<AndrewRogue> I believe you were last beckoning some some guards?
<Soppy-WanderlustingForInes> Yep.
<Soppy-WanderlustingForInes> BLOW THAT WHISTLE
<AndrewRogue> It is done. The shrill sound echoes in the foggy night.
<AndrewRogue> Silence fills the air after. The guard shuffles nervously.
* Soppy-WanderlustingForInes is now known as Vol
* Vol also waits, a bit impatient
<AndrewRogue> After a few moments, boots echo in the mist and a pair of armed guards arrive, hands ready to draw their weapons. "
<AndrewRogue> The guard with you holds up a hand. "Ho. Slow reaction from the pair of you."
<AndrewRogue> The taller of the two frowns and looks to say something, but holds his tongue when he finally notices Vol. They both bow. "Apologies."
<Vol> "In this fog, it's to be expected." Vol brushes off his previous impatience. "We interrupted an incident in progress. Please, the two of you, one each fetch Hana and Aiko. If either are not in their chambers, please return here immediately."
<AndrewRogue> The two look uncomfortably at Vol, but bow. "Yes, Master Vol."
<AndrewRogue> Whoosh.
<Vol> Vol nods gratefully to them, watching them go and awaiting any more guards.
<AndrewRogue> The mist wraps around your legs. The guard shifts again. "I'm not sure anyone else heard."
<AndrewRogue> "Or perhaps the mist beast caught them and killed them, and now it waits to claim our heads."
<AndrewRogue> He makes a hand gesture that would be universally understood as ~woo
<Vol> Vol notices the mist, stepping out of it and motioning for the guard to do the same.
<Vol> "Ha. Given the amount of activity on the river, let's not be making light of such things. It's already claimed your liege's full attention."
<AndrewRogue> "Of course, Master Vol."
<AndrewRogue> He will move as directed.
<AndrewRogue> Time shall pass in the quiet, misty evening. Night birds call. Animals rustle in the brush. Perhaps even a fish splashing in the nearby river.
<AndrewRogue> But nothing of particular interest will happen until the guards return with Aiko and Hana in tow.
<AndrewRogue> Neither looks particularly happy.
<AndrewRogue> Not angry per se. Just, you know. It's late.
<AndrewRogue> One is old and just generally doesn't like you.
<Vol> Vol will curiously keep his eye on the mist, looking up as Hana and Aiko approach. "We've had developments. Caught in the act, as it were, but disappeared."
<AndrewRogue> Aiko offers you an icy glare. "Excellent work on the capture. You tracked the goods here?"
<AndrewRogue> Your companion guard offers aresounding silence.
<Vol> "In a sense. There's... unusual information to process. How we proceed from here, needs to be decided sooner than later." he'll relate to them the circumstances of catching the act, the mist being and its behavior, demands. "So the conundrum is thus. Is this a summoned being, at the beck and call of someone in town, or a genuine spirit demanding tribute?"
<AndrewRogue> "Even the lowliest god would not deign to steal in the way you've described." Aiko scoffs.
<AndrewRogue> "It does seem to be strange behavior..." Hana admits thoughtfully, looking at the items "stolen."
<Vol> "So I would expect. I had hoped that going along with it would allow us to catch them off-guard. I had set this man here to watch and see if anyone approached to claim the items. Perhaps I should have told him to hide." he visible chastises himself. "Regardless, this is a development."
<AndrewRogue> "Of sorts." Aiko will admit. "You should have ordered the thing struck down. No mortal nor god should steal from our land."
<AndrewRogue> Hana shakes her head. "Patience should be the watchword for strange situations. We could risk losing much."
<AndrewRogue> "Like more of our property and the property of those who have entrusted their goods to us?"
<Vol> "In that last part I am in agreement, Aiko." he notes, sighing. "How does one fight fog though, I wonder? It seemed to me controlled by some outside force. Very deliberate and mechanical in its movements."
<AndrewRogue> "If the mist truly is such, then it posed no threat. If it could cut, then it can be cut back."
<AndrewRogue> Aiko speaks, sure of herself.
<Vol> "I suppose you would have already said, but I'll ask anyway. Do either of you know of anyone who would be capable of summoning such a thing? Or someone who would have the knowledge to share in what to look for?"
