Thirteen 2 session 24
Summary
The group splits up to tackle their various missions. Welumque seeks out Tonuac, an old friend, to sell her goods and gain some intel. Hildie goes to a soldier's bar to get some local perspectives. When she goes to deliver her letter, she is able to get a longer pass for the ship to conduct its business. Skalla takes Svald togo meet her local contact, but they are distracted when the Owlbear directs Svald to intervene on the behalf of some pilloried Orcs. They perform the rescue successfully, but Svalds hand is seriously injured. Skalla takes them back to be treated by Lucas while she deals with her family contact, Shaykha Naouar, who invites her to stay at her family compound. The party regroups at the inn and is discussing intel and plans, when Lucas is jumped by some locals on his way to the outhouse. He is rescued, and Skalla sends him, Svald, and Chemames to stay with Shaykha.
Session
- Session date: 2022-10-15
- In Game date: following directly from the last session
Welumque and Lucas discus the list
Narrator> (Welumque, can you roll me a Contacts check, re: your question about the list of names y'all just swiped?)
Welumque> !roll 4d3-4
* Lan-werk rolls for Welumque: [ 4d3-4 ] getting [ 3 2 3 2 ] for a total of [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ -4 ] totals [ 6 ].
Narrator> One name on the list stands out to you: Omra Chaoudi, a quartermaster you've dealt with several times in the past during and after the war. She's listed without rank, and you think you recognize several other soldier's names. The names are predominantly Haratani (more southern Phoebean, i.e. enslaved soldiers).
Welumque> May you all rest peacefully beyond.
* NPC3 (webchat@216.45.76.50) has joined #thirteen
Welumque> This list is mostly slaves, Haratani. But there are some soldiers, and there is one, Omra Chaoudi, who I've dealt with before. A quartermaster.
Welumque> If we wanted to, we could find Omra's people without too much difficulty - although they will probably be being watched.
Lucas> what did they do?
Welumque> These are those executed for participating in the rebellion, or dereliction of duty. Deserters and revolutionaries.
Narrator> (Specifically, these are people here in Talat Kabira, *not
* people part of the rebellion at the fort back home on Sisawinak)
Narrator> (You hadn't *heard
* about a rebellion here, though there's been rumors, certainly)
Welumque> Whatever we've seen in Sisawinak is clearly just part of something larger
The Party Splits Up
Narrator> Just to check,are y'all all wanting to stick together or split up? What're people's first priorities upon arrival?
* Lucas will stay with Welumque unless she tells me to do something different.
Welumque> (well, we need to do our transaction, but the trading is just a cover for me at least, so we can do it quickly / however it benefits the mission.)
Welumque> (Anyone else can do as they want I guess)
Elanya> (Yeah I think I gave my priroties last year and I'll see if I can find it again)
* Hildie was going to go find one of the places where off duty Black Guardsman hang out and take the opportunity to deliver her message also
Elanya> (after any port paperwork is done, check the family contacts, then Thekla's letter, and then Djamila's contacts are my priorities. Presumably family contacts can help with getting goods unloaded and sold n the tight turn arouhnd -_-)
Narrator> (So it sounds like mostly splitting up, then? Do y'all want to establish an in-town place to meet up, like getting rooms at the same place, or just use the ship for that?)
Elanya> (I can spring for rooms somewhere if we want)
* Elanya is now known as Skalla
Skalla> (it might be better for info gaterhing to be i a more public place
Narrator> Y'all can find rooms easily enough. The Himar Qadhir, with its sign of a donkey stuck in mud, proves able to accommodate the lot of you.
Weluque meets up with Tonuac, an old merchant friend from the far south
Narrator> Welumque, if you're looking to offload your cargo and get some unbiased info, you have an old merchant friend named Tonauac who lives here that should be able to help with both.
Welumque> (sure, that seems good)
Narrator> Tonauac is an old trader like yourself, but from even further afield. He's the representative of his family's concerns here in the northern colonies, a halfling man from Chalco Altepetl. His house is in the local colonial style, but with some flourishes from his homeland. You notice he's removed the snake carvings that used to adorn the doorframe before the Serpent War, though.
* NPC1 is now known as Tonauac
* Tonauac comes into his sitting room shortly after one of his servants showed you in. He's a halfling man about your age, dressed in colonial style but with turquoise studs in his ears and a labret piercing. His face is heavily tattooed, and his grin reveals precious stones on several of his teeth.
Welumque> Tonauac! Good to see a friendly face.
Tonauac> Welumque! It's good to see you, it's been much too long. How are you?
Welumque> Well, well. For an old lady, at least. The usual aches and pains.
Welumque> And you?
Tonauac> Not so old as that, eh?
* Tonauac gives Welumque an appraising glance.
* Lucas just hangs back awkwardly while old people flirt
Tonauac> I'm as well as can be expected, with all this madness from Emira Sudais.
Welumque> This is Lucas, my mem.
Welumque> He helps me.
* Tonauac turns to regard Lucas.
Tonauac> Any friend of Welumque is a friend of mine. Is Lucas your real name, child?
Lucas> No... it's Lek’hwánwi.
Lucas> It's good to meet you, elder.
Tonauac> Lek’hwánwi. That's a good name. It is good to meet you as well.
Tonauac> (to Welumque) To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?
Welumque> Well, we have some goods to trade, and I thought I'd see if you're interested. Spices, mainly, from the south.
Welumque> These new rules leave us a little bit pressed for time, unfortunately.
Tonauac> Well, you're certainly going to get a better market for that here. Stordammers are afraid of spices, and Gaulois don't know what to do with them, eh?
* Tonauac nods.
Tonauac> Yes, yes, more of Sudais's insanities. I can give you a fair price, though, I'm sure.
Tonauac> Only in town for a few days, then?
Welumque> Unfortunately, this time. Perhaps once things are back to normal, a little longer. Sisawinak is hardly more sensible right now.
Tonauac> So I hear. Rebellion is the word on everyone's lips. Your people are safe, I hope?
