Akoril looks around as he samples the food created, thinking about how it relates to the more contemporary cuisine he's been sampling all over town.
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Akoril looks around.
Akoril notes "No markings on these doors like the others, I think they were once concealed among the walls."
Akoril nods and muses outloud. "Obviously we must not allow ourselves to become tools of this regime. Also I don't think we can openly defy Walkena. Perhaps a study and exploration of this place will give us the answers we seek."
Akoril takes the opportunity to back off and reposition on top of a ley-line from which they unleash an telekinetic arrow at #1.
Akoril struggles to get loose.
With Binji's help Akoril escapes. "Thanks Binji!" Akoril then tries to hit #2 with a forcefang.
Akoril holds his ground, casting true strike to ignore the smoke and then produces flame at #2.
Akoril dodges the worst of it.
Akoril shakes off the spell before beaming at the help from the Helpful Jackal. Nodding down and smiling Akoril he stands his ground to avoid leaving Binji alone and fires off a set of force fangs at #4.
Feeling recharged, Akoril unleashes another spellstrke on #4. This time gathering pointy debris and the like as he arrow swirls through the air.
Binji!!!!! Shouts Akoril, trying really hard to be upset, rather than worried. "Run and hide, come out when this is done!" Staring down the Daemon nearly on top of Benji Akoril whispers and oath to slay the creature that would harm Benji. Akoril then swirls the magic around him, plants his feet and taps into the earth beneath him. From there he unleashes an arrow at #4.
As the arrow stikes the creature, magic from the very ground reaches up as well, trying to impale the creature with a cold iron spike.
Akoril moves on from his tour of breads, having finally settled on a few good vendors and trying to bring balance back to his diet.
Akoril spends a bit of time getting to know Wekesha better, explaining a few bits where he's found out about Wekesha's good work, while also sharing a few bits that could use work, trying to figure out a better approach for Wekesha.
Akoril nods to their allies. "Well done everybody, it feels like we're really making progress now." "Lets go see Wekesha again, see if we can make any progress there."
Akoril pleasantly chats about the various new breads he's been trying, trying to get a sense of how Themba feels about the paths he's been taken through the city and what Themba thinks about them.
Akoril introduces them selves and explains their Elven parentage, trying to probe them and learn about a weakness.
Akoril "We've finally made some tangible progress, lets go over what we know about the council."
Akoril happily takes a lunch meeting. "We've had some mixed success I must admit. Our sparing against the guard was an embarrassment, but alas our expertise is in knowledge and economics. Certainty those efforts go well at least. While it is not your immediate goal, wouldn't any inroads here by anybody, lead to further opening of the doors, and perhaps a brighter future for Vidrian?"
Akoril breaks bread with Sihar, pulling out currants and following up on Kiri's points, but taking a broader look at their tactics. "While their spears, not as dense as the currants were in this bread. Their spacing remained in ways to cover each others actions and limit our movements. The pillars of the arena did impede their progress though, just as the cheese in this other bread..."
Akoril also continues to quite enjoy the local breads, probably a bit too much, perhaps it might be wise to cut back, or at least go clothes shopping soon.
Akoril nods "That sounds more pleasant than hearing more about bricks and the building blocks of civilization."
Akoril waits patiently before engaging with Wekesha about various bits of success and failures of the local government. Hoping...
but failing to show that he's really learned about the city. Akoril takes a moment to refocus, and present his arguments differently.
Akoril spears to his allies "Lets see if we can arrange a new meeting with Wekesha."
Akoril nods "We're professors, not professional warriors, I don't know how we ever thought to stand a chance."
Akoril steps away from 4, helping Kiri flank with #3 before firing an arrow point blank at them.
Akoril then protects himself with a shield spell.
Akoril concentrates and takes a couple shots at #1.
Akoril then struggles to get a 3rd arrow off.
Akoril scrambles to their feet, taking awhile to get there.
Once on their feet, Akoril snaps off a shot at #1.
Akoril steps into flak with Kiri and then unleashes a Crushing Despair.
Akoril casts haste on Kiri and then fires a arrow at #3.
Akoril does a little leap and kicks off the nearby pillar to get away from #3. Barely keeping their balance as they land just out of reach.
and then fires an arrow back at the guard he just escaped from.
Akoril takes a shot at #2 before moving to take cover behind a pillar.
Akoril shouts "Maneuver Red! Maneuver Red!"
Akoril nods to Jumimo, "Let me tell you what I've learned so far about where to find the Jackal guards, and see what you can find out for them for me."