<AndrewRogue> Both shake their head.
<AndrewRogue> In the mist, there is the sound of footsteps
<Vol> He sighs, then laughs gently. "How does one even begin investigating something like this." he wonders idly, turning to the sound of footsteps
<AndrewRogue> The guards all turn, hands on weapons.
<AndrewRogue> "Uh... hellow?" a young man's voice calls out as he steps partly out of the fog. He looks right shocked to see a whole group of people, particularly armed ones.
<Vol> "Yes?" Vol asks curiously.
<AndrewRogue> Aiko makes a discreet gesture and one of the guards shifts.
<AndrewRogue> (Matching him in Riverspeak, I assume)
<Vol> Yep
<AndrewRogue> "Were you all also sent to help?"
<Vol> "Help with what, young man?"
<AndrewRogue> He looks nervously at all the people with weapons on hip or on hand and takes a cautious step back. "You know, never you mind and all. If you don't know, probably not here for me and all."
<Vol> "Please do share. We mean no harm, but with the events of the past few nights, it is curious to see someone out so late. Speak truth, and we will let you go."
<AndrewRogue> (You should probably Presence + Charisma that to persuade him. Stunt 1)
<Vol> roll 9#d10
<AndrewRogue> (Oh. Traitor lack of bot)
* Luna has joined #DLExalted
<AndrewRogue> (Oh. Australian savior)
<Vol> .ex 9
<Luna> Vol: 9: [1: 1, 2: 2, 6: 1, 7: 1, 8: 2, 9: 2] - 5 Successes
<AndrewRogue> He hems and haws for a moment. "Guess you're all too fancy looking to be brigands. Here to receive the blessings of San and take 'em back."
<AndrewRogue> The guards have edged a bit closer to the man and are just waiting from one command from an important person.
<Vol> "The blessings of San?" he asks curiously. "What is that?"
<AndrewRogue> "Just some food and stuff for all the folks back in across the river."
<Vol> "So someone or thing has just been leaving things here for you to take back across the river? And you didn't see to question why or what it was?"
<AndrewRogue> "Uh...? I know who it was. It's Lady San's work. Look, why're you all out here anyway? You do know it ain't right to take things that don't belong to you, right? So I hope you haven't been pillaging the shrine she's claimed."
<Vol> He lists off a few of the things that were taken last night. "Did you recieve any of this from Lady San last night?"
<Vol> Strike
<Vol> "And what did you recieve from Lady San last night, if you don't mind me asking?"
<AndrewRogue> He raises his voice a bit. Not in anger or anything, but like he's talking to someone hard of hearing. "Just some food and stuff."
<Vol> "I apologize. What EXACTLY did you recieve?"
<AndrewRogue> He shrugs. "Dunno. Some rice and rish and stuff?" He's starting to get a bit edgy again, and Aiko looks like she's just about had enough of the way you're handling the questions.
<Vol> He sighs, noticing Aiko's unease and motioning for the guards to take the man.
<Vol> "Take this man into custody. We'll let Aiko's crew question him, but it's obvious he knows something."
<AndrewRogue> "Hey! Hey! What the hells do you think you're doing?"
<AndrewRogue> The man struggles as the cleverly moved guards, but Lee paid some points for her followers, so it isn't a big deal for them
<AndrewRogue> The fog deepens perceptibly.
<Vol> "Well. Strange and stranger..." he goes back to Hana and Aiko.
<AndrewRogue> Probably the right call. As the man struggles and the guards make to move him, figures appear in the mist around you. Maybe a half-dozen or so.
<AndrewRogue> You will recognize them more or less instantly as the same figure you caught in the warehouse.
<Vol> "What in the...?" he starts. "Oh great, there's five more of them this time."
<AndrewRogue> "Ah! Lady San, you've come to help me!" the man exclaims.
<AndrewRogue> Aiko will immediately step in front of Hana, positioning you and her between her and the two guards not occupied with the ruffian.
<Vol> "Isn't Lady Hakuhi supposed to be making contact with the river goddesses?" he asks them both
<AndrewRogue> "Yes." Aiko snaps, pulling her sword free.
<Vol> "Hana, anything I should know about the San?"