Welumque> Yes, for now.
Tonauac> For now?
* Welumque nods.
Welumque> I'm not taking anything for granted.
* Tonauac frowns at that.
Welumque> How have things been here ... I mean really?
* Tonauac glances at Lucas momentarily.
Tonauac> Bad. This new Emira...the last one was forced to be a soldier. Sudais, she dreams of it.
Welumque> Hmmm.
* Welumque hmmms disapprovingly.
Tonauac> I may have been born a warrior, but even I know the peace we've had is preferable to what came before.
Tonauac> This foreigner, she doesn't understand the powder she'd be lighting.
Welumque> I heard they killed Omra Chaoudi. What could Omra, of all people, have done to deserve such a fate?
* Tonauac grimaces.
Tonauac> Nothing. Do you know what decimation is? Someone had to explain it to me, and I still think it's insane.
Tonauac> As a sacrifice, maybe, but the Ilhatani don't believe in that...
Welumque> So just ... to set an example?
* Tonauac nods.
Tonauac> More or less.
Tonauac> "To prevent further discontent", so they said.
Tonauac> Omra, she volunteered, so that someone else didn't have to.
* Tonauac shakes his head sadly.
Welumque> Surely the Emira must know that may terrify in the short term, but in the long term - well, such rulers rarely have a long term.
Tonauac> She's expecting reinforcements from home, I'm told.
Tonauac> Though I'm not clear on how many.
Welumque> Who no doubt will soon learn that soldiers are expendable.
Tonauac> That is their lot, surely, though none like to think so.
Tonauac> And it is only so much they can be reminded of it before their commanders, too, become expendable.
Tonauac> I fear we may soon look back on the Serpent War fondly, when we knew who the enemy was.
* Tonauac spares another momentary look at Lucas.
Lucas> >.>
Welumque> Our people here in Talat Kabira? Mine and yours, and the other Callidorans? Are they safe?
Welumque> And what of Stordammers and other colonials?
Tonauac> If you mean [shortfolk/halflings], we're about as safe as we ever are. I know she's cooperating with the Waunohàmsèpu, at least for the time being.
Welumque> That's something at least. But if this breaks out into something larger, that won't last.
Tonauac> I don't think she's amassing all of this military strength solely to consolidate what she has, though. I don't *think
* she's crazy enough to start something with actual allies like Stordam or Gaulle, but the powers further north, with whom she has at best a ceasefire...Riesig or the Sategat, I'd be wary were I them.
* Tonauac nods.
Tonauac> That's my concern. Once she starts something one place, it won't stay contained.
Welumque> Military strength is more than just numbers, though. If her captains don't trust her, they've already lost.
Tonauac> She's from their royal family, a cousin or somesuch. I think she's putting a lot of faith in that.
Tonauac> And it's not going to matter to the dead on either side whether she wins or not.
* Welumque nods.
Welumque> Are there any rumors about what she's planning immediately?
Tonauac> A lot. My guess would be the ones about her moving south to retake Alhusan Al'Aswad are the most likely to be true.
Welumque> Right, well that would make sense. That move, at least, would not surprise many.
* Tonauac nods.
Tonauac> Would your people be okay in that case?
Tonauac> You're not too near the fort, as I recall.
Welumque> Who's to say? If it's a limited sort of targeted thing, then yes, we'd be fine.
Welumque> But otherwise ... ? And the question of how Vinmark and Mariannas would respond would make a big difference.
Tonauac> The balance we've had since the war...I don't think it will last much longer.
Tonauac> Maybe it's time for you to return to the Lèxkweyokhoking?
Welumque> I've thought about it, more than once. But our lands are less and less, every scrap of it claimed by one nation or another.
Welumque> There is nowhere that is truly safe, in that situation.
* Tonauac smiles sadly.
Tonauac> My people would protect you, of course.
Welumque> I know. But these are our lands, and we need to protect them, as much as we can.
* Tonauac nods.
Tonauac> I understand.
Tonauac> At the very least, I can offer you some hospitality and a good price for your spices in the meantime.
* Welumque laughs.
Welumque> A great gift, that, in sad times.
Hildie finds some local soldiers to drink with, and gets their perspectives on the Emira's plans
Hildie> !4d3-7
Hildie> !roll 4d3-7
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildie: [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 2 1 1 2 ] for a total of [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ -1 ].
Narrator> (Any applicable aspects?)
Hildie> (Can I use Too Nosy for Her Own Good to add to that?)
Hildie> (Or Ex-soldier)
Narrator> (Either or both, up to you.)
Hildie> (that adds 2, right?)
Narrator> (Yeah)
Hildie> (I'll use Ex-soldier to make it a 1)
Narrator> (Okie doke)
Narrator> You can find a coffee shop/hookah place that appears to be a hangout for soldiers'.
Narrator> Like Talat Kabira itself, the majority of people are orcs and humans, many of them of dark green or brown skin respectively.
* Hildie will grab a cup of coffee and sit down at a table to eye up the place. Do people seem particularly on edge?
Narrator> (Roll Rapport)
Hildie> !roll 4d3-7
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildie: [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 3 1 3 1 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ 1 ].
Narrator> There's a definitely edge to the vibe in this place. The clientele seems tense.
Hildie> (Any audible conversations going on?)
Narrator> (Plenty. Roll me Investigate or Notice to try to single some out :) )
Hildie> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildie: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 2 1 2 3 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 2 ].
* Hildie will add Too Nosy For Her Own Good to that.
Narrator> Hildie, you hear a group in one corner near you discussing "the Emira's campaign." It seems like she's readying troops for an attack, but it's not going well, or something has gone wrong, at least.
Hildie> !roll 4d3-7
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildie: [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 2 3 3 1 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ 2 ].
Narrator> Hildie, you can make your way over and ask to sit, offering to buy them a round, soldier to soldier. Being from allied nations, they make room for you will start making some small talk about where you've all served, etc.
Hildie> (Yay!)
