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Part 26b: Agents of Fortune
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Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
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There is no smell of smoke, but it can be seen, drifting above the
blue-roofed houses and up the flanks of the mountains behind the
city. From the fore deck of the Unicorn Dreaming ruined buildings can be seen in various places, many of them still
smouldering, and the charred hulks in the harbour are a grim sight
which brings muttered curses from the nearer sailors.
Three men and a woman stand there, and the captain, in his Amber Navy uniform approaches them. "I'll
not take her into the harbour, there's too many wrecks there for it to
be safe, but we'll drop anchor just outside and use the dinghy to put
you ashore."
The captain stands with them awhile, a man of middle years, his hair
filled with strands of grey and his waist starting to fill the tunic of
his uniform a little too-tightly.
Finally he pulls his eyes away from the wounded city of Cadiniagart, and speaks again, This
is a strange business. To masquerade as a Prince of Amber and
assassinate the king of a Circle member, or as good as. Who do
you think could have done it? Me, I reckon... "
"Enough, Captain. They're here to help me
uncover the facts for my brother, not to indulge in idle speculation
with the crew of their transport." The flame-haired woman
has come up quietly to stand behind them, and although she is more than
a full head shorter than the captain, the man seems very nervous of her.
"No, Lady Fiona, of course not. I suppose
you have things to discuss with them, so I'll go about my duties, with
your permission?" He doesn't wait for an answer, and Fiona ignores him as he hurries away. Instead she turns her eyes to the city.
"He's right though, it is a strange business. Have any of you any last minute questions?"
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
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Jonnee turns his back to the rail and regards Fiona with cat's
eyes. His fingers drum on the wood for a few seconds, until he
makes an effort to stop and yanks up the zipper on his old leather
instead.
"Hey, none from me. I'm pretty clear on what we're here to do."
He frowns. "This place is such a waste. All that, like, totally awesome scenery, right behind the beach, and not one useful wave."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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"Yes,
how do you plan on going about it. Do you want us to stay with you or
spread out into the city or among the servants and castle guard?" She is careful to keep her thoughts to herself since Fiona could burn
out her brain without even trying but an idea of the desired strategy
would help. She usually tried to avoid much notice from the red heads
of the royal famiy but she needs to know.
Kaelyn is dressed in her heavy armor but no sword at her belt at the
moment though there are daggers to each side, hint of many others that
might be on her person. A green surcaot with the white unicorn symbol
is over her black armor and concealing the golden phoenix. She has a
swirling cloak to match the surcoat at the moment.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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"And if we seperate, where do we meet again? Or
do you have a better means of communication, Lady Fiona. I, for my
case, seem to have misplaced my deck of Trump"
His hands on the railing he looks across the water at the ruins and
wreckage, his back slightly bowed. His heavy fur-lined clothes combined
with his broad stature give him a hulking appearance. No weapons are
visible, but anything could be hidden underneath these garments. As
usual his blank signet ring adorns his right hand, reflecting his
manners... dark and brooding.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
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James speaks quietly, "I thought we were investigating an assassination, this looks more like a civil war."
James stands next to the rail. His clothes are rather plain and
he is not as large as Andrej, but he has an unmistakeable physical
presence. He wears a white shirt, a subtly patterned navy
waistcoat, black pants and plain black leather shoes.
His conservative appearance is somehat offset by the sword slung at his
side. It is basket-hilted but the width of the scabbard suggests
a long sword rather than a rapier.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Fiona (NPC)
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"According to our main source of information, who barely managed to get out of the city, there were riots." Fiona replies. "The
ships were probably burned because people sought to prevent the
assassin escaping on one of them. Quite what they would do next
likely never entered their minds. People can get a little...
excitable when their king dies suddenly."
Gazing towards the shore, she suddenly shakes her head, then,
"I want you to look around the city at first, while I go and speak to
the new king. It may be that, if I can calm him, things will go
better for the rest of you."
"Try to keep a low profile, andget back to the harbour to signal the
ship if you get split up. The fires look to be mostly out, but
the situation could still hold danger for all of us. For the
moment, I would suggest that there is safety in numbers."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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On hearing that, Kealyn shifts to a more low profile. A twirl of her
cloak and removal of her surcoat and suddenly she is dressed all in
black with the gold phoenix symbol rather than having the obvious Amber
heraldry.
She waits for the others to lead the way into the boat to allow herself
more time to study the harbor and any people visible from here and her
companions and tries to decide how low key to play it when the dress
styles of several of the group is very unusual and definately clash
with each other.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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Andrej turns to the others, shifting his face away from the pier.
"I do not think many of the people here have yet
any knowledge about us and our connection with Amber. So any people
reacting odd to our presence here without - let's say - a challenge
first may be worth a deeper investigation.
He looks at his comrades, then, with a faint smile, bows slightly in Fiona's direction.
"Lady Fiona, will you lead the way to the dinghy so that we may start with our mission?"
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
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"With your permission Lady Fiona."
James turns to the Captain, "I don't mean to
tell you your business Captain, but I would appreciate it if you posted
a lookout with a telescope to watch the harbour for our return...in
case we need to leave quickly.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
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The captain nods at James' words, and watches as each of his passengers descends to the dinghy.
Random's four agents, Fiona, a dozen guards in the livery of Amber, the
boatmen... the dinghy is crowded, but not overly so. It cuts
swiftly across the low waves.
Fiona sits in the centre of the boat, cloaked and hooded, eyes fixed on
the city ahead and wearing a look of deep concentration. She
answers those who speak to her with terse monosyllables, or very short
sentences.
Eventually the boat reaches the harbour, gliding in between the charred
and sunken wrecks of perhaps a hundred vessels and coming to rest at
the foot of a flight of broad stone steps. The whole area seems
oddly deserted.
The guards are first ashore, climbing the steps to ensure that the area
is safe before anybody else sets foot on the land. Then Random's
agents, and finally Fiona.
The princess of Amber looks at the four agents, "I
plan on taking the direct route to the palace from here, with the
guards. Our presence should provide you with a distraction, and
make it easier for you to fade into the background. Good luck,
and try not to start a war." a smile, but tinged with worry.
Then she moves away, accompanied by the guards in their Unicorn livery.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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Kaelyn speaks, "I will be at your back, it is best that one of us move
unseen to cover and perhaps give some reinforcements" With her black
cloak and all black equipment made for silence, it is fairly easy for
her to fade into the shadows. She watches the others as she moves. She
is best when opponents don't know that she is there thanks to that time
with the seals.
