Irfan
Murmurs began to spread, first slowly then with increasing traction as clearly he had been recognized by the newly arrived patrons from the city and they were eager to spread the news to the ones down here. "Ey, that's 'im-" the dwart whispered to you, pointing at the person with his empty mug "-duh kingpriest of 'em barbarians up north that's been throwing money around the city all day long like there's no tomorrow".

He wasn't at all what you had expected him to look like. You had expected some muscular, half-naked man-giant, not this beanpole that aside from being human looked almost identical as any of the tengu wizards (clothing, the practical kind, and all). And even that was disputable due to his sharp facial features that gave him a beak-like appearance and long fingers that almost resembled claws. Clearly somewhere in his ancestry there was tengu blood in him, except the human side was clearly the dominant one.

Still, that didn't change the fact that the aura of confidence and power he exuded could not be denied. Even if just a diversity hire, he was still a kingpriest.

The man had b-lined for the tavern keeper, clearly frightening the man a little. But after the very brief exchange he turned around, briefly scanned the room, then ascended up the stairs to a room.

---

Loki
You were barely aware of the unusual hush that had fell over the inn as you had stormed inside it. Nor the murmurs that had followed as you b-lined it for the inn-keeper/bartender. The other patrons had given you a wide berth and the concern if not outright fear in the innkeepers eyes as you had approached him was all but lost to you. Your thoughts and especially the curse of the raw emotions your people were so (in)famous for were occupied elsewhere.

"2, ttt-two si- -eh, f-five si-, n' t-two gol-, oh, er 1 gold for the stay, sir, 1 gold for you, only the best room sir-" you recall the tengu stammer.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:42, Sat 11 May 2019.

Loki would pay the Tengu, his eyes already scanning the crowd as he takes out a second gold piece and says, "I would like you to find me some dinner companions, and I care not for their reputation, so long as they know how to survive and the politics of the seamier side of Cruivilla. Be discrete, and be sure that the guests you find for me along with myself are not disturbed. The least they will get for their troubles is a free meal simply for talking about their life. The more knowledgeable they prove to be, the greater the chance they will find a larger reward, and possibly even employment. But discretion, is paramount."

---

The innkeeper's eyes go wide at the sight of another gold "Oooh, of course sir, absolutely sir," he pockets in quickly then motions to the bar wenches to come quickly to him.

As they gathered around and the innkeeper explained to them what's what, you look around the room and despite this settlement being a glorified "waiting room" for all the foreigners who wanted to do business up in the capitol, the majority of the patrons were still tengu, some of them wearing worker uniforms as worn up in the capital. On the up side, this didn't make those who were not tengu difficult to notice.

At a quick glance you noted a few dwarves and humans, a pair of half-orcs and 1 gnome, but you recognized their uniforms as those in the employment of someone in the capitol so you doubted they'd be of any help. There were a couple more foreigners as well as a few tengu in uncharacteristic clothes for the region which led you to believe they might be traveling traders. Of those, most were in skimpier clothes and with lighter skin complexions, which meant they were probably from or going to somewhere in central or north region of Ironia. Cruilla was somewhere in the south in the Arcania region of Ironia, and it was a scorching desert wasteland, you knew that much at least. The ones wearing uniforms, as well as some of the native patrons that had undoubtedly seen you or heard of you before were talking in hushed tones to the others which stealing glances your way and pointing at you, followed by stolen glances your way by their eager audiences.

One table was completely occupied by a mish-mash group of 6 well armed, well equipped, stern looking people. Adventurers no doubt by the looks of it, and they seemed to stick to themselves, turning back to having a discussion amongst themselves after the initial passing glance they gave your way in the wake of your entrance.

There was 1 more well armed man in the room. He was really really tall, clearly a swordsman, but he was sitting alone in the very corner, looking like he didn't give a shit about anything, leaning back against the wall, his chair straining under him as it was tilted back on 2 legs. Something about him almost felt familiar, but that was probably because he was a kitsune and practically your whole tribe was kitsune back home so maybe it was just dredging up some nostalgia. This man was clearly not from your tribe though, nor any tribe you knew nor even anywhere from the Grasslands, certainly not with that much steel on him and certainly not in that heavy clothed outfit. It wasn't light robes on the exterior to protect one from the sun like people from Arcania wore. These were clearly winter clothes so he was ether a native here in Wingheld, having migrated and civilized himself here, or been born here, or he hailed or was going to South Ironia.

A barely conscious, disheveled-looking elf with a loosely held half-full mug, dressed in fine robes that had seen the mud of the road loomed over the bar counter. It looked like one good slap on the back and he'd be out for the count for the rest of the night.

You were interrupted from further deliberation by the innkeeper "Sir, care to resign to your room? I will have your meal brought there while my girls canvas the crowd. Our patrons like to listen as much as they talk, and a few innocent questions from a captivating lady will make them spill out whether there are any here who have been or know the layout of Cruilla. We'll extend out your invitation to such people and send them to join you one at a time," the old, grey feathered tengu explained as he waived off his bar wenches to resume their jobs serving the patrons, with the extra task of making a little more small talk than usual.

---

Loki merely nods in reply"The Kitsune, I would speak with him as well... extend my invitation to him first. I know skill when I see it." he says as he allows himself to be led to his room.

Once there, he will slowly inspect the room, offering a silver as a tip with a murmur of thanks. Regardless of how fine the quarters may be, he took his time in sanitizing his dining area, as well as anything else he might have to touch before his first 'guest' arrived. Cleanliness was next to godliness, after all.

