[Godbound] Ten Buried Blades IC

[Theoboldi]

The Dulimbaian/Raktian Border
243rd year of the Yan Dynasty

The glowing Dulimbaian sun shines warmly onto your backs as you descend the mountains. It has been little more than two days since the event that so changed your lives and transformed you into the beings you are now. Confused, baffled, but with a strange new feeling of strength, you have been quick on the road since then. Soon, the Raktian pine woods and clammy air faded to lush forests of bamboo and a humid climate, sure signs that you had made it to the Regency at last.

Following the well worn stone road along the north bank of the Dahuang River, you enter a vast, beautiful vale. A dozen or so small hamlets reside here, surrounding the trading town of Gongfang, the only bastion of civilization in these otherwise untouched lands.

As you make your way south towards it, you take in the area. To the east, lush green hills and grey mountains rise towards the heavens, the tallest of which the Dulimbaians among you know as Red Crow Mountain. To the west, thick lowland forests spread out as far as the eye can see. Amidst the reeds, you see animals moving about, monkeys and foxes, even the occasional deer. Should you need it, game is more than plentiful for you with your new powers. On your way, you meet the occasional trader and peasant, each coming to and going from Gongfang for their own reasons. None of them seek to bother you, and none appear to have anything interesting to offer.

Soon, you draw close to Gongfang itself. Like all Dulimbaian cities, it is a collection of rectangular courts, with high windowless walls surrounding an inner courtyard and wooden interior buildings that serve as the living space of the families that inhabit these homes. Surrounding it all is a quarried stone curtain wall, open towards the riverbank.

A small group of guards in painted leathers stands at the gates, shortly accosting any who attempt to enter and asking them their purpose. You've not approached them yet, as they are still busy with a merchant that has arrived just minutes before you. Until then, you will have time to ready yourselves, and discuss these latest events once more.

I'll give you some time here to introduce your characters first, and maybe do some light roleplaying. Will move things ahead and get you into the town proper soon enough. :smallbiggrin:

[Inspector Valin]

"Okay. Follow my logic here."

The magic circle flares up one final time with a golden light, before gently fading away. The red haired woman in the coat rises to her feet. Around her, the early morning light seems somehow more intense, subtly strengthened. Millie turns to look at the rifle on her back, watching the grime and muck of old stains finally fade away with a look of quiet wonder. Coming back to reality though, the huntress turns to the rest of the group. "We're all greater now. I still don't really understand what just happened, but with this kind of power, we're going to stand out."

She balls her hand into a fist, gesturing with her other arm over towards Gongfang. "Let's own that. We go through the gate together as a group, present ourselves to whoever's in charge around here. Maybe put on a demonstration of just what we can do. After that..." Millie trails off, eyes sparkling with thoughts of what could be on the near horizon. You could almost see little golden coins dancing before her eyes. Godlike powers are all very well, but if you can use them to make a godlike payday, even better. Even if there's no Curse Eater work here in the south, she'll have coin to live on for months if they play this right.

And then... well, she'll cross that bridge when she comes to it. Millie's a little rusty when it comes to long term planning. That's what happens to you when you've spent your life living hunt to hunt. and the keys to something like this fall into your hand. This level of magic could do so much more... but it's hard to believe it's real, even now. At the least, it has to have a time limit. Her luck's not this good. It can't be this good, right?

Casting Beacon of Celestial Purity, and holding it for the moment. That'll ensure everyone and their clothes are clean. Millie will keep the spell up if the group follows her suggestion of being overt, or dismiss it if they'd rather be a little quieter.

[Merilan]

Rem was still astounded to be here.

Two days ago, the disease that had finally progressed to its final stages had overtaken her. She was riddled with blemishes and deformities; her skin had taken on a sickly pallor, and there were moments where she was coughing blood in her spit. As a physician, she knew that she had a terribly short amount of time...

Yet now, she's standing here, healthier than she ever had cared to think about. Soft, fluffy and large bird wings fluttered behind her (she spent a good hour or so freaking out about this). And she was healthy. Her skin had a hale sheen that she had never been afforded even in her youth, living in a none too sanitised village in the Raktian Confederacy. Her eyes were bright and sharp, not jaundiced and withering.

There's a soft and bashful smile to Millie as she repeats it in her head again. I'm alive. I'm alive.

"That sounds good. I want to help assist with what ails this city, see what their healers are struggling with," she earnestly says, lacing her hands together. The transformation had not, it seemed, changed her desire to heal at all.

A pause, as she steps closer to the Curse Eater. "... I'm glad we're still alive. Thank you, again," she says, a bit more quietly. Maybe she's referring to them not giving up on her, in the last few days, even when she urged them to leave her behind so that she wouldn't slow them down.

[OutOfThyme]

Shen took in a deep breath - he'd been in the Confederacy until just this morning, and the sun and air of Dulimbai had been a welcome change. It was good to be back in his homeland - even if it meant spending their first few days in a city, as opposed to the many other natural wonders of Dulimbai.

As Millie described her plan, Shen shook his head. Despite their power, Shen didn't think it was exactly a good idea to flaunt it. This wasn't just his humble upbringing speaking - it might attract all kinds of unnecessary attention. "I don't think that's a good idea," says Shen, adjusting his conical bamboo hat. Unlike his companions, he didn't get a pair of wings or turn into a dragon from his newfound divinity. He was a little stronger, a little faster, and his divine gifts had given him the ability to look backwards through time (and also leap up and descend from the heavens like some vengeful thunderbolt), but he still looked like the same monk from Three Mountains.

"I came through here on my way to the Confederacy. The Magistrate of Gongfang is a corrupt man. I have no real need for coin, but I don't approve of making ourselves known to him right away. I would prefer to keep our noses to the ground, and find out what the situation in the city is like," Shen reached for the simple gourd that held his water, and took a brief sip.

"Either way, I should be able to get us into the city fairly easily. Most guards wouldn't deny passage to a monk and his traveling companions."

[Zero Prime]

Qotho, Horde-born Warrior of the Toba Plains (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=23663592&postcount=9)

Qotho was not unintelligent, however, he was not an educated man. With consideration he was able to process through his thoughts, and come to a logical conclusion, often based on his experiences rather than his knowledge.

The large Toba-born warrior stepped forward, his head down, he spoke softly, but there was a rumble in his throat that commanded his listeners attention. "Do you not remember? A God of Old stepped through the world! From where, or whence, we do not know." He paused, collecting his words, "What we do know is that fear and panic radiated from him as light from the sun! As his spirit was torn asunder, some small remnants of that power, that divinity, seems to have attached themselves to our own spirits. Our souls." Another pause, he took a breath before continuing, "Our gifts, as powerful as they may be, are but pale reflections of his. His power was more than the sum of our own, and he knew it's source, it's origin, and it's use." He jammed a thick, calloused finger into his palm, "We. Do. Not."

He looked towards the guards at the gate, and the merchants they were questioning. "He feared something. Judging by the fact that we have inherited his spiritual power, and we can not sense our progenitor, that fear was well founded. So tell me true, do we wish to advertise to those who he feared, where we are. What we are?"

[Rokku]

The man who was now the dragon Nithrias hummed happily to himself as they walked along. He was always humming, now. Or whistling. Tapping out a tune. Before, he had been a musician. Now, he WAS music. Of all of them, he was the most changed. Not physically - Rem had been even sicker and weaker than he was - but within. Because as the God died, it had named him, and where there had been only endings there were now an infinity of beginnings.

"We are glory," says Nithrias, "we are beauty, and song, and history, and power. Of course we should present ourselves as we truly are. This is a gift to be shared with the world."

[Merilan]

Rem felt a bit bad, about the man who was now Nithrias; she wanted to aid him with his malady, but she found herself less and less capable of doing so as the days continued. But he seemed so happy now, even in his draconic form, which Rem found surprising at first. She's still trying to work through her guilt and regret.

"Corrupt government tends to lead to neglect, and neglect tends to create a lot of impoverished and sick... if we want to be more aware of what the common person knows of what happens in Gongfang, that may be a better route," Rem muses of Shen's thoughts. But Qotho had a good point too...

"... I still remember-- the fear that raced through me, as that shard went through me. But I don't understand his fear, his anxiety... but you are right. There may be those hunting for us."

[Inspector Valin]

Rem's thanks cause Millie to cough. She looks away for a second, not quite sure what to say to that before sighing and returning her gaze to her fellow Raktine with a smile. "You... don't need to thank me. Or anyone. I'm pretty sure you cured yourself, Rem." At least that's one unambiguously good thing to come out of this mess.

Millie listens to Shen and Quotho express their reservations with a quiet frown. Working with peers isn't something she's had to do for a while. The dragon's interjection however makes the Curse Eater grin; she nods at the being's words, "I understand taking care, really. But you're worrying over nothing if you ask me." Millie withdraws a flask from her coat, taking a swig before finishing her thought. "Anything that could track that Made God down could find just as easily. That fight's going to happen no matter what. We won't be able to run or hide from it for long. And if there's anyone or any thing else in the Regency that can sense this power..."

She glances at the rifle on her back with a grin. "Well, something like that probably needs a reckoning anyway. Monster, Magistrate... if there's a problem, we can deal with it. What power in Dulimbai could stop us now?"

[Zero Prime]

Qotho, Horde-born Warrior of the Toba Plains (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=23663592&postcount=9)

Qotho only shook his head as the Curse-Breaker spoke, "I will let you risk your own lives, should you so wish, I will, however, not risk my own. Located in the poorer section of town, there is an alehouse, Father Lu's, we will meet there this eve." He paused, staring at Rem, concern in his eyes, "Should you wish to risk exposure with those two fools, I would counsel caution, the Sanwuzu have eyes everywhere, even in a ****hole like Gongfang."

He then stepped back, moving further in the line of those wishing entrance to the walled city. He knew such a move would cause him to delay his entrance further, but it, too, would grant him the opportunity to watch over his companions as they whored their divine talents to gain entrance into the city.

[Inspector Valin]

"Because the safest place to be when afraid of assassins is alone in an unfamiliar city! Ti durak!" Millie calls after Quotho. Her accent even now is a little off, but the former Republican knows more than her share of Raktine curse-words.

With a sigh, she turns her attention to Shen. The light from before starts to fade away from the monster hunter, a small sign of resignation. She looks to Shen. "You're the local; if you're concerned about this magistrate, I'll take you at your word. But I do not want to wait in a queue if I don't have to, it's been a long road and a hot meal is calling me. Perhaps it's best we split." With a smirk, she waves a hand over her shoulder. "Someone has to watch over the lummox, and you'll be able to talk with the locals that way. Rem, Nithras and I go talk to the magistrate, introduce ourselves and offer to help the local area. We compare notes later and see what's best to be done?"

[Merilan]

Rem sags as she waves her hands and stammers, "H-hey, don't fight, no fighting, okay?" It feels strange to blurt that out, now that they're... demigods? Divine beings? But it doesn't feel like any part of her has changed, though she should really work on that confidence of hers.

She places a finger to her cheek as she says, thinking of Qotho's words, "If the Sanwuzu are really around... I would not mind gathering more information about them. But ah... really, I just want to get to work helping people right now." She starts floating down after the horde-warrior, before pausing to go:

".... I don't think I can hide my wings." Ah, godhood is actually inconvenient?!

[Rokku]

Nithrias grins broadly.

"Do not worry, little bird," he says, patting Rem on the shoulder, "if anyone causes you distress, I will show them my teeth."

[Zero Prime]

Qotho, Horde-born Warrior of the Toba Plains (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=23663592&postcount=9)

Qotho grabbed a tarpaulin and a woolen blanket from his horse, before smearing it in the mud and wringing it out. He quickly unfurled the dirty across Remi's shoulders. Grunting a terse reply, "My apologies girl, but it's best to conceal our gifts until we've come to discover their nature." He wrinkled his nose at the smell, wiped some of the roadside dirt across his own face and leather jerkin, so recently cleaned by Millie's gifts. "But you've a strength in you that dwarfs the courage I've seen in hardened Horde warriors."

He paused, a finger under the young woman's chin, in his time since fleeing the Toban Plains, he'd come to know the comfort of a woman's embrace, however, Remi was different. He looked upon her as a sister, younger to be sure, but wide eyed, innocent and pure. Something he'd not been in decades. "When we found you, you were weakened, robbed of health and vitality by some curious contagion, and yet you continued onward, determined to meet your end with nobility and grace." There was admiration in the oft stony countenance of Qotho's face. "I would not see you come to harm, and sadly, that means we must conceal our nature from the ignorant. Walk with a limp girl, and hunch your shoulders, we'll make it past the guardsmen. You have my word."

[Theoboldi]

As Millie and Nithiras approach the front gate of Gongfang, a silence slowly begins to spread over the mortals that surround you. It begins with the guards, who are very confused indeed at the fact that the dirty travellers before them have suddenly become impeccably clean, moving on to the merchants and xiaoren that surround them when they realize that the authorities have become uncharacteristically lost.

It is then that you, boldly marching forward as you are, reveal yourselves as the sources of this eldritch cleanliness. Swiftly, space is made for you to get to the gates, as surely you must be important officials or sorcerers, or something else of that sort. Only the guards continue standing in your way, though they look nervous even so.

One of them, a muscular and moustached man steps forward, loosely holding his spear at his side. "Greetings to you, sorcerous masters." he says, attempting and only barely failing to conceal his own uncertainty. His eyes shift towards his comrades a bit too often as he subconsciously tries to ascertain they are still there. "What business brings you to Gongfang?"

Having travelled as much as you all have, you know that questions like these are mostly a formality. Even had you not shown yourself to be so mighty, he would likely accept just about any answer you may give.

[Merilan]

"B-bbawww..."

Rem lets out a not-terribly-serious moan of complaint as Qotho throws the muddied tarp over her, though his words and the finger under her chin give her a bit of pause as she smiles quietly. It felt nice to be encouraged, still, though she flits over to Millie with a nod as Nithrias pats her on the shoulder. She wanted to show them she could be relied on now, really, but...!

She does follow Qotho's advice and limps a little -- it comes easy, as she recalls the muscle memory of how she felt in her last few days. It still feels a bit unreal.

[Inspector Valin]

Millie looks chastened by Rem's words at first. The angel girl floating over toward Qotho however wins an outraged glare from the Curse Eater. She hadn't expected the little sick girl she'd known this past few weeks to just ignore her like that. She stands her ground at first, looking after Rem and Qotho with an uncertain expression in her eyes, considering joining them. After a few seconds of emotional turmoil however, the sorceress sighs, looking away. "Fine! If you want to do without a hot meal and good coin, who am I to argue?" Rem's not ill anymore after all. She can take care of her own decisions now, just like the others.

Millie strides forward through the queue, letting it part in the wake of her light. As she reaches the guards however, she lets the spell fade once and for all into nothingness. It'd made the impression she wanted. People would know she was a sorceress after a few days conversation. No sense in having every pair of eyes stare at her as she walked through an unfamiliar town for the first time. The sight of Qotho smearing poor Rem with the muddy draws a wrathful dagger-look from Millie. She almost turns to interject, but catches herself with an effort. They have their plan. Let them follow through with it.

She coughs before addressing the man with the moustache. Millie's had to pick up her share of languages over the years, though she's far more used to Yazik than Ren. Still a little of the latter is useful even in the Confederacy; Dulimbaian expatriates tend to prefer their own tongue. "Here to see the magistrate."

From her coat, Millie withdraws a couple of delicate looking talisma, one onyx black and the other a gentle blue. Both glow with the faint pulsating light of magic. "I'm a Curse Eater, travelling south. I've got some time to spend in Gongfang, so was going to offer him my services. I can lift old spells, kill monsters, whatever needs doing to keep the city safe, gets done." The same simple pitch she's made to aldermen and burgers a thousand times before. As ever, the travelling huntress closes with a wink. "For a reasonable fee, of course."

There might not be work here, but you never know. Gongfang is close to the Raktine border, and the monsters of the Confederacy aren't known to respect geopolitical boundaries. It's worth inquiring with the magistrate at least.

[OutOfThyme]

Out of all of his companions, the one that called himself Nithrias worried Shen the most. Despite Qotho's quest for vengeance, or Millie's apparent desire to attract attention, Nithrias was a completely person after his ascension to divinity. While he could turn into a dragon - indeed, one could argue that the dragon was his real form now - Shen wasn't sure if that was something to do their new abilities interacting with his physical form.

Shen shook his head, doing his best to let go of his errant thoughts.

No. These are my companions. I can't doubt them like that.

As Qotho and Rem held back, Shen stayed with them, following behind and dirtying his robe to some degree. The three of them would look less conspicuous than with Millie or Nithrias, and he was definitely glad for that.

"I think I will head to the market, or find some villagers to help," said Shen. Unlike the others, he didn't believe in carrying coin - everything he had obtained on his travels was given to those who needed it more than himself. Instead, whenever they found civilization, Shen would offer help in exchange for whatever would fill the earthenware bowl he carried. The people of Gongfang would be familiar with this tradition - Shen had done the same thing his last time here by helping the folk of the town in exchange for travel supplies and food.

But unlike then, now he could look back through time to see what had transpired in Gongfang. It required some focus, but it would be no different than his daily meditations. If there was something that the townsfolk were afraid of talking about, then Time itself would tell him.

Shen is supposed to be from a mendicant order - I've mentioned this in his sheet. He really doesn't carry more than necessary, so this is kind of needed so he doesn't starve. Plus, plot!

[Theoboldi]

Millie and Nithrias

The guardsman stares uncertainly for a moment after Millie gives her pitch. Perhaps he expected something more grandiose from a mage of your scale, or perhaps he just has heard of the Curse Eaters' ability to lay curses as well as they can lift them. Still, he soon regains his composure, waving at the other guardsmen that he has the situation under control.

"Right then." he says after clearing his throat. "I'm sure Magistrate Li will have some work for you. We don't see too many monsters here, but there's always some rebels or bandits to hunt." Pointing behind himself, down the road, he adds "You will find him at the Yamen. You can't miss it, it's the biggest home in town."

You are both aware that a Yamen is an administrative complex that serves as town hall, court house, prison and home for the magistrate in Dulimbaian towns.

You also know that they are nigh-universally dens of corruption, and the workers there tend to be very unpopular for the petty extortions they inflict on the common people to stock up their own meagre salaries.

The moustached guardsman then turns to look at Nithrias, not having gotten an answer from him yet. "Are you a companion of the sorceress, then?"



Rem, Qotho and Shen

As the moustached guard continues speaking with your companions, the other constables shout for the other traffic to resume. However, it seems as though nobody else is quite ready to step ahead immediately. This may be your chance to cut in line and get through the town gates in a timely fashion.

Should you approach, however, the guards will question you in the same way as they did Millie and Nithrias, albeit less politely. You figure it may be a good idea to have your answers ready.

Unless you have any particular questions you wish to ask the guards, I think we can mostly skip over the interaction with them. Just describe what your characters tell them about why they're coming to town, and whether or how Rem hides her wings.

[Rokku]

"Of course," says the humble-looking man, with a smile that radiates serenity. Nithrias produces his qinqin and plucks a few strings, producing a brief series of clear, strong notes.

"Music calms the soul," he says, "useful for a Curse Eater."

[Merilan]

Rem has a soft whine as Millie stares and turns away with a grumble, whining to go, "Millie, that's not what I--" and sighs as they put their respective plans to action. She quietly peeps over in Millie and Nithrias' direction, though she mostly keeps her head down and shuffles along, with her wings hidden underneath the muddied tarp as she lets out another cough and steps onward.

When she's asked, however, she bows her head gently as she coughs and speaks, "Sir, please... I have come from a far ways north past the mountains... my village was consumed by horrible creatures... I only ask for meager shelter... anything..." It might, hopefully, give her a clue as to where they point the destitute and homeless around here...

It's not exactly a lie, per se, but she doesn't really like not telling the whole truth either.

[Zero Prime]

Qotho, Horde-born Warrior of the Toba Plains (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=23663592&postcount=9)

Qotho used his considerable bulk to muscle his way through the throngs until the three of them stood before the guards. Ren spoke up timidly, however, the large Toba-born warrior stepped forward, scale jerkin smeared with mud, his weapons hung in well worn scabbards, and a thick calloused hand rested easy on the hilt of his blade. "Sell swords out of the north, come to spend coin on ale and whores," he laughed, "at least those of us who haven't let the monks cut off our manhood." He chuckled at his own bawdy joke, "This waif," he nodded towards Ren, "we found in a burnt out village," he shrugged, "she reminded me of my daughter by my second wife, the road is no home for so frail a girl, I thought perhaps there was a house of healing where she could work for a stipend. Ya?!"

[Inspector Valin]

Millie smiles at Nithras' smile, and gentle plucking of strings. Even if she knows his 'true' form, the man was comforting to stand beside somehow. She nods in support of his story. "He's a goodly friend and a fine guide. It's been my pleasure to travel the road with him."

Her eyes scan the area past the gate, searching for the Yamen. No sense in wasting time: as soon as they're through the gate, that will be her destination.

[OutOfThyme]

Shen sighed and shook his head, playing along with Qotho. "And my traveling companion still doesn't understand that not all monks are eunuchs," Shen said, lifting up his hat to look at the guard. "I'm a traveling monk, of the Three Mountains monastery. I'm traveling with these two for now, but I come to Gongfang as a stop before I continue my journey."

[Theoboldi]

Millie and Nithrias

The guardsman quickly nods at your story, apparently eager to get the conversation over with. "I see. I've no reason to keep you, then. Go on." With that, he waves you through, and you step through the gate onto the streets of Gongfang.

You walk down the muddy streets through a labyrinth of stone walls and shop-fronts, passing by citizens and visitors alike. For every ten Dulimbaians you see, there is a foreigner, most of them distinctly Raktian. Occasionally, groups of them point at you and whisper among themselves, discussing what would bring such a mighty sorceress to Gongfang, though the further you get away from the gate the rarer it gets. The news have not yet had time to spread, after all.

You pass by several shops on your way, peddling all sorts of local and foreign merchandise. It's easy enough to gawk at the wares as you go, since all of these buildings are open-fronted. In the humid heat of Dulimbai, it is well worth it to advertise in such a way. To your annoyance, it means that you are constantly surrounded by the smell of sizzling meats and broiling soups, and the aroma of fresh herbs, which is no small distraction after a long, hungry time on the road.

Still, eventually you manage to make your way to Yamen, a large collection of sturdy stone buildings protected by a high wall. The construction is decidedly sturdier than anything else you've seen in town. A wide plaza is spread out before its gate, where a curious scene plays out just as you arrive.

A half-dozen young men and women in the white robes and black caps of apprentice scholars stand lined up before a stout man with a thick black beard, wearing the unmistakeable finely-embroidered blue robes of a Magistrate. The magistrate is giving a speech, it seems, while the men and women before him all look various degrees of miserable. Even at a distance, you can tell that none of them like being here.

"-and so I commend all of you faithful sons and daughters of Dulimbai, for your noble choice to study under the esteemed sage Real Man Xiao!

Your filial devotion to both your parents and the glory of our nation will bring you great spiritial merit that will surely gain you the favor of heaven, it as it rids your parents of the burden of their overdue taxes. Truly, they can be happy to have such capable offspring as yourselves-"

He rambles on in this manner. With him stands a small group of burly, cudgel-wielding constables. Surrounding the scene stands a crowd of mostly older Dulimbaian's, possibly the family members of these students. Any other bystanders quickly hurry away, none of them lingering.



Rem, Qotho and Shen

Rather than any showing of sympathy, a broad, cruel grin spreads on the guardman's face as Rem talks to him. "Hah! What do you think this is? A charity? Maybe you should go to Mother Hao's, she can always use more girls!" He and a bunch of the other guards chortle at this, though they regain their composure when Qotho steps up to reveal himself as the Raktian girl's protector. And when Shen too steps up and reveals himself as a Three Mountains monk, they quickly drop their smirks.

It seems that despite their overall attitude, they do not want to get into trouble.

"Right, well if it's ale and whores you want, Mother Hao can actually provide. If you're actually serious about the girl, maybe bring her to Red Cap Hong or Venerable Wan. Can't think of anybody who'd take in Raktian refuse other than a priest." A hint of a grin reappears on his face for a moment, but he quickly waves you through rather than saying anything else.

You walk down the muddy streets through a labyrinth of stone walls and shop-fronts, passing by citizens and visitors alike. For every ten Dulimbaians you see, there is a foreigner, most of them distinctly Raktian. You pass by several shops on your way, peddling all sorts of local and foreign merchandise. It's easy enough to gawk at the wares as you go, since all of these buildings are open-fronted. In the humid heat of Dulimbai, it is well worth it to advertise in such a way. To your annoyance, it means that you are constantly surrounded by the smell of sizzling meats and broiling soups, and the aroma of fresh herbs, which is no small distraction after a long, hungry time on the road.

Finally, you find your way to the market, where this only intensifies. A plethora of makeshift tents is spread over a large open space, merchants and townsfolk shouting out prizes, haggling for coin and all around making a huge ruckus. You have almost made your way to Old Father Lu's, when you too stumble upon an odd sight.

Right in the middle of a market street, two burly, broad-shouldered and shirtless Dulimbaian men are aggressively brawling with one another. Kicks and punches are thrown, though you notice that both of them are keeping the knives that they wear at their belts sheathed. The local bystanders are doing their best to avoid the two of them, some even hiding in their shops and pulling children out of view.

What the bystanders are doing is extremely unusual. Normally, somebody should have tried to separate the two fighters by now, or at least ran for the constables to break up the fight.

[Merilan]

There's a quiet wince from Rem as she presses her lips and endures the heckling. It wasn't exactly new to her, given her time as a servant and a peasant both; and she knew that the closer she got to Dulimbai, the less people would think of the Raktians who have fled their home. She catches note of it, though; Red Cap Hong... Venerable Wan. A priest. That sounds good. Priests, missionaries are often good places to find the ailing. She quietly nods towards Qotho and Shen as she steps forward, with the grace of someone who doesn't let such barbs affect her too much.

The markets were larger than she expected; she'd been to many markets on errands for the mistress, of course, but this felt a bit different. The scent of such foods was wonderful. "I'm glad it's bustling such..." Rem has a quiet smile, before pausing with a blink as she hears someone shout.

She doesn't notice that it's odd someone hasn't broken the two brawlers up yet, but she acts without hesitation as she steps forward and holds her hands to either side. "Please, stop this quarrel! I do not want to see either of you be hurt!" She's much smaller than the two, but it is with no fear that she speaks her resolve clearly, full of concern. "What caused this to happen between the two of you?"

I'll roll... Charisma? To get them to try to stop fighting? I don't think I'd be using a miraculous action or anything like that yet. [roll0]

[Inspector Valin]

"Scholars, huh?" Millie mutters, standing just behind the family members. She shares a skeptical glance with Nithras before looking over the assembled figures again. Some are sweating, one or two haven't quite affixed their caps properly... "Scholars don't tend to look like they're being marched off to the plague pit. And Creator's breath: since when does education get your family a tax rebate?"

This seems more like conscription. Millie lets her hand rest on the back of her neck for a second, just above her rifle grip. Instincts die hard. Instead the Curse Eater turns to her dragon-friend with a slightly mischievous grin. "I think we should meddle. Do you think we should meddle?" She'd have been more reluctant before but now, with the power of a true sorceress at her command, the burley constables look substantially less intimidating. And the prospect of reward or work becomes less enticing with every word out of the magistrate's mouth. I don't need magic to know a liar when I see one.

[Theoboldi]

Millie and Nithrias

As you stand, contemplating whether or not to meddle, one of the older women watching the scene begins to quietly weep into her sleeve. The old man standing next to her, most likely her husband, carefully puts his arm around her as he stares at the magistrate with a grim, stone-faced expression.

Meanwhile, the magistrate continues to prattle on. "-and of course, should any of you think better of your choice you are welcome to speak now. Know that excellency is not an easy path and that following the Taoist teachings will mean cutting yourselves from your earthly bonds. The rewards, both for yourselves and for those closest to you will be sizeable, however!-"

Despite the opportunity, none object or leave. You get the feeling that the magistrate's speech is slowly reaching its end, however.



Rem, Qotho and Shen

Suddenly distracted by the soothing, inhumanly melodic voice of Rem, the two brawlers stop their fighting, though not before one of them manages to get one last hit in. They roughly bounce away from each other, still angry and rearing to fight, but with their attention on the Raktian girl in front of them now.

The taller of the two, with big, bushy eyebrows and a thuggish face, glares at your group. Leaning forward threateningly, he barks "What's it to you, huh? This is no business of outsiders! Leave us be, or we'll show you a real quarrel!"

The other, a somewhat shorter, broad-shouldered fellow with a rather impressively large forehead, looks uncertain at first, but quickly falls in line with his enemy. "R-right! You listen to Ji! This is just how we sort out our differences! We're just fighting over our schedules!"

