Family Circle Log, 3/17/07

[leticia]

Leti says "Yoru is going to be... otherwise entertained during the following period (IE: his player is celebrating St. Patrick's day and since he wasn't in the room with you all, I can feasibly give him Other Distractions.)"

Leti says "I am a lazy GM and so the log is not posted, but to recap..."

Leti says "Bunch of dead DBs, one who fled only lightly injured, carrying SOMETHING (woman Water-Aspect guarding the crates), two who are unconscious (woman water-aspect upstairs, woman-aspect formerly upstairs. Why are you people so reluctant to kill women?)"

Leti says "Yasutora fell through the ceiling all shiny like."

Leti says "No one has yet seen Rhan who is in the downstairs room. No one's seen Yoru since he split except Yasutora, who, technically speaking hasn't seen him since before they broke in."

Yasutora nods the helm quietly. "I regret that this must come as a surprise; but this revelation at any time would have been... awkward. My apologies."

<<OOC>> Leti says "By the way, Hui, you have no great familiarity with Yasutora, but you HAVE heard him speak. Per+Awa diff 3 to see if you recognize the voice."

<<DICE>> Yen Hui rolls 3 dice: <1 6 6> for a botch!

<<OOC>> Leti says "Maybe it's the odd distortion of the headpiece, some trick of the unexpected youth of the speaker within the armor, but for some reason, Yen Hui is struck by the fact it sounds ...just like his long dead son."

Yen Hui drops his bow and arrow in shock. "Is, is that you, Zhong?"

Yasutora tilts his head. "Are you alright, sir?" he inquires of the elder. " ... I am afraid that is not my name."

Yen Hui shakes his head. Of course it isn't Zhong, he'd have been a man in his forties by now, not a youth. Still, with reincarnation . . . Hui bends down and picks up his weapons, and puts the arrow back in his quiver.

Yen Hui narrows his eyes suspiciously. Or it could be some sort of malign entity, putting both him and Nai Kan off their guard. No need to draw yet, but wariness is a good idea.

Allen bends to pick up his cat, who has entered the warehouse since the battle ended, and places the feline on his shoulder, where Tim Campi starts happily straightening Allen's hair, purring loudly.

<<OOC>> Leti says "AWW."

<<OOC>> Allen says "Cat says "Dumb owner, stop getting in fights.""

<<OOC>> Allen says ""It ruins my grooming work.""

<<OOC>> Green Cove awww.

<<OOC>> Leti says "Kitty. ^_^"

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "KITTY!"

Nai Kan's eyes flick briefly to the old archer, then back to the Exalted giant - still watching carefully, though not in a defensive pose. He lets out his breath in a slow sigh. "I am not so surprised as I might be, I suppose." The dragon-blooded bows slightly towards Yasutora. "As I said, I owe you a debt of honor, but it is also on my honor to find Rhan. Thus it is more pressing to me to ask if you saw him above than to ask... other things."

Yasutora shakes his helmed head slowly to Nai Kan. "I am afraid I have not. Shall we dispense with further negotiations and proceed to peeling this foul place apart to find him?"

Nai Kan inclines his head in agreement and heads for the stairs - moving slowly, perhaps, because of his injuries, but no longer bleeding, nor apparently so badly injured he won't heal - not an Exalt.

<<OOC>> Leti says "Where in the warehouse is everyone? It's a big rectangle; Yasutora's near the middle. On the side towards the street (a long side), towards one end, is a small door out to the street. On the far end (the narrow side) are the big wagon doors, currently closed. Directly across the warehouse from the street door (Where you all entered) are stairs that lead up to the broken second story."

<<OOC>> Green Cove is still fairly near where she entered.

<<OOC>> Allen says "I figure Allen probably moved a little bit into the warehouse during the fight; he's probably along the street side, not quite half-way in."

<<OOC>> Yen Hui says "would be . . . between Yasutora and the street door."

Yasutora cracks the knuckles on his gigantic smashfist and nods. "Then, I believe that I and my Circle can begin thus while you properly begin treatment under the ministrations of my sister, Green Cove, as she has indicated. In matters of healing, she is most superior."

<<OOC>> Allen snrks. Well, if he was going to have any trouble figuring it out . . .

<<OOC>> Yen Hui says "And my Circle?"

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "In matters of healing not related to bedside manner, anyway."

Allen nods to the golden giant. "Yoru was with you; perhaps he has already found Rhan?"

Yen Hui pauses at the mention of the Circle, and looks around for them.

Nai Kan ...pauses. Looks over his shoulder at Green Cove and Allen. "The wastrel too?" he asks, almost disbelieving. He looks over to Yen Hui. "And you use the metal of..." he pauses, readjusting his language in respect, perhaps, to the fact he's sort of surrounded by Solars and already beat up. "...the Solar Exalted." He shakes his head and clearly resists the urge to rest it in his hands, turning and bowing towards Green Cove. "If you are able to heal me, I would be grateful. I perhaps let my emotions unbalance me in combat."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Nai Kan "That or the dice hated me.""

