I am opening the Gameplay thread so that you can dot it for keeping an easier eye on the game. We will be beginning once everyone is finished with their characters and posting them on the Website.
The knock on your door abruptly wakes you from your deep sleep. Leaving the dream world behind you open your eyes, looking at the ceiling of your room. Your first thoughts, What can it be this time?, race across your mind as you shift to a sitting position on the edge of your bed.
The knock comes again, this time louder, ”Hold on a moment,” you snap as you stand allowing your eyes to adjust to the light that is shining through the window, ”I’m coming, I’m coming.”
As you move towards the door you wonder, Who could it be disturbing you on your day off? Of course it must be work, those guys really know how to treat their agents. You reach you hand out and turn the nob, opening the door slowly, Please be gone, please be gone. Your heart sinks.
As you thought, its a message carrier, a young man who looks to have just joined the work force, no older than sixteen. It has to be work. ”What do you want?”, you ask rhetorically, you know exactly why they are here. There would be no other reason.
”Hello,” the young man says, ”I have this message for you.” He hands you a sealed letter with a wax seal in the shape of a lion, the Tong Shi seal, As I thought.
”Thank you, sir.” You say to the carrier as you hand him a silver coin, the delivery charge. I really wish they would pay for these things themselves, you think to yourself as the young man turns and leaves. ”Now lets see what it has to say this time.” You say out loud, very unenthusiastically, I really wish they would stop bothering me on my days off, you shake your head, but they would never do that, they don’t do that with anyone.
You start to open the envelope, If we could just get some fresh blood to join the few of us serving the Agency would be able to get some rest, you slide the letter out of the paper envelope with ease.
Dear Sir/Madam,
We are asking that you come to headquarters today at a time no later than six o’clock in the evening. We have a special mission that is of importance that we can not discuss in further detail in this letter due to security concerns.
You may continue with your business as usual till this time.
Captain of the Tong Shi Weishi,
Signature
Ando Ilban
You sigh as you put the letter down, I guess its time to get the uniform on and at least prepare for another day of unrest, you start to assume the worst of this important mission, but what the hell, I have at least most of the day to do something fun, right, you try to convince yourself as you finish getting dressed.
Donning his blue and black robes and stepping out into the sun Tan Kien runs his fingers through his unkempt hair. Looking over the market from his rooftop patio he sighs, then unholsters his revolvers and starts practicing the gun forms (stances, attack patterns and the like) of the Shao Fong Monks.
The open air cafe provided just the right light for Cassian's reading. With his chair propped against the wall of the cook's quarters he could survey the surrounding scene between paragraphs as he saw fit or as the knee-jerk compulsion he surmised was a command from the ebony edged katana resting at his side. This book had been heavily worn and penned in a language he couldn't yet fix a name to but so long as the tea and noodles were readily refilling themselves he would be content to spend the remainder of the afternoon decrypting them.
The Elf was accustomed to spending a great deal of gold on the catering of such venues. The spices and techniques of Tong Shi cuisine had eluded him well enough and he hadn't the patience or desire to master them. Erufu delicacies were easy enough to track down but were outrageously overpriced so he accommodated his pallet into accepting the rich flavors of the area at the expense of the pride of his culture. A price he could easily afford.
By the time the he deduced that the book must be written in Ignan he decided that he may well get a move on and set down the streets towards headquarters. At least the day hasn't been a complete waste, he thinks to himself in sarcastic optimism. I learned about the negligible importance of oxygen on the Plane of Fire...
After donning her uniform, Sakubana gave a glare to the letter she had tossed aside on her bed, then proceeded to ignore it in favor of the scroll hanging above her dresser on the wall. It contained the image of two people, a young man in his early teens and a young female child sitting in his lap under a blossoming cherry tree, both are smiling as petals float down around them.
A special mission? What do you think, Brother? Will it lead me any closer to finding you?
