Bridges of Bone (IC)

[JeenLeen]

OOC thread: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showt...ridges-of-Bone

Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016--Kingsport Council, 10:30 PM

It is before the Council formally begins. As is usual for the first Tuesday of the night, the Lord of the city, Ashton Kington, is not yet in attendance.

Looking through the room, you can see how it is a grand ballroom. A crystalline chandelier hangs in the middle, with candles casting a dim light through the room. Elegant stairs, draped in white and red cloth, lead upstairs. It is well known the Kingtons entourage will be descending soon. The several side rooms are prepared for more private conversations, and you see trays of appetizers, water, and wine set in the alcoves.

As is usual, attendance is fairly high. Brother Baring is standing, reading a book that, from its cover, appears to be modern finances rather than ancient lore. The Crown, Ring, and Cape of Isasaer are conversing with one of the Others, some revenant by the look of him, while the witch hunters stand near the back of the room. White Bird and Weeping Dragon are talking with Miach mac Airmid. In one corner stands Alan Kington, the greasy, guff, and beer-bellied Goblin King of the family; he is drinking from a newly opened bottle of gin. There is also a gaggle of goblins in the back (not near Alan), making various obscene gestures and obnoxious laughs between themselves. A few scattered Others, largely keeping to themselves or talking in small groups, are also present.

One unexpected face is a woman with almost-white blond hair flowing down to her waist, with olive-tan skin like someone from the Mediterranean, wearing a light blue robe around her lithe body and, oddly enough, carrying a black-iron trident. She is talking with two of the Kington family spirits. A small green frog with red speckles sits on her shoulder.

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So here's some time to mingle before Council formally begins. If everyone posts in OOC that they have nothing to say or a couple days pass, I'll post the next scene. Otherwise, some RP time.

If you'd rather your character come in just before Council starts (right before 11 pm), that's fine.

Also, when Council formally begins, there's a chance to make a formal announcement, if you wish. Let me know if any of you plan to, because no reason to divide up two scenes otherwise.

Lastly, these first few posts of mine are probably more 'wall of text' than most, so I hope it doesn't seem foreboding. Trying to set the scene. I'm also rather new at trying to write good descriptions of people and settings, so, well, please bear with me.

[Ramsus]

Vermin finishes snacking on something from the tray of appetizers and walks over to the unfamiliar woman with the trident. She doesn't interrupt the conversation immediately, she just moves closer to gauge the situation and see if she's immediately noticed and what the response will be.

[druid91]

Darius would be seated off to one side, largely by himself, though others are nearby there is a distinct sense of a gap between him and them. The eyepatched seafarer would be chewing on the end of an unlit pipe. Something that looked ornate at first glance, but was clearly mass produced somewhere. His eyes on the stairs.

To those that had seen him at the Council before, he would seem significantly more haggard than in the past. Signs of lack of sleep and stress are more readily apparent than in the past.

[JeenLeen]

As Vermin draws near to the woman and the two spirits -- fairly clearly lesser Kington ghost-souls, once you get a little closer -- she overhears one of them saying, "...so once Lord Ashton asks if there are any announcements, that is the best time for you to make yours. He is aware you are in town, and would appreciate you introducing yourself." The woman replies, in fluent English but with a clear accent (European?), "Thank you. I am glad it was easy to find the meeting place of practitioners and Others."

Her frog hops on her shoulder and she turns her head towards Vermin and gives a pleasant smile and a slight wave hello. Kinda fake, but the practiced, polite fake of a receptionist who at least wants to try to make people happy. She then turns back to the spirit and says, "In most places I've had to visit, my introduction to their council is far worse than a being like yourself appearing near me or mine. New York's... well, I could in theory call them people... were outright rude when they came upon me. Wound up a bloody mess, and one of my friends even wound up badly scarred on her fins. Well, I know I shouldn't socialize too much before I formally introduce myself to your Lord, but, if I may--".

She motions towards where Vermin is standing. The spirits don't show any protest, so she then turns towards Vermin and says, "Hello. I'm a visitor here, and have met few beyond the Lord's servitors. Are you a regular here?"

---

Darius may notice that people tend to be giving him a wide berth than usual, but nobody says anything to him. A few do whisper while talking to one another with a glance towards him.

