Fey vs Industrial- Industrial Side IC

[Nanoblack]

Rain.

It's been raining for the last four days and the paved streets are running slick with all the various ingredients of civilization. Smoke would normally be seen looming over the horizon due to the deforestation efforts of the ambitious industrialists, but thankfully the clouds have soaked it all up and are returning it all to the ground in greasy, lukewarm globs.

Still many people were cheerful as word was spreading of yet another tribe of savages surrendering to the comforts of modern society; after their trial of course. Everyone knows its just a matter of time till there's nowhere left to run for them and extermination seems like the only way to progress.

Chief Commander Golda has been pushing advancement of the borders which has had mixed results, but nevertheless the people stay behind her. Her powerful personality and reputation as a strong warrior have ensured that competition is very scarce. More recently, she has issued a call to arms and is promising wealth for those who bring back anything of importance from outside the city walls.


Feel free to get started however you like. If enough time passes and it doesn't look like you guys have any idea what you're doing, I'll throw in my own plot. In the meantime you guys can tackle the situation however you like.

[drack]

correct me if I don't follow game protocol exactly, as I said I'm new here, and though that is becoming slowly less true, this is my first online game.
The Medicine Man, as he has been known as for many generations of human lives, slowly stops crawling across the sodden ground and looks up. Suddenly he notices that the bright golden sphere, and it's smaller paler counterpart are missing from the sky replaced by balls of sludge falling on his head. Quickly he reaches down too a human skull which had been conveniently hanging next to other similar skulls on the skeleton of a snake with an abnormally large head which appears to serve the purpose of a belt suspending his loincloth.
He quickly lifts the skull to the sky and with a low heart wrenching moan and the skull shatters. The shards solemnly blow away in the air strangely the shards blow against the wind and they appear unaffected by the rain, still heavy with the sludge of factories. Thus having cast a know direction spell the Medicine Man turns around, his back to the presently dissipating shards, and resumes his crawl. This time towards the high walls of what appears to be a rather large city. A second snake lingering upon his back quickly translates the moans and howls of the Medicine Man. Perhaps this town will have someone of proper authority to which we can report our race's diplomatic allegiance with their cause. Maybe even tell us where we could be of use on the field. May Ka-Dul's blessings shroud... Than noticing that there was nobody around to hear it swiftly cut off mid-sentence.

[Ajadea]

Amaryllis sighed and grabbed a water-proof cloak off the coat rack. After a moment's consideration, she put on her plain, rather worn and stained, knee-high leather boots. There was a meeting of the noble's council today, to discuss Commander Golda's plan to expand their borders. Never mind that it was practically raining oil, and that not everyone owned a carriage.

On the table in the hall, there was already a note for Daemon. Daemon-Went to the council meeting. I'll be back in two hours, don't exert yourself too much, and stay out of Father's way. -Amaryllis

She took another look out the window at the pouring rain, shook her head, pulled the large hood over her head, and headed out, the soot-laden rain quickly covering her boots with a grayish, greasy, sheen.

[Nanoblack]

@DrackYou get stopped by a squad of guards patrolling the city's outer walls. A human wearing breastplate and carrying a longsword stops the group and calls out to you. "Halt native! What is your business at our glorious city?"

@Ajadea The air outside is uncomfortably warm and humid which is, thankfully, keeping the streets more or less free of traffic. The walk leaves your clothes feeling mildly slick and uncomfortable, but now you face the massive double doors of one of the city-states gathering halls. Part government building, part church; this place carries the imposing arrogance of the power hungry politicians all throughout its halls.

A door on the right is ajar, flickering torchlight spilling from the opening and dozens of greasy footprints leading within.

[drack]

The Medicine Man's head turns all the way around and his fingers shift tentatively along the slick slope as he stops mid step.

Suddenly the constant cacophony of wails and moans emanating from the Medicine Man are joined with a hollow serpentine voice: We are a representative of the followers of Ka-Dul. We understand what you are doing with...

The Medicine Man gestures vaguely to the dark clouds overhead

...this. We wish you to know that Ka-Dul smiles kindly on this. I have come to deliver a message from our elders about the recent Fey activity which I am told will contribute greatly to your cause. I have also been sent to serve as a symbol of our people's support for your conquest.

Now a skeletal serpent rises and opens it's mouth to reveal a piece of parchment. Now, if you would be so kind as to take me to someone of authority here I am sure we will get along. This last part was accompanied by a loud click as the Medicine Man's head snaped sharply to the side perpendicular to his frame.

[Nanoblack]

@Drack:Several of the younger guards look over you with a fearful expression and take a few steps back. The senior officer stutters for a second. "W-we'll have to take you into custody to determine your threat level before even considering letting you near the higher-ups." He gestures toward the parchment. "I'll have my commander take a look at your proposition while you're being checked out."

[Ajadea]

Amaryllis steps inside, hangs her cloak up on one of the wooden hooks on the wall, and quickly takes her seat. She can't help but wrinkle her nose slightly at the smell of damp furs which seems to permeate the room. The opulence of the room always bothered her slightly. They could fund better sanitation or more effective streets, but no, their public image matters more. They must intimidate every commoner, artisan, and merchant who so much as sets eyes on their homes and meeting-places. she thinks. It is a thought that crosses her mind every time she sets foot in this building.

[drack]

The Medicine Man looks unwavering into the commander's eyes with his own purple eyes, which are given a strange glow by the darkness. This glow only becomes more eerie considering that because of the grease his pale skin is covered and the darkness invoked by the heavy clouds it appears as if the darkness it's self is alive and surveying the party.