Saku turned away from the image, a small pang striking her heart as memories of her family filled her mind. She grabbed her bag then began to fill it with empty vials and small bottles. She had planned on spending the day in the market, refreshing her poisons and looking for herbs and scrolls to send home to her family to show that she was still keeping her promise to them. She then went through a final check to made sure she had everything she needed on her since she wasn't expecting to be coming back here until after the meeting.
Until tonight, my brother
Giving one last look at the painting, she quickly closed and locked her door, determined to get as much done as possible in the short time that she had left.
You quickly loses track of time performing your daily regime of forms and stances. The next thing you knows it is time to report to headquarters for the mission. As you move closer to the stairway leading up to the entrance of the large and magnificent building you see two others approaching as well. You recognize them as Cassian, the newest of recruits from the neighboring land of Erufu, and Sakurabana, the determined lady with a knack for poisons.
You take one last sip from your drink and pack up your reading material. You leave behind a tip for the services, as well as enough to cover the bill, and head out towards the headquarters. Being a new recruit you haven't gotten to know the other guards, or Agents as the seem to call themselves from time to time, but you do recognize two others as you make your way up the stairs into the building.
You spend the day as you do on most days, asking around for information about your brother. But like most days you get wind of no information, at least any that is useful. The time for the meeting quickly approaches and you figure it is best to get moving. The tall building of the headquarters towers over most of the city, with the capital building being the only larger building. You of your fellow Weishi approach as you do, you assume for the same reason as you do.
All three of you enter the meeting chamber, the Captain Ilban waiting patiently for each of you to take a seat.
"You three are the only ones that responded to the letter?" He says jokingly, though you can tell he is a little disappointed that so few have decided to take their responsibilities seriously, "Well I guess we can wait a little longer to see if anyone else shows. But not to long as this is important and can change the nature of our very kingdom. Though I don't want to spoil to much at this moment."
If this is so damned important then the others will doubtlessly come to find out soon enough. Lets just get on with it, Cassian thinks to himself with just enough sense not to grant voice. Instead he sighs heavily and turns his attention to Seng and Sakurabana, his 'partners' or 'allies' or what-have-you. He knew very little of either other than the sparse whispers of the few aspiring recruits he had bunked with merely 7 weeks ago.
"Captain, would it trouble you to shed a spot of light on the subject at hand. Those who couldn't afford to be here within the parameters should not be graced with your kindness. Especially if the matter is as troubling as you suggest." A few moments of planning had definitely softened the words he presented though it took a bit of tact to grease them out.
After the door closes behind the messenger, Tenpenny heaves a great sigh and walks to the window, where he stares out into the midday air. His small body stands at rigid attention, even when he didn't mean for it to - a product of the rigid materials from which he was made. He felt his mechanics inside him, still whirring steadily - he wouldn't need to see the clockmaker for a few more hours, at least.
His small form, angular with jutting angles, an oiled and pointed black beard, sprouting horns, and knee joints that seemed to work contrary to known anatomy, stands stock still for an hour, the gears of his mind turning.
My dear Eyrine, how I've tried to follow their footsteps. I'm so close now; I can taste the sweetness of your justice. They will pay...and soon...but my new master calls, and I must work to keep the tools of our revenge well honed. Soon, my sweet...soon.
After his almost meditative state, Tenpenny's motion seemed an almost supernatural burst, though in fact he wasn't trying to move fast at all. He gathered his necessities for a few days on the job, then makes his way to his clockmaker for some fine-tuning.
A slipped joint in Tenpenny's leg causes some delay; he always thought is so strange when such a thing brought about real pain - he was never sure what he should consider himself...alive or merely a creation of gears and bolts. But the pain was real, and he enjoyed it - it was a taste of what a real person would feel.
Though late, Tenpenny hopes that his preparedness will serve to deflect the Captain's dissappointment from him - he had need of the Captain and his work for the foreseeable future. The "Toy" walks in on the balls of his feet, his footfalls so soft they seem to steal their own echoes and swallow them whole. His black garb covers him from neck to toes, with only his head revealed. His long musket is slung over his shoulder, and a long chain with fierce weapons on each side hangs from loops on his belt. He says nothing as he approaches the others, but again stands as still as a dead man as he waits for Captain Ilban to either address him or to answer Cassian.