[Ramsus]

"Yeah, I am. You can call me Vermin. If you're sticking around for a while you'll probably see me around and if not, well then I should probably pump you for stories and rumors before you leave." Vermin says with a friendly smile and extends a hand for a handshake. When she does so, a rat in mousketeer garb pops up out of her collar and salutes the frog.

[JeenLeen]

She flinches for just a second at the mouseketeer, but then resumes her pleasant demeanor and shakes your hand. The frog hops, give a slight 'ribbit', and nods towards the gentleman rodent.

"Vermin? I am fluent in English, but I admit I have a hard time telling the difference between names, pseudonyms, and titles, especially with names like Autumn or Leaf in use. Which is yours? I am called, in translation, Daughter of the Trident. Pseudonym. And this is my companion and familiar, Caeneus. Name. I am certain he'd return the salute, but his true form is not so appropriate for a formal evening event as your companion's.

I hope not to be in town too long, but regardless, I can see us trading in story and rumor, if not more." With a smirk, she adds, "Information is currency, is it not?"

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Gonna try Teal for NPCs, to make things more readable.

[Ramsus]

"Well, it's nice to meet you Daughter of the Trident. And you Caeneus." Vermin says to the woman then the toad. "Uh... I'd say pseudonym and maybe title too? This little guy, who I wouldn't really call very appropriate for formal meetings being that he's a rat and all, is..." Vermin pauses to examine the rat to figure out which one it is. "...Folly." Folly then gives a bow to Daughter of the Trident. Vermin places her hands together in a way that expresses excitement and appreciation of shared enthusiasm and smiles, "Yes. Yes it is. A stories are good fun too! But... I think we should make a date of it since we probably don't have much time for a good tale right now." She then waits to see if Daughter of the Trident will agree.

[JeenLeen]

She smiles. "That sounds good to me. If you operate during the day, there's a McDonald's on Elm Street I was thinking of visiting. I know food is... not the best, but I usually don't get to taste American fast food in my travels. Maybe there around 11? If night is preferable, how about 11 at the same. I do have a cell phone number, in case you need to reschedule, and I'll accept your number if you have one. I know we can call each other simply by repetition of names, but I prefer mundane means when they are just as convenient."

----

Frank, the hunter made of mostly muscle, gets up and starts walking towards the other side of room. Stopping by Darius, he turns to him and says, calmly and quietly in his deep voice, "We were told not to kill you for now, but know that you're on my sights. Looking forward to you screwing up."

He then starts to walk on as he was going.

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I'll give Roland another day to join the Council and interact. Otherwise, plan to start the new scene (the Kingtons' arrival) on Friday morning.

Let me know if you plan to make any announcements.

[Ramsus]

"Lunch sounds good." Vermin replies with a smile and exchanges cell numbers with Daughter of the Trident.

[druid91]

Darius would chuckle at Franks statement, looking up to the man from his seat, "I would look forward to such a thing myself. Of the ends that I know of, that's one of the better ones. Not the best of course, but certainly not the worst." He'd say with a slight smile, paradoxically, the death threat seeming to cheer the pirate up. He would stow his pipe and stand, turning from the witchhunter to approach Brother Baring.

"I don't suppose you'd still be interested in talking sometime?" He'd ask, a slight sigh following.

Spoiler: OOC

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Yeah, Darius would probably make a brief announcement.

[JeenLeen]

OOC NOTE: editing post since I misread who Darius said the second statement to

Frank pauses and looks at Darius with scrutiny in his eyes.

"Y'know, it's troubling sometimes knowing that you practitioners can't lie." He then adds with a smile, the first real emotion he's shown. "But if you wanna end things real fast, just come up to me when I'm alone in a dark street. Like most nights when I'm working at a club. I'll assume it's a threat, and I'll be sure to be carrying."

Frank eyes Brother Baring as Darius starts talking to him, but continues on.

Brother Baring glances at his watch then replies, "Talk? Well, certainly we can talk. The Kingtons have decided to treat you more as an asset than a liability at the moment, and my assessment is... similar. Not too much time at the moment, but feel free to say your piece or speak to me later."

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OOC statement: he's serious, so please don't come up to him alone in a dark street unless you want a fight. That's not a plot hook.