Ji, as he is apparently called, swirls around at this and gives the shorter man a smack on the back of the head. "Shut up, Po! No wonder they call you Oxhead! This is none of their business, so don't go blabbering about it like a fishwife!" For now, Po does not retaliate, instead just ruefully rubbing the spot where he got hit.

[Zero Prime]

Qotho, Horde-born Warrior of the Toba Plains (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=23663592&postcount=9)

Qotho stepped between Rem and the broad shouldered Ji, he cocked his head towards his companion, not taking his gaze off of the aggressive Dulimbaian that stood before them, "Not worth your time Princess," he spoke calmly. "See how the merchants have not called the constables, nor is the quarrel between these two men serious enough to warrant the drawing of their blades."

He spat on the ground in front of the larger man, "Likely two imbecilic siblings involved in some familial quarrel that doesn't involve us, nor warrant our attention. There are the meak, the sick, and the poor to tend, let us about our business?" He looked imploringly back at Rem, and began to walk away from the site of the quarrel.

He did however turn back to look Ji and Po in the eyes, "Should you wish to involve us in your quarrel, be warned I was born to the Toban Horde, and was in saddle razing villages before my tenth year. Do. Not. Test. Us."

[OutOfThyme]

Shen had almost forgotten how much he'd missed the smell of Dulimbaian cooking. While the monks didn't have much at the monastery, he was used to the smells from venturing to the nearby village in his childhood. He'd need to grab a bowl of soup sometime before he left the city, at least. Maybe even some spices for the road.

Unfortunately for him, Rem had decided to try and stop two burly men from fighting. They looked right out of a children's story - the kinds of men who would be right in place as enforcers for some mustache-twirling magistrate. Shen folded his arms and stepped back, only to meet Ji's gaze as he glared at the group. Shen kept a calm, clear expression - as unflinching as the same mountains that Shen called home.

As Qotho walked away from Ji and Po, Shen shook his head. "Qotho, Rem - I'll meet the two of you at Lu's." As Shen walked up past Qotho, he removed his hat, letting it hang on his back. He glanced from Ji to Po with the same look that a disappointed parent would give their arguing children.

"Come now, we are all sons of Dulimbai here. Can't we settle this without a fight?"

While he spoke to the two of them, however, Shen cast his mind's eye back across time - trying to discern the real cause of their fight. These two weren't exactly the most subtle, so he wouldn't have to work too hard to figure out the start of their fight.

Shen's going to Commit Effort to use Echoes of the Past - Specifically, he's going to try and catch the start of Ji and Po's fight.

[Rokku]

"Meddle," responds Nithrias, "yes, I believe we shall."

With that, he strikes a series of chords on his qinqin, to draw the attention of all assembled.

"Kind gentlemen and dutiful ladies," he says, his voice ringing out strong and clear, "clearly, this is a holy event. Please, allow your humble servant to bless these happenings with a song."

He doesn't wait for a response. He begins playing, and soon his voice joins in, soft and slow. The song begins extoling the virtues of duty, and good leadership. But it turns to focus on a more specific duty - the duty of the powerful to treat those beneath them with kindness and mercy. The music dances through the air on wings of power, working to turn all those assembled towards the wisdom of its message.

Committing effort for the scene to use Passionate Crescendo. The message is for the Magistrate, and it's that it's his responsibility to treat these people with kindness and mercy.

[Inspector Valin]

Millie smiles at Nithras, nodding to her friend. The Curse Eater takes a step back as those first chords of the qinqin sound, letting the crowd focus on the approachable local man. She taps hard leather boots against the ground in time to the beat; a very mundane accompaniment but it's hard for her not to be moved a little by such potent music.

Still, her eyes remain fixed on the magistrate and his constables. Always best to be thinking a little ahead. Just in case.

[Merilan]

Rem holds her hands out gently as she reels just a little at the yellling from Ji and Po. Godhood or not, confidence was something that she needed to build up over time, it seems. "I'd just rather not... see either of you be bruised, more than your feelings." She looks at Qotho and gathers his point quietly, nodding as he points out they haven't drawn blades over it... and hopefully they won't. She's not certain if they would have gotten to that point, though the way no one intervened was curious. But as he leaves... well...

Was it just that common a thing between them, like an everyday sight?

"It is as Mister Shen says," she gestures to her comrade as he says he'll go on ahead. She doesn't realise Shen's trying to pry to their past. "You said something about a schedule. Was something mixed up between who should meet someone?"

[Theoboldi]

Millie and Nithrias

As Nithrias makes his entrance, all noise on the plaza dies down, as if in shock over his audacity. Scholars and guards alike look at one another, unsure of what to make of this strange man, and the families freeze up with worry.

"What are you do-" is all that the magistrate manages to say before the music begins, filling the air with an air of understanding and enlightenment. Men and women alike stand as if entranced by your playing, and even the constables do not dare approach you without a word from their master.

He, meanwhile, quietly listens to your words, stone-faced at first but looking increasingly dour and saddened. Tears begin welling up at the corners of his eyes, and before too long he has to blow his nose and wipe his face. "It is not fair!" he manages to cry out, tormented by his new emotions. "To be torn between two duties!"

It is then that your song is suddenly interrupted. From the other side of the plaza, cries ring out at the shop-fronts. You turn to look, quickly realizing the source of everyone's fear as you spot it in the sky. A figure, wreathed in billowing black smoke rapidly descends from above, leaving vast plumes of the shimmering fog behind it. It impacts on the ground with an audible smack, seemingly crash-landing, but gets back up onto its feet without a moment's pause.

Now that you can see it more clearly, the figure appears to be a young woman dressed in a white robe, her form constantly fading and reforming. Her mouth is opened as if in a scream, yet only more smoke escapes it. She begins to stagger forward, though with some effort.

Among the bystanders, panic has broken out. Everyone is starting to run away, too afraid to confront such an obviously supernatural being. Though the magistrate is still too emotional to think clearly, his guards begin ushering him back into the Yamen.



Rem, Qotho and Shen


Using your temporal powers, you take a peek into the not so distant past, only a couple of minutes back.

You are at the marketplace. Ji is there, sitting down at one of winehouses. For a couple of copper qians, a server fetches him a bowl of rice and a cup of wine. He is relaxing, enjoying his meal, when Po suddenly approaches from behind him.

"Ji, I've heard you're watching the slaves tonight." the portly man says, causing Ji's brows to furrow and his lips to grow thin.

"It's my turn. What's it to you?" he asks, oddly harshly.

However, Oxhead Po does not seem to be taken aback. "Well, you don't have to do it anymore. I volunteered for the shift. So you can relax."

At this, Ji jumps out of his seat. "Are you dumb or something? It's my turn! Why are you going around doing the work of others?" he growls.

"Don't be so mad! Besides, I have my reasons. You don't like spending your time with the slaves anyways, so why don't you go to Mother Hao's toni-" Po does not get to finish his sentence, as at this point Ji flings his bowl of rice into the man's face. Angered, Po grips his face and announces "You'll pay for that!" before throwing a punch that Ji easily avoids.

After this, the two men rush into one another and begin the brawl that you witnessed earlier.



Ji stares down Qotho, seemingly unafraid of the warrior before him. In his eyes, you see a kind of intensity, and before long you realize that he is tempering his anger in order to size you up. Compared to Po, who just stands by and looks uncertain, he seems to be the more competent by far.

"You're lucky, Toban. You're an outsider, so I can overlook your ignorance this time. Especially since you're right, this is not your quarrel!" He turns to look at Rem and Shen for a moment, then just annoyedly grunts. "I'm done here. Po, we'll discuss this later!" With those words to the fellow hooligan, he turns around and marches off, annoyingly enough right in the direction of Old Father Lu's.

Po looks after him, appearing rather dejected. "Well...." he begins, slowly turning to your group. "Maybe you can help me. Ji's supposed to be on guard duty tonight, and I really need to take his place. But you saw how he is..."

[Merilan]

Rem sags a little, wings deflating under her hood as Ji stomps off in anger. "Well, hopefully time will make cooler heads prevail..." before blinking as she listens to Po's request of them. "Guard duty? I didn't know this quarrel was for an important task like that... did you want to have him take the night off?" she smiles a little, perhaps assuming things too innocuous and nice right away. "Or was there another reason?"

[OutOfThyme]

Ji seems awfully angry, doesn't he? Shen thought to himself, as his thoughts synchronized back with the present. Shen glanced at Rem at his side, and shook his head. "Somehow, I doubt that. Ji seems awfully quick to anger."

"Tell me, Po, why do you want to take that shift? It isn't for extra money, is it?"

[Inspector Valin]

"Name of the One!" Millie bellows as the crowd begins to scatter. Five minutes. They've not even been in Gongfang five minutes and strange magical beings start falling from the sky!

The Curse Eater's eyes take in the scene rapidly. The constables are focusing on the magistrate. The villagers are panicking. The smoke-woman is getting closer. Millie takes a step forward, planting herself right in the stranger's path. She raises her rifle, looking into the strange being's eyes. Millie's gut twists a little as she notes the white robes, glancing back at the fleeing scholars in similar garb. A bad sign... but could be nothing. She's too used to having to think things through, investigate, put together clues. For now she has to stop this.

With a gesture, Millie places the rifle to one side, letting it hang in the air beside her for a moment. Returning to her target, she makes a few simple gestures . As she concentrates a golden circle begins to form upon the ground around her. Old runic script, echoing some ancient design of long forgotten Heaven, scrawls out around the Curse Eater as a powerful light suffuses the scene. Millie calls out to the smoke-woman, voice crisp and clear. "In the name of the Black Academies and by the power invested in me by the Raktine Confederacy..."

A wave of her hand brings the light suffusing the circle outward: a golden wave rushes across the street towards the smoke-woman. Millie's stare is intense, her focus locked onto the target. Raw energy is not enough to take magic apart. It takes focus, direction and concerted effort to find the weaknesses of a spell. Against Theurgy... well, for a mortal that would be near impossible. Even with this power, it will be far from easy.

Gonna commit 1 effort for the scene to immediately cast Sunder the Lesser Spell: might be Millie's PoV talking here but given the whole 'woman in white robes' thing and the scholars all being in white robes, I think we've found what they're all afraid of, and Millie's gonna try and undo... whatever this is.

If Smoke Lady's more of an angry spirit back for revenge then this will probably do... nothing. So fifty fifty. :smalleek: Still at least going flashy makes Millie an obvious target for it rather than the villagers or magistrate.

[Theoboldi]

Millie and Nithrias

People all around scream as Millie prepares her spell, afraid to get caught in the blast zone of some horrible sorcery. They flee blindly, almost stumbling over each other. Still, it is not enough to disrupt the sorceress' concentration, neither is the pain that she feels from sending the eldritch energies so quickly through her own body.

Since you did cast the spell immediately, Millie takes [roll0] damage. Remember that this is not straight damage, and should be compared to the damage chart.

Indeed, as Millie suspected, this being is a result of sorcery. She can feel the theurgic patterns, shifting and wavering beneath her arcane grasp, and lines of mystic energy are revealed to her. And as she pushes to dispel these powers, for a moment, the smoke erupting from the woman's mouth ceases, and the air clears slightly around her.

"LIIIIIII!" she howls, her voice a wail of pure misery and pain. "XIAO! XIAO DID THIS TO ME!!!"

Then, smoke bellows forth from within her once again, and Millie feels her grip on the theurgic energies fading. It seems that whatever horrid transformation befell this woman, it has been woven too strongly into her form to be dispelled by a Theurgy of the way. At least you learned something, however, and avoided further damage from your spell.

As she continues to stumble forward, Nithrias still has a chance to do something about it.



Rem, Qotho and Shen

"No! I mean, yes! Uh..." Po mumbles, perhaps not having expected such swift interest from you. "I do have a pretty important reason. But, let's not talk about it here. Let's head over into that alley first." He points to a narrow street between two buildings, before quickly rushing over there. Unable to spot any sort of threat in his words or the area, and realizing that he's unlikely to talk out in the open, you see no reason not to follow him.

Once you arrive, he takes a quick look around, then finally begins with a short sigh. "Sorry to be so secretive, but nobody else can know about this. Me and Ji work for Big Feet Zu."

Immediately, the name raises some alarms for you. You've never personally crossed paths with him, but from what you know he is a nominal 'Rice Broker' with strong ties to the criminal underworld. His dealings are a very open secret indeed, though none would dare and confront him about them.

"He's a pretty rich guy, and trades in slaves sometimes. Tonight, Ji was supposed to watch the new batch, but...." Po suddenly looks down, wringing his hands nervously. "Well, there's this girl with them, Ming. I know her from my home village, and I just can't stand to see something happen to her. This might be my only chance, so tonight I want to take guard duty and run away with her."

He looks at you pleadingly, with big eyes. It would be almost adorable if it did not make him look quite so pathetic.

[Zero Prime]

Qotho, Horde-born Warrior of the Toba Plains (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=23663592&postcount=9)

Qotho only grunted as Po relayed his motivations, "Surely you understand that if you switch your place on the roster with Ji, then disappear with Ming, Zu will know who is responsible. Zu is not a man to be trifled with, I've seen him cut off a rival's manhood, stuff it in his mouth, and sew it shut." He turned his back and stroked his chin, "Tell you what Po, I'll help you out. Seeing as your plan is likely to get you and Ming killed in the most cruelly, imaginative of ways. You tell me where the slaves are being held, and I'll bring Ming to you, should she so desire."

[Merilan]

Rem covers her mouth for a moment as she realises what Ji and Po have duties under. She frowns quietly; whilst she was not technically a "slave", her time underneath the mistress was effectively that in all but name. "Yes, I would wish to see the both of you safe. I won't stand by and let this happen while there are people suffering."

[OutOfThyme]

Shen remained silent, as he considered what to do with this. Po seemed like a decent enough person, working for someone that Shen knew was not exactly the best person. He quietly pondered how to proceed, and once Rem and Qotho had given their support, he finally spoke up.

"I will help, on one condition: After this is done, you will live out an honest life. No more working for men like Zu. Understood?"

[Rokku]

Nithrias throws himself between Millie and the specter, palm thrust out.

"Quell your rage, spirit," he says, calmly but firmly, "threaten these people no longer or I will be forced to destroy you."

That's a uh. I don't know? Charisma check? And I guess starting combat if it doesn't work.

[Theoboldi]

Millie and Nithrias

The woman, it seems, either cannot understand what Nithrias is saying or simply doesn't care. She continues moving forward, arms stretched out in a desperate grasping motion. Suddenly, she accelerates, her feet lifting off the ground and her body being shot forwards. Her trajectory takes her towards the now closed yamen gates.

Aaaaand we're gonna start a combat here. You may both take actions at this point.


Rem, Qotho and Shen

"Whoa, wait!" Po exclaims, raising his hands in shock. "You're not really thinking of messing with Zu, are you? I know it's dangerous, trying to sneak away with one of his slaves, but at least I know the guards and have a plan to get outta here." Eyes wide, he gestures at your group.

"You would have to sneak into his compound under daylight, before my shift starts. And Zu's got a small army under his command! They'd kill you in seconds!" After a few moments of panicked staring, he does however calm down enough to say "Look, I'm willing to promise whatever if you can help me out. Just don't do anything crazy."

[Merilan]

In truth, Rem doesn't know the extent of her powers. Would a small army be too much? It would be a bit presumptuous to think herself invincible, yet at the same time... she places her hand to her chest again. "It will be all right," she glances towards Qotho and Shen for a moment. "This isn't something any of us can leave well alone, I think. You have our assurance."

[OutOfThyme]

"Let me get this straight," Shen said, meeting Rem's gaze for a moment. "You have a plan to abscond with one of Zu's slaves, despite being only one person - and you didn't exactly put up a good fight against Ji. On top of that, Zu has his men, and he's definitely going to hunt you down once you're gone."

Shen folded his arms, and turned his attention fully on Po. "I think the three of us are the best option you have. I think Qotho and I can do something about his men."

[Zero Prime]

Qotho, Horde-born Warrior of the Toba Plains (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=23663592&postcount=9)

Qotho shook his head, "Slavery is a blight upon the Dumlimbai peoples, a growing cancer which exposes their corruption and rot. A nation need not be built upon the broken backs of the conquered, but within the hearts and minds of it's peoples." He spat emphatically as he finished, "Even before," he stopped himself short of mentioning the events that split the world, revealing their destiny to them, "I was an outlaw, I was a warrior of the Toban Plains. We need not fight any army of Zu's men, when we bring him the most precious slave he has ever had reason to lay eyes upon."

He smiled at Rem, a plan beginning to take shape behind his fiery eyes.


OOC: My plan at this point is to reveal to Ji, Rem's wings and to have him carry the message to Zu that we are looking to sell such an exotic slave. This arranges a meeting, and hopefully we can set all this up prior to the evening in which Ji wishes to escape with his lover. Thoughts? Opinions?

[Inspector Valin]

"Halt! I order you to... oh, forget it."

If this curse won't break even for sorcery and this thing is willing to attack the magistrate... well, it's regrettable but it's time to be direct. With a grim look in her eyes, Millie follows the smoke-creature, rifle ready and true. Multiple crisp reports echo out across the square, with a faint fizzle of arcane energy as new magical circles start to rise around the firearm. Mystical targetting aides. With their assistance, Millie couldn't hope to miss outright.

[roll0] Attack. (also + whatever AC this thing is)
[roll1] Damage
[roll2] Fray damage. Commit Effort for Wizard's Wrath to guarantee it's a valid target.

Also brief note, Millie's intent was to Cast Quickly not Cast Instantly. There's not much of a difference when using a base level Invocation, but IIRC I'd have to commit effort for the day to cast instantly whereas quickly just commits it for the scene. (and doesn't require a damage roll unless it's actually successfully dispelling Theurgy.)

[Merilan]

"Sneaking in under the pretense of bringing a slave? That would definitely be a good story, but where would we get one?" Rem asks of Qotho, completely missing the bird going 'whoosh' straight over her head.

A pause.

"Oh... I'm it, aren't I," Rem sags for a moment.

[Zero Prime]

Qotho, Horde-born Warrior of the Toba Plains (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=23663592&postcount=9)

Qotho took a small step forward, cupping Rem's delicate chin under his thumb, and tilting her head up. "Princess, you are the one who wished to minister to the poor, the unwashed, and the downtrodden. Believe me, there is nothing more wretched on this earth, than the plight of those who find them selves in chains, and whose flesh is traded for coin." His eyes were deep and dark, however there was true concern, true caring when he spoke of slaves and their plight.

"Zu will not harm you, for, to do so, he will need to come through Shen and I. Should he, or his men, raise arms against us, his head will be affixed to my saddle by his own hair before morning."

And suddenly the caring in his eyes was gone, replaced by cold, callous violence.

[Merilan]

Rem shies away a moment after Qotho holds her chin again, sighing to say, "I get it, I get it... you don't have to treat me like a child, okay? I'm not a warrior like you or Shen, but it isn't like I don't intend to sit back and do nothing."

[Theoboldi]

Millie and Nithrias

Millie fires a single bullet from her rifle, an expertly aimed shot that would have put all of her prior efforts to shame. The projectile travels directly towards the woman's head, guided perhaps as much by divine will as it is by physical capability.

Its target does not even make an effort to dodge. Before the dull thud of the magnetic rifle's firing mechanism has fully rung out, a thin, whispy-black bullet hole has been left in the woman's head. At first, she does not even seem to realize what has just happened. Then, her features distort into a scream for just a moment, before just as suddenly as she arrived, her form destabilizes and she explodes in a massive burst of reeking black smog. It washes over you, crossing almost the entire plaza before dissipating into nothing, leaving dark stains that stink of rotten eggs everywhere it passes.

Then, there is silence. All that remains of the woman is her stained robe, and a few pieces of black hair.

Frightened eyes view you from the corners of the plaza. The doors to the Yamen stand closed. This may be a prime opportunity to take the initiative, depending on what you wish to do.



Rem, Qotho and Shen

"Hang on..." Po says, nervously shuffling in place. "You guys sound pretty serious when you say stuff like that. You're not rebels, are you? Like, you're not with.....you know, the Golden Lord, are you?" There is a distinct hint of fear in how the thug's voice wavers as he speaks that name. None of you have heard of it before, however.

Quickly, however, Po shakes his head. "Oh, never mind. I'm not going to throw away your help even so. Probably suits me if you've got something against Zu, anyways. His estate is on a hill just a mile out of town. I can lead you there, if you want. It sounds like you've really got this figured out already." Somehow, you get the feeling that Po is very glad he did not have to do any further thinking of his own.

[Inspector Valin]

Millie sighs as she watches the woman's insubstantial form dissipate. Less blood perhaps than she is used to, hunting monsters and twisted creatures of the Raktine. But the feeling of this moment is all too familiar. Even the best Curse Eater couldn't lift every enchantment, can't bring back those fallen to poison or diseases like the Hollowing Plague that turn the dead against the living. Sometimes a quick and merciful end is the best you can offer.

All the same, she can't quite shake the image of Rem looking at her, with those eyes of hers... and it brings a chill down the huntress' spine. Millie looks down at the fallen robe, the slight tangle of black hair before placing a hand to her forehead, visualizing the screaming woman that'd fallen to the ground before them. I have all this power now.. and death is the best I can do? Maker's Grace, she's bad at this. If only Rem or Zhou had been here...

There's no sense crying for the past. Instead, Millie steps forward, taking a knee before the spot where the smoke-woman had fallen to the ground. She gently picks up the robe by its corner, running her fingers along it. She looks up, and back to Nithras. "I'll give her a last prayer, if you've got no objection. We can bring the matter to the local priesthood once we're done here, see that she's given a proper service in your way, but I'd rather not take chances. This was a mortal soul, tormented by twisted magic, dying in fear and despair. We must ensure she does not fall to Hell."

She's no true priest, but it's hardly the first time Millie's had to offer the last rites since she was initiated as a Curse Eater. Unless her Dulambian friend has some objection, Millie turns her attention to the onlookers. "You lot! Did anyone recognize that woman?" She raises an eyebrow as her gaze turns over the scholars in the audience. It's rather apparent now just why they'd all been so uneasy about their 'education'.

[Merilan]

Rem looks blankly to Po and shakes her head. "No, sorry, I don't know who the Golden Lord is. But if you're willing to lead us there, that does sound good." A furrowed brow as she thinks for a moment, for some reason, about Millie. And about Nithrias as well. It'd be good to have their company for what she believes would be a fairly large undertaking... shouldn't they be sticking together?

"Should we find Millie and Nithrias before we proceed? I'd feel easier knowing we were all gathered together before we undertook anything large. And I'm worried if they may have run into trouble of their own, or perhaps have learned something from the Magistrate's."

[OutOfThyme]

The Golden Lord? That couldn't be what we saw, right?

Shen shakes away his idle thoughts, and nods in agreement with Rem. "I agree with Rem. We should find the others. Po, we can meet back with you within the next hour or so."

[Rokku]

Nithrias' body had suddenly tensed as the wraith woman attacked. What had been a figure of serenity had shifted in an instant into a mighty beast ready to strike, muscles tightening and the air around him practically thruming with ancient, noble power.

Then Millie fired, the wraith dissipated, and all the tension vanished. Nithrias looked slightly sad at the woman's fate, but was as peaceful and serene as he had ever been.

"Of course my friend," he says to Millie's offer, "your kindness towards this tortured soul is appreciated."

When she starts shouting, he simply offers a beatific smile.

"If you would answer her please, it would be appreciated."

[Theoboldi]

Millie and Nithrias

Unlike Millie, who is less familiar with Dulimbaian customs, you are well aware that burial customs and the protection of deceased souls are performed by the families of the dead, rather than the priesthoods. Dulimbaian ancestor priests are mostly called upon to aid those who died without families and those who require greater spiritual protection.


The men and women of Gongfang stand shocked, too frightened at first to answer Millie's request. Most of them are still hiding behind various objects or inside houses, with only a few foolhardy enough to even try and get a look at the aftermath of the smoke woman's death. Even Nithrias calming smile can't seem to move any of them to talk.

You are about to give up and move on, when finally, one young man steps forward. He is not one of the scholars and dressed in simple, dirty peasant's garb rather than pristine white robes. Though he attempts to look stoic, you see tears running down his face and as he talks his voice wavers. "T-That was Fei L-Lan! She's m-my sister, and was s-sent to study with Real Man Xiao two m-month ago. Please-!" His voice cracks as he drops onto his knees, quickly bowing to you. "-let me have her robe so we may bury her, honorable strangers! She wouldn't have attacked you out of cruelty, I am sure of it!"



Rem, Qotho and Shen

Po tilts his head a little as Rem reveals that she does not know of the Golden Lord, his eyes betraying a profound lack of understanding. "Best not to speak of him then, I guess. I dunno who he's supposed to be, but I've heard his followers are very dangerous. They wiped out a whole crew a week ago."

You notice him staring off into a distance for a second, his thoughts drifting, but then he quickly gets back on track. "Right, well, I'll get ready to bring you to the manor, then. If there's anything else you want to get done, best hurry. It's a good idea to bring some friends, in any case. Beating Zu with just the three of you I can't see happening." With that, he begins to turn away and head off, ready to leave you to your own devices.

I'll give Zero some time to respond here in case there's more questions he wants to ask. Otherwise, feel free to state where you are going next and I'll get you there as soon as possible.

[Inspector Valin]

"Very well. Give me a moment."

Millie takes a knee, briefly lowering the robe to the earth. She closes her eyes, before slowly reciting a verse in Pelagic, "In the name of the Creator of the universe and father of us all, Fei Lan of Gongfang, may your soul sleep softly in the ground until the day that the One returns to us and Heaven is restored to glory. So may it be."

Clasping her hands in a final invocation of her absent god's authority, Millie rises back to her feet, handing the white robe to the victim's brother. With an effort, she looks him in the eyes, nodding solemnly, "There. You have my condolences. And my word that Xiao will suffer for what he's done."

Millie watches him go with a frown. This doesn't get easier. She sighs to herself, "So. The magistrate is sending people to a renowned sage. And they come back like that." Her words are carefully measured. Letting emotions interfere in your work and your approach to the hunt is a mistake. But as of now, as far as Millie's concerned, the hunt has begun. All that remains to do is find a way to get paid for it. She sighs, looking at the brother withdraw. The huntress doesn't turn to Nithras, knowing the Dragon is there and listening well enough. "Even with Theurgy I couldn't undo that enchantment. 'Real Man' or no, Xiao must be strong. Do you think you could convince the magistrate to explain why he's been condemning his citizens to the curses of a mad sorcerer?"

[Rokku]

"We will see," says Nithrias. He strides up to the yamen. Anyone who stands in his way receives a disapproving glare.

"Magistrate, we must speak of the fate of your people," he says, "and the actions of Real Man Xiao."

[Theoboldi]

Millie and Nithrias

As you finish your prayer, for a moment an odd feeling of relief passes through you. It is as though a grand and horrible fear has been lifted off of you, even though you've been scared by anything of that sort. Bizarrely, that relief appears to have been somebody else's, and when it passes just as quickly as it came to you, you are left feeling ever so slightly bolstered.

Somehow, you feel certain that Fei Lan's lost spirit has been saved.

Fei Lan's brother hastily rises from his kneeling position, hastily grabbing the robe from Millie's hands. Whispering one last "Thank you! Thank you, kind strangers."he then swiftly turns around and runs off, clearly unwilling to stay in this place even a second longer. Though quite a few people throw curious and awed glances from afar, none of them seem courageous enough to walk up and speak to you.

As such, nobody gets in Nithrias' way as he steps up to the closed yamen doors, and with his clear, loud voice demands to see the magistrate. At first, only silence greets, but after a few seconds of waiting a thin latch opens up on the gates, allowing a constable to peer through. "The monster is gone? Did you kill it?" His eyes glance about, and before you have much time to answer, he speaks again. "Phew, looks like you did. I will report back to the magistrate. If he is willing, he will see you soon." With that, the latch is closed again, and you are left to wait for another answer.



Rem, Qotho and Shen

With nothing else being asked of him, Po wanders off. As he turns a corner, he stops and yells"We'll meet here again in an hour!" one last time before leaving your sight. He still sounds a little nervous about the whole affair, but you doubt it will stop him from going along with your plans.

Knowing that you might need your full numbers for this, you then head towards the Yamen where Millie and Nithrias went earlier. Luckily, seeing as it is the largest building in town, you can find your way pretty easily, and within only a couple of minutes have made your way there.

As you walk, however, you cannot help but notice some strange going-ons. Several bystanders loudly talk of a ghost woman who attacked the magistrate, and two heroic sorcerers who slayed it with foreign weapons.

"She had one of those rifles, from the bright republic! Just like on the dolls that merchant sells!"

"It just happened. My sister was there, and she says the spirit was as big as a building!"