OOC: He's going with his gut here... and I'm also assuming that might be Shadows? The rational either way is straight-forward. He considers himself a dangerous man, but a skilled swordsman would ensure that 'surprises' were kept to a minimum. If Shadows is one of the other patrons, I'm happy to retcon who I'm sending my first invitation to.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:46, Sat 11 May 2019.

Irfan had heard this story 3 different times already, but this was the place that had been mentioned each time, and to be honest it was getting a bit harder to listen to with opportunity knocking so close to him. He noticed the old dwarf's subtle or perhaps unconcious prompt for a fiery bribe, and was considering it. He wasn't lying about being a craftsmen and he also knew better then most how often people overlooked those that weren't blessed. Information was rarely free even when true and he was getting down to his emergency funds as it was. He was about to try and shift the conversation around when the mood suddenly shifted.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

His first instinct was to not make eye contact, but the dwarf's words emboldened him to look more closely at the newcomer. No doubt about it, that had to be one of the kingpriest's and the only one that would dare disgraces themselves in this fine establishment had to be the Grasslands, regardless of his looks. He decided to reward the man for his timely advice, and let to take him up on the bribe.

Sliding 3 silvers over, and rolling a fourth between his fingers, with a half smiling "Ain't that the truth charging people good money just for sitting around all day, some of us sweat for our drink."

The Kingpriest's features jarred him at first, but after the initial shock, offered a convincing explanation for where a grassland king suddenly could have appeared from. It wouldn't be the first time the old Pinterest took on a apprentice. Perhaps that peculiar information might shed some light on the hostility he felt before, the last thing he wanted was to find himself as the focus of that accidentally.

2 silvers should be enough for  a good drink or several drinks of swill. Gossip monger's choice of course.
Divination Wizard, Job: switchboard operator  :D

---

As soon as the kingpriest ascended up the stairs the gossiping roared back with a vengeance, having so much wood added to the fire. And your loose lipped friend across from you was not one to hide his renewed appreciation "Aye, ain't that the truth, *hearty slap on the back* but ye sure can hear some interestin' things ye can. That fellow that just pass by, he not only bought a whole ship from down at Yuna, Yuzna, whatever ye folk call it, ^{ya know the kind that sail on land, the ones you guys use all the time down in that desert o' yours}, instead o' rentin one or hitching a ride, yeah, he not only bought the whole thing but paid to have it delivered to 'em right here ASAP, in our little Asities right 'ere 'e did, *tap tap*" he nailed the table with his index finger to emphasis the point. He then slumped back on his chair, muttered disgruntedly "^{Tch, throwin money like there's no tomorrow}" and swung his mug back over his face, only to remember it was empty. With another annoyed grunt he leaned back forward and rose his hand to call over a serving wench to refill his drink with your generous tip.

The girl was quick to arrive, almost like she had been on her way here already. "So what a night eh. Lots of people from out of town," she was making more small talk than usual. "Don't suppose you have a story or two to share from where you hail?" she asked you as she poured the dwarf his drink. Before you could answer, the jolly drunken dwarfman boisterously volunteered the information in your stead "A ha ha, this boy 'ere *heartier slap on the back* *grabs you in a headlock what started out as a one-armed hug* comes from scorching Arcania itself, can you believe it? Decided to cool yourself off in our mountains a bit 'e did? Bua ha ha ha *hearty fist-bump on the chest*" then went back to eagerly drinking his shot of brandy.

Glad to be given reprieve from all that manly love, you noticed one of the foreigners in the room got up and lazily make his way up the stairs. It wasn't hard to notice since despite this settlement being a glorified "waiting room" for all the people who wanted to do business up in the capitol, the majority of the patrons were still tengu. And even among the few non-tengu here he stood out. He was a really really tall kitsune, well armed, clearly a swordsman of some kind. Up till now he had been content sitting alone in the very corner, drinking, looking like he didn't give a shit about anything, leaning back against the wall, feet on the table, his chair straining under him as it was tilted back on 2 legs. The way he teetered certainly seemed like he had had enough to drink and was resigning for the evening.

---

Not needing to hide his discomfort at the jostling from the drunken patron or the barmaid, he winces a bit, the dwarf was a bit stronger then he thought it seemed. He had the Kitsune pegged as some kind of caravan guard or bounty hunter so it made sense he would be looking for a wealthy patron as well. Better to let furball test the air rather then getting zapped himself. The dwarfs information was good, but it wasn't useful to him right now. " I'm just a traveler trying to put wonders of the world to page." he replies for himself, "Has your star guest always been so.. irate?" without a doubt most of the foreigners here were probably the sum total all of the nearby ones, all gathered in this inn for similar reasons.


Perhaps he could sell his experience somehow, but he wasn't much of a sand skimmer himself, and all his knowledgeable contacts were in another region. It would probably be best to stay honest with someone as powerful as this, he knew a lot of people and even had favors he could call in when dealing with Arcanians. Putting aside the consideration of how having a sand skimmer in rocky Wingheld would be useful to getting to Arcania.

Rolling the coin back into his palm, he tried to gauge how many others were planning on approaching the kingpriest soon then later.

---

"Well, this is the first time we've had the honor of his patronage so I couldn't say" the serving girl apologetically answered then hurried away. But instead of going to another table she went straight back to the bar and conferred something with the innkeeper. The innkeeper looked from her straight at you, then back to her again and then there was another exchange, then she was off to do more deliveries. Had you been more drunk you would have thought nothing of it and assumed she was just passing on your tables orders...except you didn't order anything this time around.

