"devil fruit" Light looks to Khael and Ziggit. " you're pretty certain that's what's causing thisome, correct?"
Mordrin continues to stand behind Light, silently watching and listening to the exchange among his crew mates. After taking a moment to ponder his response, he finally takes a breath and launches in.
"Mayor Goldwill, it's obvious that you've made a mistake in entering into this bargain with a mysterious and malevolent entity whose identity remains unknown even after all these years. Yet it is difficult to assign blame for a decision made during your years of foolish youth, especially under the effects of the feelings you held toward Arielle and the grief you felt at her apparent demise. While it may have been wise in some respects to share the details of this arrangement with the community that has entrusted itself to you, it might have also invalidated the bargain, so it is understandable that you have withheld this information.
It seems to me, and it appears that my companions would agree, that our involvement now might in fact be a boon to you. Our position as an outside party may provide an unexpected element in this game played by the Stranger. Perhaps that is why the two warriors who met their demise outside the tap house were given such vicious treatment. The Stranger feared their involvement, so he brought it to an end before it could spoil his plans. Hopefully, the element of surprise caused by our involvement will provide enough of a benefit to bring an end to this madness.
For now, we need more information. Do you have any additional knowledge of how best to face the ofuda? Do you have a map to the mines or of the layout of the mines themselves? Is there anything else you can tell us about the Stranger? With this latest attack, it seems the game is nearing an end. Time is of the essence, Mayor. Help us, and we will do what we can to help you."
"also,... do you know of any whom play in the mines now? If any?."
The mayor now looks upon the group and then steps away from the window. "I sealed the mines and forbade anyone to enter them. Told the town they were unsafe... really I just didn't want others to be taken in with "its" or rather the Stranger's words. I have no map... though I remember every tunnel by heart. I will accompany your group."
The Mayor walks to the couch that Ziggit was sitting on and motions for anyone sitting on it to get off. He then pushes the couch a few feet to reveal loose floorboards beneath. He tears them up, there lies a hard leather box, miners kit and lastly an old looking axe, old stains that were never wiped away remain upon it.
"This was in case he backed out on the deal... though, it has a new purpose now."
You get a general idea that the mayors story is truthful and sincerer. And also, that whoever this entity is, can back up any claims that it makes.
With a blank face and a few blinks Kael looked to Tassadar and said bluntly, " You are truly incorrect and naive. If you continue that mindset, you will not survive this world. "
Answering Light quickly after, " I am both positive and assured it speaks of a Devil Fruit. However, the Anomaly has great magical powers of its own. Either of which is being used to supplement the other. I will start taking counter-measures. Safe to say we are helping the Mayor. "
He looked to the man, " Goodwill, both myself and you are injured and our Mordrin has limited healing capabilities. It would be best to utilize those when they are needed in the likely event we approach this being or its sentries in combat. We should both imbibe one and save two for later, in case on of our members or Mordrin falls in battle such that they may continue. "
" I also ask if you may be able to assist us in gathering supplies of our own so that the mission will have the utmost probability of success. Just before the attack it was my duty to handle the finances, some of which could greatly increase the capability of some of the elder crew members. We have our own monetary value, but your assistance should make the transfer or possible discounts go along much smoother. "
"Who, may I ask is the spellcaster here? Magic obeys its own set of rules, our presence, the fact we remembered the entire attack shows that outside intervention is clearly possible. And people who make bargains should be responsible for those decisions, rather then garnering sympathy for being manipulated. Nor for keeping secrets when openness and honesty was what is required."
Tassadar almost wants to ask about what Kael intends for countermeasures, but decides it may be a ploy to get the mayor to come up with more dosh and keeps silent.
" The spell-caster is the Entity. Unless that was meant as a ploy to certify yourself, in which case your lack of knowledge on that front proves my point. Naive and incorrect. I and Ziggit seem no less versed. There is no ploy for sympathy and using the information gathered from our recent skirmish Tassadar, you would not have lasted the 20 years the Mayor has. Likely then entire population would gone in a year or two. That is what you do not understand. There was no choice for him it was either join the game or be subject to death while allowing the slaughter of innocents happen. Break the rules and end up dead like those people. Speak when you alone would have had the power to enact ANY of what you plan successfully, otherwise it displays your ignorance. "
"You are the only one who insists he did not have a choice in whether to join the "game". Even Light and and Mordrin did not. Where there is life, there is always a choice. Believe it however you want. I'll be waiting outside since my presence is no longer wanted here." He turns his back on Kael and walks out of the Mayor's house.
"quite the opposite Tassada-" Light begins before he begins leaving. She breathes in taking a deep sigh and listens as the door opens and closes. "let's be sure to keep an eye on him in case he wanders. That aside though, one would think he would grasp what we are getting at. I suppose age truly has no measure of one's walk in life. I cannot go back in time and stop you, mayor. But I can help you now. That is our intent if I may be so bold, but as Kael mentioned, your help in our resuplying would be helping mutually."
