. "There is that. Yeah. Then we can get a ship and go to the Lap and be done with this goose-hunt." She heads back up towards where Liu and Kanfi should be.

Diamond Borealis follows behind her, grinning to himself. Just tweaking her a little for the hell of it. He leans against a bulkhead and surveys Kanfi. "Hell, I'd pay double the usual price for that girl in a Brothel in Nexus. Good job." His eyes sparkle slightly. "Course, I'd want my money back when I found the 'hidden surprise'."

Kanfi sits in the chair, cross-legged and demure, even! He smiles so sweetly and innocently at Diamond, he might have been just another girl-child. "Your fault for not checking the good before buying," he jokes.

Phoenix Maiden eyes her brother. "Nice falsetto," she comments. "Are we all ready to go shopping?"

Liu is tucking her knife belt carefully around her waist, hiding it under her jacket. "Yup. Let's go."

Brian says "You hear a knocking at the door; it's the Captain. "Chosen? I have those names and ships I was able to find yesterday.""

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden assumes she can find a toy spear to take with her? ^^

<<OOC>> Brian says "Going to take your Dire Lance wrapped, too, or leave it aboard?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden considers everything except her big golden monstrosity to be a toy, mind you...

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "...Hrm. >_> Probably leave it aboard."

Phoenix Maiden opens the door and welcomes the captain and his information.

<<OOC>> Kanfi assumes he can find places in his girl-outfit to put daggers in case anyone gets fresh?

<<OOC>> Brian says "Quite. In fact, in /Liu's/ version, you've even found a spot to hide your skycutter."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "DAYUM."

<<OOC>> Brian says "She got a legendary success. :)"

Brian says "The Captain comes in and tells you, "I was able to find three ships for sale; two that definitely meet your requirements and a third that might. The first is your standard blue water merchanter. She's pretty pricey and a bit older than my gal, but she's serviceable. The second is a brownwater river-rat, but she's tough, solid, and cheap; she was also converted, so she'll be a good shore-hugger," he says with disdain for such unvalorous vessels. "The last one... well, the owner's in a bit of a hurry to get rid of her. Definitely cheap, but also quite fast and solid. Not a lot of cargo space, but enough for the transportation of small and valuable items, if you follow me.""

Diamond Borealis waits patiently for the others. "So what is the plan again? Are we going to steal a ship?" That sounds like fun to the Twilight. When The Captain speaks up, he clears his throat. "Which, if any, are owned by the Guild, or rather the members thereof?"

Phoenix Maiden's eyebrows raise. "Indeed?" she comments. "Interesting." She looks to the others. "We have choices to make."

Liu shakes her head, filling Diamond in, "No, we're going to buy it, not steal it. I guess we'll have to go look at each of them."

Phoenix Maiden gives Diamond a slightly skeptical look. "Steal a ship? That would be counter productive unless we intend to ride on it from then on to keep it from being stolen back, rather than being able to turn its operation over the refugees."

The Captain informs Diamond, "The first one's a little guild outrunner. Not one of their big flotilla swampers, but medium by anyone else's standards. Second one's under guild badge, but an independent trader, mainly. Third one is definitely -not- Guild," he says with a laugh.

Diamond Borealis frowns at Liu. "Why not steal it from the Guild? They owe these people something." It seems the obvious choice to him, though he does not his head at Phoenix's point. He nods his head to the Captain. "Alright, I don't think we should steal either of those two then. Tell me more about this third one? What's so funny about it."

Kanfi smooths his skirt and keeps his mouth shut for now, just wanting to learn what he can, so that they can get a fair bargaining price.

The Captain gives Diamond a curious look. "Small, fast, and tough-- and armed, at that. "Small and valuable items," to sailors, tends to mean smuggled."

Phoenix Maiden comments, "Long term, we could probably make more use of a ...fast ship." She glances at the rest of her Circle. "Though I'm still reluctant to flat out steal."

Liu shakes her head and makes a sharp gesture at Phoenix Maiden, "I already told you -- there's no reason for us to steal it if it's safer for us not to. What I have is yours."

Kanfi nods in agreement. "I second Liu. Buying may be safer. As long as we get a fair bargain, there's no reason to steal anything. We won't have anyone coming after us for it..." He coughs, tugging on the skirt again in blatant reminder.