"And then there were four." The captain states as Tenpenny sits in one of the chairs at the table. "We are still short the numbers I was hoping for but, I guess we can get on with it."
Captain Ilban stands and starts walking around the table looking at each of you. "We have some wondrous news, our neighboring kingdom, Teichi, has contacted us about an alliance." A huge grin appears on his face. "They are sending a convoy with a gift to show they are serious about this. And I am asking that you escort them from the boarder to here."
Ilban continues to wander around the room till he gets to a pull down map of the world. "Well I lied. Not the boarder, but a town close to the boarder." He points to a dot on the map nestled up against what appears to be a small series of mountains. "The city of Lanh."
The captain returns to his seat. "I can not stress how important that the package make it here along with the convoy. If our two kingdoms can unite in an alliance then nothing will threaten us again. Not even the Oni of the northern lands."
"You have till tomorrow morning to pack. You leave after breakfast." He says with a stern face with his eyes focusing on Tenpenny. "If you need anything for your journey, ask as we may be able to get you anything you need." His face turns to a grin again. "Within reason that is."
"You are dismissed!" He says as he folds his hands and waits patiently.
Tenpenny blinks, providing the only movement since he had taken his seat. He seemed to ponder the information from the captain, then nods. What sort of friction can we assume there to be? While I'm sure that many of our closest neighbors would have much to fear in such an alliance, but can we pinpoint what sort of resistance we may meet? Perhaps the Kakushi could make a showing?
He nods at the last, as if that were exactly the assumption he'd make. I'm in need of some gear, but nothing that I can't get hold of rather quickly.
"Have you any word on what this package is? Perhaps it's dimensions; whether or not we'll be able to conceal it during our journey?" Cassian asks as he shifts his weight to the opposite side of his chair and laces his fingers together on the table. "The toy here makes a fine point," he continues with an innocent gesture to Tenpenny. "If our enemies were to hear word of this transaction they would stand to gain much by interfering. I too would like to know what we should be expecting down the road."
The look Tenpenny offered the elf was devoid of any sort of emotion, save perhaps piqued interest in the physical characteristics of this package. He turns to the captain, awaiting his answer, as he searches his own memories for a hint as to the potential problems that they could expect.
Catching the look that the Captain gave Tenpenny, Sakurabana wondered why Tenpenny had been so late. She then quickly returned to the matter at hand.
Pressing her lips together, she struggled to hide her annoyance at having to carry out such a mission. Peace was important to her but this mission seemed worrisome from the start.
"Sir, I am more than willing to help our country achieve this alliance. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity."
Giving the Captain her best customer service smile and a small nod, she gritting her teeth and waited with the others for the response about what dangers they might face and more information about the package.
squatting on his chair Kien took in the captain's little speech flippantly until he heard the word convoy. Kien had no problem taking people, this just meant he would have to be serious about it. An object, even a rare one, pales in comparison to the value of lives.
"Understood Sir, the chance to serve as an agent of peace is more than welcome, but I'm also curious about the other people that are to be traveling with us."
"I do not know many of the specifics, as I am only told what they believe I should know," the captain states referring to the senate that runs all the major political affairs, "But do expect resistance, and I would not be to surprised if the Kakushi are planning an ambush. They are known to have spies among all the major nations, not to mention their ruthlessness in their piracy. And who knows what the other nations may be plotting."
He sits up in his chair looking across the room at a large rendition of the world and nations. "As for what the package is," he gives out a sigh, "That too, is information I do not have. I don't like it, but I have orders and they must be kept."
"As for you two," Looking at Saku and Seng, "This alliance may be greater than even we know, it may bring peace to all the nations of Gia. If Tong Shi can regulate peace with Teichi, the rest of the world wouldn't dare make an attack against any others without fear of an attack from the Alliance."
- Local (Seng) 14 -> You know he is a member of the Tong Shi Weishi as yourself, you also know that he is trained in the way of the Shao Fong Monk, who are known for their combination of martial arts and firearms.