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "Poor Nai Kan."

Green Cove nods to Nai Kan. "Sit down somewhere," she says. "This might sting."

Yasutora pauses a moment to whisper the prayers that activate the Bastion's essence sight and sensory enhancements as he begins to stomp towards the crate in the center of the room. "I do not know," he admits. "I hope that he does so and quickly if we cannot."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Is this the crate the woman snagged something out of an ran?"

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Yup. Yasutora wants to see if there's anything else in there, especially Rhan; he doubts she'd've been able to carry Rhan off without him noticing."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Hui, if you look out the door, you'll notice a kid looking in the entry way who looks kinda familiar."

Yen Hui looks around at everyone in the room, warily. It's one thing, after six decades of hearing stories of the Anathema, to become one. It's quite another to find yourself in the company of several, one wearing power armor. He actually backs a little away from everyone.

The crate is filled mostly with a nest of straw, around a circular depression; the straw is warm, and rummaging will discover glass bottles that exude heat.

Nai Kan glances around the room, and obediently sits down on a box.

Yasutora gently lifts one of the bottles out in one gauntlet and rests it on the top. He'll ask Green Cove about it when she's not busy. He straightens up and begins to sweep the room trying to find signs of life other than those here and those extinguished.

Green Cove follows Nai Kan over, and begins rummaging through her cloak. "Are you suffering from any injuries, afflictions, poisoning, or other such problems aside from the obvious combat wounds?"

Nai Kan blinks. "Err, not that I know of."

"Pity," says Green Cove. "Those are more interesting." She pulls out a needle and thread, and a small stoneware jar with a wax stopper. "This should be simple, and is unlikely to hurt any more than the original injury. If you lose feeling in any parts of your body you wish to keep, let me know."

Allen glances to the old man. "Thank you for your support in the battle, Elder," he says respectfully. "The power of the Sun is strong, but even it may be quenched by great numbers, as was once proved. If I had needed to fend off attacks from more than the two I dealt with, I may have sustained more injury than I did."

The Dragon-blooded looks warily at Green Cove, his eyes a little wild. "Err..."

<<OOC>> Allen respects old Exalted. His mentor Exalted at a late age, and can kick Allen's ass with both hands behind his back. And one of his feet, too.

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Hee hee."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Nai Kan is not sure he likes this situation!"

<<OOC>> Allen snickers.

<<OOC>> Allen says "She's very good, honestly. It's totally not her fault Shai is in a coma."

<<OOC>> Leti says "No, that's Allen's fault. ;)"

<<OOC>> Allen says ">:"

Green Cove begins sewing up wounds. "You're not going to be one of those patients who complains about everything, are you? Because I could wrap this in bandages with nothing else to help, and you'd heal eventually. It might not even scar much."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Are you just doing First Aid/Medicine, or are you using a healing Charm on him?"

Hearing Green Cove, Hui realizes exactly why fate has brought him here. These kids certainly need guidance. He pick up his pack from where he dropped it during the battle, and hauls out his armor. "The one that escaped might be bringing back reinforcements." He gestures to Allen. "Watch out the door while she tends to Nai Kan and I get armored." He pulls out the orichalcum armor and starts putting it on.

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "Healing Charm. Checking which one, at the moment."

Allen nods to Hui. "Of course, Elder." He sets Tim Campi on a crate, much to the cat's disapproval, and moves to the door.

<<OOC>> Leti says "First, Allen, give me an Awa+Per roll."

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "...hrm. I could use Anointment of Miraculous Touch for the same cost as what I was going to use, but it doesn't need anything more than touch. Which would imply GC just likes to stick DBs with needles for fun."

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "... You mean she doesn't?"

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "I'm not sure..."

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 5 dice: <1 3 3 6 7> for 1 success.

<<OOC>> Leti snrks. "It's part of the healing process! It teaches them not to get injured next time."

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "It's certainly plausible."

<<OOC>> Allen says ". . . well it wasn't a botch at least."

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "Also, that would only heal 4 HLs, and I'm sure he's taken more damage than that. Can I combine two charms?"

Okay, Rhan is lurking outside the door, flitting back and forth and looking in nervously. He doesn't seem sure whether it's safe to go in.

Allen blinks, then laughs. "Come in, Rhan." He turns to where Nai Kan is being patched up. "He has found us on his own."

<<OOC>> Leti says "What two Charms are you looking at, GC?"

<<OOC>> Leti says "He's taken more than 4, yes. >_<"

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "You can use a charm right after the other, if I remember right."

Yasutora stops his search and gives a relieved sigh. "Excellent."