Narrator> Noticing you're not in uniform, one of them asks, "You out of her majesty's service?"
* Hildie reaches down and taps her leg.
Hildie> I took a fall and they gave me my walking papers. Couldn't even walk at the time.
Narrator> "Your limping papers, then?" one of them asks jovially.
* Hildie grins. "In a manner of speaking. I would go back in a heartbeat, though. Things here are too volatile for my taste. At least on the battlefield you ussually know what the objective is."
Narrator> That gets some nods and affirmative comments.
Narrator> "Things are getting pretty hot, weather notwithstanding."
Narrator> "'Never get used to the weather here," says another.
Hildie> So I've heard. How bad is it?
* Tonauac is now known as Orcish_Woman
Narrator> Three of them all glance at the fourth, a middle-aged orcish woman with deep green skin and a chipped tusk. She shrugs.
Orcish_Woman> It's not good.
Orcish_Woman> None of us want to fight our sisters on Sisawinak.
Hildie> Yeah...
* Hildie nods in sympathy.
Hildie> That's not good for anyone.
* NPC3 is now known as Wholly_Different_Orcish_Woman
* Orcish_Woman nods.
Orcish_Woman> Can't leave them to it, though, not if the Emira wants to march north.
Hildie> What does she want in the north?
* Orcish_Woman gives Hildie an appraising look.
Hildie> Sorry, I don't mean to pry.
Orcish_Woman> Honestly? I think she wants a queendom.
* Hildie raises an eyebrow.
Narrator> The other three soldiers kind of wince at that.
Hildie> Damn...
Orcish_Woman> I'm not saying anything we weren't already thinking.
Hildie> She thinks she has the forces for that? Even with the... disagreement... down south?
Orcish_Woman> However it plays out, I don't think the southern 'disagreement' will be in place much longer.
* Orcish_Woman says grimly.
Hildie> One way or the other, I suppose. It can't go on much longer.
Hildie> Not the way it is.
* Orcish_Woman nods.
Hildie> Do you think they actually have a chance?
Narrator> "I should probably get back. I have a patrol shift at sundown," one of the other soldiers says, a little uncomfortably. "Naqib," he says politely to the orcish woman. The other two also make excuses and head out with him.
* Orcish_Woman is now known as Naqib
* Naqib nods to the three of them and watches them exit.
* Hildie will salute them and say goodbye.
Naqib> (to Hildie, after they've left) Depends on who you mean.
* Hildie will glance around.
Hildie> The rebels.
Naqib> I hope they do.
Naqib> Better them than this royal madwoman.
Narrator> (ftr, "Naqib" is a title, equivalent essentially to "Captain")
Hildie> She really has no idea, what she's doing, does she? If she orders the troops here to march on the rebels... She'll either have a bloodbath, or a whole new rebellion.
Naqib> She has no idea what she's doing *here*.
* Hildie nods.
Naqib> Apparently she was a solid commander back home, but this is a *wildly* different situation.
Hildie> So I've been learning.
Hildie> I hope that whatever happens, you and your soldiers come back in one piece.
Hildie> You're too good a soldier to waste on someone like that.
Naqib> Well, hopefully it won't come to that.
* Naqib extends her hand.
Naqib> Salma.
* Naqib is now known as Salma
* Hildie will shake her hand.
Hildie> Hildegarde.
Hildie> It's been a pleasure.
She heads out to find Naqib Hamidah Naaji
Hildie> Hildie will pay for the drinks and then leave to find Naqeeb Hamidah Naaji.
Narrator> Naqib (I gotta work on cofifying my transliterations) Naaji can be found at Casaba Batoul, the fort in Talat Kabira.
* Hildie will ask to see them.
* Salma Naqib_Naaji
* Salma proves to be a prim orcish woman in her early thirties, looking harried and overworked.
Salma> Ack
* Salma is now known as Naqib_Naaji
* Naqib_Naaji proves to be a prim orcish woman in her early thirties, looking harried and overworked.
Naqib_Naaji> Yes?
* Naqib_Naaji she says, not looking up from her papers as you enter.
Hildie> Hello ma'am. I'm Hildegarde Maelstrom. I'm up from Fästning Irena and apparently we have a mutual friend. Marta Bergen asked me to find you.
* Naqib_Naaji straightens up and looks over.
Naqib_Naaji> Marta sent you?
* Hildie nods.
* Hildie will reach into her pocket and pull out the letter.
Hildie> She asked me to give you this.
* NPC22 is now known as Shaykha_Naouar
* Naqib_Naaji raises an eyebrow and takes it.
Naqib_Naaji> Not a strictly military communication, then?
* Naqib_Naaji looks at Hildie and her lack of uniform.
Hildie> Back channels. I'm not in Her Majesty's army and more.
Hildie> I'm here in a strictly civilian capacity.
Naqib_Naaji> Ah, of course.
* Naqib_Naaji opens the letter and skims through it.
Naqib_Naaji> How long are you going to be in Talat Kabira?
Hildie> I don't suppose you're gonna tell me what's in there?
* Naqib_Naaji gives you a pointed look.
Naqib_Naaji> You don't normally do this sort of thing, hmm?
Hildie> I'm here with a trade ship, so we need to leave in three days, by the new restrictions.
Hildie> No, ma'am. This is my first espionage.
Naqib_Naaji> A word of advice? Don't refer to it as espionage while you're doing it.
Naqib_Naaji> Also, this hardly qualifies.
Naqib_Naaji> This is more...quiet diplomacy.
* Hildie grins at her.
Hildie> Well, I don't plan on making a career of it.
* Naqib_Naaji 's face softens into a momentary smile.
Naqib_Naaji> I think that might be for the best.
Naqib_Naaji> I can get you a response before you need to leave, I think, but I can get you an extension if it comes to that. Where are you staying?
Hildie> The Himar Qadhi. Charming little establishment. And we'd appreciate an extension if possible.
Hildie> My colleagues were concerned about finding buyers in time.
