Kyto remains silent as they arrive at the estate. His left arm is draped comfortably across the hilt of his katana
After about fifteen minutes, two attendants in red robes comes to you, bow and ask you to follow them inside. The Jade Palace is a very luxorious place, with exotic wood walls and full of statues and beutifully illustrated ukyo-e. The whole place smells of incense and looks very tidy, despite being right in the middle of a dusty desert.
You encouter a group of geishas dressed in white passing through a corridor, heading for the upper floors. The two men introduce you into a large room with walls made of thick rice paper and decorated with lotus flower drawings.
There is a geisha in the room that is waiting for you to sit on the mats and cushions on the floor. Moments later, she takes a biwa and starts playing and singing. While she does that, the two men offer you high quality tea, sake and spiced food.
SOUNDTRACK
After she finishes singing, she leaves, and three people enter the room. One is Feng, that smiles and nods at your presence, and the other two are a old monk in golden and red, and a woman dressed in richly decorated robes. She takes a little bow, and then speaks to you. Her voice is firm and suave.
Greetings, you are most welcome here. Feng told me about what happened at the Garden, and I believe that I have finally found someone capable to accomplish what no one else in this town seems to be able to do. I suppose that Feng already told you about the theft Slate is responsible of, and that I need my possession back. I can only confirm what he said, and that you will indeed be able to collect the bounty if you bring me Slate and the object back. I now must ask if you fair ladies and kind men are still interested in this deal; I'm willing to accept any question you may have.
Alissera would quietly follow the attendants, glancing over the statues and paintings as she walks through the corridors. As they reach the main room, Ali would sit down, partaking in a bit of the food and tea while they wait. As the three enter the room and speak to the group Ali nods to the woman "I'm more then willing to bring that evil bugger to justice. All I need to ask, is there anything more of this stolen Artifact I should know about? And what exactly does it look like?"
As my sister has said, what is the object you are looking for? Also, why us? You seem to be a capable woman, with capable people serving you. If we will be able to collect the bounty, you could likely collect it yourself, and few do not desire more money. If the object is precious, why entrust it to strangers? If you are strong enough to not fear treachery, why not recover it?
The artifact comes from the Eastern kingdoms, and it's almost two thousand years old, and has always been in the treasurery of many kings and rulers, so its historical and traditional value is immense. No sense in hiding that, it is also magical. It looks like a sphere, no bigger than a pomegranate, entirely made of jade, with carvings and ideograms on its surface.
The old monk on her left whispers something in her ear, and the lady continues.
As for you questions, wise elf, I'm afraid that you are overestimating my powers and influences. As much as I would like to, I'm neither strong nor capable as you make of me. But I have the gold, and I'm willing to spend it for a proper investment, and you look like the right investment. I may not be overly powerful, but I can judge people very well.
Then Feng speaks: The theft of the sphere is causing much discomfort between the Constable of this city and the eastern diplomats. Which is why Caste decided to issue the bounty in the first place: but with too many bounty hunters, the situation got out of his hand and he was forced to impose all the limitations. This means that we can't go after Slate without waiting for our turn, and the few men we directly control in the Jade Palace aren't the right people for the job: we are a diplomats, not warriors, and the warriors at the Jade Palace all sworn their loyalty to someone else.
The woman then continues. I need to bypass such limitations: there is no more time to lose, Slate must be pursued by competent people before it's too late. This is why I want to employ my own group of outsiders. Without having to take order from the Constable or the Palace, you are free to go after Slate right away. You won't collect the bounty from the Constable, you will collect the money from me. But don't worry about repercussions: he can't punish you for this. And I can pay you as much as he would have: 60000 gold, dead or alive, plus 10000 if you kill his men, and you can keep whatever he stole for you. Except the sphere: that has to come back to me.
What do you say? asks Feng. We were able to collect some information on Slate and his gang. If think you might need them, ask away.
Sense Motive
Ali nods as she listens intently to the woman, not likely finding anything to be amiss.
"I understand Miss. I'm more then up for this job, Slate will get what he deserves, and you'll get your treasure back. And please, anything that helps us find him is more then welcome."
Listening to the woman speak Jin slowly draws in the sweet taste of the tobacco. When she is done speaking he thinks quietly for a time on what has been said.
The fates have brought us together. I believe this man you are asking us to find is the same that my leige is also looking for. I accept your task and will retrieve you item and this man for you. His injustices and crimes against the innocent are many and he must be brought to justice.
Pondering a thought for just a moment Jin taps the pipe to allow air to reach the smoldering embers. Pulling lightly on the pipe to restoke the coals he looks in the direction of the lady.