- Local (Saku) 9 -> You know very little about her other than she always seems to be looking for someone and speaks of her brother, who apparently used to be a member of the Tong Shi Weishi before your or any of the other current member's times.
- History 16 -> Currently they are just neighbors who import and export without much political exchange between the two. You know that the two nations have not had any problems in many centuries, though they used to war in ancient times as many of the nations did. Though you don't know what stopped their fighting.
- Geography 16 -> The city of Lanh is nestled up against a small mountain range about a days journey from the boarder of the Tong Shi Kingdom into the Teichi Kingdom. It is mainly known for its wool and milk exports which they sell to anyone who is willing to pay.
- Nobility 15 -> Teichi's government is comprised of a single president, though some may call him a dictator, who rules over the whole nation from his high tower in the center of Tenshi. Though you don't know the mans name you do know that he is said to be very old and stern in his ways.
- Local 15 -> The nation of Teichi doesn't have much crime, so you are not expecting much resistance from there. But seeing as an alliance from two of the biggest forces on Gia is a very big deal, you are sure some unknown thugs will surface to try to stop you.
- Religion 16 -> Though both kingdoms share some religions, not much else is shared in belief between the two. Even some of the deities that they both worship are seen in different aspects by a member of each kingdom.
Thank you, Sir. I shall be ready to depart directly after breakfast as ordered.
Saku gave a nod to the Captain then stood, preparing to leave as she had all the information that she figured she would receive and after giving a bow to everyone in the room, proceeded to head for the door to go pack for a dangerous adventure.
Tenpenny nods once at the information, then stands and offers Saku a formal bow in response. He then turns to the captain. My thanks for the information, Sir. I wonder; will be be traveling with a caravan or escort of some sort, or are we, ourselves, the escort? I know not what pomp and ceremony one should show an emissary, I fear.
He searches his memories for anything he'd heard about the city of Lanh.
Pardon my boldness, Sir, but there is one thing I will need. My nature requires particular attention from a clockworker or mechanic every few days. I can satisfy this with my contacts locally, but will find some difficulty if I am not attended to every five days by one who is knowledgeable about clockworks, and one who has a special key for my winding. I apologize for the special concession I require, but if I don't have this, my lack of functionality will become a detriment to our mission.
"Very well, I will require only a means of transport and some proper food and water." Cassian replies as he lunges to his feet sending the chair back a few paces behind him. "Captain, I thank you for granting me the knowledge of such an assignment. This will mark the first major task I've been chosen for since you accepted me into the guard. I promise you will not regret this." He gives a bow to the captain and nods a goodbye to the remaining agents then exits the building to make for his home.
Although he had been living in his apartment for over five weeks, the place seemed scarcely lived in. The only piece of furniture that was not present when he moved in was a simple locked chest resting at the foot of his single sized bed. A few books littered his nightstand and his closet was almost exclusively filled with spare uniforms. When Cassian entered the room he made straight for his chest, unlocking it and removing a fully prepared backpack geared for travel. He double checks his supplies and returns it to the chest, locks it, and prepares for rest. In the morning he would only need an hour or so to study his grimoire during breakfast and set out to meet the others for their departure.
"Well then we must hope that this will be uneventful, and prepare for it not to be." sighs Kein stepping down from his chair and bowing to the captain, "And, I'm assuming we will be updated if any information comes available before we leave, now I must go and gather supplies for our excursion"
Tan Kien then heads to the market to pick up equipment for the journey ahead.
"Ah, I had almost forgotten. You will be given a caravan of sorts, a buggy and trailer, that should assist you in your travels. It should be able to carry any cargo that you need and allow each of you to sit comfortably and accommodate the convoy once you rendezvous with them." The captain starts in response to the questions presented to him, "As for a mechanic for you Sir Tenpenny, I can see about arranging a clockworker to accompany you on this journey. And if any more information is made available to myself I will give it you as well." He finishes up.
