[ATLA AU] The Crystal Expedition

[John Cribati]

The people of the Earth Kingdom are diverse and strong. It would have been foolish not to expect their establishments to reflect this property. Yet, the Rolling Wave tavern was abnormal in its lack of rowdiness. Maybe it was the magnificent view of the ocean. Maybe it was the cool sea breeze. Maybe it was located on some sort of spiritual wellspring of harmony. Whatever the reason, everything just seemed to be in balance here. Disagreements were not uncommon, very rarely did altercations become physical; more often than not, the old man at the Pai Sho table (a strangely common fixture in various establishments in all four nations) would convince both parties to discuss their differences over a game.

Of course, not everyone was here solely for the atmosphere. Little did anyone know that today, five people, of different ages, stages, and walks of life, would come together.


You are currently in the tavern's back room, a White Lotus agent, waiting for a new initiate to the meeting so that the two of you can be briefed.

You have apparently caught the eye of many, as the local waterbending master informed you that your skills were needed in the Earth Kingdom. His ship just dropped you off, and besides your supplies, all you have to guide you is a small wooden disk with a flower on it, and the name of this establishment.

You're vaguely aware of the tavern's strange sense of balance, but your experience as a traveler and scrapper tells you that something is about to go down. The strange man in the hood has been eyeing the Pai Sho board for some time, and the last person to play a game disappeared into the back room more than fifteen minutes ago.

You two have just recently met in your solitary travels, and are spending some time catching up and/or introducing yourselves depending on whether or not you hail from the same Air Temple. You also seem to be aware of the imbalance the strange hooded man is bringing to this place.

[cavalieredraghi]

A cloaked figure sits in one of the corners of the tavern, a strange staff lays on his chair. when the man removes his hood a bald blue tattooed head reveals itself. Sojourn, sits down talking to his old friend, Nam-Kha, while keeping his eyes on the hooded man you seems to be an inbalance. how have you been Nam-Kha? I have not seen you since the last Gathering.

[Batpope Scott]

Jia

The beautiful woman sitting amongst a group of strangers, sipping off a drink cajoled out of the naivety of a young male patron, takes notice of the disturbance in the mood. A mysterious hooded man, huh? There's a lot of hoods in here... wonder if there's some kind of holiday I'm missing out on.

As she sits and thinks to herself, a sly smile takes over her features as a crazy idea takes hold. She politely excuses herself from her table and walks over to the focal point of this disturbance, namely the newly-come hooded man, and introduces herself. "Hello, stranger. Is there anything I can help you find? You look a little lost." Her attempts at concealing a slight slur have some difficulties, though she aims to distract with her best disarming smile. She does her best to get a look at the face of the man, though she stays far enough away that he can't suddenly grab her.

That wouldn't end well for him, anyhow.

[AmberVael]

Xia waited calmly in the back room of the tavern, seated at her small table with a pot of tea. Well, calmly with a hint of impatience- she was curious about why she'd been called here, and would have truthfully preferred to pass the time among the other patrons of the tavern. It wasn't her call though, so she just let out a soft sigh, took a sip of tea, and continued to wait, letting her attention stray towards the doorway that led to the main tavern every so often.

When it became clear that no one was going to come join her soon, she slowly began to set up her own Pai Sho board, arranging each tile just so.

[John Cribati]

"Hello, stranger. Is there anything I can help you find? You look a little lost."

The man scoffs, harsh and breathy, still hiding his eyes under his hood. "I look lost?" He demands, lisping noticeably. "You're the one who looks like she hails from across the sea."

[Batpope Scott]

"And you seem to be rather focused on Pai Sho yet not playing. I can help you ask the old man to play a game with you if you like, it's not hard to make friends with the right mindset."

She talks like a bubbly airhead, yet her eyes betray that she's after something; they have a certain predatory keen to them as she speaks. She watches the man intensely, unconsciously readying herself to defend without even the slightest hint of why. Something about this man doesn't seem right to her.

[cavalieredraghi]

Sojo, leans back, on his chair, while he enjoys he tea. his eyes seem to wonder, but he is ever aware of the cute young lady talking with the hooded figure. He still can't help but shake something is going to go wrong.

