Luthadel.
The city at the center of the world, Luthadel is the place where there is always something happening; where fortunes are made or lost on the (sometimes literal) roll of the dice; and where more than one group plots, plans, and schemes.
This is the story of one such group.
The Hanging Blade tavern is one of the most raucous and busy taverns in the river district, known for it's strong drinks that will wash down the ash, roaring fire at the hearth, and policy of absolutely no weapons. The crew of servers and bartenders see to the former, while the pair of massive Skaa bouncers that people often joke are half Koloss takes care of the latter.
It is in one of these back rooms that our story begins. A young crew has come together to plan their first serious job geared towards their greater goal: To improve the lives of the Skaa.
While spies and ne'er-do-wells might listen in at the door or window of any of these back rooms, it is this one they know well to stay away from, given the fate of the last person who spied on the room or it's occupants.
The group is meeting to discuss one of two possible missions that might strike a blow for Skaa rights: There is a Nobleman of house Venture who is well known for his rather kind policies on the treatment of Skaa. He treats them well, offers relatively good working conditions, and doesn't abuse them.
This noble, Arthus Venture, is currently under fighting a political and financial war on several fronts with several different nobles, including a couple from his own house.
Aiding him would likely mean aiding the Skaa cause.
The other mission is a bit...trickier. Venril Urbain doesn't beat his Skaa or overwork them, but it is said that he has a long standing tradition that any Skaa woman who comes of age under his watch must submit herself for his "inspection" and wife training.
This month-long ordeal has lead to the death of more than one Skaa young woman.
Seeking vengeance against this lordling would help the Skaa cause as well.
Ash arrived early as planned, and grabbed a drink on his way into the meeting room. He had brought some papers with him to read, but he didn't spare them a glance. He paced for most of the time. He was in his skaa clothing, a necessity for this meeting place, but they didn't feel right today. The fit was off and they itched at him.
The decision was also bothering him. His Crew, well the Crew really, he more facilitated than last this time around, hadn't done much in the way of direct attacks on anyone, even the nobility. The result appealed to him, but he was't sure killing anyone was juts yet necessary. It probably wouldn't pay much either.
The clear choice to him was helping House Venture. It was noble backed, so the pay was going to be good, and the finesse needed for such a job would be exact. He couldn't help but start sizing up the Crew for the mission.
He could take the point as usual, and work his way into the necessary conversations and meetings. And where he couldn't Soren could probably push the right buttons. That man always knew the right information, and if he didn't, he could leverage Ash's own information network to find what he needed. Damian didn't fit this plot as well, but his strength could be necessary in a pinch. Ash frowned, a new thought occurring. He hadn't really used intimation since the days of his old mercenary crew, but Damian could certainly supply that. Jehoy's infiltration ability spoke for itself; they just needed to find out who could be impersonated.
He managed to stop pacing before the others arrived, though he remained standing and offered everyone a handshake and a pat on the back. He felt a little off again as he was greeting everyone, the formality of the noble life sometimes intruding on the casualness of the skaa existence. He led the conversation to small talk until everyone had arrived.
Even during the small talk he was thinking about the Venture. They had a lot to learn. Who were the main antagonists? Did anyone in the crew have existing information about them? What trade offs could they make with the other factions? Was Venture really pushing the legislation for the skaa benefit, or did he have his own ulterior motive?
As the last of the small crew arrived, Ash waited for the small talk to settle before turning to the matter at hand. "I have my own thoughts on the matter, but I would like to hear yours first. Preferably not Soren, for we'll surely share his opinion by the time he finishes talking. So Damian, JeHoy, what are your thoughts on the offers?"
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A man with bushy hair and a nondescript clothing leans forward with his elbows on the table.
He had arrived late and brought a bundle of food and a bottle of wine with him, from which he now ate and drank.
The food looked spoiled and the wine was no better but JeHoy seemed to be enjoying it.
When Ashweather spoke JeHoy paused from his meal.