After a moments pause filled only with the Medicine Man's whining moan the snake mouth snaps shut to nothing but the small craves that snake mouths normally appear...concealing the scrap of parchment. It than in the same hollow voice continues: We will accept your incarceration as a show of good faith, but I was entrusted by the elders to deliver the message to your higher ups...personally.

The medicine Man than turns his body releasing his head from it's unnatural position preparing to follow the guards wherever they may take him.

[drack]

to be on the safe side Diplomacy check [roll0]

[Nanoblack]

@AjadeaAs you enter, the crowd in the main hallway surprises you. All manner of scruffy looking individuals are standing around in their own little cliques discussing battle strategy and filling out various forms. One of the fat political-types is standing near the end of the hall shaking the hand of a man literally twice his size.

Obviously a warrior, and though his armor obscures most of his details, you can still tell he's too massive to be human. The head of the flail hanging from his hip is larger than your head and the handle looks to be made of some rare wood that is capped at one end with an iron spike. He doesn't seem to be alone though, as there are two people listening intently to the conversation from their position nearby the opposite wall.

@Drack"Safety protocol requires we put the proper restraints on you before leading you into town and collect your possessions until you are cleared." Two of the younger, skittish-looking guards approach you holding manacles, arms visibly shaking.

[drack]

I stare back at them with eyes like willow whisps, and through my screaches the snack speaks: As I said I will accept your incarseration as a show of good faith.
Than as if to it's self it adds It's not as if we wouldn't be wasting more time running around in this weather anyways, even without being entirely lost.

The Medicine Man slowly extends two surprisingly long bony arms to the young soldiers, though despite his slow and careful extension of them the soldiers can't help but notice that the hands retain scraps of rotting flesh under the fingernails, and are caked in dry blood only partially cleansed by the rain. The skulls on his belt clinking dangerously as He allows the shackles to snap shut around his wrists, which are barely thiner than his hands.
Edit: (as in it is apparent that his hands can almost slip through the cuffs)

[Ajadea]

Nanoblack

Amaryllis's eyes scan over the crowd. They are likely here in answer to Commander Golda's call to arms. Her eyes flick over the oversized warrior, then, a few seconds later, her brain registers the extreme oddity of his appearance. She weaves her way through the crowd, observing and attempting to recognize exactly who tht fat politician is.


Knowledge (nobility and royalty(please tell me it applies to politics and politicians!)) to identify the man, his family ties, and his political stance. [roll0]

[Nanoblack]

@DrackThe men eye your odd anatomy for a moment but then begin to lead you toward the gates. You get loaded into a wagon along with several other forest dwelling humanoids, all looking worse for wear. After a moment it begins moving, all the passengers heads hanging sullenly.

@AdajeaThe fat man is Alder Roth, and he's in charge of "foreign policy". His family owns more than a dozen shops within this city and many others in far-off colonies. He paid his way into politics, and while he isn't very good at most official government business, he is known for his skill in finding people. He is responsible for several recent "peaceful" surrenders due to him somehow being able to pinpoint important tribesman and have them eliminated.

[drack]

when I first enter I go for the darkest corner, and if anyone is there do they vacate their seat? Than I quietly wait out the trip.
Intimidate check[roll0]

[Ajadea]

Nanoblack

Amaryllis walks over and joins the group listening in to the conversation between Roth and whatever he was talking to. Eavesdropping, while frowned on as a whole, was a very useful skill to have sometimes.

[Nanoblack]

@Drack[roll0]

The elf sitting in the corner looks at you like a dog kicked one too many times. He narrows his eyes at you but says nothing.

@AjadeaThe two who were listening in before you glance in your direction, but pay no further attention.

"Look, I understand that you mercenary types have a way of doing things, but lately you haven't been showing any results. Boasting about how many "notches" are on your weapon isn't going to keep people behind us!" He pauses for a moment to wipe the sweat from his brow. "I need you to bring back proof of how savage these b*stards are. I don't care how you do it, just get it done."

"Since Golda started pushin' da borders, people 'ave been 'ard ta find. Dey hide in deir little holes an stick us when ar' backs ar' turned. Deeze panzy skirts(arcane casters) ya keep sendin' out wit' us ain't helpin' either.

[drack]

(fairly pathetic Intimidate check I got there :smallsmile:)
I sit down across from this Elf and pull the skulls of a cat and two rats off of my belt (second snake skeleton) and continue my ongoing moaning wail allowing all three to shatter one at a time , and land on the elf's lap. The instant they make contact they sink in healing one point of damage each (cure minor wounds)

Than I look the elf in the eyes and begin questioning him about the state of his people, how he was captured, who he is, and what he or his country folk are attempting to do. I begin this conversation with the snake translating I am a Medicine Man among my people. Pledged to heal the sick and wounded far to the north. I must know who are you? How where you captured? Are you going to attempt anything in retaliation, or are any of your people?

I attempt to take the sympathetic approach gathering information about local politics untrained, relying only on my unnatural charm. [roll0]
Edit: apparently 14 is my lucky number now :smallannoyed:

[Ajadea]

Nanoblack

"Oh?" Amaryllis says, walking up to Roth and whatever he's talking to. "You don't care what is done, as long as you get your precious proof? If you have a hard time finding evidence of why, exactly, the so called savages deserve that title, perhaps you should consider the possibility that they aren't savages at all."

[Nanoblack]

@DrackHe doesn't seem to understand anything in common.

Elven:He begins speaking in Elven: "The wretches from this mire of a country razed my village in the night and captured most of us before we could reach for our weapons. The others do not believe me, but I am sure of our Elders involvement in our moment of weakness."

Dwarven:"I... not good in this... speak. Elven?"

Halfling:"The monsters from this horrible place attacked my village in the night and captured most of us before we could reach for our weapons. The others do not believe me, but I am sure our Elder betrayed us to the industrialists."



