Freedom simply watches the scene unfold as he wonders if he should try to calm Liberty down, or if the attempt would just shift her rage onto himself.

Gilant grins and mutters something about not realizing this place was offering a morning show as he wonders what Liberty is going to do next while trying to figure out why he is craving snack-food to munch on...and then figures he has been chatting with Blake too much.... But the show must go on, so the Githyanki doesn't do anything to interfere with it so long as it doesn't disturb his breakfast.

Michael sighs and asks, “Why are there people who insist on antagonizing a group of people without knowing what that group is capable of.”

Michael figures that unless Liberty decides to try and kill one of the fools, that a bit of intimidation whether intended or accidentally wouldn't be inappropriate for teaching the two a lesson to not judge a book by its cover.

Shale looks at what Liberty is doing and then looks over to the two strangers and says, “I doubt she is playing around, so now might be a good time to be sincere and apologize. I think they are still cleaning up after the last beasty that she pushed off a 30ft tower top with the power of her mind.”

  Blake restricts himself to a single sigh (they can be abused so in posts at times) as he grabs hold of the Liberty's and his own floating breakfast dish lest it float into the sun. "Liberty, just because the man is the worst liar this side of a Moral Lesson does not mean you take it out on your breakfast.  Nevermind  that I was advocating stabbing said breakfast in the face."

  He considers the potential murder victims (by someone else's hand, of course).  "I am a touch hazy on what will end more poorly for you.  Still pretending, or coming clean.  I do not think you have any good options at the moment."

"Such fire!" Mittens cheers Liberty, "Such passion!  And over something the rest of the group seems to think is no big deal!  Reminds me of a certain paladin of TEMPUS!  Wait... that's ME!  So how 'bout it, then, everyone?  Sarcastic suggestion: Let's all gang up on Liberty and condemn her for defending truth!  Let's accuse, threaten, and insult her!  It'll be just like old times!

"Well, Liberty?  I know you probably hate to be compared to me, but I'm not going to let them beat up on you like they did me!  Even if you were part of that whole business earlier.  Oh and if you want gratitude, you've got it from me at least.  Thank you for risking your life to help defend this village.  All of you.

"That includes you, Mittens.  Me?  Oh!  So nice to be appreciated.  Well your welcome.  No really, Mittens.  You're a hero!  It took guts to charge into a room full of armed baddies and dare them all to attack you rather than your allies.  Aw shucks.  You're such a flatterer!"

The two men sweatdrop and blink-blink at everyone's reactions and responses.

"Um... sorry?" the beefier of the two answers.  He's the one who lied and apologized earlier.  "A second time?  And um... thanks?"

"Let me handle this," the better looking of the two says to his buddy before turning to the adventurers, "This town isn't our home, but this nation is.  We appreciate whatever it is you did to help our neighbors here.  We're just passing through.  Since as that guy says our options for not upsetting you are limited, I'll opt for the 'right to remain silent' though we've not been formally charged with any crimes by a lawfully appointed officer.  You asked for helpful information?  I'm afraid the best I've got is: stay away from Sunshine Villa.  Bad as that storm last night was, at least it wasn't as bad as the weather we get there.  Acid rain sucks."

He shows off some acid rain damaged gear.

The breakfast slowly lowers down again and Liberty calms a bit. Mittens annoys her, but surprisingly not as much as the men lying to her.

Liberty retorts, "Or you could just call me a tyrant. Just like old times. Stop the high and mighty act, Mittens... you know damn well everyone here is guilty of evil and stupidity, yourself included. I'm no better than you, so being compared to you doesn't bother me. But yeah. Mittens is right. Thanks for saving the day, everyone."

She eyes the acid-rain damaged gear. "....so how does one protect from that, anyway?" because, you know, Liberty's mentality is where there is a will, there's a way.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:37, Mon 31 Jan 2011.

Eli nods to the men. "Thanks for the warning. But if there IS anything you can tell us to help us before we go, it could mean the difference between us saving people, or dying with a bunch of people." the boy gives them an innocent pleading look.