* Naqib_Naaji nods.
Naqib_Naaji> Wait here just a moment.
* Hildie will do so.
* Naqib_Naaji steps to the door to call for someone, is handed a sheet of paper, which she brings back to her desk, signs, and stamps before handing it over to you.
Naqib_Naaji> That's good for a week.
Hildie> I'm much obliged, Ma'am.
Naqib_Naaji> I appreciate you delivering this message, and, please, give Marta my best when you see her.
Hildie> I will. Thank you.
* Hildie will salute her.
* Hildie will head back to the inn to meet up with the others.
Skalla and Svald's mercantile trip gets derailed by Owlbear Problems and they ind up rescuing some pilloried orcs
Narrator> Skalla and Svald, after getting rooms at the Himar Qadhir, you can set out to meet with Skalla's family's contact, Shaykha Wahida Naouar.
Narrator> (Have either of y'all been to Talat Kabira before? It's up to y'all, and it's possible either way.)
Skalla> (I'll say yes but not on my own)
Narrator> Skalla, Talat Kabira strikes as much the same as the last time you were here, a bit less crowded, perhaps, a little more subdued, but still one of the largest cities in the colonies. The docks are still doing brisk business, despite the current limitations, though you get the sense there's plenty of resentment about the regulations.
Skalla> (legit, thhey are stupid)
Skalla> (who do people on the docks seem to be trading wth, ad far as I can tell?)
* Svald (~Svald@lns5-pool7-088.adsl.user.start.ca) has joined #thirteen02
Svald> (I'll say I have not been)
Narrator> (There's a lot of military activity, soldiers unloading ships and such.)
* Svald tries not to look as wary as they feel
Narrator> Svald, you get a strange twinge and you notice a pair of figures pilloried near the docks.
* Svald swivels to look.
Narrator> You see two grey-skinned orcs, a woman and a man, in simple clothes. You're too far away to read the signs hanging from their necks (which might be in Ilhatani anyway).
* Svald nudges Skalla
Svald> [q] Look...
Skalla> ugh.
Skalla> we'll see what we can find out
* Lucas (~Curtana_n@d24-57-67-2.home.cgocable.net) has joined #thirteen02
Narrator> What would y'all like to do?
Skalla> did you want to ask here or wait intil we see Shaykha
* Skalla asks Svald
Svald> I don't know... I feel like I already stand out so much
Skalla> we're not local, we're allowed to be a little ignorant. I can ask.
* Svald hesitates a second, then nods.
Svald> Alright
* Skalla will detour closer to the pillory and see if she can flag down someone who desnt look like they are immediately in the middle of something
Skalla> (someone who is on a smoke break ;)
Narrator> (Heh, sure)
Narrator> Skalla can get the attention of a sailor who's stopped for a bit to light up a pipe.
Skalla> Hey - do you speak Strodammer?
Narrator> He nods and stands up a little straighter. "Yes ma'am."
Skalla> great - were just arrived, trying to make sense of everythign with the new regularions and...whatever else is happening here. DO you know what's up wth, uh, them?
* Skalla jerks her head to the hanging orcs
Skalla> (not hanging, but pilloried)
Narrator> He glances in their direction before answering. "Abolitionists, ma'am. They helped some slaves escape, at least that's what the sign says."
* Skalla nods
Skalla> I'm surprised they weren't hung
Narrator> The orc sailor shrugs.
Narrator> "I wouldn't know about that, ma'am."
* Skalla nods
Skalla> Thanks - here's a fresh plug for your time
* Skalla will step aside and look to Svald
Narrator> "Yes ma'am. Thank you, ma'am!"
Svald> Well...
* Svald lowers their voice.
Svald> The spirit doesn't like this.
Skalla> I bet not. I don't like it either.
Svald> I mean. I think something will happen.
Skalla> it's pretty public to do much about it right here....
* Skalla nods
Narrator> Svald, you do feel a greater pull upon your spirit, that same feeling just before you change shape.
Svald> I think I should... go
Skalla> go where?
Svald> I don't know...
* Svald looks a little frabtic
Svald> (frantic)
Skalla> okay look tell your spitir we'll sort this out
* Svald takes a deep breath.
Skalla> if you cloud thea area maybe we can break them out
Svald> . o O (not now, please... not yet...)
Skalla> even if it is like.... the middle of the day -_-
Skalla> or we can try it tonight
Skalla> if you turn here and now.... it's going to be a disaster
Svald> I know that!!
Skalla> I know, I'm not really talking to you.
Narrator> Svald, roll me Rapport.
* Skalla says, trying to sound reassuring
Skalla> I don't know if *it
* can hear me
Narrator> (And, actually, Skalla, you can roll that as well)
Svald> (I assume animal affinity does not apply? or does it)
Narrator> (I would say not for this, but Heather may be able to give you some help, depending on how she rolls)
Skalla> but if we pul something in broad daylight, other people are going to get hurt too, and that doesn't seem... what it wants
* Skalla rolls [ 4d6-6 ] getting [ 2 5 1 1 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 3 ]
Svald> (I got a 1)
Skalla> (I forced work me in here so we can roll in here now too :)
Svald> (you rolled 4d6 ya cheater ;)
Skalla> (derp let me try that again)
Skalla> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 2 3 3 3 ] for a total of [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 5 ].
Skalla> (lol)
Svald> (nice)
Narrator> Svald, it's hard to describe, something like a stomach ache in your spirit as it riles, but you manage to hold the spirit at bay for the time being.
* Skalla put a hand on their arm in reassurance
* Svald clutches your hand with their other one
Svald> [m] I don't know how long I can do this
* Skalla looks over at the pilloried pair
Skalla> (how many eople are around and paying atention)
Narrator> (The sailor, still, plus some other folks wandering about. No one other than the sailor is paying particular attention to you, but there's probably 10-20 people nearby.)
Skalla>
q> do you think it could just like... lend you its stength enough to break the lock without fully changing?