Phoenix Maiden gives Kanfi a wry look. "If we let you bargain, it's almost stealing anyhow." She shrugs. "My current preference is for the faster ship - but we can certainly look into the others."

Diamond Borealis ohhhs softly. "I like that. Can we look at that one first?" He looks to the other three. Clearly something that appeals to his rogue impulses. "That one would be worth paying for. I just have no desire to line the Guild's pockets."

Phoenix Maiden nods to Diamond wryly. "Another point."

The Captain looks a little dubious. "Are you sure? I mean, some of them are good sailors, but smuggling's a rough job."

Phoenix Maiden shrugs slightly. "There are other jobs for a fast ship, are there not, Captain? I would think there always those for whom speed is more important than carrying capacity." The question is earnest; Phoenix Maiden knows little about the sea.

Liu tilts her head to the side, "Couriers, maybe?"

Diamond Borealis considers his words carefully. "Captain, we are Anathema. Hunted and despised by the Realm. And they are people who were stolen by demonic pirates to be made into slaves. Smuggling is a rough job, yes. But if they continue to throw their lot in with us, they are in for a rough time regardless. And it's got to be a damn sight better than having the starring role in a Cynis Snuff party or working opium fields after having your life destroyed through repeated soul-raping by a creature from the deep Wyld?"

Kanfi rolls his eyes at Diamond. "Yeah, but merchanting's better than those options too."

The Captain shrugs. "I'm aware of what you are, sir," he replies, "And, especially, that you are the paying customers and the ones with the money. All I can do is give advice."

Liu flinches visibly at Diamond's words, her eyes getting wide and her shoulders hunching. Sure she sort of knows that that stuff happens to people but... but how horrible.

Kanfi turns towards the captain. "What can you tell us about the other two ships, then? What are they used for primarily, what size crew do they need? Who's selling them off and why. That sort of thing."

Phoenix Maiden's voice is calm. "We do appreciate the advice, Captain." She gives Diamond a wry look.

Diamond Borealis shrugs his shoulders. "It sounds like a better idea than the converted ship. I'm game to go with whatever the rest of you decide on this one though. I think regardless, they'll have a far better chance than they did a couple weeks ago when we found them."

The Captain reports, "The first one, Sekuba's Tide, is a Blue-Water merchanter. Standard Crew's about 22, minimum's 6. Could hold all of the refugees with plenty of space left for trading. Riverboats-- meh. Not really worth a name. I just know the dock; they converted it over to a coaster but couldn't find a buyer. If it had a name before, it's off the hull. Standard crew's 10, minimum is 4. Couldn't quite hold most, although many of the cripples would have to remain ashore anyway. The last one's named the Bonny Blue; she's built on a fast courier hull, a little larger than normal with better rigging, too; crew's eight or three. Trimaran; definitely couldn't hold all of the able-bodies, but it might be able to get most of them, still have cargo room, and the rest ashore to take care of the casualties."

Phoenix Maiden looks between the other members of the Circle. "I am still inclined for the faster boat, if only because we could get to the Lap faster in a faster boat... but it may be wiser to consider the larger merchanters as well."

Liu looks from Phoenix to Diamond, and nods her assent to Phoenix Maiden. "And he did say that the small one is cheap. Perhaps... we could buy it as well." She likes the idea of getting to the Lap faster, and feels an affinity for the smaller ship.

Kanfi bites his lip. "If the smugglers are trying to get rid of it in a hurry, it could mean someone's after them. Which means that someone's looking for their ship."

Phoenix Maiden frowns. "A point. Perhaps we can ask about town and find that out. They could also be selling to pay fines or something, though."

Phoenix Maiden shrugs. "We can also discuss this after seeing the boats; it may change our preferences."

Phoenix Maiden looks at the rest of her Circle. "We should probably make some effort to do that."

Phoenix Maiden gives Diamond a grin. "And if between all of us, we can't push down the price far enough to be more or less cheating the Guild, I'd be surprised."

Kanfi nods in agreement. "Never buy or sell without knowing the goods."

Liu fidgets, fiddling with the knot-ends of her sash. Talking is all well and good, but she hasn't been on land in awhile. It's time to go and do and be. She straightens up visibly, stopping just short of bolting for the door, when Phoenix Maiden says it's time to just go and see the boats.

Phoenix Maiden follows Liu.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Err. I see Liu didn't actually move, when I reread."

<<OOC>> Brian ponders something...