"He sang better than any junzi! Surely such capable individuals must have been sent by the emperor!"

At one point, a man carrying a white robe almost runs into your group, his vision blurred from tears that are running down his face. You hear him sob a quick apology as he swiftly moves past you, apparently rushing to get somewhere.



Everyone

Rem, Qotho and Shen arrive to an odd sight. The plaza is almost entirely deserted, only a few curious bystanders gathering at its corners, though more are arriving by the second. The entire floor of the area, as well as most walls and objects are covered with thick black stains, and a faint stink of rot hangs in the air.

Millie and Nithrias, both also covered in the same disgusting stains stand at the gates to the Yamen itself, apparently waiting for something.

The two groups approach each other, ready to talk, when suddenly the latch on the Yamen gates opens again. From within, the voice of a different man than the one before calls out, one with a somewhat affected tone to his voice. "Capable sorcerers, Magistrate Li Shu of Gongfang bids your patience for now. He formally invites you to a modest banquet in your honor this evening, so that he may greet you with the respect that you are due."

[Merilan]

Rem's eyes widen slowly as she hears about that; two heroic sorcerers? A rifle? That definitely fit the description of Millie. She nearly misses the man in the white robe, blinking a few times as she looks to him and bites her lip; "It's all right," she responds to him.

Once they're there, however, she paces towards the plaza and looks about with a confused look on her face. She scowls just for a moment at the stench. Just what could've happened here? She spots Millie, however, hurrying to her side.

"Millie! I'm so glad to catch up with you... oh, I suppose a lot has happened since we split at the gates. What happened here?" she furrows her brow, not looking proud of herself. "Listen, I wanted to talk to you about--" She blinks a few times as the man calls out to them, though. "Ah... this evening? That might be a bit of a problem," she murmurs as she looks back to the two.

[Rokku]

"I will confer with my companions to make sure this evening is most propitious for us. If we are unable to attend, I will be sure to send my apologies."

With that, Nithrias bows and sweeps back towards the rest of the group.

"Hello friends. We had an interesting time with an angry ghost. What have you been up to?"

[Inspector Valin]

'Dinner later' would've been a welcome note to the Millie of five minutes past. The Millie of the present however seems quite unimpressed by the constable's offer. She looks like she's about to complain further, when she hears Rem's words. Turning back to the official, the Curse Eater shoots the poor unfortunate a brief death glare and whispering at him. "Dinner sounds lovely. We'll attend if possible. But do tell the magistrate that if he sends one more person up to Xiao before tomorrow morning, I'm marching him up there to join them!"

Rebuke given, Millie turns towards the new arrivals, smiling at the reunion. She looks a touch bashful at Rem, nodding in response to her synopses. "Yeah, this was... not good." She can still remember Fei Lan: her face, her voice, screaming out Xiao's name. Somehow, she feels confident that the poor woman is at rest now, but that doesn't quite quiet the images in her mind. Still, they're not worth troubling Rem over. Instead, Millie simply smiles at her fellow travellers, beckoning Rem to continue as Nithras had. "But it can wait. Is something the matter?"

[Zero Prime]

Qotho, Horde-born Warrior of the Toba Plains (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=23663592&postcount=9)

He nodded towards Nithrias and the Curse Breaker, "While you two were playing sorcerer," the look on his face conveyed his disappointment in the attention their actions had drawn to the group, "we encountered a slave trader's henchmen, alerted to the presence of the slaves, we have decided to aid one of those henchmen, Po, in escaping with a slave, whom he favors." He paused, maintaining eye contact with his two returned companions. "Given the plight of all of the slaves, we have decided to arrange a meeting with Zu this evening, and during this meeting we will ensure that his slaves are both freed, and protected."

[Rokku]

"This sounds more important than the Magistrate's dinner. How can I help?"

[Merilan]

"I'd like to rescue the slaves and free them from captivity. I'm not certain what we'll be able to do for them in the short term, but perhaps that's where the Magister's favour can come in useful?" Rem muses of both Millie and Nithrias. She sags just for a moment as she reads the Curse Breaker's expression for a moment. Maybe she should've gone with them. "If we can make the slavers repent with our powers as well, perhaps we can still turn them towards a better force for the world."

[Inspector Valin]

"It would be nice to leave people alive for a change." Millie sighs, with a smile at that thought. Her face turns darker as she glances at the Yamen behind them, lowering her voice briefly. "The magistrate isn't likely to be much help. He's already sending people up the mountain to a sorcerer that's experimenting on them. I doubt he has much objection to slavery, whatever the law says."

Still, Nithras had gotten him to feel conflicted over the matter. Li might not be a lost cause entirely: something worth considering at least. Millie raps her fingers against the edge of her belt, just above her component pouch as she ponders the outline of events. "Perhaps we should try and help this Po go a step further. We could try to get as many slaves as possible out of their confinement while you are meeting with this slave driver. More overt guests will hopefully require bodyguards for 'Zu', and thus fewer eyes on the captives." She gives Rem a smile, "Trying to change their hearts is a good idea, but if you're unsuccessful, they might try to use the fate of the existing slaves as leverage. Best to ensure that can't happen. And if things turn violent, we'll still be nearby and ready to help."

[Theoboldi]

The official behind the gate quickly shrinks back at Millie's glare, only giving her a quick nod and a confirming "I-I'll make sure he is told, wise sorceress!" before the flap is slammed shut. It appears that the poor fool believes that this would save him from you, were you in the mood to prove him wrong.

However, for now you are not, and instead you leave the scene before you attract even more attention to yourselves, or people start connecting your groups. It takes a bit of walking, and some sidesteps through tight alleyways, but eventually it seems as though you've shaken most of the watching passer-bys, and regained an anonymity of sorts. Cloaks draped over your heads, you settle into a nearby teahouse to wait and get ready for your meeting with Po.

A short meal and a few drinks later, you return to the alleyway where Po is already waiting, pacing about impatiently. When he spots you, he immediately perks up and runs towards you, ushering you to follow him. "There you are! I was starting to wonder if you'd make it!" To your annoyance, you are all well aware that you are perfectly on time, which Shen can attest to. It appears that Po is impatient to get this done, to the point of not even introducing himself. In his hastiness, he almost overlooks just who Rem, Qotho and Shen have brought along, only realizing that Millie is carrying a bright republic rifle on her back as he gets ready to move out. His eyes grow wide as he does, however, and he proceeds to give your group an understanding nod. "Wow, that's better backup than I've expected. I'll have to thank my ancestors for the fortune they've sent me! Quick now, though! We need to rescue Ming before the day is over!""

You follow the hastily stepping Po as he leads you out of town by the east gates, heading towards the hilly countryside. For almost a mile you travel along the well-trodden dirt road, during which Po explains everything that he figures you will need to know. "Zu's the bigshot behind most of the brigands in the area. He deals with Magistrate Li so that he blames their crimes on Raktian bandits, and in return they pay him protection money and lend him their guards. Few of them are directly on his payroll like I am, and they're not too loyal to him. I first wanted to bribe some of them to help me with freeing Ming, but they just as likely would have reported it to the boss." He pauses for a while, looking concerned, then brings up another topic. As he does, he leads you away from the main road onto a dirt path that heads deeper into the hills.

"He's an old man, and I've never seen him in a fight, so if you get past his guards I don't think he could threaten any of you beyond the girl." A hand of his gestures at Rem as he says this. "But there's a different problem if you want to go down that route. The geezer wears this jade amulet around his neck, you see. I dunno how true it is, but he constantly brags about how it's magical, and that he is protected from all harm so long as he wears it. If you can overcome all that, I doubt anybody will miss the bastard, though. No family or anybody else to take revenge."

Soon, your path comes to the bank of a deep, bubbling stream of water, and in the distance a vast walled estate comes into sight. At this point, Po leads you off the the road, heading into the thicket of the surrounding underbrush. Sneaking closer, you observe the estate from there, with your guide pointing out everything that he knows.

The estate consists of a grand main hall house in which Zu himself lives, surrounded by several structures that house servants or store grains for either personal consumption or from his legal businesses. A high stone wall surrounds it, standing even taller than that of the Yamen back in town. Guards patrol atop, one at each side at all times, while inside it is even busier. The stream that you've been following flows right in front of the estate's main gate, only a thin wooden arch crossing it and allowing passage, though all the other sides are landlocked. Po explains to you that the bridge can easily be taken down if there's trouble. Though you can't see it from where you are, he also tells you that the slaves are kept in cages at the back of the estate, out of sight and easily guarded.

In game terms, from what you can see and what Po tells you, there are enough brigants and guards at the estate to form a Large Mob.

His brow furrowed, and sweat running down his skin, Po finally turns to you. "So....there we are, then." he says, speaking haltingly. "How are you gonna go about this?"

[Merilan]

"A magical amulet...? I hope it won't be a problem, but I suppose we won't be able to know until we see it..." Rem muses as she goes along with the group, overlooking the manor as they plan.

She furrows her brow to look at her allies. "The plan to fake me being a slave is still sound, I think. It'd let us in far enough to do our plan -- if we can compel his guards and brigands to turn or otherwise become disloyal, there should be enough commotion there for people to slip in from the back and free the slaves in the ensuing chaos."

A sigh, as she murmurs, "I didn't really want to relive those slave days, but... I'll be okay. I know I'm not powerless now."

[Inspector Valin]

Millie can't honestly claim to be 'happy' about Rem doing this. Still, she manages a smile and nod at the Raktine girl's resolution. Whatever she might prefer, Rem wants to try and convince these slavers of the error of their ways. She won't argue with that.

Still, she can provide some feedback. Millie's eyes dart across the compound: the curtain wall, gate, main house. The Curse Eater frowns as she ponders a problem, "If we all enter as a group, it's going to be hard to split up without drawing some suspicion. We're not big enough for someone to slip away unseen."

She runs her gloved fingers briefly through the brush, thinking of how best to approach this. There's no obvious alternative entrance point, unfortunately. After some brief consideration, she looks to the party's monastic friend. "Shen, could you jump the wall from the other side of the stream?"

She's seen a little of the Dulimbian's skills on the road to Gongfang, and while vaulting curtain walls is an extreme ask, with the power the party has now it seems at least worth of discussion. Millie continues, "That way, I can go in the front with Po, for some reason or another, after the main group are already inside. We'll find a high vantage point in the main building where I can provide supporting fire, and he can move to assist you. You move to free the slaves, covertly if you can, I cover your retreat if you're discovered. That leaves Nithras and Quotho with Rem, trying to either talk Zu down or turn his men against each other failing that."

It seems smart. She can provide her best support from a well chosen sniper's nest, and the slaves are likely Dulimbian: a local face will be far more reassuring than a stern looking foreigner. Millie adjusts the brim of her hat, looking back to Zu's abode. They should have this in the bag.

[Rokku]

"Personally I was thinking they might be very distracted if a dragon were to fly over and start attacking the estate," says Nithrias, smiling beatifically, "wouldn't that be very convenient?"

[OutOfThyme]

Shen quietly considered both Nithrias' and Millie's suggestions. Millie's was more discreet, and definitely less likely to draw attention to themselves, but Nithrias' plan would provide the distraction they'd need to get the slaves out. "Why not both? Nithrias can stay with Qotho, but if I get found I can make a pretty sizable distraction on my own. Use that opportunity to transform and I'll be able to use that chaos to get the slaves freed."

[Merilan]

"I think that's a good plan, yes, working to each of our strengths," Rem nods gently. She's shifted the somewhat muddied cloak about her, her wings twitching for a moment underneath as she looks towards the estate in turn. "I think it'd be useful to have a signal so that we can alert each other when we should execute the distraction. I could transform and create a lot of light, if that would suit you and the others outside, Millie?"

She's referring to a form that seems to have been granted to her as part of her seeming godhood -- where her body could shift to that of an angel's, bright and burning like the sun. In the midst of the setting sun like this, it'd probably be pretty hard to miss.

[Inspector Valin]

Millie looks sceptical at Nithras' suggestion. She listens while Rem and Shen agree with their dragonic friend, but still seems skeptical. "I don't like the idea of chaos outside if we can avert it. You're going to make the guards panic. Guards do stupid things when they panic. Like try to appease the 'monster' by throwing slaves at it for meat. Or kill them to make sure there's no one left to bear witness to what happened here."

Perhaps overly bleak. But after what happened in town, Millie is not in the mood for more civilian casualties. Still, she tries to smile at Nithras, "If you want go loud, go with Qotho and Rem, and save it for Zu. We'll likely need your strength to get through his magical protection, if it comes to a fight." She grins at the other two Dulimbians in the party, clenching her fist with a confident look in her eyes. "I'm sure Shen, Po and I can take down as many of the courtyard guards as we need to, especially if Po can get me to a good vantage point. You just focus on drawing guards into the meeting so we've got less threatening the slaves."

[Rokku]

"I suppose it would be best to get the lay of the land first," says Nithrias, "it's a shame, I was looking forward to scattering fools like so much wheat before the scythe of my divine fury."

[Theoboldi]

"W-huh?" Po stammers as you discuss your plan in front of him, his eyes widening. "You have a dragon on your side? An actual dragon? Large and scaley, head like a boar with antlers? That kind of dragon?" It seems that the poor man is about to keel over, and he actually has to prop himself against a tree when it becomes clear to him that you really do want to bring in a dragon and jump over the wall.

It only brings him back to reality when he overhears that you want to bring him along on the mission, as well as Nithrias bragging about his divine nature. "Divine fury? You are genuine made gods, like the ones in the east?" While the comparison is not exactly flattering, you are all more or less aware that he is referring to the Thousand Gods, a region of jungle kingdoms ruled over by countless, feuding, patched-together divinities. Their well known tyrannical nature may account for why Po is currently shaking in his boots.

Born in Dulimbai, it comes to your minds that the founder of your nation many eons ago was a Made God known as the True King. His teachings still form the base principles of Dulimbaian culture, and to this day the Emperor swears loyalty to him, though of course nobody knows if the True King himself is even alive anymore.

Reminding Po of a more virtuous example of divinity may serve to calm him, or perhaps even trick him into ascribing you more authority than you really have.

Quickly, the broad-shouldered man turns to Millie, wringing his hands fearfully. "Y-You should not take me with you! I''ll die for sure if I try to fight against that many! There's a good spot on a balcony up high, though. I c-can just point it out to you!" For all his fear and general dimness, Po has a point. A single stray arrow or spear could be the end of him in that estate.

[Inspector Valin]

Millie looks almost disgusted at Po's fearful expression. She can't fault the lout's logic, but his courage could use some work. Disappointing, though far from surprising. He's hardly the first self proclaimed tough the Curse Eater's known to drop their posturing of strength when faced with long odds. Millie raises an eyebrow, shooting the thug a caustically quizzical look. "Weren't you planning to break out one of the girls and run away with her? And you're going to hang back in the face of danger rather than stick with us?"

The Republican seems quite unimpressed. Still, arguing and criticism is pointless. With a sigh, Millie offers Po her hand, giving the terrified thug the most human smile she can manage. "Come with me to the balcony. It'll be far safer than the courtyard, and having someone watch the door in case of reinforcements would be useful. All you have to do is call to me if someone's coming so they don't surprise me. With a little luck you won't have to raise a finger."

[Merilan]

Rem couldn't blame Po's reaction, honestly; it must have been a shock for him to encounter divinities. She thinks for a moment how she'd react if she were still the ailing girl she was prior to their encounter with the dying god. "You should also tell us what Ming looks like. It would help us identify her amongst a crowd," as she tries to orient him back towards his own goals rather than his panic.

[OutOfThyme]

"Less like those Made Gods, but hopefully like the True King. Time will tell, but have faith in us," says Shen, clapping Po on the shoulder before turning back and continuing his scan of the perimeter. As Rem spoke up, Shen glanced at her, nodding in agreement. "I was expecting to save that for after we'd dealt with Zu and his men, but knowing what she looks like before we head in would be a good idea."

[Rokku]

"Do not worry, friend Po," says Nithrias, wearing his trademark beatific smile, "it is a very friendly dragon."

[Theoboldi]

In response to Millie's snark, Po shuffles nervously aside to get either Shen or Rem in-between her and him. Luckily, it appears that the combined efforts of her and Shen do calm him down a little, and his stance relaxes.

"Like the True King? I guess you are just trying to help. And somebody like me, too..." The thug's head lowers for a moment, the corners of his mouth drooping, before he gives you an understanding nod. "Okay, I'll come with you if that's what I need to do to get Ming out of there." You get the feeling that his response is partially motivated by guilt, and partially by him being more scared of you than he is of the people inside the estate.

As Rem speaks up, Po turns to her, his head tilted. "Ming? She's pretty small and thin, with fine features like an official's wife. She has a very bad cough, too, so you can't really miss her."

His eyes glance towards the manor for a moment, and his fingers reach for the knife at his belt, as if to test that it is still there. When his attention turns back to you, he asks "Is that all you need to know? The sooner we free her, the better."

[Theoboldi]

To anyone reading this thread who is not a player, at this point in time our group has lost Qotho's player. For simplicity's sake, this means that we will retcon out Qotho and his involvement in the story, and have Millie be the one to accompany Rem instead of him.


As for you, my players, I will rush through the parts that set up the meeting with Zu here, just to ensure that we don't have to split the party for very long once again.

As you all voice your agreement to go ahead with the plan, Po gives a faint sigh of relief. "Alright then." he says, before gesturing for Rem to come towards him. "You're gonna have to give me your weapons for this to work. I'll tie your arms up, too, but not too hard. You'll be able to slip out easily enough if you need to."

With no other recourse but to comply should you want your plans to succeed, Rem hands over what little weaponry she has for self-defence, comforted by the knowledge that at least she has her powers and those of Millie to fall back on in the worst case scenario. Afterwards, as required, Po binds her wrists behind her back with a length of rope, though she can feel how loose the bindings really are. From the perspective of everyone else, they look convincing enough at a cursory examination, which should be enough with a person who looks outwardly as frail as Rem does.

Then, with everything prepared, Rem, Millie and Po head back over to the road and begin their march towards the estate of Big Feet Zu, while Nithrias and Shen move to circle around the compound's back.



Rem, Millie and Po

As you approach the front gate and the guards standing there, you are greeted by several sneers and spears lazily pointed in your direction. There is confidence in numbers, it seems. One of the guardsmen, a big fellow with bushy brows, calls out to the one individual among you he knows. "Po, what are you doing here? Who are these women? Brought some entertainers for the night shift?"

In response, Po gives a rather awkward looking shrug, smiling sheepishly. "Sorry, but these are customers. Found them while in Gongfang. They're from Raktia, and the woman in black wants to sell the other one here as a slave." For all his lack of solid acting ability, at least his bluff sounds convincing enough.

Luckily, given the way that the other bandit smirks at the explanation, it appears that it did the trick. "Hah! That's a fine haul there, Oxhead! The old man will give you a bonus for that. Guess you're not completely useless, huh?" The taunt causes the other men around to chuckle, which Po quickly joins in on, though not without offering the suggestion first that the guardsman should put his own spear somewhere rather inappropriate.

"Fine, we'll tell him about it." the man says once the laughter has died back down. Then, he points at Millie, or more specifically at the rifle she carries on her back. "You're gonna have to give us that gun, though. Don't want you making any trouble, right?" Knowing full well that you can simply summon your weapon back to your hands at any point in time, there is no reason not to comply. Were Millie not so intrinsically dour, it may even take some effort to suppress a smile as she does.

As one of the men takes the rifle from her, another quickly hurries inside to set up the meeting with Zu. You wait for a few minutes until he returns, giving confirmation that the crime lord does indeed want to see you. With that, you are lead into the compound and towards the manor. You step past the busily working servants and not so busy guards, quickly entering the opulent house of Zu. The slaves are well out of sight, though you suspect that some of the servants must be here less than willingly. You are led up stairs and through corridors of polished wood, adorned with fittings of gold and pieces of fine art, porcelain vases and statues of Dulimbaian poets. Were it not all surely stolen from other people, it might be pretty impressive.

Soon, however, you are brought to a little balcony, where Big Feet Zu waits for you along with four of his bandit guards. He sits on the cushioned floor, an elderly man in fine gold-threaded robes, with only a short white beard of hair. Between that and his wrinkles and crooked shape, he must be at the very least in his late seventies. A mouth full of stained yellow teeth smirks at you as you enter, and he turns for a moment to take a deep breath from an opium pipe that is set up next to him. Meanwhile, his eyes examine you with an almost palpable coldness, the way a butcher would look at a dead animal.

Having spent some time in servitude to a noblewomen, and being as capable in the healing arts as you are, you recognize that Zu's teeth are as crooked as they are due to lifelong abuse of opium and similar drugs. It's quite frankly a miracle he has lived to be as old as he is.

And there, around his neck, hangs a faintly glowing fragment of a jade circle, the fabled amulet that grants him invulnerability according to Po.

Except, of course, that's not what it does at all. You are not quite sure how, or why, the knowledge of this enters your heads. It is simply something you become aware of instinctively. That amulet that Zu is wearing around his neck is a Celestial Shard, a broken piece of heaven filled to the brim with divine energy. Just looking at it makes your mouths water, and for a moment you have a hard time concentrating on anything else. With its energy, you could make the impossible possible.

Of course, in its current form, it has precisely no effect whatsoever. Zu's protective charm is utterly worthless to him.

Unaware of this revelation, Zu himself proceeds to greet you, his voice sharp and thin, but with a courteous tone. "Well met, my dear guest. Please, have a seat, take a sip from the pipe. From what my servants tell me, you have brought business for us to discuss?"



Shen and Nithrias

As the rest of the party heads towards the front gates, you continue sneaking towards the underbrush towards the river. It takes you a bit of time, but a short walk upstream you finally find a grown-over point that you can cross unseen, and a quick leap of the monk god takes you over with no problems.

From there, you sneak towards the back of the compound, moving up as close as you can. To your annoyance, however, the growth is less thick between where you are hidden and where the wall is. Only a single bandit guards on top, but to jump over you will definitely have to risk exposure to his sight. Still, he is unlikely to be able to do anything about it at that point.

For now, all that remains is to plot, and to wait.

[Merilan]

Rem quietly hands over... a dinky little dagger that doesn't look like it's seen much combat. She thinks a little bit to how she wasn't much of a fighter before divinity, and even Millie's best attempts to teach her some self-defence wound up being a bit sad, then actually sad as she got sicker and sicker. She places her hands back and quietly lets them be bound, nodding very quietly as she murmurs, "I trust you all... let's do this."

The approach to the guardsmen proves to not need acting from Rem - her time as effectively all but a slave in name rather brings back unpleasant memories as she scuffs her feet and whines softly. She has to remind herself that it's different now.

Big Feet Zu's presence does prompt a quiet reaction from her, biting her lip as she both quivers a little under his gaze but also... the way his teeth shape. She's seen it before, many times. People who wouldn't listen to her, well on their way to destroying themselves with the substances they often trade in.

And that amulet...

A broken piece of heaven. Tension fills Rem's body as she quietly wonders how it is she knows of it, but says nothing. How was it so that their destinies were so altered and power granted to them... but only questions mounted in their wake?

[Inspector Valin]

You idiot. You stupid, worn out, toothless good for nothing idiot. That amulet is worth more than this entire mansion. You could've traded it for almost anything with the right buyer! The Republic would pay top dollar for anything that could help fix the Etheric Nodes...

The Republic would pay...

Millie has to take a moment to adjust to this. Rational thought has almost left her head between exasperation and shock at this discovery. She closes her eyes, breathing deeply as images of her throttling Zu play out in her mind. A Celestial Shard might be her ticket back to the Bright Republic, a cushy job and a life of ease. It's not some vague, impractical dream of a way home. It's the thing the Republic wants more than any other item in the world, sitting right in front of her. And the old man holding it could do nothing to stop her like this. He's a slaver, a criminal, a wretched waste of flesh surrounded by underpaid local toughs. No one would care if she killed him, if she just opened fire right here and now and layed this entire building to waste!

No. One person would care. Damn it.

Millie looks to the young Raktine girl beside her. She'd asked for a chance to talk to Zu, to the slavers. To give them an opportunity to change their ways. She'd been willing to put on the slave act to make sure they could get through the front door. Name of the one, she will not let Rem have gone through all of that degrading wretchedness for nothing!

The shard can come later. Opening her eyes again, Millie bows her head. "Beg pardon, sir, but your folks got it wrong. I'm just an escort, if I'm telling you the truth. The one who came to speak to you is my friend here." Only Rem will catch the shift in the Curse Eater's voice. Millie sounds different, as if part of some other world for a second. She steps back, putting a hand to Rem's shoulder and giving her friend a confident grin before whispering in her ear. "C'mon Remmie. If anyone can do this, it's you."

And if things go wrong, I've got your back. I'm with you until the last stop of the line.

[Theoboldi]

Rem, Millie and Po

As Millie reveals the truth, an uneasy quietness descends upon the room. Zu himself does not seem all too disturbed, but his guards certainly shuffle about nervously, as does Po. Some of the bandits begin to raise their weapons, but their leader stops them by simply raising his hand.

"Po, you have vouched for these two. It is very unfortunate that you lied. That will have consequences." he proclaims matter-of-factly, his smile not leaving his lips. Then, he turns his attention back on Rem, observing more curiously now. "Still, I am willing to listen. One so bold as you must have strong reasons."

Stroking his beard, he patiently waits for an answer. It seems as though he is willing to give you the benefit of the doubt for now.

Just wanted to give a minor update to the IC. No need to feel rushed, given that Merilan is currently still in Japan.

[Merilan]

Rem lets drop her cloak, and shimmies softly out of her binds; no need for them now, that she was going to speak. No, even before that...

Her eyes close as she lets her thoughts and feelings sink into the same space as when she first reached her spark of divinity. In a moment, the sun's light is upon the room at her chest as white feathered wings furl around her in a protective, cocoon-like embrace.

"My name is Rem, and I am but one such newly divine being."

Her wings spread as that light spreads further; she looks taller, her vestments have changed to the magical regalia of that of an archangel. A subtle crown seats atop of her hair, long and flowing.

"I have come here to ask you to stop this cruel business of slavery." She purses her lips for a moment, and says, "The business which has so destroyed your own life to the drug that you take. I can heal you too, that you would not have to suffer the rest of your life in pain. But this..."

She glances around, but then back towards Zu, "This cannot continue. Not for the ailing, who only desperately seek shelter and sustenance. Not for you."

[Theoboldi]

As Rem reveals her true form, the bandits shrink back, weaponry now held at the ready.

"She's an angel!"

"Is she going to kill us?"

"You idiots, don't make her angry!"

Even Zu is visibly taken aback, and he drops onto his back for a moment in sheer shock. He quickly hurries onto his feet with all the speed his withered old body can muster, though he soon relaxes when the goddess wishes are revealed to him.

"D-do forgive my shock, Lady Rem." A nervous smile is back on his face, less certain than his earlier expression at the situation. "I do not often receive visits of beings such as yourself."

Then, he sighs, slightly lowering his head. "While I do appreciate your straightforwardness, however, you ask a lot of me. My business is quite lucrative, as you surely have noticed, and giving up on it would greatly reduce my income. Besides, cruel though it may be, it is also perfectly legal." Despite him reiterating Rem's verdict of slavery, there is not a hint of remorse in his voice.

"However, perhaps we could help one another. I've no need of a healer, as I already am aided by the medicines of an esteemed sorcerer and taoist."

Dulimbaian Taoists are well known for their efforts at immortality research. Though there are dozens of different schools among them, all of them know some way or another of bolstering ones body. Archmages of the Taoist schools can live up to 120 years in perfectly good health so long as they live according to principles of sincerity and simplicity, and avoid the consumption of cereal grains.

"Still, if you are as powerful as you say, you could take care of a far more tangible threat to my health. Lady Rem, have you heard of a deity called the Golden Lord?"

[Merilan]

The bandits' shocked reaction does prompt surprise from Rem, though she tries to hide that she's not used to this.

Rem stares back towards Zu, her lips thinning. "These people deserve better than shackles and forced labour. Nobody should be exposed to slavery," she expresses firmly. "It is deep unfortunate that the laws of the land have allowed such corruption of basic life to spread. Please do not try our patience, Mister Zu."

Her eyes narrow very gently, when he talks about a sorcerer of his own, though. She looks to Millie for advice, but blinks as he brings a name up.

"The Golden Lord? No, I do not know of such a being..."

[Inspector Valin]

Millie watches quietly as another piece of the puzzle clicks into place. The Republican snorts to herself - of course this wretch was tied to the same scumbag that the magistrate was in hock to. He likely gouged the prices enough for Xiao to look into a fresh source of 'subjects'. With a toothy smirk, Millie steps forward shaking her head, "If this sorcerer of yours is that 'Ephemeral Sage' Real Man Xiao I'd advise against relying on his medicine. It's turned at least one woman into a crazed spectre who went to her death shrieking his name while trying to slay the magistrate who sent her to him."