<AndrewRogue> Hana huddles a bit close to Vol, not wanting to be in the way of the warriors. "Ah? Ah. The mills churn with rumors about her death to the beasts that hunt Nine Rivers now." The older woman clears her throat. "I do believe she was known as the Lady of the Misty River, though."
<AndrewRogue> "You brutes ought put me down or Lady San'll see you dead like the monsters that tried to kill us all!" The man says, quite emboldened by this change in situation.
<Vol> Vol triggers Listener Swaying Argument before speaking
<Vol> Vol kneels where he stood, facing one of the mist figures. He spreads his arms wide to treat with them. "Wise and great San, I apologize for misinterpreting and interfering in your work. Ones close to me are seeking your sisters, to treat with them against what ails the Nine Rivers and this land. Rumors of your death have obviously been widely exaggerated. However, if ones close to you require aid, we would gladly engage with them
<Vol> ourselves instead of this sneaking around in the dark, thieving our town. Please, I bid you speak to me, so that we can come to a proper agreement, and learn of the ones you have taken under your ward. I assure you, no harm will come to this man, now that we know he is under your protection. We simply require more understanding of the situation."
<AndrewRogue> The guards exchange a bit more of a glance and sliiiiightly loosen the hard hold on the young man..
<Vol> Persuade action, gets one automatic success, bonus die if target's Resolve has been boosted somehow
<AndrewRogue> Gimme Charisma + Presence, Stunt 2. +1 Die from LSA
<Vol> roll 11#1d10
<Exaltedbot> Vol rolled : 11#1d10 --> [ 1d10=9 ]{9}, [ 1d10=1 ]{1}, [ 1d10=4 ]{4}, [ 1d10=3 ]{3}, [ 1d10=7 ]{7}, [ 1d10=6 ]{6}, [ 1d10=6 ]{6}, [ 1d10=5 ]{5}, [ 1d10=8 ]{8}, [ 1d10=9 ]{9}, [ 1d10=10 ]{10}
<Vol> 7 successes
<AndrewRogue> 8 actually.
<AndrewRogue> Stunt 2 and all.
<Vol> Ah.
<Vol> Stunt 2 adds two succcesses?
<Vol> Or 1?
<AndrewRogue> 1
<Vol> Ah. K
<AndrewRogue> I think. Now I need to look. You also get +1 Willpower, up to your max
<Vol> I haven't used any, so irrelevant
<AndrewRogue> Anyhow. The misty figures study you. Or, at least, look in your direction. Then as one, they point down river.
<AndrewRogue> Then they point at you.
<AndrewRogue> Then down river again.
<Vol> Vol nods deeply, standing once again and looking to the guards, as well as Aiko and Hana. "So... any volunteers to accompany me?"
<AndrewRogue> They make a quite harsh swipe and point at you again.
<AndrewRogue> Aiko steps forward. "I will go with you."
<Vol> "Aha... and him?" he gestures to the errant figure. "May I have your name, sir?"
<AndrewRogue> Hana gives a good solid nod to that idea.
<AndrewRogue> A swipe again and a point at you. "Jin Mu!" the young man proudly declares, though the reaction from Lady San has him looking a bit unhappy.
<AndrewRogue> The guards also mostly look happy with Aiko volunteering.
<Vol> He looks to Aiko. "It appears the good lady San wants me to go alone."
<AndrewRogue> "You do realize how tremendously stupid that is?"
<Vol> "Yes. I cannot say I enjoy the prospect."
<Vol> He takes a deep breath
<Vol> He looks to the mist figure he was addressing. "I will do as you ask. Jin Mu will be kept here, treated as our guest. Hana shall use the time to inquire as to the situation of his village in the meantime. Is this acceptable?"
<AndrewRogue> Aiko's hand rests on the hilt of her blade. "I am not sure we should trust the words of a thieving goddess, but if you wish to honorably go forth to your death, it is not like I can stop you. I will be sure to let Tetsuzuru-san know."
<AndrewRogue> The mist figures say nothing.
<AndrewRogue> And do nothing.
<AndrewRogue> Hyuuga clears his throat gently and offers you a lantern and a spear.
<AndrewRogue> And Jin Yu has mellowed out a bit, while Hana nods along.