Light looks to Ziggit and the mayor, "our new recruit certainly is cautious. I can only hope he gains wisdom from this so he can live out a long life. He is a good person though, of that I am positive." without apologizing for Tassadar she also hoped to address it in a manner that cam across as sympathetic and understanding. "your thoughts on this mayor?" she inquires getting back to the case at hand. Rising from her seat and placing her cup down, she would walk to as streets idea Sandow available and watch for Tassadar in the case he wandered too far or was attacked for some reason. Uneasy about the outcome, this was the least she could do to calm her mind.
"Well, I ain't keen on goin' in ta sit'ation like this blind an all, but I'ma figurin' y'all might need mah help. Sides' that I'm thinkin' this could help us establish one another, like."
"I see this through with y'all, and you consider mah offer ta take me to Kartheisly in good faith, yeh?"
Kael watches the orcish fellow exit with an unmoving stare.
" Exactly Light. I have no doubt he has the right.. intentions. "
Kael looks Ziggit up and down, evaluating his words. Clearly they were selfish but at the worse the extra body would represent potential that could be utilized. It went without saying that the man was already informed of the situation and thus was somewhat involved already. Hopefully the polearm they all eyed earlier was one in which he was skilled.
" Now that we established everyone here is.. capable, I see no reason not to accept your help, for whatever reason. If the situation ends positively, it would greatly increase your proposal in our eyes. If nothing else the Lord Mayor and his people would be indebted to you. "
"When it come ta trust, let me tells ya this."
"I give ya mah word that I'm on the level with ya about mah trip and about helping ya with this mess the mayor be in."
"And so ya be knowing, where I'ma from, a man give 'is word, he gives his life too."
Ziggit pats a pocket on his vest, "In fact, I jus' so happen to carry a list o' men who forgot dat fact, and one day I'ma intendin's to remind 'em."
Ziggit grabs his spear and gets up from his resting position, "Whenever y'all is ready."
Kale looks at the man and simply nods. " Places that give you the name Ziggit? As that is clearly a moniker if anything. If it was your name and you were a bastard there would be a last name with it. "
" I'll take your word on the list, they may coincide with similar targets. "
Looking to Lightt the mayor gets an impatient yet determined look.
"I've spent 20 years pondering... I'm done thinking, it's time for action."
At Kael's request.
"Aye, I can help you sell your stuff and make necessary purchases, but we must make haste."
"Aye, yeh, places where one gets a name like Ziggit."
Ziggit is telling the truth about everything so far you get the feeling, excepting where he got his name from you feel is closer to a half-truth.
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Kael downs one of the potions and sets everything to get to work eventually informing Goodwill to carry a smaller barrel with about 5 gallons of sea water.
This all intricately cut and weakened to burst after a particularly powerful strike or impact.
" You will toss this when I tell you to. Otherwise carry it. It is an ace of sorts. "
The previous venture's loot split among the participating members at that time and requests fulfilled.
Kael was ready.
What little tracks you can find are hopelessly lost among the cobblestone streets, giving you no clear indication of whence they came.
You do however know about the mines. They are due north east of here. About a 5 mile trek across the tundra. They produced silver well over 50 years ago but have since run dry/collapsed. As such they have been shut down for a good 40 to 50 years. You also recall that it had a rail cart system that went into the more deeper part of the mines. Probably no longer operational of course after so many years of neglect.
Kael has heard a rumor that the reason the mines were shut down was actually because of some creature moving into them, forcing workers to abandon it...
"Um... Kael... I can't throw a 50lb barrel of water. Goodwill says awkwardly. As if it were obvious.
"I can't spot any Ofuda tracks, but mines are north east, 5 miles away from town. There's a rail track leading deeper into the mines, so it may not be...as small as one might expect, and it might take a few days to fully explore the mines. Don't expect the rail track to be working, its been years since the mine was abandoned."
"I can't spot any Ofuda tracks, but mines are north east, 5 miles away from town. There's a rail track leading deeper into the mines, so it may not be...as small as one might expect, and it might take a few days to fully explore the mines. Don't expect the rail track to be working, its been years since the mine was abandoned."
The sun reaches its apex in the sky over Hovelhome. People seem to be moving about with less ambition currently. The whole town must have heard of the tragedy.
" Correct. Similarly I hear there very well may have been a creature inside the mines all along. The fact this hasn't been forgotten is interesting. With the Mayor the trek shouldn't be too long nor should it take more than a day. "
Offhandedly he mentioned the mayor's plight. " You seem like a strong man, I don't need you to be too accurate. Simply enough to get the target soaked. "
"Do you know anything about the creature in the mines?"
Tassadar thinks that Kael's idea of returning tp the town in a day was not realistic, considering the trip there and back would take 4 hours. Afterall, who truly knew the extent of the mines? He does not say anything about it, there would be times for I-told-you-so's if it came to pass.
Kael's eyes shot over to Tassadar. " In what way? Do you mean do I know more about the creature from the local rumors? No. If you mean something else you will have to elaborate. "
"You said there was a monster. I just wondered if you knew anything more about it."He replies neutrally.