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "First the Anointment, which would cure 4 instantly, and then the one requiring bedrest for Essence + (Int+Medicine successes)."

Rhan looks over at Yasutora in his armor, and enters cautiously. Allen is nice, anyhow! "Yoru let me out, but then ..." He glances over his shoulder and shrugs. "He vanished."

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "The second, if it's the one I'm thinking of, requires a day, unfortunately. But even 4 HLs should help anyone out a lot."

<<OOC>> Green Cove nods. "Figured it'd be a 'start with this, now lie down for a day in a place where I can check on you.'"

<<OOC>> Leti says "If you just go with the 4 HL, it'll bring him back up to -1, I think. Which isn't too bad. I'll also let you do a medicine roll on top of that to change remaining HL to bashing or something."

Allen nods. "That is not unlike him. I'm glad he found you before he did so, at least." He pats the boy on the shoulder as he passes. "It's good to see you well, my friend." With that, he turns his attention back to the door.

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "I can try that, then. Medicine + Int?"

<<OOC>> Leti says "And if you want to use the two charms, that's also fine. Though one does not recommend here for the day. :)"

Yen Hui is clanking a little bit as he puts on the orichalcum breastplate, and then puts on a rather voluminous, but thin, white cloak over his armor.

Nai Kan too breathes a sigh of relief as Rhan enters, apparently unharmed. "I'll have to thank the reprobate," he mutters through teeth clenched against the needles.

<<OOC>> Leti says "And yes, Medicine+Int."

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "Also, this is going to dip me into peripheral."

<<OOC>> Leti says "You're going to be an interesting crew."

<<DICE>> Green Cove rolls 7 dice: <3 3 3 4 5 7 7> for 2 successes.

Green Cove slaps salve over the stitches she's made, and steps back. "There," she says. "You're less likely to die if something falls on you now. Though there's always drowning. Try not to do that."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Okay; so he gets 4 HL healed and two more converted to bashing, which heal much more quickly."

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "How far into Peripheral, out of curiosity?"

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "3 in. What does that look like?"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Though I note I'll give you two motes back for the stunt."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Just your caste mark."

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "1 in, then. So, glowy caste mark!"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Have to make a per roll to see it though."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Shimmery caste mark."

<<OOC>> Yen Hui says "Straight per, or per+something?"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Per+Awa, I think."

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

<<OOC>> Leti says "And you can see it, then."

Nai Kan is a warrior, and mostly unfazed by the pain of the stitches. It helps that other wounds are closing on their own, of course. "Many thanks," he says.

Yasutora looms quietly in the background, reflecting on what to do -now-. "I suspect that we should finish inspecting this place to see if there is anything else untoward, and then leave. As soon as possible.

Yen Hui hmms, looking back and forth between Yasutora and Green Cove.

Yasutora bows towards Yen Hui. "I apologize for not greeting you properly before, Grandfather. I am known as Sado Yasutora, of An Teng and Lookshy."

<<OOC>> Yasutora also known as "GOOD DRAGONS WHAT IS THAT?", "IT'S A WALKING BRICK OF GOLD!" and "AIEEE!" on occasion.

<<OOC>> Allen says "And also "That brick-brained beacon.""

<<OOC>> Leti says "Or "The wearer of the Tainted Bastion of Unrighteousness.""

Yen Hui bows back. "Yen Hui, of a charred patch of ground that was once a village east of here."

<<OOC>> Yasutora sads. Unloved! ;_;

<<OOC>> Allen says "No, no. Loved. With exasperated affection. ;)"

Green Cove says "I am Princess Daughter Three Pearl of the Green Cove. And this is Floating Leaf, who is from a place less surrounded by ocean. She is still a good person, though."

Yen Hui says "I would say of what minor principality, but that changed every five seasons."

Yen Hui walks around, looking for a prybar or something that would let him open the boxes in the warehouse.

"Allen Walker, of the North," Allen says, leaning against the doorframe. "Your village . . . what happened to it?"

Yasutora bows his head again. "I am grateful to meet you, sir, though I must express sympathies for whatever fate happened to your village. May I assist you in some way today?"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Hey, you could use one of the dead Exalts' hammers!"

Yen Hui says "Not much to say. There was yet another war between two of the local rulers over the border between their territories, and this time one of the commanders, when retreating, torched the villages on his way out. Mine was one of them."

Yen Hui picks up a hammer, and starts opening crates to see what's in them.

Yen Hui says "If they were kidnapping, they probably had some other scheme."

<<OOC>> Leti says "The crates seem divided; those on along the street side mostly contain the 'produce' of Great Forks - if Yen Hui breaks any of the bottles or vials, there will be Interesting Noxious Smells. (One doesn't recommend it, but won't require a roll.)"