[Starbin]

The young man walked into the Rolling Wave tavern, fresh off the boat. He looked around for a moment, then found an open table to sit at. He was typical for one of the Water Tribes - dark hair, deep blue eyes, and pale weather skin. He slipped the large sack off his shoulder and dropped it beside his chair as he sat down and looked around the room. He took in the young girl talking with the cranky older man ... he saw the table of pai sho players ... a young girl waiting for a game.

Sitting back in his chair, he peered at the small wooden tile he had, wondering what it meant, and who he should be meeting with.

[Noctemwolf]

A cloaked figure sits in one of the corners of the tavern, a strange staff lays on his chair. when the man removes his hood a bald blue tattooed head reveals itself. Sojourn, sits down talking to his old friend, Nam-Kha, while keeping his eyes on the hooded man you seems to be an imbalance. how have you been Nam-Kha? I have not seen you since the last Gathering.



Sitting beside Sojourn, another master airbender took a sip from the warm drink he was holding. Nam-kha watched the tavern alongside his old friend, keeping a particular eye on the strange figure who's presence made him uncomfortable.

"Oh, I've been fine Sojourn. Seen a lot more of the earth kingdom since I saw you last. It's beautiful when you see if from the air."

His staff was also beside him,his clothing similar to Sojourns, if only different from the light layer of chain-mail laying over the cloth. sometimes it was useful when he just wasn't fast enough... not that that happened often. His body language displayed a cool confidence.

there were a lot of foreigner's here today, it seemed, as he watched a Water Tribe member enter the Inn.

"Any closer?" he asked, referring to Sojourn's quest to find his family, some concern in his voice as he sipped at the hot drink again, blowing on it slightly before raising it to his lips.

[John Cribati]

"And you seem to be rather focused on Pai Sho yet not playing. I can help you ask the old man to play a game with you if you like, it's not hard to make friends with the right mindset."

She talks like a bubbly airhead, yet her eyes betray that she's after something; they have a certain predatory keen to them as she speaks. She watches the man intensely, unconsciously readying herself to defend without even the slightest hint of why. Something about this man doesn't seem right to her.

He pulls up his hood, revealing one of his eyes. It's a sickly yellow color, with a strange vertical slit for a pupil. "I think it would be in your best interest to leave, little one."

The stranger makes an Intimidation Check to coerce Jia to leave the table, with a circumstance bonus for showing her his creepy looking eye.
[roll0]
Jia must succeed on an opposing Will Resistance Check if she wants to continue interacting.
Natural 20, Critical Success. Even though she is Fearless, Jia must succeed on DC25 Will Resistance Check (+13 Circumstance Bonus for being); if she wants to continue interacting. Otherwise, Jia gets up immediately and looks for a friendlier patron to bother.


The young man walked into the Rolling Wave tavern, fresh off the boat. He looked around for a moment, then found an open table to sit at. He was typical for one of the Water Tribes - dark hair, deep blue eyes, and pale weather skin. He slipped the large sack off his shoulder and dropped it beside his chair as he sat down and looked around the room. He took in the young girl talking with the cranky older man ... he saw the table of pai sho players ... a young girl waiting for a game.

Sitting back in his chair, he peered at the small wooden tile he had, wondering what it meant, and who he should be meeting with.

A young tavern maiden approaches, swaying her hips more than slightly as she carries a tray loaded with drinks. You notice that she must be more coordinated than she's making herself out to appear because of this.

She places a glass of water in front of Tarruk. "Been a while since we had a Tribesman in these parts. What do you drink?"

[cavalieredraghi]

Sojourn looks down at his drink for a second, trying to find the words for his failure at finding his family. The tea while soothing to drink did not reveal the words that eluded him. After a few minutes silence he spoke. I unfortunately still have found nothing, but i will i can not give up. So why have you been travelling so much as well Nam?

[Starbin]

Tarruk glanced up at the girl, completely aware of the way she had sashayed her way over. Looking at the water, he nodded to the glass. "Water's fine for now, but I'd like to try whatever tea you have ... and any dried meats you can find.

Say, have you seen a tile like this before?" He held up the small tile with the flower on it.

[Batpope Scott]

[roll0] Will defense. Adding in that +13 makes this a success even on a natural 1, considering there is no critical failure.