Gonna give Roland a little more time to make an appearance, then later this morning post the next scene.

[JeenLeen]

Right as the clock begins to chime, a couple more Others come inside. As do Tara and Janet, who seem to trying to vanish in the shadows near the back of the room. Roland walks in almost at the last time moment. (A wizard is never late…) Brother Baring whispers to Darius, “Later, I suppose.”

As the clock stops chiming, the Kington family begins to descend the stairs. Lord Ashton, accompanied by his wife, lead the entourage. Lord Ashton’s familiar, a transparent man dressed like English royalty, walks behind him and is accompanied by Flavius, the almost-skeletal family advisor. Several other Kingtons and ghosts follow.

When they have descended to the bottom of the stairs, Lord Ashton remarks, “Welcome to Council, denizens of Kingsport. Miach mac Airmid, you continually honor us with your presence. Brother Baring, it pleases us to see you tonight. Crown of Isesaer, thank you for your presence, and for your handling the unfortunate noise of the past week. Roland, you are welcome with your wisdom. White Bird and Weeping Dragon, we welcome any news you bring us of the shores.

With all that said, we have little to announce this day, but the little contains much. One of our children turns eight this week, and so shall be Awakened. Some of you have heard about some frog spirits causing problems near the docks, including the death of two workers; the Crown and his witch hunters have eliminated the issue.

Darius, I see you have decided to come tonight. I would rather not spend much time tonight talking of the… discovery about you from two weeks ago. You are not banished from our city. I do recommend that any who work with you show caution.

Does anyone have news, a request, or a pronouncement? Or,” he adds looking at the woman with the trident, “an introduction?”

She approaches the center of the hall and bows graciously. “Lord of this city, thank you for your hospitality. I am known as the Daughter of the Trident, priestess to Poseidon. My god has sent me to this town to seek an artifact of his that he believes to be lost in your coasts. Some servitors of Poseidon have accompanied me, but they lack the means to comfortably come onto land and have not come to council. I am here to announce myself and my intentions, and to ask that any merfolk seen in your seas during my mission be left alone. I also bear a gift, in the form of a promise, which I hope will alleviate any burden you may find my presence. I intend to cause no harm to you or your town, only to find the artifact and then return, with mine, from whence I came.”

As she talks, she removes a scroll from her robe. A younger Kington comes forward and retrieves it, then brings it to Lord Ashton. His familiar passes its hands through it and nods, then Ashton opens and reads it. He then replies, “Daughter of the Trident, you are welcome to Council, and we accept the gift and terms in your letter. We wish no ill with you or your god. However, it is not our policy to encourage trespass into the shores, lest it cause the beings there to come to our town. I do not forbid you, but be cautious and know that there may be consequences if you inadvertently cause harm to our town or ours. Lastly, you may make your offer to Council.”

She bows again and states, “Thank you, O Lord of the City.” Turning to the gathered people, she continues, “I am a foreigner here, and, although I am strong in power and in the standing of Poseidon, and have allies who have accompanied me, I am not familiar with this area. If any of you would like to accompany me, we can discuss terms and payment. The seas hold many riches and, although not a generous god, Poseidon is a fair one.”
She then bows yet a third time to the Kingtons and returns to where she was standing. Lord Kington gazes over the crowd, waiting for any other announcements.

A small goblin, about the size of a terrier, approaches the Kington Lord, visibly terrified. You can hear snickering and laughter from some of the others goblins in the back of the room. Most others show surprise or offense at the little miscreant coming forward. In an unpleasant nasal voice, the goblin squeeks, “L-lord Ashton, please don’t kill me. I was bound to deliver a message. I-I don’t know who sent me. D-didn’t see their face. Think it was some practitioner. Sounded female, maybe, hard to-hard to t-tell.”

“Silence,” the Lord replies with a frown, “Speak the message. You may be questioned for information about who sent you, but it is not our policy to harm those forced beyond their will to simply deliver a message. Even for messengers such as you.”

