JesseLowe/PirateMonkeySession08

Back to Session 7: Hijinks!

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jetman [to Apollonian]: So, starting off at a breakfast breifing?

The Storyteller . o O ( Yeah, and I'm gonna set my coffee up really quick-like. Go ahead and set the scene, etc. WSW does his usual "strong, silent" thing, Suda is present only if you invited her. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( No, but he'll arrange a private meeting with her after. )

Monkey says, "Shhh, Master Jaff, Captain Kaizoku has something important to say."

TonyC [to jetman]: Oooo, private.

Captain Kaizoku looks around the table. "We have acquired some valuable tools in the expedition yesterday, though not as valuable as the inital rumors led us to believe. The top priority now is to recover and activate the puzzle that should lead us to some very valuable ships. One is in the caravan... we will attempt an infiltration of it when it arrives in town. Most of you will be establishing the group as a small mercernary band so we may be hired on as guards. Misters Monkey, Weeping and Purser will accompany me up to Great Forks. "

Captain Kaizoku continues "Our purpose there is twofold. One: to deliver damaging documents that will completely foil Barada's plans regarding the Hunt. Mr. Weeping's special abilities will be invaluable there. Two: Barada has one of the artifact fragments on his person, as it was not in his quarters. Mr. Monkey and Mr. Purser will relieve him of it."

Monkey says, "Aye aye, sir. When do we leave?"

Captain Kaizoku says, "At noon, Mr. Monkey, once I acquire more information. We will be using the wind more directly than via a sail once more."

Monkey says, "Oooo, that's cool."

Captain Kaizoku leans forward. "Now, Mr. Monkey, did you complete the disciplinary action I assigned you?"

Monkey says, "Haven't touched a drop of them yet, Captain!"

Monkey says, "And the item returned."

Monkey adds under his breath, "I hope."

Captain Kaizoku taps his fingers on the table. "With an apology?"

The crew studiously ignores this byplay and concentrates on their meal.

Monkey says, "Ah, no sir. I've been advised to let more time pass first. Also, I'm not sure if the person noticed the missing object and I don't think I should draw attention to that fact if I can help it."

Captain Kaizoku hrms. "It may be unavoidable in the near future Mr. Monkey." Looking to the rest of the crew, he says "We will need inconspicuous attire for the trip... Mr. Purser, Mr. Cook, secure some things."

The Storyteller . o O ( are you taking your daiklave and artifact armor? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, so cloaks and baggy tunics are the way to go. )

The Storyteller . o O ( I'll say. Artifact stuff is hard to hide unless it's designed that way. )

Monkey . o O ( I could try disguising us! )

Monkey . o O ( Got Larceny 2. <grin> )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I'm not sure the dress look would work... )

The Storyteller . o O ( For reference: It is 260 miles as the Stormwind Rider flies from Tender to Great Forks. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( A 3 hour trip. I hope Monkey goes before we leave. )

Monkey . o O ( Are we there yet? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I can reach you kids from up here! )

Captain Kaizoku adjourns the meeting and goes up to knock on Suda's door.

Monkey packs and makes a note to bring his green dress.

The sound of rustled papers meets the Captain's ears, and then Suda answers the door. She is dressed in a simple earth-toned wrap and mantle, orange and brown, and her green eyes look a little weary, as if she hasn't been sleeping well. As usual, her table is covered in scattered papers. "Good morning, Captain. How goes the day?

Captain Kaizoku replies in a calm, open tone "Well thus far. Better than your nights, perhaps? May I come in? There is something we need to discuss."

Suda opens the door further and makes a gesture of invitation. "Please, be seated." She neatly stacks the papers on the table and places them in a rosewood box, closes the lid, and pours two glasses of strong black tea.

The Storyteller . o O ( Make a Per + Awareness roll if you're curious about the papers. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on No Awareness still >>> {5, 8, 6, 6}.

Captain Kaizoku sits himself down neatly and takes the glass of tea, sipping at it slightly.

The Storyteller . o O ( the papers are in Old Realm and have a few charts among them -- star charts and naval charts by the look, but you can't tell of where or when. )

Suda sits opposite the Captain and yawns, politely covering her mouth. "Excuse me. Well, what do you wish to discuss? Matters concerning the Realm?

Monkey . o O ( Don't mention Monkey, or a monkey. Or monkeys. )

Captain Kaizoku replies "A particular personage of the Realm, and a particular item he has. You knew V'Neef Barada was in possession of two of the puzzle pieces for the map device. I need to know how you knew and what the nature of the one he has is. It must be on his person, as it was not in his cabin. I intend to take it from him now, when he is furthest from his seat of power, up in Great Fork."

Suda starts visibly. "Oh, my. I had heard of your reputation for daring, but had not expected to see it verified so swiftly." She glances at the rosewood box. "Very well. As I told Monkey, I am the child of a certain god whom I may not name. This position grants me certain duties and privileges. It is through a combination of these that I dicovered the nature of the puzzle we -- you -- seek, and how I discovered that V'neef Barada also sought it." She stares into her tea. "You understand that I may not reveal all of my sources, I trust?"

Monkey . o O ( Consider asking if Suda can pinpoint the location of the Abyssal piece. )

Captain Kaizoku maintains an even keel as he says "Fortune favors the bold, and opportunities must be siezed with both hands. Your sources may remain your own, but I must know what they have told you, and what more they can tell you of them."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Good idea. )

The Storyteller . o O ( "of them?" I'm assuming you mean "opportunities." )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Of what they're like, actually, and where. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Her assets? )

The Storyteller . o O ( I mean, sources? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Gah, of the fragments. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah... okay. )

Monkey . o O ( Time for me to go. Back soon. )

TonyC decides that saving the world takes priority over chatting and disappears.

Suda sips her tea and says, "As I've said before, there are 5 fragments of the puzzle. Each is an orichalcum piece no larger than my fist," she holds her hand up to demonstrate, "though they seem to vary widely in shape. The one I have is box-like in shape, of course. The one you had, briefly, is probably part of a scroll, so I guess that it is either one of the rods that the scroll is attached to, a knob on the end of one of those rods, or some sort of decoration."

Captain Kaizoku nods his head. "Orichalcum is not easily mistaken for anything else. And the one on Barada's person? Do your sources give you any insight into it? Or a means of narrowing down the location of one?"

Suda says, "Of the third piece, in Barada's position, I know little. It was part of the jewelry of a Western princess who, on her wedding voyage, was plundered by "pirates," and thence it came into Barada's possession. I believe it is this one that aroused his curiousity, so I think it may have some part of the artifact's history on it, perhaps inscribed in Old Realm. Beyond that I cannot say. Perhaps a plaque of some sort, or even a cloth of orichalcum. Of the other two pieces, I as yet know nothing. As for narrowing down one's location..."

She sits back and purses her lips, thinking. "Perhaps. It would take me a few days, at the least. Which one do you wish to find?"

Captain Kaizoku sits back as well, steepling his fingers. "I have strong reason to beleive that one is in the carvan leaving Nexus for here. Can you narrow down the location to a single wagon in that caravan, or at least a small number of them?"

Suda's expression brightens. "Oh, yes. That I can do easily. As I said, it will take a few days. I think I can have an answer for you on the day after the caravan leaves Nexus." She frowns. "Of course, if the Minister of Unleavened Mercy has realized what a prize he possesses, it will be far more difficult, perhaps impossible. Let us hope he remains ignorant."

TonyC materializes out of thin air.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Back.

Apollonian [to TonyC]: Yo.

TonyC [to jetman]: Are we at Great Forks yet?

Captain Kaizoku seems unconcerned. "He has no reason to realize it, and should he do so, he will be moving ahead of the caravan with it, in which case we will know that. Ask for your answers, and we will plan further on my return."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I'll turn this stormwind around if you don't quiet down! )

Monkey . o O ( Heh heh heh. )

jetman [to TonyC]: Suda can narrow down the location of the fragment in the caravan, and there was a little insight into one Barada's may be like.

Monkey . o O ( Keep going. )

Suda wrinkles her brow and looks disapprovingly at the Captain. "Captain, you would do well not to underestimate your foes. Boldness will only take you so far. The Minister is a spymaster, and subtle beyond mortal ken." She frowns a little more, shaking her head, then laughs. "Ah, but look at me! You would think me a mother hen clucking after an errant chick! Forgive my presumption, Captain, and indulge me. I have crossed swords with the Minister a few times, and have yet to achieve better than a draw." She looks at the Captain. "I think perhaps you will grant me the win in this game. Perhaps a lack of boldness has crippled me."

jetman [to TonyC]: It was part of the jewelry of a Western princess who, on her wedding voyage, was plundered by "pirates," and thence it came into Barada's possession. I believe it is this one that aroused his curiousity, so I think it may have some part of the artifact's history on it, perhaps inscribed in Old Realm. Beyond that I cannot say. Perhaps a plaque of some sort, or even a cloth of orichalcum.

The Storyteller . o O ( brb, nature calls. )

Captain Kaizoku nods slightly. "Subtlety is a powerful tool, but too many who weild it begin to enjoy subtlety for its own sake instead. And shadows, no matter how threatening, do not stand up well to the direct light of the Sun."

jetman [to TonyC]: That's pretty much it.