@AjadeaHe looks at you, surprised but cold. "I don't believe we've met miss?"

[Ajadea]

Nanoblack

"Amaryllis Black." she says. Her tone is as cold as his.

[Nanoblack]

@Ajadea"Well Miss Black, if you can point me to where you're seated in the delegation I'd be more inclined to listen to your opinion. As it stands however, you have neither the authority nor the experience required to comment on the matter."

[drack]

Everyone Why is everything but mine spoilers? Should I be using them more too?

The Medicine Man notes this fact and begins pondering how he will communicate with these people seeing as he only speaks in the whisper of Ka-Dul (though he understands almost all spoken languages). The Medicine Man only nods sympathetically prompting him with a gesture to continue as he pulls out five dead cats as any woman would take out her knitting, and begins preparing more cure minor wounds spells in order to show these pitiable presents that he is a "friend" before they are incarcerated. For additional security in his information gathering he presses a gold coin into the hands of the elf, though makes an obvious, though somewhat homely show of it making sure that others notice his generosity at hearing relevant news.

Than as if of it's own accord (though truly prompted by the Medicine Man despite his show of listening intently as the five cats shrivel and decay leaving only the pale bone exposed) the thin serpentine body of his translator snake raises it's head and asks if anyone speaks common aboard the wagon.

Note that preparing the cure minor wounds spells is an agonizingly slow process.

[Nanoblack]

@Drack(OOC: The spoilers allow players to maintain knowledge that only their character would know thus making RP mistakes less likely)

The elf nods when you hand him the coin despite the confused look on his face, he then turns away in disgust when you pull out the cats. Most of the people sitting in the wagon seem to be from the same tribe, but none of them speak common as it is a language generally associated with the oppression of the industrialists.

[Ajadea]

Nanoblack

"It is a matter of logic, nothing more. If there is no proof to support your conclusion, the chance that your conclusion is correct decreases. If you could tell me what proof you have, this discussion will be over. Until then, my point still stands."

[drack]

Nano
I spend the rest of the trip shriveling, and dissolving all the flesh, and most of the bones off the cats, deciding that they probably don't feel much like talking, and after all I had gained some little information for my troubles.

[Nanoblack]

@DrackThe trip is fairly short and immediately when the wagon stops, more guards show up to escort you to a separate chamber than the others. Waiting for you inside the room is a man in full plate, decorated with a good number of medals. There are several archers surrounding the perimeter of the room with loaded crossbows trained on you.

The door closes behind you and the man steps forward, offering you a handshake. "I apologize for the hostile environment, but you must understand that I've been attacked in here by dozens of foolhardy natives and we merely wish to quell any more attempts on my life. Now I've been told you have a message for me?"

@AjadeaHe smiles; a grin of a man who thinks he's won. "Well I think I might have to perfect solution for you, young lady. You look like a bright little trailblazer, how about I have a talk with Golda and make it so you can experience nature at its finest right on the front lines?"

[drack]

Nano The snake begins a slow translation of my never ending wails: Yes I have A message, and I can tell by the presence of bodyguards that you must be of some higher rank, but may I inquire to whom I am entrusting this information, name and rank?

The Medicine Man than takes a seat completely unfazed by the crossbows, and begins rubbing the top of a nearly unrecognizable canine skull.

Than continuing Also would these fine boys with their nice little wooden toys like to note that I am to serve in your regiments beside them, and that sometimes crosebows arn't the best way to make allies? At this a loud crack reverberates through the room leaving a long narrow crack along the skull, as if something where attempting to break through the skull, as one breaks through an egg.

Though of corse I understand why some people may need their company in orter to maintain civility. You than wouldn't mind than if I too had protection? Seeing as my physical form is somewhat more frail. The last of this is added with what almost sounded like sarcasm hollowed out and given a slightly serpentine taste to it.

[questionmark]

Lord Daemon Black stood before his sister's manor, shivering miserably in the oily rain and glaring at the cracked pavement. His feifdom being a largely uninhabited backwater, Daemon had once again been surprised by the greasy nightmare that was inner City weather. While the thick black overcoat he wore as a matter of habit blocked the rain very effectively, he had left his head uncovered, and his long black hair had been plastered down the back of the leather coat, drawing sharp attention to a prominent widow's peak.

Daemon doubled over for a moment, coughing violently, before straightening himself back up and making his way to the front door. This sort of braving the elements was without a doubt not helping his already dubious health, and he could already forsee a royally displeased Amaryllis in his future.

Quickly shuffeling under the doorway to avoid any more rain, Daemon began knocking on the door

Nano:

I am assuming that Amaryllis would have a butler or something who could let Black in?

[Nanoblack]

@Drack"My name isn't important for what you have in mind. Though my rank as Chief POW Interrogator is definitely of some importance..." Seeing your calm, he takes a seat as well; across from you. "I'm about as high up in the ranks as you are going to reach in your position. Now, what is it that you have for me? Keeping in mind that it will be highly influential towards the outcome of this conversation."

@questionmarkThe third time your hand connects with the door it creaks open and the familiar face of Amaryllis' elderly doorman urges you to come inside, out of the rain. Immediately you spot a note on one of the end-tables, signed by Amaryllis at the bottom. "Is there anything you'll be needing, Master Daemon?"

[Ajadea]

Nanoblack

Amaryllis raises her eyebrows. "Perhaps. I will consider your offer, however, I have duties to perform. I cannot abandon them to satisfy my curiosity." She already dislikes Roth and his patronizing attitude. Why does he feel a need to deflect my questions? What does he have to hide?

[Nanoblack]

@Ajadea"Your duties aren't going to be a problem. I'd be more than happy to arrange for a proxy to manage you position while you're gone."