Looking around more attentively you observed some unusual patterns.

The serving wenches were being a lot more chatty with the patrons this evening, but very selective about it. They wouldn't give the regular patrons (tengu or otherwise) the time of day beyond the necessary, where as those that looked like more traveled, worldly people (such as merchants) -especially if they had a darker complexion and long sleeve cotton shirts and pants with base layer and jacket (the kind you wore, the kind you wear in deserts)- they were getting the full flirty treatment.

Strangely enough, nobody else was going up to ingratiate themselves just yet.

Other things that caught your eyes were some of the foreigners that stood out. Namely a barely conscious, disheveled-looking elf with a loosely held half-full mug, dressed in fine robes that had seen the mud of the road that loomed over the bar counter. He hadn't even registered the kingpriest's arrival and looked like one good slap on the back and he'd be out for the count for the rest of the night.

One table was completely occupied by a mish-mash group of 6 well armed, well equipped, stern looking people. Adventurers no doubt by the looks of it, and they seemed to stick to themselves. The serving wenches avoided the table unless called over.

"Sir-" the same waitress approached you again. No drinks. As racist as it may sound, all tengu mostly looked the same to you, but you could tell her apart from the rest by the way she bore herself. Back straight, measured strides "-I was wondering, would doing a service for a kingpriest be something worthy enough to commit pen to paper?" and her speech was cut above the other serving girls.

---

Ah, she is the headmatron.

Putting it all together as she returned, some weren't aware, and others unsure of themselves. Maybe even a few that couldn't be too bothered to stay awake or alert. The Barkeep has his handsful trying to field talent and get it to the kingpriest as promised or perhaps told.

Relaxing (or rather de-tensing), as he began to sense the order to the madness. The enterance of the kingpriest had given him a bit of a fight or flight rush it seemed..

"That is precisely what I'd like to do, but I could use a a drink first." The dwarf had served his purpose, and he contimplated moving to the bar proper before he got manhandled into drunken antics.

Adding 4 copper to his silver, he pays the women, "Perhaps it would be easier to make a selection where i can see the shelves."Irfan begins to stand intent on approaching the bar, and more importantly the barkeep. "I think one of those mountain style applejacks will do the trick."<seagreen>

---

ooc: I can nether confirm nor deny that. But I will say it's not the only conceivable possibility, nor her whole story. IC:

"Oh please, please, go ahead, e he he he," the barkeeper/innkeeper eagerly hands it over to you with an ear-to-ear grin on his face, rubbing his hands. "If there's anything else you need just say the word. It's the gracious lord way of compensating you for your time in hearing what he has to offer. Now better be off and see if you make the cut. Got more fellows coming after you to try their luck as well," he good-naturedly tried to shoo you upstairs. "^{Wonder what's taking that 1st guy so long?}" he muttered with mild interest under his breath as he turned back towards the crowd to see any other signals sent his way by the serving girls.

You gain 1 bottle of applejack.

---

Mostly setting the bar for Irfan's reaction/assumption, he assumes she is second in charge in this business. She could brle the missing princess or a undercover new hire or any number of things. Having acess to my thoughts and opinions helps you give you some feedback at the helm, and reduce out of place decisions or unfounded assumptions. Missing cow? aliens wolves.

Irfran assumes she is a cut above and probably in charge of the other serving girls :)

Irfan poured himself a glass from the bottle and downs it as fast as he can. He managed to get the drink down in 5 chugs, A new personable best.

Leaving the bottle, he wasn't inclined to rip someone trying to do a favor off that much, He pushed off from the bar fairly certain how this unconventional hiring process was working.

More importantly there hadn't been any explosion, lightning or other disturbances yet so maybe he was in as violent a mood as it had felt when he walked through the commons.

As Irfan reached tge stairs he realized he didn't know which room to knock on. He knew if he went back to ask, he might not work himself up again tonight. Going up the stairs he thinks just pick whichever door feels like your sudden demise, you could thrown darts at him blindfold earlier, whats a few inches of wood really going to do.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:52, Sat 11 May 2019.

"Errrr..." you hear an awkward mumble behind you. You turn around and see that tall kitsune standing at the doorframe, the handle still in his grip, unsure what to do with the image of seeing a kingpriest taking a sanitation job at an inn.

---

"Come in, and have a seat." Loki says, gesturing to the dining area. "Food and drink will arrive shortly. Thank you for accepting my invitation. Why don't you tell me about yourself?"

As he speaks, he unhurriedly finishes his sanitization of the room, before moving to the area he had indicated and taking a seat and stared at the Kitsune expectantly.

---

"Errrrugh..." he started again but halfway he just shrugged in a "meh, fuck it" sort of way and sat down anyway. "Well, aah..." he fidgeted a bit, unsure where to start, "I'm a kitsune, ^obviously. My grandfather was originally from the Grasslands, from your exact tribe to be precise-" he nodded at the crest you displayed "-so I guess in a way you could say we're related in a way... Cousin? ^{Should I call you cousin?} _{Can I call you cousin?} Oh man, what a small world, huh?" he had gotten over his initial discomfort by now and he was starting to loosen up. His way of talking was getting more casual, he started leaning back on his chair, putting his feet up on the table, waving his arms and head around to emphasize a point (he was one of those animated conversationalists).

The serving wench came in just then and he took the drink without missing a beat, ignoring the food "Bring another one honey, and keep them coming" he told her, tapping the mug then started downing it.