TonyC [to jetman]: Okay.

jetman [to TonyC]: And Suda is concerned that the Minister of Unleavened Mercy may figure out what a prize he has and exploit its (as yet unknown) power.

TonyC [to jetman]: Well, that'll make it even, I suppose.

The Storyteller . o O ( brb )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, wait: Back. )

jetman [to TonyC]: Monkey's one "fair" fight had him cut nearly from stem to stern...

The Storyteller . o O ( Done talking to Suda? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( If she doesn't have anything else to say about that, yes. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Ha. On the other hand, against the Earth DB, we got a draw. (Granted, I don't think I can defeat him, but neither does he, I think.)

The Storyteller . o O ( Yup. That's it, then. You have the last word, she ushers you out, and on to the next scene. )

Captain Kaizoku says, "Are you prepared for the trip Mr. Monkey?"

Monkey . o O ( Alright, you ladies, man the rigs, and be smart about it! )

Monkey says, "Yes, sir."

Captain Kaizoku has made up a pack with extra clothes, some food and water, and buried at the bottom a good deal of silver, along with a letter he wrote in a fine hand.

Captain Kaizoku says, "Then we will move out. Go down to the front of the Inn."

The Storyteller . o O ( How far away from Great Forks are you going to set down? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( About two miles, less if there's hilly terrain to hide line of sight from the city. )

The Storyteller . o O ( It'll do, but you'll be dead in the center of Great Forks' qat, marijuana, and tobacco fields. You will be seen, though you'll be able to find a place to set down hidden from sight, and therefore not necessarily connected with the whirlwind. )

Captain Kaizoku does that, and instructs his crew "There was a strange demon whipping up the winds in the field, if anyone asks."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Oh, the captain also brought the journal in which Barada incriminates himself as to passing off a bad Manse on the rulers here. )

Monkey brings back the rear, occassionally glancing backward puzzled, looking for this strange demon. TonyC [to Apollonian]: Remind me, Great Forks is the one with the three spirit monarchs, right?

The Storyteller . o O ( All right. You're at the gates of Great Forks now, along with a steady stream of other travelers: pilgrims, pleasure-seekers, traders, mendicants, all entering and leaving from the south gate of the city. )

Apollonian [to TonyC]: Yes. Make an Int + Lore roll if you want a quick run-down on the city (both of you)

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The Captain calls on the power of the Sun for Harmonious Presence Meditation as they get close to the front of the line. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 5 dice on int + lore >>> {4, 8, 1, 6, 1}.

Monkey rolled 3 dice on Per + Lore >>> {3, 9, 8}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Great Forks dates from about 500 years ago, is at the confluence of the Yellow and Rolling rivers, and is ruled by three spirits: Spinner of Glorious Tales, Weaver of Dreams of Vicotry, and Shield of a Different Day. They drove off the Deathlord Princess Magnificent with Lips of Coral and Robes of Black Feathers, who dwelt in what is now Walker's Realm. Great Forks is noted primarily for its many temples and cults and for its almost constant festivals. It is run by a bureaucratic meritocracy, has a great many God-blooded and spirits in its population, and is (in modern terms) tremendously libertarian. )

Monkey sees the banners and temples and flowers and ribbons and comments, "I like this place."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And their feelings on Solars? And does any one spirit have anything to recommend him for an approach by the captain? How accesible are tehy? )

The Storyteller . o O ( You're at the gate. CK and WSW have to roll Int + Larceny to disguise their daiklaves from the (semi) watchful eyes of the guards. )

Captain Kaizoku says, "Don't get too used to it. Our greatest enemy is here, and we'll be leaving quickly."

Captain Kaizoku rolled 2 dice on int + no larceny >>> {7, 3}.

The Storyteller . o O ( There haven't been enough Solars around to form a coherent policy on them, so they're treated pretty much as you'd treat any demigod that walks like thunder: Carefully, politely, and from a position of strength if at all possible. None of the Three are all that accessible, since they mostly work through the bureaucracy and their own secret agents. Dreamweaver often contacts people through dreams. Dayshield can be found holding court in the Central Palace every so often, as can Dreamweaver, while Talespinner is usually abroad. )

You rolled 3 dice on something >>> {10, 10, 2}.

You rolled 4 dice on something >>> {2, 1, 3, 6}.

The guards wave you through, distracted by a chain of pleasure slaves being marched to the market square and composed of Southern beauties in the lightest of chains and clothing.

The Storyteller . o O ( What next? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( First, find an out of the way inn as a meeting point, second, go to the Central Palace to see if Daysheild is holding court. )

Monkey was distracted too.

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, is Monkey still down a few health levels? )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Yes. So I should've been rolling at -1. Oh well.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( This is the day after the last adventure. Was he down to the healing per day? )

TonyC [to jetman]: Down 3 HL. Which is -1 penalty. No big deal. We can go on.

The Storyteller . o O ( No, I just remembered that Great Forks is renowned for its physicians (and drugs). So depending on how long you spend here, you might be able to find somebody to patch you up the rest of the way. )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: We'll see about it if we stay that long.

In the quieter section of the temple quarter (which is to say, where the greatest and least of the city's many temples are located) you find a poor inn catering to poor pilgrims. The Blossom of the Imperfect Lotus has little to recommend it save cheapness and privacy. From there, it is an hour's walk to the Central Palace, where you are firmly but gently turned away from the audience chamber with the word that Dayshield holds no court today and all entreaties should be directed to the Department of Unremitted Sins.

Captain Kaizoku is not overly surprised by that. "Monkey, head to the harbor and see if Barada's ships are there, and look for the grandest dwelling you can see from there. We need to locate him and releive him of the object. Ackbar will stay with you, and Mr. Weeping with me. Meet at the Department of Unremitted Sins in three hours or the inn in six."

TonyC [to jetman]: There are two other approaches if you really want an audience. One is by bypassing the bureaucracy, either sneaking in or forcing our way in. The second is by bribery, which will grease the wheel of bureaucracy spectacularly.

Monkey says, "Aye Captain!"

jetman [to TonyC]: That's why all the money came along for the ride!

The Storyteller . o O ( CK, what's your ultimate objective with regard to meeting Dayshield? )

Monkey turns around and grabs the nearest person. "Excuse me, honored one. Which way to the harbor?"

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Giving him the proof of Barada's trechery to sour relations. Preferably in an anonymous fashion. )

The rather drunken man stares at Monkey and points downhill. "Thattaway, sir..."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Acting in the guise of an agent of another faction in House V'Neef who feels that Barada has gone too far with this plan, in particular. )

Monkey cranes his neck up. "I see, thanks." and goes there.

The Storyteller . o O ( Dayshield's a she. Well, starting at the Department of Unremitted Sins, you get to start navigating the bureaucracy. evil grin This is an extended action. Each roll takes one day. Once you've accumulated fifteen successes, you'll know who best to give the information to, and in what fashion, in order to discredit Barada. Starting difficulty is 3 per roll, but sufficient bribery (i.e., about 2 minae per roll) reduces that to 2. Roll Charisma or Manipulation + Bureaucracy. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Or Intelligence + Bureaucracy. Whichever fits CK's style the best. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Is this a task that Harmonious Presence can help with? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, yes. Each roll takes 3 uses of it, though. (18 motes) )

The Storyteller . o O ( Meanwhile, following the monkey. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK, using that and bribery... )

Monkey goes downhill, in more sense than one.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Cha + Bureaucracy + HPM >>> {1, 2, 4, 4, 5, 5, 9, 2, 6, 6}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Ow. One success. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes... though not a fumble. )

Captain Kaizoku and Mr. Weeping are directed from bureau to department to bureau, using various excuses, introductions, and falsehoods all day. By day's end, as night falls on the Festival of the Dragon of Lucid Delight and the lanterns begin to glow, they have only a small lead to work on for the next day. But it's a start.

Meanwhile, Monkey makes his way down to the docks. It is just past noon, and the inviting smell of the many food stalls and drug dens that line the street beckon to him, as do the calls of streetwalkers, priests and revelers, hawking sex, salvation, or invitations to merriment. The harbor itself is remniscent of that of Nexus, taking up the point of convergence of the two rivers, but rather smaller. A quick scan of the docks is all that's needed to spot Barada's ships, down on the southern end of the Rolling River docks. They're in a slightly isolated position, but it shouldn't be _too_ hard for an Exalt of Monkey's skill to sneak aboard, right?

TonyC [to jetman]: Q: I'm assuming that since Master Jaff is my familiar, he's assumed to go where I go. A couple exceptions are if Monkey thinks it's too dangerous (Master Jaff won't be going into the Underworld, for example). This won't be one of those dangerous things, would it?

Monkey . o O ( Of course it's easy. I mean, Monkey already did that already. )

The Storyteller . o O ( No. If he could stand Nexus, he can stand Great Forks, which, although more of a party town, is a damn sight safer. )

Monkey looks around for the grandest building around here.

jetman [to TonyC]: This job is safer than a pirate raid. Unless Monkey gets caught of course.

TonyC [to jetman]: Always a possibility.

There's no shortage of grand buildings, but the one that really stands out is a massive palace complex on the wall overlooking the docks, somewhat to the north.

