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Isagoras nods along, sagely, to the request. "Yes, of course, Melody, you must know that I shall execute any will of the council, but I have a small question. If the blade belongs to the assassins, why can we not but call upon them to retrieve their own blade? Have we had a falling out with them? Have they...fallen unto Shadow?"
"Let us just say that their current leadership cannot be trusted with something of such power. The Order will need to determine who is worthy to wield the weapon."
"I have plane tickets for you and your colleagues. Phoenix to New York, to Paris, to Belgrade. From there, you'll meet another contact who will take you to the destination."
Dave slowly turned around, and kept his hands free. With the skills he had learned over the years, he didn't even need to keep the blade on hand right away to be armed. His eyes took on a subtle red glow, and suddenly, he could see through the darkness. He looked to the voice's source, before speaking. "You must have some pretty big balls to try sneaking into here. I'll be nice enough to actually here what you have to say, but that better be made quickly."
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Isagoras again nods, but he leans in, closer. "Um, the Order must know that my 'colleagues' are not Initiates. Though their motives are altruistic and their character of the highest order, they have not made the Vows, nor spoken the Words. I do not mean to label them as adhering to avarice, but to continue to rely upon their goodwill to do the work pro bono may be a leap too far.
Are there neither funds nor Items of Power available to reward their fine works in name of the Greater Good?
Especially for the Private Investigator named Joeseph. If I do not show up either his rent payment or bottles of fine booze in hand, I canst not guarantee his presence in a second-rate cab, least of all a foreign country behind the former Iron Curtain where such frivolities as bathing, or modern wonders like indoor plumbing are still looked upon as witchcraft."
Dave slowly turned around, and kept his hands free. With the skills he had learned over the years, he didn't even need to keep the blade on hand right away to be armed. His eyes took on a subtle red glow, and suddenly, he could see through the darkness.
The man is wearing full ninja gear; he'd be pretty difficult to see if you had not activated your darkvision. His eyes are also glowing red, a trait you're not used to seeing in others.
"Of course," he acknowledges. You get the feeling he'd be pretty competent in a battle, but he definitely is not taking a hostile stance right now. "I apologize for the theatrics. You had to know that we have a similar skillset in order for you to believe what I am about to tell you."
"I believe you are the brother of one called Agni. He is one of the initiates of our family, and we recently became aware that he trained you in our arts, after a fashion."
"For the past several months, Agni has been in a prison of the family's devising. He is imprisoned not because he has been disloyal, but because our current leadership is corrupt."
"Even now, they seek to abuse their relationship with the Order of the White Angel to retrieve a powerful artifact from our family history."
"Your brother is convinced that this article must not fall into their hands. He's sure that the Order is going to try to retrieve it. A member of this Order is known to you, and we suspect he will soon be recruited by the Order to retrieve the item. This is fine, as far as it goes. However, you must ensure that during the process, no agent from the family retrieves the item before its safely in the Order's possession."
Are there neither funds nor Items of Power available to reward their fine works in name of the Greater Good?
"I'm certain something could be arranged," Melody says slyly.
Dave's expression falters, as emotions he's tried to keep hidden for years briefly make themselves known. "I... Agni is alive? But I thought-" He shakes his head, ridding himself of them again for the time being. "This... Order, thing. I know the one you mean. Tell me more about these things. About this artifact." 'About Agni.'
"This... Order, thing. I know the one you mean. Tell me more about these things. About this artifact."
"Our legends, which is the only source of information we have on the artifact, state that it is a powerful short bladed weapon of some type, a dagger or long knife. It's been attributed various powers in story, from thunderclaps to instant decapitation of foes to causing earthquakes. All we really know is that the Order placed it in a location under their protection, once they realized how powerful it was, for later use by a worthy leader. Agni believes that our current leader most certainly is NOT that person."
"Sense your concern for your brother. It is my hope that he will soon be free. Indeed, I could have brought him with me, had he wanted to come, but right now, he bravely chose to remain imprisoned. First, so that they would not suspect his involvement in retrieving this item, and second that he could gather additional information. I will watch over him, and when the time is right, he will be able to return. I hope."
Dave is silent for a little while, before giving a short nod. "Thanks. So, as far as i see it, you want me to make sure this bat-shit crazy WMD doesn't get snatched up by some guy with egomania issues. Seems simple enough. You mentioned it all like a family. Care to elaborate more on that? Your eyes are different. Like mine. Like his."