"After you, gentleman" She half wishes she brought a bow but bow stands
out more than daggers and cloak concealed armor. "I suggest we find
several taverns. One for the nobility, one for merchants, one for
docks, one for the poor and one for the criminal element. We will each
drink in a different one with cover from the others that only sip. Go
in a as pair to guard quietly, one to watch backs and then the one to
ask questions. I have all the funds we need." She looks over the
others, "all in favor of a carouse in the line of duty, say 'Aye'"
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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"Whatever we do, we should do it fast. We stand out on this deserted quay like a priest in a sultan's harem."
He turns to Kaelyn.
"You are dressed for the shadows, but you should
be one of the first to ask questions. People tend to open up more
easily to pretty women."
Turning to go he stops and says:"By the way - Aye."
He smiles as he starts slowly along the harbor wall towards the nearest street, only waiting for the rest to follow.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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'No, it depends on where we go. The dockside bar needs a male to be
friend to the sailors so I will play quiet there. For some of the
others, I will suit since I trained as a mercenary and spend time among
nobility."
She allows the others to take the lead as she works to fade into the shadows along the docks to keep in sight and not too far.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
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"Andrej is right, we're too exposed here.
What's worse, anybody with a decent pair of eyes will have seen us come
ashore with guards in the livery of Amber, that kind of news will
spread like wildfire. If we're going to a dockside bar we need to
do it now or we'll find them shut up tighter than clams."
"Does anybody know there way around here?"
James moves to follow Andrej's lead, deliberately taking up position a
half-step behind and to the left in the position of a hired sword or
bodyguard.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
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The Drunken Porpoise is easy to spot. It's just a few yards up one of the streets from
the harbour, and even now, during the middle part of the afternoon,
there is a brawl going on outside.
Three men are rolling about in the street, each of them seemingly
fighting both of the others, watched by a crowd of cheering drinkers in
front of the tavern. A certain amount of money seems to be
changing hands among the spectators.
All that changes though when a group of uniformed men come out of an
alley a little further up the street, and move to break up the fight
and prevent its reoccurrence by the simple expedient of clapping the
combatants in irons and marching them off the field of battle.
As the men are taken away, one of the Watch, an older man, possibly a
sergeant or the like, hangs back and gives the tavern, suddenly devoid
of any extramural drinkers, a filthy look.
Then he spits on the cobbles in front of the building, and follows the rest of the troop up the hill.
It is easy to note that the further away from the harbour, the more crowded the street seems.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
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Jonnee regards the front of the tavern from a safe distance. "Hey! That's pretty clever. Wonder if they called it the Drunken Porpoise deliberately?"
He nudges james with his elbow, "Drunken Porpoise, see? Drunk On Purpose."
"Say, it looks a little rough. Maybe you guys going in there with
all those sharps on display might stir things up too much. Want
me to go in alone and unarmed?"
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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Kaelyn doesn't think a pair of daggers as much but she says quietly
toward Jonnee, "I guess you volunteered to be the main speaker here.
James and Andrej will watch you so you are covered and I will watch the
rest of the patrons for odd reactions to what you have said. Cover each
other's backs. We enter in the three groups, me first." She puts words
to action and steps inside to look for a seat in a back corner.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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"It seems, that one thinks somebody died and made her the boss. At least her thinking is sound."
Andrej turns to Jonnee.
"I think James and I should go next."
Throwing a glance at James he steps up to the tavern's door and pushes in, entering the building.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
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James shrugs, "Sort that out later." He then quickly steps through the door behind Andrej.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
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The inside of the tavern is even less inviting than the outside.
Dark, smoke-filled, noisy, foul-smelling... and they are some of the
better features of the place.
The room is crowded with drunks, women of easy virtue, and what can only be described as "professional ne'er-do-wells".
In the centre of the room, a barrel hangs from the rafters, swinging
unsteadily back and forth above the heads of the revellers below.
Painted on the side of it is a crude representation of Amber's unicorn
badge.
As Kaelyn finds herself a seat (by the simple act of shoving a
sleeping, or possibly dead, man off a bench), a knife flies across the
room and imbeds itself in the unicorn, bringing a ragged chorus of
cheers, and setting the barrel into an even more erratic motion.
A man sitting on the other end of the same bench leers at her drunkenly
and shakes a pitifully empty-seeming purse in her direction.
One by one the others come in, and spread out around the place.
As each of the men enters there is a momentary silence which spreads
across the room, as they are appraised. A silence which had not
accompanied Kaelyns's arrival.
In a place like this, a male stranger is seen as a potential threat, a female stranger clearly isn't...
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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As Andrej steps into the tavern he takes in the sights, letting his
gaze sweep over the patrons and assorted staff, trying to discern
possible threats by skill alone. His gaze falls upon the knife embedded
in the unicorn-painting and a grim smile appears on his lips, only
partially obscured by his beard, but still hiding his irritation at the
affront. Threading his way through the throng of revelers he heads for
a table near the bar, shoves some hapless fellow off the deep end of
the bench and sits down ignoring any stares.
"Ale for me and this table!", he bellows over the din. "I'm in a bad mood as it is..."
He looks over at the innkeeper, a dark stare, full of painful promises.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
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Keeping to his adopted role, James moves purposefully behind Andrej,
not even batting an eyelid as the big man shoves the unfortunate
occupant of his chosen seat aside. His gaze around the room is
frankly appraising, sizing the occupants up.
James grimaces as though in disgust, clearly he sees no threat
here. His stance as he stands behind Andrej is lazy, only one
well practiced in such things would spot the pretense and realise that
James's alertness hasn't slipped an inch.
The grimace isn't only for the patrons. Clearly, they have
miscalculated. Jonnee will need to tread carefully or the mission
might end here. Not that James was worried for his companions'
safety but a pub brawl would bring entirely the wrong kind of attention.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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Kaelyn silences the lewdness with the simple expedience of pulling one
of her daggers and imbedding it in the table in front of her. This
basically says that you have to go through her daggers to get her. She
also adds a scornful look at the size of the bag.
It is work but the mercenary works to keep an eye on the patrons of the
bar and their reactions to the questions and events. The issue of the
barrel is easily ignored save for the meaning it has on the attitudes
of the docks. There is no work with no ships so sailors and dockworkers
need something to blame until the port opens again. News of Fiona's
passing into the city should come here soon and have its effect too.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
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Jonnee is the last to enter the tavern, having left it a good long time to see if the others manage to start a fight without him. At
last he steps through the door and pauses, just inside, while he lights
up a cigarette and lets his eyes adjust to the gloom.