The goblin scrunches his brow, as if trying to remember more words than its mind usually holds, and says, “There is a bounty on the head of Brother Samuel Baring. Money and favors. Extra if you can bind his ghost. Anyone interested should kill two pigeons and tie their entails to the legs of a third. When the live one tries to fly, declare aloud your interest to take the bounty, to discuss terms, and that it ain’t a trick or plan to turn her in. Gotta say it so you’d be foresworn if lying. The…” he pauses with fear on his face. “The one who sent me said they could give enough for it to be worth any wraith from the Kingtons. Could give protection. Please don’t kill me!”

His final plea sounds like nails on a chalkboard and several in the hall grimace. More laughter is heard from the other goblins. Most others are looking at Brother Samuel, who has kept a stoic appearance, and Lord Ashton.

Ashton replies, “Alan, escort the goblin and see he is given suitable hospitality until Council is well over, then question him gently. Gently. Little goblin, the rules of Council I uphold forbid me from forcing you to accept our hospitality, but I strongly encourage you to, unless you wish yourself later to be found by my cousin in far less gentle circumstances.

Brother Baring, I believe we should talk in private soon. When you are ready, please come to left-most sitting room. Crown of Isesaer, please come to discuss things with us as well after we have had some time to talk. I do not care for someone putting out bounties on those in my domain. And, Daughter of the Trident, I regret your first appearance at our council is followed by this scene. Please do stay until we have had time to talk, and know that you are welcome to attend council next week as well, should you still be in our city.

Does anyone else have any pronouncements?”

The goblin cringes as the fat, greasy man with unkempt and long black hair and beard walks up to it, but it follows him to one of the other rooms. The man offers the goblin a half-empty bottle of gin as they walk away. Lord Ashton looks over the crowd, waiting to see if anyone else wishes to speak.

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Time for any announcements. GreyStormcrow, I hope it's cool I have Roland show up.
I probably won't be able to check forums over the weekend.

[druid91]

Darius would stand, holding his implement up. The flip-top lighter closed. "I have something brief I'd like to say." He'd state, not quite shouting but voice raised to carry across the hall from his seat.

[JeenLeen]

As Darius speaks, there a few hushed whispers in the crowd. One of the goblins guffaws, making a neck-cutting gesture. If anyone looks, a small smile is seen on Frank's face and he loosens his jacket such that his revolver is easier to reach, though he keeps his hands relaxed.

Lord Ashton frowns but says, "Then speak, Darius."

[druid91]

The pirate would nod, lowering his implement. "My intentions here have not changed. I will continue subduing the creatures as I have. Be as cautious as you like, but don't try to fight something you can't out of fear of me." Then he'd stop and turn to give Lord Ashton a brief bow, lifting his hat off his head slightly as he did so, before returning to his seat.

[GreyStormcrow]

Spoiler: OOC

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It was a good spot for him to show up. I apologize for the delay in posting - I've been struggling with a bout of the flu.

Roland eyes the newcomer from his chair, fingers rubbing along the smooth-worn wood of his staff as he listens to her state her case. Once upon a time, he muses, my heart would have leapt to hear of such a task; a noble plight, beautiful company... Or, perhaps, not. He had never been all that prone to the folly of youth.
The matter of the bounty is more worrying - whoever is behind the matter is bold indeed, and not afraid of advertising the fact. Though... as unafraid as they are of challenging the town's authority, they still chose to remain anonymous. If it is rebellion they seek, then it is not yet an open one. Interesting.
Roland raises one grey eyebrow at Darius's cryptic statement, momentarily considering and then dismissing the idea of investigating. Whatever it is, it's none of his business, and he'll be better off remaining uninvolved.

[JeenLeen]

Lord Ashton nods approvingly at Darius' comment. "Well said. Yes, it could be said that you are likely the best here to be called upon to face forces that are demonic in nature, and you have proved yourself capable of such in the past. Now, if there are no other announcements?"

As no one else makes a move to speak, Lord Ashton and the other Kingtons disperse from their entrance. Ashton goes to the room he mentioned to Brother Baring. Brother Baring checks his watch and mumbles a few words, then follows, speaking a few words to some Kingtons as he passes by them.

The room becomes slightly more relaxed and discussions begin. Ghostly servitors pick up the trays of food and drink that were in the alcoves and carry them through the hall, acting as wait staff. You see the Circle of Isesaer discussing things amongst themselves. The representatives of the Watchers on the Shore are also talking between themselves, with some gestures towards the Daughter of the Trident. It looks like they plan to approach her soon. The Daughter of the Trident takes a glass of red wine and sips it, standing with a relaxed posture but looking over the people (giving a smile and slight raising of her glass as her gaze passes by Vermin).