Jia notices the attempt at coercion but, frankly, isn't impressed. Scarier men have tried and failed. "Hey, I meant no offense, just trying to be friendly. We got off to a bad start. My name's Jia Wo. I'm originally from the fire nation, obviously, and I'm more widely known as 'The Firebending Prodigy', or 'That darn nuisance' depending on who you talk to."

She would have stuck a hand out to shake, but that's more investment in friendliness than her caution is allowing her. She stands a half-step further away, feeling her fire coil inside her. This man was certainly unsettling and that eye is plain unnatural, though it brought her own golden eyes to mind and the fairy tale that states firebenders come from dragons.

Was this a bad idea? I have no doubt that someone would help me if he attacks, but...

[John Cribati]

Tarruk glanced up at the girl, completely aware of the way she had sashayed her way over. Looking at the water, he nodded to the glass. "Water's fine for now, but I'd like to try whatever tea you have ... and any dried meats you can find.

Say, have you seen a tile like this before?" He held up the small tile with the flower on it.

"No problem. And that's a Pai Sho tile. Try asking the old man for a pickup game. He'll teach you a thing or two." She gives him a little grin and walks off.





Jia notices the attempt at coercion but, frankly, isn't impressed. Scarier men have tried and failed. "Hey, I meant no offense, just trying to be friendly. We got off to a bad start. My name's Jia Wo. I'm originally from the fire nation, obviously, and I'm more widely known as 'The Firebending Prodigy', or 'That darn nuisance' depending on who you talk to."

She would have stuck a hand out to shake, but that's more investment in friendliness than her caution is allowing her. She stands a half-step further away, feeling her fire coil inside her. This man was certainly unsettling and that eye is plain unnatural, though it brought her own golden eyes to mind and the fairy tale that states firebenders come from dragons.

Was this a bad idea? I have no doubt that someone would help me if he attacks, but...

Just as the man stands up, revealing himself to be much taller than one would expect, the waitress saunters up. "Hey now! You've got to be new around here. Everyone knows to stay away from this old coot. Wouldn't know what to do with a woman if she threw herself at him." She elbows him playfully in the stomach, grinning cheekily. "Why don't you try your luck with that guy. Fresh off the Water Tribe boat, probably hasn't seen a girl in weeks. Maybe give him some... private lessons in Pai Sho?"

[Noctemwolf]

Sojourn looks down at his drink for a second, trying to find the words for his failure at finding his family. The tea while soothing to drink did not reveal the words that eluded him. After a few minutes silence he spoke. I unfortunately still have found nothing, but i will i can not give up. So why have you been travelling so much as well Nam?

"ah," Nam Kha replied, finished with his drink and setting the cup down on the table. "Sorry for you." He looked up as though in thought for a moment as Sojourn asked his question. "To see the world," Nam offered simply. "Sometimes you just get tired of the same thing and want something new, and for me it's a new horizon that get's my blood tingling."

[cavalieredraghi]

Well, I can understand that. Sojourn, laughs a little. Freedom, was an important quality of Air and Air benders.
Well, Nam, i was thinking of maybe going to the Fire Nation next. Sojo, pulls out his amulet.
Given how this is all I have of my family, and it is a dragon, just as much as it is the moon. Maybe the Fire Nation or The Water Tribes will have possible leads for me. Would you like to join me friend?

[Noctemwolf]

Well, I can understand that. Sojourn, laughs a little. Freedom, was an important quality of Air and Air benders.
Well, Nam, i was thinking of maybe going to the Fire Nation next. Sojo, pulls out his amulet.
Given how this is all I have of my family, and it is a dragon, just as much as it is the moon. Maybe the Fire Nation or The Water Tribes will have possible leads for me. Would you like to join me friend?


Nam-kha was quick with his answer. "Never been. Could be fun. Sure." he said with a big cocksure sure grin in Sojourn's direction.

Nam-kha notices the strange man stand, his height unexpected; Nam-kha felt a small shiver run down his spine. He realxed slightly as the waitress poked fun. Nothing to worry about.