"The Ventures are the obvious choice. If we help them we can achieve the ultimate goal of this crew: being back under the heel of the nobility. Shine your shoes Master? Fetch your wine! Why of course" Jehoy replied sarcastically. "I joined to break free from all this not to serve again. I say we go after the Urbain's. We can kill him and then I can use my ..... particular talents to take his place, giving us all of the power of a noble house with no strings or contracts"
Damian slinks into the room, shoulders rounded and sagging, eyes down, gait slow, his demeanor presenting an odd contrast to his size and musculature. For all that though, his hands always remain loose and ready, and beneath his hooded lids his eyes slowly but constantly survey the room.
Damian grunts and scratches the back of his head.
"Gotta say I agree, if fer diffren' reasons. Venture been doin' this for a while. He might be gettin wore down, but it happens slow. Urbain? He kills women on the regular. Can't stomach that," he shrugs and pops his knuckles.
"Fer me, 's easier to cut out the rot than to grow the good."
Soren looks around his youthful face belying the many years he's spent among the ashes. His long hair--such a contrast to the shaved head he used to sport--is pulled back showing his face. Those who knew where to look could just faintly see the traces of the intricate tattoos Soren spends so much time covering up, but to most they are now invisible.
On his way back to the meeting room, Soren begins to burn some of the bronze he'd swallowed earlier, trying to make sure there were no tineyes around. He glares over the room, but once assured, he enters, leaving the bronze running for a bit just to make sure.
Finally as the meeting starts, Soren sits back to listen for a bit. He lets Ash's remarks slide by without a word, but still waits quietly till the others have spoken. Finally he speaks up, "I agree that Urbain is our greater target now. His threat is immediate, and while it will be difficult, if done right, we can use all he's got." Soren nods towards JeHoy and raises a glass, "Wealth and influence, to further our future causes." Soren takes a sip before turning back, "Aside from that, can we trust Venture. We should find out all we can before pledging our support there." Soren lets out a sigh, looking back to Ash, "Lord Ruler, man you know how long it took me to trust you."
Ash nods as each of the others state their opinions, and alternates because making eye contact and taking notes. Well i believe we have a consensus then. I had actually thought siding Venture would be beneficial, but i like your idea JeHoy. This doesn’t just need to be about toppling one man, this can be about carefuling unraveling everything he has been doing against the skaa.
He pauses for a second, considering, and then looks back over at JeHoy. I still don’t think we kill him. No, wait, hear me out. We take him captive as justice for his crimes, and then we keep him alive as a source of information. That can help you will your deception, and possibly benefit us down the line.
"Not sayin yeh or neh, but takin alive is harder 'n juss killin. Harder to do, and harder to keep done. Ties up resources."
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"Ash, if I'm to take his place I'll need his bones. I don't know about you but in my experience humans kind of need them to live but then again, what do I know, I just do this for a living" Jehoy says, slurping from his wine.
"That said I do need an extended period of observation to learn his ticks. At least a week but more would be better. Anything less and someone will notice something"
Ash frowns. Ah, yes, I had forgotten. I’ll confess, you are the first kandra I have worked with. At least, i believe that is the case. Regardless, capture first, extract information, and then prepare him for mimicry, you might say.
Now that the group has agreed upon a target, the next question remains: What can they learn about him and his "policies" towards the Skaa, and what to do about him once they do?
Damian folds his arms and ponders.
"Shouldn't be hard to get hired on as a guard, or at least be able to talk to 'em. I prob'ly know a couple of 'em well enough to buy em a drink er two. Most guards dun get paid nuff to keep em from scuttlebutt," he muses.
Ash watches Jehoy as he abruptly leaves. He turns back to Damian.
"I think that is a strong idea. I can also offer the services of my cleaning crew, perhaps at a discount opening rate. We'll need to establish a few answers:
What is his upcoming schedule? and does he often deviate from it? Damian, your role will probably be best suited to learning that.
My cleaning crew can learn about the layout of his domain, and how we might best infiltrate it.
I can also ask my contacts for more information on the rumors, or to at least confirm them. We will need to make sure we are not condemning a man just on hearsay. It would also be helpful to know if he has any rivals.
Soren, any thoughts on how to aid? "
Soren nods at each, then finally looks around. "I think I should start by contacting the few seeker's I've still got a connection with and seeing if they know what kind of alomantic problems we'd be dealing with. It might be useful to get some eyes on later, but for now, rumors are a good start." He stands and turns to go.