Sure, he's THINKING "not THIS again, please cut it out, Mittens", but he decides silence is a better option. Well... staying on the topic of survival, anyway.

Emerald finds Shale's comment especially amusing. She nods in agreement with him. But seeing Liberty calm a bit as the men speak up, she steps forward towards the one that warned of acid rain. "Sorry if we seem hostile, kiddo." says the little fox, "We've had a rough time and, as you can see, even had some rough times with each other due to tension rising. Eli's right. Anything you can tell us could not only save our lives, but many others. We stopped to help because this place needed it, but we were on our way southward to follow a prophecy that involves the doom of a kingdom. We wish to stop that doom. And from the sound of it, Sunshine Villa is the beginning of it..."

She may be smaller than Eli, but he doesn't have the childlike innocence he does. Still, she has honesty and forwardness going for her.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:31, Mon 31 Jan 2011.

Reverie watches this take place and leans her head in her hand, tapping her finger on her cheek. She looks over at her fellow warlocks, smiles at them, then looks over at Bridget, who is already pulling out a map. Reverie nods and looks back at the men.

She then realizes, it's likely this group is kind of intimidating looking. For one, there are 11 of them here, making them look more like a gang than an adventuring party. 3 of those are warlocks. The gnome might not be taken seriously at first, but his sinister laughter and joking about bloody splatters would easily offset that. Blake is a cynical human. Reverie is a walking shadow with pulse-glowing yellow runes on her body and glowing red eyes. The human girl clearly has "levitate the dishes" power. The PALADIN is the sarcastic jerk of the group and has Tempus symbols all over her, proving she is just as inclined to evil as she is to good. The short fox could be a fraggin' Raavasta for all anyone knows. There is a Githyanki in the group, for crying out loud. Warforged are always intimidating sights. And Bridget is so cold, her eyes can turn you to ice with a glance.

It's a bad sign when the two wizards in the group, Michael and Eli, are the least misunderstood and/or intimidating of the bunch. Though that's just because these men from Sunshine Villa haven't seen Michael pull out a DEVIL.

.....yeah, Reverie opts to remain silent.

Bridget, as mentioned earlier, pulls out a map. She is ignoring Mittens as she more or less said she would in regards to the past events. All she hears is "Liberty's cool! Sarcasti-blablabla... blablabla... thanks everyone for heroics... blablabla."

Bridget walks over to the man who took it upon himself to give fair warning. She waits for him to answer Emerald/Eli. Once he does, Bridget then shows him the map. "Sunshine Villa is not marked on this map. Care to show me where it is?"

It wouldn't be marked because it's RELATIVELY new. That town's only 20 years old if that and map makers generally try to keep up with the more important routes and cities rather than out-of-the-way non-bustling towns. Hence it not being shown.

Shale is curious about a location where the rain is acid as he wonders if it is what may have caused or be a result of the hole in 'Eochaid's roof' as Shale doesn't doubt that anything that could put a hole into the Feywild could also trigger acid rain. Thus it is a rare occasion that Shale actually looks serious as he says, “Tell us what you can about this acid rain and what causes it.”

Although Michael looks disappointed with Mittens' approach to resolving the issue at hand, he doesn't bother to speak about it lest someone get on his case again about summoning a dust devil.

Michael instead listens to the conversation about Sunshine Villa as he wonders why it was set up where it was and if there is anything there that would be of help to the group, or possibly his own issues with his personal demon issues as Michael knows that every day the demon grows stronger and that it won't be long before the demon decides to make an appearance in person instead of sending a minion... and Michael does not look forward to dealing with that monster in-front of the group if he can avoid it. “I wonder why the town was named Sunshine Villa and set up in a locale where acid rain occurs.”

The Githyanki clearly looks disappointing by the peaceful resolution to the situation, muttering, “Shows over already? What a disappointment, oh well maybe next time.”

With the entertainment seemingly over and his meal now finished, Gilant takes out a cloth and begins cleaning his blade, not out of an attempt to intimidate anyone but out of his desire to take good care of the blade that he considers an extension of his own body.