[cavalieredraghi]

Sojourn smiles that his friend was willing to come with, but he also noticed the man stand. What was it about the man that disturbed him so? he gives the old man a look over while he stood.

insight
[roll0]

well at least there is not nat fail in this system. :smallbiggrin:

[John Cribati]

You find that he is tall, unnaturally so based on his height while sitting. Also, despite this, the hem of his robe is so low to the ground that you cannot see his feet.

[cavalieredraghi]

Could he be, not, well maybe. Nam, that man. I think he may be a Spirit. I think we should check and see. He could be harmless, or he could be here to cause some harm. Sojourn gets up, and moves to the man. bowing respectfully.

Hello Sir, may I sit next to you, and share a cup of tea with you? Anthony tries to be as charming as he can, while also learning more about the man, while closer to him.

Persuasion
[roll0]
perception
[roll1]

[Starbin]

Tarruk nodded to the girl, returning her smile, then eyed the old man thoughtfully as he rubbed the tile between his fingers. Waiting a moment for his drink, Tarruk finally got up and walked over to the man. "Pardon, uncle, but might I sit? I have a question for you. I was given this tile, and the girl there suggested I ask you about it. Can you teach me?"

[Batpope Scott]

Jia smirks at the waitress' interference and the monk's sudden interposing and she says "Well, I suppose I shouldn't bother him too much. I don't think that the tribesman will thank you for siccing me on him, though." She winks at the waitress as she turns about with a practiced grace, mimicking the girl's exaggerated swaying for a moment as she walks in return for the subtle suggestion that Jia was man-hunting.

The girl walks over to the Pai Sho table, standing a little behind the tribesman, and asks "Do you mind if I watch you two play, or is it a private matter?" Her smile is fairly honest and it's always interesting to figure out games so she doesn't have to try hard to fake interest.

[John Cribati]

Hello Sir, may I sit next to you, and share a cup of tea with you?

The Stranger's attitude moves up from Unfavorable to Indifferent

He sighs. "Suit yourself. Though I do have to wonder about my sudden rise in popularity"

As he reaches for his half-empty cup of tea, you notice that his hands look rather leathery, with deep lines reminiscent of old age.


Tarruk nodded to the girl, returning her smile, then eyed the old man thoughtfully as he rubbed the tile between his fingers. Waiting a moment for his drink, Tarruk finally got up and walked over to the man. "Pardon, uncle, but might I sit? I have a question for you. I was given this tile, and the girl there suggested I ask you about it. Can you teach me?"

The old man smiles warmly. "Certainly, my child. It's good to see that the young can still interest themselves with the affairs of the old..."


The girl walks over to the Pai Sho table, standing a little behind the tribesman, and asks "Do you mind if I watch you two play, or is it a private matter?" Her smile is fairly honest and it's always interesting to figure out games so she doesn't have to try hard to fake interest.

"Oh, Spirits forbid! You're certainly free to join in! Or... you will once we get you some tiles of your own. He gets up in a slow, almost exaggerated manner.The barkeep keeps a few extra sets in the back room for me, though rarely ever in the same place. Would you be so kind as to help an old man?"

[cavalieredraghi]

Sojo, bows his head slightly. Thank you. He then joins the old man for tea. as he also lifts to drink his tea as well.

may i learn your name friend?

[Noctemwolf]

Nam-Kha watches as Sojourn joined the cloaked figure at his table. His unseen tension relaxed as the stranger seemed somewaht indifferent to him, but not openly hostile. He joins along with Sojourn, after all having been asked to do so.

"You seem a traveler much as we," He noted, leaning back in his chair, one leg crossed over the other, staff leaned against the chair.

[Starbin]

Tarruk reached over to help the man. "Of course, uncle. If you tell me where, I can get it for you. You said in the back?" He was willing to go back and look for the game pieces, even if he wasn't quite sure where to start. Of course, the owner could probably help point him in the right direction ...

Of course, this is probably the old man's way of getting us to come back with him to the secret room :smallbiggrin:

[John Cribati]

ANNOUNCEMENT: We have an OOC Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?372179-Crystal-Expedition-OOC)



may i learn your name friend?




"You seem a traveler much as we,"

"I am called Reihai. And I've... been around, you can say."


Tarruk reached over to help the man. "Of course, uncle. If you tell me where, I can get it for you. You said in the back?"