Yasutora nods quietly. "I saw some bottles with heat coming from them over there," he says, pointing to the crate in the middle. Meanwhile, he does help by using the fingers of the Shield of the Righteous as prybars on other crates as they go along.

Allen looks to Rhan. "Were there any others taken, do you know?"

Rhan shakes his head. "I didn't ...see anyone but the Exalts. They put me in a room upstairs."

Allen glances mildly to the shattered ceiling. "It is well that your room was spared the destruction. The fall probably wouldn't have been good for you."

<<OOC>> Leti says "The ones lined up along the alley side are apparently imports - fine clothing, fine 'clothing', collars for slaves. Interesting goods all the way around."

Rhan looks up too.

Nai Kan stands up when Green Cove is done torturinghealing him. "Were there other rooms upstairs, Rhan? I should probably look as long as I've annoyed the hornets thus far."

Yen Hui says "Anyway, no, there's nothing you can really do for me. Fate does seem to have put me alongside you for a while, perhaps I can be of assistance to you. I certainly did not expect a trip to buy arrows would land me in the middle of a kidnapping plot and . . . " he waves vaguely "a Circle of Solars led by one of the Dragon-Blooded.""

"He doesn't lead us," Green Cove points out. "He just happens to be in the same area."

Yasutora politely says, "We are not led by him. He is a friend." He pauses. "I do understand, Grandfather, that this may be slightly more confusing, but..." He coughs. "Much has been confusing, of late."

Yen Hui doesn't challenge the statements, and even manages to largely keep the "I know what you think, but I know what you did, and . . ." off his face.

Nai Kan grumbles, "You're telling me," as Yasutora mentions confusion. "They are ...I believe... good people, despite their ...nature." He pauses at that, struggling with his 'knowledge' about them." He shrugs at Yen Hui. "I am not sure I would recommend being entangled with ...Solars... anyhow," he pauses and adds dryly, "...though that may not be a concern for you." He moves towards the stairs - with FAR less limp than he had before Green Cove had her way with him.

<<OOC>> Green Cove had her wicked way with a DB?

<<OOC>> Leti says "Yes."

<<OOC>> Yasutora >_<

Yasutora brings over some of the strange vials, including the oddly heated one from the center of the room, to Green Cove. "Sister, if you will? What are these things?" he asks in confusion.

Yen Hui follows Nai Kan up the stairs, to see what can be seen.

Green Cove trots over to examine the vials.

<<OOC>> Green Cove looks to the GM. What sort of roll?

<<OOC>> Leti says "Int+Craft, Int+Lore, whichever is higher."

<<DICE>> Green Cove rolls 8 dice: <1 3 3 7 9 9 10 10> for 7 successes.

<<OOC>> Green Cove is a Crafty, Crafty girl.

<<OOC>> Leti says "Man."

<<OOC>> Allen says "Plainly."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Okay........"

<<OOC>> Allen says "GC is an expert on drugs!"

<<OOC>> Green Cove is indeed!

<<OOC>> Allen says "Good thing she didn't botch. "Ooh, hot chocolate! chug""

<<OOC>> Leti says "The warm vial - which is warm enough to be a bit uncomfortable to hold, now - is an alchemical preparation, producing steady, flame-free heat. It's not powerful enough usually to heat whole buildings or rooms, but is used as a luxury to heat the beds of wealthy invalids or the cradles of the rich. It's highly not recommended to drink, and if shaken vigorously, can overheat and become hazardous."

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "O_O yes, that would have been bad to chug."

Green Cove looks over the vial, and then hands it back. "It's for warming things," she says. "Don't drink that."

<<OOC>> Yen Hui |<BOTCH> "It's a healing potion! Nai Kan, chug! <throw to Nai Kan>

<<OOC>> Leti says "The other vials contain a variety of unpleasant drugs, mostly euphorics of various kinds. Some of them might function as pain killers for medical usage, or as ways to incapacitate enemies. There are also a general sensation enhancer (which includes pain), and things with anything but tranquilizing effect. These are the produce of Great Forks' glassed in greenhouses and the exotic fruits and flowers grown there."

Yasutora nods. "Well... that does not seem -too- bad..."

Green Cove sorts through the vials, with a brief description of each as she passes them back, and an occasional "Don't drink that one, either."

<<OOC>> Leti says "The upstairs has ...well, it HAD an open room running half the length and half the width of the warehouse, but now there's a big hole in it. The door to stairs that lead down the outside of the building is open, and an unconscious woman in black jade armor sprawls across the top of the stairs. Along the interior wall of the room, there's a series of doors - the first three stand open, and the last three are still closed, and bolted from this side. Beyond the first three doors seem to be small, barren cells. Only the third shows any sign of having been occupied recently."