While Freedom is pleased that the situation was dealt with in a fashion that did not involve harming the pair from Sunshine Villa, when the group mentions heading in that direction, he too is concerned about acid rain damaging equipment, or personnel. Given the questions that have already been asked, Freedom doesn't feel the need to add anything further and instead listens to hear the answers for the questions that have already been asked.

  'Blake is a cynical Human'.  Which clearly means Raw Unbridled Terror Made Flesh okay no that's just silly.  Compared to the rest of that previous narrative description of the adventurer Crowd,  Blake is the 'Power Of Heart' of obvious threats.

  Not that Blake minds.  He's trying not to be a sociopathic murderer with a badge.  Just like Mitten's he's caused the most upset when trying to BE judgmentally moral compared to others.

  "I would feel it is safe to assume there was no acid rain when their home was established.  Though I hear Luskan also has it's share of that kind of wheather.  But in that case it's less rain, more 'drips down from the floating island above the city'." He is also wondering how heading there has any bearing on their current vague 'quest' beyond 'well, it's the first disaster we've heard of within a few hours'.

"Kiddo?" the big guy echos, dumfounded.  His buddy gives him a shrug.  They take Bridget's map and mark on the map where Sunshine Villa is: about a day's walk to the west.  So if the group were to go there, they'd be delayed at least 3 days from their current destination assuming they can fix acid rain in 1 day.

"It was a great place before the acid rain, yea," the big guy's buddy says, "No idea how to protect against it other than taking shelter.  As for what we can tell you?  There was a creepy tree that appeared at about the same time.  Some adventurers investigated it, and four of them never returned.  I dunno if our problems are connected with your prophesy, but if you're headed south...  Well... If any of you happen to be an expert wizard with a specialization in stopping other-worldly weather, a detour on your part would certainly be appreciated.  We were on our way to the city to see if we could find someone like that willing to help."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:35, Wed 09 Feb 2011.

Mittens stares at Liberty, shocked.

"I'm shocked!" she says, "Well your welcome."

She answers the two impossible side-quest guys with a shrug.

"Far as I know, we don't.  Unless Eli's genius extends so far as to be able to alter a region's weather with his brain storms.  Methinks you'll have better luck in the city as you expected."

She stands from her finished breakfast.

"So unless there's more helpfulness to be given or had, shall we resume our journey to save the world?  DOOM waits for no one."

Bridget nods as Mittens says to move on. "Agreed. Sunshine Villa's problems are likely linked to the prophecies and visions. Our chance at fixing their problem is very low if we go straight there, but possible if we proceed as planned. However..."

She looks at Eli. "Do you know of anything that can deal with the acid rain they mentioned?"

Eli nods. "Yes. But I am not yet able to cast such a spell. It is powerful, takes time, and is something I do not have the recipe for."

Bridget nods, then looks at the two Sunshine runaways. "Expect to hear about more such phenomenon in the near future. When you get to Unity, inform the guard that the group they sent out are alive and well. Inform them where you met us and when. It would be appreciated."

Liberty finds herself feeling like something is missing. Mittens didn't complain or insult or threaten. It's like when the Grinch noticed the Whos singing and celebrating Christmas without packages, boxes or bags. She can only hope this means Mittens is taking the prophecy and saving the world a little more seriously.

Liberty inwardly curses herself as she secretly could care less if the whole world was wiped out since it would mean the end of Illithid and Githyanki.

Liberty, Emerald, Eli and Reverie all head out when it's convenient for plot and GM can fast forward as needed.

"Did I hear mention of Unity guard?" Grall asks with a big smirk, stepping inside, "'cause you're looking at the latest official member!"
He proudly displays his badge.

"Me and my posse were sent here on word that there might be a goblin problem in the area."

"There was," the town elder answers, "But these heroes dealt with them last night."

"Ah.  Well good work!  Since I'm here I may as well have something to eat..."

Just then a messenger bursts in, catching his breath.

"Urgent message for Bridget and Grall!" he says, handing a letter over to Grall because he's closer.

Grall reads the letter and his skin turns pale.  He then sets his face in a serious expression and marches over to Bridget, handing the letter over to her.