Skalla>
q> I'm strng but not like.... break an iron lock strong
Svald>
q> I don't know... I've never even changed on purpose!
Svald> (do I feel like I could do that? lol T_T)
Skalla>
q> Svald... you change into other things on purpose all the tie, This spirit is inside you, shoudln't that be easier?
* Skalla says, trying to be encouraging
Svald> [q] I ... guess?
Narrator> (You're not sure, but you could certainly give it a try.)
Skalla>
q> If this doesn't work.... we come back and try at night when maybe we can... get away wth more nonsense
Skalla>
q> and a crowbar
Skalla>
q> we can go over and I'll talk to them. just try to be unobtrusive okay?
Svald> (alright I assume it's will?)
* Svald nods quickly, once.
* Skalla smiles
Narrator> (Yeah. Roll me Stealth, first, though, as y'all try to make your way unobtrusively over.)
Skalla>
q> come on then
Narrator> (Stealth for both, I mean)
Skalla> (I'm not *as
* worried about people noticing us going over there, but yeh)
Svald> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 1 3 1 2 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 1 ].
Skalla> !roll 4d3
* Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ 4d3 ] getting [ 1 2 2 2 ] for a total of [ 7 ].
Skalla> (lol - fprgot the -8. so -1)
Narrator> As one might assume, Skalla tends to draw the eye more, as Svald is used to keeping a low profile. Nobody pays you any special attention as you approach, though, other than the two orcs, who eye you both with resigned suspicion.
Skalla>
q> YOu speak strdammer?
* Wholly_Different_Orcish_Woman (webchat@216.45.76.50) has joined #thirteen02
* Wholly_Different_Orcish_Woman nods after a moment.
Skalla>
q> Great. We're going to see if we can... help get you out of here. Which is to say hopefully we ca do something about the lock, and the rest will be up to you.
Skalla> maybe we can give you distraction, or cover, we'll see.
* Wholly_Different_Orcish_Woman looks around at the other people on the street.
Wholly_Different_Orcish_Woman> You don't need to risk yourself for us.
Skalla>
q> Maybe... maybe not. we're doing it anyway though.
* Wholly_Different_Orcish_Woman gives you a somewhat confused look, but nods.
* Skalla looks at svald
* Skalla continues talking quetly
Skalla> (to the orcs again)
Skalla> do you have people you can get to?
* Svald will take the lock in their hand and try to somehow convey to the spirit what they want help doing...
Wholly_Different_Orcish_Woman> If we're not taken immediately, yes.
Narrator> (Svald, roll Will)
Svald> !roll 4d3-4
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-4 ] getting [ 3 2 2 1 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -4 ] totals [ 4 ].
* Skalla nods
Skalla> We're partly here to find out what's happening here ocally, which looks.... bad. Anyone we should talk to, or anywhere we shoudl go?
Narrator> Svald, you feel primal strength flow into your arm, clenched like swooping down on prey.
Wholly_Different_Orcish_Woman> What are you trying to find out?
* Skalla considers.
Svald> (cronch)
* Svald closes their fist around the lock and tries to crush it :)
Skalla> what is the government trying to do, how much support or resistance is there. We mostly came because of Alhusan Al'Aswad, but this seems... bigger
Narrator> (Roll me Physique)
Wholly_Different_Orcish_Woman> Go to the Suq Layli. Ask for Elzahia.
Skalla> thanks
Svald> (physique? ;_;)
Svald> !roll 4d3-7
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 1 1 2 2 ] for a total of [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ -1 ].
Svald> (welp)
Narrator> (Any aspect you can add?)
Svald> (uh... strength isn't really my thing; that's why I Asked An Owlbear XD)
Narrator> (Fair enough)
Svald> (I have powers attuned to nature, rich patron, and magical artist. oh and bad liar)
Narrator> Your hand clenches, and, after a moment, there is a short, sharp snap as the lock comes apart in your hand, which bursts into horrible pain.
Narrator> (Your hand is basically broken, though it's nothing you can't heal with some time. For the moment, though, it's very painful.)
* Svald stifles a yelp and blanches
* Skalla looks at them with concern
* Svald bites their lip and holds their crunched hand against their chest
Skalla> Okay, we have to go. Good luck.
Wholly_Different_Orcish_Woman> You as well. Thank you. Goddess bless you both.
* Skalla will put an arm around Svald and lead them off
Narrator> (Did y'all want to try for a distraction or something similar?)
Skalla> (sure....)
Skalla> (just let em follow up with Svald real quick)
Skalla> Are you okay?
Svald> (q) I think I broke my hand
Skalla> Shit. Okay. lets get back towards the dock.... if you can pretend tfall or somethign, I can cal for a healer and maybe... get you some help *and
* cause a distraction?
Svald> I can try... but it might be better to not draw attention... I can get back to the boat, or the inn. And maybe, something...
* Svald grits their teeth and gestures vaguely with their non-injured hand.
* Svald will try to pull up some fog from the sea.
* Skalla nods
Narrator> (Roll Will)
Svald> !roll 4d3-4
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-4 ] getting [ 1 2 2 1 ] for a total of [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ -4 ] totals [ 2 ].
Svald> (I will spend a fate for +2?)
Narrator> (sure)
Narrator> Gritting through the pain, Svald can pull up a thick sea fog to rise and roll off the waves, inundating the shoreline. The two of you can make your getaway unobserved, and the fading sound of running feet tells you the trapped orcs are likely doing the same.
* Skalla can get Svald back to the inn for now, hoping Lucas is there or will be soon, and hire some kind of transport (cab? horse, idk) to go take care of business stuff on her own
Lucas is there to help take care of Svald :3
Narrator> (We can say Lucas (and presumably Welumque) has returned by this point.)
* Lucas will look up as they come in
* Svald is holding their hand against their chest.. it is probably swelling and discoloured by this point.
Lucas> are you hurt? :o what happened to your hand?
* Lucas hurries over to look
Svald> I broke it uh... opening a lock.