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 5 dice: <4 4 7 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden fears that.

<<OOC>> Brian nods to himself, and notes that nothing happens, yet.

Phoenix Maiden nods to Liu and heads for the door.

Diamond Borealis spreads his hands. "Then lets get off the pot and go make a deal. I've got things to work on to get ready for the Lap." He seems vaguely impatient with the whole affair. Always drawn back to his work.

Kanfi sighs yet again and heads for the door. It's so strange to feel the feminine robe swishing around his ankles, and to not have his customary swaths of cloth tied across his chest. The way he's all bound up, his HIPS are moving!

<<OOC>> Brian is mucho giggling. Ah, transvestism, is there any game you can't lighten up? Everyone's heading into town, then?

Liu sprints behind Phoenix Maiden and bounds onto the deck and off the ramp, both scouting ahead and enjoying the freedom to run more than forty paces.

Phoenix Maiden smiles slightly at Liu's enthusiasm. She follows.

Once again, the unusual luck of the Exalted seems to be with you, and much as it has since the freak accident of fate, it seems that trouble is very definitely heading your way. The Guildmaster who has gone to -such- trouble to have the repeatedly-copied unflattering pictures of Kanfi, Reinkai, is apparently travelling by just as you get off the ship. And, in fact, he is following what appears to be a time honored custom; people on the streets are getting out of the way of the large pictures and Reinkai's burly entourage. It seems, Kanfi, that he is indeed one to hold a grudge; this morning's ritual seems to consist mainly of defacing in various manners-- mustaches, blackened teeth, spitting upon, demon horns, etc.-- the pictures in the posters, one after another. After each is defaced, apparently, it is left up, although since they weren't defaced yesterday, they must get replaced at -some- point.

Phoenix Maiden murmurs to Kanfi at some point, "Think 'woman,' little sister."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 4 dice: <1 4 6 9> for 1 success.

Kanfi twitches, deeply unhappy, but plasters a cute, girly smile on his face, and toys with his robe, doing his best to act like one of the village girls he spent so much time seducing. He was toying with the idea of flirting with the guildmaster. It would be a terrible idea, but it was so tempting...

Diamond Borealis bristles slightly. His hand going to the haft of Grendel's Claw under its protective covering. He clenches his teeth and relaxes his hand. "I bet he's carrying enough money to pay for any ship we want to buy. Hell, any two ships." He whispers the words to Liu, Larceny in his heart.

<<OOC>> Brian chuckles. "Kanfi, give me a stunt for 'thinking woman'-- or actin- ah, that works. Okay, give me a Manipulation + Performance + 2 roll, and make a Temperance check.

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 7 dice: <1 2 2 3 4 7 9> for 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "You are so lucky his guards aren't paying real attention. :P"

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 3 dice: <2 2 10> for 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Oh boy."

<<OOC>> Brian says "If you want to case the guildmaster, give me Perception + Larceny check. I shall name this a "Pigeon Check.""

Liu 's hackles rise as well, at Diamond's words, and she flexes her fingers thoughtfully. It'd be a bit of a challenge... and fun at that... but -- she looks at Kanfi and Phoenix -- probably too much of a risk. She hisses as much to Diamond, softly.

Phoenix Maiden puts a certain self-importance into her own walk, hoping that anyone looking at their group will focus on her, not the silly little 'girl' beside her.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 5 dice: <2 6 7 8 8> for 3 successes.

Brian says "Cha + Pre + 2, PM."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis shoulda bought up his larceny.

<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 11 dice: <2 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 7 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "He's a self-important bastard who's probably carrying around the reward money listed and then some; Roughly the equivalent of a Resource 4 purchase."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden giggles.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "...You tempt him sorely. :p"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Enough to move anyone with Resources 1 or 2 up a notch."

<<OOC>> Kanfi will check the guildmaster too. Did one, I could do it again!

<<OOC>> Brian innocence.

<<OOC>> Liu says "I should have bought any larceny."

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 6 dice: <1 1 2 6 6 8> for 1 success.

<<OOC>> Kanfi shrugs and probably got basically the same info as Diamond.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden grumbles at her dice. What's the point of having shiny social pools if you're not going to give her ST-grief inducing successes?

Diamond Borealis licks his lips, eyeing the man. He's dealt with enough Merchants to realize that 'that thar ship is floating low in the water', so to speak. He glances over at Liu again, and then up at Phoenix and Kanfi. He whispers to the acrobat, "If I had a distraction...that dumb sonuvabitch is carrying enough coin to buy just about any ship we'd care to buy."