"Yes, though it would be best if we looked together. The proprietor can be rather scatter-brained, and three sets of eyes are better than two, even if the third is occasionally cloudy."

[cavalieredraghi]

Sojo, tries to remember if he ever heard of that name before while he keeps up conversation.
I am not sure what roll would be right? so
[roll0]

So Reihai, how long have you lived in this town? It truly seems to be nice in its ways. Sojo smiles trying to be as kind as ever.

[Starbin]

Nodding, Tarruk assisted the old man in making his way to the back room. Perhaps these cases were not only heavy to carry, but tricky to find.

Onward to finding the tiles!

[AmberVael]

As Tarruk and the old man entered the back room- with Jia presumably following them- Xia looked up from her tiles with a smile. Her eyes flicked towards the old man first, then over the other two, definitely marking that there were two. Wasn't she only expecting one new initiate? And she didn't recognize this other person... but either way, she was glad to have someone break the quiet. "I take it you found someone interested in Pai Sho?" She said to the old man before standing and making a gesture of respect towards them all. "My name is Xia. I am pleased to make your acquaintance- we're always looking for new players."

A slight grin came across her face, andshe added, "I think he gets tired of me beating him all the time. Please, take a seat. I have the board ready."

I've been kinda hesitating and wondering if I should wait for a DM post here, but in my experience its better to err on the side of 'more posts' than 'less posts' so I decided to go ahead and throw something out.

[Starbin]

(OOC - I can buy that ... :smallsmile:)

Tarruk glanced back and forth between the old man and the young woman, before shrugging and moving forward towards the table ... but not sitting yet. "Hello. I'm Tarruk, of the Southern Water Tribe. I was told to ask Uncle about this tile I was given. I'm wiling to play, but I'm not sure I understand this game ..."

His emphasis on the last word made it clear that he understood more was going on than meets the eye, but what exactly he didn't know.

[John Cribati]

So Reihai, how long have you lived in this town? It truly seems to be nice in its ways. Sojo smiles trying to be as kind as ever.

You don't recognize the name from anywhere.

"I've been in the area for a few months, doing this and that. It's... peaceful."


As Tarruk and the old man entered the back room- with Jia presumably following them- Xia looked up from her tiles with a smile. Her eyes flicked towards the old man first, then over the other two, definitely marking that there were two. Wasn't she only expecting one new initiate? And she didn't recognize this other person... but either way, she was glad to have someone break the quiet. "I take it you found someone interested in Pai Sho?" She said to the old man before standing and making a gesture of respect towards them all. "My name is Xia. I am pleased to make your acquaintance- we're always looking for new players."

A slight grin came across her face, and she added, "I think he gets tired of me beating him all the time. Please, take a seat. I have the board ready."





Tarruk glanced back and forth between the old man and the young woman, before shrugging and moving forward towards the table ... but not sitting yet. "Hello. I'm Tarruk, of the Southern Water Tribe. I was told to ask Uncle about this tile I was given. I'm wiling to play, but I'm not sure I understand this game ..."

His emphasis on the last word made it clear that he understood more was going on than meets the eye, but what exactly he didn't know.

The old man looks around the room, and then points at a box on a high shelf. "I believe that one will suffice for the four of us. Would you mind, Sir Tarruk? He sits across the table from Xia, beckoning to the two youngsters. We still know little about the origins of Pai Sho itself. From what we can gather, is sort of a patchwork of sorts, made by combining symbols and rules that come from all four nations. The general consensus is that the Air Monks worked out how each tile moved, while the Water Tribes focused on which tiles supported or defeated another. The Earth Kingdom gave us the notion of structuring your formations to get the most out of each tile, and Fire Nation tradition gave us the goal, to expanding over the board. It is with this combined knowledge that has let the game grow to the popularity it holds today."

[cavalieredraghi]

Sojourn wish he knew what that was like to be at peace. That must be nice to have. But sometimes it would seem for us, Sojourn motions to him and Nam. Freedom and movement can also maybe one day bring peace. So where were you from before here? Sojourn sips on his tea some more as his curious eye wonders the Reihai.

[AmberVael]

Xia gave the old man an amused look. "The general myth, perhaps. I doubt that's how it happened, but it makes for a good story and moral. And it definitely does give some insight into the game- you won't win by single mindedly focusing on a single tactic. You have to have a broader mind than that."