* Lucas looks puzzled but will examine the injury
Svald> (is this in our party's rooms or are there other people around?)
Lucas> (let's say in our rooms?)
Svald> They had some people in the pillory who had helped slaves...
Lucas> oh...
Svald> The spirit wanted to free them
* NPC22 is now known as Shaykha_Naouar
* Lucas nods
Lucas> Did anyone see you?
Svald> ANd this was the... less disruptive way
Svald> I don't think so.
Svald> I just held the lock and kind of... crunched it up.
Svald> And they didn't run off until we were gone.
Lucas> okay... so the spirit's power went through your hand?
* Svald nods.
Svald> It wanted me to change... this was the compromise.
* Svald says sheepishly.
Lucas> well... it's better than the alternative I imagine. in broad daylight.
Lucas> you'll need to have it braced and wrapped to let it heal - you don't want to have anything heal crooked in your hand especially as an artist.
* Svald swallows and nods.
Svald> I... I didn't even think about that..
* Lucas will get supplies to splint Svald's hand and wrap it up securely.
* Svald looks worried now.
Lucas> it will be okay. I'll look after it so it heals properly. The spirit probably doesn't know its own strength within a more fragile form.
Svald> I guess... :
Svald> Thank you.
* Lucas smiles
Lucas> it's no problem
Lucas> I hope it'll get easier as you and the spirit get more used to one another
Svald> Me too... At least I was able to ... not turn into the owlbear in the middle of a crowd in broad daylight.
Lucas> that's good
Lucas> you were able to communicate with it?
Svald> sort of.
Svald> NOt like, talking. But I could feel what it wanted to do, and I think it understood when I tried to... think at it?
* Lucas nods
Lucas> it might become more communicative with time. but if it doesn't, at least that's something.
Svald> We're already doing better than we were.
Lucas> I wish you had someone better to teach you this. I never know what is normal and what was... just me. but that sounds promising, I think.
Svald> I think you're ding great :>
Svald> (doing)
* Lucas blushes a bit
Lucas> I should make you some willow bark tea for the pain too... let me get that ready.
* Lucas will bustle around to take care of that
Skalla meets with her family's local contact, Shaykha Naouar, alone
Narrator> Skalla, you can hire a cab to go on about your business
* Shaykha_Naouar has a compound not too dissimiliar to your family's, though differing in some local specifics. Truthfully, the Shaykha is in a roughly similar position as your mother: leader of a prominent local family among the original settlers of the colony.
* Shaykha_Naouar will greet you in the central meeting parlor of her home.
Skalla> Thank you for receiving me on such short notice
Shaykha_Naouar> Happy to receive another scion of one of the old families, of course. How is your mother?
Skalla> she's well, but worried, of course
Shaykha_Naouar> Aren't we all. And Charlotta?
Skalla> well. Worried too but restless
* Skalla settles on that, figuring anyone who knows her aunt will get hthe gist ;)
* Shaykha_Naouar nods.
Shaykha_Naouar> What brings you to Talat Kabira in these trying times, then?
Skalla> Well, I did come with several crates of trade gods that I apparenlty have very little tie to unload - mostly tobacco, some spaces, but we are the Stormsvallvåg, so there might be a few other thigs in there
Skalla> but why we came now, you can imagine, was more abut taking the pulse of the colony, so to speak
Shaykha_Naouar> Too fast and too erratic, I'd say.
Shaykha_Naouar> But I'm sure I can make it worth your time for your goods, as well.
Skalla> thank you tat wouldbe appreciated - I'm sure you will find it worth your time
Shaykha_Naouar> Well, a lot of things are at a premium at the moment.
Skalla> I'm sure
Skalla> We saw a long list of names oilled up, and some people in pillory.... I assume nothing good came to the people on those lists
* Shaykha_Naouar 's expression turns sour.
Shaykha_Naouar> Nasty business, that. Over 200 executions in one day.
Skalla> what?
Shaykha_Naouar> It's kept the troops in hand, for now.
Skalla> wow
Shaykha_Naouar> Emira Sudais is...let us say strict.
Skalla> (And that shoudl have been pinned up, idk what happened
Skalla> what was the given reason?
Shaykha_Naouar> Hmm...sedition, derelection of duty, something like that? I'm sure I've got one of those lists around here somewhere. They made sure they were disseminated everywhere.
* Skalla nods
Skalla> was any of it true?
Shaykha_Naouar> I suppose that depends on your point of view.
Shaykha_Naouar> Many would argue no, and I'd be among them, but I don't want to end up on a list myself.
* Skalla nods
Skalla> this doens't bode well for what's happening in sisawinak
Shaykha_Naouar> I wouldn't think so, no.
Shaykha_Naouar> Though it may not bode well for our new Emira, either.
Skalla> no, I imagie not
Skalla> hmm
Skalla> thank you
Shaykha_Naouar> You and yours are always welcome here, of course.
Skalla> thank you. I came with a Lekywok trade, and we're staying in town at the Himar Qadhir for now
Skalla> (Lèxkweyok even)
* Shaykha_Naouar gives a short laugh.
Shaykha_Naouar> You're welcome to stay here if you like.
Skalla> for two night, I think we can put up with it - but if anythign changes....
* Shaykha_Naouar smiles and will lapse into the usual old family gossip and trade talk
The party regroups at the inn
Narrator> All of you should be back at the Himar Qadhir in time for dinner, presumably. It even caters to foreigners, so it does serve alcohol if you like.
Skalla> (yes please)
* Hildie will notice Svald's hand.
Hildie> Whoa... what happened to you?
Svald> I broke a lock.
Hildie> You know you're suppose to use like... a hammer.
Svald> This was quieter.
Hildie> If you say so.
* Hildie will hand the signed paper to Skalla.
Hildie> I managed to get us an extension to stay for a week. Should give you all the time you need.
Skalla> oh!