Akoril nods "Their cruelty does seem problematic in that front. Although I imagine the diplomatic gaffe of causing any sort of lasting harm to the junior members of our delegation would help stay their worst bits. Lets ask them what they think." Gathering the students, "Worknesh has proposed a show match between his elite guards and us. We are considering among other options suggesting a match instead between new recruits and a quartet of you. Before we go further and propose such a match, we wanted to gauge your interest. Know that they are cruel, and while any such match will be extremely unlikely to result in permanent harm, their cruelty will make any such match painful and unpleasant in ways that are hard to predict."
Akoril ponders "They may have more to learn than we do. What if we suggested a contest between some of our students and a more junior group of theirs?"
Akoril will consult. "I suspect they will be brutal, but if we put up a good showing it'll go a ways in impressing Worknesh. I'm sure however that it'll give the Jackal Guard and the secret police insight into our tactics, which if things go particularly poorly could be a disadvantage later."
Akoril talks to Worknesh. "I continue to be impressed by the Jackal guard. While I'm sure we do not have nearly enough time to get into all the details... my training certainty reflects the specifics of the layout of Nantambu. Come share an anecdote of how their training reflects Mzali."
"A few calisthenics might do us good, especially for our younger members like Ignaci. Let me show you some of our routines, and we can learn from each other."
Regrouping later... Akoril frowns "That seemed to go particularly poorly. Lets see Worknesh again. Maybe if we have some extra time, figure out if there's something we can do to get on Wekesha's good side. Maybe bring Ignaci with us?"
Akoril looks over their shoulder one more time, to make sure they aren't being obviously closely followed. Akoril nods to the citizen "Apologies, but we should make our meeting short. It is good that Wekesha works with the citizens so much. Please tell me of some of the works Wekesha has accomplished recently, he's been so modest in his descriptions to us."
Akoril nods. "They've been following us everywhere. My colleagues have more pressing questions, but tell me where you are known to be, people you are known to see, so that we can avoid them and try and throw off any suspicion of the secret police." Secret Discovery:
Akoril starts "Perhaps we've caught you at a more opportune time. Our last meeting was so rushed and we didn't get to discuss all the ways we could help each other. Let me start by thanking you, and asking if you might introduce some of your associates."
Akoril nods, "Lets have another chat with M'bele. We'll save Ignaci for sorting out the secret police, maybe bring Jumimo with us?"
Akoril politely eats some of the fruit. Even though Akoril has been having a good time touring Mzali's many bakeries, the change of pace is welcome. Akoril comments. "Your knowledge of the Magaambya is impressive and we thank you for the hospitality. I do wish to sample as much of the local cuisine as possible while we are here. Perhaps you can recommend some local resturants." Akoril tries to steer the conversation into Themba discussing their preferences. Secret Society to Discover Weakness:
If Akoril doesn't know where they've been based on his bakery tour he spends the time trying to track them down.
Akoril invites Onyije along to go meet Ochieng and Themba Sufu.
Akoril does their best to look like a fearsome warrior, having spent some of the time hunting down Worknesh reading and learning about local millitary history. Akoril eventually settles on a hat that harkens back to a great warrior in the city's history instead of his normally jaunty pick. Akoril, trying to look his most imperial keeps his posture held tall, trying in both manner and clothes to impress Worknesh.
Akoril nods "I admit to already putting on a few pounds as I have been touring the city's many bakeries. Many speak of the good work you have done helping them prosper, keeping trade flowing through your good works. I'm sure you know why we're hear, so please tell us how you see further interaction with Maagambya and the outside world best benefiting the people of Mzali."
Akoril is of little help in this endeavor.
Akoril ponders out loud "I'm most crios as to Wekesa, and the official position of the needs of the locals."
Akoril listens and responds, hoping to inform his allies and set the stage. "Please, slow a moment. We have no animosity towards the trading guilds of Vidrian's capital Anthusis and understand that Vidrian needs many trading partners and allies since throwing off the shackles of Chelixian oppression. Perhaps even if you do not have time for pleasantries with our innkeep, you have time enough to engage in some with ourselves? Surely any time you spend talking with us, furthers your goals, does it not?"
Akoril nods somberly. "Thank you for understanding the limits of what we're able to do. While our individal blades and bows could help your revolution, The Strength of Thousands leading to reform may be of more benefit."
Akoril puts down his sweet roll and embarrassingly wipes the crumbs from their hands. "Let me speak first clearly, before we pursue any further discussion. We are explicitly forbidden from working with the Bright Lions. So let us put a lid on those discussions, and instead talk about how our work and your work might best benefit the people of Mzali, Especially those who suffer the most." |