[JeenLeen]

As the evening goes on, a few people come and exchange minor pleasantries with Roland and, to a lesser degree, Vermin. Most ignore Darius, even the ghostly wait staff seeming to rarely come near him.

At one point, Janet shouts, "Shut up!" to a goblin that was talking to her. The goblin laughs and makes an obscene gesture, then walks off. Tara and Janet leave shortly afterwards, getting dirty looks from a lot of people for their outburst. Some whisper, though, that the goblin in question was the one that killed their friend, Olivia.

The Daughter of the Trident seems to broker some sort of deal with the Watchers. At least, the two of them walk away with a pleasant gait, although it's hard to tell much due to the masks they wear. The younger witch hunter, Thomas, chats with her a little bit, both showing a flirty air.

At about midnight, Lord Ashton, Brother Baring, and Crown leave the room. Conversations eventually quiet and Lord Ashton waves to Baring.

Baring states, with a calm yet cold confidence, "You have heard the claim against my life. If one of you here are responsible, you should be forewarned that I am not to be trifled with. The powers of my House are ancient and I am their steward. You will fail. If I have my way, you shall also suffer. I will be investigating you. Any who have information of value they would like to share are welcome to broker with me. I, too, have resources, and they can be earned without the wraith of our noble Kington lords."

He then nods respectfully towards Lord Ashton and steps down. Lord Ashton continues, "Let it be known that, at this time, this effort against Brother Baring is treated as an effort against us as well."

A few people come to discuss things with Baring, but the conversations are short. The Daughter talks with some of the Kingtons a bit, before setting off to leave (with a "see you tomorrow" to Vermin as she passes by.) The assorted groups begin to disperse.

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If nothing else at the Council, feel free to post what you do the next day. Vermin may jump to the meeting at McDonald's if you wish.

[Ramsus]

Vermin will talk with the witch hunters a bit, asking how the items she's made for them are working out.

((I totally forgot I wanted to do this earlier, sorry about that.))

[druid91]

Darius would chuckle a bit, the Diabolists laughter deep and containing far more mirth than it should have. "Ah, I'd almost forgotten what internal strife and scheming looked like." He'd say, voice laden with quiet amusement. His mumbling to himself done, he'd stand and approach Baring, and the others.

Speaking softly, "I might have some information. Though there's every possibility you know it yourself."

[JeenLeen]

The witch hunters respond cordially, saying everything is working well and mentioning a tool you made a while back proved rather useful in the last couple weeks. Frank, as usual, is quiet and just grunts agreement that it was helpful. He's keeping his eyes on Darius.

Thomas adds, "Do you have anything that might help track down who put the hit on Brother Baring? Not that I care for the guy personally--he's a snob in my book--but the Crown asked us to look into it."

---

Brother Baring turns to Darius, "Hmm... well, I am certainly interested, and if it proves worthwhile, I can pay. What do you know?"

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@Ramsus: nothing really comes to mind out of the tools you've made or comes to my mind OOC, but I'm cool with you potentially thinking up something

@druid91: from your studies, you'd know the ritual described with the pigeon is something some demons (such as those focused on cruelty to animals or abuse of the natural world) could sense, so it's possible a diabolist or demon put out the hit. Though it could be a dark bogeyman or some rare practitioner magic, so you can't be certain.

[GreyStormcrow]

"You have my sympathies as well," Roland says to the Brother as he approaches. "Though I have no knowledge with which to aid you." He shakes his head. "It is a sad day when a respected member of the community must fear for his life because of some lowlife with a goblin."

[Ramsus]

"Uh...." Vermin thinks about her current collection of items for a few seconds. "Don't think so. I'll ask around with my usual contacts like I normally do for this kind of thing, but I doubt they'll know anything. And I might wind up out of touch for a few days. I'm thinking of joining the Daughter of the Trident's quest. It's not often we have that kind of adventurous but not dark as heck out of the gate thing just land in our laps, would be a shame to pass it by." Vermin replies. She also comments she's pleased her items are performing well as a matter of pride and because she actually likes some of these guys.