"It's a common trait. It goes back generations. Not really just in one biological family, mind you, but a limited population, definitely. A family that learned long ago the need to stick together for mutual protection. Unfortunately those not directly under the sway of our current leader are very small in number. You are a cipher. They don't know you, can't find you. I would never have found you, if not for Agni telling me about you."
"I guess I'm just that special then. If all you want me to do is make sure it get's in Izzy's group first, I can certainly help with that. Where do you need me to go."
"If you know the member of the Order that will be tasked with this, then you just need to wait. He will come to you."
"Pretty cryptic, but alright. Anything else I should know here."
Thanks!
"Pretty cryptic, but alright. Anything else I should know here."
You know all I do. Wait for the call.
"I guess that's that then." Dave leans against the wall, and basically just waits for the stranger to make themselves scarce.
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"I guess that's that then." Dave leans against the wall, and basically just waits for the stranger to make themselves scarce.
"Hey, mind if I leave out the window? I look a little stupid walking in the street like this..."
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And suddenly, any impression that this guy was cool was lost. "Yeah, that might be a good idea."
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And suddenly, any impression that this guy was cool was lost.
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Maria spent her free time as she usually does, working in her shop, telling fortunes and the like.
Now once again, she finds herself looking to save the world in Joey's office.
"Too bad we don't get paid for this." she says, joking but not joking at the same time.
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"...and so, that is why we must needs all make every effort to recover this ancient macguff-, erm, ah, terrible and powerful weapon, so that those that do NOT have clairvoyance or wisdom enough do not first grasp it and use it to terrible ends! Any questions?
No, Joey, we will not be hurling it into a the Volcano from which is was forged so that the Enemy doesn't get it either. Give us a little credit.
Oh, erm, yes, ah, Maria. Upon successful completion, there may, ah, be a, ah, small monetary renumeration coming. The exact amount was not stated, but I did, ah, manage to negotiate a material gain, since that seems to be a priority in this reali-, erm, ah, current period in history."
Oh, erm, yes, ah, Maria. Upon successful completion, there may, ah, be a, ah, small monetary renumeration coming.
Retconning slightly. Your expenses will be paid, and you will be gifted lesser items of magical ability before you leave Belgrade for the location.
Dave looks over the tickets, "Fancy. Yeah, the guy in control of this 'family' or whatever, is apparently like, an insane ego-maniac or something. Sword's supposed to go to a worthy leader, and you could probably take a guess as to weather or not he falls under that notion." He thumbs though hem again, before deciding to add something as an afterthought. "Oh, and if you see them, try not to kill them. Pretty sure most of them are just following orders."
"I'm pretty sure I can find some non-lethal ammo. Maybe even some less lethal spells." Valda smiled. "Salt shot hurts like a bastard, I'm told, but only makes you wish you were dead. And nice to hear we'll get something out of this. I hate to be materialistic, but I do have bills. And apparently I'm not allowed to magic them away, either."
Joseph scoffs, rolling his eyes as he adjusts in his seat and opens up a web browser on his laptop, typing idly as he speaks. His tone is one of annoyance and his tone matches with a dry, unamused pitch, complementing his raised eyebrow and expression of disbelief.
"Alright, just hold on a minute, Isagoras.. You honestly expect me to believe this?" The investigator holds up the envelope only to slap it down on the desk before him as he finishes with, "Really?
Rising from his seat, he turns the laptop around to show reveal his search was Belgrade's location, before throwing his hands into the air, his expression changing into one of ecstatic joy as he exclaims, "WE'RE GETTING TO GO TO PARIS?? Oh my God, that's so awesome!! I've always wanted to try wine in Paris! Then we're going to Serbia? I've never planned on visiting, really, but it's still exciting to get to explore a new country!! Oh, this is going to be awesome!!"
He pauses for a moment to look around the room before clearing his throat and saying in a much calmer, forced-composed manner, "I mean... This mission is very serious after all.. It wouldn't hurt to keep our stress levels down. I'm looking forward to assisting your order." Ending with a slight bow of the head, he quickly grabs a suitcase and begins thinking about what he might need to bring along for the trip.
"Don't really need alcohol since I can just buy some in-country.."