Yasutora frowns. "That, on the other hand..."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Is standard export goods for Great Forks, as Nai Kan would cynically tell you if he wasn't upstairs. :p"

<<OOC>> Leti says "And all of you SHOULD know."

Yen Hui goes over to a closed door, and opens it.

<<OOC>> Yasutora is trying not to think about that too hard. >_<

<<OOC>> Leti says "Beyond is another, similar cell. The empty shelf at the back that would be a cot lacks even any bedding. There's a strong smell of harsh soap and bleach."

<<OOC>> Yasutora ... is glad he's downstairs.

<<OOC>> Leti says "The other two cells are similar - just empty, small rooms. Only the one that apparently held Rhan even has bedding for the cot - the bedding likewise smelling strongly of soap, though of decent quality and apparent comfort."

Nai Kan shakes his head. "It seems that he was only holding Rhan, then. Very well. Better for us all to leave before revenge arrives. Before this spills out into the rest of Great Forks." He scowls and heads back down the stairs.

Yen Hui follows Nai Kan.

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "It is currently only Yasutora's brutal streak of peasant practicality that is currently stopping him from suggesting burning the place down."

Allen hesitates, looking at the dead. "I suppose their comrades will give them proper ceremonies, once they return," he says regretfully, before scooping up his cat again and turning for the door to the accompaniment of inquisitive chirps from the cat. "If this were not a city, I would recommend burning the building, and the dead and their wares with it, but . . ."

Nai Kan looks between all the Solars downstairs and shakes his head again. "You're all really..." He shrugs. "Well, that explains some things." He glances back at Yen Hui. "And you, Grandfather?" he asks, politely.

<<OOC>> Allen snrks.

<<OOC>> Leti says "Oh, sure, put all that crap into the air. :p"

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "better than into their veins!"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Mind that as an experienced DB, Nai Kan is quite likely as old as Yen Hui. He doesn't look it, though. :p"

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "You know, I've noticed that Allen and Yasutora often think along the same lines..."

Yasutora nods gravely to Allen. "It would endanger the rest of the city." He ponders. "Green Cove, might we despoil these evil wares safely by mixing them with the heat-giving oils?"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Oh, man. ^^;"

Yen Hui says "When I was in the group of refugees fleeing the village burnings, a pirate vessel along the river stopped to enslave us. I convinced them not to enslave us, and have since been marked as what the Immaculate Philosophy taught me was a Deceiver."

<<OOC>> Yasutora wants to DISPOSE of them.

<<OOC>> Yasutora just not entirely practical about HOW.

<<OOC>> Green Cove suspects that would Not Work, but waits on the GM's ruling.

<<OOC>> Yen Hui waits to see how Nai Kan reacts to an openly declaration of Deceiver-hood.

Nai Kan's eyebrows rise. "I should have expected such. I seem to be gifted." It's said dryly, but he shrugs. "What's one more?" He peers at Rhan. "At least you're still who I think you are, right boy?" The words are gentle, and accompanied by a pat on the head."

<<OOC>> Yasutora chuckles. Well adjusted!

<<OOC>> Leti says "Shocky. :p"

<<OOC>> Leti says "I am afraid I must go with GC. Some of them might be neutralized by chemicals in the heat-potion, or the heat itself, but others would become ...more interesting. Certainly, you would wind up with an unpleasant, toxic mess, and I wouldn't recommend breathing the fumes or being anywhere near it."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Yasutora might be okay with his environmental protection in his armor up."

<<OOC>> Leti says "But it'd leave a really ugly, dangerous mess for the Great Forks to deal with. :p"

Green Cove ponders. "I could use some of those," she says, not specifying which of those vials she'd find useful."Mixing them would be entertaining, but possibly not the way you intend."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Besides, there's not that much of the heat stuff compared to the drugs."

<<OOC>> Leti says "It's only in the one box."

Yasutora sighs quietly, though the sound reverberates in the Bastion. "Then what do you all suggest we do? We cannot simply... leave this... filth here, can we?"

Allen nods to Nai Kan. "You're taking it well. I've fought Dragonblooded before; they were very loud with their condemnation of the Sun's chosen." He looks to Yasutora. "Why not? I do not like it, either, but the warehouse next to this one is full of the same things, no doubt, and all the other warehouses in this area."

Green Cove smiles at Yasutora. "We could take it along," she says. "I'll find some way to dispose of it later."

Yen Hui shrugs his shoulders. "If you want to get rid of it, don't you have to torch the entire city? Might as well let this small quantity go."

Yasutora grumbles quietly. "It is the basic principle; we are here, now, and it may be rid of at our disposal." Though he's not TOO attached to the idea as much as he is leaving the city as fast as possible.