<Vol> His gaze turns to Aiko. "Either way, this thieving business is a blight on Lady Hakuhi's honor and reputation. If we are truly to develop this town into the shining example Lady Hakuhi desires it to be, then such measured risks must be taken. She is at the moment out with Lady Aaeiko entreating with the goddesses. I would be remiss not to do the same."
<Vol> He accepts the lantern graciously from Hyuuga. "Thank you, Hyuuga. You were of great help tonight."
<AndrewRogue> "And it was good knowing you, Master Vol. At least she isn't a demon. Probably. Gods tend to be quick when they kill you, from what I hear." He offers a cheeky smile. Aiko makes a noise that gets him back to attention.
<Vol> He steps to Hyuuga, shaking his hand. "They will treat you well, but know that we cannot let you go just yet. Speak true of the situation of your hometown, and we can come to your aid. If this is indeed a trap... then I sincerely hope you are not culpable to it." his voice is warm, honest. Handshake firm
<Vol> Err
<Vol> Jin Mu
<Vol> make that homeland as well. fits speech pattern better
<AndrewRogue> "I ain't lied about nothing." Jin Yu says. "And you make sure you be respecting Lady San."
<AndrewRogue> He accepts the hand shake, though
<Vol> "Of course. My life may very well be in her hands, after all." he nods in farewell, then steps over to the mist figure. "I am ready. Please, walk with me." he asks politely, gentlemand
<Vol> gentlemanly
<AndrewRogue> The six move and flow around you, escorting you down the river's edge, away from your companions and away from the city.
<Vol> He follows quietly, keeping pace.
<AndrewRogue> There is a certain solidity to the mist around you as the figures bump you, paying you no mind as the guide you.
<Vol> He doesn't seem to mind either. No bumping required, as he follows their lead quite obediently.
<AndrewRogue> The fog sways and dances around you, but seems to thin as you walk. The lamplight flickers. And after a couple minutes, a little in the distance you can see one more figure. The ones around you dissolve into mist.
<Vol> He continues on toward the figure, stopping a little out of arm's length, appraising it once the details make themselves plain
<AndrewRogue> The figure appears as the others, a woman in long robes with a wide, flat brimmed hat. Her face remains hidden. Without the deepest mists surrounding her, it is much easier to see that she herself seems to be made from the mists, the edges of her figure wisping and shifting.
<Vol> He kneels again, spreading his arms again in the same gesture as before. "It is my great honor to meet you, Noble San."
<AndrewRogue> The mist fog still concentrates at her feet, billowing out and away like she herself was the source of the mists. Which she may well be.
<AndrewRogue> The mist blows out, leaving the immediate area around yourself clear... and where the Lady San once stood sits... a small, red fox.
<AndrewRogue> Possibly of doom.
<AndrewRogue> It stares at you, its eyes glowing in the lamplight.
<Vol> "Well. Interesting. And who might you be?"
<Vol> His voice is curious, but no less respectful
<AndrewRogue> It's paws scrabble at the ground, leaving surprisingly passable, if kinda poorly drawn Riverspeak behind. -Zhiyao Xing-
<Vol> "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Zhiyao. May I inquire as to what, exactly, is going on?"
<Vol> Occult roll, I guess, to figure out what it might be?
<AndrewRogue> It brushes the dust way and tries again. It's pretty rough Riverspeak, but hey, give the fox some credit. -I'm San's. She gave me what she had left.-
<Vol> He nods, "So Lady San is truly dead?"
<AndrewRogue> The fox hesitates. -Gave herself to protect people. Change my fate. Gone.-
<Vol> He sighs, saddened by the news. "You have my profound sympathies, Master Zhiyao. And this town you have been giving our goods to. Is that the land she had protected?"
<AndrewRogue> -No town. Sacred place. Survivors from towns.-
<Vol> "The survivors have gathered there?"
<AndrewRogue> -I take them. San guides them.-
<Vol> "Guides them where?"
<AndrewRogue> The fox rolls its eyes insofar as it can and just erases the second bit.
<Vol> "Right. Sorry. Why the theft? Were you that desperate?"