You make your way to the Pewter Mug tavern, a well-known hangout for professional guards. While you aren't in the trade, you have managed to become 'one of the regulars', so no one gives you too odd a look when you come in.
Asking around a bit, it doesn't take long to find the Terris guards who work for Lord Urbain. Most of the guards who frequent the Mug (as the locals call it) tend to sit with their co-workers, but they are usually raucous and having a good time.
The two guards that work for Lord Urbain, however, do not speak, unless it is to order more drink. Watching them for a few minutes, it's clear that they are drinking like they are on a mission.
More than that, however, the thing that stands out the most to you is that one of the two Terris guards is clearly female, although she is much more muscle than soft curves.
If you want to try buying drinks for them and strike up a conversation that way, then you can test Resources. If you just want to walk up to them and strike up a conversation, that would be Charm, and if you want to try and convince them that you are tough and would be a good fit for an opening (if there is one) as a guard, that would be Reputation. Obviously, if you want to go a different way, we can talk about that as well.
You wait until evening then find a secluded spot near Lord Urbain's manor to work your transformation, and soon you have taken the form of a dog.
As you approach, you see that his compound is surrounded by a high stone wall, with the only break a fence made of stout Oak at the front.
There are two Terris guards, one male and one female, standing in full livery outside.
You approach the manor of Lord Urbain during the day, and see the manorhouse itself is surrounded by high stone walls with large gates made of stout oak. There are a pair of Terris bodyguards standing outside, one male and one female, both clearly selected for their intimidating size. Both stand in full livery of House Urbain, and both are alert, eyes quickly scanning each person that passes near the house.
Damian grabs a mug and sits down at the Terris' table, taking a drink and eyeing their reactions.
"I need a job, and goin' by how tense yeh are, you need help, yah?" he grunts at the pair, keeping an eye on the room, only looking at them from the corner of his eye.
Ashweather approaches the guards with his cleaning foreman trailing close behind. He wore his white suit for this, and the cleanliness stands out against those around him, especially the foreman who is still dirty from a job earlier that day. “Good day, i wish to speak to Lord Urbain about offering ash cleaning services for his estate. I have labor to spare at this point in time, and i am offering a discount to the entire block . Ten percent off cleaning services, for the initial cleaning, and 5% off any further cleanings for a time of three months. I would also be willing to talk to the house keeper who can arrange for the cleaning. ”
Ashweather smiles at the guards. “After all, with Ackroyal Ash Cleaning, you are getting the first name in cleaning. ” He watches their reaction closely. They probably won’t understand that word play. He smiles regardless.
You work your way through your contacts and those you are referred to among the seekers, and none of them have done any work for Lord Urbain. You are about to give up and return to the others when you are approached by a Noble woman; in actuality, a teenager most likely not much older than 16. She says "I heard you are looking for information on Venril Urbain's Allomantic resources. I could sell you the information if you'd like, or you could talk to your friends and get them to do a little errand for me. It's not something that I can't get myself, but having the group of you do it would save me some time."
It's clear she believes that the information she has is of value, but how well can you trust her?
Given your stature, the guards to not outright dismiss you, and you quickly use your words to convince them to do as you ask. A runner is called for by means of a pulled satin cord, and soon you are escorted to the front door of the manor.
At the door, you are introduced to a stately man dressed as you might expect a butler to be "Greetings, I am Carver, major domo to Lord Urbain. I understand that you are calling to offer your cleaning services? If so, We do not currently have any need for such things, but if you have groundskeepers among your retinue, we could certainly use some of them. Several of our Terris contractors recently left our service."
He then looks at you unexpectedly.
You approach the guards and make your best "sad puppy dog" eyes, and there are several minutes where there is no response...before the large Skaa man bends down and begins scratching you behind the ears. While in your humanoid form, you might find this an odd sensation, in dog form it is extremely pleasant.
As you are not currently biting him, he reaches into his tunic and produces half a ham sandwich, which he sets off to the side of the gate and out of the way of foot traffic. As he feeds you, the Skaa woman just rolls her eyes. Clearly, this is not the first time he has fed a stray dog.
The two Terris seem startled as you join them, but they quickly regain their previous posture.