She meets Zu's gaze, winking at the old criminal, "I wonder if any of those spectres are on their way to you?"

It's honest advice: more than the blackguard deserves, but it's in service of Rem's attempt to show him the error of his ways. Millie takes a step back, leaning against the rail of the balcony and looking out at the view. "You might want to double your guard. And foresware your occupation. I'm a Curse Eater by trade, and the magic in that amulet of yours?"

Before the guards can stop her, Millie's withdrawn a glass vial from her inner jacket pocket. With a flick of her finger, she pops the cork stopper out, letting a noxious black smoke rise out into the room. The bottled curse rises up, an ominous cloud that settles in place briefly above the small assembly before being pulled downwards. It's as if some swift tornado sucks the magical vapour down towards the floor, coils of it flow into Zu's opium pipe, running through it and rushing up into the old rogue's mouth and nose before he can so much as react.

Millie shakes her head, smiling at the grim spectacle before her. "It's nothing that special."

Millie just used her Curse Eater magic! She has two Low Magic spells prepared, noted on her sheet. This is a Greater Curse, designed to render Zu unable to enjoy any material pleasure. Fine food tastes like ash, he'll cough on Opium, every cushion in his house will feel like jagged rocks. He'll no longer be able to enjoy any of his ill gotten gains. That's not technically given as an example of how curses work, and I'll go a different way if you'd rather 'boldi, but it seems to fit genre wise.

And I can't find anything noting if he gets a save against this.

And hey. Millie just showed him that he's not as protected against curses as he thought. Zu should be thanking her, then paying her extra for a better protection charm. That's how this works, right?

[Theoboldi]

Zu meets Rem's gaze with slight hesitation, his mood not yet having fully tipped over into uncertainty. "I understand you are quite passionate about this. Do understand that it is not so easy for a man in my position to give up on a major source of income, however. Please, I am sure we can come to a deal."

As soon as the goddess expresses interest in hearing more about the Golden Lord, he latches on. "He is a godling much like yourselves." Zu explains, gesturing towards the party. "Or at least, so his disciples claim. I have not met him myself. Supposedly he has returned from the dead after a thousand years of slumber, to punish the corrupt and wicked." His forehead wrinkles up and his expression darkens as he continues to speak. "Normally I would not pay much mind to the fantasies of impoverished xiaoren, but fact is that a camp of these cultists managed to wipe out a crew of mine who stumbled upon them just a week ago, using mystical martial arts. As such, they do worry me."

It is then that Millie speaks up, tearing the bandit chief from his thoughts. "W-...wha-..specters? He must be getting careless." he mutters to himself, his eyes widening.

At this, Po actually taps Millie on shoulder, trying to deliver a warning "Hey, don't taunt him like that. You don't know what he's gonna do!" he whispers, carelessly loud enough for most everyone to overhear.

Even so, however, his warning is ignored, and the sorceress works her curse on the defenceless criminal mastermind. Zu only manages to open his eyes in terror before the smoke shoots into his mouth and nostrils, leaving him choking pathetically. He doubles over in pain, shuffling away from you in a panic as Po struggles to draw his blade and everyone else pulls up their spears.

"ACK! CAGH! UARGH! Get them! Get them, you worthless idiots! Guards! HUACK!" he just about manages to get out between coughs. Already on the case, the four guards in the room charge you, spears levelled. Out in the corridor, you hear the heavy footsteps of more warriors approaching. The old man, meanwhile, is trying to move towards a door at the other end of the room, eager to escape.

Aaaaaaand time for combat! As is the rule, you get to go first. I would recommend sending a signal to Shen with one of your actions so he can participate. :smallwink:

[Inspector Valin]

As the spears rush forward, guards faces wreathed in anger, the errant Curse Eater does not seem upset. Instead she chuckles to herself

"Pitiful."

There's a rumbling sound, followed by a thwoom as the bandits are about to close with the group. The first guard stumbles backwards, tumbling and falling against the wall as his friends turn, shocked. Millie's hand is wreathed in spectral force, edys of energy swirling across her balled fist. The red headed Curse Eater grins. She'd tried to avert this, but... Rem had given these fools their chance.

"We're doing things the hard way then!"

Committing 1 Effort to Rain of Sorrows to have my Fray dice target every enemy I can reach
Omnipresent Reach brings my reach to 'line of sight'

:biggrin:

Assuming these are regular mortals, Millie may not even have to take an action to deal with the bandits currently threatening us. But I could roll a 1 here, so...

[roll0]

[Merilan]

The warriors are approaching as things break down; Zu is escaping, but first things first, they needed to deal with the guards. As someone who wasn't even a fighter before, Rem shouldn't overestimate what she's capable of. And what she's capable of...

"Stand down. Please," Rem speaks with verve tinged in her voice; hers is the calm, yet still radiant side of the sun, embodied through the personae of an archangel who wishes no bloodshed unless it were utterly required. As if to illustrate the point, she holds her hand out to the nearest of the guards to settle them down into a calm, pacified state.

I'm having Rem 'attack' using her glow to sap the guards' fighting spirit as we discussed a while back! I'll use the Fray dice for this, if that's ok.

[roll0]

[Inspector Valin]

Millie sighs, though she can't hide a smile at her friend's gesture towards the enrushing guards. "You're too nice for your own good, Rem."

She glances down at Zu, stricken to the ground. The Curse Eater's eyes glint at the thought of what hangs around the wretch's neck... but with a sigh, she turns, starting to run and calling as she does so. "Po, where's that balcony above the courtyard?"

The guards are still a threat to the slaves outside. The others can take them on in hand to hand, but they need to know to get started. And since her curse was what caused the fight to start, Millie owes it to the people in the cages to help too


"Attention scumbags!"

The call echoes out across Zu's estate. The red haired Curse Eater straightens her hat, looking down at the ne'r do wells with a pointed grin. "Time to pay for your actions!"

Stepping back into something more akin to a martial arts stance, Millie takes a second to focus her power. Then the barrage begins. As though they were nothing more than the simple softballs of her Republican youth, Millie starts lobbing balls of black energy across the courtyard. Each one explodes on impact with a thoom, lobbying its target backwards and leaving a faint dark mist behind it. And each one is being thrown by an expert markswoman.

Zu's men won't know what hit them. And the two main fighters have been given their que.

[roll0] Attack (+AC whatever these guys have)
[roll1] Straight Damage

[OutOfThyme]

"And that looks like our signal," Shen says, glancing back up from the hiding place towards the guard in the back.

Taking in a deep breath, Shen draws a hand back and aims his palm towards the guard. Shen could feel the lightning align and tense, like drawing a bow with his own divine sense. Shen thrust his palm forward, and an arc of blue-white lightning arced forward, streaking towards the unfortunate guard with the divine fury of a vengeful divinity.

Ranged Attack against that one poor guard: [roll0] + AC against this poor guy
Damage: [roll1]

[igordragonian]

http://www.epilogue.net/sites/default/files/imagecache/gallery_lg/images/06/45/37367_1163221200.jpg

Starislav Kalchugevski has greeted his teeth. It took so much to contain the thoughts of madness inside.
DOOM! DEATH! CHAOS! *something* screamed in his mind constantly. It was unending struggle and every moment of it was an agony.
His comrades have turned into majestic and godly beings, but Straislav who's dream since childhood was to be a champion of justice- a Bogatyr, has turned into a foul demon- the dragon Timniev.
Statislav actually attempted to commit a suicide but was saved by his comrades, who have convinced him, that his dream isn't dead yet, and he might still use his power for good.
But they did not understand. He felt unholy, and dirty no matter how many times he will shower. And yes, he assumed the form of his past self. But he felt it- it was an itching costume. His true form strained to be released, and held back only by Starislav's will power.

He knew it was a noble cause to fight for- especialy uniting a lover man with his mistress- but will he be able to fight as warrior of just, will he fall for his lust for chaos?
"Istina ee sprevidlivest!"* he cried the tradional Bogatur war cry and charged forward, his cloak and beard blew with the ineration, and lifted his tear shaped shield, with remains of red and yellow paint under countless scratches, and thrused his spear into wall- for a moment black scales has covered his arm, which swelled with muscles.
_____
*Honesty and fairness!

Meta:
pay effor and using Sinnews Of The Serpent

[Theoboldi]

Awestruck, the guards approaching Rem stop as she raises her hands and unleashes the smallest bit of her power upon them. Tears form at the corners of their eyes, and they drop their weapons, a feeling of beauty and impossible radiance overcoming them. Half smiling, half crying they stand there, pacified.

It's odd. Looking upon them now, they seem almost pathetic to her. Taking them out took no effort whatsoever. And even those who are still yet moving seem oddly sluggish to Rem. Her senses and physical capabilities have been heightened since her ascension, yes, but now is the first time that she really experiences how strongly.

Meanwhile, Millie takes a far more active role in taking down the bandits. A flurry of magical blasts shoots out from her hand, each hitting a hostile target with pinpoint precision, hitting throats, stomachs, and more painful areas for instant knockouts. Even the initial wave of guards that come rushing in through the room's entrance are taken out before they realize what is happening, one blown cleanly out of the way of a strike from Po who proceeds to look rather sheepish. Zu himself is brought down by a single hit to the back, falling to the floor with a loud cry. "GAAAAAH! Mercy! Mercy! I can pay you!"

The sorceress supreme steps out onto the little balcony that opens up the room to the outside, a point from where she can see pretty much the entire compound. What happens next is carnage. Her attacks rain down on a completely unprepared crowd of villains, clearing out almost half of them within mere moments. In a blind confusion, they run around, desperate to regroup.

Then, the compound wall explodes. After Shen easily takes out the single perimeter guard with a controlled shock, leaving the poor man twitching with static electricity, Starislav's punch shatters the stone wall in a location they know to be free from slaves due to their earlier scouting. Both of them come charging, knocking down foes left and right with the sheer force of their advance. In their cages, the groups of slaves scream both in fear at the world seemingly coming down on their heads, and elation at seeing their captors beaten up. Mostly the former, though.

Zu's forces are left devastated. Needless to say, their morale utterly breaks. In a panic, everyone runs to save their own skins.

Some try heading for the slaves, perhaps to take hostages, though luckily Shen and Starislav are in position to intercept them. The poor fools try to rush past them, making them easy targets for whatever rebukes you may wish to inflict upon them.

Rem notices some others heading into the main building, and a quick look down the corridor confirms to her that they are trying to loot the place, taking whatever riches they can take from their master's home before escaping.

Millie meanwhile notices smoke rising from some of the houses the thugs are fleeing past. Fires are seemingly being lit by the frightened rogues, perhaps in an effort to distract you.

The bandits were forced to make three separate Morale checks this round. They failed two of them. Any attacks made on them while they are panicked like this will be successful, and they will automatically fail any saving throws.

We are still, however, in initiative, at least so long as you care to prevent them from looting, setting fires, taking hostages, or fleeing.

[Inspector Valin]

Millie looks exultant. She'd felt the power the strange wanderer had given them since that fateful moment back on the road, but for the first time she's started truly drawing deeply on that spark of glorious energy. The Curse Eater laughs, a hearty roar that echoes out across the courtyard. They'd been so frightened of these idiots, taken such care to stage this ambush... and the thugs are crumpling as though the little band of wayward souls were some kind of thunderstorm.

Forget the shard. If I wanted to return home like this... who could stop me?

Millie notes the disintegration of Zu's men without much passion: all that remains seems simple enough. Those swarming the slave pen, Shou and Stari were more than enough to deal with. Those inside she can leave to Rem. The group starting to set fires however... they demanded her attention, lest everyone here perish in flames. Even though they were obviously trying to buy time, she couldn't afford to simply leave them be. The sorceress snorts, calling out to the retreating figures.

"Ants! Wretches! You think that will save you?!"

This time, she sees no need to repeat the humble gesture. Millie merely raises her hand and a set of black orbs begin to circle it. With naught but an effort of will, the doombolts streak outwards as a volley, hitting one figure after the next and sending them sprawling across the ground before they can set torch to tinder.

Wait... if they've broken up like this, are they no longer a mob? (and thus all targetable by Rain of Sorrows?) Or are they smaller mobs?

[roll0] Straight Damage to the firestarters
[roll1] Fray Die

[Merilan]

Rem flushes a little at Millie's compliment, but murmurs, "No, I should be thanking you for exercising some mercy as well... I'm..." She pauses as she looks at the men she's overwhelmed drop their weapons cry, pacified. A conflicted feeling washes over her for a moment. Would she want them to change their ways just because she told them to? Ideally she'd like them to come to their own conclusions, but they don't always have a convenient answer like that.

She bites her lip as she sees Zu, begging and crying. "Please reconsider what you have done. I--" Rem notices several others fleeing to the building, hurrying down as she chases after them to announce, "Please stop what you are doing. These ill gotten gains..." she narrows her eyes for a moment, wings shining for a moment. "Would you feel right gathering them up for your own purposes?"

I'm using the Fray Dice again to try to chastise them! [roll0]

[Theoboldi]

Zu groans pitifully at Rem's request, his hands covering his head. Other than that, he remains in place, not daring to run.

However, her words turn out to not be quite as effective at taking out the horde of men that are stripping down the mansion. Certainly, one or two who are very nearby the goddess drop what they are carrying as she approaches, overwhelmed by her glory. But the rest ignore her, continuing to tear paintings off the walls and carrying off silver bars as her radiant aura by itself is just not enough to affect all of them. One, in a moment of panic, even goes so far as to hurl his weapon at Rem, though it is aimed so badly that it harmlessly clatters against the ground several feet away from her.

Not a full end of turn yet, just wanted to give Merilan some feedback on Rem's results so far.

[igordragonian]

Starislav has frowned.
He looked at the chaos, and the vermins crawling all the way to the innocent people.
'CHAOS DEATH CHAOS DEATH! something screamed in his mind, but he kept his cool. Starislav turned the blade of his spear down stabbing the ground between him and the bandits.
'YOU SHAL'L NOT PASS! VER'MINS!" he roared, black scales have appeared on his neck, and the floor exploded in straight line, creating pit between the bandits and the cegs of the slaves.



META-
Another effort

[Theoboldi]

With a flurry of bolts, Millie takes down the pathetic rabble that threatens to burn down the compound, quickly ensuring that no further fires will be lit. Still, though these rogues drop their torches harmlessly on the earthen ground, it appears that in the initial chaos some flames have already been set. Po suddenly shouts for the goddess' attention, pointing out plumes of smoke that continue to rise from two buildings at the back of the yard. At this point, luckily, it is merely a matter of putting them out.

Meanwhile, the ruffians that are attempting to charge the slaves fare even worse, having to contend with two wrathful godlings. Starislav's pit opens up before them, cutting off their path with such suddenness that the first few in line fall in with a dull thud and screams of surprise. Those behind them stumble back, hoping to find a new approach, but their plans are cut short when Shen jumps over the pit and comes down in their middle with a thunderous boom. A blast of electricity shoots over them, knocking out anyone it touches, and the few who are not incapacitated at this point finally decide that trying to take hostages is a suicidal endeavor. Instead, the run for the hills, making their way out of the compound. They seem unlikely to cause any more trouble.

In the mansion, however, the last remaining group of panicked bandits is still rushing to grab everything that they can, gathering any valuables that are not nailed down. Without Rem or anyone else taking more decisive action, they may soon leave with all the silver and gold they can carry!

[Merilan]

"I-- have warned you," Rem speaks as she winces and wiggles her wings away from the thrown weapon, though it turns out to be unnecessary.

She looks to the rest of the looting thieves and raises her left arm; radiant light gently pools into the shape of a sphere atop her palm, before forming into the soft shape of a blade. "I will not kill you, but this may sting a little." She thrusts the blades forward, and they split mid-flight and fan out towards the rest of the thieves; she's not certain how much control she has over her powers, but at best she'd like to knock them out rather than gore them or do anything permanent.

I should... work on my speeches. 'Sting a little'...? she internally remarks to herself.

I will attack with Body of Burning Light! [roll0] check is 4, damage is: [roll1]

[igordragonian]

Starislav didn't felt any ,remorse toward such scum. They didn't deserved to live! But maybe it was Timneiv trying to seduce him and succumb to darkness?
No! He hunted evil, even before he was tainted by the foul powers of the dragon
DoOM! DEATH! his thoughts boomed inside his mind.
"So evil' that can't stop even when your life on the line!" Starislav yelled, and chased after the panicking banditsllp sending his spear at them to invoke justice on them!


Meta
Attack
[roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Damage fray[roll2]

[Inspector Valin]

Millie hums to herself, looking out across the battlefield. Starislav is dealing with the remaining fleeing bandits just fine. The fires are an issue though, and she can hear conflict from within the manor. Some of the guards... and Rem. And she's closer to that point.

Above the pandemonium, Millie calls down. "Shen, can you get the fires out?" If the Dulimbian gives her a positive, Millie wheels back into the house, traces of arcane energy around her hands. She makes her way towards Rem's voice swiftly, half-sprinting through the corridors and throwing small but potent bolts at over-eager thugs as she does so. There's a lot of greedy people in Zu's employ, evidently

This is contingent on Shen being willing to go for the fires. If not, Millie would prioritize that, reluctantly so, but she does have trust in Rem to take care of herself when need be
[roll0] Attack
[roll1] Damage (Straight)
[roll2] Fray Dice

[Theoboldi]

From below, in the courtyard, Shen gives Millie an affirmative nod. "I...I think so, yes!" he says, deciding to try and push his powers to their limit and see just how fast he's really gotten. Readying himself mentally, he first takes a deep breath, before letting his body drop forward into a running stance and taking off.

A blink of an eye later, it is done. Shen has run to both buildings and smothered the fires, all before the dirt of his own advance could settle. He doesn't even feel the slightest bit disoriented by his sudden motion, and only slightly out of breath.

For this round, I'll NPC Shen. He will commit 1 Effort for the day to miracle All-Encompasing Presence.

Meanwhile, in the building, Rem for the first time takes direct action against the bandits. Just as one might expect, the radiant blades she sends out are rather effective against the demoralized, distracted bandits. With no resistance, she skewers and pins down half a dozen of them. Yet, somehow her knowledge of anatomy and the healing arts guides her attacks at the same time, preventing even a single one of them from being lethal.

The mob screams, bandits picking up whatever they have at hand and trying to run away, yet it is too late for them. At that moment, Millie comes descending down the stairs, figurative guns blazing. Bolts go flying left and right, around corners, through cover, and striking down every last fool who attempts to escape her wrath.

Finally, outside, Starislav's spear is thrown with the might of ten men, piercing through three unfortunate victims as it travels. Where it impacts, it does so with a mighty shockwave, throwing down and knocking out the remaining escapees.

And then, finally, everything is silent.

You have, just with the four of you, taken down every single guard in this compound, secured both the slaves and Big Feet Zu's vast treasures, and did this all with an absolute minimum of actual casualties. All in all, quite the accomplishment.

"Ming!" Po's voice suddenly breaks the silence, as the broad-shouldered man comes barrelling out of the house. Ignoring everything else in his way, he runs towards the slave cages, almost not seeing and tumbling into the pit that Starislav created earlier. Several of the slaves gasp and dodge back as he unlocks and tears open the door on one of them with his broad hands, though he seems not to notice.

"Ming, it's alright! I'm here to save you! It's me, Po! We've come to-"

"Oh, I recognize you, you unfilial bastard!" comes the retort. From amidst the slave crowd, a young woman of about Po's age steps forward, giving a short cough after her spirited greetings. Like Po himself, she is of Ren descent, though her hair is a long, flowing black veil and her face is almost deathly pale. Though she looks rather thin and fragile, her features are smooth and full, giving her an odd look of fragile beauty.

That look does not befit the fact that the immediate next thing she does is step up to Po, and give his face a resounding smack. "You think me and the other slaves don't talk? COUGH! COUGH! How dare you come to me like this, villain?" He, for his part, just stands shocked, clearly not having expected that.

As this happens, you also note Big Feet Zu groaning piteously somewhere up on his balcony. The old man still is pretty clearly out of comission, and not about to do anything.

And with that, our combat scene is over. Feel free to restore any effort that you had committed for the scene.

[Merilan]

Rem looks pretty exhausted by the time the battle's done; perhaps not because of the exertion of her powers, since she is a godbound now after all... but perhaps she's realising how taxing it is to make a choice to fight and hurt somebody. No matter how bad or cruel they've been; no matter how much control over her powers to not kill them she has.

Millie emerges, however, bolts flying left and right as she expresses softly, "Millie... thank you for coming. I--I'm about done on my end too." There's a huge noise outside... was that Shen, or someone else?

Ming!

Po's voice turns her head towards where the slaver is hurrying, and Rem winces as she thinks about what's to happen--

And Ming responds in kind, as she glances towards Po, and then Ming in turn. Her instinct is that of a healer's, first; "My name is Rem, and Po has brought my companions and I here to free you. I understand you're all upset... but first, let me heal those that need to be healed."

She looks for the slaves to first treat those that've been treated worse by the slavers, hands glowing softly as she gets to work quickly. She casts a glance at Po and Ming as she works, thinking that things may not work the way Po expected them to... and she can't really blame Ming for feeling that way.

[Inspector Valin]

Millie shares a glance with Rem as silence falls across Big Feet Zu's estate. It seems almost bizarre, in the moment after so much chaos. But no. They're through. Nothing had gone wrong. Zu and his men are down, their mansion full of stolen finery is now under the party's control, and the slaves are as good as free. They've won. Unambiguously, and beyond a shadow of a doubt. And this... this girl, her friend, who'd once been so ill she worried for her life each day, had been right in the thick of it.

The Curse Eater grins at Rem, waving a hand at some of the fallen thugs. Her actual words are brief, simple, but deeply sincere. "Nice job."

The moment is ruined a little by the sound of coughing from upstairs. Millie glances towards it, frowning. Zu. With a nod to Rem, she's sprinting back up towards the balcony. In an instant the huntress is looming over the struggling crime lord, her pointed teeth glinting in a smile. In her hand, she holds a pair of manacles: in an instant one cuff is tight around Zu's hand, and the other rests around the balcony. Millie is about to rise to her feet before remembering the... thing around Zu's neck.

It's the work of a moment to break the amulet's chain. With that, the Curse Eater lifts and then pockets the celestial shard. Securing that is important. Next, they'll have to secure the unconscious thugs... that could take a while. She looks down to Zu with a wink. "Don't go anywhere, mi'lord. We'll be back for you."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"She has a point, Po."

Millie is hard at work, walking amongst the fallen men. Each time she kneels down, taking their blade in hand and concentrating. With a flash and an gentle fizzt, the vicious looking sword is replaced by humble shackles fixed between the wretch's arms, and a wrought key: each pair with a matching glyph. At the tenth, she takes a second longer to find some small dagger or knife, and from this she forms a circlet to hold the keys she's forged thus far. The Curse Eater continues her work as she interjects into the couple's conversation, turning to look at Ming as she begins, "He is the one who told us about Zu's activities. He accompanied us to meet him, believing that he was putting his life at risk as a part of the plan to free you all. He attempted to help us despite his fear. He's made an honest effort to be better."

Shifting to Po, Millie jangles her keys for a second's emphasis before resuming her task. "But does that excuse your past actions? How many girls like Ming got shipped through here, on your watch, before one who mattered to you came along? If it'd been another man who told us about this place; can you say you'd have done anything differently to your fellows here? Would you have had the courage to change without our help?"

There's no anger in her voice. This isn't a condemnation, more a meditation upon two sides of an argument: trying to give both parties some context and an outsider's viewpoint on a situation with no clear answers. Millie comes to a half before the cage carts, pondering their design before a thought comes to her. "Wait. If we're gods now, do I have to answer this kind of question?" Even though the remark was aloud, it was far more to herself than anyone around her. Millie sighs, "Cr*p. One True Lord of Heaven's Name, I hope we're not gods."

Millie's using the basic Artifice power to forge shackles for the defeated thugs/Big Feet. Once she's done, she'll either use a Miracle to instantly craft enough wagons/cages to convey the men back to town for judgement, or just start work on making them conventionally. She can make most component parts of such a wagon in a round, most notably wheels and tacs, so I don't think finishing this job will take her too long, especially if the slaves are able to help.

[igordragonian]

Starislav went and collected his spear, silent and grim, as cloak waved after him.
KILL! THEM! ALL! wild thoughts roared inside his mind, in three diffrent voices to make it worse.
'I am no god. I am a devil' for'ced into k'human skin. I am tr'ying to make the best of it.' Starislav said grimmly.
'I bel'ieve our' duty 'er'e k'has been done. The sl'aves ar'e fr'ee. L'et the l'overs sor't of their' own quarr'el''.

[Inspector Valin]

"We've a few other matters before us yet, What to do with these fools for a start. And to see if anyone amongst their captives needs help with passage home, if there are treasures within the manor that need to be returned to them or locals..."

Still, Millie's familiar with her companion's temperament. With a smile, she waves back in the direction of Gongfang, "If you'd rather be shot of it all though Starislav, why not go take word to Magistrate Li that we've destroyed a notorious ring of bandits and slavers? He'd asked to meet us for dinner, right? Go enjoy the meal while we work."

[Merilan]

"... I won't leave these formerly captive people to their own fates after freeing them. Many of them have been removed from their homes, and more yet do not have homes to return to," Rem murmurs, as if speaking from experience. She does, however, smile a little bashfully as the Curse Eater tells her she did a good job. "Millie is right. We should at least confer with the Magistrate to see what he can do -- we should have some leverage given we've rooted out a source of slavery from his territory."

[igordragonian]

Starislav shook his head. 'No dinner's for this old wr'etch.'
'But I an standing cor'r'ected- we shoul'd accompany those poor' soul's 'ome.'
He smiled grimmly. "L'ever'age? No. We wil'l' demand. 'E shall do his duty, wether' he l'ike it or' not.'

[Theoboldi]

As Millie approaches him once more, Zu panics for a moment, desperately crawling backwards away from her before covering his face. It makes it all the easier to manacle his wrist and take the amulet from him. "Wha-" he mutters in disbelieve, perhaps having expected his death at this point.

Holding onto the celestial shard as she does now, Millie can feel the power within it more clearly than even before. It is eternal and radiant, filling her with an odd warmth like that of a gentle summer day. The shell that holds it just begs to be broken apart, to allow her to consume this power for herself. Yet, she also knows that if she keeps it intact, it may be able to provide the foundation for all manner of mighty artifices. Either way, it brims with a potential that only she and her fellow gods can perceive.

With this, and many other things catching her attention for now, she leaves Zu behind, who at this point simply stares, baffled, after the goddess. "How?" she can faintly hear him say as she walks down the stairs.

Down below, the mostly unconscious bandits also offer little resistance to having their hands tied, though many of them voice their astonishment at the magic involved in the process. Likewise, Rem has no troubles taking care of the slaves, who all appear to be deeply thankful to their rescuers, and who are happy to receive healing for the injuries they bare. Whip and burn marks, cuts and bruises, even a few broken fingers. Nothing serious for the most part, and the slaves comment loudly and happily on the skilfulness with which the angelic being before them treats these wounds.

"Thank you so very much!"

"I didn't think I'd ever see a healer again!

"Are these foreign healing arts? I heard they were barbarous, but this is nothing of the sort."

There is, however, one slave that seems like she might cause Rem more trouble. Ming herself, though she is clearly spirited and full of life, is not just sickly-looking at first glance. Taking a closer look, Rem realizes that she is looking dangerously thin, probably heavily malnourished. Under her eyes hang heavy bags, indicating strong fatigue, which also seems to be the reason for her pale skin. And of course, there is her coughing, which is both constant and heavy enough to indicate some form of lung infection.

Perhaps a few days ago, she would have had to spend more time to come to the conclusion, but with her divinely strengthened mental prowess Rem is certain that Ming suffers from the White Plague, or Tuberculosis as the more clinical doctors of the Bright Republic call it. Given her current state, it seems unlikely that she will last another year. Annoyingly, she probably has already infected some of the other slaves at this point, though they do not show symptoms yet.

Unaware of this fact, Ming herself continues to lay into Po. "Lover, huh? Is that what he told you? This oaf always was a troublemaker, even back home! Do you want to hear what he's done to the other slaves? HACK! UACK! COUGH!" The sickly women has to take a moment to regain her breath, during which Po interjects.

"But, Ming! You're free now. And I never would have hurt you!"

In return, she throws him a deathly cold glare. "Spare me the excuses." she hisses, her words dripping with disdain. "Have you also told your godly friends about how you tortured the other slaves? HURCK! COUGH! How about when you broke Yun's fingers for a laugh? Or when you nearly branded Jinan with a torch? COUGH!"

Po stands stunned, unable to form any coherent words in his defence. The situation turns worse as the other slaves begin to chime in, turning towards your party.