<AndrewRogue> -Many people. More and more.-
<AndrewRogue> -No other idea. Sorry.-
<Vol> "I see. It has caused some chaos in Suizasho. Were I a typical representative of the land, and Lady Hakuhi a typical liege, it is possible violence would have been inflicted on your people in retribution upon discovery. Quite at odds with your goal."
<Vol> "We shall put that aside for now. Unfortunately, we have already extended quite generous terms to a group of refugees that has arrived recently. I daresay we can afford to give very much more charity, even if it would be repaid in the end. Our resources run slightly thin in the short term."
<Vol> "However..." he adds, "I have the authority to utilize certain amounts of Lady Hakuhi's personal funds directly, should the need arise. I would consider this a need. The goods stolen must be paid for, and supplies we provide also in kind. How many people in your estimate have gathered?"
<AndrewRogue> The fox tilts it's head at you. -Not sure. Couple hundred?-
<Vol> "Roughly... 75 dinars... not undoable. I'll get some strange looks, for sure. Tell me, this sacred place. Is it protecting them from something?"
<AndrewRogue> -Beasts and monsters.-
<AndrewRogue> It looks down. -Even there might not be safe.-
<Vol> "What kind of beasts and monsters?"
<AndrewRogue> -Terrible things. Fae. Butchers. Soul Stealers. Body shapers.-
<Vol> He blinks, taken aback by it. "I... I see. That is a scale I am unfamiliar with. I might require conversation with the combat specialists to see what can be done there... I can contact her with a trick of sorcery, but I doubt the troops will move without her."
<Vol> contact Lady Hakuhi
<AndrewRogue> The fox gives you what is probably a shrug.
<Vol> "One cannot hold off wolves at the door forever, regardless of how much food we shipped in... action would need to be taken."
<AndrewRogue> -Let in by Lord. Many come.-
<Vol> "Lord? Of what?"
<AndrewRogue> -Nine Rivers.-
<Vol> "There is no Lord of the Nine Rivers I am aware of. Who claims this title?"
<AndrewRogue> -Fang Deshi. Come many years ago. Now betrayer.-
<Vol> "Okay." he thinks for a few moments, "I don't think everything can be hashed out in one night. I will send Jin Mu along tomorrow with supplies, properly paid for. I will speak to Lady Hakuhi as well. We will probably need to speak again for more information on this Fang Deshi."
<AndrewRogue> Zhiyao shall attempt to read your intentions if you want to use any defensive charms.
<Vol> Nope. Vol's being quite honest
<AndrewRogue> roll 5#d10
<Exaltedbot> AndrewRogue rolled : 5#d10 --> [ 1d10=8 ]{8}, [ 1d10=1 ]{1}, [ 1d10=6 ]{6}, [ 1d10=1 ]{1}, [ 1d10=7 ]{7}
<AndrewRogue> (Is kay, is fox, bad read intentions)
<AndrewRogue> It scrabbles in the sand more. -Why help?-
<Vol> "For one, most immediately, it will stop you from stealing from us. Two... Lady Hakuhi's current mission was to discover what evil was plaguing the Nine Rivers. This very well may be what we were looking for. If our interests truly align, then it would be my pleasure to help."
<AndrewRogue> It eyes you, but scrabbles out again. -Tell Kin Yu bring Lim Da. From south. Organize people. Keep order. Know things.-
<AndrewRogue> After a moment it adds. -Can speak.-
<Vol> "Bring Lim Da here from the South. Got it. Anything else?"
<AndrewRogue> -I secret. No tell Nine Rivers. They believe San.-
<Vol> "Of course. That was my next question. I shall keep your identity secret, even from my fellows."
<AndrewRogue> It waits a long moment. -Thank you. All. No more.-
<Vol> "Of course. I shall meet you again when Lim Da arrives?"
<AndrewRogue> -He smart. He organize. He trust. Not me.-
<AndrewRogue> -I steal. I protect. Words hard now.-
<AndrewRogue> It looks down at the poor wiped and rewiped sand.
<Vol> "You do right by your people, Zhiyao, as I try to do right by mine. I think Lady San would be proud."
<AndrewRogue> It quite obviously ignores that one. -Sleep near shrine. Roam rivers.-
<Vol> "Right. If anything important comes up that I need to speak to you directly, I'll look to the shrine."
<AndrewRogue> It nods and stretches.