Irfan
Thankfully, you were spared doing eeny meeny miny moe by one of the serving girls. She was exiting door at the far end of the hallway with a tray full of food. Seams like someone hadn't been interested in their meal. She was stomping her way back, frowning, muttering something, when she looked up and saw you. There was a moment where she froze up in surprise, then melted back into the cheerful, smiling, graceful hostess you normally saw. Swinging her hips wide, she gave you a flirtatious wink as she passed by and disappeared down the stairs, back to the hustle and bustle of the common room.

---

Irfan understand her pain, he had to deal with more then his share of unruly and sometimes plain dull customers before himself. He gives her space to get by, and tries to return disarming smile, but he isn't quite sure he about trans-racial facial features as he hadn't been here very long and tengu were relatively rare outside of wingheld. One thing he wouldn't miss was going to be the sheer number of beaks, they gave him a unpleasant reminder of a previous encounter even if they were more curved then flat.



Approaching the door he goes to knock on it, but hesitates as he sees his nerves causing his hand to shake. This was the greatest opportunity in his life and probably the second dangerous thing he had ever done(idk sounds good, kids man. Memory Event!). Taking a deep breath, he wished he had taken a second shot because the first one was hardly helping. Composing his face and adjusting his posture and outward appearance to that of the indifferent and composed scribe he had mastered. No matter how wayward, idiotic, and/or inadvertently humorous the client was one needed excellent control of mind and body. Bringing his hand back up from smoothing out his Qamis, he knocked on the door.

Knock.. Knock-knock.

---

The kitsune wasn't done swinging the bottle back on his current drink when there came another knock on the door. "^{Wow, that was fast, talk about quality service,} COME IN!" the kitsune answered for you, thinking it was the serving wench again.

---

                    'yeah, come in'

Entering the room meekly and shutting it behind him once through, Irfan got his first look at the most polished wooden room he had ever seen. Standing formally by the door, He presents himself with slight bow, Obviously this Kingpriest had more then a few times to Pintrest and probably demanded a certain level of formality or at least respect. Well scratch that, that Kitsune was being just as rude up here as down there, the cleanliness of the room seemed to exacerbate the rudeness of having his feet up to something criminal. Trusting his gut since logic had failed he, he spoke "Irfran, son of Iraman, of Cruilla. I heard you were seeking informed and useful hands to help you with a problem in my home town and I grew up on it's streets and in it's markets. I've been apprenticing as a scribe in a sister city 5 years ago but trade has kept me well informed till a few months ago. If you have need of a scribe I am also well versed in legalities of my home region and abroad, fluent in several languages." Ifran stops speak before he gets into any personal details like the goose shaped scar on his rear end, His strong suit was writing not speaking.

This message was last edited by the GM at 20:01, Sat 11 May 2019.

"Please, sit, make yourself comfortable. He did." he says, a hint of a way smile touching his lips as he arches an eyebrow towards the Kitsune.

"And why should you wish to offer yourself in such a capacity?" he asks, once he was settled, as he idly sipped some mulled wine.

Irfan pauses for a moment as he looks for hidden meanings in such an offering. Nothing was as expected or even proper here. He slings his medicinal and work satchel over the back of the nearest unoccupied chair. Taking measured breaths to keep calm despite the excitement, politely refraining form imposing himself any more then prompted, sitting with his interlaced at the edge of the table.



"It's my professional capacity, one I used to offer regularly to finance my travels thus far. I've found my peregrination to be hindered by tolls, by prejudice, and a general lack of importance. Even here at the pinnacle of learning, I can neither visit the capital, learn from it's artisans, walk among the levitating gardens, nor even afford to idly wait for majesty of P'ung to grace the skies next year before moving on. Right now your objective aligns with my skills, if I perform well for you, then your standing will grow.

Your title commands respect, respect enough to visit many places and travel far. A simple diplomatic writ would allow me to visit many places and travel far easier then being kept in a small room at every other border for days at a time. Being part of a (diplomatic, bureaucratic, divine, Holy?) retinue would grant me access to the known world, to see places and cultures I never could hope to reach on my feet in a lifetime."

The kitsune's eyes went so wide, you could actually see them now...well, partially. They were still obscured by the heavy fur and cones. He even stopped drinking! "He's not even asking for money? ^Wooooow"


Trying to keep his best poker face forward, but then he was never one for cards. Ifran puts his best foot forward and tries to be honest without begging, his dreams were literally hanging on the impression he made here today. He tries his best to dismiss the kitsune his from his perception as he couldn't afford distractions, least of all by someone as unruly as to relax in such a manner. Either he was exceptionally gifted, daft, or just plain ignorant of the situation which seemed impossible.

Irfan broke eye contact with Loki to look at the kitsune, and the kitsune with lightning fast reflexes crossed his arms across his chest and looked away nonchalantly as if he was just minding his own business, "nothing to see here, I wasn't doing anything".
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:05, Sat 11 May 2019.

Loki's lip twitched, ever so slightly, at the antics of the Kitsune.

He decided he liked him, not the least reason being that others might find him unsettling.

"A precise answer, Irfran. When I have what I seek, and once I am settled when we return, I will happily and personally give you a tour of anywhere I may go... within reason of course. As for  the journey before us, I believe you are correct... where my path leads few have ever trod."

And here, Loki sips, covering a smile as he adds, "Shall we put some of that knowledge to the test now?" and, without waiting for a reply began asking his questions, in between sips of wine and bites of food as it was brought in.