Brian says "People on the street move out of Phoenix Maiden's way, sensing her warrior nature and desiring not to become thugged. However, her haughty stance has caught the eye of the guildmaster, who gestures to his palanquin-bearers to bring him over towards the group. Reinkai these days is even fatter than when Kanfi knew him last, a sedentary, obese merchant prince with rich silk robes, bejeweled rings, and heavy silver badges office in the Guild, as well as several necklaces and a hefty purse that he doesn't even bother to conceal, trusting in the fifteen mercenaries-- armed with straight swords and wearing reinforced breastplates-- and his four beefy palanquin bearers to keep him safe. Alas for poor Kanfi-- or perhaps to his salvation-- his rather attractive daughter is nowhere to be scene."

Liu looks up at Diamond, eyes glittering. "What kind of distraction would you need?" She looks around for a street merchant's pavilion, or anyone with something small and important she could snatch, monkey like. As Renkai approaches, she slinks backwards behind Diamond, trying to stay out of view.

Kanfi doesn't so much pull back behind his sister as he does, draw into himself a little, the way he's seen village maiden's do when an important man (or just a handsome one) is looking at them, and bites his lip, eyes wide and fluttery. It really is a good thing Reinkai's daughter isn't around. She probably would have taken one look at him and burst out in laughter. And then he'd have to kiss her and... that would be no good at all.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Give me another Manipulation + Performance +2 roll."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Oh, right, and you get +2 successes thanks to Liu."

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 7 dice: <1 2 3 3 3 4 4> for a botch!

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "...Oh hell."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "... Oh hell."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "...+2 successes, right?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "So it's not really a botch?"

<<OOC>> Brian pauses game briefly to start laughing.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden cries.

<<OOC>> Brian says "It depends on how cruel I want to be."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "And come on, he should get something for PM taking all the attention, right? :p"

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 5 dice: <1 6 8 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Kanfi curses.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Crap."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Am I going to have to go all Wayne Brady on these people?"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Mmmm, choking bitches."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "So we might end up stealing that boat anyhow. :p"

<<OOC>> linenoise says "I see that you *still* haven't managed to beat some sense into that diceroller."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 3 dice: <4 5 5> for 0 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Dear, sweet god, I did not intend for this to happen. I just wanted to tempt Diamond and make Kanfi sweat. Oh well! This is amusing too."

As the guards march closer, Kanfi, to his absolute horror recognizes one of them. And, perhaps Kanfi had been thinking 'guy' too much, or perhaps that was his hairstyle from that day-- whatever it is, one of the guards gives a shout, and pulls his sword. "Master, it is HIM!" yells the mercenary. In a quick moment of realization, the guildmaster screams for the guards to, "GET HI- He- HIM! DEFINITELY HIM! GET HIM!" as his palanquin-bearers begin to backpedal to get him the heck and gone away from the fighting.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Initiative hasn't started yet; you guys have one round to try and defuse the situation through other means."

<<OOC>> linenoise says "Do not taunt Happy Fun Dice"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Why the hell would we want to diffuse the situation? :)"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis kids. I kid.

<<OOC>> Kanfi saaaaaads at Diamond.

Phoenix Maiden steps squarely in front of her brother, her bearing imperious and her voice proud and carrying all the arrogance that a Golden Bull can muster. Every gesture is finetuned to say "I am more important than you; if you're a very good dog, you might get a biscuit." In a chilling voice - the kind to freeze people in their tracks, she demands, "What is the meaning of this racket?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "And I think I will use ...thing. Shiny. Charm. NAME ESCAPES ME."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Please tell me you don't mean MRP?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "No, worse. ;)"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "...TaoG. Right. Entirely out of personal. PM doesn't want to be OBVIOUS here, just make people stop and listen to her. :p"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Oh, lord."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "oh. Just TaoG. I thought I was suppose to be Mr. Reckless and Unsubtle."

<<OOC>> Liu says "Aaaaaa, a Zenith.... *sighs happily*"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden ZENITH.

<<OOC>> Kanfi is an Eclipse! Just... wasn't one the last time he came through here.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <5 10> for 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <2 3> for 0 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <1 2> for a botch!

