Braeth listens to his friends questions and comments about their upcoming mission, interested by their queries and what answers they might glean from them.
He himself had no questions, no need to question what was to be done. These people had saved him, given him a home, food, friends and training. They were his life now... only he still felt the needs and fears of his past self
It's not wrong, not really... I mean who doesn't want wealth and riches in these times? Anyway they don't need to know about it, just keep it to yourself and no one will ever know. They wouldn't understand anyway, understand why I'm doing this... just keep it to yourself...
He kept repeating similar phrases in his head, showing no sign of his internal turmoil as he prepared to face what his destiny hid from him
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Depending on the timeline we could infiltrate, we have a stupendous cook with us and that would give us eyes and ears inside the manor. Gaining that foothold we would be able to exploit the knowledge and position gained.
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Everybody has a price. Even if there will be someone that cannot convinced with money, I believe that we'll find someone pleasured to accept our offers, like protection. Let's suppose there's a little group of people, unknown to us, who opposes the prince and has precious information about him. The enemy of our enemies is our ally, isn't it? Let's try to find them, if they exist, before swinging our weapons.
"... assassination?" Mhar blinks, feeling a pit of dread well up within him. No: he did not know the man, and he would not kill-on-command. As he slowly recovered from shock, and the monk began explaining more, he began to nod in understanding.
"I will not kill a man just on your say-so, honorable ones." he says. "I do not know this man, or have proof of what you say. I am inclined to believe you, and I am grateful for new life, but we will investigate before we kill. That said, we will certainly look into this for your sake and the sake of any enslaved." Mhar nods, forcefully, showing that he honors his word to those he gives it to.
"Regardless, we need all the intelligence you can give. None in his manor house? Then when, where, and how does he acquire slaves? What is the usual shipment method? How do they claim them, from where and from whom, on what schedule, and with what methods? Are there any taken into his home? Where are they sent from there? What are the particulars of the weapons and equipment seen on them when they do leave? Do others process the slaves and take from him - and if so, who? - or does he handle all parts 'in-house' as it were? Does he have family? If so, who, how many, and how old? What do the outer walls look like, and what about patrols both on the walls and surrounding the grounds? I understand you don't have all of this information, but the more we have before-hand, the better we can do to assist you."
"Additionally: what manner of distractions will you be using: I don't want to be part of anything where innocents - most notably the ill, elderly, pregnant, infirm, or children - are harmed. We - uh, sorry, all - I mean, I will not be party to such extreme measures. Let me be clear: I do not care who these innocents are, what their race or nationality, or how they are arrived. They are not to be harmed. This is non-negotiable." he pauses, realizing his situation. Then, "Yes, I realize that, should you wish, I would be dead quickly once again. I don't care. I do not want to die, but I am serving to liberate those unjustly downtrodden, regardless of origin, not to be party to wasteful destruction."
After hearing Albert's plan, Mhar says, "That... is an excellent plan. In fact, who, here, has marketable skills? I do, though I don't know that he would hire an armorer at this time. Do you know if he has one? I could craft basic armors, but perhaps with a critical, though hidden flaw we could take advantage of. What kind of time-frame are we looking at on this mission?" he asks.
After Jian, "Also a great idea, Jian. Does he have any other enemies? If so, who and where? Certainly any who have survived the slave-raids he is involved with."
"If all we need to do is kill a man, I suggest that this is a case of less is more."
"Few among us have the necessary tact for such a thing; and fewer still the stomach."
"If a single man need be killed, send Vem, this solution seems simple."
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REBOOT INCOMING
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You all stand outside the port city of Yokuna. The Path of Seikei has tasked you with meeting the Governor and negotiating a peaceful settlement. The Governor must relinquish claimed lands or suffer the consequences. There is a chance for peace now, but if all else fails, be prepared to fight.
You have a day to explore Yokuna, shop, visit, gather information and the like.
Jian starts with whoever is willing to go with him to buy his stuff (already listed) at the market of Yokuna. He also looks for local tradition of the city; perhaps he can found something that can make the negotiate more friendly and "problem-less".