Kael shook his head, " No more, No Less. Rumors tend to be fickle but built upon a modicum of truth. It apparently caused the place to be abandoned outside of the vein running dry. This was 50 years ago mind you so it is some time. The rest of the information I know is the same you know of the area. "
"It seems too obvious to me, but I doubt the veins actually ran dry. More like, the "creature/s", scared off any workers... I'm willing to bet they found something valuable down there."Light says while holstering her gun. She very well might have been wrong but her gut told her otherwise.
" Well that would predate the mayor's run in by 30 some odd years. However, nothing says this creature is not the same who figured out the Devil Fruit powers and simply manipulated Goodwill's memories and the other workers to fit its needs. I do fin it odd the lack of Humans. I would assume previously there were many more. "
"my thoughts exactly Kael"
" Quite. That reminds me, for practical measures I assume everyone here has a weapon capable of bludgeoning a target out of commission? Nothing says the enemy won't try and make our job any harder by using Ofuda. Especially those with living hostages inside. "
Light nods with confidence. "I've also taken precautions should I be correct of the near future." Looking to Tassadar she would add, "I'm curious to trying something new should we face these "Ofuda" again... I'm unsure what would happen."
"Mayor Goodwill?, is there anything else before we continue into enemy territory? " Beginning to walk forth she continues., "otherwise, I'm ready to move out."
He cockks his head as he looks at Light. "What do you ibtend to try with those Ofuda?"
"Whatever else there is to know... we will learn when we find out."
You head out shortly after, Goldwill stops by a temple on the way and gets his wounds healed from earlier. Not wanting to waste the potions that are currently available.
As you all walk out of town, halfings begin to gather not far off from you. Appearing curious and almost as if it was a send off.
"They sure do look up to me... If they only knew." Goldwill says with a half sigh. Almost as if disappointed by the support he got from the town.
Not long later you all stand just outside the mines. A semi-circle archway is blocked by a few thick boards. There are a few signs that read "KEEP OUT, DANGER." Another one says, "NO SERIOUSLY, KEEP OUT." Another one reads, "THESE SIGNS ARE HERE FOR A REASON, DO NOT ENTER... YES THAT MEANS YOU!!!" Goldwill begins ripping down the boards that block the entrance.
Entering you find yourself standing on half rotting mining tracks, moist air fills your lungs and a musky scent tickles your nose. You steel yourselves and push into the unknown.
Ziggit casts a spell that leaves a faint diffuse glow about him.
He then readies his spear and falls in right behind the Mayor as second in line.
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Kael grabs what seems to be a broken piece of wood that suddenly goes alight with flame as he moves forward giving the place a wide birth before moving in.
He draws his Ninja-to the mystical properties taking some getting used to.
" Lead on Mayor "
Light pulls out a tiny flaming stone and holds it to her fore-head. A soft glow emanates from it as it begins revolving about her head.
"As I'd said earlier. Tassadar,.. A girl has her secrets." Taking a step forward she falls into line behind Kael pulling her gun out of her holster, "Guess we'll see,". Light places her mask back on her face.
"Don't really need it.". He looks at her light.
"Quite the opposite. Should I be separated or the torch goes out I can still see this way." She then falls silent once more
Kael and Light both pick up on a foul smell just under the moist, musty scent of the cave. It becomes more apparent the more you breath. Seeming to just hang in the air.
You proceed slowly, following Goldwill's lead. He appears to be avoiding the left most alcove of the cave and continues walking along the tracks.
" Could this be the scent of death? No this is far more tang than that. "
Kael held his flame aloft.
"I hear water, to our right it sounds as if its hitting against the floor and to our front off of water. Tread lightly in the case you should slip." Light says in a hushed voice so as to not speak over the sounds she was hearing.
" Quite. You have keener sense than I it seems Light. A welcome inadequacy on my part. Duly noted. "
Kael adjusting his posture to have the light illuminate a bit more forward than once before and being ready for any strange contact.
As soon as the party enters the mines, Mordrin turns to the mayor and addresses him. "I don't want to alarm you, but I'm about to do something that will seem rather odd. Don't worry, it's perfectly fine." Without any further preamble, Mordrin splits into his dual personas, and Green addresses the mayor again, "Besides, two sets of eyes are better than one."
The two Mordrins take up positions at the front and rear of the party as they move through the tunnels, both of them scanning the area for any magical auras, especially whenever they pass by open shafts to either side. Each of them holds a knotted piece of driftwood in his left hand: Green's bears a small, fresh shoot that has begun to grow out of the seemingly dead branch, while Black's bears dark charred spots where it looks like the wood had been burned. Both of them hold an identical quarterstaff in the other hand, ready to face any threat that might reveal itself in the gloom of the tunnels.
Kael reiterated the statement of calm, " Yes, do not let Mordrin's capability alarm you. While quite the convenient ability that is how certain fruits function. Not all are as convenient as his either. This very well may be the case with the creature inside. "
"Hmm, thats interesting. Does your double act independently of you, Mordrin?" as he makes a grab for the double to test for any reaction.
"Odd ta be sure. How is that fruity workin'? Is dat some kind o' split personality ya gots goings on? Is one of em' fake, like?"
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" I wouldn't do that if I were you Tassadar. Less you lose limbs. "