TonyC whispers, "If you want me to go into Barada's ship, all you need to do is have Monkey catch a glimpse of the sorceress. Otherwise, I'll proceed with the other hijinx."

Monkey looks at the ship. Then at the building.

You whisper, "Proceed with hijinx. Though might I suggest Monkey consider making contact with the local underworld?" to TonyC.

Monkey stops one of the streetwalkers. One of the better looking ones (Monkey has standards, you know). "Excuse miss."

Monkey says, "Ahem, excuse me, miss."

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, goody. )

Monkey . o O ( What? )

The streetwalker, a cute little number from the far East with leaves in her hair and a pert nose (and breasts) glances at Monkey. Then she looks again.

The Storyteller . o O ( Make an Appearance + Presence roll, Monkey. (i.e., almost boy-toy to a Cynis dynast because of his good looks.) )

Monkey rolled 5 dice on App + Pre >>> {6, 10, 1, 7, 1}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Oh, that's right. Should have uglied him up as part of the disguise... )

Monkey says, "I just arrived here, having recently traveled from Tender and Nexus, and I seem to be slightly lost here. It would delight me someone as delightful as you could perhaps show me around?"

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Is there slavery in this city? I just had a vision of the captain having to buy Monkey off the block. )

TonyC [to jetman]: I'm pretty sure there is.

The streetwalker sidles up to Monkey, sliding her arm under his and giving him a good view of her wares. "Sure, sailor. What would you like to see? Something religious, something fun, something... interesting?"

The Storyteller cackles.

The Storyteller . o O ( Yup, there's slavery all right. There's a pretty good chance that the streetwalker's a slave, too. )

Monkey . o O ( Monkey will probably find the whole situation so interesting he'd deliberately attempt to start a bidding war. :) )

Monkey says, "Any and all of that sounds fine, but first, where's a good place to eat? I'm a bit famished, having traveled far."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Monkey will be in hock to the captain for decades... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmmm... )

You rolled 2 dice on something >>> {6, 5}.

Monkey . o O ( Speaking about being in hock, if this gets long enough that a whole year of ic time pass, Monkey will challenge Captain Kaizoku to their annual duel, as per the term of service. So you might want to come up with something. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Hmmm... drop some shiny marbles on the ground during the fight to distract Monkey? )

Monkey . o O ( It better be some really shiny marbles. Nothing less will do. )

The streetwalker -- who tells Monkey to call her Little Mockingbird, a name that is quickly justified when she tears into a passing carter who nearly runs them over with a vicious, yet entertaining stream of insults -- leads Monkey to a nearby stall and orders a pair of rice bowls with some kind of meat sauce on 'em. As they eat, she entertains Monkey with idle chit-chat.

The Storyteller . o O ( Is Monkey interested in being seduced at all? )

Monkey tries to remember some of the better insults.

Monkey . o O ( Not at the moment, but perhaps later. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Actually, hold that thought... make a Temperance roll to avoid it. )

Monkey rolled 1 dice on something >>> {9}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Darn... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey's brain holds his balls in check... for now. )

The Storyteller . o O ( What do you do after the meal? )

Monkey directs the conversation toward the notable landmarks and persons. "Say, I can't help notice the grand building from the harbor. What is it? And whose?"

The Storyteller . o O ( For which you paid, of course. )

Monkey . o O ( Naturally. )

Little Mockingbird says, "That's the Palace of Ten Thousand Indulgences. Government building. So like I said, I've never seen anybody with such beautiful eyes..."

Monkey . o O ( Perhaps Little Mockingbird should make a Appearance and Presence roll.... )

Monkey says, "Who lives there?"

You rolled 5 dice on something >>> {1, 2, 6, 1, 8}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Not enough to overcome Monkey's awesome self-control )

The Storyteller snickers.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Monkey has the "I blew my reward on ale and whores" T-shirt. )

Little Mockingbird says, "Officials, functionaries, ministers... It's where ambassadors and honored guests are greeted and sometimes stay. I've been there a couple times. On business."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Ooooh, now there's a plan! )

Monkey . o O ( Hey, Monkey has seen the Midnight Queen en des habille. So it'll take a bit more than usual to impress him. )

Monkey . o O ( whoever she is. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And Suda's shamelessly bare shoulders. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

The Storyteller . o O ( wait for it... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How would we get the elephants into tutus Brain? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( But yes, Monkey could use his dress to get in, charm his way into Barada's bed, knock him out before compromising his virtue and steal his clothing. )

Monkey . o O ( No, Pinky. We pose ourselves in. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, dear. Talk about discrediting the poor fellow. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And after letting his GF's magic stuff get stolen out of his own ship, I'm sure he's sleeping on the couch. )

Monkey says, after some other chit-chat, "Say, there was a big fleet at the harbor. What, some official visit from the Blessed Isle?"

Monkey . o O ( Basically, I want to establish for sure whether Barada is staying there. )

Little Mockingbird -- who, to be honest, seems to have Monkey's attention span -- jumps on the question. "That's some Dynastic big fella who's here to make an alliance 'gainst Mask of Winters! Everybody knows that. But they don't know what I know." She looks around mock-warily and leans in, whispering in Monkey's ear. "He's really here to pay court to a beautiful sorceress from the North. He visits her every day round about mid-afternoon. I know, 'cause she's staying in my master's hotel." She looks up at the sky, gauging the time. "In fact, he's probably walking up from the docks right now. Want to see him?"

Monkey says, "With your company, that would be exquisite. Sadly, I have some business to conclude fairly soon. On the other hand, if you can tell me where your master's hotel is, I'll be sure to look you up there once the business is completed. How's that?"

Little Mockingbird gives you the directions to the hotel and watches you walk off, a little wistful as she resumes her walk.

Monkey goes to to bureaucracy's office and looks for the Captain there.

The Storyteller . o O ( Now it's Monkey's turn for an Intelligence + Bureaucracy roll. )

Monkey rolled 2 dice on Wheee! >>> {6, 4}.

Despite Monkey's best efforts, he gets absolutely nowhere at the Palace of Ten Thousand Indulgences. Maybe they didn't appreciate Master Jaff's attempted art on their forms?

Monkey . o O ( Phillistines! )

Monkey gives up in disgust and goes to the inn.

The Storyteller . o O ( That wraps up the day. What's the plan for the next day? )

Monkey proposes going to the hotel.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( At the hotel, de-breifing Monkey and the purser to see what they learned. The next day, see if any of the three are holding court and greasing the way in to see one, and trying the slow way if not. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Again, none of the Three are holding court today. Int + Bureaucracy if you go about the slow route. 1 success so far. )

Monkey . o O ( There are a couple possibilities that comes in mind. One. Find out who Little Mockingbird's master is. Then Monkey masquerades as a courtesan with Captain masquerading as the escort and claims that Barada invited us, using the master's name as a bluff. )

Monkey . o O ( Alternatively, claim that the master sent us on the request of the sorceress. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Or swapping out Monkey in a dress for Little Mockingbird as she goes to visit. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey's much cuter. Also has a completely different complexion and no leaves growing out of his hair. )

Monkey . o O ( Two. Pilfer the object at the hotel, either by guile or force. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That would involve doing it at night, when he's in his room, since he must have it on his person. Ohhh... I have an idea. )

Monkey . o O ( Well? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( We know when he comes and goes... if Monkey were to dump a chamber pot on him accidentally, he'd have to go change... and then we could grab it when he bathes. )

Monkey . o O ( That involves a series of fortuitous happenings. One, the chamber pot must land on Barada. This is not as easy as it seems. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Doesn't have to be a chamber pot... he could be running down the street with a bowl of stinky soup to deliver... )

Monkey . o O ( Same. Pretend he's as uber as Kaizoku. It would be an easy matter for him to notice and step out of the way. Now, if I were to deliberately target him, I think I can force a hit, but then he'll notice something's off. )

The Storyteller senses things may be dragging a bit.

Monkey . o O ( This is an experienced Dynast. If it were that easy, some of his rival dynasts would've humiliated him just before a prestigious party or something and he wouldn't get to be admiral. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Well, I think forcing him to go and change would be the best approach, combined with infiltration. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Commanding the Beasts and a large bird might do the trick. )

Monkey . o O ( LOL. )

Monkey . o O ( Try that. It's worth a try. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( But first, the captain will run down all he knows about what the object may be (orichalcum, a decoration, maybe a sash) and have Monkey observe Barada as he goes about his day, and to get close with Mockingbird. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Meanwhile, the Captain will try working the system the next day. )

Monkey says, "Get close with her? Sure. That will require money though, Captain. Can I draw from the account?"

Captain Kaizoku replies "Judiciously, of course."

Monkey . o O ( Whee! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. So, day two: Monkey watches Barada while consorting with Little Mockingbird, and CK does the bureaucracy thing again. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on working the system >>> {10, 8, 3, 10, 9, 1, 7, 9, 7, 9}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Blackjack. )

The Storyteller . o O ( When (if ever) are you going to fit in that research on Cati Brutig? )

Monkey deliberately hires (or tries to hire) a room at the hotel. (Let's call it... mmmm... Impermanence of Cherry Blossoms.)