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <2 7> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <2 5> for 0 successes.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "I have been told in the past that TaoG doesn't have to be entirely obvious if personal is used."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "...Which is the assumption I was operating under."

Brian says "Six cower back in fear of this Obviously Majestic Person. Three more drop their weapons and prostrate themselves, mumbling apologies. The remaining six have their weapons drawn, but are looking and feeling decidedly uncomfortable, looking back at their boss, who is staring on in horror."

Kanfi bites his lip, watching in chagrin.

Liu slinks behind Kanfi, thinking she might get a chance to smuggle him back to the ship -- UNDER the ship -- if she has to.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "If the Zenith has to defuse the situation, Zenith style defusing is what you get."

Diamond Borealis swallows, eyes widening at the shouts. He looks to Liu, then to the brother and sister. "The ..." His words cut off as Phoenix starts to hit the Essence flows to intimidate the guards. He turns to Liu, nudging her with an elbow. "Here's our distraction." He clears his throat softly, eyeing the guards still holding onto their weapons. He puts on his best lopsided smile; read, not a very good one. "Let's not anyone do anything rash." He says to all concerned.

<<OOC>> Brian says "... What are Liu and Diamond planning here? O.o"

<<OOC>> Liu says "Well, DIAMOND is planning to steal from Reinkai... Liu was intrigued, going to see if she actually could help him with that."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <3 8> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <3 10> for 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden sighs. ;_;

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is trying to defuse the situation!

Renkai's blubber trembles a bit as his courage comes under the force of Phoenix Maiden's personality. Still, there's some iron in the old man, it seems, and he pounds on the arm rail of his palanquin. "Th-there will be no negotiation! You will turn over the notorious criminal and sheep-botherer Kanfi the Pustulent at once!"

Kanfi steps out from behind his sister, head held high, and somehow working to maintain his dignity despite his outfit. "Guildmaster Reinkai," he says, hands clasped in front of him, "I'm afraid that I cannot allow myself to come with you, at this moment, no matter how lovely it would be to see your charming and comely daughter once more." His lips twitched upward in memory. "I am on a mission of utmost importance to the guild," he lies, "and I wished to pass through your territory without intruding upon you as we've certainly had our... differences." Kanfi licks his lips. "I'm certain that there's a way we can settle this. On my way BACK,' he ends firmly.

<<OOC>> Brian says "... 3 dot stunt."

<<OOC>> Kanfi uses The Cunning Word. LOTS OF IT.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden holds her own pose. :p

<<OOC>> Brian says "Max is Manipulation + Socialize."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Personal, I'm assuming."

<<OOC>> Kanfi doubles her Manip+Socialize, then. All personal. Keeping it on the downlow.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, I'm not going to be as mean on the difficulty as I originally intended."

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 2 3 3 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9> for 10 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Ohhhhkay."

<<OOC>> Kanfi probably wins.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Give me a moment to think of a Legendary Success over Legendary difficulty, folks?"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis doesn't think our asses will be paying for a ship. Though Kanfi might have a start on his Exalted Harem.

Reinkai and his mercenaries hang on every word Kanfi speaks. His supernatural reasonability is clear to them; of -course- Kanfi is working for the guild; even a master like Reinkai has his superiors, and THEY-- think of that they as having 'dun dun duuuuuuun' in the background-- have put Kanfi on a matter of incredible importance. Why... Reinkai might get -in trouble- for all of those posters. "Tear them DOWN you fools!" he whispers to the nearest bodyguards not genuflecting and waving at the posters.

Reinkai's mood changes from "righteous" fury to fawning. Faced with the OBVIOUS importance of Kanfi and the conflict of his previous words, he chooses to do what many merchant princes would do in such a situation-- ignore anything he said before. "Ah, of course, honored courier! Of course, of course! And, er-- is there anything I could do to -assist you on your way-?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Kanfi, make another temperance roll. This is your Overindulgence check; the number of successes is the amount of Limit you gain."

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 3 dice: <1 3 9> for 1 success.

<<OOC>> Brian sulks. No break; not even close. finefine. >_>

<<OOC>> Brian will get you yet, my pretties!

<<OOC>> Kanfi is very glad for the way her Virtues are, yes.

Diamond Borealis whispers where only Kanfi can hear. "I swear by all Five Maidens, if you ask for his daughter I =will= get you." He's grinning though, and from the smug expression he's probably thinking, 'See, I told you we should steal a ship...'