"He's a monster! You should hand him over to the magistrate like the others!"

"Magistrate? Forget that! You're gods, right? Punish him for what he did!"

One of them steps up to Starislav, hands balled into fists. "You there, you sound like you know what to do. Whether you're a devil or a god, I don't care, only that he pays!"

Oddly enough, as they all direct their wishes towards you, you can't help but feel some kind of strength welling within you. Their words and prayers resonate within your heads, leaving you clear-headed in whether you want to grant their desires, but yet fully aware of how they look to your divine authority. Somehow, it makes feel more solid than before, as if the powers within you are getting more tangible than they already are, while also filling you with a kind of hunger for more. It's similar to the feeling that you got while looking at the Celestial Shard earlier.

Whether or not you wish to indulge these mortals, having your divine authority acknowledged seems to grant you strength.

You are totally getting some Dominion at the end of this scene, just saying. :smallwink:

[Inspector Valin]

Millie grimaces, glancing upwards towards the balcony. A part of the Curse Eater can't help but think of Zu, that the slaves should save their ire for the master of the estate... but no. It's not for her to tell them who to seek vengeance against, their complaints sound legitimate, and if she does nothing the poor idiot might be torn apart by the collective.

As such, the Theurge walks across to Po, placing a hand on his shoulder and looking into his eyes. "You have done good. And you have done evil. Neither of those things should be forgotten. Neither should be overlooked." Millie smiles, just for a second. "Do you have anything to say in your defense?"

[Merilan]

It's with remarkable ease that Rem finds herself capable of healing people, bringing them back up to health in a way she could even scarce imagine when she was a mortal healer. It almost felt like she was cheating, in a way; no, perhaps cheating is a small-minded view of it. Like she only had a scarce element of the bigger picture and now could see more of it.

Someone asks her if she has foreign healing arts. "I was a member of the Merciful Hand, but I suppose... now I've just been given a little more," she softly says with a smile. That they were vulgar... well, it wouldn't have been the first time she'd heard that. Part of being a healer was to reassure people that she isn't harming more than helping, after all.

But Ming catches her eye; she bites at her lip as she diagnoses her, both through her medical knowledge and her senses. She winces a little, but the verve in which Ming speaks is perhaps a bit more pressing, though when she doubles over with a cough she moves to support her. "Easy, please..."

She looks towards her and the others as opinion starts to turn. "It is as Millie says. Becoming involved with slavery warps people, turns them toxic; I have such experiences myself when I have seen people become peer-pressured into doing abhorrent things. But at the same time..."

She glances to Po, then murmurs, "I would urge -- no, I would request, even beg you all to not pursue vengeance as a course of action. I will do all in my power to help ensure your freedoms..."

Something is starting to stir deeply within Rem, as the divine aspect within her surges through. She would want Starislav to give his own opinion, she wouldn't dare take that way from him, but at the same time:

Her wings spread out as she starts to glow with the warmth of the dawn, reaching her hand out to Ming as she whispers, "You have taken ill of the Plague. But as I am now... there is something I can do for you."

Her hands softly shimmer white as she places them onto her chest, towards her lungs in particular.

"So please, do not let your heart become blackened."

Let me know if I'm making a mistake, but:

- I'm going to turn off Body of Burning Light to get back Effort
- Commit Effort to Hope of the Dawn to convey Rem's wishes to not pursue vengeance and keep hope, and
- Commit Effort for the scene to use Ender of Plagues to heal Ming and those she has infected of tuberculosis.

[igordragonian]

Starislav has pulled out his sword, and pointed at Po.
"Those good peopl'e say you ar'e cor'r'upted, and even the l'ittl'e good you 'ave br'ought, onl'y coming from car'nal l'ust. Why should we l'et you l'ive?"

[Theoboldi]

Rem's gentle words and deeds do show an effect on the crowd of slaves, as does the display of her divine power. Under her touch, the mundane diseases of everyone assembled just melt away, and even the infection within Ming's lungs recedes with little effort.

At first, the outspoken woman looks confused, then quickly clasps a hand against her chest as she realizes that her breathing has suddenly become much easier. Though she still looks weak from the ravages of her illness, she has been healed. "You've...." she can just about say before breaking into a smile and closing her ears, perhaps unwilling to let the tears show that are forming in them. "This doesn't make it right. But...thank you. I can't believe it." She wavers for a moment, the relief taking the strength from her knees. From within her, Rem feels another surge of strength-granting faith.

Still, though this has taken the wind of their sails to some degree, the other slaves still glare angrily at Po, and those nearby Starislav in particular still vocally express their desire for vengeance.

"Blackened heart? How about his?"

"Why even listen to him?"

Po, meanwhile, leaps at the chance to save his own skin. "W-Wait! You've got this all wrong! I'm not after Ming because I want her! We just grew up together, and her family was always good to mine! I couldn't just watch and see her dragged off to Xiao because of that!" Though the argument sounds somewhat strange to your non-Dulimbaian ears, it seems convincing enough to the mostly local slaves, who instead complain that he probably is lying.

"Look, you'd never have come here if not for me! Let me go and you'll never see me again! I can head south, far away! I'll be gone forever!"

[igordragonian]

Starislav frowned, black scales have apeared on his forehead as he struggled to contain the entropy within.
One touch... and this wretch will dissolve into nothingness.

But if he eve hoped to heal and save, he had to give a second chance.
"No. R'uning away won't cl'ean you of your' sins. Those sl'aves need a way to r'ebuil'd their' lives. Guide them. Hel'p them. Take r'esponsibil'ity." He said with heavy pants.

[Merilan]

Rem looks on kindly to Starislav. She knows a little of the struggle he's dealing with... and moves over to gently put a hand on his shoulder, if he'll have it. "You're doing good," she whispers encouragingly, then nods as he advises Po on taking responsibility to help them.

She looks to Ming again and shakes her head. "I know. Things don't turn right in a single night. The pains that you've all endured are not to be glossed over so easily."

She looks towards Po and wonders how he will react to Starislav's words.

[Theoboldi]

Ming, in response to Rem's words of encouragement, just nods slightly before slowly sitting down. It does seem like today's events have exhausted her, at least on an emotional level. "Unbelievable." she mutters, barely audible.

Meanwhile, Po squirms underneath Starislav's gaze. For a moment, you notice his eyes glancing towards the knife at his belt, but the fear in his expression when he looks back at you makes it clear that he's decided against pulling a really stupid move.

"R-Right! Anything you say! I'll do it!" By this point, the hopelessly outnumbered thug has dropped onto his knees, and is wringing his hands in hopes for mercy. Again, Starislav feels his divine powers strengthening. It appears as though fear is as legitimate a source of faith as adoration.

"Let's see how he likes it!"

"Yeah! See if he has fun slaving away!"

"Somebody get that devil a whip!"

At the same time, it appears as though public opinion is shifting in favor of your idea, though it seems still heavily motivated by revenge. It's better than a lynch mob, at least.

[Merilan]

There's a faint wince from Rem as she at least places an encouraging hand on Ming's shoulder for a moment, looking towards Po and back towards the crowd. Most of the aggression has escaped from their voices, but it would not be right for her to just rob them of their anger. Yet at the same time...

"Starislav... how would you see to this situation?" she asks a bit more privately to her companion.

[igordragonian]

"I think that mere vengeance won't e'l'p those peopl'e. Po 'as knowl'edge of the l'ocal' bur'eaucr'acy. He should ser've them by helping them get back into respectful citizen life. But, I won't stop the peopl'e he hurt from 'lynching him. We just should let them see the options.'

[Merilan]

There's a soft noise of understanding from Rem, though she does admit: "... I'd... rather not see anyone be lynched, if I could help it." She turns towards the crowd as she speaks, "As Starislav says, we will hold Po responsible in aiding you back towards a respected, normal life. And if you would still wish to lash out at someone..."

She steps forward. Her gaze is full of resolve as she speaks, "Then you may strike me in his stead."

[Theoboldi]

An awkward silence slowly settles over the crowd, the realization that Rem, unlike Starislav, will not back down settling upon them. Millie, who so far has been standing by, gives the girl an encouraging nod. Things are going well.

Still, not all are convinced. You notice one of the slaves on the fringe of the group leaning down and picking up a stone. Quickly, he hurls it past Rem towards Po in a rather uncoordinated fashion, a helpless cry of anger on his lips.

Yet, his projectile does not reach its intended target. Her body moving reflexively, Rem manages to easily reposition herself and catch the stone with either her hands or her body, whichever she favors.

The impact comes with a dull, minor sensation of pain, as though Rem had been smacked lightly rather than genuinely hit. Even further, there is no wound nor any blood, her body seemingly far more resilient than it ever was before.

The slave howls in frustration, but takes no further action. Meanwhile, Po kowtows on the ground, his head pressed into the dirt. Blubbering inelegantly, he can only mutter “Thank you, thank you!“ over and over again.

No one else makes a move. Perhaps they realize the futility of it, or perhaps they simply dont want to harm their savior.

[Merilan]

There's a stillness as Rem stands there as is her promise - the stone flies and strikes her, prompting a little flinch... though she realises that she's far more resilient than she ever was. She quietly nods towards the slave, looking back towards his anguished face without a trace of judgement in her own expression or eyes.

"Wounds do not heal overnight," Rem quietly murmurs, looking at Po. "Even in this new form of mine, I will not forget that..."

But there is another issue. Zu and his slavers. She may need the help of the Magistrate for this. She looks towards Millie and Starislav and says, "Zu may not be as repentant. I may need your firm hand to help guide them along..."

She moves to find where they've left the former slaver lord. That shard of his was curious as well.

[igordragonian]

Starislav has nodded grimmly. He simply came along, for now silent. He has decided to focus on struggling with his inner dragon.

[Theoboldi]

With everything being taken care of in the courtyard, and your divine will made clear, you finally leave behind the slaves and make your way back into the manor. Behind you, the freed Dulimbaians make themselves busy, gathering up the bound but slowly awakening bandits. With their own spears and clubs now in their former victim's hands, and their own hands in cuffs, they are easily kept in check. Po, for his part, quickly follows you, clinging to your side like his life depends on it. It probably does.

Heading through the manor's entrance and stepping through its corridors, you once again notice all the valuable pieces of art and priceless furniture, as well as many left behind satchels full of silver bars, jewellery, and gemstones. In coin alone there is a small fortune in this place, and if you were to strip it down you would each have more than enough to retire on!

Still, there are other things to focus on for now, and soon enough you arrive back at the balcony, where Zu awaits you, his goons having somehow managed to prop him up against the railing. He looks quite a bit less dishevelled than when you earlier took him down, and it's clear that he is making an effort to look dignified.

"I have been watching your actions from above, sages. You have shown a great deal of mercy and wisdom." he says, his voice only showing a hint of shakiness. "I realize that you plan to deliver me to the magistrate. But if you would, let me make you a counteroffer."

Zu turns slightly towards the countryside, as if gesturing at it. "I am in control of all bandit clans in the area, villains who without me would surely descend into savagery and desperation. Remove me, and you will bring untold chaos to the region. Allow me to serve under you, however, and I can provide you with funds and contacts the like you could not get anywhere. The Tong, drug traders from here to southern Xilong." He pauses dramatically, as though somehow he has practised this speech. "Even the finest of assassins, like the Sanwuzu. The loss of my slaving business will hurt my finances, but even so I could survive." The old man finishes giving his offer with a serious, concerned expression. While some things, like the nature of the curse you put on him must still be elusive, you get the feeling that he has realized the kind of trouble he is in.

In a bid to make himself useful, Po leans over and whispers to you. "Zu is an honorable man, even if he does cruel things. I'm sure he'd keep whatever promise he would make to you."

[Merilan]

Rem notices the jewelry; she wonders if the slaves could appropriate some of them, enough to be able to re-start a living where they've been forcefully ripped from their lives. There's a note to be had there; something to do in the near future. But now Zu awaits, and he makes his offer...

And the anger builds quietly inside of Rem.

"Banditry is a social problem, Mister Zu. One often borne of strife, hardship and neglect from the state, from the ruling and noble class. However... you have yourself long profited from enabling and manipulating desperate people, whether into slavers or slaves or worse, and I have no intention of letting you thrive in that seat any further. These lands will not heal under the thumbs of individuals, especially one such as you."

But Zu does mention something that quietly incenses her further--

The Sanwuzu.

She pauses and reserves herself, letting a scowl go to her face. She calms herself down with breaths.

"Now, you will tell me what you know of the Sanwuzu assassins."

[igordragonian]

Starislav frowned, scaly veins popped on his forehead.
"You are scum, leading scum. If they do trouble, we will just slay all the beasts." he hissed barely holding his hatred

[Theoboldi]

Zu becomes noticably agitated at Rem's reaction, taking a step back only to bump against the railing. A look over his shoulder confirms to him that there is nowhere to run. His thugs, meanwhile, scramble aside in their cuffs to put as much space between you and them as possible.

"Please, think about what you are saying! These people are mere peasants, willing to stoop to such lows to save their own skins! Do you seriously want to move against the emperor himself on their behalf? You will become nothing more than petty rebels, like that savage Golden Lord. And once you grow too bold, you'll be snuffed out, having gained nothing!"

For the first time since you've met him, Zu has raised his voice. Though his tone is more one of exasperation than of anger. His face, meanwhile, has grown even paler than it was when you first knocked him down.

"Look, I can help you get in contact with the Sanwuzu. There are contacts I know in the nearby city of Yizhao, and I could easily call upon them if you let me. You merely need to let me go."

[igordragonian]

"Emperors, Tzars, petty slave mongers... I fear none of them." Starislav stepped forward.
"We won't befriend some lowly scoundrels. Don't test my patience.' his palm, turned black and scaled, and claws have grown

[Merilan]

Rem looks to Starislav and nods firmly at his direction. Then she looks to Zu again.

"It is as my companion has said. Even in life I swore to myself, as a healer of the Merciful Hand, that I would not look down upon people because of their station. Let alone now.
And if I were to fear those that have installed themselves in power, then I would not have changed anything."

She scowls for a moment to say, "The Sanwuzu will have to wait. I can acquire the information I wish in other ways, without your help."

[Theoboldi]

Zu stares at you in exasperation, utterly speechless. Even Starislav's threats seem to barely get any other response out of him. It seems like his mind is working overtime to comprehend what is happening. But then, finally his features drop into a frown, and the bandit lord lowers his head.

"I understand, then." There is clear bitterness to his tone, mixed with the condescension of someone who still thinks they know better than you. Still, he appears to be resigned to whatever awaits him now. "Go on then. Bring us to the magistrate. I am sure he will execute us as the law demands, just to save face. But he has always worked together with me, and profited off of my handiwork. His constables If you really are so righteous, why don't you go and start your little rebellion with him?"

Zu's words are filled with cruel, uncaring spite. It is a tone that Rem knows from her old mistress, one that gives her the feeling that he is not lying to her. The old man, for his part, seems to consider the conversation settled, however.

It is up to you what to do from here, it seems. What will you do with Zu and his men? Where will you take the slaves? And what will you do with the vast treasures in Zu's mansion? Some of it you could easily carry out on your own, enough to bring you prosperity, but what about the pieces of art and the furniture? If you found a way to get them to Gongfang, you would be rich beyond your wildest dreams!

Then again, wealth suddenly seems a lot less important, given the power you wield.

Both of you gain 2 points of Dominion each! I originally wanted to go with 1 each, but since our party has shrunk I figured you could use the boost.

There is 2 points of wealth in easily portable silver bars and jewelry within Zu's mansion that you can loot. If you can figure out some means of transportation, stripping down the estate could get you up to 5 total points of wealth, however!

You also regain any Effort you have spent for the scene, if that matters. :smallwink:

[igordragonian]

Starislav didn't looked impressed. 'Save your' l'ittl'e petty po'litics to your' master'."
he turned to Rem 'We shal'l' take those citizens, and demand they wil'l' be aided by the one in charge.'

[Merilan]

It doesn't exactly surprise Rem that the Magistrate has had a hand with Zu. She has seen the ways in which noble courts' webs spread to one another, the way one struggles to try to remain clean and yet have skeletons in their closets surface and lead them astray.

"If there is further corruption to root out, then that is another issue we will deal with," Rem speaks as she looks to Starislav. She nods.

Rem isn't particularly interested in wealth for wealth's sake... but the wealth would be important to helping the slaves get back on their feet. "The former slaves will need funds to help them restart their lives. We should distribute what is easily portable now, then arrange for transportation to ensure they have a longer-term supply, whether to get back to their homelands, or to start another life nearby."

I'm not super-familiar with how Godbound treats wealth, but I'd like to give those 2 wealth out to the folks, since that's the easily portable part of the equation.

[igordragonian]

Starislav had nodded.
"Agr'eed."

[Theoboldi]

Leaving Zu to his sulking, you take him and his men downstairs, ready to conclude your business at the manor. For now, you plan to leave the more unwieldy treasure at this place, having more important things to think about. Like for instance bringing the slavers to justice and making sure that the slaves can rebuild their lives.

As you announce your decision to divide the bandit lord's treasures among his victims, a cheer breaks out. Few of them seem to have expected this level of kindness from you, given how much you already have done for them. Still, they are quick to rush forward, each eager to for their own fair share. At first, there is a bit of conflict, with many of the slaves claiming more or less dubious ownership of certain treasures, but nobody seems willing to contradict you when you make an effort to give everyone a fair share.

"You know-" Zu notes in-between carrying satchels of silver downstairs. "-Zu's been taking money from many people, including those in town. Lke that ink-painting of emperor Yan Xuo he's got hanging in his bedroom. I took that one as protection money from a merchant. There'll be more people asking for a share once they hear what you've done, is all I'm saying."

Afterwards, you load up the arrested slavers and their leader in the wagons that they used to transport slaves in, and prepare yourself for the trek back. By this point, the sun is already hanging low in the sky, and you figure you'll make it back for the banquet with Magistrate Li just in time. Together with your little caravan, you head back to Gongfang.

Your journey back through the hilly countryside goes over without incident, the sounds of crickets, wild monkeys, and running rivers serving as a calming background noise. Once back on the main road, you get many strange look from the farmers that make their living here, and you notice one or two slaves already breaking off to meet with what looks like their families, but nobody dares approach you for now.

That changes when you approach the town gates. There is a grand commotion as you approach, and immediately guardsmen rush forward to question you on your purpose. Though boisterous at first, they quickly shrink back when they realize that you are not only the mighty sorcerers/gods that the Magistrate has invited for a banquet, but that you have also captured Big Feet Zu entirely on your own. Still, while they quickly get to work bringing the arrested bandits to the Yamen, where they will be imprisoned until the Magistrate decides on what to do with them, they also deny the slaves entry for now.

"We can't possibly allow that many strangers into the city at once. You'll have to talk with Magistrate Li about that as well. Don't get mad, this is out of my hands!" the commanding officer tells you, hands raised defensively.

While the situation is annoying, the setting sun in the west tells you that your meeting with Li is only a short while off. Surely, he won't object once he learns that the slaves have enough funds of their own to get settled in.

Before you can go, however, both Po and Ming approach you, each seemingly for their own reason.

"If you don't mind, I wanted to thank you again, gods. Your kindness knows no bound. I will stay here and keep everything organized while you're gone, if only to give back a little. Once I have time, I will be sure to write a poem in your honor." Ming finishes with a little bow.

Po, for his part, is not nearly as graceful. "Well, uh, if you'd like I could come along. If you need a servant, or anything like that." he offers, awkwardly scratching the back of his head and smiling crookedly. "O-Of course if you don't, I can just stay here. Look after the sla-..uh, the people."

Despite their differences, you get the feeling that you have earned a loyalty of sorts from these two people in particular, one that goes beyond that of all the other people you have rescued.

Feel free to make some last decisions here and do anything that you want to do before going to the banquet. Afterwards, I'll move you forward to the meeting with Li.

[Merilan]

For what it's worth, Rem figured that there would be claims of ownership from the belongings robbed; at this point, however, they didn't really have the time to verify what belonged to who, and that it was more important that people had a sustainable amount of money to restart their lives.

"Indeed..." Rem speaks on the topic of what Zu has taken. "It isn't just the slaves that have suffered - the nature of his influence is such that he has usurped people in town too. We'll need someone trustworthy to oversee the cases where we need to return belongings to their rightful owners, since appraisal isn't my specialty..."

They've returned to Gongfang, with Rem seated on one of the carriages. She appreciates the sound of the countryside; it's only now that she realises she can more enjoy nature, without her illness distracting her from all five of her senses. There's a smile on her face. She waves off to the former slaves who've reunited with their families, wishing them well.

But at the town gates..

"... I suppose that is to be expected. However, these are people who have been displaced by slavery. I would at least see that we be allowed to set up camp outside the city bounds and have appropriate security for these people who have suffered," answers Rem to the commanding officer in turn. The former slaves each have their funds, but perhaps it would be best and safest if they kept as a group for now.

"Ming," she greets when the woman approaches, smiling quietly. "May I leave you in charge of the people while we discuss with Li? I think Po's presence may unsettle them, but you were a driving force amongst the captives back during your stay -- I think they will listen to you more. I will see what we can do that none of you are harrassed."

On the topic of Po... she's not certain whether they should bring them with them. Leaving them with the former slaves doesn't seem wise. She looks to Starislav for some input.

[igordragonian]

Starislav rode the road with a grimm attitude. For him, a victory was a douboe edged sword- yes, justice was done this time, but he used the evil wyrm within.
The voices of darkness and entropy became louder and louder in the mind of the Bogatyr who wanted to be a chivalrouse champion of the good.

"I am no god!" he scolded, parts of his face became scaly and black as he hissed

He didn't judged the guards. With commands, those soldiers will do good. He would have been dissapointed, id they would have let them pass just like that.

"Da. Let's take the sl'aver" with us. Impr'ovised excuestation won't be justice. 'E wil'l' k'help us with the magistr'ate." Starislav voiced his opinion in quite assertive tone.
More assertive then he would like.

[Theoboldi]

The officer takes a quick look about, eyeing your followers with suspicion. “Well, so long as they don't uppety now that they are freed, we won't have any issues. They can make camp outside city gates, but we'll have to keep an eye on them.“ Already, he starts waving some of the nearby guardsmen over, eager to order someone else to take care of it. From what you hear him say, it sounds like he's not planning to do much more than keeping a few extra constables around.

Meanwhile, Ming shows herself not all that intimidated by Starislav's display of power. She barely flinches, and when she speaks again her voice is firm. “Then tell me what we should call you. I can't just use your names after all.“ From what you know of Dulimbaian society, such a thing would be indeed unthinkable. Then again, so would be Ming's bluntness in usual circumstances.

Towards Rem, she gives a confirming nod. I'll take care of everything. Now that my strength is returning, you can rely on me for anything you need.“ On her still pale face, there is a cocky smile, and her eyes beam with life. Ming is not lacking in confidence, it would seem.

“Thank goodness.“ Po sighs, wiping sweat off his brow. “Uh, I mean, good choice! It will look more impressive if you have a servant with you too.“ Immediately, he stumbles up to your side, rearing to go.

Behind him, Ming crosses her arms and shakes her head.

[Merilan]

Rem nods at Starislav with a bit of a smile. His confidence can be a boon in these times, where her own may be lacking, even if she is trying to gather her own resolve. She looks to Ming and tilts her head. A title?

"... I'd like to keep using Rem amongst us. I think retaining a sense of my humanity is important. But outside... you do have a point," Rem muses. She tries to recall of what Dulimbaian custom would require.

I'll try intelligence? Check 8. [roll0]

[igordragonian]

"If you ar'e obliged to cal'l' me, by name other' then the one my mother' 'as given to me, then cal'l' me..." Starislav paused.
"Bogatyr'. Bogatyr' will do." though, he didn't felt like he deserved such a title, but maybe this will help him to fend off the beast within.

"Ver'y wel'l" Po. It's seems l'ike the begining of your' jour'ney towar'd r'edemption."

[Theoboldi]

Ming tilts her head sideways, and crosses her arms. "Retaining a sense of your humanity? Now that sounds absolutely romantic." Suddenly, she is beaming, caught up with inspiration. "I'll be sure to write about that."

Towards Starislav, she gives another nod. "Boggatier? No, Bogatyr? I can't say I know how to spell it, but it sounds like a good title."

Suddenly, Po interjects, fists clenched with an odd excitement. "Oh, you should probably mention that Bogate thing to the magistrate! If you're a noble, even a foreign one, you'll be sure to get a whole lot more respect!" Just as suddenly, Ming roughly pushes him aside, scowling.

"Yes, Po, we have had quite enough suggestions from you." She sighs, then continues. "I recall you mentioned not being of noble birth? That does make things more difficult, but you could still adopt the titles of Lady or Mistress. Perhaps mother, too, though you are a bit young for that. Alternatively, you are a capable healer. You could call yourself Sage, or take on a title of your choosing, as the Taoists do." Hearing her make that last suggestion, you are reminded of Real Man Xiao, whose name suddenly makes a little bit more sense.

[igordragonian]

"Bogatyr isn't the same as noble." Starislav sighed.
"Nobles of my motherland 'ave been r'eplaced by dol'ls. Bogatyr is a warrior who act with k'honor and nobil'ity. They don't gain r'espect for bl'oodl'ine nor titl'e- but for their actions."

[Merilan]

Rem has a soft chuckle at Ming as she comments that her desire sounds romantic. Was it...? It felt like it was something that she absolutely needed to make sure of. She wasn't sure about godhood - or the ways in which people can lose their way in it.

"Lady Rem... I suppose that would do," she whispers. "If it would carry enough weight in the courts. I am not yet learned enough to consider taking the title of Sage."

[Theoboldi]

"Oh, I see." Ming gasps, holding up a hand in front of her mouth. "You are a wandering Xia, then, Starislav. A chivalrous vigilante who fights for benevolence!" All of a sudden, she is beaming again, taken by her own interpretation of the warrior before her.

Then, she clears her throat in an attempt to regain her composure. "Well, anyway. I will take care of everything here while you are gone, Lady Rem and Bogatyr Starislav. Hopefully, the magistrate will listen to what you have to say." Saying your own goodbyes, you turn to leave the former slaves and together with Po head back to the Yamen for your banquet. Behind you, Ming sees to getting everyone settled down and preparing for what will likely be a night outside the city gates.

Walking through the city streets, even this late in the evening, you can't help but notice the eyes of many xiaoren peasants on you and overhear them whispering about your most recent deeds. It appears that word is already spreading of who you are, though the details seem to remain sketchy yet.

"Where's their soldiers? They took down Big Feet Zu, right?"

"Didn't you hear? They did it all on their own!"

"No way! Look, there's Po with them. They must have used some kind of trickery!"

Nevertheless, you manage to make your way to the yamen unaccosted. There, you are swiftly greeted by the guards, who hurry to open the gates and then rush to close them once you are inside. If questioned, they tell you that they do not want any snooping peasants to come after you, though they appear to have no problem with you taking along Po as a guard.

Inside the compound, you find a small collection of buildings, including the town hall, courthouse, a small prison that looks like it is currently overflowing with both guards and the men that you arrested, as well as some private and servant housing. A lesser official approaches you, and welcomes you in the magistrate's name in a rather formal fashion. After dismissing some, but not all of the yamen guards, he ushers you to what looks to be the magistrate's private household, asking your names as you go.

Soon, you are led into a large, candle-lit chamber where several tables have been prepared, all filled to the brim with tablets, bowls and platters of all manner of delicacies. Steamed and roasted meats are laid out before you, accompanied by mountains of boiled vegetables and rice. Poached eggs are gathered next to vast jugs of wine and heavy containers of soups and sauces. To your sides, you spot just as many servants as there are guards, all ready to bring refills once the banquet begins. For both of you, it is the greatest feast you have seen in your lives.

At the farthest end of the table, Magistrate Li awaits. A stout, portly man in his thirties, stroking a lustrous black beard and wearing the fine embroidered robes of his rank, he calmly observes you as the lesser official announces your entrance.

"Honorable Magistrate Li Shu, the Foreign Lady Rem and Bogatyr Kalchugevski Starislav have arrived as per your invitation." He bows deeply towards his superior, who in turn gives a little wave of his hand. You note that as per Dulimbaian tradition, he spoke everyone's surnames first.

"Thank you, Hong. You are dismissed." Li says, his voice heavy and booming. As the official turns and leaves, the magistrate gestures at two chairs that have been set up across from him. "Please, sit down. Let's eat a little before we begin. There is much we have to discuss, and we shouldn't do it on an empty stomach!" His tone is warm and affable, and he does sound happy to see you.

Out of the corner of your eyes, you notice Po staring at the banquet with wide eyes, though he does not take anything for himself, nor does he look like he wants to speak up. In here, it seems, all the talking will be between you and Li.

[Merilan]

Rem smiles gently for Starislav. "That sounds like a title worth fighting for. It suits you," she compliments gently.