"What is the inn with the best reputation, what is the inn with the worst reputation, and at these places, who should I be most concerned with if I wish my presence to be discrete?" he asks, listening intently to the response.

And it was not the first such question he asked. He asked about banal topics such as local politics, gossip about merchants and nobles, local foods, and dances, and games, ettiquete, and a number of other trivialities.

But then there were the questions that to him, were more about background information. Interspersed amongst his inoccuous questions were queries such as:

1. Who do the nobles do business with, that they would never see in public.
2. What are the biggest rivalries, especially the ones that few people might know about.
3. Who would know about all of these rivalries, be involved in those rivalries, but is smart enough to not get deeply involved in any one side?
4. Who is the most hated person in the city, that no one dares cross? Who would know about smuggling?
5. Who is the most honest and well-connected person in the city?
6. Who is the most powerful romantic?"

He listened to each question's answer with rapt attention, occasionally asking the same question a different way, to see if the answer changed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:09, Sat 11 May 2019.

Nobility is rare in Arcanian, each city is like a small country with it's own ruling family. Usually the richest, and they do business as they please for the most part. That leaves murderers and a few other henious criminals, but most are exicuted or if skilled pressed into the guard.

Rivalries rise and fall over night among the markets, the longest standing one are between rival prestigous guilds and usually between cities. On might say the rulers themselves fund and encourage competetions to entertain the masses.

That would be the Dromedary guild, not much moves out on the ands without their blessing or knowledge. They represent one of only three unified national guilds,
they serve as both messengers and in creature husbandry.

The cities themselves are tightnit communities hemmed in by the harsh desert, so eveeyone tends to learn all but the most carefully hidden or disguised happenings. However it also means loyalty and solidarity run deep. Most would rather side with a rival then a outsider in any matter.

For the 2nd time in as many minutes, the kitsune's eyes went wide in disbelief, "Are you being serious right now? What's with the 3rd degree? Are you actively trying to send away the one guy in this entire place that can actually be of use? And for no money no less?!" He was staring back at you as Irfan's facade completely fell apart at this point was in the process of seeing how close to being pale as a ghost he could get.

"If you think of interrogating me like that got another thing coming. Speaking of which, we haven't gotten around the topic of how much you're paying for all of this. Unlike Freeguide McTourist over here-" he nodded at Irfan, "-It's ganna take more than a piece of paper saying we're buddies to get me on board-"

Just then someone bursts into the room. You all turn around simultaneously and see a rather young and small, female tengu bent over and clutching her chest as she panted. The dress she wore leaves her shoulders uncovered, instead it's supported around her neck and flows down into a simple halter neckline. It's a comfortable fit which helps remove some of the unwanted attention on her breasts, but does so by still looking elegant. Her arms have been covered to just above her elbows. The sleeves broaden towards the bottom and playfully accentuate her skin. The dress' waist is broad, but it's a comfortable fit. A small, elegant belt helps accentuate her waist without being too much. Below the waist the dress widens into a ball gown-like style dress. The dress reaches to well above her ankles and is longer at the sides and back of the dress. She's wearing t-straps, no other shoe would've matched this dress better. To top it all off she's wearing a large cute bow in her hair and an embroidered bracelet.

You immediately recognized her to be Hana. Kingpriest Pintherast's youngest daughter, Helen's younger sister and your pseudo sister as well. Her white, sleek feathers and diminutive unpronounced tengu facial features gave her an angelic appearance. Shining pink eyes, reflecting both innocence and intelligence pierced back at you not in accusation but in anguish, as if she was hurt by your action.

"Nii-san *pant* why did you leave without saying a word *pant*" her nightingale voice gently caressed across the room.

"Nii-san? You two are related?? How does that happen???"

Loki blinks at the Kitsune in confusion as he speaks - puzzled that his invite and questions could possibly be interpreted as a dismissal - when his little sister came into the room. "Imotou, what are you doing here..." he says as he rose and went to her, guiding her to somewhere more private as he turned to the others and said, "If you'll pardon me, I'll answer all your questions in just a moment."

"You are right, I am very sorry I did not tell you where I was going... I..." and his face flushed as dust started to swirl around him once more as his thoughts about his love pulled at him. "I am on a secret mission, and I don't want anyone to know. I was so worried about being found out, that I was not myself. But what are YOU doing here unescorted?"

---

Hana refised to budge, "You are going to find big sister Helen are you not?" she stated more than asked. The 3 of you grew up together so it shouldn't have been that much of a surprise that she could guess what you were thinking. Plus, looking back, you weren't as subtle as you could have been. "Well I'm going too," she puffed out her chest defiantly, as if daring you to send her away "You need me."

---

Loki frowns at that but then nods and sighs. "You are right, I do need you. I need you here, and safe." he says, placing both hands on her shoulders as he looks her in the eye seriously. "Your father will never let you go with me. And if you sneak away, what will he think? When he eventually finds you, with me, he may call off my search and force us both back here, and then marry us, just to keep us both too busy to find out what has happened to Helen. That's the best case scenario. The worst case is that he decides I'm a bad influence and has me branded as a kidnapper, because that would be the easiest way to deal with the stupid politics of this place. So, if you come with me, you risk having your father call off the entire search and have me branded as a criminal. But, if you stay here... you can actually be a very big help to me."
he says, a plan already formulating in his mind.