<Vol> "It has been... interesting meeting you, Zhiyao. I bid you goodnight and good luck."
<AndrewRogue> It bows, eyes glowing under the fading moonlight and lopes off, mist trailing it once more.
<AndrewRogue> Which leaves Vol alone along side a misty riverbank with a couple minute walk back to allies.
<Vol> Vol watches it go, collecting his thoughts and sighing before heading back
<AndrewRogue> The situation has changed very little, though Jin Mu is now freely speaking with Hana. The guards look up at your return, as does Aiko who seems more than a little surprised.
<AndrewRogue> *when you return
<AndrewRogue> "You're still alive."
<AndrewRogue> It's quite matter o' fact, really
<Vol> "Such successes do happen when you take calculated risks. I would've expected you to take him inside already, not stand here for a good half hour while I spoke to Lady San."
<Vol> He walks to Hyuuga, handing the man his lantern back. "Thank you, Hyuuga. It served me well."
<AndrewRogue> The guard bows.
<AndrewRogue> "I did not trust him nor the goddess. So I decided we would wait here until you returned or we went looking for your body. There is no reason Hana could not speak with him here." She rubs her eyes tiredly. "So what is the result of your conversation with Lady San?"
<Vol> "An explanation, and information important to Lady Hakuhi." he sighs, eyes still focused despite his own creeping exhaustion. "Aiko, please see that these guards get a commendation and a bottle of sake, payment care of my personal funds. Bring Jin Mu to the meeting room. Hana, follow. We have matters to discuss."
<AndrewRogue> She nods to the guards who can follow implied orders easily enough. "Shall I also arrange for messengers to be sent in pursuit of Tetsuzuru-san as well?"
<Vol> "I shall attend to that personally in the morning." he shall start heading back to the meeting room
<AndrewRogue> Hana shall follow you. "How may I assist?"
<Vol> "The full story will come out, and I will require you on hand to take note of everything needed to be done to be tackled in the morning. Without giving too much away, the thefts will stop. However, they will need to be paid for, and since one cannot charge a god, the town will have to back the lost goods."
<AndrewRogue> "Of course."
<AndrewRogue> "Fortunately this ended before the losses were substantial."
* Soppy is now known as Vol
<Vol> "The losses were substantial already. We have been trading on Lady Hakuhi's ability to bring these shenanigans to a stop for quite a bit. Doubt in that hurts our reptuation."
<AndrewRogue> The older woman frowns. "All shall be well if debts are repaid, with interest. Traders are a simple lot at times."
<Vol> "They will be, yes. This too shall pass, I suppose. I guess I'm a little more jittery on the situation, with the unease over the refugees."
<AndrewRogue> "As long as the crimes are ended and the issue resolved, it will be forgotten in time."
<Vol> "Well, it will go on, in a way. As you shall hear." he'll be relatively quiet until the four of them are sitting in the meeting room
<AndrewRogue> The older woman frowns, but lets it go for the moment.
<AndrewRogue> The meeting room is reached. Aiko looks irritable. Jin Mu looks anxious, like maybe now out of San's eyes something bad might happen. Hana remains curious about what you said earlier
<Vol> "So. Jin Mu, before we begin, please tell me in your own words what the situation is in your hometown?"
<AndrewRogue> "Well, I 'magine it's not smoldering anymore."
<AndrewRogue> "Last few days of wet probably stopped that."
<Vol> "Where do you reside now, then?"
<AndrewRogue> "A sacred place protected by the sisters. Lady San's been laying waste to the monsters and bringing the folks that're still alive to reside in the heart of her power."
<AndrewRogue> (BRB. Need to do grocery store and get pupper. It's gonna be a few, so don't hold your breath or anything. Sorry!)
<Vol> He nods, "And your being here so late at night? You mentioned before about how Lady San delivered supplies to you? How and why did you come to such an arrangement?"
<AndrewRogue> "She came outta the mists and picked one of us to guide to where she was leavin' things for us. She came, I went. Wasn't about to question one of the sisters. San's a smart one, so I figure she had a plan. Keep outta sight of those monsters by doin' it at night and all."
