Good Strikes Back (IC)

[Cavir]

"We will have our work cut out for us then, especially with avoiding queries that may catch the interest of draconic agents. While we are there, please call me Corrina Sunter. We'll meet first thing tomorrow? Tinac, can we start the morning with your feast?"

Spoiler: OOC

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I was going to see about a couple of Time Stop scrolls but noticed I can't use Moment of Prescience on a regular UMD roll so I'd need a 16+ to make one work at this point. Seems like a good spell to pick up via a feat.

Will cast some some spells before calling it a night.

[ngilop]

Tinac smiles "Of we can, We should be doing it every morning.. but random giant centipede attacks disrupt that sometimes."

[MikelaC1]

The group gathers for the next morning, with Tishtina II providing a teleport to the desired location. The party walks the rest of the distance to the gate where they join a medium length lineup to get into the city, the wait is about 10-15 minutes. When it finally becomes their turn, the guard at the gate is trying his best to keep his composure (his underlings are not succeeding) his questions are name, purpose of visit and where they plan to stay while in town.

[Cavir]

Sora Solaran aka Corrina Sunter

Teleport complete, Corrina takes in the surroundings so she could teleport to the spot on her own then starts walking. "So... we're adventurers from Amazonia looking to explore the eastern half of the continent. I'm Corrina Sunter. Anyone else want to add to that story before we get there?" As they walk she doesn't take care to remain clean, dusty clothing would help keep her from standing out too much.

Nearing the front of the line Corrina pays attention to the guards to a sense of their attitude, what they want, and the best way to get through their questions without a scene. She drops her shoulders and puts aside with her normal highly confident and commanding personae. "Corrina Sunter. Adventurer. Prepping to head far east for adventure. Staying at an inn."

[Debatra]

The pale Elf will approach next, a slightly more-than-polite smile adorning her face. "I am Mulcri Setuhl, here for the same reasons as my friend here." She carefully avoids any direct lies while she scans the guards for any magic that may be on them, considering the pros and cons of a bit of Charm.

[ngilop]

Tinac does a slight bow and says "The name is Tinac, just along as hired Healing for the Amazonian adventurers you see before you."

[Aracor]

Hiya! Adventuring with the rest of them. We haven't narrowed down where we're staying. Is there a particular inn you'd recommend?

She offers a smile, but nothing more overt to give them...ideas.

[DebbieD]

She could probably get by with normal means, but the Cat wants to keep in practice and will never reveal her name, especially to a guard. The party thought she had been with them, but for some reason can no longer put their finger on where she is.

[MikelaC1]

By now, the guards have just about totally lost it, having only eyes for the amazon women. They are waved through without further question, not even noticing the Cat either, the only other thing they say is a recommendation of the Red Dragon Inn, with directions to the establishment.
Once inside the city, the group sees a bustle of activity that most of the amazons, except for Sora who was raised in Erandol are used to. You have entered a market square, street vendors call out the worth of their wares and their low, low prices, while the market stores beckon with fancy displays. Beggars dart here and there, looking for spare change, and shoppers choke the street with their numbers.
The group manages to move through, going two streets down and preparing to turn right, as the guard instructed. As they move along, they see a town cryer, calling out the news of the day.

The cast for the Emperors production of The Last Phoenix has been set and all chosen members will be advised.
The break on taxes for exports has been rescinded as the Emperor requires more revenue for the planned military expansion.
The enchantment school of spellcasters has had their ban extended for another month, as investigations continue into their role in last months uprising.
The on again off again peace negotiations with the lizard men of the western swamp are off again, following a raid on the Terkaton outpost of Kalireth.
A dragon has been spotted in the northern region of the South Komath mountains, as it is gold, a bounty of 50,000 gold is offered for its head.
Any Inn found to be serving out-of-city alcohol will face fines of 10,000 gold, in support of the Buy Local campaign.
The sign tendering process for the new military signs has now been initiated, forms to apply are available at City Hall

The group moves off to the right, and are able to walk the three blocks to the Dragon Inn that the guard spoke of, a styled red dragon head, below the inn's sign, is the entrance to the establishment; it feels a bit ominously like walking right into a dragon's mouth.

[Cavir]

Sora, now AKA Corrina, takes keen notice of the town crier's news. A new area, city, town or wilderness is always of interest to her and she takes it in while not being too much of a bug-eyed newcomer. Architecture, the atmosphere of the crowds, easily noticed customs, outfits, presence of guards or military... all combine to make their own personality. Entering the Red Dragon Inn, she glances around as her eyes adjust to the indoor environment and chooses a table large enough for the group. She takes a seat there, inviting the others to join her. When a server comes, Corrina asks for what they recommend in terms of food and drink and will order those.

[ngilop]

When the server comes over Tinac shoots them a friendly smile and begins to make smart talk Rough hearing about those lizardmen attacks, and a dragon rampaging.. sounds bad I wonder If I would be able to get that reward.. At least those damned mind-controlling enchanters have their banned continued I guess.