"As I guessed, no No Smoking signs. Reckon these boys never heard of passive smoking." he mutters to himself. He blows a long streamer of smoke up towards the ceiling, and sniffs the air, "Or Health Inspectors for that matter."
He makes his way towards the bar, smiling, nodding, acting like he belongs.
"Hey man. How you doing?"
"Whoah! Nice ink, friend! Get it done local?"
"Hey lady, if any money is gone from that pocket, I know who to look for, okay?"
"Yeah? Well the same to you, whatever it means!"
At the bar he strikes up a conversation while waiting to be served, and
buys his new best friend a drink. Turns out the guy is a sailor
(in a place like this, go figure). Jonnee knows a bit about the
sea, and in ten minutes he finds himself being introduced to others as,
"Me ol' pal, Jonnee."
He buys a few more drinks, and before long, he's everybody's ol' pal, Jonnee.
And that is when he starts his questioning.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
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Jonnee seems to be getting on famously with the locals, even tries his
hand throwing a borrowed knife at the barrel. It hits flat and
drops to the floor, pinning one man's loose-fitting trousers to the
boards as he lays in drunken slumber.
This provokes an increased level of general amusement around the room,
and more drink-buying and back-slapping. Notably, Jonnee doesn't
seem to be drinking any less than most people there, and a good deal
more than some.
His companions don't seem to be as popular, though they are left alone,
by and large. The main exception bein Kaelyn, who has no shortage
of would-be suitors.
Near the bar, Jonnee is learning to belch the national anthem of Cadiniagart...
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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Andrej sits at his table, another mug of unpleasant ale before him, his
gaze sweeping over the patrons again. His senses alert, his mind not
less, he smiles as he watches the line of people 'shot down' by Kaelyn
grow.
"She's a redhead... what do they expect...", he thinks.
With Jonnee becoming more and more everybody's friend, Andrej's focus
is drawn to the people directly around his companion. Sailors,
dockworkers and drovers, oh my. The worst gossipers in all of shadow...
with a few exceptions.
"Let's hope we find out something soon, or our cover is compromised before we even get really started."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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Realizing that this is not a chance to pass up, she lets the other
guard and she works to learn everything she can about what happened in
the city, especially to the one that killed king and all his men. She
also tries to find out why the riots and all the ships burnt. She is
very very careful to ask only a little about it from any one person,
just enough that they will speak freely without overly encouraging the
sailor to expect more than sitting with a woman that knows the dock
life.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
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James is almost glad that as supposed bodyguard he doesn't have to
drink. The ale in this place, let's just say he would agree with
Jonnee's comment about the lack of health inspectors.
He tries but fails to keep a small grin from his face at Andrej's
aside, he leans forward a touch and pitches his voice low for Andrej's
ears "They're drunken sailors and stevedores, I think we both know what they expect."
His amusement grows as Kaelyn stops short of outright rejection in a
bid to win information from her would be suitors. The envious
looks that the man being questioned is receiving from the other bar
patrons are almost comical. Kaelyn is certainly attractive
enough, but you have to wonder about the kind of fellow who would try
to pick up a complete stranger in full armour.
Responding to Andrej's comment about Jonnee, "You're right, but you have to hand it to the man, he knows how to make an entrance."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
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After about an hour of heavy carousing, Jonnee raises his hand and shouts out, "Anj now my dear friensh, it izh wi' grea', grea' shorrow, that I, - " he breaks off in his speech as he almost falls, tipping over a nearby
table in his attempts to steady himself. More raucous laughter
from his boon companions, until he quietens them down, "Iit izh wi' grea', grea' shorrow, tha' I, tha' I, that I, Jonnee mush lea' you allsh. For my wagesh are all shpen', and I mush
find more money 'fore I can shup wi' yoush all. Again."
He waves, and staggers and stumbles towards the door, bleary eyed and
slack jawed, and there are friendly hands aplenty to slap him on the
back and help him on his way.
At the door he turns and waves, "Farewell my friensh, I sha' ret - " at which point he falls backwards into the street, rolls over and starts to crawl away.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
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When the others make their way out of the tavern they find Jonnee slumped against the wall, eyes closed, drooling down his chin.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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Making her way out of the tavern considering what she learned, Kaelyn
glances at Jonnee as she moves past and up the street a ways to head
further into town. She pauses a way up the street so she can keep track
of the other three without being linked to them just outside the bar.
She is prepared to defend him if needed though. She mutters to herself,
"Damn fool drank too much, he holds his liqour like broken sieve. I
hope the others are better at intelligence gathering."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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As Jonnee finally has enough and delivers his exiting speech, Andrej raises an eyebrow.
"Either he is one heck of a good actor or he
really got into the job. I hope the former, but expect the latter
considering the amount of liquid he put away.", he says to James in a low tone.
He takes a few minutes to finish his last mug, not really drinking much, then drops some coins onto the table in payment.
"Let's go."
Taking a roundabout tour to bring him to the door, Andrej steps out of
the tavern. He takes a deep breath to evict the stink of the inside
from his lungs, then looks around, noticing Jonnee's slumped form.
"Oh for the love of...", he mutters and, shaking his head, turns to James.
"Well it seems 'everybody's friend' Jonnee is out of it for the moment."
He shrugs, then heads for the slumped body.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
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"Yo! What's happening guys?" Jonnee
asks, cracking one eye open and grinning. He wipes his chin on
the sleeve of his old leather jacket, then gets to his feet with a
grace which belies the amount he has had to drink.
"Ha! Psyched you all out. You guys need to lighten up, see the funny side of things."
He walks up the street perfectly soberly and winks at Kaelyn, then points to his eyes. "See these? I'm not like you guys. Alchohol doesn't affect me in the slightest."
"There's other differences too, but I only show them to a few special people."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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Kaelyn moves further down the street and waits for the others to catch
up before blending with them to share her news and hear Jonnee's and
decide where to go next.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
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James follows Andrej from the inn. He chuckles as Jonnee's charade is revealed. "Well, he got you Andrej...and me too," he hastily adds, "But I think you might have moved further away from the pub before giving the game away.