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Depends on how things go, and how covert they remain, but it's the third priority after the item and information planting. )

Ah, today is far more productive than yesterday when it comes to greasing palms and learning the (rather picayune) secrets of the Great Forks bureaucracy. After a pleasant and productive interview with the Minister of Recreational Substances and a short meeting with the staff of the Ministry of Nine Beauteous Cattle (Street Maintenance Subdivision), you've discovered that the best person to talk to would be one of the ministers in the Palace of Ten Thousand Indulgences. In other words, the diplomatic service. Now you just have to narrow it down to the specific minister...

Monkey . o O ( First, how hard it is to get a room at the Impermanence? Second, how expensive? Third, who's the sorceress? Give me a general description too. Fourth, when does Barada usually visits her? )

The Storyteller . o O ( That all depends on how much jade you're flashing. Anything more than a mina and you're treated quite well. The room costs one mina and comes with some minor services, with more services negotiable on a case-by-case basis. It's really quite tempting, of course... which calls for another Temperance roll for Monkey not to get distracted by the multitude of charms the Impermanence of Cherry Blossoms offers. )

Monkey . o O ( Is it first rate? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Well, second rate. Call it four stars out of five, at least. )

Monkey . o O ( Ah, well. The things I do for the sake of duty. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Monkey wasn't raised in luxury... can he tell the difference between four and five star pleasure dens? )

Monkey says, "Drink, and make merry, because tomorrow, we might die. Cheers!"

Monkey . o O ( You mean you didn't introduce him to the better sort of pleasure dens? Man, you're stingy. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Time for pillow pleasures after the Realm has been overthrown and replaced by Solar rulership. )

Monkey . o O ( Anyway, how about the rest of my questions? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey, roll Temperance if you decide to get a room at the Impermanence. )

Monkey . o O ( Won't bother rolling. Why do I have to roll when I want to fail? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( To see how contrite you can sound after the fact? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, okay. Should have mentioned that. )

The Storyteller . o O ( In _that_ case, make a Perception + Socialize check. )

Monkey . o O ( Spending WP for auto-success. )

The Storyteller . o O ( 'kay. )

Monkey rolled 2 dice on something >>> {7, 6}.

The Storyteller . o O ( 2 successes... )

Monkey . o O ( Btw, jetman, are you going to try the Command + large bird = messy clothing? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, when the rest of the details are worked out. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Monkey will be in the hotel in advance and use a knockout dart on the washerwoman as she takes the uniform to be cleaned. )

Although more than a little distracted by the many charms of the Impermanence of Cherry Blossoms -- and by Little Mockingbird, who's not half bad in the bedchamber -- Monkey is able to learn the following about Barada and the mysterious sorceress: Barada visits every day, yes, but only for about thirty minutes to an hour. Contrary to Little Mockingbird's theories, which she shares enthusiastically over the post-coital wine and marijuana, he doesn't really seem to be courting. The sorceress as described sounds a lot like the one Monkey saw on the ship. She's been partying every night, apparently hosting quite a few of Great Forks' socialites and bureaucrats in all-night shindigs.

Monkey . o O ( You'll also need to be able to point out Barada to the bird. )

Monkey . o O ( Name, description, and hour of Barada's visit, if they are regular. And a range, if they aren't. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The captain and bird can be on a nearby roof... and are there telescopes available in Exalted? )

Monkey . o O ( Clarification: Her name and description. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes, but you don't have one (to CK) )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Didn't think so, but it's good to know one can be purchased. )

The Storyteller . o O ( hang on, coming up with a name... )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Arianna.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Just kidding.

The Storyteller . o O ( To Monkey: Her name is Cynis Adaria, and you can't get a really good description of her, being distracted as you are. Barada's visits are invariably around early to mid-afternoon. Around 2:30-3:00. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Is there anything else that you want me to find out about Barada?

jetman [to TonyC]: I think those are the most pertinant details. We know who, what, when, where and why.

The Storyteller . o O ( So, next day? )

TonyC [to jetman]: I'll have Monkey start on the research part during the day. (And party all night!)

Captain Kaizoku says, "Monkey, I want you to see about using your charms to get into the residence Barada is in. You will steal his laundry once we cause him to turn back and change.""

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The captain uses his hard-won knowledge of the system to go talk to the diplomatic staff at their offices. Should I roll? )

Monkey says, "I'll try, Captain" instead of his usual "Aye aye."

Captain Kaizoku says, "Will you need more operating silver?"

Monkey . o O ( I'm not sure what my chance of success will be. )

Monkey says, "Yes!"

The Storyteller . o O ( Captain, roll Int + Bureaucracy. Only need 4 successses. What's Monkey researching? )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Cati Brutig, the smith. His method of research will be to pay a librarian to do the scutwork.

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, good method. )

Monkey . o O ( The trick, of course, is to find a good honest librarian. )

Monkey . o O ( Well, Monkey can live with a bit of dishonesty, as long as they are the overcharging type of dishonesty instead of forging information type of dishonesty. )

Captain Kaizoku pays a quick visit to the Palace of Ten Thousand Indulgences in the mid-morning and quickly discovers that the person tasked with all dealings involving diplomatic visitors to the city is Minister Sumito, third-rank official, Minister of Receiving Noble and Honored Guests. You even get directions to his office and are informed that he'll be in in about two hours.

The Storyteller . o O ( Meanwhile, Monkey should roll Charisma + Bureaucracy at the university library to find a compliant librarian. )

Monkey rolled 3 dice on Charisma >>> {5, 9, 3}.

Captain Kaizoku makes an appointment to see him when he returns, then goes out for some lunch and picks up an extra bag of soft rolls, finds the nearest likely building near where Barada will emerge and sprinkles it quite liberally with crumbs.

Monkey spends his morning poking around the library that serves the scholars of Great Forks, and finds it a much more boring place than the Impermanence of Cherry Blossoms. Nonetheless, he's able to find a competent librarian who's willing to do a bit of research in exchange for a consideration, and promises results by the morrow.

You rolled 7 dice on something >>> {8, 6, 3, 3, 2, 7, 1}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, that's the morning done. Next? )

Monkey explains to the librarian that he's here on the behest of a patrician looking for information on a possible ancestor, name of Cati Brutig, who lived before the Great Contagion. Any information that the master librarian could find on the person would be useful in determining the patrician's genealogy and family history. Monkey goes back to the Impermanence.

Captain Kaizoku returns to the Palace of Ten Thousand Indulgences, with WSW out front of the building, for his meeting with Minister Sumito, sizing the man up before saying anything.

TonyC [to jetman]: What, exactly, are you doing? I thought you'll try meeting with the minister first.

Monkey is enthusiastically welcomed back to the Impermanence, though Little Mockingbird is unavailable today. Back at the Palace...

jetman [to TonyC]: I am. The crumbs are to make sure there are lots of birds there the next day, since Commanding doesn't summon.

Monkey thinks, "Poor creature. She must be exhausted."

The Storyteller . o O ( Note that it's impossible to cast a subtle spell. You'll have to find somewhere hidden to do it if you don't want to raise a ruckus. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That's the other reason he was seeding the crumbs on a rooftop. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Wotcher. Anyway, meeting with Minister Sumito. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The captain sizes him up as he enteres, and has HPM going. )

A subtle bribe and Captain Kaizoku is scheduled to meet with the Minister that afternoon. You are ushered into his presence shortly after the appointed hour and perform the appropriate obeisances for your cover story. He is a slim man in rich robes of office, standing next to a desk that is spotlessly organized. At his back a window displays a view of the harbor and the river beyond, while the walls of his office are decorated in various proverbs. His face shows the lines of a hard-working man, and his expression is cunning overlaid with patience and courtesy.

The Storyteller . o O ( Make a Perception + Occult roll )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 7 dice on Per+Occult >>> {10, 8, 8, 7, 10, 10, 4}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yow. )

Monkey . o O ( Bad Yow or Good Yow? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yow is right. Okay, based on a quick observation of the Minister and the various accoutrements of his dress and office, you realize that he is a God-blooded of no small heritage and probably quite a bit of experience. )

You rolled 6 dice on something >>> {5, 2, 3, 10, 7, 2}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Super high success on that roll.. more successes than dice rolled. )

The Storyteller . o O ( It's customary in the bureaucracy for the petitioner to speak first. )

Captain Kaizoku says in a causal voice with a firm underlay "Not all members of House V'Neef are in accord with V'Neef Barada's interest in pirates, nor do they wish the house hurt by his obsession" he offers up.

Monkey . o O ( Wiki fixed. Huzzah. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Did the Captain make any attempt at disguise? If so, make a Intelligence + Larceny roll. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, he did, and will use a WP for an auto success. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 2 dice on Int + No Larceny >>> {10, 2}.

You rolled 7 dice on Sumito's chance of recognizing a famous pirate and known anathema >>> {10, 8, 2, 8, 3, 2, 10}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmmm.... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Well, he's obviously not going to commit any acts of piracy in the office. )

The Minister bows to the Captain and says, "I see. Do you, then, speak for the House?"