Since we would be gainfully in you're employ and to avert any undue questioning from the local authority. I would ask that we be given quarter. This would allow us better collaboration between you and oureselves and also a strong and trusted base of operations for rest and recovery if needed.
Jin-Darus bows deeply to no one in particular and says
I will honor and swear temporary allegiance to your cause as my warlord family has given me want to do if needed to complete my task
With a little effort, Korren raises his raspy voice from the back of the group, "I am happy to hunt Slate. Is there any other information you can give us about either Slate or the Item that may help us to find them?"
Korren turns slightly so that his left side is facing a wall and lowers the bandanna to take a drink from his waterskin.
Indeed. Any information you have on Slate or his people would be useful.
After giving in some thought It would be greatly appreciated to have information on Slate, typical clothing they wear and if you have an image of Slate's face would be very helpful also
The lady stays silent, letting Feng do the talking. Of course, of course. Here's what we know about the man.
Slate was last seen going to the Whispering Canyons, 12 miles to the West. That it most likely his hiding place. We don't know exactly how many people are in his band at the moment, but Slate is becoming very influent and so his personal army is growing very fast. That is why you must get him as soon as possible. Slate is not a strong man, but he's quite a shot, so watch out. His face is on every bounty sheet on the walls of the town, so you should be able to recognize him.
He has no family here, he's not even from here: he is a former noble from the Kingdom Capital, turned rogue: he escaped the guillottine there only to get himself a ticket for the gallows here. No ordinary man's life is worth 60 thousands gold: but this is no ordinary man, and the King of Valderran asked for his death: that's why the constable can afford to pay that much.
As for a safe haven, you can stay and sleep here at the Palace at my master's expenses if you wish, till the job is done. But I doubt that's going to be useful: Slate is out there in the Desert, so if you want to hunt him, you are going to sleep outside I'm afraid.
After Feng finishes, the lady listens the old monk that is whispering in her ear, and then stands up and speaks to you. It's settled then. I am glad that we were able to reach such an agreement. You are indeed the right people for the job, so I thank you for that. Feng will provide you a parchment each, as a useful reminder of the information we have on Slate. I would like you to leave for Slate tomorrow at dawn, so you don't attract any attention from the Constable.
But you are free to go around the town for the rest of the day, getting the supplies you might need, and perhaps, even more details about your man that we weren't able to gather ourselves. I must go now, if you excuse me, feel free to remain here to organize yourselves if you wish. The next time I see you, I'm sure that Slate will be captured or dead, and the sphere will be back is safe hands.
Then she bows and exits the room, leaving you and Feng alone.
In the desert? Katz says with raised eyebrow That is no place for a city soul. We will help him.... get back home.
After they've finished speaking, Alissera would politely bow and make her way out. She'd shop around town in between trying to gather up bits of info.
Gather Information with Diplomacy:
Ali's shopping list
During her shopping Ali isn't in any huge hurry, and would be more then up for a chat should anyone so desire it.
"I will meet you all back here tomorrow at dawn. If you need me I will be at the Clock and Gear," Korren informs his companions. Korren heads to the Clock and Gear Saloon, taking a seat where he can hopefully overhear the conversations of other patrons.
- the Constable is getting nowhere with this "wait in line for your shot at Slate" thing, but diplomatic pressure from the ambassadors is forcing him not to take too many risks.
- not all the Eastern diplomats are ok with that though: you overhear someone saying that soon "some of them will be hire their own bounty hunters". Apparently, there are many power games going on at the Palace, with rich diplomats and merchants trying to one-up each other.
- there is going to be a small musical exhibition or a travelling band at the Red Mist tonight, and most of the town hunters, gunslingers and maybe a lot of outlaws will be there.
Alissera, you find the cart at Rickman's, and the rest of the stuff at Goldsniffer Bill's Emporium.
Korren, you still aren't able to determine who the lady is. You can only be sure that she is not seen around town that much, but she speaks a good western language, so either she studied it abroad, or she's been here for a while but was able to hide her presence very well.
I will still be here in the Zen Garden playing my peaceful music and meditating until the time comes
[ooc]I will wait abide my time until the Musical Exhibition as a side interest of mine in music and because I might be able to find something useful. Will still go well properly dressed with my katana and my courtier clothing.
Thank you very much for allowing us to stay here. I will return this evening after gathering supplies.
Jin-darus will mount up and move around town collecting some gear.
50' silk rope 10gp
compass 10gp
travelers outfit 1 gp
trail rations 10 days 5gp
gather info perception
Jin will stop by the Clock and gear for some evening music and drinks before retrning to the jade palace.