Trying to hurry the other two towards where Kaelyn is waiting, James asks, "Well,
I can't see your eyes in this light Jonnee. For the rest, I can only
guess that one of your special differences is a solid-steel
titanium-reinforced bladder, and you can keep that to yourself."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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"Whatever. Let's just move away."
Andrej shakes his head again. Some people have quite a lot to learn about subterfuge it seems.
"Come on, everybody's darling. Seems you can
hold yer liquor. Next time , though, cut down on the theatrics. It's
easier to do than undo an impression."
With a slight smile on his face he turns and heads away from the Drunken Porpoise.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
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"But when the impression you give is of a harmless drunk, it's surprising what you can find out." Jonnee replies, "Besides,
who d'you reckon they'll still be talking about in an hour, in a place
like that? Just another drunk, or a certain uber-babe who was there with us?"
"Anyway, they don't know much. Just the general stuff that's gone
around; Bleys killed the king and most of his boys, but one
survived. Bleys is still on the loose, Bleys can walk through
walls, Bleys this, Bleys that, blah blah woof woof."
"But I did find out that there was no ship claiming to be from Amber in
the harbour last week, so the Bleys who offed the king most probably
didn't come in by sea, and no ships went out on the day of the murder,
because most of them were gonna stay for the big Treaty Bash."
"Also, the thing with the knives and the unicorn? Don't take it
personal. It's that kinda place. Up until he was murdered
they had a barrel with the kings eldest son on it. There was guys
in there from all over, so they don't have any particular loyalty to
Cadiniagart. Most of them are only here until they can get a ship
to take 'em out. They blame Amber for their being stuck here, but
that's about it."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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Kaelyn adds "So far as I can tell, none of bleys's followers or men
have turned up either. A prince signing a treaty would have an
entourage so this false bleys might have all sorts of spies and agents
in town. They might have provoked the riot since normally a regicide
prompts lynch mobs not rioting in the street. I suspect we will have
question a palace servant to find out about the actual killing and how
it was done without guards being alerted. A whole family killed makes
you wonder where were the castle guard. Do we head for a tavern near
the palace to try to catch palace servants or towards the bad part of
town to perhaps get a hint of any agents or unsavory types?"
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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"The palace servants sound like a good idea, at
least until we find a clue. We could poke blindly around in every
rathole in this - city before we uncover anything."
Andrej continues to walk along the streets, heading in the direction of
the palace as far as he can remember the direction. His senses alert
for any people around and for any tail they might have picked up from
the tavern, he sets a brisk, but not running pace.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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Kaelyn will let AndreJ lead. she will stay back and keep an eye on
things for followers or ambushes. Space between them will also allow
them to enter bars seperate. A change of clothes will have to be done
eventually or someone who is watching for spies, informants or
information seekers will put their movements together.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
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The palace is pretty easy to find, just follow any street that leads up
the slope of the mountain, and eventually they all come together in the
great plaza, wherein stands the palace gate set in a wall of stone hewn
from the very bones of the mountain range.
The plaza is fairly crowded, and most of the businesses around it seem
to be doing well, unlike many that the agents had seen further down the
slope.
There is a respectable-seeming tavern, the Crown and Anchor, right on the plaza, though the entrance is located around the corner, on one of the approach streets.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
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James walks across the square to one of the shops. He stops to
peer through the window at the merchandise. The shop is carefully
selected so that the square behind him is reflected in the window,
allowing him to quickly survey the area without being too obvious.
Unfortunately, this means that he's looking at a range of items that he
recognises as hand-made paper and quill pens, an archaic curiousity to
someone of James's upbringing, but you can't have everything.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
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Jonnee studies the Crown and Anchor. A good name for a place near
the palace of a seafaring nation, but unlike the Drunken Porpoise, this
place looks nothing like the sort of bars he'd frequented back in good
old Las Angelos, back in the days before Kessler, and Brand, and the
big quake that had drowned his turf while he was away for three
days/thirty years, on a fool's mission.
Somehow he can't see the Crown and Anchor with a half-dozen pickups and
a whole herd of classic Honda-Davidsons parked out front. There's
probably never been a single fight in the place in all the years it's
been here, let alone a stabbing.
It just isn't natural.
He hangs back, wanting somebody else to go in first.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kaelyn appears more than willing to head into the bar first. She starts
by removing her helmet though and carefully removing the decorative
wings from it by removing two bolts from each and putting the helmet in
her pack so it doesn't show and then closes her cloak tightly around
her as she steps in. She looks around as she uses a hand to let her in
to see whether this is bar for off duty palace servants or nobles and
courtiers intriguing.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Crown and Anchor is clean as a new pin inside. Quiet, respectable, there are vases
containing flowers on the tables. There is one main taproom, with
several smaller rooms and alcoves opening off it, and somehow Kaelyn
gets the impression that the place is much bigger inside than out,
until perspective catches up with perception and it becomes apparent
that there are large mirrored sections and panels on every wall.
The place is almost deserted. Perhaps half a dozen customers
visible in the main area, though polite laughter suggests that at least
one of the side rooms may be occupied.
The visible customers are all male, and all in their forties and
fifties. Five are sitting around a single table to the left of
the door, and as Kaelyn enters they regard her with some curiosity for
a few moments before returning to their lively and good-humoured
conversation. Two of them are wearing what may be servants
uniforms.
The sixth customer, also in his fifties, sits at the end of the
counter, to the right of the door. He is drinking alone, and
heavily, and wears an expression of utmost dejection.
Behind the counter stands a large, red-faced man, polishing the top
while keeping a wary eye on the heavy drinker. As soon as he sees
Kaelyn though, he puts the cloth aside, and dries his hands on his
apron.
"Aye up, Lass, wha' can ah doa for thee today?" he asks, his voice surprisingly soft for a man of his size.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
"A mug of ale" reply Kaelyn as she lets her cloak go and it falls open.
she waits for her drink to be poured the bar. "And what do you have for
food?" She sits down pulling down her gold tunic a little over her
black breeches having chosen a table near where the servants are
sitting. The others should be entering in moments so she has to be
settled before they do. She will do better with the servants rather
than the dejected man.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
-----------------------------------------------------------
After a few minutes to get Kaelyn settled in, Andrej steps through the
door, takes his bearings and heads for an empty table near the back of
the taproom. Sitting down he motions for the tavernkeeper to take
his order.
I bet they have a decent white wine here."