<Vol> "Mm. Yes, well while your story is congruent with the story Lady San shared with me, the fact remains that she was actually stealing those goods from our warehouses to give to you. It caused quite the commotion, we being a trade town that guarantees the safety of the goods passing through." he informs Jin Mu neutrally.
* Kallen has joined #DLExalted
<AndrewRogue> "Well that is patently ridiculous. A goddess don't have to steal like a common thief!" Jin Mu says, folding his arms in front of himself.
<AndrewRogue> "Apparently yours does," Aiko snaps.
<Vol> He holds a hand up, "With all due respect, this is what she confessed to me. Her power has been weakened due to the evil seeping through the Nine Rivers, and to protect and care for her followers, this is what she resorted to." his voice is level. "We have come to an agreement, Lady San and I, to resolve the situation."
<AndrewRogue> "That... that is..." the man hesitates, as this dagger finds its way into his faith.
<Vol> "The thefts will end. I shall utilize Lady Hakuhi's personal funds to cover the losses, as it is granted to me by her authority. We shall continue to aid your people in the meantime. To that end, you are to bring Lim Yu back with you to negotiate something more concrete. Does this name make sense to you?"
<AndrewRogue> *Da
<AndrewRogue> Aiko makes a face, but for the moment holds her tongue.
* Retrieving #DLExalted modes...
<AndrewRogue> "...uh. Yeah, I know ol' Lim Da. He's been keeping everything all organized. He was apparently just a paper pusher back in Sanshin, but he's done good keepin' everyone from everyone's throats."
<Vol> "Yes. Good. In return, we ask that you provide us with all the information you can about Fang Deshi, his forces, and the monsters that have been attacking you. Bring whomever you might feel provide the most accurate and useful intelligence. Mm..." he pauses to consider, "No more than five people."
<Vol> "For our own reasons, it appears our interests align. Therefore I believe working together would be in our best interests." he turns to Aiko, "And Lady Hakuhi and Inaba's best interest as well."
<AndrewRogue> Aiko gives you a look, while Hana nods along. Jin Da sounds unsure, still reeling a bit from the news earlier. "I 'spose I can do that, but if Lady San's talkin' to you, wouldn't that be better? Most of us're just farmers and merchants from all the way up here. Most of us've got no business with the capital."
<Vol> "She has her duties, to you and your people. You can honor her by honoring our agreement. It is not only the gods, but people, that craft this world, Jin Mu." he says strongly, in an attempt to return a bit of faith to the man
<Vol> roll 9#1d10
<Exaltedbot> Vol rolled : 9#1d10 --> [ 1d10=3 ]{3}, [ 1d10=7 ]{7}, [ 1d10=1 ]{1}, [ 1d10=7 ]{7}, [ 1d10=8 ]{8}, [ 1d10=5 ]{5}, [ 1d10=1 ]{1}, [ 1d10=1 ]{1}, [ 1d10=3 ]{3}
<Vol> 4 successes >.>
<AndrewRogue> (Success) "Well, if it's what Lady San asks then I'll do it. But you better not be tryin' to trick me or anythin'."
<Vol> "At the very least, it will allow her to turn her focus completely on protecting your and yours, rather than also having to provide for you."
<AndrewRogue> A look of shame crosses his face. You can just tell he wants to say 'We can take care of ourselves!' but even he knows this isn't the time for that."
<AndrewRogue> *-"
<AndrewRogue> "He should be escorted back." Aiko's voice is firm. "To confirm this apparent need they have of our aid and to make sure they survive the trip."
<Vol> Vol notes that, and softens. "And you will be providing us a great service in any information you can provide. Do not forget that, Jin Mu. This is not purely out of charity." he turns to Aiko, "If you must. We will be sending supplies with them after all. A small squad. Let us draw as little attention as possible."
<AndrewRogue> "Now wait, wait, wait. I can't be bringin' outsiders to our sacred place!" (You'll need a persuade to get it.)
<Vol> "An understandable sentiment. One I would be willing to forgo on Lady San's word, but I am beholden to Inaba's rules as you are beholden to yours. I shall ensure that whatever escort is given is the minimum necessary so as to carry out the job successfully, as well as be respectful to your people."