He also tries to collect information about the Governor family itself, hoping to find something useful.
Thorrpe follows, with Shadow keeping to the shadows.
I suppose you guys have it under control for now.
Asking around about the Governor has gotten a mixed bag of responses. It seems the sentiment around town is twofold, some hate the gaijin governor for his aggressive actions and use of indentured labor while others view him as a military genius and a worthwhile leader.
The Governor has a wife, two sons and a daughter. He has numerous servants, both gaijin and locals.
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Cookie will help 'build' the picture of the local area & history.
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So while we're asking around do we want to discuss what our plan should be? I mean if the only way for peace here is for him to simply walk away or be killed, I'm not optimistic...
Ysanne asks of anyone listening.
Perhaps one of us can befriend the guy and see if there is anything he needs so badly that he'll let someone do him a favor in return for him settling on agreeable terms. Just throwing stuff out there. Ysanne shrugs.
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Jezelyn detects magic wherever she goes, curious about this new world.
She attempts to gather information about the governor, his policies, his pleasures, and his politics. She is curious if, perhaps, he often hires singers/dancers to perform at events at his estate. If so, is any big party coming up soon? She is also curious to discover what most motivates the governor. She wants to try to find a peaceful solution, but, like Ysanne said, she doubts it will happen unless they come up with a good plan.
If the opportunity presents itself, she might also sing in a local establishment to start gaining a good reputation, which might make someone like the governor more likely to hire her. And might also earn her some gold for the day...
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Braeth wanders around Yokuna, enjoying the sight of civilisation after so long spent cooped up in the monastery. He spends a portion of his gold on a new set of armour then spends the rest of the day trying desperately to resist pickpocketing every wealthy merchant he sees walk by
Come on now man, you've lasted this long without stealing you can keep on going... Just resist it, you've got plenty of money already... Just keep walking...
Well I'm going to go to a bath house and then put on some new clothes. These monk robes arent very flattering. I've got to enjoy the most of my freedom until we get around to offing the poor idiot. If the time comes and you need me, you can find me at the bathhouse we just passed a minute ago. We should also put someone in charge of coordinating this mission too or else we're likely to... Ysanne smiles and intentionally wanders off to the market square to shop for an expensive outfit and some jewelry.
"I must say," says Mhar, "I have to agree with Ysanne on this. Er, no, not the bath house, nor the shopping. I mean the coordination leader or leaders. A kind of authority we can all look to, and follow, and the final arbiter of decisions." he explains. "Organization, communication, and working together is going to be key, I think." he says.
Braeth nods in a agreement
"That would indeed seem wise. Might I suggest Mhar as a candidate? He seems to have been of great help during our stay in the abandoned village and I believe he possesses the necessary qualities of a leader"
Jezelyn would nod, supporting Braeth's idea to nominate Mhar as a leader.
"Wait, what?" asks Mhar.
Vem scoffs at the suggestion of Mhar as leader.
"Broken thing may well be able to organize a group of carpenters; but perhaps we should leave matters of subterfuge and assassination to those more knowledgeable and morally inclined."
She continues to Thorrpe;
"Regardless, your abomination, it could trail our mark could it not? It would be well for us to be knowing his haunts and activities. Even better if it can infiltrate his estate and inform us of guard positions, when they change shifts, and when the governor goes to bed."
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Don't you remember murderer that we are supposed to seek a diplomatic solution? First.
"How very interesting. Yes, you're right; the monks sent us on a diplomatic mission instead of them for a peaceful resolution. Did you ever think why the monks sent soldiers to conduct diplomacy? They know what they're doing; and the governor will too."
"Does the phrasing of a situation change its outcome? The monks didn't tell us to go murder this man, they said to deal with the situation peacefully if possible. When they already know the outcome. They merely had to pretend to care in order to buy your complacency."
"We are weapons of war, and we were told so at the onset of our rebirth. Don't shrink before the contract you agreed to."