His mind is open, his senses alert, as he scans the taproom for any unusual signs or more 'real' people.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Loitering about in the square, Jonnee feels as though all those guards
at the palace gate are just staring at him, waiting for an excuse to
come over and hassle him.
He decides to go and look at some notices that he can see on a nearby
board. That way he looks as though he at least has a reason to be
standing about, doing nothing.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James orginal plan had been to wait outside to watch the inn and
observe what little can be seen of the palace from here. However,
it seems Jonnee is less comfortable here than down at the docks and is
standing looking at the noticeboard in the plaza.
Crossing to the inn, James enters, rapidly scans the place, notes
Kaelyn and Andrej, then heads for the bar. He takes a spot a long
arm's reach from the sole drinker at the bar.
"Hello friend, why so glum? Can I buy you a," he catches himself before saying 'another', knowing he would struggle to keep sarcasm from his voice, "drink?"
The smile on James face is not forced, he somehow seems more
comfortable, natural even, with a smile on his face compared to the
caution he's been wearing like an ill-fitting mask for the last week.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The tavern-keeper is friendly and efficient in his provision of drinks,
and those drinks are of much better quality than those available down
near the harbour.
The five at the table are somewhat noisy, but in good cheer, mainly at
the expense of two people called Petro and Alissa, who are apparently
going to extreme (and unsuccessful) effort to keep their love for each
other secret, and it is only a matter of time before Petro's wife
discovers their affair. At which point, poor Petro will be
praying for a swift death.
The gloomy man regards James for a long moment, as if trying to
determine if this is all some elaborate ploy to inflict an unpleasant
practical joke upon his person.
Finally he nods, "Aye,
that'd be most kind of ye, stranger. As for my mood... twenty
five years I served him, since he first learned to walk. And now,
now that he's king, I'm no good to him and he dismisses me. No
reason given. I thought we had become friends."
Tears glimmer in his eyes.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kaelyn carefully listens for more tales and stories and a chance to
slip in and join the table of the five. It is strange that they are so
settled, relaxed and unworried so soon after assassination of the king
with the murderer still on the loose.
As that thought shifts around in Kaelyn's head, something else comes to
mind. There are guards with work ganges but there are no guards in
either tavern, no spies, no signs of hunting for perpatrators. Not even
one group stopping the strangers that tney are.
She sips her drink and shifts a little closer to the five at the table
to hear as the conversation shifts and ebbs. It is a bar of guards that
she needs to be visiting, off duty men, not servants. She will probe
this as long as she must.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
-----------------------------------------------------------
Andrej continues his vigil as he slowly drinks his excellent white
wine. As James and Kaelyn make their moves to get more information he
watches their backs, unobtrusively.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
"A sorrowful tale indeed."
James turns to the bartender, "Excuse me, one ale for me and another for my friend," he turns to his new drinking companion, "I'm sorry I don't know your name. I'm James."
"25 years. Were you then a tutor to His Majesty? It does
seem unfair for you to be thrust aside so rudely. I had hoped for
better from our new King. I confess I am new to these parts but I
had heard he was a just young man."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kaelyn listens in on the nearby conversation. These men, it
appears, are petty nobles, or whatever passes for such here.
Their conversation is naught but idle gossip, rumour and character
assassination of the worst sort.
One of them calls out to the tavern-keeper, "You there, more wine, and quickly. We have much to celebrate today!"
"His tutor? No. As a tutor I would have known my task would be done some day." the morose drinker glances angrily at the five at the table, as their call for more wine rings out across the tavern, "There
are some with no respect for the dead, to be so merry at such a
time... Where was I? Ah yes, no, I was his personal
man. His butler if you will. Until today that is. I
know grief can do strange things to a person, but he has changed so
much over these past few days. Now I, who has been like a father
to him, have been banished from the palace."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kaelyn takes her drink and slips towards the nobles smiling, She might be in tunic and breeches but they should be good enough. "What are you celebrating and enjoying when the rest of the city seems to depressed and upset." She moves to sit down with them, a pretty woman looking to join with those celebrating.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James gives a low whistle of astonishment, "The
prince's man! I agree that grief can do strange things to a
fellow but I would have thought the recent tragedy would make the King
more likely to keep those he trusts and knows close by.
Is it possible the King has been manipulated into dismissing you?
Maybe somebody wanted your job, no, your very life's work, so that they
could have the King's ear.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kaelyn, it seems, is welcome to join the company in their celebration. "Why,
my dear, you're welcome to join us. As to the reasons for our
celebration. We three have business concerns which would have
been adversely affected by the signing of a treaty with those arrogant
Amberites. These two friends of ours work in the palace, and have
informed us that the new king will sign no such treaty now."
The man nods to James, "There could have been somebody I suppose, but none that ever spoke to me of wanting me out of the way."
A long draught of his ale, then, "He
is so changed now. It seemed as though he didn't want me anywhere
near him. Two nights ago I heard him talking to himself. Is
it possible he is mad, do you think?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kaelyn nods to that,"I
have been through Amber and thankfully I was warned to avoid coming to
the attention of anyone there and I didn't stay long. I can understand
why though the new king is not eager for a new treaty but isn't it
early to be making such decisions when funeral couldn't have occurred
yet and aren't you afraid of Amber attacking?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James takes a pull of his ale, but it could be pig-swill for all the attention he is paying to it.
"Where I come from, they do say that talking to
yourself is one of the first signs of madness. Was he actually
talking to himself or as though to another person? Did you hear
him mention a name?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
-----------------------------------------------------------
It takes a while, but Andrej finishes his wine, enjoying the fruity,
slightly tart taste thoroughly all the way. He stands and heads for the
bar, arrowing straight for the bartender standing behind it.
"That was a very good vintage, my friend. Would it be possible to purchase a few bottles for later?"
Andrej leans closer and with a voice,low, but not a whisper, he asks:
"Good man, I just got here and noticed the
changes from last time I visited. The turmoil, the rumors- can you tell
me the do's and don'ts that now abide here? I really like it here and
would not like to get into - let's say negaitive contact with the
powers that be."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"But there you have it, for we are dealers in
weaponry. A decision that increases tensions between Cadiniagart
and Amber can only be good for our trade. It matters not if such
a decision has really been made, the mere rumour of it is sufficient." The five are laughing as one of them pantomimes the act of counting out coins.
"And of course we shall remember those who gave us the information."
"Aye, talking he was, as clearly as I speak to you
now, though when I entered a few moments later there was nobody in the
room with him." The man drains his tankard, and gazes into it wistfully, "He seemed confused at first, when he realised I was there. Even called me Martlett twice, which isn't my name."