<Vol> roll 10#1d10
<Exaltedbot> Vol rolled : 10#1d10 --> [ 1d10=3 ]{3}, [ 1d10=2 ]{2}, [ 1d10=3 ]{3}, [ 1d10=6 ]{6}, [ 1d10=10 ]{10}, [ 1d10=6 ]{6}, [ 1d10=8 ]{8}, [ 1d10=8 ]{8}, [ 1d10=3 ]{3}, [ 1d10=2 ]{2}
<Vol> 5 successes
<AndrewRogue> (Whoops, thought I'd responded over here)
<AndrewRogue> "Well, just know that if yer lyin', Lady San'll have all your heads and I don't care what you say 'bout her being weakened or whatever."
<AndrewRogue> Aiko rolls her eyes. Subtly.
<Vol> "So I have been informed." he smiles to Jin Mu.
<Vol> "Since we are in agreement, the guard outside will show you to your accomodations for the night, Jin Mu. We shall send you along at dusk." he nods, standing to see the man out and hand him off to the guard.
<Vol> *dusk tomorrow
<AndrewRogue> "Right then." The man is clearly uncomfortable, but not running or anything. He will follow as asked.
<AndrewRogue> Aiko and Hana will remain patiently behind.
<Vol> He closes the door and turns back to them, taking a breath. "Well. One mystery solved. An efficient two days, considering our culprit was a shapeshifting fog river goddess."
<AndrewRogue> "An excellent closure, provided we can make this exchange profitable." Hana says.
<AndrewRogue> Aiko looks far less impressed. "Were you serious about all that? We've got enough refugees to deal with already, without adding the disciples of a thieving goddess to Tetsuzuru-san's concerns."
<Vol> "Profit was not the motive here, unfortunately. It was information." he admits, sitting back down at the table with them. "And we will not be accepting refugees, merely sending them aid. If their story is to be believed, and I for one do, we have possibly identified a source, if not the source, of the evil spreading among the Nine Rivers that Lady Hakuhi is at this very moment attempting to uncover, and reached a deal with one of the
<Vol> goddesses, which is also her mission. Do we not exist to assist Lady Hakuhi in her endeavors? And should this Fang Deshi prove to be what we think, we have secured potentially valuable intelligence for whatever may come in the future. For a pittance's worth of aid to people in need."
<AndrewRogue> "I suppose I cannot argue that." Aiko's fingers tap on the table as she studies Vol. "Why did the goddess wish to speak with you alone?"
<Vol> He shrugs. "Pride, perhaps? Seeking of gesture of trust on my part? Who can say how gods operate."
<Vol> "It is a struggle for mortals to admit weakness. I daresay it is any easier for a god."
<AndrewRogue> "I will two of ours with the boy. Not the best numbers to fight the rampaging hordes of monsters across the river, but hopefully enough to avoid them should the river goddess prove unreliable."
<AndrewRogue> *send
<Vol> "Given she has been able to mask his coming and going with supplies the last few nights, I think it shall be fine. Make one of them a good scout that can stay with them and gather additional intelligence about what they face out there." he requests, hmming in additional thought. "I will contact Lady Hakuhi in the quickest manner I know how, and we shall proceed from there with her response. Hopefully we have made her mission easier."
<AndrewRogue> "Hopefully."
<AndrewRogue> (Is that sufficient for you to IM Akeha?)
<Vol> "There will be some work to cover first thing in the morning." he looks to Hana. "Please do begin payment for the stolen goods out of Lady Hakuhi's personal accounts, on my authority. Standard lost item rates. If people ask, say the culprit was apprehended in the act and the thefts are over. Prepare a small shipment to be sent with Jin Mu. Food, medicine, and clothing that travels easily."
<Vol> (Yep)
<AndrewRogue> The old woman stifles a yawn, nodding.
<Vol> "Aiko, I'm not going to get ahead of myself before I know what is to come. Keep your troops at a readiness level you see fit. Let's not throw everything into preparing for a fight just yet."
<AndrewRogue> "I had already intended to do such. If trouble seeks to cross the Yellow, it shall find welcome at the end of a spear."
<Vol> He nods, not disagreeing with the sentiment. "So be it. Good work tonight everyone. Thank you for cooperating in these odd circumstances." he offers, exhaustion finally creepign into his voice. "Time for our well-earned sleep."