Nai Kan grimaces at Allen. "I've fought your friend here before, and I'm not stupid enough to think it'd come out differently when he has friends. Nor has it been indicated to me that my honor requires it. The first time was a mistake and quite probably dishonorable. One should never take the word of a Cynis." He pauses, eyeing the Bastion and its wearer. "Though to be fair to the man, you are..." he pauses, and finishes without changing his word, "Anathema. So he did not lie as to that." He nods to Yasutora. "Besides, I owe a debt of honor for your mercy." (He clearly doesn't like saying that, but it is said without hedging, anyhow." Shaking his head, he tries to work past the fact OMG SURROUNDED BY SOLARS. "If you would take my advice, I recommend just leaving. There's more where this came from, and as little as mine host deserves the money from its sale, you've already cost him dearly today - he'll surely have to explain the loss of his retainers if he wants to replace them. I'd recommend leaving Great Forks, myself. Before this turns into a battle in the streets of Great Forks and Action is Taken."

"Street battles are dull," Green Cove agrees. "Let's go back to the ship."

"And we can ill afford to be detained here - our sister needs care," Allen points out. "Yasutora, brother, we must leave it. Or ill will come to those caught up in trouble we brought."

<<OOC>> Leti says "GC, are you pocketing any of the potions? :p"

Yasutora concentrates for a moment, and uses his fading supplies of personal essence to banish the Bastion back to Elsewhere, for now, leaving him as an otherwise ordinary youth. Save for the gigantic height, of course. "Very well," he says, though he grinds his teeth slightly on it. His castemark has faded to a slight glint, leaving only the fire in his eyes. "Back to the ship, then." He nods to Yen Hui. "Will you be staying here, or accompanying us, Grandfather?"

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "As many as she can discreetly carry! Not the warming ones, though. The more interesting ones."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Oh dear. :) Okay!"

Yen Hui says "I think it would be foolish for me to stay here. If you would accept my company,I'd be honored to join you."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Oh, good. I'm sure you could find something in there to poison Yasutora with. ;)"

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Yay!"

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "I've been waiting on that!"

<<OOC>> Leti peers at PCs?

<<OOC>> Yasutora is waiting on everyone else to pose so he doesn't spot-light hog?

<<OOC>> Green Cove is swiping vials, and then heading back to the ship with, presumably, everyone else? She doesn't really feel qualified to speak for the group.

<<OOC>> Green Cove gestures towards still-sick Shai. We lost our spokesbeing!

<<OOC>> Leti says "Speak for yourself, then? :)"

<<OOC>> Leti says "This is why you need Grandpa here so badly. ;)"

<<OOC>> Yen Hui says "I note I've asked a question by implication. Nobody answered."

Green Cove slides another vial into her pocket. "You can come along if you'd like," she says. "Let's get going before we're stuck in some tedious battle on land."

"We would be the ones honoured, Elder," Allen says as he steps through the doorway into the street, eyes flicking both ways on the street, scanning for signs of returning Dragonblooded.

Yasutora cracks his knuckles in idle tenseness again. "Solars were made to stand as brothers and sisters, and you have shown yourself a man of honor and dignity, grandfather. Please, join us," he says as he begins to stride for the door."

Leaf quietly agrees with Green Cove, commenting that pirates are far tastier.

<<OOC>> Leti says "As of the moment, the side street down this way is empty."

Yen Hui follows the group. He might be able to find the ship on his own, but having only seen it briefly after following someone else . . .

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Shall we cut back to the ship, or...?"

<<OOC>> Green Cove is good with that, assuming the GM has no ambushes planned along the way. Or, you know, shiny things that distractable PCs would wander off after.

<<OOC>> Leti says "Back to the ship works for me. Nai Kan will excuse himself and Rhan to find lodgings somewhere, since he's still looking around for his target."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Everyone else good with that?"

<<OOC>> Allen says "Sure. XD"

<<OOC>> Yen Hui says "nods."

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Sounds good to me!"

<<OOC>> Leti says "As you leave the warehouse, an odd gust of wind with a mournful tone blows down the street - though what, exactly, is odd behavior for the elements in this city of many gods is questionable. The air stills again, with a waiting feeling, like the city is not entirely pleased by your presence, but reserving judgment. Nai Kan is, if possible, more antsy and fidgety, and as soon as the main street is reached, bows politely to the group and heads off down a different way with Rhan in tow."

<<OOC>> Leti says "You may pose on your way back if you want, in reaction to the city, in farewell to Nai Kan or Rhan."

<<OOC>> Leti says ".oO(Or total obliviousness.)"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Hrm, you don't have Essence Sight now, do you, Yasutora?"

Yasutora returns the bow and salutes with his fist to his chest. "Good day and fare you well, Nai Kan of the Dragons. May you find peace, or at least serenity; I thank you for the time we have spent together." He frowns mightily at the city, as though he was still deciding about IT as he strides through the warehouse district, an angry tenseness to his face.