The xiaoren are murmuring about them, but she wonders about their words. Trickery... well, is their newfound power a form of trickery? Depending on who you ask, the answer would be very different indeed. Once inside, Rem notices that the prison was unlikely to fit all the members of the thugs they've arrested; this region wasn't quite built for such large upheavals so quickly. But that was another topic for another time.

Rem's eyes widen a little at the feast -- but at the same time, after a moment she recollects herself and narrows her eyes. It reminded her of the lavish feasts her mistress used to have when she was a slave.

She did not want to lose herself in such revelry.

Rem bows gently to express, "I express my humblest gratitude at your offer, Magistrate Li." She looks to Starislav, but then steps to sit down quietly and looks to Po. "... may I request that our companion to be fed as well?"

[Theoboldi]

After Rem makes her request, an uneasy silence falls over the room. Li seems uncertain of how to answer, and his eyes wander over the unwashed and unshaven man that's accompanying you. "Your companion, is it?" he says, brow slightly furrowed. All around, you notice the guards exchanging nervous glances.

"Well, I suppose if you wish for a mere xiaoren to eat with us, you must have your reasons." Li finally finishes his sentence, smiling a bit less enthusiastically than before. "Perhaps it is one of your foreign customs?" At this, you feel a wave of relief washing over the room.

Inviting Po to eat with you just now must have been a major breach of etiquette. For some reason however, Li seems to be willing to overlook it. Giving what you've learned of these sorts of courtly and noble affairs, it's probably because he wants to stay on your good side.

At a clap from the magistrate, one of the attending servants rushes to get another chair for Po. The ruffian himself hesitates, however, waiting until you have sat down first before following suit. From the looks of it, he is attempting (and failing) to copy the way that you do it. "Th-Thank you!" he quickly mutters, before grabbing a honey-covered rib from a nearby plate and biting into it.

Li, meanwhile, clears his throat to regain your attention, raising a bowl of wine. "In any case, to your health, Lady Rem and Bogatyr Kalchugevski!" With one gulp, he empties the bowl, clearly expecting you to do the same. Then, he continues. "Please, enjoy yourselves! And, if you don''t mind me asking, what has brought you to humble Gongfang?"

[Merilan]

In many ways, Rem knew her request would be taken as rude amongst the noble court. The boundary between nobility and the "unwashed" -- the masses, the servants, the unlearned -- was something she was made clear and plain aware of, after all. But she did not want to enforce and enable such norms. She was not going to be able to stand with her morals without upsetting those that are benefitting from this divide.

"I thank you for your great consideration of our foreign ways," Rem agrees. It was a bit like a codeword, but she did not wish to further belabour the point.

Meanwhile, Rem quietly eats from the vegetables - it did not seem she had an appetite for meat. Perhaps it is a slave upbringing, or perhaps it was love for animals that drove her to not consume it such. When Magistrate Li raises the wine, she quietly holds it up with a bow... though she finds it difficult to gulp in one go. Hopefully her godly constitution means she isn't going to get bewilderingly drunk.

"We have come regarding our efforts regarding the banditry around these lands, particularly those led by Zu. In particular, you would find that his operations of slavery have been dismantled. We have requested aid from your border officials regarding a temporary camp for those that have been affected, and we would like to discuss options to re-integrate them back to a proper life."

[igordragonian]

Starislav tried not to droll, but couldn't help but to devour the meat infront of him, with draconic gluttony.
He stopped just to say. "I am man of action, mostly. But Lady Rem has my full support on every of her demands."

[Theoboldi]

Despite Starislav's (and Po's for that matter) lack of manners, Li does not seem all that perturbed at how you go about eating. In fact he too delves right in, albeit not as voraciously, displaying the hunger of a man used to eating his fill. At the very least (unlike Po), he actually uses the provided chopsticks.

The wine, you note, is quite weak but not unpleasant in taste. It's about what you expect from Dulimbaian alcohol, albeit of a higher quality than you are used to.

Despite the many distractions however, Li listens intently as you explain your purpose. The magistrate raises an eyebrow when Starislav explains his subservience to Rem, but otherwise keeps his affable expression. "The people of Dulimbai pride themselves on our great meritocracy." he explains, pouring a ladle of sauce over a bowl of rice for himself. "If Lady Rem's words are filled with wisdom, then following them will bring you great merit, even though she is a woman. There is no shame in rightful obedience." With a grin, he adds "But perhaps such musings are best left to students of the Pattern, yes?"

Both of you are vaguely aware that the Pattern is some kind of moral code that Dulimbaian society adheres to, but what exactly its tenets are or where it comes from is beyond you.

Li, meanwhile, takes a moment to munch down on a few parcels of rice before continuing. "I am thankful to you, in any case. Big Feet Zu has been a thorn in my side for many a year. Lacking the strength and funds to deal with him, I was forced to cooperate with his cruel banditry, as otherwise he would surely have disposed of me." His expression turns grim as he explains his situation. "Be assured that I will cooperate fully to see those who suffered due to his illegal slavery be reintegrated into society. That is, of course, once we have confiscated his stolen goods and rounded up what remains of his men in the countryside."

For a second, he puts down his chopsticks, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "In turth, I must admit I am somewhat worried. Zu still has many hidden allies who will certainly try and take revenge on you. After all the good you've done, your lives might now be endangered."

[Merilan]

"If I may. Though Bogatyr Kalchugevski seeks my counsel, I see him purely as my equal, as much as I seek his advice on other matters," Rem felt it prudent to address the relationship between them. It was not as if she would look down on him for not preferring to speak; she's certain she will need his aid when it came time to those where counsel and words, and compassion and kindness do not work.

But it is only so much an issue, and the conversation moves onward...

"Big Feet Zu's influence was palpable, and even not being in this region for long it could be felt subtly," Rem expresses. "And I thank you for your prudence. It would deeply hearten me to see those that have suffered be allowed a chance back at a normal life, more than anything."

Li mentions allies, however...

"Magistrate Li. I thank you for your warning, however I chose this life not expecting a sanctuary of safety. I have the Bogatyr for my safety; would you know of the identities of some of his allies?" She tilts her head. "Do you know of any leads we may pursue?"

[igordragonian]

"If I die, I'll die with pride. Life filled with shame are much scarier to me.' Starislav said, when he stopped to breath between his gluttonouse devour pangs.
'Just point at the evil, and I'll destroy it.'

[Theoboldi]

When you state your intent, Li suddenly seems taken aback, dropping his chopsticks and raising his hands dissuadingly. "Oh, no, no! I didn't mean it like that!" he babbles, smiling nervously. "Er, what I mean to say is that something so drastic will not be necessary. I've no clues to offer nor any evidence of wrongdoing, and besides, you've already done so much for our humble little town!"

By this point, even Po is looking weirdly at the magistrate, making the official realize that he suddenly is looking rather foolish. He clears his throat and lowers his arms again. "A-Anyhow, I do not think that anyone would be so foolish as to send assassins after you at this point. Rather, I fear that they will paint you as bandits to the Governor in Yizhao. It would be easy enough, given that you are foreigners who came into conflict with an infamous criminal out of the blue. If that were to happen, you would be headed into conflict with the Emperor's forces."

Taking on that same grim expression from earlier, he adds "Not only would you be endangered, but also disgraced. Really, the best option would be to move on. Surely there are other places that could use your aid as well."

[igordragonian]

Starislav spat a bone. "I see. The elites aren't pleased to see alien power's at wor'k 'er'e." he get up. "Bht sadly for you, the bogatyrs serve the weak and the k'helpless. So... I'll ask what the common fol'k think."

[Theoboldi]

"I-I see." Li stammers, suddenly frowning and widening his eyes. Sweat drips down his brow, giving you the overall expression that he is rather nervous about you declining his advice.

"D-Do so if you must." The magistrate lowers his head for a moment, avoiding your gaze. When he surfaces again, however, a nervous, crooked smile has returned to his face. "I will not guarantee anything, but perhaps I can be of use in dispelling any rumors that might circulate about you.

That said, I would not suggest you put much stock in what any one xiaoren will try to tell you, Bogatyr Kalchugevski. We junzi have proven ourselves to be their betters, and it is our duty to see after the kingdom's wellbeing. If you wish to show benevolence to our people, then you should bring any issues you have to me and heed the advice I have to give. Doing so would bring you great merit."

Given your experiences with nobles in the past, you get the gist that he's telling you that he's in charge and you should not act without his approval.

Now that he's brought it up, there are indeed some questions you still need answers to. Like what is going on with Real Man Xiao, for instance. Or who that Golden Lord is that Zu mentioned.

[igordragonian]

Starislav get up. "You didn't that gr'eat job so far'. And you can spread what ever' r'umor's you l'ike. I am not seeking r'espect. Just don't bother the wor'k of those who do what k'have to be done.'

[Merilan]

Rem is quiet in thought throughout the conversation, in seemingly great contemplation of what it is that has to be done.

But to only seek the Magistrate's approval would change nothing. It was under his rule that banditry was allowed to thrive.

But Starislav has spoken his piece, and hers as well.

"Then," Rem speaks, "As a foreigner who is interested in learning more about your culture, could you please enlighten me more about such topics as the Golden Lord, whom the bandit leader Zu mentioned, Magistrate?"

There is information they still need to get here, and better if it is guised in the feign manner of politeness that the Magistrate craves so much.

[Theoboldi]

A gasp goes through the room at Starislav's open and reckless defiance, with Po coughing as he ends up choking on a slice of bamboo. A scowl forms on Li's face, and some of his guards begin to reach for their weapons, but before they can do anything the magistrate raises his hand to stop them.

"I believe these are matters we should discuss in private." he says, eyebrows furrowed. "Servants, leave us alone!" As if to accentuate his command he claps his hands twice, and immediately everyone else starts leaving the chamber. Guards, servants, and even Po after grabbing one last bowl of wine for himself rush out and close the door behind themselves, leaving you alone with Li.

"Let me be quite candid, foreigners, since that is the language you respect." Li says, his tone noticeably less grandiose and jolly than earlier. "I will not bother you in your work so long as you don't interfere with mine. Gongfang is a most troublesome post to be assigned to, and I've got too much to lose if I let outsiders run roughshod over it."

With a low sigh, he leans back in his chair, causing the wood to creak under his weight. "The Golden Lord, if you need to know, is a menace. He's some kind of god that a group of rebels out in the woods is worshipping. They're building their forces still, but we've been trying to cut them down before they feel bold enough to attempt an attack on Gongfang. What they're doing is a fool's errand, but some among them do know powerful martial arts and the rest of the rabble might cause some damage to us by sheer numbers."

[Merilan]

There is a similarly quiet expression from Rem as she keeps her countenance as close to neutral as she can manage. She watches the servants and Po leave, and looks to Li once more. "I more understand the position you are in now. Can you tell us more of what they want from you? Zu mentioned that he was quite the thorn as well."

The language is carefully unabrasive, not in particular because Rem wishes to support Magistrate Li, but because she feels there may be more information to be gleaned here.

[Theoboldi]

"They want me dead is what they want!" Li bellows, smashing down his fist. Though the resulting smack is less than impressive, it gives you the impression that he's earnest at least. "They are rebels, xiaoren who are dissatisfied with their station and who would destroy our nation to place themselves above their betters!"

The magistrate pauses, taking a moment to catch his breath. Once finished, he leans forward and eyes the two of you sternly. "I can't claim to understand their beliefs, but it all seems to revolve around personal resolve and ignoring pain. Their leaders seem to be so good at it that the one we did manage to capture was completely impervious to it!" At this, he throws one arm into the air, gesticulating that he feels the situation to be ridiculous. "He died in the interrogation before we could get anything out of him.

I'm not surprised Zu was worried about them, at any rate." he adds, leaning back once more. "He is the kind of man disgruntled peasants like those cultists would take revenge against. They are a bloodthirsty bunch, and best dealt with swiftly. In fact-" Li raises his head just slightly, as if in thought. "-the people of Gongfang would be much safer without this devious Golden Lord, if he even truly exists. If great heroes were to take down his cult, they would show themselves to be clearly trustworthy to the regency."

[Merilan]

The Golden Lord's motives seem quite aligned with theirs. But it wouldn't do to tip her hand too early. She casts a glance to Starislav, as if to indicate such. "I see. Then what say you if you pointed us to the woods you spoke of, and we can see to this issue for you?"

Rem's perhaps surprised herself at how reserved she's being. She's used to being honest, kind, compassionate. But they will need his trust in the interim, if only to make sure the people they've just freed have a camp unfettered. There's a quiet, inner frown. She's seen the game of politics be played from a distance. She wouldn't want to play it very long, lest it corrupt her.

But she has no intentions of being the Magistrate's ally.

"This seems best fit for one with a divine spark, would you not say, Magistrate?"

[igordragonian]

Starislav felt respect toward the Golden Lord. At least from what he sounded like.
"We will make sure justice will be served." He said, exchanging glance with Rem.
"It does seems we came at the right time'

[Theoboldi]

"Will you, now?" the magistrate asks, his eyes suddenly glancing down at you. "I am glad our interests align, then." Lowering his head to face you, he then clasps his hands and adds "I will keep a few of my men ready for whenever you wish to make a raid on the Golden Lord's camps. They know the location of one of them, and will be happy to show you. With you taking on the leaders, they should be able to capture the rabble."

Somehow, from the way he said that, you both get the feeling that Li's men joining you was not an offer.

[igordragonian]

"Just point us at the point at the map." Starislv said quitly

[Merilan]

"I see. I'm very glad for your gracious offer of assistance, Magistrate Li," Rem bows her head.

[Theoboldi]

"Please." Li says calmly, but firmly towards Starislav. "I must insist. After all, it was my lack of strength that led to these rebels becoming so populous in the first place. I simply must aid you in arresting them. Besides, my men will know the location far better than myself."

Towards Rem, he gives a somewhat over-exaggerated nod. "You will see that I am not an unreasonable man. The methods of the Regency may seem harsh at times, but they all serve the greater good of our state."

With that, he rises from his chair, pressing his hands onto the table to lean forward. "Now, I believe we have discussed all that is worth discussing. Unless there is something, or rather someone else that you wish to bring up?" Oddly enough, he put a strange emphasis on the 'someone' part of that last sentence.

[Merilan]

"It had come to my mind, when our entourage first visited the city," Rem speaks up. "I would like to enquire about this 'Real Man Xiao'... the one calling himself an esteemed sage. Might you know a little more about that incident, and what has been happening?"

[Theoboldi]

Li gives a short sigh at your question, muttering "Figures you'd ask." under his breath. He actually hesitates for a moment, but then lifts his head to face you and begins to explain. "I can't tell you more about that incident than what you saw, but I can tell you that I am as wary of Xiao as you are."

With a small grunt, the magistrate pushes himself off the table to stand upward. His eyebrow furrows, and his face crunches up with concern. "He's a taoist scholar, a kind of hermit mage. They follow principles of simplicity and artlessness in an effort to cultivate their spiritual powers, though I'm unclear on the details of it. There's many of them, but Xiao is accomplished enough to have founded his own monastery up on Red Crow Mountain." Before he continues any further, Li takes a quick sip of wine directly from one of the wine horns, tossing it carelessly back on the table.

"Being a taoist makes him suspicious enough if you ask me, but ever since he came here he has sent me constant requests for new students! Normally I'd have denied him ages ago, but I've received orders from Governor Jiang to comply and not interfere with that mage's work." Scowling, the magistrate clenches his fists. "I don't know what is going on in that monastery, but I do know that I'm running out of people to send. I would ask you to investigate, but it's pointless. The path that leads to Xiao's home is magically concealed. My men could only bring the students there when led by Xiao's personal pupil." A vein on his forehead bulges slightly as Li shakes his head. There is a distinct shade of red to his face.

[Merilan]

The news is rather peculiar to Rem, and she can't help but raise an eyebrow at the news. "... the Governor complied? I see. It would be difficult, indeed, if it were magically concealed." She didn't feel the particular need to press him a bit more on the topic, because... she had a feeling, from his frustration, that he would've said more if he knew why the Governor was indeed compliant. "But if I may... you sound quite stressed about the situation, Magistrate Li. Has his students been harrassing the city or you in any particular quantity? There was one such incident when we arrived, but I assume it is not isolated...? Do you know who his pupil is, or who is to be sent next?"

[igordragonian]

Once fed, Starislav just has listened silently. He didn't cared much for mages, he has considered magic to be cheap trick, in comprasion to warfare, but that all.
Starislav trusted Rem's judgment.

[Theoboldi]

"Actually, no." Li says before taking a deep breath. "That incident was the first time anything of the sort has happened. The bigger issue with Real Man Xiao's requests is that it's difficult to find people who I can send up there, especially since nobody is willing to volunteer. I've had to resort to conscripting lawbreakers and slaves, and the latter I assure you are a heavy drain on my purse!" At that last part, the magistrate actually slams a fist down onto the table, making the foodstuff shake. Afterwards, however, he does calm himself a tad bit as he changes topics.

"His pupil is a woman called Perfected Woman Wen. Her master only recently made another one of his demands, so she should come down the mountain in a few days. Things being as they are, it would make sense to send some of Zu's men with her as students. You can approach her when I make the handoff. However-" Suddenly, Li raises a finger in warning. "You will have to do this on your own. I cannot be known to be involved in such an investigation."

[igordragonian]

"We anyway preffer not to tire your men down." Starislav shrugged

[Merilan]

Rem has a quiet, pursed-lip expression sa she nods and expresses, "Thank you, then. We will see to our investigation."

She looks to Starislav, and then quietly thinks. A few days... that would mean there is time to investigate the Golden Lord first. She nods to her companion. "I thank you for your generosity, Magistrate Li.
Bougatir Starislav, shall we be on our way?"

[igordragonian]

"Yes.' He simply say, as he get up, and hoarding the leftovers into his bag

[Theoboldi]

Starislav might miss it, depending on just how focused he is on carrying off food, but Rem will certainly notice a heavy scowl on the magistrate's face at the bogatyr's lack of manners and compliance. "You are welcome." he says openly, but very curtly. "The Regency will watch your handling of the Golden Lord's followers with great interest."

There's something frosty to the air as you leave, despite Dulimbai's humid heat. Clearly, you have not left a good impression on Li. Were you not as powerful as you are right now, you'd get the feeling that you have made a dreadful mistake angering a man of his position. Things being as they are, you don't know what he could throw at you that Zu didn't have. Yet he is just a minor part of the larger regency, and who knows what kinds of sorcerers and heroes they have on their payroll?

Once outside the audience chamber, you are met with the same minor official from earlier and a few guards, who quickly proceed to guide you out of the yamen. None of them have anything to say for you except for a few polite, bowing goodbyes. As you leave the main building, Po comes rushing to join you again before you leave, questions already on his lips.

"T-There you are! How did it go?" A curious silence descends upon the nearby servants at this outbursts, making the outlaw cringe at his own idiocy. "Urgh! Uh, maybe we'd best wait with that. Come on, lets get out of here!"

With the eyes of most everyone on your back, you finally leave through the yamen gates, back onto the moonlit streets of Gongfang. From there, you start making your way back to the city wall. Once there, you emerge to see that by this point the slaves have prepared a rather makeshift camp with some help by the guards, though even calling it that would be generous. It largely consists of blankets set upon the dry earth next to the road, with two small tents set up to provide at least a few people protection from the elements. Still, the overall mood seems to be pretty good, and it only rises when the people cheer at seeing your return.

Suddenly, Ming's voice calls out to you from the larger one of the two. "Rem, Starislav! Come here!" Once inside, you find her bend over a piece of parchment, a crude quill in hand. She quickly gets up to greet you properly, however. "There you are! What did the magistrate say? Did everything go well?" Po's presence, she luckily seems to ignore for now.

Feel free to discuss your plans for what your characters will be doing in the next days now. This could also include any dominion spends or influence uses that you want to make happen, like perhaps using your skills and divine powers to aid with reintegrating the slaves.

Also, feel free to do whatever roleplaying you want to do. I think it's about time you got something of a less tense moment. You can even look forward to a level up once you spend that Dominion you have currently. :smallwink:

[Merilan]

Rem is quite reserved and quiet as they leave. Li's frosty expression certainly isn't missed on her, but she keeps her expression well-tempered and polite as she leaves... it might not have been ideal to tip their hand as early as this, pragmatically speaking. But she couldn't help but admire Starislav's forthrightness. Sooner or later, they would have to disagree with the Magistrate, who is a cog in the machine that caused such suffering to happen in the first place.

Best, perhaps, that she did not play theg ame too much.

"... we have come what we set out to do," Rem quietly expresses to Po. She heads back towards the camps and looks just a little appreciative of what has been set up so far. There's a lot of work to be done still...

And there is Ming, greeting them. She walks towards her and closes her eyes for a time.

"Strictly speaking... I must say that as a representative of all of you, I may not have done the best job possible, as we possess moral differences I am unwilling to compromise on. Yet I work to better all your standards of living, and a great measure of temperance is required of that. And for that I apologise."

She does actually bow in front of Ming, despite her newfound status and power. She remembers what she said to Ming prior to going to the Magistrate, about keeping her humanity.

"However, the discussion brought forth enough information. The Magistrate may distrust us, but he will at least guide us to other leads, such as the Golden Lord and his men, and the issue of Real Man Xiao was explained too," she explains. "What may come of this in the next couple of days, I am not certain yet, but rest assured my priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of this camp, not the pursuit of my personal goals."

In the next couple of days, Rem does just that -- fetching supplies and necessities for the camp for the well-being of the former slaves, arranging for transport and coin to those who do have homes and families to return to whether near or far, and otherwise planning for their next move -- the Golden Lord, likely.

In terms of mechanics, I'll spend Dominion to this end -- but I'm not sure which Word might be suitable. The hope portion of Sun or Health?

[igordragonian]

"It was a waste of time." Starislav shrugged.
'He was useless."

He give the food he has gathered to the most sick and starving.
"We will destroy who ever try to stop us."



Ooc: Starislav, use dominion to train them as warriors?

[Theoboldi]

Ming crosses her arms, eyeing the two of you with a frown and furrowed brows. "You are not exactly acting the way someone in your position should, that much is true." Then, she steps forward to the tent's exit. From there she looks over the folk that Starislav has brought food too, a smile quickly forming on her lips. "Then again, for two foreigners you have shown us more benevolence than servant of the regency."

"M-Ming!" Po interrupts, raising his hands in a calming gesture. "With the way you three are talking, it sounds like you're planning a rebellion! They could have our heads for this sort of talk!"

In turn, the women gives a short chuckle. "Do we, now? I guess that's what it sounds like." She throws you a knowing wink, one that make Po clasp his hands against his face, before stepping back to the parchment she was working on earlier. "Rest assured, I think you are doing excellent work. Now come, it's been a long day. We'll talk about everything tomorrow and figure out how to go from there. Besides, I need to finish this poem I am creating in your honor."

With that, you retire to whatever sleeping arrangements you may claim in the little camp that has been set up, finally getting yourselves a good night of sleep. Surrounded by the people that your efforts have saved, your slumber is calm, restful, and free of any bad dreams.

The next few days pass swiftly. Working together with the magistrate's men, Rem sees to getting the slaves settled into Gongfang. To her relief, everything happens frictionlessly, everyone able to find a distant family member or close relatives rather easily. Even those who don't manage to figure out a place to stay and a way to earn their keep, with only a few having to pack their belongings and embarking on a journey back home. Somehow, she gets the feeling that her divine powers have something to do with the relative ease this all is happening with, as the earlier surge of power she felt just after freeing the slaves from Zu's compound slowly fades away during the same time.

Still, despite this discovery, she does not remain idle. In the ample time she has left in-between everything else, Rem makes friends among the xiaoren of Gongfang, establishing contacts and providing an open ear to those who wish to talk. It takes some very active involvement, posing the right questions and figuring out who has relevant information, but soon enough she has built a network that can keep her aware of any important information within Gongfang's area. It's unlikely to stay intact without her keeping an eye on it, but so long as she have the time it will provide an invaluable tool.

Annoyingly, one of the first things she is informed of by her network is that Magistrate Li has not, in fact, stopped picking students for Real Man Xiao from the general populace, despite having more than enough prisoners at his disposal. Several men and women report that they are next in line to become students of the sorcerer, all of whom you recognize from the first time you visited the Yamen.

On the other hand, there is also much talk of the Golden Lord, and his followers who keep appearing in town to preach to the downtrodden. They mostly talk only to their close relatives, sometimes to very trusted friends, before heading off into the woods and disappearing again, never staying for very long in one place. However, there may be another way to follow them. A woodcutter called Xiang the Axe spends much time out of town, and has bragged to his friends about having seen the cultists' camps during an evening of heavy drinking. Another patron, who happened to be one of your contacts was sober enough to seize the opportunity, and on the same day provided you with a map of locations that Xiang swears the cultists are stationed at. If you wish, you could now visit these places without having to work with Magistrate Li's men.

Finally, you hear some rumours that another local taoist, Red Cap Hong, may know more about Real Man Xiao. Hong has been awfully clammy and nervous whenever the hermit up in the monastery was brought up to him. Perhaps a god's presence may loosen his tongue? In any case, he has a small shop in the market square where he sells folk-magic cures, lucky talismans, and exorcisms.


Meanwhile, Starislav works on a rather different program. At night, the Bogatyr sneaks out into the woods, where guided by knowledge that seems to enter his head from nowhere, he pushes his powers to the very limit of what they can do. Taunted by the whispering snarl of the Wyrm at the back of his head, he gathers up all the strength he has gained so far, and infuses it into the very land.

"Break not their bodies." the voice seems to say. "Erode their will. Take their hopes from them."

Intuitively knowing how to direct his powers, Starislav works a curse on the land, utterly preventing any acts of banditry and similar criminal violence from being carried out. In the coming days, lawless villains everywhere find that their arrows hit no mark, that their swords are dropped mid-swing. Their ambushes are set in wrong locations and their supplies are wasted frivolously. And though the Bogatyr knows that his curse is not yet permanent, and he still has to perform regular rituals to infuse these lands with horrible power, he can feel that his actions are having an effect.


As the days pass, you also find that you are having an increasingly good control of your own powers. With each day of experience, you find yourself using your powers more expertly, no longer overusing effort where you don't mean to and having far better accuracy when you do. At the same time, you increasingly find yourself energized when near those mortals who admire you. It is as if their worship, subconscious though it may be, is strengthening you, and would do so even more if you could formalize it into a focused religion. Yet, you feel as though there is a choice to be made there. Perhaps by rejecting the worship of mortals, you may yet cultivate the power within you to a greater extent?

The above paragraph is a lot of flavor text to tell you that you've gained a LEVEL UP!!! :smallbiggrin:

About time, really. To summarize, here's what this gets you!


Your Attack Bonus increases by 1!
Your HP increase by 5!
Your maximum Effort and Influence increase by 1!
All your Saving Throws decrease by 1!
You gain 1 new Fact! This can be anything you come up with, but must be related to your adventures so far.
You gain 2 points to spend on new Gifts! Remember, Lesser Gifts cost 1 point and Greater Gifts cost 2 points.


That aside, you both gain the first Gift of the Apotheosis word, Receive the Incense of Faith. No need to mark it down if you don't want to, since it's a thing you gain automatically with levelling. However, you do have to decide at this point. Will you try and form a cult that will provide Dominion for you, or will you become a Free Divinity who can create Dominion on their own, albeit at a lesser rate?


During this time, you stay with some of Ming's relatives that live in Gongfang. She insisted on letting you stay and providing you with free meals in exchange for all you've done and continue to do, which the rest of her family somewhat begrudgingly agreed to. They don't seem too keen on having extremely powerful and sorcerous foreigners under their roof, but do at least recognize all that you have done for them.

At this point, it's only two more days before Perfected Woman Wen is scheduled to come down the mountain and gather the new students for Real Man Xiao. It's plenty of time to do whatever you wish to do, of course, but you have to decide on what it'll be. Many paths lay open before you. As the morning breaks, and you have a humble breakfast of leftover rice with Ming, a still awfully nervous Po, and a small Dulimbaian family, you discuss what you'll do next.

Feel free to have this discussion IC. There's a lot of ways to go, in no small part thanks to Rem's network.

[Merilan]

Were they going to start a revolution? If it must be what comes to pass, then so be it. Rem has never really been shy that she was a servant before, and has the viewpoint of someone who has been down at the bottom, having nothing at all.

But the next few days pass, and Rem has been busy at work at what she's most passionate about -- uniting people together, bringing them together with compassion and kindness. She would hold no one here who wishes to go home, no matter how far -- and those that can settle, she lets do. The xiaoren are definitely more the kind of people she associates with; the ears to the street, those that walk the earth, just as she did.

It was important to keep abreast of everything happening.