"Certainly. 'a menny bottles 'ood thee li', Sir? "
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I think six bottles will suffice, thank you good man. How much for everything?", he answers conversationally, then waits at the bar, letting his gaze sweep over the patrons.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kaelyn considers, "ah,
I am sorry to hear that. I deal in gems and jewelry and the war is bad
for that business. I would rather be in the ship building business.
Warships are good and needed and traders even more so with all those
burnt in the harbor. Without ore and trade,you can't get your weapons
easily."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
The door of the "Crown and Anchor" bursts open, and Jonnee dashes in
and skids to a halt. His heavy boots leave scuff marks on the
polished floor and draw reproachful stares from the innkeeper. He
looks around and opens his mouth to speak as soon as he spots Kaelyn,
then closes it, and finally says, "Hey - uh - everybody! They caught the murderer!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James turns quickly and is facing Jonnee even as the tavern door slams against its stop, the hinges protesting at the abuse.
Hastily he turns to his drinking companion, "I beg your pardon, friend, and I thank you for your news, but I would not want to miss this."
James digs in his pocket, slaps down enough coin on the bar to ensure
that the gloomy man can forget his sorrows at least for one night, then
moves purposefully towards Jonnee. He pulls up as if at a loss as
to how to address Jonnee.
"Sir, how did you find this out? Has there been a proclamation? Will the murderer be displayed to the city?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
-----------------------------------------------------------
Andrej quickly turns as the door bursts open, tensing up, but relaxing
slightly again as he recognizes Jonnee. At Jonnee's proclamation he
raises an eyebrow, then turns towards the bartender again.
"Well, if they caught the right one, then the
turmoil might settle down again, eh? Ah, could you put the bottles into
a small carrying crate? I don't want to lose them to someone bumping
into me. I guess the streets will be crowded if this rumor spreads."
He takes out enough coins to pay for his drink, his bottles and a
generous tip for the bartender, then waits for him to deliver the
bottles.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Uh - yeah. Let's hope it's the right one, eh?" Jonnee says to Andrej, before looking to answer James. "I
was outside, looking at the notices, and this guy walks up while I'm
standing there and nails up a new one. So I looks at it, and I'm
all, like, 'No way, dude, they caught the killer? For real?' and
he just looks at me and says, 'Yep. And they'll hang him
tomorrow.'"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
"They really caught a prince of Amber and are going to kill him
tomorrow?" She looks intrigued by that concept. She is still waiting
for response of her companions about her own trade and the merchanting.
If the one to be hung is not the prince of Amber then the treaty might
still be signed.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James felt like kicking himself. He had acted too hastily and
lost the opportunity to gain more information from the butler.
From the urgency of Jonnee's entry, James had half expected to hear a
lynch mob in the streets by now but it appeared nothing would happen
until tomorrow.
Still, nothing for it but to keep going. He mutters, "Excuse me,"
distractedly, steps around Jonnee then out the door and in a few long
strides is halfway to the noticeboard in the plaza.
OOC: deletion was of accidental duplicate post
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kaelyn's contacts say nothing, they are all staring at a man who has
stepped through from the back room of the tavern. He wears the
uniform of the Cadiniagart military, though the additional decorations
on it perhaps indicate that he holds a high rank within that
organisation. He nods to the two in servant livery, "Carnold,
Duckworth. I don't believe I know the names of your friends, but
I'm sure I will after I've had a word with the two of you later."
The barkeep goes about his business, putting bottles of wine into a
crate for Andrej and taking the required amount from the coins on the
counter.
James makes for the notice board, but there is a crowd gathered around
it now, eight or ten deep. Voices are raised from a few at the
front, "Hangin'? Hangin's too good! He should be burned!" "Should give 'im to us!" "Amber bastards!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kaelyn looks to the officer that is speaking to the group she joined,
meetign his eye. "I hope that I have not offended in any way for
joining these folks to discuss trade." She is glad that she is not
showing any true weapons other than her daggers at the moment.
She carefully watches the military man, "Although I am sure these
gentlemen would be happy to discuss things with you and give their
names like I am." She eyes them carefully and hopes they will follow
her lead and perhaps get off. "As for myself, I am Katrina, arrived
today to see about what is available to me for chances to increase my
fortune. You can't blame a merchant for listening to gossip." She
starts to consider which of her gems and small pieces that she has will
suit for a show if she has to prove her story. Thank goodness for her
hobby of making jewelry, it is a very good cover.
She is careful though since it is odd that a ranked military man would not know nobles who are weapon dealers.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
-----------------------------------------------------------
Andrej nods at the bartender, then lifts the crate onto his shoulder, leaving the coins on the counter.
"Thank you, good man. I am tempted to come here quite often if you keep a good supply of this fine vintage. Have a good day."
His features soften into s smile, then he turns towards the door,
nodding at the uniformed man in passing, then heads out of the tavern,
the crate on his left shoulder. Outside he takes a look around, then
heads for the noticeboard and the throng of people around it.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The officer glances at Kaelyn.
"I listened long enough to know who it was doing the talking, Madam,
and to hear your arrival. I know you are not in league with these
men."
He starts to turn his attention back to the group of revellers at the table, then looks at Kaelyn once more.
"Do I know you? You're face seems familiar... ah, possibly
not. May I have a word with you?" He gestures towards the
back room, smiling at Kaelyn, then points at the two servants, "You two
will wait here for me, or I will have it put about that you aided the
Amberite in his plot. You would be torn to pieces before you got
half way to the gates!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kaelyn move to go with the officer towards the back with a smile. As
she gets into the back room, she looks around carefully to see that the
two are alone and she paces as she speaks.
"I did not catch your name, good sir, but if I might be so bold, I
would suggest you let the other three off for now. They are just taking
advantage of news brought to them by the servants. Better let them go
and follow them to see who they contact."
She looks at the officer, "I am a mercenary who has worked at
many different roles including intelligence. Things got messy once so I
am trying my hand at trade. It would do us both good if you follow my
suggestion. You to see who these merchants and nobles are working with
to get the weapons for the trade and their partners and me to get some
trade and business if they think I got them off and owe me. Allows us
both to benefit. If you can even make the two from the palace think
they are going to get off light for just spilling palace secrets about
the matter as opposed to treason, it will reinforce the matter with the
merchants until you have them back at the palace. If this works for
you, then perhaps you can recommend me to those with access to funds
that I can get their busness."