Monkey . o O ( Oooo, Tank! as sung by Ed. I love this song. (Is listening to some Internet Radio) )

Captain Kaizoku returns the bow, a hair more deeply. "No more than Barada does. This certainly does not speak for the House" he says as he slides the journal over, bookmarked on the really offensive passage.

The Minister picks up the book and glances briefly through it. His eyebrows raise a fraction. "I see." He puts the journal back down. "And what is your business in our city, aside from delivering this message?"

Monkey . o O ( "Some intrigue against Barada that should not affect Great Forks nor its wise ministers." Or something to that effect. )

Captain Kaizoku replies "To ask forgiveness over this tresspass against the great city of Great Fork, and to ask that any reprisals be directed against Barada and his navy and not the House as a whole."

The Minister quirks a slight smile, and bows. "Ah. Then you may consider your mission a success and depart secure in that knowledge. I would suggest that you depart sooner, rather than later. Captain. Is there any other business that concerns us?"

Captain Kaizoku again returns the bow. "I plan to depart on the morrow... there is a small bit of theater I must play out with the Admiral, but nothing at all that will affect the city. My greater ambitions are not directed anywhere near Great Fork" he says with perfect candor.

You rolled 6 dice on something >>> {7, 1, 3, 3, 4, 7}.

The Minister bows, again, and signals his servant to show you out.

Captain Kaizoku departs without fuss, though inwardly stays on his guard.

The Storyteller . o O ( Make a Perception + Awareness roll, captain. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Per Need Awareness >>> {2, 5, 9, 3}.

Monkey . o O ( This is the part that I'm worried about. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Upon leaving the Palace, you're definitely being followed, probably by multiple shadowers, but you can't tell who or how many -- you just keep seeing the same faces and figures more often than you should be. )

Captain Kaizoku takes a senic tour of the city, careful to avoid any dead ends or dangerous spots, at first, looking for a crowded marketplace to lose pursuit in.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( You can't blame them, what with the infamy and all. )

The Storyteller . o O ( You find a crowd easily enough. Roll Wits + Stealth )

You rolled 6 dice on something >>> {8, 3, 10, 5, 5, 5}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( A WP for auto success )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 3 dice on Wits + No stealth >>> {9, 9, 4}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Almost, but you still have at least one tail and night is coming soon. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Roll again if you want to lose him. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 3 dice on Wits + No stealth >>> {1, 4, 1}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( ACK! )

You rolled 6 dice on something >>> {10, 7, 3, 10, 9, 7}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Oy. Inadvertantly, you lead the entire posse of tails to your inn, and sadly watch them set up a stakeout. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey, do you just spend the afternoon at the Impermanence? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( First fumble ever... )

Monkey . o O ( Indeed. )

Monkey . o O ( And the indeed applies to both your question and jetman's fumble. <chuckles> )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ayup. Monkey, make a Perception + Socialize roll. )

Monkey . o O ( Spending WP for auto-success. )

Monkey rolled 2 dice on something >>> {3, 6}.

After your second stay at the Impermanence (which I still have trouble spelling, dammit), you begin to get a feel for the social current of things here. And you're invited to Cynis Adaria's party of tomorrow night. (Of course, so are all the other attractive guests at the "hotel," but still...)

Monkey comments when he receives the invitation. "Ah good, I was wondering if I have to crash the party."

Monkey plans to wear his best dress.

Monkey's current female companionship titters obediently and goes back to her business.

As it were.

Monkey . o O ( Heh. )

Monkey . o O ( Skip to the next scene? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Skip to the next day. Plans? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I hope Monkey notices the people around the Inn... Vain as that hope is. )

Monkey . o O ( Ah, but you're staying at the Imperfect Lotus. I'm staying at Impermanence. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The basic plan is the same... Monkey uses his guile to get into Barada's residence, then the

Captain uses Commanding the Beasts to get a bird or flock to desecrate Barada's uniform and person badly when he goes for his "visit." He goes to change, Monkey steals everything and hops away. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Important point, then. You still haven't discovered where it is Barada is staying. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Also, don't forget to check in with your librarian! )

Monkey . o O ( I intend to get it from the party. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Ah, I thought he was staying at the palace of 10K indulgances... my bad. )

Monkey . o O ( Actually, I was under the impression that he was staying there too. What I was trying for was his exact room. But if he's not, he's not. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Sorry, I should have made that clearer. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Is there a laundry where he visits his lover? )

Monkey . o O ( Errr, has Kaizoku ever said whether this will be done before or after Barada visits Cynis? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes, the Impermanence has a laundry. )

Monkey . o O ( Of course there is. All those spilled wine and other liquids.... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( He didn't, but I was thinking "before" since he'd want to look nice. Then have him decorated right in front of the Impermeanance? Monkey already has an in there. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. What's first? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Is it possible to ditch the stakeout crew? The captain will keep a watch out all night. )

Monkey . o O ( The problem, the main problem, is that you need to contact Monkey. Monkey has no idea that 1. You are going to do the trick tomorrow. and 2. That we'll be leaving right after. )

The Storyteller . o O ( The purser is still with Monkey, I believe, and hasn't been associated with the Captain. )

Monkey . o O ( If you are unable to do so, Monkey will visit Imperfect Lotus tomorrow with the result of the research. Not expecting the stake out, and being oblivious, Monkey will be noticed. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, the purser has been with Monkey, keeping back and backing him up quietly. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( 2) can be dealt with easily once they get together to report... Monkey can leave town a few hours later, as the captain waits at the pickup point. )

Monkey . o O ( One possibility, if Captain Kaizoku wants to ditch the stake-out, is to wait until night time, don the armor, rely on its stealth aspect and night vision, and visit Impermanence with instructions.. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Did you bring the armor? Also, WSW can dematerialize, though in as spirit-heavy a town as Great Forks that's not as effective as it could be. )

Monkey . o O ( In the meanwhile... Monkey parties like it's 1999 Realm Year. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I didn't think we brought the armor... And WSW only needs to dematerialize enough to get through a building or two and out of the circle of watchers, right? The Captain writes up a note with the plan and has WSW deliver it to the purser. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmmm. I think Monkey ought to make a Stamina + Resistance roll. )

Monkey . o O ( No problem. )

Monkey rolled 8 dice on Sta + Res >>> {6, 5, 4, 9, 4, 4, 8, 4}.

Monkey is used to this.

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey makes it through the night only deeply intoxicated and wakes with only a minor headache, quickly banished by hair of the dog. He's a bit short on silver by this time, though... only enough for one more night! )

Monkey . o O ( Tsk tsk. I shall have to resort to piracy. )

The Storyteller . o O ( White Soul Weeping makes it to the Impermanence okay and drops off the note, then returns to the Captain. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Monkey is to ingratiate himself with the staff so he can grab Barada's uniform and goods when the time comes, the time being today, then take off and meet at a food stall the captain saw in his ditching of pursuit. QUestions are to be run in the morning by the purser. )

Monkey . o O ( It occurs to me that Master Jaff has not been making as much trouble as he ought to be. Oh well, maybe next time. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The note says. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( It doesn't take as much wine to get him mellow as it does Monkey, so since they've had access... )

Monkey . o O ( When does this note arrive? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( In the night, which means it probably isnt' read until morning. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, so order is: Monkey (or purser?) visits the librarian for the results of the research. Monkey ingratiates self to staff. (bribes and smooth talking, I think.) Bird poops on Barada. Barada changes, Monkey swipes artifact piece. Everybody beats feet back to Tender. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Correct? )

Monkey . o O ( Sounds good, with minor adjustments. But first, bathroom break. BRB. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ditto, oddly enough. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The purser can get the information at the library, since he's less conspicuous than Monkey, but essentially correct. )

Monkey dismisses Little Mockingbird, or whoever his current female companion is, claiming overindulgence of wine and spirits.

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey, make a Charisma + Socialize check to ingratiate yourself to the staff. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Monkey will have to be flogged for breaking the no liqour punishment two days into it... )

The Storyteller . o O ( liquor or lick her? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Aieee! )

Monkey . o O ( First. Is the person doing the laundry and the person doing room service the same persons? )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Most atrocious of pun. As punishment, you should be giving our characters double XP. :p

TonyC [to Apollonian]: WP for auto-success.

The Storyteller . o O ( No. It's a larger operation than that. There's a staff of maids, who handle room service (and occasionally "room service" if that's your kink), and a staff of below-stairs launderers, support staff, etc., who do the scut work. )

Monkey rolled 3 dice on Charisma >>> {1, 9, 6}.

The Storyteller . o O ( My bad. That should be Charisma + Presence, not Cha + Socialize. )

Monkey asks one of the staff how many people does it take to clean up Cyris Aradia's room after one of her parties.

Monkey . o O ( It is my intention to break into her room right after the theft. )

In a bad Cockney accent, the maid complains about the mess. "Ooh, guv'nor, it's orful. Why..." and so on. Takes about a dozen people for her suite, which is quite large.

Monkey . o O ( Anyway, rolling the extra one die (the difference between socialize and presence). Add it if it's a success. )

Monkey rolled 1 dice on something >>> {9}.