Tenpenny nods swiftly and offers a deep bow. I thank you sir, especially for considering my particular needs. I will take my leave now, seek out what additional gear I will need, and will be prepared to depart.. He turns to leave, then spins on his heels to add a final thought. I will not be late again.. The repurposed toy then takes his leave to prepare for the journey.
You take your leave from the hall of the Tong Shi Weishi headquarters, and the night quickly passes as you prepare for tomorrow's journey. The morning comes quickly, you waking just in time to eat some food (or equivalent for Tenpenny) before you leave from civilization for a few days.
As you leave your home behind you whisper a farewell, unknowing that this may be your last time you see it, but enough of that. You head to the meeting place where the buggy and trailer are supposed to be.
The captain is there waiting for you as you approach. "Welcome. Are you ready for this adventure?" He says with laugh. "You leave in an hour, so pack up your stuff and get ready to depart."
Besides the captain there is a few others here. There is a tall and wiry man wearing a clockworker's apron and glasses, with a pack full of tools, there is also what looks like two mechanics working on the buggy to make sure it is in perfect, or at least as close as they can get, condition.
Tenpenny bows to the captain and offers a single not to the affirmative, then sets to loading his goods on the buggy, keeping his arms and armor close at hand. He bows, though not quite as deeply, to the clockworker, as well. I thank you for coming. I should have no need of any winding for two days, but if you have a kit for cleaning and greasing, my functionality could increase if my gears are given some attention.
He turns back to the captain, before entering the buggy. Sir, when we arrive in Lanh, how can we find the convoy? Or, perhaps, they should find us. He shrugs as if the question would be answered in its own time, and that it wasn't a large concern for him.
"I look forward to it greatly, sir" Cassian replies as he absently drops his backpack into the storage compartment of the buggy.
In truth, he couldn't wait to be free of the city and embrace the road again as it had been years since he allowed himself to be overly settled for too long in one place. The privilege and power that came behind that of the Brass Lion was worth the weight of monotony that came with city living, so the elf believed. The vary notion, matched with an odd compulsion he attributed to the thirsty onyx katana at his side, seemed enough to try for position.
"Have you provided any means to communicate back to you if needed? Feather tokens, a raven or the like? I find it troublesome to go venturing off completely naked of protection from the Kingdom we're taking such great risk to ensure prosperity of," Cassian asks as he straitens his back and looks the Captain in the eye. Slowly he then curls the corners of his lips to a slight feigned smile with hopes to soften the hint of political reservation in his statement.
I am as ready as I will ever be, Sir.
Sakurabana replied to the Captains question and gave a glance at the buggy that she was going to be getting into. Setting down her backpack and luggage on the ground next to the Buggy, she looked for the luggage compartment. When she found it, she walked over and tossed her travel bag inside, hoping that she didn't crush anyone else's things. Her bag was rather heavy and bulky.
As the bag flew into the cubby, she gave a shrug and a wince at the clunking sound of the bag hitting other bags that were already inside.
Oh, I really hope that didn't break anything important by doing that...
She muttered then cleared her throat, picked up her backpack and proceeded to climb aboard, sitting down in a seat that was closest nearest one of the back wheels. She had decided to keep her backpack on her instead of placing them in the compartment since she never knew when she would need anything from her bag. In this job, she had learn to always expect the unexpected.
Last to show Kien seems to have haphazardly stuffed most of his possessions inside of a bedroll leaving the handle of a frying pan, what appears to be a sextant, and some other odds and ends sticking out of the sides of the roll strapped to the top of his pack with a length of rope. Setting the pack down Kien unties the bedroll and places it in the storage compartment with his companions' gear picking up a bag of marble that had wiggled loose and stuffing it into his backpack he slings the bag back over his shoulders.
So, we ready?
he says with a toothy ape-like smile.
Tenpenny gives his simian companion a nod. Best to be on our way; it doesn't serve to keep an emissary waiting unless you're the one he's waiting to see.. The sudden flash of memory from his old life and a lesson from his love's noble father would have brought tears to a human's eyes. Tenpenny was incapable of generation tears, but his face grows distant in his reverie.