She finally pulls out a small cloak clasp in shape of a lion with emerald chip eyes from her pack to display it. "A
sample of my work that you can see I have quality. This is not a bribe
but merely for you to examine to establish my skill that you would not
recommending garbage. Although if you want it, I am sure we can meet
later to bargain."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James raises his voice, yelling to no-one in particular, "Hey! You at the front! What does it say? Read the sign, man."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The officer pulls himself up to his full height, "Madam. Do you
presume to tell the commander of the Palace Guard, and master of the
king's security services, how to do his job? I had already
decided to handle this situation in a way similar to that which you
describe, except that my decision was not motivated by mercantile avarice!"
"Furthermore, your attempt at winning my favour, with that bauble, has merely served to irritate me. Good day!"
He returns to the common room, where the three strangers have left the two servants to their fate.
"You two come with me, we need to discuss your three friends before I decide what to do with you."
Outside, somebody at the front has heard James' demand, and starts to
read it out loud. The first few words are lost in the noise, but
when people realise what is happening, they quiten down.
"... ing this day, let it be known that the
person responsible for the wicked murder of the King of this nation,
and of four of his offspring, has been apprehended while trying to flee
the city of Cadiniagart."
"This person, to whit, one Bleys of Amber... "
"Bastard!" "Amber dogs!" There is a brief wait while the crowd falls quiet again...
"This person, to whit, one Bleys of Amber did
make a full confession to the King's Inquisitors within one hour of his
capture. Furthermore, having thus confessed, this person has
foregone his right to be tried, and will be hanged at the Public Gibbet
at noon tomorrow."
This last brings an erruption of cheering and celebration from the
crowd, and if the man at the front is still reading, James and Andrej
cannot hear him.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kaelyn smiles as the officer reveals his position and then proceeds to
set the three nobles on their guard that they will destroy evidence and
insure that they are not seen with any strange contact. The fact that
she was showing proof quality and nott offering as a bribe should have
been blatant since she said he would have to buy it. She mutters to
herself softly, "Idiot". A captain of the guard that operates alone for
such missions is almost asking to be killed and is neglecting his own
duty.
She will expect the two servants will clam up and just say they were
sharing gossip, the nobles will get off completely. She heads out of
tavern to see the crowd and leans against the inn and carefully works
to locate where the security guards are located to keep crowd in
control and the captain's reinforcements since even he couldn't have
been that stupids.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jonnee, too, wanders out into the street and makes his way towards the
bulletin board. He stops near Andrej and listens to the man read
the notice, then mutters, "Told ya so."
He can feel an itching in the back of both wrists, and that's always a bad sign.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James calls, "Thanks!" Not that anyone's paying attention to him.
He extricates himself from the swelling crowd around the
noticeboard. As he leaves the plaza he crooks his finger briefly
at Andrej and Jonnee, a quick, furtive gesture that will hopefully not
be noticed by anyone else. He's keen to put a bit of distance
between himself and the mob in case things get ugly.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
-----------------------------------------------------------
A soft smile steals itself on Andrej's features and is gone again as
quick as it came as he listens to the proclamation. No Prince of Amber
would be so foolish as to get caught at the scene of crime - especially
days later. And Bleys, for goodness sake. As far as he knew, that
particular flamboyant redhead was as devious as they got. He would not
get caught red-handed like that, hell, he would not get caught at all.
So, either they caught an imposter or shadow-version of Bleys, or they
had not caught anybody and were trying to lure somebody into being rash.
Andrej shakes his head slightly, then turns to go, noticing James'
gesture in passing, then heads for the nearest exit from the square.
Passing a few stalls and shops he leaves through the same exit as
James, just some minutes later.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
Taking the time to insure she is noticing all the agents of the foolish
guard captain if there are any, she moves to leave the square by a
different route from the others though close and circle the block to
meet up with them, trying to lose any pursuers or watchers as she goes.
She wants to know what James had learned as well as details on the
caught prince. Since Bleys is in Amber still, they could not have caught him so it must be someone that was disguised as him.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jonnee lights up a cigarette, and stands watching the crowd for about
half a minute longer. Then he pushes away from the wall where
he's leaning and follows after Andrej, absentmindedly scratching at his
wrist.
"Things here are headed for a serious wipeout." he mutters, to nobody in particular, as he tracks Andrej and James through the crowds.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James leads the way to progressively quieter streets, away from the
hustle of the main commercial thoroughfares, confident that the others
will follow in their own time. Once he has found a place that's
quiet enough for the four of them to speak discreetly he stops and
waits for them to catch up.
He speaks quietly but clearly, "For Jonnee's
benefit, I spoke to a man in the inn who used to be the new king's
butler or body servant. He has been recently dismissed with no
reason given after 25 years service. The butler says the king's
character has changed so much he fears for the king's sanity.
Apparently he caught the king talking to himself, or, more correctly,
talking to a person called Martlett who wasn't in the room."
"I don't know how much you know of such things, but in Amber such an
effect might be achieved by talking to the king by a Trump." James shrugs his shoulders. "I'm open to other suggestions."
"On a lighter note, does anyone actually believe that they have caught a prince of Amber?" James
voice makes it clear that he doesn't find the change in subject a
matter for levity, but the grin on his face reveals the disdain with
which he considers the idea.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I do not believe so" replys Kaelyn "Since Bleys is still in
amber recovering from a hunting accident, he can not be here with four
children? I can't recall having heard of more than five or six kids
among all the Princes and Princesses of Amber but I really don't know
much about the family nor do I know about the trumps you describe. It
is strange they would post capture and coming execution of Bleys right
after Fiona arrived. Also that if they had captured the ones
responsible, the captain of the guard would be questioning him rather
than listening to two servants gossip to some minor nobles engaged in
the Weapons selling business. Could the new king be an imposter and he
is just going to execute assistants saying they are the killer to
eliminate those that could reveal him."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The discussion is suddenly interrupted as the almost cloudless late
afternoon sky overhead suddenly flares red, and almost immediately,
thunder rolls across the city, loud enough to rattle the windows of
many of the buildings.
After, there are screams from the direction of the palace...
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
-----------------------------------------------------------
His gaze whipping up and in the direction of the palace at the thunder, Andrej spies the reddish flare and exclaims: "Boshe moi! Now what is that. Come on!"