Monkey . o O ( Is Aradia usually awake already during the clean-up? )

The Storyteller . o O ( three successes is enough to get you cozy with cleaning staff on a superficial level, and get the lowdown on the cleaning routine, which may be more useful. Basically, clothes and laundry are dropped off in a room near the boilers in the basement and left there for the laundry folks. Then they're picked up a few hours later. Pickup times are signaled by a bell in the servant's common area, which also serves as a marshalling area, as it were. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Aradia's usually asleep. One of her servants is probably awake, though. )

Monkey . o O ( Okay, it's probably time to do the bombing run. One more question, what does the staff describe the relationship between Barada and Aradia? )

Monkey . o O ( And whether it's calm or rocky at the moment. )

Monkey prepares two notes in the dining area while he awaits the sight of Barada storming in.

The Storyteller . o O ( The info from the librarian: Cati Brutig is, or was, a famed smith in River Province during the Shogunate. He might have been a Dragon-Blooded. His work was famous for being absolutely superb, and he was famous for being a real bastard. Of more interest, perhaps, is that he is now revered by a small cult of smiths who claim him as their ancestor. They're scattered all over the Scavenger Lands, but are most numerous in Great Forks and Nexus. A shrine to him is located in the Great Forks temple district. He's probably buried in Sijan. )

Captain Kaizoku picks up a long loaf of bread from his inn's kitchen after breakfast and then moves out, sending WSW to a position nearby the target zone so he can provide backup if needed, making sure he knows the two meeting points. He sneaks out of the inn through the back, hopping up to the rooftops to dodge the shadows if necessary.

The Storyteller . o O ( The staff thinks that Barada might be Aradia's lover, but thinks his visits are far too short for any kind of action -- they're rarely more than half an hour. When they talk in public, they are civil but never touch or show affection for each other. )

The Storyteller . o O ( CK, roll Dex + Stealth )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Dex no stealth >>> {6, 4, 5, 3}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Crap. )

You rolled 6 dice on something >>> {2, 6, 2, 8, 5, 3}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I knew I should have spent a WP. )

The Storyteller . o O ( roll Per + Awareness )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Per No Awareness >>> {8, 7, 4, 3}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Despite your best efforts, you pick up one tail. At least, you're pretty sure the large, odd-looking bird following you is a tail. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Does it look like a spell or magical bird? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Roll Per + Occult )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 7 dice on Per + Occult >>> {7, 3, 9, 6, 6, 10, 3}.

The Storyteller . o O ( You'd guess it's a spirit of some kind. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Specifically if it looks like something Commanding the Beasts will work on or not. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Any occult options for hiding from or diverting a spirit? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Well, you might be able to distract it. Not really an occult action, though. It looks like a bird of prey, so that might help. )

Captain Kaizoku stops to get something beefy and raw on a stick from a vendor, then sets up at a mock destination for a time, as if he's where he plans to be, then puts the stick upright in a crack in a wall or bench, slowly moving away from it, just a few feet. If the bird's attention is on the meat, he keeps moving slowly away.

You rolled 2 dice on something >>> {2, 4}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, the diversion appears to be successful. As you edge around a corner, you see the bird hop down from the ledge where _it's_ been edging toward the meat and make a grab at the bait. )

Captain Kaizoku makes steady progress once out of sight to the rooftop near the Inn, spreading crumbs around and backing off to the far side, attracting a flock of birds again (hopefully).

The Storyteller . o O ( It's nearing noon, now. It doesn't take long for a flock of birds to appear and start squabbling over the crumbs. Meanwhile, back in the Impermanence... what's Monkey doing? )

Monkey prepares two notes. The first says, "Dear, Aradia, your party last night was excellent. It's too bad we could not get together and chat. Perhaps next time. Signed, Monkey."

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. The second? )

The second note says, "This is urgent. Destroy the note and come to the Ten Thousand Indulgences."

The Storyteller wonders what Monkey's up to.

The Storyteller . o O ( When is CK going to cast his spell? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( About 10 minutes before Barada's usual time of arrival. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. You do that, then... How many birds will you control? )

Monkey . o O ( 23. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( LOL! The limit is essence x2, so six. Of the biggest. )

You rolled 3 dice on something >>> {6, 8, 8}.

The Storyteller . o O ( The noise of the spell being causes a little commotion on the street, but the furor (such as it was) has died down by the time you see V'neef Barada striding up from the direction of the harbor, accompanied by a fang of marines. )

Captain Kaizoku sends the flock of scavenging seabirds on their way, pointing out the big, shining form of Barada as the one to drop their waste on, as he crouches behind the lip of the roof, watching carefully.

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmmm... what is the attack poop -- I mean pool -- for a seagull, anyway? )

You rolled 12 dice on something >>> {8, 1, 10, 3, 1, 1, 8, 1, 7, 1, 2, 1}.

Monkey . o O ( Just want to point out, that if does not work, I can always try to come up with something, and if that doesn't work too, there's always the fight option (although that will have to wait until next week, after suitable posturing, of course.) )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How many Marines in a fang again? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, the power of dramatic narrative! Sometimes you wonder just what's really behind the workings of creation. As the Admiral walks up to the front door of the Impermanence, three of the scavengers manage perfect bulls-eyes on his glimmering jade armor and silk. He simply stands in shock for a moment... )

You rolled 3 dice on something >>> {2, 2, 4}.

TonyC [to jetman]: IIRC, 20, but I don't know for sure.

The Storyteller . o O ( And then bursts into rage. He casually backhands the doorman, sending the mortal flying into the wall, and storms into the Impermanence, marching through the eating area with nary a glance around him and shouting for servants to prepare a bath and clean this mess up! )

The Storyteller . o O ( A fang is 5 soldiers. )

The Storyteller . o O ( So now he's getting a bath drawn and fuming. Monkey, Awareness + Perception. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( We could probably take him and the troops with three Exalted, but this town isn't as lax on security as Nexus, so things would get ugly fast. )

The Storyteller . o O ( 3 Exalted? )

Monkey . o O ( Okay, I've been assuming that the WP I spent prior to this is regained, as it happens to be spent 1/day. However, if that's not the case, I've spent 4 WP. I'm not spending another one for auto-success, being especially alert at this crucial time. )

Monkey rolled 3 dice on Per + Awa >>> {4, 2, 7}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Monkey, the Captain and WSW. Or doesn't he count as one? )

TonyC [to jetman]: He doesn't count.

The Storyteller . o O ( WSW ain't Exalted, he's Ghost-Blooded. A bit further down the totem pole. Also, he's still at your inn. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( No, I sent him to be in the area as backup. )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Captain Kaizoku did.

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey sees the maids bustling about, soothing Barada's ruffle feathers and dropping his laundry off in the laundry room. His laundry is accompanied by a pair of stony-faced marines. )

You rolled 3 dice on something >>> {7, 2, 8}.

You rolled 4 dice on something >>> {3, 1, 4, 10}.

Monkey . o O ( My cue? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Therefore, I suppose WSW is hanging around dematerialized. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey's cue. )

Monkey . o O ( Geh, I'm being brain-dead. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Me too. Tends to happen this late. )

Monkey follows one of the maid who's around his size. If an opportunity comes where no one is around, he'll knock her unconscious, using the paralytic poison. If not, he'll try to engineer one.

The Storyteller . o O ( Make a Dex + Stealth roll, then. )

Monkey rolled 6 dice on Dex + Stealth >>> {6, 5, 8, 6, 3, 3}.

Monkey . o O ( Laundry maid counts as extra, so let's not bother rolling, unless you're planning on springing some Bronze faction Sidereal on me. )

Monkey . o O ( Rolling to hit, damage, and resistance, that is. )

The Storyteller . o O ( It takes a few minutes, but she takes a moment to visit the necessary on the first floor. It's sufficiently out of the way, so you tag her and swap clothes with her. Make an Intelligence + Larceny roll, O master of disguise. )

Monkey . o O ( Adding autosuccess with WP. )

Monkey rolled 4 dice on Int + Lar >>> {6, 7, 4, 4}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Got it. (Am having Hitman flashbacks now.) )

The Storyteller . o O ( Next objective? )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: That's a cool game.

Monkey goes to the laundry room to get the washed clothes.

Monkey . o O ( And polished armor. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Do you try to avoid the other maids or trust in your disguise? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Hoping Monkey would check for something of the description of the artifact... )

Monkey . o O ( I trust in my disguise, and fast-talk skill. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Heh. )

You rolled 3 dice on something >>> {4, 7, 7}.

You rolled 3 dice on something >>> {7, 1, 9}.

You rolled 3 dice on something >>> {5, 3, 2}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Two of the maids recognize you. Cha + Presence to fast talk your way out of it, roll twice. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Once per maid, that is. )

Monkey winks at the maids and whispers, "It's some game Aradia is playing."

The Storyteller . o O ( You get a bonus stunt die for the cover story. )

Monkey . o O ( Let's use my established reputation as a lush and womanizer and Aradia's partiers. Can I use Appearance? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Sure. )

Monkey rolled 6 dice on Sweet-talk. >>> {6, 7, 1, 6, 4, 5}.

Monkey rolled 6 dice on Sweet-talk. >>> {9, 6, 8, 9, 2, 5}.

You rolled 2 dice on something >>> {1, 1}.

You rolled 2 dice on something >>> {7, 3}.