Liu is poised right behind Kanfi, still ready to spring anyway she needs to. The situation looks calm, but...

Kanfi smirks back at Diamond, but doesn't lose a beat. "Guildmaster, my companions and I are sore in need of a ship. There are three that may fit our needs, but only one of your knowledge and stature could truly give us the assistance we need in choosing and," he cleared his throat, "buying one."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Hmm."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, what is the current plan now, in terms of ships and switching and such?"

<<OOC>> Liu says "I think the current plan is that we'll get the refugees a ship and speculate on buying that small fast one for ourselves; at least, that's what Liu and Phoenix seem to think."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Well... PM didn't speak to that; if the one boat is going straight there, she's okay with staying with it."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis is good with whatever plan the others want to go with. Primarily he wants to get going.

<<OOC>> Kanfi is of the opinion that finding the best boat for the slaves, and just taking their charter to the lap is fine.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis agrees with Kanfi. that sounds simplest.

"Of course, honored courier, of course," says the fat guild master, anxiously glad that you have decided to discard his hasty words as well. Many of the people here look extremely confused, especially as Kanfi is still in a dress, but for the moment, the power of his words hold. "Why, I know of three ships in dock ready for sale! At a -second- I could meet the asking price of one of them! What do you require?"

<<OOC>> Kanfi is a social-monkey, even in a dress.

<<OOC>> Brian warns that Super-Socialize is -not- mind control. In some ways, it's better; he has virtually no resistance. However, eventually, logical fallacies will overcome the Super Socialize; it depends on how you handle this.

Phoenix Maiden is letting Kanfi do the talking so she doesn't step on his fast talk badly.

Diamond Borealis is still smirking in a pleased fashion, watching Kanfi impose his will upon the fat slug of a Merchant.

Liu has slowly straightened, trusting that Kanfi has the situation in hand, and thrown her shoulders back to lend her solidarity to Kanfi.

Kanfi has to pause for a moment, trying to phrase his desires in a way that will take hold. "We have people who the Guild owes... a refund, shall we say. My companions and I must continue on our journey, however, we, and your superiors, feel that before I journey on, these people must gain a vessel with which they can regain their fortune through their own work. I, and my companions, must leave as soon as both vessels are adequately supplied, in order to continue our work. Guildmaster, I apologize for this... intrusion into your city. I had hoped to pass through unnoticed, thus my," he smiles wryly, charmingly, "garb."

<<OOC>> Brian says "2 point stunt, socialize again; beginning difficulty has dropped considerably, but he's got -something- of a chance to figure out what's going on. You going to TCW this too any? (You gained back 6 motes of whatever you spent last time, and 4 more now)"

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 dice: <1 3 3 4 4 4 5 8> for 1 success.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Well, I believe I shall, anyway. Only 4 motes, this time, and do I get a stunt?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Yes, 2 dice. :)"

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 14 dice: <1 1 2 3 5 6 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 10> for 9 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Lord a'mighty."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden snrks.

<<OOC>> Sariel _giggles_.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Kanfi, if you want, at any time before the start of the next campaign arc, you may expend 2 (rather than the usual 4) experience points to lose the Enemy flaw, -or- you and I can discuss a different Enemy being made for you, perhaps a secret one in Yu Shan from whatever happened to Tats."

<<OOC>> Sariel admires.

<<OOC>> Kanfi yays!

<<OOC>> Kanfi cries. TATSU~!

<<OOC>> Sariel giggles!

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Tatsu can be his Enemy!"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden | Why didn't you rescue me? I hate you now!

<<OOC>> Sariel laughs!

<<OOC>> Kanfi cries harder! MY partner! MINE!

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "And then you can have Rivalslash."

<<OOC>> Sariel cackles.

<<OOC>> Liu giggles

The guildmaster is completely taken in by your appearance of propriety and rectitude. He nods pompously. "Of course. PURSER!" he yells, and one of his underlings comes forward. "Go and purchase Sekuba's Tide. Outfit it generously, you dog, or I'll have you back in the accounting scrolls. Thence, deed it over as the courier commands. And HURRY TO IT!"

Diamond Borealis pats Kanfi on the shoulder. "You done good, kid. Real good."

<<OOC>> Brian says "It's getting late, folks, and I'm starting to get woozy. Anyone mind if I end it here, and next session, you're aboard ship and ready to go?"