The topic of Magistrate Li not stopping to pick students is frustrating indeed, but... the opportunity to visit the Golden Lord without Magistrate Li's men was a gold one indeed. That and the topic of Red Cap Hong, the local taoist... but she thinks that of the two, there was a far greater chance they can find an opportunity to collaborate with the Golden Lord. Perhaps. She'd like to be optimistic.

She's appreciative to Ming's relatives as well, and does not act the part of some kind of guest -- doing simple chores as washing clothes, cleaning and taking care of the infirm or infants if there are around. Just because she was a goddess, does not mean she would like to forget basic humility.

And during their breakfast...

"I have discovered a way for us to liaise with the Golden Lord, without the Magistrate's eyes upon us," she explains. "A friend of mine who has been in touch with Xiang the Axe down the street says these are some of the locations their cult is operating out of. I think we should discuss with him of possible allegiances, as it feels as if our mindsets may be aligned."

A pause, as she looks to Ming with a smile.

"And the other thing... you and everyone involved have done no small amount of work, but we have no name to call ourselves yet. I was thinking of creating a new identity for our band. What say you?"

I'll look at the book a bit later to choose the Gifts I'll take for a levelup!

For a Fact, I was thinking of establishing the identity of the group we're creating -- I suppose in terms of Dominion Rem would be creating a cult, but she wouldn't want a 'traditional' cult of worshippers and more a group of agents who have their own autonomy. Would that be possible still?

[igordragonian]

Starislav whenever possible, sulking alone.
He try to use as less of possible of his curse. Three different voices roar in his head, each more monstrous and cruel then the previous.
But he doesn't has much of this said time.

He eat more and more in quanity, and more wildly. Like.. a beast. And if there were shortage of food, he went to hunt. For now forcing himself to at least roast it.

"I tr'ust your judgement, you k'have pur'e 'ear't. If I fol'l'ow you... I might... not tur'n to the monster' within me.'

He looked at her offer, more eager then he has imagined.
It was so lonely to walk the roads, when his motherland has vomited him out.

"This.. is sound pr'omising.

[Theoboldi]

The reactions of those present at your announcement seem rather mixed. A mumbling goes through the family, some sounding more, some less enthusiastic.

"The Golden Lord? Isn't that dangerous?"

"It's a good thing! Lady Rem and the Bogatyr have shown themselves to be wise and capable. They know what is right."

"Is he even real? These two have taken down Zu, but what has this Golden Lord ever done?"

Ming, for her part at least, seems happy with your plans, cheerfully returning Rem's smile. "I think it's about time. On both accounts. Now that we are forming an organisation of our own, the Golden Lord's cult is more likely to take you seriously when you come to them with any offers." She leans back contently, her hands on her knees.

"What kind of identity were you thinking about, then? Something like a school of thought?"

"Whatever you go with-" Po interjects, turning his head every now and then to glance at the door. "-we should chose a fearsome name. The less people who want to mess with us, the better."

[Merilan]

Rem is quiet for a moment longer, collecting her thoughts.

"I lived my life a humble servant. I was shackled by those whose stature exceeded mine... and yet there was no greater shackle than disease, as it slowly claimed my body, my sight, my mind. Bit by bit, it tried to rob me of everything; the pleasantness of a hale body, the enjoyment of a free mind... the five senses, by which one can experience the world."

A pause, as she looks towards Ming.

"Freedom from slavery. Freedom from abusive systems. Freedom from tyranny and fascism. Freedom from disease and the plagues that ill one's body, mind and spirit..."

She places a hand to her chest, wings flicking up and down a little.

"And from that, the freedom to choose one's own life, through compassion, through kindness and understanding. To love one's neighbours, to love their differences and similarities. To denounce hatred and bigotry where it exists, endemically, individually. And of course, in that end, to show even-handed compassion and redemption to those seeking it..."

She lowers her head deeper.

"I would like to be ... Redeemers."

[igordragonian]

"A fine name' Starislav agree shortly.
"It's not exactly my ideals, but they are noble enough. I'll follow.'

[Theoboldi]

The Dulimbaians gathered in this room listen quietly to what Rem has to say, captivated by the goddess voice. There is fervor and determination to what she says, a force of personality that she could not have mustered in a previous life. In some of their eyes, she sees faint flickers of hope flaring up, ignited by her own radiance. Yet even those who do not agree enthusiastically appear to be lost in thought.

"You sound much like a Patrian." Says the family elder finally, his brow furrowed with worry. "Would you have us worship the Creator, and abandon our ancestors? And would you have us surrender to the warlike barbarians to the north?"

Both of you are roughly aware that what he is speaking of is the still ongoing conflict between the Dulimbaian Regency and the bordering Patrian Empire. The two nations have been at war since the days of the Shattering, when Heaven and the mortal realms were torn to the pieces they are today. Indeed, the Church of the One is still the state religion of the Patrians, teaching that the Creator will one day return and that all should serve his doctrine of kindness, purity and lawfulness. You two having been born in Raktia and Nezdhova, respectively, would know this as the religion of your parents, perhaps even your own.

Ming, for her part, looks expectantly at Rem, waiting for her to answer. Po, however, is quick to turn to Starislav, seeking a way to diffuse the situation. "W-wait, Bogatyr! What were your ideals? Maybe some of us would like them more?" While the situation does not feel nearly as tense as the nervous thug seems to think, he may have hit upon something. Perhaps some of your followers would align more with the perspective of a warrior?

[igordragonian]

Starislav were surprised at the attention he somehow attracted.
"You must be aware... sadly, I am not an ideal champion of the Bogatyr ideals. I 'ave an evil beast inside of me, I barely contain.
he paused, holding his beard lost in thoughts.
"But I try. I try to be a true bogatyr, like our ancient k'heroes were.' he stopped again.
"Bogatyrs 'ave to be strong. Defend the common people and serve their motherland with love. Stop evil where ever it dare to show it's ugly face.'

[Merilan]

Rem regards the family elder quietly. It isn't an unfair thought to have, and very much these people are shaped by the conflicts that scar their land.

"Would it be heretical of me to say I wish for my values to be free of allegiance to a country or religion? My parents were once worshippers of the Creator, I admit. But I cannot deny that I am an outsider, a foreigner here." Her face becomes more resolved as she admits, "I am already imposing much with my own beliefs. I cannot in good conscience ask you to discard yours as well, for I believe there is so much wonder for people to hold their own views and beliefs."

A pause, as she glances to Starislav. "I will do all that I can to help you, my friend. I admit I am but a fledgling tempering these thoughts into something that must be tested, to become mature." A pause. "I believe that you can achieve the values of a Bogatyr."

She closes her eyes. "... and to that end, elder, allow me to answer the more pressing concern: if it ever becomes necessary that we need to defend ourselves, if diplomacy and discussion and compassion have all failed us, then I will fight for you, no matter how much it wounds my heart."

[Theoboldi]

Once more, your words appear to pacify the worried Dulimbaians, the family patriarch offering you an understanding nod after all that you have said. "Perhaps it is not my place to question divine wisdom, even when it comes from a foreigner. You are already showing great consideration for us and our customs." With a faint wave, he gestures at Starislav.

"What I do know is that, whatever a true Bogatyr may look like, your friend is a man of filiality and duty. If a man so dedicated to filling his role is loyal to you, and you would swear to protect our communities, I see no reason to fear you." And oddly enough, just like that, a quiet seems to come over the gathered family. It appears as though his verdict was the deciding one in this matter.

While Po exhales in relief, Ming gives Starislav an encouraging knock in the side. "If grandfather decides it is alright, then it is alright. Well done, you two!" It seems that at least in this situation, the Dulimbaian culture has made your goals a bit easier to accomplish. If you emphasize the same points from now on, it should not be difficult to convince the rest of your network to adopt your ideas for themselves.


So, going by the guidelines from the Lexicon, it sounds like your "cult" has


no specialised priesthood
no daily obligations
free initiation
some relatively stern prohibitions like not allowing slavery, which is usually accepted in Dulimbaian culture
a clear duty to fight hatred and cruelty, which they may encounter on a regular basis


All in all, that would put it just barely at the most relaxed level of cult possible, which means it grants you Dominion equal to its Power each month. Since your cult is only village-sized, its Power is 1, and that's how much Dominion you gain each time. However, it also does not come with any intrinsic problems.

As a faction, these would be its stats:

The Redeemers

Power: 1
Action Die: 1d6
Cohesion: 1
Trouble: 0
Features:

Lady Rem brings us hope for the future

Problems:
-

Does that all sound alright with you? :smallsmile:


After a few moments, when things have settled back down again, Po turns back to you, a question on his lips. "So, what's the plan with the Golden Lord? Are you just gonna walk into one of his camps?"

[Merilan]

That sounds fine with me, thank you!

"I feel quite honoured to have the friendship and trust of a man like Starislav," Rem quietly nods. And she does mean it -- she values his traditions as well as wishes to support him in his struggles to contain the beast within.

With regards to the Golden Lord, however...

"I'd like to speak to him," Rem answers Po. "Just based on what we know so far, it's likely we have some common cause. I would rather have an ally in him and his forces than an enemy. We know where they are likely to reside at present..."

[igordragonian]

Starislav blush under his beard, from all the support.
The beast like oaf of man, didn't cared for powerful people, nor danger.
But he couldn't handle compliments well.
He was happy for the change of subject.
[B]"Well, from what I k'have seen, the rulers of this land, hate anything that give the commoners 'ope. I think as well, we should try and befriend him.'/B]

[Theoboldi]

"R-Right." Po stammers, staring dumbly for a moment as he tries to figure out how to rephrase his question. Finally, a jolt goes through him as his mind comes up with something, and words begin to flow from his mouth.

"N-no, wait! I get t-that you want to work with him, but he's a rebel leader, whoever he really is. Those guys don't just trust anyone. I don't think he'll show his face just because you show up."

When you look at Ming, she shrugs her shoulders at this. "He does have a point. Do you have any divine powers that would let you find him, or anything you could do to show him that you're on his side?"

"Worst comes to worst, I guess you could have one of his followers relay messages to him. But that'll depend on how you'll approach them."

[igordragonian]

"I guess we'l send a message through k'his followers. There is no need to play kh'ide and seek."

[Merilan]

Rem glances to Starislav gently, then back towards Po and Ming. "I could fly to locate their camp." Her wings wiggle very gently behind her as she says, "Though in terms of coming in peaceable terms... I was meaning to offer my usual services, of healing and ridding them of disease should that be an issue."

[igordragonian]

"That even better.' Starislav agreed with a nod.
"....I..." he pause. "I guess, I could fly too. But.. " he looks at few dark oily tiny scales on the back of his hand
"My flying for'm might... provoke 'ostility."

[Theoboldi]

"Well, we do know where they're at already. But it might be a good idea to sneak up and spy on them first. You could try and figure out where they have their boss at. They'll probably ask you to prove your intentions somehow, though."

Po is absolutely right. From your own experiences meeting rebels who fought against the Autokossaks in your native Nezdhova, they are a paranoid bunch. If you meet them without concrete proof of your allegiance, they'll probably first give you some kind of deniable task to prove yourselves.

However, it's up to you whether you'll try and bring some proof or simply wait and see what the rebels will ask of you.

Ming, meanwhile, gently puts her hand on Starislav's wrist, looking up at the warrior's face. "Do not worry, Starislav. The woods are thick, and we know where their camps are currently. Rem need only fly quietly among the treetops, and she should be back within a few hours.

Just make sure that the magistrate's men do not see you leave. They may get suspicious if they notice you heading into the woods. Perhaps you could use some magical disguise or beguile the guards somehow."

[Merilan]

Rem quietly thinks of Ming's suggestion. "I possess a relation to both the sun and the skies. Perhaps it is possible for me to blend in with such elements of nature?" is the first thing that comes to mind. She's been so interested in using her powers to heal and inspire that she honestly hasn't used them much for disguise and subterfuge, but better it comes now than later.

I'm thinking of using a Miracle of some kind to disguise myself using the Sun/Sky domain to move in/out of the city; would that be possible?

[igordragonian]

"Bah. Secrecy or not, the governor is of no concern." Starislav waved it off.
"But we will be prepared for any move from aby faction."

[Merilan]

"I will go soon. Starislav, please protect the people while I scout."

With her course of action prepared, Rem bids farewell as she drapes herself in a simple and unassuming cloak and sneaks out the back; when she's satisfied no one outside is looking, she focuses on her power. Not the powers of healing, for now, but those that associate her with a disciple of the heavens-- both the skies and the sun, as she focuses on the very sensation of sunlight around her... for a moment she disappears, and those looking would find their eyes briefly blinded as if some unpleasant and rude bit of sunlight just reflected off a plate or some other metallic surface.

And she is gone, soaring into the air! Oh, how wonderful it felt to actually fly; cascaded by sunlight and the verdant blue skies, she surrounds herself with the cloud as camouflage. Her form seems to be just a little bit hazier and mist-like as she goes from cloud to cloud, seeking out the camp of the Golden Lord as highlighted by her intel. What can she learn here...?

[Theoboldi]

Protected by the blinding light of the sun, Rem takes off into the air unseen. While a few of Magistrate Li's constables find themselves suddenly having to cover their eyes as the sun shines into them from seemingly impossible angles, it all happens too fast for them to figure out that there is foul play at work. And with nobody knowing the actual extent of your powers, they are unlikely to get suspicious either.

For the next few hours, all the way until shortly after noon, Rem flies over the countryside, checking out the forest camps of the Golden Lord that she has been made privy too. Careful to stay out of sight, she spies on them from afar, noting their contents and inhabitants.

The camps themselves are rather small, being composed of only a few crude bamboo huts inhabited by never more than two dozen people. Men, women and children all live here in these small communities, entire families from what it looks like. They don't appear to have any fields or other obvious means of feeding themselves, and seem to spend the vast majority of their time being instructed in either martial arts or the Golden Lord's religion. From what little you can overhear up above, there seems to be a focus on overcoming personal afflictions and ignoring pain. Their teachers look to be monks covered head to toe in freakish amounts of scars, of whom there are between 2 to 4 per camp. Unlike the peasants who they instruct, they move with a deadly speed and precision, the kind you've seen only from experienced Curse Eaters and mighty warriors you've meet in your travels.

However, despite these monks being everywhere, Rem cannot seem to spot anyone who would be even above them, nor anyone who could fit the moniker of a 'Golden Lord'. If he truly exists, it would seem that he does not actually live within one of the camps.

As she flies, Rem happens to notice another thing of interest. While passing over Big Feet Zu's mansion, she sees a large group of the magistrate's constables, gathering up the crime boss' ill-gotten gains on a pair of carts. They don't look to be too happy with their worker, occasionally looking inside drawers and chests and always groaning in disappointment when they do. It appears they are disgruntled that you already took all the easy pickings that they could have taken for themselves.

[Merilan]

Rem's initial foray into the camps looks positive. Families live here; there wasn't exactly something akin to cruelty or slavery, though she takes note of the focus on martial arts and faith. The scars on the monks draw her eye though -- she isn't certain whether it's scars they've endured from battle or something self-inflicted. They look to be particularly dangerous foes, if it ever came to that. Hmm...

Where could the Golden Lord be? Or was the title not referring to a person at all? Curiouser and curiouser. The topic of Big Foot Zu's manor is interesting too, but perhaps something to press the Magistrate on later if he were to cause a ruckus.

She draws a little bit closer to try to listen in on some of the conversation when she finds some of the Monks teaching. If not information, then some of their doctrine would be interesting, to see if there was an incompatibility between their ways...

I'm going to try to sneak a little closer!

[Theoboldi]

Though she has no particular training in matters of stealth, Rem's natural grace and speed allow her to land silently amidst the underbrush, from where she can sneak closer to one group of cultists as they listen to a sermon by one of the monks. They all seem to be fairly distracted, luckily, allowing the goddess to listen in on them from her more nearby cover.

"-and so the Junzi have hurt you deeply, brothers and sisters!" The monk speaks to the men and women who each sit before him in an unmoving lotus position, their hands clasped in prayer. "Through their greed and decadence, they bring corruption into the world! Through your connection to this world, the corruption enters you and brings you suffering! But will you despair? Will you surrender?"

In unison, the cultists answer, not moving an inch from their position otherwise. "We will not flinch in the face of pain."

"Within you is a font of wisdom and serenity, free of corruption. Through your original will, you shall overcome your afflications, and you shall disregard your suffering."

Again, the cultists give their answer. "Our will is the source of all strength. It will cast off our shackles."

Suddenly, the monk shouts "Behold!" From his belt, he draws forth a dagger, letting its steel glimmer in the light. In a clearly ritualistic manner, he holds out his arm for all to see. Then, without hesitation, he stabs the dagger into his hand, and drags it upwards from there. Even as blood runs down his body, his face shows no pain, and he even continues his sermon as if to make a point. "The Golden Lord has awakened the original will within myself. He has taught me discipline, and shown me the path to enlightenment. Through his teachings, I fear no Junzi, and I fear no soldier!"

As he finishes drawing the dagger along his body, another monk brings him a bowl of water, in which the preacher proceeds to calmly wash his weapon.

"Those who are faithful to the Golden Lord, and those who are of untainted resolve shall be invincible. No ailment shall bother you, and no corrupt official shall have power over you. Praise be to the Golden Lord! Ours is the Unfettered Will!"

"Praise be to the Golden Lord! Ours is the Unfettered Will!"

"Rise now, brothers and sisters. You have much yet to learn, and we will teach you."

At this point, the cultists finally move from their positions, getting up and readying themselves for what looks like it will be more combat practise. They'll probably become more attentive now, so it may be a good idea to get out while Rem still can.

[Merilan]

Rem slips away without a second thought more, frownign quietly. She wonders to herself if this is the way all beings blessed with godhood might wind up going at one point or another. Will she be like that? Instilling a doctrine on people so firmly... she's having second thoughts now. The unfettered will... was that really the way the relationship between mortals and those with shards of godhood are destined to go?

Assuming that she isn't spotted, Rem quietly slips back through the clouds before too long, back towards the city. She's careful to not re-enter through the same way should some of the guards have suspected something, but once more -- it is another flash of sunlight that draws her down to the street and towards Ming's parents' home.

"I have returned," she speaks quietly, a frown on her voice. She relays what she has seen -- the doctrine she has been able to glimpse, the way the camps are organised to skilled monks and families living in crude places that follow them... and the Golden Lord's absence. This complicates matters somewhat.

"... if we are to pursue this matter further, we may need to speak to one of his monks. That may..." she glances aside. "That may come to conflict. I am uncertain."

[igordragonian]

The bearded grimm warrior, lightened up, when Rem has returned.
"By the Motherland! I was worried!' he stop and nod.
"There is no need for worry. We shall speak. At failure we shall strike. No point to overthink it. What should we know beforkh'and?'

[Merilan]

"I ... well, I was not able to actually locate the Golden Lord," Rem explains. "It is right now unknown to me whether that means he is hiding, in disguise, or whether or not he even is in the same place as his followers. As for what we should know beforehand..."

She thinks for a moment. "The head monks are extremely skilled, I believe, and they demonstrated a skill through their faith in which they were able to ignore even a dagger stabbed to their palm. So those are likely the most dangerous enemies we will face, if it should come to blows." She furrows her brow. "A lot of the camp dwellers follow their lead, but they are largely impoverished, disenfranchised followers... though they are training them in combat. If at all possible, I do not wish to harm those people, Starislav."

She looks to Ming as well. "There is also the matter of some of Magistrate Li's men who I saw looting Big Foot Zu's manor. They loaded quite a lot of furniture and art - I ponder if this is a fact we can use to press him. I imagine that the proceeds would go directly to Li's coffers."

[igordragonian]

Starislav frown.
"Maybe it better, if I just TAKE those furniture back?'

[Theoboldi]

"That would get you into direct conflict with the magistrate." Ming points out, her arms crossed and in thought. "It's a shame. I doubt he is going to return any of those treasures to their owners."

"Maybe you could hide your involvement! If nobody knows that you took Zu's riches, you could pin the blame on bandits or someone else."

Either way, you figure, it's about time you decide. The arrival of Perfected Woman Wen won't wait for you, and if you want to speak to the Golden Lord or his followers before it you should make use of the time you have. Either you'll make a plan to do something about Li's men en-route, or put it off until later and just approach the Golden Lord's camp for now.

[igordragonian]

"I am not hiding. I don't care for magistrates. I serve the common folk.' Starislav said decisivly.

[Merilan]

"Let's do one thing at a time," Rem advises. "My concern is that we are not yet at the right time to openly move against the magistrate -- like Starislav says I support the common people, but they are the ones who have the most to lose and suffer while we have tasks on our plate."

Rem looks to the Bogatyr. "Once we can ascertain whether or not we really have allies or enemies with the Golden Lord and his camp, as well as resolve the matter of Real Man Xiao, we will have a clearer picture who supports us and not. Until then, we will gather more evidence of his wrongdoings."

She looks to Ming in turn. "Could you send message to some of the informants to keep an eye on where the furniture will be headed, and gather evidence as best they can?"

I'm thinking we'll keep with the Golden Lord plot for now, and keep tabs on the furniture since Magistrate Li has dealings happening with Real Man Xiao anyway?

[igordragonian]

Starislav nod.
"You speak with wisdom. Ver'y well. We shall do it your way.'

[Theoboldi]

"I was hoping to finish that poem." Ming grumbles for a moment, but then swiftly relents. "Very well, I will make sure to let everyone know what we are looking for. Whatever Li is planning, we'll figure it out."

With everything taken care of, you proceed to head into the woods, leaving your allies to the tasks you've delegated to them. Soon, your followers will be proud to call themselves Redeemers, as much as they will be eager to help you with chronicling the magistrate's corruption. Their loyalty to you, you can feel, will ensure it.

Leaving town is a rather easy task for two gods like you. While Rem once again takes to the skies, unseen by the earthbound constables, Starislav uses some of the magic he has been granted to warp his features and clothing to those of a common Dulimbaian farmer. He is able to pass by the city gates without even being questioned. Once outside and out of sight of the constables, you meet back up, and travel the roads as far as they can take you towards your destination. The sun bears down harshly on your backs, but Rem's mystical connections to its radiance and Starislav's divine toughness leave you unaffected by the discomfort that the heat of the Dulimbaian dry season would usually cause you.

Soon, you pass into the woods, where you move away from the existing beaten paths and make your way through brush and over side-tracks. The cultists of the Golden Lord are well hidden, but you know where they are at. Within only two hours of leaving town, you approach one of the forest camps, a small community living amidst crude bamboo huts.

You approach with raised arms and sheathed weapons to demonstrate that you've come peaceably, yet still the immediate reaction of the present cultists is to gather together, some holding weapons, others getting into fighting stances. Women and children are among them.

One of the monks, his scarred chest barred, approaches you first. There is no hesitation in his movements, and he eyes you with a fearless strictness. "Tell us who you are." he demands with a throaty, raspy voice. "What has brought you here?"

Another monk, you note, stands among the crowd of cultists. He eyes you warily, though without the same fear that the common believers show.

[Merilan]

"Forgive me. I am sure the poem will be wonderful," Rem chuckles softly to Ming.

Off to the woods with them, then; she is surprised at how comfortable she has become with the sun - traditionally something that she has had to deal with as much as she relies on it. She approaches without a visible weapon to come peaceably, and yet...

"... my name is Rem - a godbound of the Redeemers, and this is my companion, the Bogatyr Starislav," she speaks firmly as she lowers her hands. "We are those who seek freedom. Freedom from slavery, from tyranny and fascism. The freedom to choose one's life. The freedom of compassion, kindness and understanding."

She lifts her head up slightly. "Recently we have unravelled the tyranny of Big Feet Zu and rescued those that would be slaves under him. From there we have heard tales of the Golden Lord - and wished to know if you -- and he -- would share our beliefs in undoing those that have a corrupt thumb upon these lands."

[Theoboldi]

As Rem speaks, the monk slowly circles you, silently listening to all that you say. Roots and tangled branches crunch softly under his feet, punctuation each deliberate step he takes. In fact, he only responds once he has made a full rotation. His eyes lock with yours, and he begins to speak.

"The two godlings. We have heard of you. We have heard of how you've left Big Feet Zu alive despite all he's done, and how you've negotiated with the magistrate behind closed doors." In his voice, you hear a certain amount of venom.

"You claim that you oppose the corrupt junzi, but how can we trust that you are not simply deceivers in their employ? What proof do you have that this is not a trap for our Lord?"

[Merilan]

Rem takes note of the roots softly, her brow creasing very softly. They're also well informed...

"I am not an executioner, but a guide," she answers firmly. "I believe that a God who too eagerly indulges in being a judge to humankind risks losing themselves to divine tyranny. I wish to see the human spirit be unshackled that its common folk may be empowered and enlightened -- that the common folk can decide how to handle its sinners, its wrongdoers. Without oppression from a system that has benefitted the corrupt and wealthy."

She folds her arms softly.

"I will be clear -- we are not the Magistrate's allies. Even now we are gathering more and more evidence of their wrongdoing. We do not move yet as we have many under our charge that are still vulnerable and would suffer the most from rash action."

She looks towards the monk again.

"We have evidence and leads. We would like to know how the Golden Lord responds."

[igordragonian]

Starislav nod.
"I 'ave a beast of pure evil inside of me, barely confined in my skin. I can't trust my judgement, especialy when I feel urge for violence.' he say quitly.
"I trust Rem's judgement.' he pause.
'As Bogatyr, I am champion of the common folk. But fighting recklessly, might k'hurt the very people I fight for. I am just waiting for the right moment to release my wrath.'

[Theoboldi]

Suddenly, the monk that you've been talking to stomps his foot down, causing a loud crack to ring out. "Do not blaspheme!" he shouts, leaning forward threateningly and glaring at you. The other monk further back drops into a combat-ready stance, fists clenched and arms raised.

As an experienced warrior, his stance seems somewhat odd to you. While he looks ready to attack, the way he positions his arms is leaving him completely open to retaliation. Given all that you've heard about their philosophy and abilities though, it seems intentional. It's like he's not afraid to throw himself onto your spear.

"The Golden Lord has taught us to embrace our inner strength and shown us how to utilize it. Evidence is unnecessary. We all know the pain of the common people, and we all know those responsible for it." Enraged, he begins rattling off name, emphasizing each with sheer hatred.

"Big Feet Zu!

Magistrate Li!

Real Man Xiao!

They will face judgement at the hands of a righteous Lord!"

With that, he slowly lowers himself into a combat-ready stance as well, as the men and women behind him grip what weapons that they have.

"Leave now! Come back when you know what has to be done. If you will not fight the magistrate, then there is still one villain who is within your reach, is there not?" That last part seems to be directed as much as Starislav as it is at Rem. In any case, the monk seems serious about what he is saying. It's tough to tell how much more talk these people will accept before turning to violence.

[igordragonian]

Starislav stand his grounds.
"I am not going anywhere, until I talk to the golden reckless boy. Foolishness is not a value I respect much.'

[Merilan]

"I do not appreciate violence. I do not believe it is an effective means to an end. Hastiness and recklessness will only harm the common people," Rem firmly says. "Which villain do you speak of - Real Man Xiao?"

Even as she speaks, however, her body begins to softly illuminate with an aura, as her wings spread to either side of her. She'd best be prepared if they try anything.

Rem's commiting effort to Body of Burning Light to gear up.

[Theoboldi]

Though violence is not what you're after, between Rem activating her powers and Starislav being openly defiant, the cultists decide that the time to act has come. A nervous twitch goes through the speaking monk's body Rem's wings unfold, barely perceptible but enough warning for your divinely accute senses. Before she is even done speaking, the man suddenly lunches forward, his fist extended to strike at you.

"You will not drag us into hell, angel!" he shouts, clearly unwilling to listen further.

As he does so, the other cultists follow suit. Unarmed or with whatever weapon they have at hand, they move forward to engage you alongside their leaders, clearly aiming to encircle you. Though their movements are clumsy, owing to the fact that they are obviously civilians and children with no combat experience, they seem to be determined enough to follow the example set to them.

The other monk in their midst is swiftly making his way towards Starislav, looking to engage the bogatyr in personal combat. His face is grim, showing a warrior's focus.

Your reflexes give you an edge, however. It's time to make your first move, and perhaps shape this battle before it even truly begins.

And we're in combat! As usual, you automatically take the first turns, since there was no surprise on either side. Also, as last time, you will be able to take out opponents non-lethally with normal attacks and your Fray Die, but not with Smites. Other divine powers may or may not be non-lethal on a case by case basis.

The cultists other than the two monks can be counted as a small mob, if you have any abilities that would be relevant to. Also, the monks themselves are too strong to be affected by your Fray Dice.

[Merilan]

"I truly regret this outcome. Starislav, can I ask you to have mercy on them?" Rem asks as her senses allow her to detect when the monk's twitch reflexively brings him up to her; within a single burst, there is a warm, admonishing light similar to what she utilised against Big Foot Zu's men. Her aim is to drain them of their will to fight, rather than to hurt them directly.