[MikelaC1]

The smell of the various roasts as they enter the common room causes mouths to water, even with some of the feasts the party has just had. A waiter comes over promptly, not batting an eye at all the amazons in the group, clearly this is a high end establishment, well used to gentlemen bringing in eye candy to dinner. When questioned about what is good, he recommends the roast beef with the local draft. The group can actually see the roast being carved right in the room, and the draft sits in the middle between the light and sightly fruity wines of the amazons and the gob-smacking strength of the dwarven ales.

[Aracor]

That sounds good! It certainly smells good.

Tessa will enjoy her roast and draft.

[ngilop]

Tinac nods Sounds delicious. as he watches the carving take place. When the food and drink arrives he merrily consumes the food as he also watches the patrons of the establishment.

[MikelaC1]

The food and drink is delivered with an almost military efficiency and while the dragon steaks in Iron Hall were outstanding, the roast here is almost of equal quality (with an excellent gravy) and doesnt require quite the same chewing effort. Plus, there are actually potatoes and veggies to go with the meal.
The rest of the patrons of the Inn do not seem to be adventuring types, although there are one or two tables that are, but most of the patrons seem to have at least a dagger visible. The atmosphere is that of a higher end establishment, without any sort of boisterous singing or challenges, there is a band but they are playing quiet dinner music.
They are hard to spot, but the party is good at that sort of thing and they do notice the quiet presence of what they assume are city guards or perhaps full soldiers, they stay in the shadows and are just watching and making sure no one becomes too rambunctious.

[ngilop]

Tinac waves the server over does the band perform requests? he inquires. If so I would request Symphony No.55 K.40 in E Minor.

[MikelaC1]

The waiter has a confused look on his face before confessing that he doesnt know that one.

[Aracor]

Tessa grins at Tinac.

The good news is that it sounds like they take requests! The bad news is that they aren't familiar with that particular one. Can you hum a few bars?

[ngilop]

Sure thing. Tinac squints for a few seconds while he plays the song in his head Alright, it starts with the string very softly mmm mmm, mmm, mmm mmm. then, the drums start 'bombom, bombombom, bombom, with the last bit of drums the strings start in again, its repeated before the winds start. I know the introduction of the song tends to be what most people like.

[DebbieD]

The Cat pulls her even tighter around herself. You know shes still there, but she just so hard to notice.
I know this city doesnt seem to have the sort of underside that I frequent for information, but I might be able to find something. Dont wait up for me, I might not be back until much later in the night. With that, the Cat picks out one of the room keys (I assume we arranged rooms) and slips away. Even though there is not much of a crowd, its still very hard to follow her path.

Spoiler: Gather Info

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(1d20+35)[51]

[Cavir]

<Before Cat wanders off...>

Sora/Corrina enjoys the meal. Her manners are graceful, matching the quality of the establishment as she is no stranger to formal occasions. With Tinac trying to make requests for the musicians, Corinna makes a suggestion. "New city for us, perhaps enjoy what they are playing. A good way to learn the people here."

She turns back to the waiter and asks about getting rooms for each of the group then make reservations for the rooms if available. Once the waiter heads off to other duties she turns to the group and keeps quieter. "We should have discussed this more during our walk. And... I should have set us up with Telepathic Bond before the gate. Any suggestions for where to start? "

Cat speaks up. Corinna nods but adds... "Before you go, let's all go check out the rooms so I can connect us without causing a scene."

Up in the room, Corrina casts several spells on the party then returns to the meal in the main room. At the table she keeps up verbal small talk to hide any telepathic discussion going on.

Telepathically..."Good luck Cat. Keep us up to date please."

Spoiler: OOC

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DebbieD, hope the change in timing is ok with you.

Casting..
Party:
Telepathic Bond - 200min
Chained Keen Edge - 200 min
Chained, Greater Magic Weapon +5 (SL6) 20 hours

Self:
Moment of Prescience - 20 hours
See Invisibility, Extended by Rod, 400 minutes
Protection from Arrows - 20 hours

[Cavir]

Sora had hoped for more ideas from the others on how to find Ulton, with telepathy guarding their discussions. She was used to tasking others to go out and gather information, not so much doing it herself.

Later during the mid-day meal, Corrina queries the waiter with a warm smile. "I overheard the announcement for The Last Phoenix. Do you know where and when it will be? Also, where might I find the city's premier purveyor of magical wares?" She does give a generous tip for the room and food. She hopes the waiter can be a welcome aid for well-mannered newcomers to the city.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Diplomacy: (1d20+31)[36]
Gather Info: (1d20+11)[24]

I'm fine with a fast forward.

[MikelaC1]

The waiter replies that the shows will begin in a weeks time at the Main Theatre and based on history, they usually last for about 2 weeks. He also provides an address for a a magic shop.
Later in the evening, the lead guard from the gate comes in and sits at the bar for a drink. Its clear he wants to approach Sora, but doesnt have the nerve...nor does he want to risk a harassment complaint.