Monkey continues strolling as if nothing happens, puts his finger on his mouth at the maids, and picks up Barada's laundry.

The Storyteller . o O ( They wink and nod understandingly, and go about their business. You encounter no more hotel staff on the way to the laundry room, but do find the two marines there. )

Monkey walks with a wiggle, having watched both Kena and Aradia.

The Storyteller . o O ( One's keeping an eye on the launderers, while the other leans against the wall in the laundry staging area. )

You rolled 6 dice on something >>> {1, 1, 1, 5, 3, 1}.

You rolled 6 dice on something >>> {6, 4, 1, 1, 7, 10}.

Monkey pats the laundry as he folds each individual item into neat piles.

The Storyteller . o O ( make a Per + Occult roll )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Spending WP for autosuccess. Thorough search.

Monkey rolled 2 dice on Per >>> {1, 8}.

Monkey is also looking for some personal token of Barada.

Monkey . o O ( If there's none here, that's fine. I'll look later. )

The Storyteller . o O ( As you carefully fold the clothes, you spot a leather pouch with the V'neef sigil on it. It's not a money pouch, that's obvious. You also realize that the guard in the laundry room is scrutinizing you very carefully. As he starts walking toward you, though, his partner shouts, "Hey! You! Stop!" )

The Storyteller . o O ( Per + Awareness roll please. )

jetman has disconnected.

jetman has connected.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Disconnect... )

Monkey rolled 3 dice on Per + Awa >>> {1, 1, 9}.

The Storyteller . o O ( That was close. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Worried me for a bit.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How long was I gone? )

TonyC [to jetman]: Seconds.

The Storyteller . o O ( The guards dash past you into the laundry room and sieze one of the scut workers. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK. Sometimes I get a weird DC where minutes go by with a dead connection without any notice of it. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I know I missed something there. )

TonyC [to jetman]: It occurs to me that in the last two encounters with Barada, it's always Monkey who personally meets Barada. Much more of this, and Barada will start taking this personally.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Maybe he'll think Monkey IS the Captain! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey, what are you doing right now? The guards aren't paying attention to you at the moment. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Keep that in mind. Could be a good trick to pull at someone later.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK, I did miss something then... what got the Marines up in arms? I last saw Monkey's Occult roll. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Botched perception check on their part. )

Monkey keeps on doing what he was doing. That is, folding the laundry while covertly searching for the artifact piece and a personal token that is identifiably Barada's. As for the pouch, why, it's in his dress by now.

The Storyteller . o O ( You find no artifact piece among the laundry, but do find the rank pendant of an admiral in the Merchant Fleet. )

Monkey peeks into the pouch while the guard questions the unfortunate scut worker.

Monkey . o O ( What does the pouch contain? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Bingo. The shimmer of orichalcum fills the pouch. Are you going to take the time to inspect it thoroughly? )

Monkey . o O ( No. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( But it's shimmering! :) )

The Storyteller . o O ( Next action? The guards are done questioning the worker and are headed purposefully over to you. )

Monkey smiles at the guard and affects a look of concern. "Shall I bring this to mylord? Or would you like to bring it yourself?"

The guard on the left -- the one who was originally in the room with you -- says, "You carry it. We will escort you."

Monkey . o O ( Shimmering, true. Monkey is impressing a woman here. Or would be, if Monkey's plan succeed. )

Monkey carries the laundry to Barada.

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, boy. )

You rolled 6 dice on something >>> {5, 2, 4, 6, 2, 3}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Lucky... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( An infamous pirate would never wear a dress! )

Monkey . o O ( And what does Barada do? Is he still taking a bath or is he done? )

Barada is busy having his feelings (and other stuff) massaged by a comely maid, and doesn't look up when you enter. The guards order you to drop the laundry on a nearby table and to attend to your other duties.

Monkey nods, bows, and makes his exit.

The Storyteller . o O ( Next? )

Monkey goes to the dining room to find the Purser. Once he finds him, he says, "I think this is what the captain is looking for. Carry it to him right away."

Monkey turns back and goes to his room to change into his green dress.

The Storyteller . o O ( The purser nods and secretes the purse on his person. (Badump-ching!) He leaves quickly, making tracks for the rendezvous point. )

Monkey . o O ( I wonder if the purser recognizes Monkey. Oh well. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes. He's lived with you for over a year, for one thing. )

Once Monkey finishes changing to the green dress, he exits his room and goes straight to Aradia's room. There, he knocks on the door.

Almost immediately, a servant dressed in provocatively elaborate garb answers the door. He looks Monkey up and down and says, "The evening's entertainment has not yet begun. Would you please return at dusk?

Monkey says, "My apologies, but I must speak to the mistress about an important matters. I have been tasked to bring a message to her."

Monkey says, "It is from Admiral Barada V'neef."

TonyC [to jetman]: You will probably see Mr. Purser leaving Impermanence. Captain Kaizoku can then inspect the piece at his leisure and verify whether it is indeed the correct one.

Monkey waits for the servant to inform Lady Cynis.

The servant nods and lets you in. You stand in a luxuriously appointed apartment, hung with silks and brocades and scented with fine candles and subtle perfumes. The servant closes the door behind you and disappears behind a hanging curtain to your right. A few half-heard sentences later, Aradia walks out and greets you. She is dressed in a light shift -- seems to be a favorite mode of dress -- that nonetheless is sufficient for modesty. She says, "You have a message from Lord Barada? Give it to me."

Monkey holds the second note to her. He adds, "He told me to give this to you to prove that it is indeed from him" and gives her the admiralty pendant.

She takes both pendant and note and reads the note in one swift glance.

The Storyteller . o O ( make a Dex + Linguistics roll )

Monkey says, "He says there's some delicate matter at the Palace requiring your touch. That is all, Mistress."

Monkey rolled 6 dice on Dex + Ling >>> {1, 8, 9, 2, 8, 1}.

Monkey bows deeply and waits for the gratuity, as any proper messenger/servant would.

Cynis Aradia looks at Monkey, a smile playing over her lips. "This note was never in Barada's hands. The lettering is... decent, but he would not write in this tongue." She looks over your shoulder. "Sieze her, but do not harm her."

The Storyteller . o O ( make a Wits + Awareness roll. )

Monkey rolled 3 dice on Wits + Awa >>> {2, 9, 8}.

The Storyteller . o O ( It was a good plan, but Monkey doesn't know High Realm... which is the language two Dynasts would use between themselves. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I must say, I have no idea what Monkey was planning... get her out of the room and loot? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway... )

Monkey drops to the floor and kneels in front of the lady. "Please, Lady, I'm just a messenger."

TonyC [to jetman]: Indeed.

From behind you you hear a hideous shuffling and a pair of rough hands sieze you. A horrible, bloody stench fills the room and you realize that you are in the grip of a demon.

The Storyteller . o O ( Trying to fast talk? )

Monkey screams like a girl.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Heck yeah.

The Storyteller . o O ( Roll Charisma + Presence, then... but you're betting against the legendary appetites of a Cynis noble who's been holding _civilized_ debauches for a week or two. From the expression on her face, she's looking forward to a little variety. )

Monkey rolled 4 dice on Cha + Pre >>> {8, 1, 3, 3}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Only one success? Not enough, I think )

You rolled 1 dice on something >>> {4}.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Never underestimate the possibility of botches.

TonyC [to jetman]: Any suggestion?

jetman [to TonyC]: I'm trying to think of something... jump out a window?

jetman [to TonyC]: Too bad the captain wasn't apprised of any of this... he could have forged a note in High Realm too.

TonyC [to jetman]: I didn't think of it until just after Imperfect Lotus got staked out.

Adaria points to the curtain. "Take her to my chamber. I will learn all she knows." The demon hastens to obey, dragging Monkey across the apartment into an equally luxurious bedchamber. The bed in the center is huge and unmade, and a male slave is snoring gently to one side of it. A tall window stands half open on the left side of the room, and various other bedroom furniture completes the picture.

TonyC [to jetman]: I guess this means any possibility of a fling between her and Monkey is now gone. Oh well.

jetman [to TonyC]: Well, by not letting on anything special, at least you can have Monkey jump out the window.

Monkey complies, waiting to see what the Cynis is going to do.

jetman [to TonyC]: The captain will have to have a special talk with Monkey about dangerous women...

TonyC [to jetman]: It's going to be hard when Monkey is still being held by a big brute of a demon.

Adaria follows after, and orders the blood-ape to bind Monkey to one of the bedposts at the foot of the bed. It does so with a length of sash torn from a nearby robe.

The Storyteller . o O ( If you want to resist enough to loosen the bonds, roll Strength + Athletics. )

Monkey thinks, "Oooo, kinky."

jetman [to TonyC]: If he can't wriggle out of some grips or bondage, he's no monkey!

Monkey rolled 6 dice on Str + Ath >>> {8, 8, 2, 6, 5, 4}.

You rolled 6 dice on something >>> {2, 1, 3, 3, 7, 4}.

Monkey is really not worried about this.

Monkey tries to remember to look scared.

The Storyteller . o O ( It's not much, but you're able to set your bonds just loose enough so that you can slip them off with an effort if necessary. )

Monkey waits for Aradia to leave. He figures, in a few minutes Barada will have finished his massage and will be visiting.