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And that is why you are not the leader. We were told to be diplomatic, and that is what we try.
"By all means; and when the governor sends your head back to the monks in a box; the rest of us can continue with living on in reality."
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Braeth listens to the exchange with interest before voicing his opinion
"If we are disagreed on Mhar as a choice I must still voice that our leader must be as good at diplomatic conversation as assassination and overt combat.
I believe Mhar is able at fulfilling these roles adequately, but if we are not unanimous in this I would hear your suggestion Vem?"
I disagree about the idea of a leader. That's not about Mhar, you are good as you are, my friend, but having a leader brings the fact that we won't be equal. Yes, any of us can help in organization, communication and whatever we'll ever need. But the idea of giving the control to a single, or a plurality of people if that matters, just doesn't work with me. At least it doesn't if there are other choices.
This shouldn't stop us from deciding who should cover certain areas of interest. With those last words, I vote Mhar as the spokesman.
"Wait, what?" asks Mhar.
Vem nods to Jian,
"I suggest a council of thieves. We all have our pools of expertise, let the fish swim."
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Information and etc
Yokuna is held by the governor in his entirety. Beneath him, a council of locals, all experts in their field give him advice and aid.
The governor's current objectives seem to be acquiring more territory for the Gaijin. He is not a heartless man, but his actions are often dictator-like and he does use indentured labor in his endeavors.
He is not a lavish person however, but he does host soirees and affairs at his manorhouse from time to time. The next one would be in two weeks time during a local festival. His manorhouse grounds are then opened to the public.
Well that was most pleasant. Back to business, what did I miss? I learned the governor is having a party in two weeks. It should give us plenty of time to seek a peaceful resolution and present plenty of opportunity to cut his public service short. I suggest we send two people to represent the monks and their cause to find out if there is anything other than land the governor wants. We wont find a peaceful resoltuon to ending his land grab without some leverage to bargain with. Once they find the hooks or absence of them we can discuss how best to use that information. The rest of us should set to getting ourselves ready for plan B at the party by learning the layout of his manor, learning more about him through his friends, perhaps finding out if he has family we can use in a pinch, anything could be useful. Maybe some of us can find our way to act as workers at the party giving us more access to his place. Lastly, someone or two should set to making sure we can disappear in the event plan B is necessary. Governor's tend to have pesky personal security and I'd prefer we not take on his entire entourage. Although most security stop fighting the second their money stops.
Oh, maybe I can bribe someone into letting us go after the deed is done.
Did we establish a party coordinator? What does he or she think of my ideas?
The governor's wife organizes the parties but she sends couriers into town to pick up supplies and essentials.
Braeth switches his attention from his current discussion as Ysanne arrives with news. He listens with interest to her report and ideas, nodding along with certain parts as he thinks of what he could offer the group. As she finishes he lifts his head and speaks
"That sounds like a fine plan Ysanne. I think Vem and Jian would be the best to search out the manor since they are the best at stealth and disguise." he says nodding to the two ninjas
"As for diplomacy with the governor, I think our well spoken Mhar and enticing Jez would be the logical choices due to their comfort in speaking and somewhat less... murderous nature" as he speaks of Jez he aims a jolly wink in her direction
"Lastly, I think you, Ysanne, would be the best as far as bribes go. You seem far better at gathering information and contacts than I ever was. Instead I will endeavour to find the quickest and safest route to leave Yokuna in the event we have to resort to assassination. What say you all?"
Jez nods. This sounds like a good plan.
Alright then, I'll look into learning as much as I can about the man. His wife sends couriers out to gather things for the party. I'll start there. They can get weapons into the event for certain, and they'll know security and how it works.
We should meet nightly for the first few days to give updates. As we draw closer to the event we should take more care to not be seen with one another.
Jez and Mhar, good luck. I hope we can end this without bloodshed, but be careful.
"... huh. Okay-then." Mhar says, not entirely sure when this whole conversation got away from him. Or rather when it became about him, and then it left him. All without his input.