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Nope, it went with the Bastion."

Allen waves farewell to Rhan as they part, and falls in beside Hui, following Yasutora.

Rhan waves back slightly as he follows a mildly anxious Nai Kan off another direction.

<<OOC>> Leti says "The docks have far less of the watching feeling, and it almost entirely fades when you board the ship. Yoru is not here, either."

Yasutora frowns again. "It is too bad the last member of our circle still within the waking world is not here to properly make himself known to you, Grandfather," he says to Yen Hui. "You have told us something of how you became one of the Chosen. Would you mind expanding on the tale while we wait for the Night?"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Hey, his story has pirates, GC! ;)"

<<OOC>> Green Cove oo! Piratey!

<<OOC>> Yen Hui says "Hmm. That would require me to, er, think of details."

<<OOC>> Yen Hui says "I mean, I could just pose, "Yen Hui says yes, and tells a gripping tale . . .""

<<OOC>> Leti says "The pirates... were largely barbarians. Some of them had large stylized tattoos, and not all of them were entirely human. For what it's worth. :)"

<<OOC>> Yasutora would like details! ^_^

Yen Hui smiles softly at Yasutora. "I would like to save the tale for another time. Tell me about yourselves."

<<OOC>> Yen Hui will write a detailed tale this week, and then drop it on you all *next* game.

<<OOC>> Green Cove oos, who wants to do backstory first?

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Roll for Story Initiative!"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Allen! Because Yen Hui ought to know he's travelling with someone on the Realm's ...Highly Wanted list. ;)"

<<OOC>> Yasutora gets a 1, and goes last. As Always. ;_;

<<OOC>> Green Cove hee.

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "(That would be, what, +roll/exi + Charisma?)"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Cha+Wits. ;)"

<<OOC>> Leti peers at PCs. One of you should say something, even if it IS Yasutora. ;)

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "But, seriously, I can start if you want?"

<<OOC>> Allen says "Or I can. XD Sorry, was fighting with Livejournal."

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Oooh. I want to hear Allen's!"

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "It's got the Bull of the North innit!"

<<OOC>> Leti says ""Kitten of the north""

<<OOC>> Yasutora says "Details!"

Allen shrugs slightly. "I am not certain there is a great deal to tell; certainly my tale is not very interesting. I come from the North; I grew up with a travelling circus. The circus leader died, and I was touched by the Sun shortly after." He spreads his hands. "The Bull of the North took me in and trained me, and a short while ago sent me to find my destiny. It has led me here, to my brothers and sisters."

<<OOC>> Leti says "We really ought to have a round of descriptions, too. I really should have done them when you all met. (Or did I?)"

<<OOC>> Leti says ""Died"."

<<OOC>> Allen has little to tell. Really.

<<OOC>> Allen says "Yes, well. Allen doesn't want to go into detail right now."

<<OOC>> Allen says "Daddy makes him an emo Dawn."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Allen: "And I'm being stalked by the undead. And our last Eclipse is in a death tainted coma thanks to that.""

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "Bah, details."

<<OOC>> Allen doesn't want to scare the new guy away!

<<OOC>> Green Cove does not recall if descriptions were done, before. Suspects not.

<<OOC>> Leti says "All Allen's fault that Shai's going to be the Last Deathlord. :p"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Well, for the sake of it, everyone go ahead and describe? ^^"

Yasutora is a titanic young man with dark-tanned skin and messy brown hair that covers his eyes unless he pushes it out of the way. Huge-- a good nine feet tall-- and built like a statue dedicated to enduring strength, he thinks quietly and says, "My Exaltation came about a year or so ago. Although my parents were soldiers and thaumatechnicians of Lookshy, they had been sent on dangerous assignment to Thorns. As far as I know..." his voice catches for a moment, "As far as I know, they were there when the city fell to darkness." Huge muscles tense and bulge as his hands curl into fists at the thought of this. "I was sent to live with my grandfather in An Teng. It was a happy life, for a time." He shakes his head and lets some of the anger flow away from his body. "Then the party of a great Cynis nobleman named Anbor came to our village. He came, as do many Dragon Blooded, to An Teng on vacation, to enjoy the pliancy of a defeated and dominated country. But unlike many, Anbor's purpose was much fouler than even the pleasure-raids of legionnaires on leave. For his preferred prey were young children, who disappeared with him, never to be returned." He shrugs quietly. "I stopped them. I stood against them and brought them down, protecting my people. But they could not stay where they were, for it was dangerous, and I lead them to the Manse which had been my tomb in my last life. There, they tend to more fertile lands and are protected by the Manse's defenses, still intact and functioning. And there they are today. But... I knew I could not remain. Not only would my mere presence draw down hunters upon my people, but I feel that becoming isolated from the world may lead to the corruption and insanity of the First Age I remember... all too clearly, at times. So I went out into the world, to draw the Wyld Hunt from my people and so that I might learn the truth of the world's heart."