[drack]

I have intel of high importance yo your efforts agenst the Fey Than the snake uncoils and slithers across the table, bones clinking on metal, as it makes it's way stopping right in front of the interrogator, and opens it's boned jaw revealing the message within.

[questionmark]

Cordially thanking the familiar old man on his way in, Daemon handed the small amount of luggage he carried with him to him, and made his way to the table, quickly scanning over his sister's handwriting.

So there was another military meeting occuring. Excellent; Daemon could finally catch up on the current news about the conflicts with the Fey, and catch up with Amaryliss at the same time. The thin man smiled wanly at his sisters orders against stress; he wondered vaguely if she expected him to heed them at all anymore.

He straightened up quickly, without looking at the elderly servant.

"As a matter of fact, I would like assistance in two matters, if it is no trouble to yourself. If you could, perhaps, give me directions to this meeting my sister has attended and a coat more suited to this weather? I should like to see how the expansion efforts are going myself."

[Ajadea]

Nanoblack

"I thank you for your offer, but I assure you I am fully capable of taking care of my own responsibilities." Amaryllis says, nodding slightly. She turns and walks away from Roth. There is no chance I would let that incompetent fool anywhere near my home, let alone give him the chance to get his oversized nose into my personal business! she thinks, slightly annoyed underneath an expression of perfect calm.

[Nanoblack]

@DrackOOC: Uh what does it say?

@questionmarkThe old man effortlessly carries the luggage into the next room before returning with a map covered in fresh ink detailing your route. "I can have a carriage arranged if you are feeling under the weather, sir."

@AjadeaThe fat man smugly smiles at your departure then goes back to his conversation with the hulking flail-wielder.

[questionmark]

Daemon replied without taking his eyes from the map he had been handed.

"Yes, that would be most convenient."

[drack]

Nano
It reports abnormal fey movement, including a large scale amassment of forces. It also gives statistics on common (Fey) battle tactics, and intell on strengths and weaknesses of many rare fey. Scribed at the bottom are the results of many scyings and the such.

[Nanoblack]

@drackHis eyebrows raise after a few moments of reading. "We may have something here... of course it will take time to confirm this information, but until then you are free to go. We will be keeping an eye on you until then." The bowmen lower their weapons and the doorway leading to the rest of the city opens.

@questionmarkWithout a moments hesitation, he disappears into the rear of the house. He returns with a young man, who after being handed some coin, immediately sets out into the street to flag down your ride. It's not long before you hear a rap at your door and the grease-soaked man stands in the doorway, triumphantly. Your carriage awaits.

[questionmark]

With a quick nod of thanks to both the doorman and the younger servant, Daemon stepped into the cairrage and leaned back, looking steadily at the ceiling as he waited for his arrival to the meetinghouse.

[drack]

Nano
I ask the interrogator for a good inn and to notify me when he has worked out the matter of how useful the letter was. than i depart, and go to the inn, get a room to retreat into, and make the remaining two cats into detect magic spells, and mutter to myself all night waiting for a reply

[Nanoblack]

@DrackThe inn he recommended to you looks sort of run down though you do remember a nicer looking one you passed by earlier.

@questionmarkThe carriage pulls in front of a building that looks to be a mix of bot courthouse and cathedral. The set of massive double doors directly in front stands ajar with light spilling out from within.

[drack]

Nano I settle for the run down inn reasoning that this way I will be properly informed, or they will have no excuses. (After all I lived a couple thousand years in a cave, how bad could an inn be? :smallbiggrin:)

I enter the inn and walk over to the innkeeper and say Sir, how much for a room at this establishment?

[Nanoblack]

@DrackThe look in the mans eye is definitely not friendly, but the prospect of money leads him to speak. "It'll be five silver. You get the room at the end of the hall." He points to a dimly lit hallway off to the right. From where you're standing, you can see four rooms other than the one you've been offered.

In the common area of the inn, you can see a handful of typical tavern-goers, but one in particular strikes you as odd. A little girls sits by herself in the corner eating a bread roll.

[questionmark]

Daemon leaned impassively out the window of the cairrage, surveying the apparent meetinghouse. It was an admirable building to be most certain: the inner city got more grand every time he came. Once again avoiding eye contact with the servant, Daemon raised himself slowly off of his seat before dropping out of the cairrage and striding quickly into the open door.

Daemon stood for a while directly inside the door, quickly shaking his drenched and oily hair dry with a single, somewhat wolfish movement and allowing himself to take in the detail of the establishment and the people that were in it.

[drack]

I drop a gold coin (only slightly bloodied) in the innkeeper's hand saying I'll take it for two nights for now, no meals, and a tub of water to my room if you will, but mind you not with it's heating.

I than work my way across the inn to the girl. When I get there I take a seat with her placing my blood-coated arms on the tabe, and ask How old are you child, and why do you sit all alone in this establishment.

[Nanoblack]

@DrackShe seemed distant when you first approached, but upon speaking she looks up in fear. "You came back to get me too? I don't care anymore, let the monsters have me..." She seems on the verge of tears.

@questionmarkAs you enter, the crowd in the main hallway surprises you. All manner of scruffy looking individuals are standing around in their own little cliques discussing battle strategy and filling out various forms. One of the fat political-types is standing near the end of the hall shaking the hand of a man literally twice his size.

Obviously a warrior, and though his armor obscures most of his details, you can still tell he's too massive to be human. The head of the flail hanging from his hip is larger than your head and the handle looks to be made of some rare wood that is capped at one end with an iron spike. He doesn't seem to be alone though, as there are two people listening intently to the conversation from their position nearby the opposite wall.