"For Helen to have gone missing... whoever took her would need help. They took her for a reason, and that reason is probably political. So, whatever is happening over here, may help me find Helen even faster. But I can't be in two places at once... and I am not as good at looking innocent and keeping secrets as you are. Will you be my eyes and ears here, and send word to me about what is happening?" he asks her gently, his eyes asking her if she is brave enough to do such a thing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:16, Sat 11 May 2019.

Hana gives you a flat stare, "Big brother...I'm 14, not 4. And even if I was I still would not have bought that." (ooc: Tengu reach adulthood at 15)


"I did not ask father for permission any more than you did. There is no search to call off because there was no search to be had. If he is unwilling to do anything about big sister Helen, who is known and loved by all near and far, he will certainly not do anything about us. You, dear brother, are already deifying him. What is that wonderful saying the ironian's have? "In for a copper, in for a platinum"?"

She then looks away, her defiance giving way to genuine grief. "Here, I am no more than a pretty little doll in a dollhouse. I am not Hana, I am just the kingpriet's daughter. But out there..." she looks back at you, pleading "I love big sister Helen, and I love nii-san, and I want all of us to be happy. I want to bring her back safely too, regardless of what father has to say. You will be going out there, in the unknown, facing dangers and challenges we can only imagine. You will need my magic and an extra pair of eyes, you will need every ounce of help you can get."

She takes a step back, trembling in fear but her hands going white from clutching her scepter too hard, pressed tightly against her chest, seeking it's comfort, a protector to hide behind against the scary world. "I am going, even if I have to do it alone" her voice was barely a whisper, and more resolute than a mountain against the wind.

Irfan considers replying to the kitsune, that siblings had a broader definition when you have a tendancy to lay eggs, but though better of it. This was clearly a privafe conversation, but the cat was out and yowling already. Choosing not to distrupt things and make it ackward since the kitesune was making no effort to leave either.


He waits patiently for his prspective employer (s) to reach an agreement.

Furthermore he was still trying to procres how he labled a free guide, maybe it was because you couldn't drink a divine seal.

His Attention gets drawn into the conversation again at mention of Ironians.The phrase was "In for a gold, back for a silver." It refered to the unscrupulous practice of getting a customer to pay a second smaller fee to get the initial service or good in working condition.

Getting branded a criminal was the exact opposite of what he was trying to do. Worse it sounds like the missing princess wasn't just sojurning, but was missing and presumed kidnapped. Come to think of it, he said he was sneaking but more then half the outter slums knew where he was and what he was doing already. Surely he meant in an official capacity, unless he had never been outside the courts before.

Realizing part of the problems here, a second lightbulb goes off. His power, prestige and offer were known, yet he had few bites. If he was seen as acting out behind Pinterest's back, then only a outsider or a fool would risk drawing his ire.  What was needed is a generic less specific ad depending on his wants.

He turns his gaze towards the kingpriest, ready to put forther his suggestion. Only to find that he was making his "half" sister cry. He may be a professional but he couldn't exstinguish the shame on you in his look completely.

The very air around the young man, the only evidence of the emotional struggle that he kept off of his face, but that too settled as he sighed.

"I am not defying him... I am simply not consulting him on what I do. But I can see that talking sense into you is futile, and even if it may hurt our chances of finding your sister, you are determined to come along." his tone was disappointed, but resigned. "So, I will permit you to come with me... but you will have to swear on Helen's life to not argue with me, not go running off anywhere under any circumstances without telling me, and to trust my judgement about what will be too dangerous for you to be a part of. You must promise that if I tell you to stay put while I go off to do something dangerous, that you will listen and obey, because if I can't trust you, you will put all of us in danger. I will not always have time to explain everything to you, so you will have to trust that when I do have time, that I will explain things later. So you must promise that you will listen first, and ask questions later, or I will March you back to your father myself and explain how stubborn you are being. And then I will have to defy him, rather than simply walking the edge like I am now. So, do I have your promise, on your sister's life that you will listen first and wait until later to ask questions for anything I ask of you on this search?"

The Kitsune leans towards Irfan and whispers something from the corner of his mouth

ooc: DC Perception 10

Hana however was oblivions and didn't seem like she could care less ether. "Oh yes, oh yes, of course, thank you onii-chan!" she vigorously nods and pulls you down to give you a peck on the cheek. "Let me just get my luggage, I left it outside" she says then runs off.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:07, Sun 12 May 2019.

Irfan rolled 21 using 1d20+6.  Perception vs whisper? Please don't be a suggestion spell..

Judgemental look vanquished, Irfan never had a true sibling, in fact his surrogate siblings were kinda of A-holes, but that didn't excuse causing someone so cute so much hurt. Luckily it seemed to be settled for the moment, and all seemed well now.



Place holder to respond to Kitsune

Alone with the guys once again, Irfan absentmindedly twitches his index finger as he considers different layouts and themes of a help wanted ad. He refrains from addressing the kingpriest but he has burning questions to ask.

He knew the kingpriest had a ship, but assumed it would be moved magically at least once.

He understood that help was wanted, but the kind and quanity had never been specified, it was just general request and a bunch of information Irfan has pieced together from the bartender and locals. Even now it seemed as if half was true and the other half was twisted.

Help was bound to be slim pickings around here even as disparate as the wealth was, no one without significant investment in the upkeep or visiting Pinterest would be remotely close. It was a quirk of fate and an unhealthy wanderlust that had driven him this far.