[JeenLeen]

Baring replies to Roland, "Thank you, Roland. I suspect this, eh, lowlife as you put it may have used the goblin as an indirect means to lie. He, she, or it could have told it to tell us those things without actually stating that true riches or protection will come. I hope that Alan will find out more."

--

Thomas smiles with a shrug and says, "Well, I figured not, but no harm in hoping. If you think of anything or hear anything, I appreciate if you let us know. As for that Daughter, she seems nice. Watch yourself out on the shores, though. I know you can handle yourself, but it's a dangerous place. If you want an extra firearm or something for the trip, let me know." He pauses with a look of puzzlement. "'Course, I'm not sure if guns would work in the shores. I haven't been there myself--one of the benefits of not being a practitioner--but I hear it's like being underwater, least in parts of it."

[Ramsus]

"I... don't know either. I don't have a lot of practice with guns but... I guess it'd be better to be prepared for anything. So yeah, if you're offering?" Vermin replies.

[JeenLeen]

"When you're ready to leave, let's walk out together and I'll hand it to you. I've got a spare on me, but, well, given the crowd, me pulling it out is likely to be misinterpreted. If you do happen to fire it in the Shores, let me know if it ends up working or not, okay?"

Frank chimes in, with his usual stony attitude, "And if it works. Good to know what a bullet hurts and what it don't."

[GreyStormcrow]

Roland nods slowly. "That may in fact be the case. Of course," he muses, "It may be preferable to the alternative - if they think that they can back their promise up..."

[Ramsus]

Vermin nods and replies, "Of course." She looks around before saying, "I think I'm ready to go whenever you guys are."

[druid91]

Darius would lean in slightly, lowering his tone, "There are demons of certain choirs, namely the Fifth and the Sixth, that could detect a ritual of the sort described in the job offer." And then lowering it even further until he's practically whispering, "And two, they made a mistake. One performing the ritual merely has to state they aren't intending to trick her to turn her in. Someone who merely intends to kill her themself is in the free and clear."

[JeenLeen]

Thomas looks to the other witch hunters, makes and makes sure they're cool with him leaving a tad early.

When outside, he kneels down to lift up his pants leg and remove a holstered pistol. He shows Vermin the basics of where the safety is and how to load and upload the clip. It's fully loaded, and from the description he gives, the bullets are fairly powerful rounds for the size of the gun, but the only special thing is they are coated with silver. "Doesn't work extra against most things, but, man, when it matters, it matters." He also mentions a couple stores in town where you could buy a holster or extra ammo, if you want.

"Well, have a good night. I think I'm gonna grab a couple beers before heading home. It's nice to relax a touch when the whole 'peace of the Council' is in effect."

-----

Baring replies to Roland, "A good point. The person could just be so arrogant they think they can fulfill their claims. Thank you for your council."

Baring gives a thoughtful hmmm at Darius' words. "Yes, it did sound demonic. I appreciate you confirming such could the case." He then continues with a slight condescending tone, "As for your loophole, the goblin did mention it 'ain't a trick OR attempt to turn her in'. Did you miss that part?" followed by a pat on the shoulder as he places his hand in his pocket, looking like he's going to stroll away. But then he leans in and whispers, with no condescension: "So act interested in taking in my head, but plan to kill them? A bold move. I wish you hadn't spoken it, albeit in a whisper, amongst so many. I don't trust everyone at Council, though likely none here at the moment are not serving as spies. Are you offering your services? Speak quickly, and move little. I can assure us privacy for but a little time."

Darius may notice that no-one else seems to be moving. Roland saw the pat on the shoulder, but not the leaning in and talking.

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I'm not real knowledgeable of guns, but it's a handgun like you'd see most cops wear. The bullet's aren't special ('sides the coating), just the most powerful that can go in such a gun.

For Roland, assuming Darius goes along with Baring's orders while they talk, you see Baring do the pat on the shoulder then walk past him, staying still near you but chatting with some Kingtons in the crowd about possibilities. Little of import comes up.

EDIT: made slight change to Baring's insult, so it fit better with Darius' reply. He's just trying to seem like a jerk, though, so.. well, not a big change.