[ngilop]

Tinac smiles as a most genius of ideas take bloom in his mind. He leans over to Sora You realize, that you can use that guards smitten-ness with you, for benefit? I am sure he might have knowledge that would be most helpful to the group's goals, or at the very least, insightful as to the who, what, where, and why of this town.

[Cavir]

Sora/Corrina nods. She preferred to have others do that type of work. She thought for a few minutes, trying to discretely size up the guard when he wasn't looking their way. "I'll go check out the magic shop. I suspect the guard will follow. An escort would be useful when new to the city. Let me know if anything else comes up."

She'll pay her bill. Making sure the guard will notice her leaving, she gets outside and takes in the view up and down the street. Once the guard follows Corrina nods to him as if expected. When he comes close enough to talk in a normal volume she takes the initiative and speaks confidently, giving him a chance to speak after each question. "Well, you know my name is Corrina. What is yours? I presume you are off duty? I am headed to the magic shop. If you want to show me the way you are welcome to. I am new to the city and don't know my way around. Shall we?"

[MikelaC1]

Staff Sergeant Lakusta, first rank, at your service Miss Corrina. I just got off duty half an hour ago and was hoping against hope that you would take my recommendation about lodgings and I would able to find you there. The Dragon Inn is one of the finest in the city. I would be glad to show you the way, we have some excellent shops here. Magic is well respected in our military, the Goddess of the Sun shines her light on the arcane and divine arts and General Orion Therinon is not only a great general but also a renowned War Priest. He takes Corrina's arm (if she allows it) and steers her through the streets. The city is orderly but is quite huge, rivalling Erandol in size and Corrina knows she might have had a bit of a problem navigating it without him as a guide. As they walk, he points out the major companies that are based out of Terkaton and Corrina takes notice of the ever present, but not oppressive military. Lakusta tells her that the Empire was always a dictatorship, but not a military one but five years ago, after many successful campaigns, the old emperor tried to curb Therinon's career and he and a military junta deposed him and seized power. He seemed quite pleased with that course of events. He tells Corrina that within a year if his record stays clean he will be promoted to lieutenant for sure but he would need either a lot of luck or some great act to crack into the upper ranks of captain or major, as those ranks are more reserved for the upper class.

[DebbieD]

(if Cavir wants to retcon her stuff thats okay but wanted to put this out there)

The next morning when the group comes down to the common room, the Cat is already there sipping her morning tea. Its hard to tell if she shows being up all night or not, what with the ever present cat cowl covering her features.
Well, the Terkaton underground is a little difficult to penetrate, but once a certain noble's supposedly unlockable safe got breached, the narrative got switched. Of course, they were a little puzzled that the Faberge Egg they were going for wasnt there, even if the bars of platinum were but that was still a good haul.
Anyway, the Ravager has been here, he was looking around for information about Chiczlub and Goldenglow, thats the dragon we heard the town cryer talking about...and interestingly enough, some sort of demonic interference in all that. Its not known how much information he got because the gold wont come anywhere near the city with that bounty on his head but suddenly two weeks ago, the Ravager disappeared completely. The only thing he left behind was a note saying he had left a cypher for the heros that would be along to save him, but no one has even seen what the cypher is, let alone unravel it.

[Cavir]

Corrina allows Lakusta to take her arm though she keeps it formal by maintaining her own balance. She realized him being seen with her would be good for him among his peers. "Has there always been such a heavy military presence in the city? I heard the town crier mention an uprising last month. Did the enchantment... guild(?) really try to start a revolution? I imagine they were pounced on quite solidly."

"You seem quite honorable. I wish you luck in your promotion. The crier also mentioned military expansion. That could very well be the opportunity you need."

[MikelaC1]

The military presence is all because of General Therinon. The last emperor was weak and corrupt, while General Therinon was out winning battles and securing new lands, he tried to pull him back and then discredit him. When General Therinon moved his field army into the city, the home guard sided with him and the emperor was deposed and hung as the traitor that he was. Of course, after that, most of the army went back into the field, but the home presence is needed, as can be seen by the aborted attempt by the enchanters to seize control. Those traitors were all hung as well, as the college of War Mages was able to put them down.
He brings you inside a well appointed shop, run by two elves and an elderly human wizard. Bring out some of your finer wares for my friend Corrina here, Adderly. Sora can see a huge selection of items created by priestly magic and a lesser selection of arcane items. As well, there is a list items that can be procured bit are not currently on site.

(Basically any item created or used by a cleric at 50K or under and any other type of item at 25K or under is either available now or within 2 business days)

[Cavir]

Those traitors were all hung as well, as the college of War Mages was able to put them down.

"Well, my group has no interest in causing trouble here while we rest up and prepare for what adventures we can find. Any particular laws we should be wary of, particularly in terms of magic? Obviously unwanted Enchantments would draw extra attention."

He brings you inside a well appointed shop, run by two elves and an elderly human wizard. Bring out some of your finer wares for my friend Corrina here, Adderly.

"Greetings. Impressive shop you run here. I was hoping for a couple of items. The first, a Belt of Battle, preferably enhanced by the addition of a Belt of Healing. The second a Runestaff of Divination."