"Wassuort of work you lookn for?" asks the Terris man, clearly drunk. He leans forward and stares and Damian bleary-eyed.
Internally, Damian sighs.
"I've got a weather eye, a strong arm, and a history of getting the job done. You seem like you could use somebody to share the load."
Ashweather nods. "My workers are skilled in landscaping, so it appears we can do business. And trust me, their reliability is based on my own and is not easily misplaced as some... others might have done. So what kind of work do want need done."
"Need a job though you may, you don't want to work at the horror factory we work..." says the male Terris, who is then cut off with a look by the female one, who apparently can hold her liquor better.
"Our noble patron is not currently seeking any new employees." says the woman, who though drunk, begins to eye you suspiciously
You wait for an hour or so and nothing really happens, aside from the occasional head patting or scratch behind the ears from the male Skaa.
"We mainly need people to maintain our bushes, hedges, and lawns in the front of the manor. The back half of the manor requires some specific and very detailed work that requires years of Allomancy training, so is handled in house."
Carver thinks for a moment and then says "I would be more than happy to give your service a chance, but we have some very strict security guidelines for our employees that I an forbidden from discussing ahead of time, other than mentioning that if you are just doing your hired job, you will not be harmed in the slightest. Assuming that you are ameniable to this, I can have the contracts drawn up for you to sign, and I will need to have the crew that you will have working here sign them as well."
Carver waits expectantly, although it's clear that he's hoping he hasn't scared you away.
Ashweather appears thoughtful a moment as if he is considering the offer. In light of his mission, the man’s comments are intriguing rather than disturbing. Finally, Ashweather brings his gaze back to Carver. “I believe we can do some business then. ” He gives Carver the contact information of his main office. “Please contact me here when the contracts are ready and i will bring my team over to review and sign, a sling as everything is in order. ” Ashweather facts in the last bit hastily, hoping to notnseem to eager in agreeing to the job.
Get them talking. Ugh.
"...Horror factory?" he says slowly, his gravely voice stretching the words out.
"What do you mean by that?"
Carver pulls out a stack of documents and says "I am prepared now, should you have your crew ready. Should you need to assemble them, please go and do so, as I would like to get this unfortunately situation behind us, before Lord Urbain is troubled by it."
As you are eating your free ham sandwich, you see a black carriage pulled by a pair of steeds, both war-trained Stallions; one has a coat the color of darkest night, and the other a coat of purest white.
After securing the carriage, the driver hops down and opens the door, and out steps an oddly-dressed Noble woman; she wears a half-cape which is thrown back over one shoulder, the better to give her access to draw the almost ludicrously-sized hand-and-a-half sword at her hip, the sheathed point of which nearly scrapes the ground. As she looks in both directions, you can see that she has two eyes, one solid black and the other solid white.
The most intriguing thing about her attire, however, is that she is wearing an Obligator's badge.
The woman doesn't say anything to the two guards, both of whom have already opened the double-gates for her and gotten out of her way.
Once she has stormed past, right-hand drifting down towards the blade hanging from her left-hand side, the guards re-secure the gate without comment.
After a few minutes, the carriage driver opens the door to the carriage, and the woman returns and enters the carriage, leading a pair of Skaa women, both of which have been fitted with torcs of solid metal that appear to be made of a single piece of iron, although they lack any sort of hinges or mechanisms to explain how they were attached to the women.
The two women following the Obligator are dressed in rather expensive-looking silk dresses with matching silk gloves (these are the sorts of dresses that would normally mark someone as a member of the Noble caste, as they are likely the only ones who could afford them.
After the carriage has disappeared from sight, the female Skaa guard shudders and says quietly "I'm glad I'm not pretty."
The male guard just quietly pets you, but it's clear he feels sad.
After a few hours, nothing else of interest happens, and so you make your way back to the group.
"Forget what my lummox of a friend said; our lord is a fair-minded man who pays us well and gives us plenty of time off." says the woman, who is eying you warily through bleary eyes. It's clear that she doesn't quite trust you, but you can likely change that.
Ashweather smiles at the man. “Quick and decisive, this is my kind of business deal. If you would give me just a moment...”
Ashweather pulls his foreman out of earshot and give he’s him quick instructions to gather any cleaners that might have landscaping experience and to bring them here for the job, even if it means switching it some crew assignments.