Walking away from those two, looking quite frustrated, is Amaryllis.

[drack]

I reply What monsters would want you, and who else did they take? The Medicine Man leans forward in interest.

[questionmark]

Knowledge (Fey) check to see if I can scope this big guy out at all:


[roll0]


After a quick sweep of the room, Daemon's attention focused on the two figures his sister had left in such a huff. His intuition, as well his experience with his sister, told him that the passionately idealistic Amaryllis had had some form of altercation with these men. Daemon quickly decided he needed to talk to this party before his sister saw him and revealed their connection: Knowing his sister, things could very well turn ugly then depending on just how much they had managed to rile her up.

Daemon quickly stooped forward slightly and widened his eyes out of their usual predatory glare, attempting to fit better the part of the sickly, out of touch lord as he made his way toward the two men.

"Em, pardon me, sirs. I've just come out from one of the outer feifdoms and thought I would see how the recent expansion against the Fey has been going. From the look of things," He slipped an unobtrusive thumb over his shoulder, indicating his sister, "I have just missed a rather dramatic debate. Do tell," He attempted to widen his eyes further in a fabricated look of admiration "What bold move has incited this contoversy?"

At this last statement, Daemon looked at the well dressed man and the giant in turn, making it clear he was expecting an answer from either, if not both, of them.


I am taking 10 on a diplomacy check to butter up both guys, and likewise on a bluff check to seem less like an intellectual threat to the bureaucrat. I think that would be a 25 on diplomacy and a 21 on bluff, respectively.

[Nanoblack]

@DrackYou can tell your appearance is what frightened her (perhaps the stench of death as well). Your calm tone and well-intentioned questioning warms her slightly. She looks up at you, attempting to make eye contact. "I dunno. My daddy just disappeared one night, but there was a flower laying in my bed when i woke up. I ran in his room and there were plants and blood everywhere, but not daddy..." She regains her panicked look.

@questionmarkYou can tell he's likely not human, but anything more is hidden by the armor.

The armored man speaks first, albeit briefly. "I ain't really sposed to talk shop cept' wit this guy an my mates over dere." He gestures to two unfriendly looking mercenary types listening in on the conversation from the opposite wall.

The fat man, however, seems enthralled by your manner of speaking. "Can you believe that foul woman would barge in here, no reason whatsoever, and start gibbering at me about wartime morals? She thinks she knows those savage leafbloods better than I do!"

[drack]

I ask Do you have any Idea where these monsters are?

[Ajadea]

Nanoblack

Amaryllis slips into the crowds, mingling, making small talk, and directing conversations towards what is truly on her mind: the expansion and the way people feel about it and the Fey in general. Hoping that she is not the only one who sees the fey as beings with true emotions and ideals, but realizing that many people share Roth's opinion, believing that the fey are savage beasts, fit only to die.

Gather Information: [roll0]
Diplomacy to get people thinking about the morality of the situation: [roll1]

[Nanoblack]

@DrackShe is now holding back sobs. "I was always told they were the forest people."

@AjadeaIt's not difficult to get most to explain their stance on the matter, as they're all either eager grunts signing up to be shipped out or aloof politicians, eager for more meat in the military grinder.

[drack]

I say Don't worry youngling the military will kill all the monsters such that they won't take anyone ever again. Here, child have this and ease your hunger. The Medicine Man pulls a relatively fresh fish from his snake bely, and hands it to her before returning to his alloted room to wait for a reply.

[questionmark]

Internally, Daemon rolled his eyes at the pompous bureaucrat; not only had he completely inflated once his ego had been stroked, he appeared to be letting some level of his bigotry into his military strategy. While Daemon did not exactly sympathise with the "leafbloods" as the man had called them, he knew that they were easily civilized enough that "Barbarian" was a completely unfitting term for them.

This man is going to underestimate his foe, be it sooner or later, and pay for it. Having no belief in your enemy is how foolish people die.

The corner or Daemon's mouth began to curl into a bemused grin at this thought, but he quickly beat it down for the sake of his facade of admiration.

"Yes, it never ceases to amaze how some individuals, despite their utter lack of knowledge, insist on pushing their ill-advised opinions on their betters. I'm sure you've had a great deal more experience interacting with these barbaric hordes than she could hope to understand..?"

Daemon dripped a liberal amount of faux curiosity into his expression, confident that the windbag couldn't resist crowing out some of his "experience with these barbaric hordes", which would serve as an excellent entry topic for the things he actually wanted to learn about the situation

(taking another 10 on diplomacy, if necessary)

[Nanoblack]

@DrackShe stares at the fish in confusion as you walk back to your quarters. Later that day, a plate with half a roasted fish and a quarter-loaf of bread comes sliding under your door, followed by the quick pattering of tiny footsteps running away.

@questionmark"Of course I do! I get daily detailed reports of their activities on all sides of the city. How anyone could claim to lecture me on the matter is preposterous."

[drack]

I smile to myself (despite my lack of a digestive track) acknowledging her kindness. I than slip the food into the smaller snake's head such that nobody will later notice it's presence.

[questionmark]

Daemon couldn't believe his luck. Not only was this man easy prey for his silver tongue, but if what he said was true, he seemed to be the single most potent repository of information in this meeting.

"You don't say! All sides? You mean even my friend Stavros and his excavation crew..no, its impossible to know that much."

Now the tone Daemon manufactured was hopeful disbelief, not strong enough to give the man the impression he actually strongly doubted him: if this man did know of Stavros and the area around his camp, than his crowing should give him at least a solid starting point to work from.

[Nanoblack]

@Drack There are several other occasions throughout the day where the footsteps return and leave various gifts near your door.