<<OOC>> Leti says "If someone pointed at the circle and said "Guess who the Zenith is" there'd be only one option for "Pillar of the Sun""

<<OOC>> Leti notes that such is more than most the others have heard, BTW.

Green Cove is a short teenage girl who's far prettier than she deserves, with golden skin and short-cut green hair that hangs almost over her equally green eyes. She's wearing sturdy pants and vest sewn loosely from joined leather pieces, a linen shirt that isn't white anymore, and a dark green wool cloak that currently contains more items than it did when she walked into that building. The rather large tiger who accompanies her looks very much like a tiger, and wears a green collar attached to a thin leather leash that Green Cove isn't even bothering to hold at the moment. She says, after Yasutora has finished speaking, "My island has been overrun with pirates, as pirates are wont to do. Now I follow dreams. I imagine I'll make myself some flying fish, when we reach the end of the current dream."

<<OOC>> Leti says "I am Vastly amused at the tiger. Looking much like a tiger, even!"

<<OOC>> Green Cove thought that Leaf should get some description, but... a tiger! Who looks like a tiger! There's not a great deal to say beyond that.

<<OOC>> Leti says "A very large and intelligent tiger who watches people and seems to be amused."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Anyone going to tell Yen Hui what you're all currently up to?"

Allen is a young man just a bit over fifteen, with a loose, somewhat shaggy mop of hair in a bleached-bone shade of white; his eyes, while cheerful, have the alarming property of being one blue-grey, and the other deep red. Around the red eye, the lines of a scar which looks like it came not from an injury in battle but more as though it is a deliberate design, mars his otherwise pretty enough face, the top part mostly hidden under his loose hair, though a point or two showing through might indicate some form of a star. Beneath his eye, the scar continues, a rough lightning-jag that continues nearly down to his chin. Of medium build, though perhaps a touch large for his age, Allen wears a bulky breastplate, covered over with tatters of cloth, creating an odd, motley look. His shirt and trousers are hide, and he wears a cloak of patchwork furs. His boots look roughly crafted, but show signs that they are well made for all that, and durable. Despite his breastplate which indicates some martial background, he bears no obvious weapons. "At the moment, we are trying to find a cure for our sister, who fell into an unnatural illness while we were in Nexus."

<<OOC>> Green Cove covered the important bits! Dream, pirates, flying fish.

<<OOC>> Allen is dressed like a barbarian clown yes. |D

Yasutora adds, "We came together in a small town facing threat from barbarian invasion, and made peace between them and the barbarians. As a surety of his good behavior, and a hope that he will learn responsibility of power, the dragon-blooded Outcaste responsible for the invasion is still with us aboard the ship."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Shortly after you all board the boat, while you're sitting and talking, Jay comes down and raps at the door of whatever cabin you're all talking in. (The largest is, of course, the captain's cabin, up on deck, but Shai's in there.) So either the currently empty cabin which was used by Nai Kan and Rhan, or Allen and Yoru's, probably. Or an empty cargo hold, I suppose."

Yasutora bows his head respectfully to Yen Hui. "I can answer that," he says easily, and slides out of his seat to go open the door and let Jay in.

Jay is on the other side of the door, looking harried as he increasingly has since Shai's illness.

Jay glances past Yasutora, trying to examine the person he's never seen on his captain's boat before. "We've unloaded all the cargo," he says, "And gotten our pay for it. I haven't been looking for a new cargo and unless you think it's a good idea, we won't be. I'd rather travel lighter if we're heading further up the river. Did you happen to find anything to help the captain?"

Yasutora shakes his head sadly. "No news as of yet, Jay. I still believe that our best bet is to get access to Green Cove's laboratory. Whatever darkness is working upon her, surely, the home of a first age Sorceress must be incomparable in treating such darknesses." He gives Jay a desperate look. "Has she shown any signs of recovery? Anything at all?"

Allen nods. "Travelling light will be faster, won't it? I would like to help Shai as quickly as possible, so it would be better. As for what we found, a friend we had not yet met, and little else besides trouble and vile things."

Jay shakes his head at Yasutora, twitchily, accompanied by an unhappy scowl. "Not a sign. We haven't seen her move." He grimaces, then nods to Allen. "Especially upriver when the current picks up. And we'd all rather be a bit faster. Crew took a vote, and since we can afford supplies just fine, we'll pass on cargoes until we can get the Captain back at the wheel."

<<OOC>> Leti notes to Hui that it's quite likely they're talking about an Eclipse - they've referred to a sick 'sister' several times, and Sail is an Eclipse thing... and they seem to have everything else.

<<OOC>> Leti says "4 xp all the way around. Sorry it was such a slow session."