You are all able to get what you want from Bill's Emporium for regular market price. The rest of the day passes slowly and uneventful.
After you all meet with each other during the day, you hear about the musical exhibition and decide to head to the Red Mist Saloon as the municipal clock strikes 8. There are quite a lot of people going there (not many riches and merchants and other "respected members of the community, to be honest), and when you reach it you can hear loud music from inside. The band, a famous travelling act called Stinky Pete and the Bastard Gentlemen, has just finished playing a fast violin-folk song, and they are thanking the crowd for being so supportive.
There are few people gambling (probably because Gambler's Alley is just around the corner) but there are many drinking: Alessa, the halfling owner, is very busy serving liquors and beers around, and you suspect there will be many more drunk people than usual. Thick tobacco smoke permeates the room, and people are chatting and dancing and generally having a good time. There are approximately 50 people here, mainly cowboy natives with few Easterns. You spot dangerous fellows in the crowd, a number of well known town bandits, thugs, thieves and rascals.
What happens next is quite strange. The band starts playing a soft folk ballad, a very famous and touching one, and all the people in the Saloon stop and listen without saying a word. Especially the various thugs and outlaws: they are very moved by the song's words, and a couple of ugly faced bandits are almost in tears. The athmosphere is surreal: after the song ends, a long applause is shortly followed by more drinking and smoking and dancing.
Your group finds place at a table near the counter.
Jin-Darus Takes a seat at the counter table with the rest of the group and packs a large amount of sweet tobaco in the long stemmed pipe. He listens to the music and asks the waiter for a glass of hard whiskey. A new found pleasantry that he enjoyed after a day of excitement. It seemed to calm the nerves and allow for more free and open conversation. He scans the room and chooses a few of the obvious easterners and a couple of the shadier looking "rascals" that he would try and glean some info from.
As the place begins to get noisy he moves off to make some new allies hopefully.
Every few minutes he will return and refill his drink and mingle with the group at the table and pass along any info that he has come across.
Ali would try to keep out of anyone's way for the most part, content to simply order herself an ale ( or beer O.o ) and relax in the back of the room. She'd look about the room from her spot, looking over the faces of the folks there, trying to remember if any of them might be trouble.
Perception
Knowledge: Local
Will save
Shosuro will try to play something of his own when no one is playing during the musical just for fun to animate things around the bar as he tries to gather information as discretely as possible.
Diplomacy
Katz simply sits and wait. He doesn't need to order anything, but does take a look around
Like Katz, Korren will simply sit and observe.
Shosuro and Alissera attempts at aquiring informations don't work very well. They just attracts a couple of stern looks from two cowboys, minding their own business at a table. The bar's too crowded and the people around too drunk or surly to just get into small talk with either of you. Different story for Katz, Jin and Korren...
Thank you brothers. How many were with him and how did they seem to you? After hearing there replies, Katz heads over to Ali and relays what they said. What do you make of that? An enchantment of some kind?
Korren will continue to watch the Eastern woman while attempting to keep his attention from being noticed.
If she leaves, Korren will follow; again attempting to keep her from noticing his pursuit.
Seeing the woman's movements and looks, will put JIn on the defense mentally. However he believes a good offense is the best defense. Jin moves over to the table where she is seated and sits down. He makes no eye contact but places his drink and his hands on the table in front of him.
good evening mam. I couldnt help but notice your interest in that young man over there. I know him personally if you would like to meet and speak with him. Or maybe I could answer some questions for you.
He pulls the long stemmed pipe from his mouth and begins to loosen the embers and restoke them. Looking up at the nearest waiter he beckons him over...
But where are my manners. I apologize. My name is Jin-Darus, may I get you a drink or anything before we chat.
He looks up at her across the table with a sly grin.
That is of course, if you would like some company.
As a matter of fact, no, I don't want any company she answers Jin-Darus with a rather surly tone. And I'm not interested in your friend either, I don't know what you are talking about.
She then uncerimoniously stands up from her chair, and heads for the exit with a fast pace, not noticing at all that Korren is following her from a distance.
I will continue to follow her, trying to find out why she seemed to be performing magic with my friend as the target.
I will also be trying to find out who she is .. lol.
Korren: you don't recognize her, but are able to follow her unnoticed. She seems to be in a hurry: goes past the still crowded Gambler's Alley, and the into the residential zone. Suddenly, she takes a turn to the right at the side of an house, and when you turn the corner, you don't see her anymore.
Alissera is sitting blissfully unaware of anything going on, still looking about the room and sipping on her drink.