OOC: Sorry for not giving you much to do, but I'm trying to keep everybody on the same timing and something important for the Medicine Man is happening elsewhere...

@Questionmark"I'm afraid I'm not too familiar with everyone on the ground, at least not on our side. I deal more in enemy intel-" In through the doors comes a man in full plate, decorated with a good number of medals and holding a ragged piece of parchment in his hands. He gestures for Roth to follow and they both disappear further into the building.

[Ajadea]

Amaryllis sighs, sitting down in a nearby chair. People are idiots. They'd rather have someone else do the thinking for them. she thinks, shaking her head. There are many things that she needed to do, not the least of which was deciding whether or not to ship out with the soldiers and find out what the fey really were like.

Whether I like that man or not, Roth's idea has legitimacy, though likely not in the way he would expect. If I could find evidence that the fey are not barbarians, maybe the commoners would listen. At the very least, we would stop losing so many to their traps and schemes. The fey are not idiotic, if they can slay so many. Indeed, most of them are probably more intelligent than that bigot.

[Nanoblack]

@AjadeaA man in full plate decorated with many medals strides in through the doors holding a ragged piece of parchment. He gestures for Roth to follow and they disappear further into the building.

[questionmark]

Daemon cursed inwardly as his target was swept away by the official man in the armor. He breifly entertained the notion of following the pair unnoticed but decided that if the man wanted to talk to him privately than the risks of such an approach far outweighed the benefits, at least for now. In the meantime, Daemon began searching through the building for Amaryllis to finally enact their slightly delayed reunion.

[Ajadea]

Amaryllis got up, her eyes tracking the departure of Roth and his companion. She scanned the room and almost took a double-take before recomposing herself and walking over Daemon. "You don't even pretend to listen to me anymore, do you?" she says, slightly annoyed.

[drack]

The Medicine Man (who isn't the most patiant among his people as is evident in his having taken the large snake head too soon,) allows his curiousity to get the better of him, and decides to go out venturing in order to see what a city is actualy like. Being accostom to the dark of caves he decides that there would be no better time to see what makes a city a city, than at night, when obviously any advanced society would be out and about fulfilling their daily routine.

The Medicine Man slips silently out of his room, and creeps down to the common room in which he informs the innkeeper I will be going out for a nighttime stroll. I will be back before my stay expires. If any messages arrive for me pleas keep them for me.

With that the Medicine Man exits the inn, and begins prowling the streets looking for anything of interest.

[questionmark]

The disappointed, sopping wet, and naturally dour Daemon couldnt stop a genuine smile from carving itself into his haggard face at her usual enthusiastic disapproval; He really hadnt realized how much he had missed his sister.

"Well, I heard the part about there being a meeting. I guess I just...skimmed the rest." He allowed himself to chuckle heartily at his own slight joke, then regretted the decision as his laughter devolved into a painful coughing fit. "Ah. I'm fine, don't worry. Anyway," He brazenly attempted to draw attention away from his health for the time being by adopting a teasing tone, something no one would ever see in him had he not been talking to Amaryllis. "According to that rather plump man, you are a foul woman who gibbers about wartime morals. How do you plead?

[Ajadea]

"Innocent, naturally, to all except one charge. I do care about wartime morals. And about decreasing the fatalities our side suffers each day." Amaryllis replies, raising an eyebrow at Daemon's current state of being utterly drenched. "I hope you didn't walk here, Daemon. You could at least pretend to care about your health."

It always slightly amused her how easily she slipped into a motherly role when Daemon was around. "Perhaps we should go back home, if you are not feeling well."

[Nanoblack]

@DrackThis busy city is home to many marvels unheard of back in your peoples territory. While most things are simple, like the paved roads and everbright street lamps, things like steel refineries and massive golems are regular sights here.

The main attraction of today is the constant flow of mercenaries into the courthouse. Obviously part of the heavy recruitment protocol implemented by their leaders, which you've heard whispers about it since you arrived.

[drack]

At first the Medicine Man circles around this courthouse noting the odd flow of massive muscular men. This is also a new sight to him seeing as in his land there is no such thing as a warrior. The closest there is is a hunter. The Medicine Man cautiously enters the building staying somewhat out of sight until his curiosity than finally gets the better of him.

He jumps out in front of one of the "machine people" and says:Hello, why dose your metal appear more permanent than that which other humans wear? What is your name? Where are you from? What is your rank?

Than noticing that the machine has no time to respond to any of the questions (not to mention shocked by the Medicine Man's appearance), and that he is letting his excitement get the better of him (something the elders would disprove of immensely), he decides to stop, and slowly say I am known as the Medicine Man.

[questionmark]

Deamon scowled, more troubled with old memories than angry.
"I'd rather not think about my disease too much; I think its already earned me more than enough 'special treatment' from this family."
At his sister's suggestion, Daemon thought awhile.
"Certainly. It doesnt seem like I will found out much about the current war efforts from these bigots and hero hopefuls. Although I wonder..." He turned to Amaryllis. "You are more used to these meetings and such than I; did you recognize that portly man or the armored man that led him off? they seemed like they were very...influential."

[Ajadea]

"The fat man is Alder Roth, a rich merchant's son who plays at being a politician. His influence stems from money, and possibly supporters, though I cannot fathom why anyone would support him. He's not even good at what he pretends to do. The only thing he can do is find those who hold power and hire someone else to do what he believes must be done." Amaryllis says quietly. "I do not know who he was talking to, but the man in armor was not human."

[Nanoblack]

@DrackThere's a delay in the "machine mans" response as hes takes in your appearance. "I assume you are a recent import from the outside? I am called Scrap. I am a field medic for other 'machine men'. Our official classification is: Warforged, though there are others like us without the spark." He says all of this in monotone, and this is clearly his best attempt at sounding friendly.