But the monk is much more the combatant than they are -- and perhaps, herself, given she never had any formal training. She soars into the air as she aims a soft burst of light towards the monk -- something more concentrated and concussive, but with much the same effect.

Let's see... I want to use my Fray Dice on the mob - [roll0]
And normally attack one of the Monks - [roll1] (Check 5) and damage, if it hits: [roll2]
I'm also going to use Sapphire Wings to fly upwards, if that's possible to do in a single turn?

[igordragonian]

"Those foolish bastards, are too durachi to be k'held responsible! I agree!" he roared to Rem.
Clenching his fists, sending simple good old punch in the tradition of the homeland, with all the fancy sissy local jumpings around, like bunch of noisy crickets!
Some black scales apear though on the back of his hand.


Fray die [roll0]


Attack [roll1]+3

Damage? [roll2]

[Theoboldi]

Rem weaves back from the monk's initial attack, her body moving almost on its own to get her out of harm's way. As she does, a group of cultists tries to jump her, clubs and wooden spears raised to strike, but with the tiniest of motions she unleashes a surge of light that washes over them and makes them fumble their attacks. One of them, a young boy barely old enough to even lift his weapon, falls to the ground and proceeds to quickly crawl away, whimpering with fear. He seems scared, but unharmed.

Then, a jump takes her into the air, where she unfurls her wings and unleashes a blast of power at the monk who now is helplessly below her. His face is momentarily contorted by surprise before he is hit squarely in the chest, pushing him backwards as his feet bury into the soft, muddy ground to prevent him from falling over. "Angel!" he gasps, breathless from the attack. "The strive of the Torment Defied may not reach you where you are, but we will take end you after your champion!" With that, he turns around and flings himself towards Starislav, in a movement that utilizes the impact energy of the attack that just hit him.

Meanwhile, the other cultists do what they can to wear you down. Rocks and sharpened sticks are flung up into the air at Rem from whatever cover they can find amidst their huts, one even opening fire with a makeshift bow that he has. Their attacks are uncoordinated, but one might still hit you.

While the monk doesn't seem to have any decent ranged options for now, the cultist mob gets an attack against Rem. Your AC is already included in this attack, so it'll only hit on a total result of 20.

[roll]1d20+1+3[roll] for a potential [roll0] = damage.


Meanwhile, Starislav's initial attack does not go quite so well. At the very last moment, the quiet monk recognizes the bogatyr's strike, and suddenly lets his upper body drop to the side, bending his back at an angel that looks like it should break his spine, but yet miraculously does not. From there, he simply rolls while Starislav himself lets his momentum carry him forward, out of reach of an immediate counterattack. Two cultists, a man and a woman approach the god at this point, throwing themselves at him in a practised, but clearly inexperienced show of unarmed combat. In return, he simply grabs one of them and throws her into the other, knocking the fight out of them in one move.

Behind them, however, the two monks step up, charging him in preparation for an attack. Once within range, the two burst into a flurry of powerful strikes, their bodies moving and contorting to keep every punch at an unpredictable angle. If they experience any discomfort from this style of fighting, they do not let it show on their faces. What makes it worse is that as Starislav does his best to fend off the two warriors, he is beset by further cultists from every angle, making defending himself a difficult task at best.

Starislav faces attacks from the two monks and the mob of cultists. Your AC is already included in these attacks, so it'll only hit on a total result of 20.

Talking Monk:
[roll]1d20+7+2[roll] for a potential [roll1] = damage.
[roll]1d20+7+2[roll] for a potential [roll2] = damage.

Quiet Monk:
[roll]1d20+7+2[roll] for a potential [roll3] = damage.
[roll]1d20+7+2[roll] for a potential [roll4] = damage.

Cultists:
[roll]1d20+1+3[roll] for a potential [roll5] = damage.

Keep in mind that you do have Gifts that can defend you from damage that you would otherwise take. Should the amount of HP that you loose this round seem like too much to be sustainable, your gift Unbreakable could render you immune to it as a reaction.

Edit: Well, this is kinda embarrassing. I redid the rolls in the OOC. :smallredface:

[Merilan]

Judging by the OOC rolls I took no damage and Starislav took 5?

"We work as one," Rem responds. She's keeping an eye on the Bogatyr to make sure he's not overwhelmed; it'd be best to try to suppress the numbers as best as they can -- the sight of the young boy aches her heart for a moment. How could they order someone so young to fight?

The rocks, the sticks and even the bow fly at her; they wither away with the light of her aura, but an attack doesn't need to necessarily strike to grieve her. "You would have even your children fight?!" she exclaims.

Her hand raises once more as she tries to keep that light washed onto the crowd; they're not her enemies. She just wants them to stop.

But those monks, with their contortioning punches... they will be more difficult as an opponent. And to that degree she sends another blast from the skies to aid Starislav.

As before, let's try another fray dice on the cultist mob [roll0] and an attack on one of the monks (the more injured) [roll1] - damage if it hits: [roll2]

[igordragonian]

Starislav wear his shield.
"Very welll, fools. I guess you won't calm down, unless you miss some tooth!"


---
Fray die
[roll0]
Attack
[roll1]+3

Damage [roll2]

[Theoboldi]

Yeah, Rem took no damage while Starislav took a total of 5. Which is half of his HP, I should add.

As Rem's light shines down upon the cultists, and Starislav easily throws about the toughest among them with barely a motion, more and more of them are slowly taken out of the battle. Already, you've thinned their numbers quite severely, and only slightly more than half of them remain capable of fighting. Those who remain are looking nervous, and it probably is not much longer until their discipline will be truly tested.

Meanwhile, the monks remain your true obstacle. The speaking one, who was already hurt by Rem's earlier attack, barely notices the sound of her charging beam behind him. All he can do is twist to the side as swiftly as he can, which turns an attack that may have otherwise knocked him down into a still painful glancing blow. He is momentarily sent reeling from the impact, which Starislav uses to his advantage by dealing his foe a loudly resounding uppercut strong enough to knock out any lesser man. As beads of his sweat go flying and a thin trickle of blood runs from his mouth, the monk reels back, barely adopting a fighting stance again. He wipes away the blood from his chin, his eyes darting around at the people around him, as if considering the situation. Then, he mutters "And you would fight them?" in response to Rem's accusation, before throwing himself into the fray once more. Even so, he looks battered. While pain is foreign to him, exhaustion clearly isn't, and his body still shows limits. It's unlikely he can take another hit like that.

It was a bit close, but thanks to their relatively bad Armor Class both of your attacks on the monk hit. He is below half his maximum HP now, but made his first moral check.


Together, they start their counterattack. The monks' odd, but trained movements confound what you thought you knew about martial arts, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for Starislav to turn away their danger. It's difficult to tell how much longer he can do this without dipping into his divine powers. Rem too continues to be pelted by the common cultists, though at least they present not nearly as much of a danger. Still, she notes that some among them are starting to smart up, trying to take cover behind what walls the camp offers and attacking from range, while only the most foolhardy continue to attempt and aid the monks' melee against Starislav.

Starislav faces attacks from the two monks and the mob of cultists. Your AC is already included in these attacks, so it'll only hit on a total result of 20.

Talking Monk:
[roll0] for a potential [roll1] = 1 damage.
[roll2] for a potential [roll3] = 1 damage.

Quiet Monk:
[roll4] for a potential [roll5] = 2 damage.
[roll6] for a potential [roll7] = 0 damage.

Cultists:
[roll8] for a potential [roll9] = 1 damage.


Rem once more gets attacked by only the cultist mob.

Cultists:
[roll10] for a potential [roll11] = 2 damage.

[igordragonian]

The last hit at Starislav meet with a heavy sound of "thock' as it hit a wall.
"Your flashy ridiculose dancing starting to annoy me.' black scales more and more are exposed on his skin*
He stop bothering to try and dodge nor block the monks. He send a powerful shield bash at his foe, and then a headbutt.
"I fight for the common people. I won't let idiocy k'hurt them! Calm down, or I'll keep beat commin sense into your thick skulls!'

----
*https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-869fb8879926915fc23d76c595603ed2
Something like that. I imagine Endurance is something like armnament haki from One Piece? In Piece it represent as dark slick energy thing, but for Starislav I imagine black scales.

Fray Did [roll0]

Attck
[roll1]+3

Damage[/rollv]1d10[/rollv]

[Merilan]

"If you would have children fight to goad your opponents into guilt, then I question your virtue!" Rem sounds rather incensed; she thinks back to the shapes she created during the battle at Big Foot Zu's mansion, and her beam launches in the shape of a phantasmal sword this time - just as non-lethal, but perhaps different enough to catch the monk off-guard. In the meantime, she's finding herself swerving to avoid the crowd's attacks; she looks towards them for a moment as she places a hand to her chest.

"I would implore you to stand down if you do not have violence in your hearts...!"

[roll0] to-hit and [roll1] damage!
[roll2] Fray Dice

[Theoboldi]

As Starislav stops dodging, letting several of the monks' strikes impact on him with no effect, the two warriors actually hesitate for a moment. Momentarily their attacks stop, as their eyes size him up. Though they do not fall out of their stances, something about his actions has shaken them.

The monks had to make morale checks here, but succeeded.

"Show it to us, then. Your own Unfettered Will." one finally says as they step forward again, just in time to meet the bogatyr's advance. In an act of defiance that would be crazed coming from any other man, he does not attempt to dodge Starislav's shield bash, instead opting to slam his forehead directly into the hunk of metal and meeting the pain literally head-on. Amazingly, this does not seem to slow the monk down. From there, he twists around your own incoming headbutt, making it go wide.

Quickly, the monks and several cultists move in to attack, each attacking you with all they have. In a rather frightful twist for them, many cultists end up simply breaking their weapons or hurting their hands on your steel-like skin, taking them out instead of you.

These monks are tough. Really damn tough. Not nearly as tough as you are, but still considerably more so than you average human. You don't think they'd survive something like a breath of fire or being erased by your magic powers, but if you used some of your powers of Endurance to perform a focused, untiring flurry of blows, you may be able to wear them down more easily without killing them.

An Endurance-based Divine Wrath smite could take out the monks non-lethally. Divine Wrath never misses and deals 2d8 damage to a single target at your current level, so it may be worth the Effort.

Starislav faces attacks from the two monks and the mob of cultists. Your AC is already included in these attacks, so it'll only hit on a total result of 20.

Talking Monk:
[roll0] for a potential [roll1] = 1 damage.
[roll2] for a potential [roll3] = 1 damage.

Quiet Monk:
[roll4] for a potential [roll5] = 2 damage.
[roll6] for a potential [roll7] = 1 damage.

Cultists:
[roll8] for a potential [roll9] = 2 damage.


Meanwhile, Rem's words just do not quite seem to hit the mark with these enraged cultists. In fact, in response to her words, one of the younger fighters, a boy of perhaps 13 years tosses an easily dodged rock in her direction.

"Shut up, foreigner! I fight because I want to be free!"

Several of the still standing believers give shouts of desperate confirmation, doubling down on their attacks despite the goddess' aura continuing to take out more and more of them by the second. Those of them who fail to resist it either drop to the ground in fear, or end up running away entirely, their courage failing them. Luckily, the hope infused within your magic should be enough to prevent any permanent damage, and by this point enough of the cultists have dropped out that only a third of them remain standing. Soon, they should all be cleared out.

More annoyingly, the monks' renewed courage down on the ground leads them to meet Rem's sword attack in a rather unorthodox manner. One of them meets the blade with his bare hands, catching it in an effort that almost topples him over.

The resilience of these warriors is getting somewhat worrying at this point. Then again, it might be to your advantage. Your instincts as a healer tell you that if they can take blows like those from Starislav without flinching, it may be possible to hit them with a controlled blast of lightning or to drain their life force without killing them. This may be more effective than attempting to battle them normally.

Even so, they physically still appear to be human. You would be wise not to chose an attack that would tear them apart.
The monks look like they'd be able to survive certain forms of Divine Wrath smites. Divine Wrath never misses and deals 2d8 damage to a single target at your current level, so it may be worth the Effort.

Rem faces only an attack from the cultist mob. Your AC is already included in these attacks, so it'll only hit on a total result of 20.

[roll10] for a potential [roll11] = 1 damage.

[Merilan]

Rem regards the boy's words for a moment longer, struggling internally within herself.

"... very well. I cannot deny your desire. I do not know the exact plight you suffer... but after the battle, I wish to hear from all of you."

It has come sooner rather than later, perhaps; when people who she feel have the same thoughts and feelings of suffering at the hands of the corrupt and the wealthy wish for retributive justice. Justice without means of forebearance and restoration. Is she a fool? Is she naive? The thoughts have occupied her in the nights when she thought of Ming's suggestion and thought of a name for theig roup.

She has to keep going, and to that end--

"If you wish to witness my will made manifest, then...! Gather, my Divine Sword!"

The angel raises her hand and conjures a focused version of her shining bolts -- this one in the shape of a glowing sword of light. She aims it towards the monk Starislav has been mostly engaged with, and hurls it down as she seeks to use its light to drain the energy out of the monk in a crashing blast.

I'll use Divine Wrath on the monk Starislav is fighting - I don't know if it uses an attack roll, but:

[roll0]
And damage roll [roll1] (not sure if I add anything to the damage?)

Then, the fray dice for the mob: [roll2]

[igordragonian]

Starislav frowned.
"By Ilya's neverending beard! I k'hope you will fight as gard your actual enemies!'
He toss away the shield, draconic claws rip through his leather gloves.
He take a deep breath.
"I shall end the farce now, with my DIVINE WRATH!!" and send barrage of wild punches, that mock the concept of finnesse.
It's an old Bogayrian view on battle- if you failed, you didn't tried hard enough.
Attack stronger, attack more.
More and more and more!


Sorry. I just afraid of messing up...
I hope it is correct
Divine Wrath[roll0]

Fray die
[roll1]

[Theoboldi]

The surge of lightning that Rem has fired seeks out the monk, easily outdoing his defensive maneuvers and striking him square in the chest. Lights flash as he twitches in place, the shock firing through his entire body. As this happens, the other monk turns his head in surprise, allowing Starislav to land several tireless blows on the warrior. Though he manages to recover and start deflecting strikes before too long, those that hit him still leave some rather nasty marks.

Then, however, Rem's attack finally finishes passing through the talking monk. His entire body is shaking and slightly charred, and it is clear that he is about to collapse any second now. Still, he keeps standing, dodging away from Starislav for a moment to turn and address the lesser cultists.

"Brothers and sisters, run! We will hold them here while you bring yourselves to safety!"

The weaker cultists, who despite their outrage are dropping like flies, decide to listen to their leadership. Those most sensible among them pull back the more hotheaded ones, and those who are strong grab some of those who have been taken out, moving to run away. You could probably stop them if you wanted to, though. There's fewer of them than there were guards at Zu's manor.

As they turn, however, the more talkative of the two monks finally collapses, dropping down on one knee in clear defeat. Though by all rights he should be unconscious now, his immense discipline and martial training is keeping him able to talk. "Very well." he says to you between hasty breaths. "You have proven your willpower, and that you have greater reserves yet. Let the people go and we will hear your demands."

The other monk, meanwhile, maneuvers himself between you and the fleeing cultists. If it came down to it, he could probably hold you off long enough to allow them to escape unless you used your powers, but now that he's alone he has basically no chance of actually threatening you.

Since one of the monks is taken out and the mob is pretty much destroyed, there's no more realistic chance of these guys actually stopping you. The talking monk is at 0 HP, but able to stay conscious due to his lesser strive training.

The combat is over for now, though if you wish you can have your characters try and round up the remaining cultists with a power, or just declare that you take the time to beat up the remaining monk. He poses too little of a threat, so there's no point in actually playing out another full combat with him.

[Merilan]

Rem sighs very softly as she drops from the sky, her wings still outspread as her defences remain active. She looks to Starislav to check on how he's doing, and will mend him if the Bogatyr needs it.

There is a frown, however, as she lets the lesser cultists go.

"You still intend to treat us as villains, when we made no motion to seek harm to your charges," she grumbles. She lowers her head. "If that anger is truly the will of your people, then I cannot in good conscience coerce them otherwise."

She lifts her head and remarks, urging the monk interposing himself between them and the mob, "Please let us speak to your Golden Lord regarding our common enemy, though our methods differ. I still do not believe we need to be fighting one another. I abhor violence, and I would rather not harm you."

Rem isn't going to pursue the lesser cultists, since that wasn't her plan in the first place; if the monk interposing them continues attacking she'll begrudingly fight, but that's about it. Also, if Starislav is badly wounded she'll use Merciful Gaze on him.

[igordragonian]

"I won't pursue pitiful commoners, as I said, I fight to defend them. Even if I grasp reality.'
Starislav pant, turn away, covering his face.
"Damn you, for forcing me of letting so much of the beast out. Your fancy girly dance, were annoying to deal with!"

Inside his head three voices growl and demand of him to destory and kill

[Theoboldi]

Uninhibited by you, the cultists scatter into the woods, soon disappearing behind the foliage. It's not the most gracious retreat, but most of them just look happy to get away with their freedom and lives intact. Meanwhile, the two monks keep watching you, neither really relaxing even after their flock has gotten themselves to safety.

Finally, the downed one takes a moment to gather his breath. His intakes come hastily and stuttering, signs of someone who has pushed his body to the very limits. Offering you his surrender earlier must have already taken much out of him. "....You brought that beast here.....and insisted on insulting our lord." he gasps, before closing his eyes and furrowing his brows for a moment as he gathers his willpower. When he opens them again, his words sound more focused.

"We could not have trusted you. But you did go out of your way to spare all of us......" Staring up at you, he hesitates. Clearly, he is pondering whether he can believe you. Several seconds pass before he makes a decision. "Come here again tomorrow if you wish to meet the Golden Lord. I will not promise anything, but we will bring news of what you did and your demands to him. Your will clearly is strong, and we shall respect that."

[Merilan]

"Starislav is not a beast. He struggles with an intense battle within him, and I have fervent faith that he will overcome it," Rem quietly expresses. "But I will bear your grievances. My apologies."

She bows her head softly, before pausing towards the monk when he decides that they would be able to come again tomorrow. "I thank you for your consideration. My name is Rem, and I was in life a healer of the Merciful Hand. Please also relay to your people that if they are in need of healing and mending, that I shall do so." She looks towards Starislav and says, "If we move fast, we should still be able to do something about Magistrate Li's men and their looting."

She's not certain if they would be on time - they took quite a lot of time and they might not be in shape to do more today, but hopefully with the aid of the Redeemers, they will be able to do something.

I'd say we could try seeing if we can take care of Li's men next, since that's something possibly we could do on the way?

[igordragonian]

Starislav nod, growl, looking away, trying to force his human skin on again.

[Theoboldi]

The two monks relax a little as you agree to their terms, still cautious but not entirely on edge anymore. Glancing at Starislav, the more talkative of the two says "He certainly has the will to keep his control. Let's see whether he has the strength to see it through, then." After pausing for a moment, he then adds "You'd best discuss anything further with our master tomorrow. We have got our own ways of healing, but we could always use more supplies. Food especially, but also weapons."

The other monk moves to help him up onto his feet, which he manages with a faint grunt. "Anything you can do against the magistrate's men will reflect well on you. If the Golden Lord permits, we shall see you tomorrow." With that, they turn around to leave, one limping as the other guides him. Luckily, Perfected Woman Wen will arrive in town in two days, giving you ample time to scheme with this other godling. With any luck, he will be more amiable than his followers.

Then again, considering the kind of teachings he has passed on to them.....

As Starislav slowly but surely manages to return his skin to its normal tone, an act takes much of his focus, you too take your leave. You consider returning to Big Feet Zu's manor to stop his constables from taking the crime lord's treasures, but after a moment of pondering realize that after the time you spent coming to this clearing, fighting the cultists, and negotiating with them, they're likely to have finished by now.

Two options come to your minds immediately, should you wish to look into it further. If you hurried now, perhaps by using your divine powers, you could ambush the constables en-route before they get back to town. Or, at the very least, confront them.

For this, you could either use a miracle, or make a Constitution Ability Check to run fast enough.

Alternatively, you could simply return to town and ask the redeemers what happened in your absence. Surely somebody will notice a haul as big as this one and keep an eye on what they are doing with it. If you had a means of communicating with them from afar, you could even arrange an ambush or some sort of subterfuge.

Or perhaps other ideas will hit you after a moment of thinking? Right now, the choice is yours.

[igordragonian]

"I feel like smashing more k'heads today, k'how about you Sodarinia*"?' Starislav ask with a.more beastly grin then usual.



----
*It's sort of "Mlady". In Three Muskeeters in russians this how noble women called in comversations. Thoigh, Rem might not understand

[Merilan]

"I admit I first thought of exposing them in town, but I think there is some virtue in taking the direct approach. I have a lot to learn of protecting myself from you, Starislav," Rem smiles.

The battle with the Monks and the cultists did give her something to think about, after all. She is Godbound, but that doesn't mean she's an instant expert in everything. She has a lot to learn, still.

"Now... I believe I can fly there in time, but what about you?"

Looks like we're going with getting there in time! Would using Sapphire Wings be enough, or would Rem have to have a Constitution check too? And would she be able to carry Starislav if he has no other methods?

[igordragonian]

...I k'have my steed. If i'll use my wings... no telling what I'll. I don't think you k'have what to learn from a old beast like me.'

[Theoboldi]

Though her wings will allow her to bypass most obstacles on her pass, Rem knows that catching up to the constables is still a matter of keeping a good enough pace. Still, unless something should go horribly awry, she is confident that her new godly stamina will allow her to cross the distance with no effort.

Starislav, meanwhile, considers the situation and realizes that with his horse and his own powers of endurance, he should be able to make it with no problems whatsoever.

Rem's wings do not allow her to autosucceed, but since they allow her to take a much more direct route she gains a +4 bonus on the check. This means that she would succeed on any result of the die other than a 1. Which would be a major case of awful luck.

I must admit I completely forgot about Starislav's horse. Mostly because we've barely brought it up so far. Does it even have a name? XD
That said, between it and Starislav being bound to the word of Endurance, we can call this an auto success for him.

Come to think of it, he could probably take Rem on horseback with him. >_>

[igordragonian]

"Budyony can carry me, and you as well, if you wish, Soadrinia.'

[Merilan]

"Next time," Rem promises. "I do love horses, and I'd like to ride more, but I want to practice flying."

[igordragonian]

"A race then?' Starislav laugh with sharp teeth.
"The old beast against the young fairy! Material of tales!" his attitude... is a bit diffrent.
Without waiting he lead Budynoy to gallop

[Merilan]

Rem laughs softly in turn. "Why not? Faerie, huh... I've never thought of myself that way. I hope I don't ever become that capricious." And to that end, she gets ready for Starislav and Budyony to prepare, and when they're ready... they're off! She's not expecting to win, but she admits she finds the idea somewhat charming -- why not have a little fun while you're learning about your new body?

[Theoboldi]

Both Starislav and Rem take off, each taking their own path to catch up with Magistrate Li's men. The bogatyr stays stays down below on the ground, relying on his trusty steed and the tirelessness with which he can drive the animal as he breaks through the brush and tangling vines of the Dulimbaian forest. A quick flick of his wrist occasionally erases an obstacle that would otherwise have slowed him down, further easing his journey.

Meanwhile, the healer soars far above the earth, her powerful wings unfurling high in the sky and sending her blasting forward. The wind blasts her face and body, yet she stays miraculously unfazed by them. Now that she is racing, the strength of her new limbs is slowly beginning to reveal itself to her. Up here, not even the birds are able to keep pace with her. If she did not have to look for her target and follow the road like Starislav, it would be no contest. As is, the more complicated path strains her inexperienced flying skills a little, but she still handily keeps up.

In the end, it is close, but the warrior just barely beats his opponent by a few seconds. You find the small company of constables near the outskirts of the Gongfang farmlands, carrying away their treasures on two large carts, covered with thick blankets. As they hear the hellish ruckus of Budyony's hooves smashing against the dirt road, they turn in fear, some giving panicked screeches and fumbling for their weapons. Their spirits are not lifted when they see not only some kind of heavily armed warrior, but also a terrible angelic monstrosity diving down at them, some already turning to run.

Then, however, Starislav skids to a halt before them, with Rem following suit just moments after. Under your expectant gazes, the constables' screams slowly die down as they realize who you are. Sheepishly, they lower their weapons as an awkward silence descends upon the group. Eventually, one of the men is pushed forward by two others, dressed in slightly heavier armor than the others. Clearly, he must be the group's leader.

"G-Greetings, Lady R-Rem." He is shaking heavily, and his face is very pale indeed. "What, uh, b-brings you and y-your warrior h-here?"

[igordragonian]

Wrong question, nakhal." Starislav growl.
"The right question is, do I k'have reason not smash your skull?'

[Merilan]

Rem has flown several times now, but -- the added task and challenge of keeping up with Starislav and his steed, as well as finding her route to where they need to go is another level altogether. She discovers she rather enjoys it, laughing to herself and finding the very idea of strength and haleness intoxicating.

She wants to share that joy with so many people. Before illness can rob them of their life.

She sets down, however, once they arrive; she looks to the constables, folding her arms as she expresses, "It is strange. I could have believed from what I see that you are engaged in looting. That would not happen to be spoils from Big Foot Zu's manor under that tarp?"

[Theoboldi]

More shrieks go up from the constables at Starislav's threat, the men obviously terrified as they attempt to hide behind their leader's back. Raising his hands defensively in front of his chest, he blurts out a quick answer.

"W-Wait, you have this a-all wrong! W-We are c-c-confiscating these g-goods! On....on the magistrate's o-orders!"

As he gives his excuse, the men cowering behind him give murmurs of agreement, though none are willing to actually speak up and draw attention to themselves.

"W-We're not k-keeping them! They'll be u-used for matters o-of the st-state!"

[Merilan]

There's a soft sigh from Rem as she peers towards the men murmuring behind, putting her hands to her waist. "I know I give off the impression that I am naive, but please try to lie a little more convincingly. And I have caught wind of your grumbling earlier today, when you were scouring the manor."

She bobs her head. "I would just like to know one thing. Did Li send you, or do you do this on your own volition?" She nudges her head to Starislav. "I might remind you there is no gain in you protecting the Magistrate's name."

[Theoboldi]

The constable begins to mumble senselessly, unable to come up with a decent answer after being called out by you so openly. Finally, he puts on a crooked, awkward smile, in a rather failed attempt to look affable. "W-Well, you can't b-blame us for wanting to, uh, pocket a bit for ourselves. Us officials really don't get paid well for our work, you see, and...uh...." His words die in his throat as he realizes that this will probably not convince you to leave him alone.

"Look, we're supposed to bring this stuff back to Gongfang and then from there to Yizhao. The governor is supposed to get it, that's all I know!" The men behind him furiously nod their heads and voice their affirmations.

After staying in Gongfang for several days and having built up your network, you know that Yizhao is the closest of Dulimbai's great cities, further east up the Dahuang River. Governor Jiang resides over it and the surrounding lands, and is Magistrate Li's direct superior. While it would certainly be within his authority to order Li to deliver these confiscated goods to him, it seems unlikely that he would have heard about these treasures. Most likely, that means this is happening on the magistrate's initiative.

You can actually find Yizhao on the map of Dulimbai in the core rulebook. It's on page 85, if you are curious.

[igordragonian]

"This is kh'ow it going to work, tavarish. We show where to put it, and you get to keep your skull in piece. K'how does it sound?' Starislav grin, as if showing, he wish Lu to resisit,

[Merilan]

"Unfortunately... I have a difficult time believing that the word of such a local bust reaching the governor in such a swift amount of time," Rem points out. "Besides..."

She narrows her eyes. "You say it yourselves. You are not well-paid for risking your neck while the Magistrate fattens his coffers and benefits from the lawless thievery and slavery he has failed to stop. Why continue risking yourselves for him? For your families? We can find a better way."

[Theoboldi]

The guards cower in fear as you make your demands, some holding up their cudgels in your general direction in a manner more remniscient of folk wards rather than weapons. It doesn't seem to you like they are going to attack, though, more like they're just trying to keep up a token amount of resistance. Resistance which lacks dignity, but resistance nonetheless.

"Gah! Mercy, please!" their leader yells at Starislav, covering his head. "If we don't bring this to Yizhao, the magistrate will have our heads! We're really telling you all we know! You can ask the other constables, this isn't the first tribute he's sent directly to the governor! Most of what he squeezes out of the xiaoren goes there!"

Given how fearful these men are, you don't get the feeling that they are lying to you. Of course, what this man calls tribute you have both heard called by many other names. Birthday gifts, compensation for expenses, even incense money. What they all share in common is that they are ways for money to be passed along without greater scrutiny. In other words, they are bribes.