Xiao Jin, NPC's page

Looking intrigued by Uuzkhangr's offer, the alchemist purses his lips. "What sort of creature do you have in mind, and what expense would it entail? I have to check my wares for further theft, but in a few days time I can be in touch, Master....?"

The alchemist waves a hand vaguely. "With what, half a keg? You could kill a man easily enough, or blow a whole in a ship. You're not going to bring down any significant structures, but the recipe isn't difficult to reverse-engineer. It's getting the ingredients in significant quantities that's the trouble."

Xiao's face is dark is anger but he bears himself with commendable discipline. Taking a deep breath and resting his hand on the broken powder keg he says softly, "We have no animals anywhere aboard. A full inventory check, yes yes, you're right. This looks like a theft, but perhaps more than powder was stolen."

He glances at Borumaru, then sighs again. "I must inform you, that the powder can also employed as an effective explosive--my people have historically employed them as firebombs or demolition charges--and I suspect that may be what our thief intends." With a significant glance upwards he mutters, "And it appears I must upgrade my security still further."

Xiao follows, his face darkening in anger as you point out the spilled powder and the broken keg.

"This the propellant room, and the heart of the anti-fire wards," the fireworks-maker says, pointing to a large sigil carved into the ceiling. "When ignited, the propellant bursts into intense heat and flame--if properly contained it can generate a considerable blast. Without the wards a flame in here could cause a great explosion--but even with such magic the powder would cause a great fire."

Xiao still looks skeptical, but says nothing and hovers a discrete distance as you conduct your search.

"Please avoid the sterncastle, the door has a somewhat unpleasant trap on it. That's our showroom, where we keep the finished products to be delivered to our clients. Since we have no significant orders pending it's empty aside from a few demonstration pieces."

His manner shifting abruptly, Xiao welcomes you aboard with a sweep of his arm. "How may I be of assistance, and what is it that you are seeking? Sabotage seems...unlikely, as Lord Deverin was generous enough to pay for magic to suppress most flame, and we carefully control who is allowed onto the boat."

Xiao Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
The older man scowls. "I notice you didn't actually say he sent you, and none of you are wearing Deverin colors, or even the badges of Derexhi mercenaries. Give me one reason I shouldn't throw you all out on your--"

Xiao's eyes go wide when the fall upon Borumaru, mouth working silently as he takes in the blade, dress, and otherworldly appearance. After a silence just long enough to be uncomfortable he bows deeply, and after nudging Ulrik (who somewhat awkwardly mimics the bow) Xiao speaks.

"Zūnjìng de tiānhuáng shìzhě, huānyíng guānglín! Yuánliàng wǒ de wú lǐ, dàn nǐmen de tóngbàn zhēn de zài zhège diàochá zhōng fúwù Deverin juéshì ma?"

As you approach the ship's gangplank an older man appears on deck, wearing spectacles on his nose and a similar apron to the boy--but without the numerous burn and scorch marks.

"You know we're not open yet, Ulrik, so who are these people?"