Working up the nerve to break the silence, " I gather that there has been some difficulty in finding help, perhaps you could elaborate on what kind of assistance you were seeking. Most of what I've heard has largely been rumors and speculation, I dismissed the one about needing an army to restart the war."

08:17, Today: Loki Karnak rolled 8 using 1d20.  Perception dc 10 whisper (no clue as to my bonus). As she runs off, he does stare after her for a moment, shaking his head and frowning. When Irfran speaks, he turns and offers a tight-lipped smile as he walks back to them and slides back into his chair.

"I am making arrangements at the last minute, so the only difficulties are a couple of headstrong Princess's and how to make sure they do not cause an International Incident. The Princess Hana is convinced that her older sister the Princess Helen has gone missing. I have taken it upon myself to make sure that she is well with my own eyes, discretely. To that end I am putting together a small team with knowledge of your homelands, where I will not be relying on my titles for answers. In truth, this may very well be my last and only chance to see how who we are allied with treat their people.
Much like myself, I suspect that the Princess Helen is interested in seeing the world as it is, without the distance our status puts between us and folks like the ones in this Inn." he says, gesturing towards them as well as to the people in the tavern room beyond his doors.



"So that is why you both are here. I will need information, there is always need for a sword, and I intend to get a bit closer to the rest of the world while making sure that the Princess Helen and Princess Hana stay safe." his face and tone are fairly composed, though his easy way of speaking did not hide the tension of power that had been continuously swirling around him since he had first walked into the inn. It was as if his flair up when Hannah burst in brought notice to it's presence, and though it's intensity had ebbed once more, it was still unmistakably there, only now, unforgettably so.

ooc: Loki, based on your stats in the mythweaver sheet (0 Wisdom mod, no ranks nor traits and feats that give Perception bonus) I'd say you wouldn't have any bonuses to Perception to make your 8 become 10 or more. But purely as meta knowledge, the Kitsune told Irfan "I give that mental gymnastics a 9.5" in reference to your "I am not defying him... I am simply not consulting him on what I do.".

Speaking of which, Irfan, seriously? A suggestion spell. Paranoid much?
IC:

The Kitsune nods in approval, "That's what I wanna hear. A guy who's not afraid to get shit done-" and sets his empty mug down with a hearty, stronger than necessary thud "-I love it when I take on jobs where my boss is a guy I can actually respect. ^{Really makes taking orders that much easier.}" he just then, raising it to his fact again to peer inside with 1 eye, realizes his mug actually is, in fact, empty. "I'm just ganna go refill this" he said, pointing at it with his other hand and got up, teetering out of the room.

Then doubled back, "When I come back we're ganna talk about salary-" he turns, but just before he disappears "-oh and when we're leaving-" leaves. Long pause. Doubles back again. "-Oh by the way...what's your name? Or do you want me to call you Great Chieftain, or whatever, all the time?" he waits for a moment, then shrugs and goes away. For good this time.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:58, Sun 19 May 2019.

Loki chuckles at the Kitsune's... multiple departures good naturedly, seemingly amused, before his eyes settle back on Irfan once more. Once again alone, his gaze is intent on him, as he asks, "We will depart tomorrow. Is there anything else you are wondering?"

Irfan stood up politely, he had decided they or atleast he, was no foolish noble just a sheltered one. Replying politely "Just the one to consider, if you wish to conceal your titles you should decide on new ones. I 've been informed you may have purchased a sandskimmer(boat), and I presume you have means of reaching the desert with it, however once there soley using magic to move it would operate it most unusual."

If left unprompted Irfan bows his head and moves out towards the common room.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:11, Wed 15 May 2019.

Are you guys are ready to move on?

Irfan leaves the king priest to ponder his suggestion as he moves down stairs to secure a room for the night. Expecting tomorrow to be a eventful and surprising day.


Adusting money spent on sheet.

ooc: Ok, I'll take that as a yes. I'll just wrap this up quickly so we can get to the good stuff.

And so it was done. After everyone was wined and dined, Loki rented 1 more room (earning the ire of some poor sod the innkeeper had to kick out to accommodate "the great chieftain" because, obviously, the inn was packed) then retired for the night. He and Hana shared the room, obviously, leaving Irfan to share the other one with the kitsune, who, coincidentally didn't retire until well into the night. When he did show up he was so drunk he crashed (literally) into the bed and went completely immobile, forgetting to negotiate that salary he was so on about. And introducing himself.

BTW, this is what the kitsune looks like, just imagine him furrier. Brown fur white in the front just like a fox only much much fuzzier (his fur had long, thick hairs) to the point where his eyes are concealed by fur https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HiddenEyes . He wears long green robes with brown rings at the end of the sleeves and feet (his tail can't be seen because it's under there). No armor, 1 straight long sword in a sheath which could be made to pass for a walking stick with a little effort, and a simple bag tied at the top and slung over his shoulder, when he doesn't just drop it on the ground)
An amalgamation of these 2 basically:



The following morning Loki was first to rise at the crack of dawn and after swallowing his breakfast he planted himself just outside, turning into a grim statue menacingly staring at the horizon. The sandskimmer was suppose to be delivered today and it seemed like he was trying to will it into coming faster. Hana had tried to talk to him, get closer, warm up to him, distract him from his suffering, but the short, curt answers answers without breaking eye-contact with the distance made that all but impossible. He was now less blind to the beauty of the world that he was yesterday.


Hana retreated back into the inn. "Nii-sama..." she whispered,  alone, sad, and feeling helpless as she gazed at him from the other side of the window.
A fitting and painful analogy.