Skalla> convenient
* Skalla looks to Welunque
Skalla> seems an opportunity worth taking avantage of
Skalla> bu this *is
* your expedition
Skalla> (lool Steve isn't here)
Skalla> (let em ammend)
Skalla> But this is Welunque's expedition, I'll check with her once she's up from her nap
Hildie> I also got some news from the local soldiers.
Hildie> They're angry and scared. The Emira has designs in the north, but she needs to put down the southern rebellion first if she wants to march. I don't know what's gonna hapen if she orders the troops here to try to put it down by force.
Skalla> we can also move - we've been invited t stay with one of my family contacts, Shaykha Naouar, at her compound
Skalla> well.
Skalla> She apparently executed 200 people in a single day
Skalla> to make them compliant
Skalla> that's what those lists of names are
Skalla> so no wonder they're scared
Hildie> And angry.
* Skalla nods
Skalla> that might keep eopel in line for the short term but it doesn't really breed loyalty
Hildie> This is a bad situation and it's getting worse.
Hildie> Yeah.
* Skalla nods
Skalla> I have a few other things to follow up on, so hopefully we can take advantage of the extra time
* Hildie nods.
Lucas> it would be good for Svald to have a few days to rest as well
* Skalla nods
Skalla> I think the compound would be better for Svald too, and I'd rather not split us all up
Skalla> we can sort tht out tomorrow
Hildie> Let's hope nothing explodes before then.
Skalla> I don't *think
* it will...
Skalla> but just another reason to move to the compound
Skalla> they have house guards
Hildie> And probably better food.
Skalla> that for sure, and liquor ;)
* Skalla says raising a glass of whatever swill they keep for us heathens
* Welumque wanders in from taking care of her very important business.
Welumque> Well. I see that you've started drinking without me.
Skalla> it's been a day
Skalla> but Hildie managed to get an extension for our stay
Welumque> That's good news. Thank you, Hildie.
Hildie> Of course.
Hildie> Turns out I have a friend in the fort.
Skalla> if you're up to take advancatge of that, we've also been offered lodging at one of the old family compounds
Welumque> That sounds appealing. Possibly safer, also, given the state of things here.
Welumque> This Emira will be the death of many. Has already been. But many more will die by her actions.
* Skalla nods
Skalla> it seems that way
Welumque> Someone I have known for years, a quartermaster named Omra Chaoudi, was on one of those lists of executed rebels.
Skalla> I'm sorry
Hildie> My condolensces.
Welumque> Apparently the Emira is taking to executing some at random, in order to instil fear, in the absence of loyalty.
Hildie> Armies don't march on fear.
* Skalla nods
Hildie> Not for long at least.
Skalla> not far. Not here.
Welumque> And not when they're planning on fighting on two fronts.
Welumque> Word is the Emira needs not only to subdue Sisawinak, but has turned her eyes northwards.
Hildie> I heard about the same.
Skalla> northwards?.... *why*
Hildie> The word that was used was "Queendom".
Welumque> To take land, it would seem.
Narrator> (Any of you would know that immediately north of here would mean Riesig, the Valdigland colony and a sometime enemy of Stordam and Ilhatan, Ndakinna, a native confederacy sometimes allied with Khalijan and Vinmark, or the Atenrosera, a large, militant elven confederacy.)
Skalla> Is she mad? or an idiot?
Skalla> no one here wants another war, even if it is against Riesig
Hildie> She's from the continent. She doesn't know how things work here.
Welumque> A war on Riesig will draw in other parties. Surely she knows that. Surely that is true there as well as here.
* Skalla gives Hildie an amused smile at that
Skalla> maybe she is counting on no one else wanting a war, and being able to compell her own into it?
* Hildie rolls her eyes at Skalla's smile.
Hildie> Yeah, even I pick up on things eventually.
Welumque> There is too much freedom here for that to serve her for long.
* Skalla nods
Narrator> (Svald, roll me Notice)
Svald> !roll 4d3-5
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 1 1 3 1 ] for a total of [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 1 ].
Narrator> Svald, you do feel another twinge, kind of like the one from earlier.
* Svald stands up
* Svald looks around frowning, trying to figure out why this is happening - what is going on?
Skalla> you okay?
Svald> I don't know...
Svald> (do I feel drawn in a particular direction?)
Skalla> you want tme to get Lucas?
Narrator> (Not right now, but I will say you now notice that Lucas isn't present)
Svald> Lucas... where's Lucas??
Skalla> I think he went to the outhouse
* Skalla also stands up
Svald> Something's not right
Skalla> okay
Skalla> come on
Narrator> (You can all roll Notice)
Svald> !roll 4d3-5
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 3 2 2 2 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 4 ].
Skalla> !roll 4d3-5
* Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 2 3 1 2 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 3 ].
Welumque> !roll 4d3-7
* Lan-werk rolls for Welumque: [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 1 3 2 3 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ 2 ].
Narrator> It's fairly loud in the Himar Qadhir, but you all catch a nearby shout over the drinking songs and general revelry.
Skalla> shit
* Skalla will hustle towards the rear
* Hildie will run after her.
* Welumque will hustle after her as much as I can
* Svald dashes out
* Hildie will probably be about at Welumque's pace.
Outside, Lucas is getting jumped by some jerks
�
Narrator> (Lucas, can I get you to make me a Notice check please?)
Lucas> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Lucas: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 1 1 2 2 ] for a total of [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 0 ].
Lucas> (is it anything to do with spirits that I could apply a bonus to?)
Narrator> (It is not spirit related, no :/)
Lucas> (or healing?)
Narrator> (Sorry, no. It's just a basic mundane notice check)
Lucas> (ok)
Narrator> Lucas, at some point in the evening, you will have excused yourself to go use the nearby outhouse. When you are done and open the door, there is a pair of orcish men standing very nearby. One of them speaks in growling Ilhatani. You don't get much of it, but you catch the word "thueban"; you've learned the word for "serpent" in quite a few languages in the past few years.
Lucas> (do I have to go by/through them to get back inside, or can I try to circle around and avoid going too close to them?)