He turns hearing Dave and asks, "Oh, so we're taking the non-lethal approach? Sure - works for me. I only prefer killing as a last resort, really."
"We actually ARE getting paid this time? ¡Eso es genial! Though, I wonder how much it is to upgrade my phone to an international plan? I'd hate to leave Jessica without a way to contact me." she says.
Then after a few seconds, Oh, before we leave can someone drive out to my tío's place with me so I can leave my Shelby in his garaje?"
"Yeah, I'd have no issue with that."
"I don't suppose your contact mentioned getting our gear there, and licences and such for carrying it?" Valda mused outloud. "We're sure as hell not getting any guns on a plane, and they tend to frown on them in France, too."
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Unto Isagoras, the Order of the White Angel hath be-quested unto him the Clarifying Sphere of Generalfeldmarschall Gustav Narva Gustav. This Sphere of Power was responsible for the early successes in the early morning during the Battle of Poltava, but was lost upon the successful counter-attack later that afternoon. It only resurfaced after the Orthodox reformations of Tsar Alexander II, and was again in the possession of the Order after the February Revolution of 1917.
Isagoras talks for half an hour, and at the end says that they'll have a private shipment and won't need to worry about licensing.
The trip to Manhattan and then on to Paris goes off without a problem. You lose several hours of daylight with the time changes.
Just for fun, make some Fort Saves against DC 10 for Jetlag. I'll impose a -1 penalty to all rolls for 48 hours for anyone that fails.
Joseph excitedly looked around the airport, breathing in the French air and foreshadowingly says, "Oh my God, this is so awesome! I don't think I'll even be able to sleep tonight!"
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A can of Rockstar Frozen Lime Energy drink in one hand, Valda glances over at Joey and suggests, "Acheter tout le café."
Dave fiddles with his new expensive looking belt, which he received in the mail from some anonymous source. "It might just be my imagination, but I almost feel more... flexible, wearing this thing. What's up with that." He shrugs in the end, seemingly satisfied that his belt is secure and in place. He glances at Izzy, "I feel as if it's your friends to blame for it here. Care to give a more detailed explanation."
Turning to Valda, Joseph throws his arms wide into the air and bellows, "Qui a besoin de café quand vous avez l'alcool! So many tastes to explore and so many places to explore them! Ohhh, how I wish we would be here longer and just for vacation!"
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Considering this, Valda simply replied, "You?" sipping her drink.
Fort Save Maria:
Aside from some brief fun, nothing of interest happens in the layover to Paris. Joey's really feeling drained the next day as you head to your hotel in Belgrade.
You're staying the Hyatt Regency overlooking the river Sava and convenient to the E-75 highway.
After a few hours rest, you meet up with Melody, the same contact who met with Isagoras in Arzata. She's got your equipment (that went by private shipper) plus the magic items you requested (yours permanently assuming you succeed on the mission). She also gives each of you a debit card with enough money for meals and travel to and from the site, plus whatever normal equipment you need.
"Now if you'll excuse me," the woman with black curls says, "I'm needed elsewhere. Your guide should be by later this morning with a Jeep to take you out into the countryside, to the location you're needed at."
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At a soda machine outside the hotel Isagoras, feeling like he should try something new, picks up a Monster energy beverage. He's never had one, but the tomes of history tell him that wherein the winds change, so that is the way one must go.
Exchanges curt nods with Melody. Since she gives neither hint nor counter-sign, he assumes all is going according to plan...thus far.
"You need energy that much, Isagoras?" she asks with a smile, joking as we wait for the guide to arrive.
Dave stretches, "Well, we're here now then. Might as well get comfortable, could be here awhile."
Practically having to drag himself beside the wizard, Joey, groans with eyes screaming in exhausted agony. "It's not for him," he says weakly to Maria as he cops the beverage from Isagoras. "Thanks, Izzy - you always got my back!"
Huffing as he sulks beside the machine, he lays his head against it and sips at his energy drink, groaning, "Uggggggghhhhh, I think I'll need more than this to keep going... I can't wait to get a proper night's sleep - this is soooo unfair! Why me of all of us?? Why couldn't it be you??" He points accusationally towards his cat as it sits next to him, though he gets a feeling that the feline feels sorry for him in exchange.
".. You're right, I shouldn't take this out on you," he responds aloud before looking up to the others and adds, "So we're heading to the countryside.. What do you think is waiting for us there?"