Irfan too woke up very early, though for different reasons. He was restless. He was excited. Giddy like a kid on X-mass morning! This was the day. The day he'd go on a honest-to-goodness adventure with real wizards and important people and see the world and experience life to the fullest and-ZZZZZZZZ- he looked back to see the kitsune still out like a light. He shrugged his shoulders and went about his business, dressing, washing, preparing. And the kitsune hadn't moved an inch. Suddenly a very dark thought crossed his mind. What if the kingpriest decides he's not satisfied with this bodyguard? What if he decides to get someone else? That could mean delays. Or worse, what if he changes his mind and cancels the whole thing?!

"Up, up! Come on man, it's 9 o'clock!"
-"Mmmh, mah, gr-gr, wa wah-" he stirs, lifting himself on his elbows *blink blink* *big yawn* *scratch scratch scratch* *smacks lips* "You...you woke me up before noon? What is wrong with you?! Maaan, I'm beat, I've only gotten 6 hours of sleep" he lays back down.
-"Well that's just too bad, maybe you should have gone to bed earlier like the rest of us. Come on, 6 hours on your back is all you get," Irfan pulls back the sheets.
-"Yeah well now I need 6 more on my flip side! *pats stomach*" then grabs the sheets back and turns his back on you.


Irfan was late for breakfast that morning. But he did arrive with company.


You never realized a kitsune with a hangover could look that bad.

The sandskimmer didn't arrive until a few hours after noon. The driver looked like he hadn't rested in over a day and went straight to the inn to rent a room.

The kitsune suggested you had an early lunch before going but Loki was having none of it. You were leaving immediately!



ooc: Who's ganna drive this thing? It needs ether Spellcraft (well Use Magical Device if we were using the old rules) or Acrobatics (Ride in the old rules).

This is a long term thing so it's a Take 10 kind of thing and the skill level determines how fast you can go (because obviously you wouldn't take risks beyond your ability to control this vehicle).

In reply to GM (msg # 28):

  Irfan begins to regret pushing the kitsune every time he flinched when someone clattered dishes and he winced. Hang overs were bad enough without fancy ear, he remembered a fix but never had need of it or a chance to memorize it. The morning drags one and the question(s) from last night go unanswered, his employer was content with arrangements for now it seemed, or at least too furious to deal with the small stuff.


  Unsure how long the wait would be Irfan waits as early breakfast drags into late breakfast, pulling out his supplies he does a quick inventory of his medicine, then his inks. He moves on to scribbling a ink portrait to fill the time.




Once the summons to leave arrives he scrounges his supplies up, quickly blow drying the page and putting it away half complete. Picking up the traveling rations he had ordered and staring at the barrel of water, unsure how he was going to carry it with all his bags and wondering if it would have to stay.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Reaching the Skimmer, he involuntarily lets out a low whistle, he'd seen quite a few before but never one in as good repair or complete in his life. He could almost call it new, but that would have been crazy talk. After the thorn in the side they were to the Regency, production had been outlawed.

  Making his way board he waits to see if his expertise would be required, helping when prompted.

Feeling emboldened by the fact that you've seen dozens of these before, you've seen people drive them -how hard could it me?- you climb aboard and look at the controls. It was pretty straight forward. 2 levers for speed (1 for left side, 1 for right, so if you wanted to go forward they both needed to be aligned) and a wheel for the sails. Technically speaking, you could maneuver the skimmer with the levels alone (use the left lever only and the thing goes to the right) but that was impractical at high speed so it was only used for parking and such meticulous tasks.


In a "don't worry, I got this" attitude, you swag your place at the helm. The others climb aboard. You put your hand on the levers. They look to you. "Heh" a smirk couldn't be chased away from your face.

You pull down the levers.
The Skimmer suddenly jerks and glides...in reverse! The wind is knocked out of you as you're slammed against the wheel, but the others weren't so lucky, having doubled over forwards, over the helm's fence and onto the small deck, landing on their backs. (Spellcraft skill...untrained, no ranks, can't take 10 and even if you could you can't use untrained skills above DC 10. Final result, well...)

The motion had ended as suddenly as it had started and not because you had been fast on the lever to put it back in neutral. You hear a squawking cry of utter anguish from somewhere behind you. https://proxy.duckduckgo.com/i...fec42d6d.jpg&f=1
4 heads crane above the cover of the skimmer to see a knocked over wagon full of cabbages and a very angry cabbage merchant shaking his fist. "What the hell are you doing?! You're ganna pay for this!" he gingerly tried stomping his way over to you while avoiding the cabbages sprawled all over the ground.

Yes, you had rear ended that guy, but no real harm was done, right? *pushes levers forward and zooms atta' there!*

---

"Ummmm, Mr.Irfan, sir-" Hana uncomfortably fidgets and tries to talk to you. "Ummm, well, I don't mean to question your expertise sir, but you see, a-and I certainly don't mean to imply you're not good at what you do, but the boat, I-I'm sure you're doing it for our safety but, well, could we, could you perhaps-I can walk^kyaa faster than this!" the kitsune barked what the little birdie was trying to tactfully get at. And he had a point. You guys really were going slow, but what exactly were they expecting? This was your first time riding this thing in a terrain it was clearly not built for. Yes you cruised at first till you left the settlement but the minute you reached the mountainous roads you slowed down to a crawl. They were narrow, steep, winding, just simply very treacherous all around. Take 10 Athletics = 11; Speed = 10 miles per day
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:12, Mon 27 May 2019.