Perception again
Alissera is sitting blissfully unaware of anything going on, still looking about the room and sipping on her drink.
Perception again
1d20+3
You don't notice anything in particular, but Katz-ne-ate just asked for your opinion on something he was just told by a couple of elven warriors...
Ali nods a bit at the information she was just given "Sounds like it. Probably that 'Relic' he stole...We should probably tell the rest of the group about this, Maybe they know something about this type of thing that we don't."
Knowledge:Arcana (to see if Ali somehow remembers something about this type of magic )
Alissera: You know that there are many mind affecting spells that could lead to that result, such as command, dominate person, calm emotions, hold person, suggestion... Of course, without seeing the spell in act, there's nothing much you can determine, except maybe that this spell seems to work over an area instead than a sigle individual.
Korren: You see an hanging thread from wooden planks of the shed of this house, so you think that she's probably gone up the roof, since you hear footsteps up there.
You also smell a faint, but very bad odour around: it nauseating, but not strong enough to make you puke your dinner yet. You are not able to determine its source from this position.
It is very dark around: there are no lights sources except a candle from a window on the opposite side of the road. It's all very quiet: people are either at the Saloon or asleep.
I will follow her up to the roof, still attempting to maintain silence; even more wary now due to the stench.
Shosuro: you are able to follow Korren just a few step behind. You also notice the faint stench.
Korren: you almost fall during your climb, but are able to get on the roof without making too much noise. From up there, you can see the woman back on street level, on the other side of the building. There is also a figure in a long coat and a large cowboy hat: you can't see it well, since it's very dark. The two are talking to each other in a very low voice. There are two saddled horses near them. You are approximately 30 ft from them, and the bad odour is stronger The two are still conversing and don't seem to notice you at all.
If Ali doesn't realize that Korren left for something important. She'd take a moment telling the rest of the group about what happened with the Elvish caravan.
If she does realize that something's up, She'd leave the saloon as covertly as possible and would wait just outside the front door, taking a moment to focus on her surroundings to see if she can pick anything up.
Perception
Back at the Saloon, the atmosphere is heating up. Regulars are much more drunk than before, the band is can barely keep playing without being assaulted by falling drunkards, and a fisticuffs between two costumers is imminent (they both had FIVE aces in their last round of poker). Mizuki, needless to say, isn't here. Suddenly, a stool goes flying in the air, hits the chandelier, and falls over a dwarf's head, who can do nothing better than charge and headbutt the groin a muscular halforc monk nearby. As the tavern fight ensues, the band keeps courageously playing regardless of the mugs of beer and various glasses thrown at their general direction.
SOUNDTRACK
Perception
Stealth
Watching the woman walk away Jin-Darus knocks back the rest of his drink.
I guess dancing and dinner are out of the question. She didn't even tell me her name. O well
He moves back to the table where Korren used to sit
Wonder where he went?
Jin heads over to the bar and finds an empty spot. He looks around to see if any of his friends are still present.
Jin notices the regulars are getting a bit rowdy. So he pulls a stool up, orders a round of drinks for the two closest people to him and waits to watch the rough stuff start.
Ah this should be an interesting evening hahaha
After a few hours Jin will return to the Jade Palace to sleep the spirits off.
I will try to creep close enough to hear what they are saying. I will also ready my rifle as I move.
Alissera and Katz-ne-ate can clearly see that their companions are outside already, probably because the situation inside the Saloon is heating up. Both can see Shosuro sneaking in the alley. Jin doesn't, but can see that Alissera and Katz are going outside.
Shosuro still needs to climb up the roof if he wants to see what's happening.
Korren manages to pull himself together despite the bad odour and keeps listening, guns ready.
When they turn towards their horses, I will ready an action to attack if they make hostile actions toward me, then I will raise my raspy voice and call out "I don't appreciate magic bein aimed at my friends there, missy, and I hope you two respectable citizens are not plotting against my companions; I would take that kinda personal. You should head on out of here and not let me see you crossin our trail again."
If they make hostile actions, I will target the woman first as I suspect that she can use magic.
Climb
As Shosuro reaches Korren up on the roof, the gunslinger calls out on the two strangers. The woman and the other rider are visibly startled. S*%+! I know you got catch! screams the mysterious figure. Is about to reach for his gun on the belt, but seeing that Shosuro is also up there and fearing an ambush from all sides, he just vigorously spurs his horse and flees from the alley, headed towards High Road. The woman follows moments after, and they both quickly disappear from your sight in a cloud of dust.
About a yard back, Katz, Alissera and Jin see two galopping figures going past the alley parellel to the one they're in, quite in a hurry.