[drack]

The medicine man attempts to make his body language, and voice friendly, but that is only to a limited effect seeing as his voice is a almost haunted sounding shriek, and that this is than translated through a somewhat hollow sounding snake voice (and I won't even go into body language).

Regardless he continues in as pleasant a voice as he can manage considering his surcumstances. I am also a healer amung my people, but we healers of my land are all refered to as the Medicine Man, rather than "Medic".(he has a bit of trouble with the strange word, but appears to understand it's significance)

What is this?He continues gesturing at the much illuminated, and by now crowded courthouse.

[Nanoblack]

@Drack"This is where many of the lands warriors are gathering in order to further their cultures expansion. As he is readying his next sentence, you hear a familiar voice cut him off.

"It seems your sense of direction is better than most." The man you sent off with your intel has appeared with another rather rotund man at his side. "I didn't even have time to come find you and here you are, showing up at my doorstep." He says all of this enthusiastically. "This is Alder Roth, and the man responsible for... well look."He hands you several papers describing your new probationary citizenship.

The fat man steps forward to congratulate you, but declines a handshake upon noting you anatomy. "I looked through the information you gave us, and while most of it we already knew, there were a few key points that really would have set us back had we missed them." He takes a slightly more serious tone. "Now it's against regulation to give full citizenship upon arrival, but with what you brought me today, I've managed to get your probationary period reduced to just one week."


@Ajadea and questionmarkIt's not long before you spot the two men returning back to the main hallway in a hurried manner, but quickly stopping to speak with an extremely odd looking fellow draped with what appears to be animal bones.

[drack]

The Medicine Man rises to his full hight for the first time in his stay, easily dwarfing all three men, and puts his hands on the fat man's shoulders (fingers dangerously close to the fat man's neck as is their tradition.) Than has a skeletal snake resting on his back say Sir, you honor me, but I was sent by the elders to serve your struggle the instant this message is delivered. So I am sorry if this appears a bit ungrateful, but could you instead sent me into the fray. As he says this his eyes glow brighter, and his skin seems to fade into the night, leaving in appearance two will o' wisp bight purple eyes in a dangerous looking night time mist, the occasional bone glistening from within.

[Ajadea]

Amaryllis whips around as the...being, whatever it was, entered the room. "What..." she whispers, eyes widening as the bone-draped being vanishes almost completely.

[questionmark]

Daemon allowed a wry sneer to curl his lip as the odd-looking newcomer entered. Impassively surveying the strange being with a disinterested gaze, he allowed a slight snort without stopping his study of the being. An eyebrow raised in surprise as the thing began to vanish.

"Here's an interesting fellow. Is it just me or are our good generals in charge here getting desperate for aid of any sort?"


and a knowledge fey roll for Drack:
[roll0]

[Ajadea]

"I would agree with that." Amaryllis says. "Might as well be a fey itself, but if it will turn against its kin, the generals don't care about its race as much as they would like us to believe."

[Nanoblack]

@questionmarkYou've heard rumors of fey-types from the darker parts of the wood who have figured out how to harvest residual magic from the remains of the dead. Their time within the feywood have given them a weak glamer effect that they often manipulate to look more intimidating. They can't normally speak most humanoid languages, but have developed a technique that allows them to speak through the dead.

[drack]

I figure the way the RP is going I may as well make an intimidate check. [roll0]... I would roll a 1 wouldn't I. after all my other intimidate I rolled a 2

[Nanoblack]

@Ajadea & questionmark If you honestly feel like you might be intimidated by such a display, you may roll an opposed check with a +2 bonus as it isn't directed at you. Questionmark gets an additional +2 due to his high knowledge roll.

[Ajadea]

@ Nano

Meh. Not likely. Amaryllis is more like :smallconfused: than :smalleek: right now.

[questionmark]

Suddenly, Daemon's hawklike eyes narrowed for a split second as a realization struck the man. Then, his sneer returned, and he began tapping his temple knowingly with a forefinger.

"Ah. Sister, I do believe this fine gentleman does actually hail from the feywood himself. I recognize some attributes from my reading. Fascinating really..."

The gaunt man allowed himself to trail off, then turned towards the creature with an odd look in his eye, detatched and predatory, like a falcon closing in on its mark.

"So the "Barbarians" have adopted a highest bidder mentality, have they? How...convenient for us."


guess I'll make an intimidate check meself. Just focused on Drack though.
[roll0]
and dont think Daemon will be too frightened, so I wont bother there.

[Ajadea]

"Daemon, I wouldn't mess with a creature that wears bones like a second skin. Please try not to get in over your head." Amaryllis smiled wryly at her last sentence. She had had plenty of experience in getting herself in over her head. Idealism and politics didn't seem to mix as well as she would prefer.

[drack]

The Medicine man, noticing that he didn't seem to be getting much of a response tried again (and I'll throw in the ceremonial intimidate check just to make "the fat man" feel so much better). "Sir again, I would like to request you to put me on the front lines where I may better serve the elder's wishes." His eyes twinge with a new element witch (though actually fear at the prospects of not obeying the elders, to other) can be taken as the last twinges of mercy leaving him.

This time the snake (sensing his fright and anxiety) leans a little closer to "the fat man", and the snake like elements in it's speech become more prevalent.

[roll0]
Edit: yay, not a completely fail roll.

[Nanoblack]

Both Roth and his companion nod to the intimidating figure and exit from the building. (Unless someone decides to stop them) The hallway is beginning to clear as more and more of the warrior types are walking to the back.

@DrackA thin man standing in the hallway takes notice of you and sends you a glare. Not necessarily aggressively but more in response to your appearance.