Before Tarruk could fetch the box Xia was already in motion, sliding it neatly from the shelf and to the table she had been sitting at. "I didn't think we'd be lucky enough for four players, so I didn't get out the extra tiles. Here, why don't you two help me set it up and I can explain a bit of in the process?" She set the box before Tarruk and Jia, allowing them the chance to open it. It only occurred to her after taking it off the shelf that it might not be extra Pai Sho tiles... it could be, but it seemed all too possible that the old man had something else in mind.

[Noctemwolf]

Nam-Kha simply sat, listening to the conversation with a small interest. Mostly trying to figure out what it was about the old man that had set off his danger sense. He let Sojourn do the talking, watching the group that had head into the back until he could no longer see them.

[Starbin]

Tarruk made to get the tiles, but the young woman beat him to it, setting the box down on the table. He listened to her view of the origins of pai sho, still uncertain of what the real game was here. But when she offered for he and the new girl to set up the tiles, he shrugged and sat down to open the box and start pulling out the tiles.

"I did not get your names ..."

[John Cribati]

Sojourn wish he knew what that was like to be at peace. That must be nice to have. But sometimes it would seem for us, Sojourn motions to him and Nam. Freedom and movement can also maybe one day bring peace. So where were you from before here? Sojourn sips on his tea some more as his curious eye wonders the Reihai.

"I'm from a small village called Juhi. Near the Taikai valley."


Xia gave the old man an amused look. "The general myth, perhaps. I doubt that's how it happened, but it makes for a good story and moral. And it definitely does give some insight into the game- you won't win by single mindedly focusing on a single tactic. You have to have a broader mind than that."

Before Tarruk could fetch the box Xia was already in motion, sliding it neatly from the shelf and to the table she had been sitting at. "I didn't think we'd be lucky enough for four players, so I didn't get out the extra tiles. Here, why don't you two help me set it up and I can explain a bit of in the process?" She set the box before Tarruk and Jia, allowing them the chance to open it. It only occurred to her after taking it off the shelf that it might not be extra Pai Sho tiles... it could be, but it seemed all too possible that the old man had something else in mind.

"And here Earthbenders are supposed to be the patient ones. He sighs dramatically. "I had a huge metaphor planned out and everything.


Tarruk made to get the tiles, but the young woman beat him to it, setting the box down on the table. He listened to her view of the origins of pai sho, still uncertain of what the real game was here. But when she offered for he and the new girl to set up the tiles, he shrugged and sat down to open the box and start pulling out the tiles.

"I did not get your names ..."

"I am Daoshi. Xia and I-" He gestures to the woman across from him- "are members of the Order of the White Lotus, who work to keep the world in harmony. You know of the comet that passed by recently, yes? Here, he gives Jia a pointed look. "Fire Lord Sozin had planned to start a war, harnessing the comet's energy to strike a decisive first blow. That box in your hand was part of his incentive not to do so." He fishes around in the box and pulls out a pouch, from which he produces a tile made of a faintly glowing blue crystal, and patently too large to have logically come from inside the bag or the box. "Neat little trick, yes? The bag is designed to carry things much larger than itself without changing its own size or weight. Even a large item could be slipped into someone's pack without their knowledge." Another knowing look, this time directed at Tarruk. "Much like the great comet enhances a firebender's abilities, this crystal draws on energies from the spirit world to increase a waterbender's natural capacity. We also fashioned similar articles to aid air and earthbenders. Of course, this was merely a prototype. Much larger ones had to be loaned to the two Water Tribes, the four Air Temples, and the six Earth Kingdom army outposts along the western coast. In the time since then, ten of have been returned. Sir Tarruk, you may suddenly understand why Master Amaruk didn't send one of his waterbending students on this mission."

[Starbin]

Tarruk nodded, sitting back as he listened to the older man. Finally, someone had recognized that benders were not the end-all, be-all of the world. He started to speak when something caught his attention. Peering at the window, he snorted. "Is that an earthcrawler eel? They are rare in the Water Tribe, but perhaps you have many here ... yes?"

[cavalieredraghi]

So then Reihai why did you leave your home?