The letter reads thus:
Grall and Bridget,
A race riot has erupted and is sweeping across the city.  There are rumors that the queen was murdered in said riot.  You and your groups are to return immediately to the city to help restore order.

-Sheriff

P.S. King Vogel requests that the two visionaries, Mittens and Reverie, take his son, Emerald, and Liberty with them on their quest.  He and Eli's mother are safe.  Eli must not be returned to the city until the riot is quelled.

Bridget looks at the letter and, unlike Grall, is unphased. "Let's not waste time, Grall." she says, "If we keep our heads, return to Unity with haste and do our job in an orderly fashion, things will be OK."

Bridget then looks at the messenger and Grall respectively, "Tell no one of this message." she then looks at the others she has been with. "King Vogel requests that Mittens and Reverie take his son Eli as well as Emerald and Liberty with them on their quest. The rest of you are to come with me to Unity."

Inwardly, she is murderously furious with the people who are rioting. Yet that takes backseat compared to the satisfaction of knowing she can and will keep Mittens in the dark about what is going on.

Mittens is conflicted on this latest development.

"I'm conflicted on this latest development," she says, "On the one hand, I'm extremely curious about what could turn Grall pale and be so important that it trumps saving everyone from impending doom!  On the other hand, I'm afraid to look the gift horse of 'Bridget the Bossy being ordered back to city' in the mouth lest I wind up not parting ways with her.

"Eh.  I'll not question it.  Congratulations, Grall!  And good luck y'all!  Yes, even you, too, Bridget.  At least you're willing to fight for Unity, crazy philosophy or no.  May TEMPUS grant you all success and safety in battle!  Or at least, an awesome, brutal, glorious death taking several enemies out with you!"

She marches out, expecting the others to go with.

"Um... thanks," Grall answers, "Back at you, Mittens."

  Blake looks over to the familiar Orc, then shares in the smirking commenting "And it only took you an undisclosed amount of time, a deathtrap of a 'community service' and the favor of the king himself to get hired in the first place.  You have my sincerest sympathies in advance for what you will be put through if you ever want a raise."     This routine filled with only good natured (so far as intent towards Grall is concerned) sarcasm at the worst is interrupted as much less pleasant things become known to Grall and Bridget.

  When Bridget makes her Request/Demands, Blake considers this for a moment.  While he was of a status and situation where they could not actually order him to turn back to Unity and provide aid, Unity did not seem the 'lawful' or 'Good' sort to let that stop them.  In fact he rather suspect the Unity establishment in general to be of the 'If you paid us money or did backbreaking/life threatening labor for us, your reward is that we can force you into combat in our name even if you are on the opposite side of the planet citizen.' mindset.

  It was a quite clever and devious set of laws and 'intent of the law' really, impartially Blake had to admire their views and methods.  He'd likely be highly amused if he were in no way involved. "As foolish a choice as it seems, I find myself inclined to accompany Grall back.  The fact he personally will be in need of aid has edged out some of my other philosophical views."  This said, Blake goes to follow along.

  He comments in general "Literally being bounced from one problem and back to another."  He turns back to Gilant, and says "While I'm less certain how many here feel about this, I have a feeling you would much prefer to turn towards obvious conflict than wander with no clear destination."

  After all, even though Blake did not know the contents of the letter, there were bound to be more bodies involved back 'home'.

OOC Style: Impressive Guy highly approves of Mittens's 'narrative put to literal words' approach.

  Still a touch hazy on what Brass's deal is outside of 'Warforged who punches things'. I should probably clear that up somewhat <.<  >.>

Eli doesn't like the sound of this. He figures out whatever is happening is probably bad news for his dad. He uses ghost sound to secretly ask Bridget about if his mom and dad are OK. Bridget looks at Eli and simply nods. Eli lets out a sigh of relief and follows Mittens out of the area.

Emerald and Reverie seem concerned as well, but say nothing and follow Mittens out. Liberty looks like her usual self, although on the inside, she is worried for her dwarven "dad". Mostly wishing she could just go to Unity, fight the enemy they are obviously facing, and be done with it. But she too decides not to question it when she notices Eli is relieved.