With the foreman gone, he turns back to Carver. “He will gather the crew, in the meantime i can look over the contract, and perchance you can give me a tour of the grounds and what work you will need done. ”
"Good pay s'what I'm looking for," Damian shrugs, leaning back and taking a swig of his drink.
"I'm a hard worker, and used to dealing with nobles, the best and the worst. However good or bad he is, I reckon I've seen both better and worse," he says nonchalantly, baiting them to prove him otherwise.
While you've certainly never met her, she is somewhat famous in the right circles, and so you at least know of her. She calls her self Duality (or something like it, you aren't sure), and she is an open Kandra who is whispered to have made a pact with the Lord Ruler himself, if such fanciful tales can be believed.
You've heard at least one story that she has a unique ability among Kandra: she can control parts of her own body, even if they are removed from her
This includes her blood, which the same person who told you the story above told you she uses to control people under her command.
Not wanting to stay around and possibly get noticed by her, you make your way back to the group.
He produces one of the contracts, with a note attached to it that says Employer and hands it to you.
The woman sighs and speaks in a low tone to Damian, almost a whisper as she leans forward conspiratorially "You have a problem killing defenseless things? If so, you should move along. If not, my lord might have use of you, though you will come to regret it if you take a job with him."
Ashweather keeps his face impassive as he read some through the contract, but he is distracted by his thoughts. Will this actually work? This could be bad business long term if this does not work and my reputation is hurt. Can my skaa - my workers pull this off? he tried to clear his head of hose thoughts and focus back on the contract.
Finally. Damian tries to keep his distaste internal as he replies, projecting an air of gruff indifference.
"I'll regret going hungry more. Sign me up."
The only thing that really stands out to you are the provisos about not repeating anything you see or say, and the requirement that the contract be signed in blood.
Perhaps the contract that your employees would sign might be different, but the "employer contractor" contract looks fairly straightforward: Maintain the (Carver has written in the specific areas that need to be maintained, which are the front lawn and trees near the wall, keeping them well pruned and tidy), and that there would need to be someone on site daily.
Carver hands you an odd pen with a sharp nib that seems designed for drawing and collecting blood from a body to write with, and then waits for you to sign.
"Okay, if you're really serious, show up at the is address" she says as she hastily scribbles an address in neat handwriting "in the morning and they'll make you an offer. Don't drink too much though, or you'll make a mess."
With that, the pair do not seem interested in further discussion.
Damian nods his head and chugs the last of his drink.
"Thenks. See ya in the mornin'" he grunts in farewell, tucking the note into a pocket. He ambles out of the tavern, and wanders around the city somewhat aimlessly until it's time to meet up with the group again.
After spending about a day canvassing and gathering information, your group meets to discuss what you have learned.
Ashweather frowns at the odd pen. He tries to charm Carver out of signing in blood.
“Carver, my good sir, is blood necessary? Are we not a civilized society that has moved beyond such primitive measures? You know my reputation, signing in ink is just as binding as signing in blood. ”
"If I had my druthers, a simple signature would suffice, but Lord Urbain demands all signatures for contracts be in blood. As he puts it, 'any man can give his word. Giving something of himself is a bit riskier proposition.'"
Unfortunately, it appears that he can't budge on it, but he understands that you might not be comfortable. He will amend the contract slightly to insure that, should your services be up to snuff, he will recommend you around to friends of Lord Urbain.
Ashweather frowns, but tries to cover it up with a thoughtful look. This was not a good idea, but he did need to have this contract to execute the job. He remembers the main purpose of the job, steels his myself, and signs the contract.
“I have managed to secure a contract to work for Lord Urbain. It is only landscaping though, so it will not give use details of the inside of the manor. It is quite extensive though, so my team can learn everything about the grounds, and possible entrances and hiding places in them. How did your efforts fare?”
"Good. I have an in with the guards. Will probably end up being one myself. Will know tomorrow. Should make things easier," Damian nods.
Ash swears a common skaa phrase. "We're in trouble then; I signed the contract in blood." He swears again. "I knew there was something wrong with that. I shouldn't have... agh!" He frowns. "Now what? Do you know much about this Duality?"