Narrator> (They're pretty much standing in your way. You get the feeling they may have followed you out here from inside.)
* Lucas sighs and will try to slip by them, if possible
Narrator> One of them steps in front of you, and the other says something and makes a move to grab you.
Lucas> (I'll try to duck out of the way if I can)
Narrator> (Roll Athletics)
Lucas> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Lucas: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 2 2 1 3 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 2 ].
Narrator> (Okay, I'm gonna offer you a Fate point to fail here, not so much getting grabbed, but to get tripped by the other one as you duck the first. You won't be *immediately
* injured or anything, but obviously it's a worse situation. If you don't want to take it, then you'll have ducked past them and have the two of them just on your tail.)
Lucas> (I'll take the fate point and get tripped)
Narrator> You duck under the first orc's hand, but, in the dark of the alley you don't see the second one's leg stick out. You go sprawling in the dirt with the two men towering over you.
* Lucas freezes up in fear
Narrator> The first orc pulls his leg back for a kick, both of them spitting curses at Lucas.
* Lucas braces for the inevitable impact
Narrator> (You can roll Fight or Athletics to avoid)
Lucas> (Athletics is better for me so I'll try that)
Lucas> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Lucas: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 2 3 2 2 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 3 ].
Narrator> Sadly, Lucas has experience dealing with this sort of thing, so he knows how to avoid the worst of the blows. You take 1 Stress from a kick that mostly glances off as you shift away.
* Lucas yells in pain
Narrator> They're going to keep whaling on Lucas. Is he doing anything other than just trying to avoid the worst of it?
Lucas> (just curling up in a ball and trying to keep from getting kicked in the face or other vulnerable areas)
Narrator> (Okay, roll me Athletics one more time)
Lucas> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Lucas: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 1 3 1 1 ] for a total of [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 0 ].
Narrator> Okay, you take a pretty nasty kick to the head as you don't quite manage to avoid a vicious stomp. Take 3 Stress.
Narrator> (Which will probably require checking off a consequence, but you should be okay)
Lucas> (ok)
The others race to his rescue
Narrator> The rest of you can follow the noise to see a pair of large orcish men kicking a small figure on the ground.
Skalla> HEY!
* Hildie will draw her pistol and pull the hammer back.
Skalla> leave him alone!
Svald> GET AWAY FROM MY FRIEND!
Narrator> They don't immediately look up.
Narrator> (Svald, roll me Will)
Skalla> (I am happy to tackle one of them)
Svald> !roll 4d3-4
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-4 ] getting [ 2 3 2 1 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -4 ] totals [ 4 ].
Narrator> (As you're very much feeling the owlbear wanting to get out)
Narrator> (Assuming you don't want to change right now) You currently have a handle on the spirit, Svald.
Narrator> (Skalla, roll me Fight)
* Hildie will fire her pistol into the air.
* Svald stomps on the ground (and I would like to crack the ground towards them intimidatingly, anime style :v)
Narrator> I'll say you can do that, Svald, going off the same Will roll.
Skalla> (I will invoke my lookng out for my own aspect for a +2)
Skalla> !roll 4d3-4
* Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ 4d3-4 ] getting [ 2 2 1 3 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -4 ] totals [ 4 ].
Svald> (noice)
Narrator> The two of them look up at the pistol shot and flinch back. One of them goes flying with Skalla as she fully tackles him to the ground.
* Hildie drops the pistol and draws her sword.
Narrator> The other looks unsure and, deciding discretion is the better part of valor, leaves his buddy to his fate, running off into the night.
* Svald runs to help Lucas.
* Welumque runs over to Lucas as soon as it is safe.
Narrator> Skalla, what are you doing with the guy you tackled? He's struggling, but you do have the better of him.
Svald> Lucas, oh no!
Skalla> (punch hima few time and then let him run away)
* Svald looks at Welumque with huge sad watery eyes
Svald> Is.. is he okay?
Narrator> Lucas, you've definitely had your bell rung, so you might be a little out of it at the moment.
* Lucas sits up, groaning
Welumque> Lucas, boy, what kind of trouble are you getting into now?
* Welumque says, stroking his hair.
Hildie> We should get him inside.
Narrator> A few folks come out from the tavern at the shot
Lucas> they followed me out...
* Hildie will wave the tavern people back in. "It's ok, folks. Just a misunderstanding. Everything is ok."
* Skalla will dust herself off
Skalla> assholes
Svald> I'm so sorry that happened to you...
Svald> :
Lucas> 'sokay... happens sometimes...
* Lucas mumbles
Narrator> (Roll me Rapport, Hildie)
* Skalla looks to Lucas and Svald
Hildie> !roll 4d3-7
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildie: [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 1 1 2 3 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ 0 ].
Skalla> I could take you to the compound right now. the rest of us can gather our things and come in the morning.
* Hildie will use "Idealistic ex soldier" and put on her best officer voice for the +2.
Svald> I think that might be best...
Narrator> (Sounds good)
Narrator> Hildie, you manage a solid "Nothing to see here" bit with the patrons, and some soldiers who come to investigate, but they seem satisfied that no lasting harm has been done nor is anyone like pressing charges or anything.
Narrator> You should all be able to get that sorted. Skalla's taking Lucas and Svald to the compound right now?
Skalla> (Assuming they agree yes)
Lucas> (Lucas won't argue)
Svald> (yarp)
Skalla> (Side note for logs 0 Chemames is also here and got some good kicks in on an orc or two ;)
Narrator> (Chemames would want to go with, but won't push, especially as Svald is the healer here.)
Skalla> (That's fine, he can go)
Svald> (I am?? uh oh)
Narrator> (Well, more of a healer than anyone else. *Lucas
* is the healer, we all know.)
Narrator> (I think Svald can do some, like, triage battlefield healing.)
Narrator> (Like, make it so a person doesn't immediately die.)
Svald> (probably)
Narrator> (Either just supercharging someone's natural healing momentarily, or just shoving life/nature energy into them)