The Dynast walks over to you. "Dematerialize," she orders the blood-ape, and it fades out of existence. She kneels down and strokes your cheek. "Ah, you are a pretty one, aren't you? Pity you're a woman. We could have such fun if you weren't." She looks a bit flushed. "Ah, but perhaps that can be arranged, little one."

Monkey says, "Please, Milady. I'll tell you everything."

Monkey . o O ( Of course, is that please a "Please don't hurt me" or "please do?" )

She slips a small knife out from under her shift and cuts off a lock of your hair, then takes a nearby goblet and quickly drinks down the contents before pricking Monkey's arm and letting a little blood spill into the goblet. "Yes, you will. But not yet, not before... Well. You'll see. We'll have such fun!"

Monkey . o O ( Oooo. Ooooo. )

Monkey . o O ( Wait. )

There's a quiet cough from the bedroom entrance. "Milady-"

Monkey . o O ( Jesse, hold on. )

The Storyteller . o O ( waiting... )

TonyC [to jetman]: Has Captain Kaizoku told enough of the occult to Monkey to know that having an arcane link established is a bad bad thing?

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And it's only been a few minutes, so the Captain can't have seen things were amiss and cut his way in... as dramatic an entrance as that would be. )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Also, most people forget this, but did she bind just Monkey's hands?

jetman [to TonyC]: After learning that Barada has sorceresses nearby from the ship affair, yes, but would Monkey have listened?

The Storyteller . o O ( Make a Wits + Lore check, difficulty 2. And yes, Monkey's feet are unbound. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Good point. Especially since the possibilities are pretty entertaining. Okay, let's roll.

Monkey rolled 4 dice on Wit + Lore >>> {8, 10, 6, 10}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Yeah, he remembers. Also, make a Perception + Awareness check. )

Monkey makes a quick little upward kick with his right feet grapping Aradia's hand as she moves in to cut Monkey's hair. Meanwhile his gives his hands a quick yank to slip off the rope.

Monkey rolled 3 dice on Per + Awa >>> {5, 8, 9}.

Monkey . o O ( Yay Ambidexterity! )

The Storyteller . o O ( That's an attack, so roll it -- Dex + MA, difficulty 2 because of the odd position. She will dodge. Second, there's a fourth person in the room, standing almost hidden behind a screen in one corner. )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: I argue against the odd position because double Ambidexterity merit negates it. But rolling first.

Monkey rolled 7 dice on Dex + MA >>> {9, 1, 9, 9, 2, 2, 3}.

You rolled 6 dice on something >>> {1, 3, 9, 5, 3, 7}.

Monkey . o O ( Charm based? )

The Storyteller . o O ( No. Lots of experience dealing with victims. )

Monkey . o O ( Eeee, forgot to substract 1 for wound penalty. )

The Storyteller . o O ( So that's two successes, negated by her 2 successes. You're free, but she successfully ducks back and retains the knife -- though no blood or hair. Roll initiative. )

On 1d10+6, you rolled 15.

Monkey rolled 1d10+7 and got 12.

Monkey . o O ( No yank? )

Monkey . o O ( Oh, nevermind. )

She drops the excited look and starts moving like a serious combatant. She thrusts at Monkey's midsection with the dagger, a sharp killing blow.

Monkey . o O ( Reflexively activates Seven Shadow Evasion. Perfect Dodge. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Heh, then I won't bother rolling. Your turn. )

Monkey calmly steps aside from the thrust.

Monkey . o O ( Three actions. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. )

On 1d10+7, you rolled 11.

The Storyteller . o O ( Whew. )

The Storyteller . o O ( First action? )

Monkey grabs Aradia with one hand and kisses her on the mouth. Once done, he whispers, "Sorry about that. I really wish we could've met in better circumstances. Your proposal sounds really entertaining."

The Storyteller . o O ( Before you declare -- you can see that the fourth figure looks to be moving into combat. )

The Storyteller . o O ( That's the one behind the screen. Argh. It's late. What's your second action? )

While Monkey says that, his hand draws his dagger and tries to cut a lock of her hair. "A memento." Thank you.

Monkey then jumps backward to the window.

And to the street below.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Two-die stunt bonus, to start with. Then: MA attack, Melee attack, Athletics roll. )

Monkey . o O ( Second action is drawing the dagger. Third is cutting hair. Jumping to the window is movement. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, fair enough. )

The Storyteller . o O ( No roll needed to draw, naturally. )

Monkey channels Valor, because he's doing a really stupid but gutsy thing.

Monkey rolled 10 dice on MA + Valor >>> {1, 8, 9, 3, 1, 2, 2, 3, 6, 7}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Cool. She's dodging with the aid of Charms. )

You rolled 7 dice on Flickering Candle Meditation >>> {4, 6, 9, 7, 8, 7, 3}.

Monkey rolled 6 dice on Cutting hair >>> {10, 7, 3, 1, 5, 6}.

Aradia slips away from Monkey's grasp, and...

You rolled 7 dice on Flickering Candle Meditation again >>> {8, 8, 10, 9, 2, 5, 1}.

...blurs as she flicks her hair out of the slashing blade.

The Storyteller . o O ( Did you spend personal or peripheral essence on that Seven Shadow evasion? )

Monkey squats at the windowsill and looks at his empty hand, "Too bad."

Monkey . o O ( Personal. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. )

Monkey . o O ( The other person? )

TonyC [to jetman]: Sorry.

jetman [to TonyC]: For what? It was all very in character.

Monkey . o O ( If the other person attacks, Monkey lets go of the windowsill and falls down. (Treat as Dodge) If not, well, time to make good the escape. )

jetman [to TonyC]: Sure, I'd have preferred to be more in the action, but sometimes it happens, and it was entertaining, and I was feeling genuine anticipation over what would happen next.

The Dynast points at Monkey and says, "Kill her." The figure next to the screen steps forward to obey and you see that she? It. Is androgynous and beautiful, naked and well-formed. It cocks its head back and then spits fire at Monkey.

You rolled 8 dice on something >>> {3, 3, 7, 6, 3, 1, 1, 2}.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Dodgeable?

The Storyteller . o O ( Seven Shadows Evasion again? )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Yes.

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes, dodgeable. It's a thin stream, like a firewand's blast. )

TonyC [to jetman]: You do know that Monkey will not mention this to Captain Kaizoku? A gentleman does not tell, etc. :)

The Storyteller . o O ( You roll off the windowsill and feel the heat of the fire wash over you as you fall. Excellent plan... except you're three stories up. Make a Dex + Athletics roll to catch something or otherwise slow your fall. )

Monkey . o O ( Still Personal Essence. )

jetman [to TonyC]: Well, he'll get punished for doing all the drinking, since that's on his breath. It'll have to do. :)

Monkey rolled 9 dice on Dex + Ath >>> {2, 3, 3, 2, 6, 9, 8, 6, 9}.

The Storyteller . o O ( enough to only take two bashing levels of damage, soakable as usual. Describe it? )

TonyC [to jetman]: True, true. Monkey will argue that given the nature of the assignment, it was necessary. If the piece was indeed the correct piece, Captain might even feel generous enough to accept the argument.

Monkey sees the jet of flame coming at him and leans back, letting gravity take care of the rest. He tumbles down just as the fire blasts through the open window, surprising some of the passerby belows.

jetman [to TonyC]: Though he'll probably want to know about the flames and the jumping out of the window...

The Storyteller . o O ( So, moving on.. . since my wife will be waking up in half an hour and I try to get to sleep before she wakes up... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Any reason for you guys sticking around Great Forks? )

Catching hold a nearby pole, Monkey steadies the rate of his fall and lands safely. Smiling at the staring passersby, he nods apologetically and starts jogging toward the gate.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( No and hell no. Go on foot to the field meeting point and then Stormwind back to Tender. )

TonyC [to jetman]: This assumes your perch is looking at the right side of the building. If Aradia's room faces the back, you might not even notice.

TonyC [to jetman]: Say, 50-50 chance of being at the right side?

The Storyteller . o O ( I gotta ask... where are Monkey's flame pieces in all this action? He hasn't used them since the battle with White Soul Weeping? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Any problems with the Captain getting out of town and past the gate? )

Monkey . o O ( Are you kidding? I blasted a couple of hungry ghosts just last sessions. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Sure! He shot Kahlun in the face with one. )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, no problems. You all book on outta there and lose the tails pretty quickly, then Stormwind Rider back to Tender. And I guess I should be paying closer attention... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Does the piece fit in with the larger one? And what is it exactly? )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: At the moment though, presumably the Purser is carrying it back to the Captain. That is, assuming he packs up in anticipation of leaving.

TonyC [to jetman]: I think That should wait until after Jesse get some sleep.

The Storyteller . o O ( It's now the 18th, I think... I'll have to review the notes... and everybody gets 7 XP. And we'll finish the rest over e-mail. )

jetman [to TonyC]: True.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Thanks for the great session! )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Go get some sleep. And thanks for indulging us.

The Storyteller . o O ( Glad you liked it! Same time next week. Ciao. )

---

On to Session 9: Caravan to Death