[drack]

I hasten to blend into the shadows of a nearby alleyway , and find a nice dark place under a nearby building to survey the situation (which quite frankly looked fairly grim to the medicine man despite the nods). Than he quickly slips back to his temporary residencies.

Nano:The Medicine Man than sits himself nicely on the bed and decides that his worn body could use some nourishment, and that his arsenal was insufficient for what lay ahead. He pulls a variate of corpses from his "snake head O' holding" and enters a meditative state in which he reaches for the dark tendrils of Ka-Dul. He slowly draws power from them, taking a little to nourish himself, and diverting the rest to the preparation of the following spells before the dark power could overwhelm him. He converts his remaining 2 cats into light spells
remaining 3 ravens into inflict minor wounds spells
7 old fish into 4 entangle, and 3 obscuring mist spells
Than pulling out 4 human corpses he creates 4 more summon undead 1 spells
Thus finished with his meditation he went about commanding those which may be useful:2 obscuring mist, 1 entangle, 2 light, 10 cure minor wounds, and 5 inflict minor wounds. (I won't make checks out of combat, seeing as I have all the time in the world to make the check.)

[questionmark]

Daemon continued to watch the strange fey creature with an air of smug interest, then turned to his sister.

"Well, it seems events here are coming to close. Shall we go, or is there more you wish to attend to?"

[Ajadea]

"No, there is not." Amaryllis replies. "Though I certainly should figure out what has happened on the front lines to make the politicians desperate enough to accept alliances with those they seek to destroy. And what would make the fey desperate enough to offer alliance in the first place. But that can wait." She walks out with Daemon, keeping a close eye on him as they returned home in the rented carriage.

[questionmark]

"Indeed." Daemon thought back to the odd Fey creature; he fully intended to find that creature again and learn, if he could, why exactly it had chosen to betray his kin.

If at all it had...

This thought struck the slight man rather suddenly, and he grinned to himself, half convinced this was the case. The higher ups certainly seemed desparate enough to ignore a potential snake in the grass....

Be that as it may, Daemon had more fish to fry in the big city. Let some leafblood spies jeopardize the entire expansion effort, he had business here that had infinitely more pertinance to him. For example, visiting his sister. And, on the side, finding out a little more about an old friend.

"Tell me, Amaryllis. you know quite a bit about the higher-ups and the political climate around hear; have you ever heard of a man in the inner city who goes by the family name Nakros? I have some business with him I would like to wrap up while I am here"

[Nanoblack]

OOC@Ajadea: I'm sure if you are around your brother much, you are familiar with many of his business partners, at least by name.

[Ajadea]

"Nakros? I think so, he lives near the marketplace. I hope you aren't planning to visit him in this weather, Daemon. The cold and wet is not good for your health."

[questionmark]

Daemon smiled grimly to himself once more.

Brilliant. Perhaps I can achieve something here after all.

Turning to his sister, he chuckled darkly. "Don't worry, Amaryllis. I will take necessary pains to avoid the rain and cold if necessary. After all" He shifted in his seat, gazing contemplatively at the dark wooden ceiling, "I have no intentions of shuffling off this mortal coil just yet". Amaryllis knew of his goal (not even he could have confidence in no one) but he had not filled her in as to how he planned reach his aim.

Perhaps that is for the best.

As he continued contemplating the polished interior of the carriage, he decided this was indeed true. As much respect (he could only hope it was mutual) as he held for his sister, he recognized that her quixotic tendencies might not allow her to abide by his more ruthless strategems. As far back as he could remember, Amaryllis had been a valuable friend and support for Daemon, but there had always been fundamental differences between his headstrong twin and himself. He suspected this must be due to the privaledges she had enjoyed in life. She was needed by the family, taken care of, treated as an asset. None of these things, he had realized long ago, would ever be available to himself. The time for that had long passed him by. He was something more sinister, unable to truly belong in the world of wartime morals and headstrong heroes his sister so proudly occupied.

However, she did not need to know that. He fixed his gaze on his sister and smiled, perhaps a tad ruefully.
"As for today however, I do believe I will follow your lead for once." He paused, thinking hard for a moment. "What is it one does in their spare time here? I'm afraid I have been out in the hinterlands a bit too long."

[Ajadea]

"Socialize. Manipulate. There is far too much free time in the city." Amaryllis said. She paused, and in a considerably more distant voice, she added "I suppose I should arrange for someone to come and take care of things while I'm gone."

[drack]

The medicine man, for lack of his familiar undead companions from back home, lack of a current task to occupy his mind, and due to all the excitement of being in such an interesting place, decides to venture out and find the skinny man whom he saw glaring at him in the hallway.

He chooses this particular person because (to the medicine man) he had a homely complexion (reminding him of the sickly rotting corpses that had kept him company for so long), and because he had more of the basic quality essential to rulership in the Medicine Man's domain... the ability to invoke fear. Despite having not noticed it at all in comparison to the lasting image of the elder's demands he was now beginning to notice that that man had caused the slightest of shivers in the Medicine Man's spine.

Thus resolved the Medicine Man slips downstairs telling the innkeeper I believe I will take a nice relaxing stroll in this marvelous aura of Ka-Dul that you humans have so kindly created. With that he steps back out into the falling glops of sludge in a search to find the authoritative, homely young human.

[Nanoblack]

@DrackAssuming you return to the last place you saw the young man, you arrive just in time to see him and the dark haired woman step into a carriage. Before you are able to reach it, however, the coachman spurs the horses on, heading east.

[drack]

Having now lost hope of speaking to the homely looking young man, the Medicine Man decides to return to his room and think of all the wonders that he experienced since leaving his homeland. (Guess I'll just call his game day over, clean and simple :smallsmile:.)