... why was he one of the "speakers" again?
Jez turns to Ysanne, Braeth, Vem, and Jian.
"If Mhar and I miss one of the evening check-ins, do not worry overly much. Perhaps we will impress the governor and be invited to stay overnight at his estate to continue negotiations. However, if we miss multiple check-ins, then be aware that that might mean we're in danger, and the assassination mission might also need to become a rescue mission. I wish everyone well in their preparations."
Jez turns to Mhar.
"How do we wish to first approach the Governor? Directly, or through another?
And, should we be straightforward about being emissaries from the monks?"
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Jian politely asks attention, then speaks to all:
"We should secretly communicate with the language we spoke before we all died the first time. It's unlikely that someone will be able to understand us. We could rent rooms in the city, as we were normal visitors, and, eventually, change them before something goes wrong. If we cannot directly met, we'll use written messages."
Jian continues by responding to Jezelyn:
"Jezelyn, I think that straight-forwarding admit to be emissaries form monks could be an error. I'm thinking this for one, only, reason; we don't know how the governor could react. Maybe he could start defensively with us and this would be a bigger problem. Let's give Ysanne the time to gather information, as they are always useful, before openly act."
Jian follows his sayings to Vem:
"Vem, I suggest to look for a job, one that could bring us as near as possible to the governor, the area of the party and anything useful in general."
Then, Jian looks at Braeth:
"Braeth, if you don't find anything to do, feel free to come with us: you are good at hiding just like me or Vem."
Jian, listening Mhar, asks him:
"Mhar, you seem puzzled; is there anything wrong?"
And, finally, Jian speaks again to everybody: "It's all OK?"
As he finishes talking, he releases his attention .
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After thinking for a few minutes, Mhar responds to Jian, "No, I'm fine. Thank you."
He turns to Jezelyn. "I see it as several different ways that we could do this. We could work together, and combine our persuasive talents and choose a singular story, or take two stories and go as individuals. In the latter, we have the option of plausible deniability."
He pauses, considering, before continuing. "I, for one, will not speak untruths in the cause for peace. If it is based on a lie, it will not be peace, as all lies are discovered eventually. However, I will also state that I am here, not for the monks, but for the betterment of the land itself. This is true: my fate has brought me here. They have simply given guidance. To that end, we may find other avenues of employment at the manor. The monks need never be mentioned. I am here for the people, for the land, and for the spirits. All else is secondary."
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The way I see it, you have a few leads but the most promising is either infiltrating or getting invited to the party... or even then, you can always try and get hired on as additional help/security. These parties are quite large and your diplomacy checks easily gathered this information.
Usually, the Governor sends his Master of the Guard to recruit from the local constabulary.
Braeth nods at Jian's suggestion but says
"That I could, but first I must perform some slight 'recon' if you will. I will return shortly."
Mhar continues to Jezelyn. "Of the two of us, you are the more skilled diplomat. I've watched you over the last year and recognize your talents in that regard."
He thinks for a few moments. "Let us go together. We will combine our talents and persuasiveness. I hardly look like a threat, and you look like the perfect person to invite to a party."
Jezelyn seems surprised when Mhar names her the superior diplomat, considering the many times he has spoken to up to inspire or organize the group, but she nods at his idea of approaching the governor together.
"We should be clear about what, specifically, we are trying to convince him to do, or to stop doing.
If we can figure out how what we hope he will do is actually in his best interest, then we will be much more likely to convince him of it."
"Agreed. I would suggest our first order of business is to get to know the full extent of his business. We come to him with the desire to get to know him, and help, where possible. We can explain our history in as much or little detail as we like. We should simply be careful in the presentation."
"Regardless of aught else, I could get a job as his armorer. Perhaps make excellent-looking ceremonial pieces - functional, but with a critical flaw exploitable only by those who know them, and easily fixed by me, should I wish to do so... which, should he agree to end any corrupt policies, and act on it, I most certainly would."