He immediately hurries in the direction of the palace.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kaelyn closes her cloak a moment and touches the place on her clothing
in a certain that she is only a few paces behind Andrej and once again
in armor though still without helmet. "Are we sure that this is the best way to go?" She asks with a tone to her voice that hints of questionable tactics. "or
even how we plan to get into the palace without trying to fight our way
through rioting or panicked mob? I am good but stampedes will still
trample me."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Awww man!" Jonnie frowns at the sky, then glances at James as Andrej and Kaelyn are already moving off at a run, "I wish I'd turned this gig down when I was offered the choice."
Then he turns and starts to follow the others. Within a few paces he has overtaken them.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James demonstrates his capacity for meaningless understatement,"That can't be good."
Chasing after the others he just catches Jonnee's comments, his reply is incredulous, "You got a choice?!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jonnee is first to arrive in the square before the palace gates, with the others quite some distance behind him.
The square is crowded with people, many of them huddled on the
ground. Others are kneeling, praying, gazing at the sky with fear
and awe.
The object of their attention is obvious. A spiralling mass of
dark cloud, suffused with a dull reddish glow, and rotating directly
above the palace itself...
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Standing in the square, gazing at the cloud, Jonnee turns to look at
the others as they catch up with him, then goes back to looking at the
cloud. "I'm
getting a SERIOUSLY serious feeling that maybe stuff like that don't
happen here every day, yeah? Can any of you guys remember the
number for GhostBusters?"
The itching in his wrists is getting worse.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
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"No, but I'm guessing it started with 555."
James grins briefly, amused at having found a common point of reference
with an (almost) complete stranger so far from home.
Turning to gaze at the red storm cloud. "The real question is what do we do about it?"
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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"Sneak into the palace as fast as we can to look around for cause,
approach and as for the Lady, run like hell to get out of this place
before she blows, or finally to just go back to what we were doing and
pretend this didn't happen." Kaelyn mentions "I am open to all those options and any others people have to suggest."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
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"I think we need to get inside. The safety of
the new king is probably the last chance for a treaty between Amber and
Cadiniagart. And Princess Fiona is in there."
James looks appraisingly at the walls of the palace, his gaze taking in
the battlements as well as any gates in sight. On his second pass
he hesitates slightly.
"Don't look now but I think somebody's coming this way."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
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Jonnee also studies the palace defences, paying particular attention to the gate.
"We could always just, like, knock at the door and ask to see Fiona."
Then James' remark catches his attention and he turns to watch the approaching man.
OOC - How are the guards at the gate reacting to the storm cloud?
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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"I agree, we should get inside, if only to find out if that - thing is a threat to - us."
Andrej continues to look at the cloudshape, ignoring what's happening around him.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
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Seeing the quad of non-cowering people note his approach, Dorian says, ”You are going to try to get inside the Palace; I can help.” He only hoped his assumption up to this point were correct. If not, he
could be getting himself into trouble. He tried to keep his demeanor
casual and unassuming.
OOC - To answer Jonnee's question, the guards are acting just like everybody else.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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Andrej unhurriedly turns to the stranger and smiles softly at him, the mirth not touching his eyes.
"Says who?"
He crosses his arms in front of his chest and looks the stranger up and down.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dorian
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Dorian does not bother to smile. His voice is soft and even, revealing no malice or contention. "I
am Dorian, if you wish my name. If you intend to deny it, then do so
and I will bother you no more. However, if you wish to get inside
without raising more alarm, I can help and I am willing to do so.
Beyond that, I promise no aid."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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"Sounds good enough for me. What do you say?"
He turns back to his comrades.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
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Before any can answer, the sky errupts in flame and noise, and a
shockwave which hurls even the Amberites off their feet. The
windows of every building around the plaza shatter, and the palace
gates are slammed open so hard that their hinges are torn from the
stone of the wall.
Of the high turret of the palace, nothing remains save a broken
stump. Even the stones of that are burning. Fires blaze
across the rooftops of the building, sending dense columns of smoke
into the sky, where the strange cloud has dissipated...
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lying on the ground James takes a split second to collect
himself. The ringing in his ears is world-shaking and there is a
sticky wetness trickling from both ears. His vision is tinged
with false colours as his eyes try to adjust to the pummeling from the
pressure wave and there seems to be an echo reverberating through his
jaw.
Nevertheless, James doesn't hesitate. Without waiting to see how
the others will react he throws himself to his feet and is off, racing
for the gate, hoping that the guards will not recover till he is safely
through...
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dorian
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Dorian lands on his back with the explosion. He blinks and shakes his
head. Before he gets up, he scans the palace and notes the damage. He
rolls onto his side and pushes himself onto his feet as quickly as he
can, still reeling from the jarring detonation. ”This place is falling apart,” he says, noting the open gate and the running man. ”And it appears that subterfuge is no longer necessary or prudent. If we wish to get inside, now is the time to act.”
In truth, Dorian had no idea if these people intended good or ill here,
but that question mattered little to him. A group of allies, however
tenuous, was valuable to him right now, and that was enough.
As soon as his head cleared, Dorian ran after the other man towards the
gates, hoping no confrontation would be necessary there. ”Hurry!” he calls behind him.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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Being thrown around had never been one of Andrej's personal favorites,
being thrown around by an explosion even less. After colliding with a
building cornerstone and coming to rest against a wall he shakes his
head to clear his vision and the awful buzz in his ears. He picks
himself up and looks at the carnage the blast created, then watches as
James takes off for the palace gates. Andrej shakes his head again,
then looks at the rest of his comrades to be sure they are alright.
Seeing them in a state of disorder, but otherwise unharmed he follows
James, though in a slower pace.
"That was not good.", he mumbles unheard to himself.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
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Jonnee clambers to his feet, shaking his head. "Whoah! Wipeout!" he says, his voice sounding strange, even in his own ears.
He waits just long enough to help Kaelyn to her feet before taking off after the others, catching up with them easily.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
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Within the palace, there is turmoil and chaos. People think the world is ending, and are reacting accordingly.
There is burning debris falling from the rooftops, white-hot fragments
of stone from the shattered turret, molten lead... The twisted
form of a bronze weathervane stands in the courtyard, upside-down and
imbedded in the flagstones like some bizarre weapon cast down by a
god. Sparks roll across the surface of the metal, and the whole
thing vibrates with energy.
The palace guards are trying to organise an orderly evacuation, but so
many people seem to be deafened or blinded that their efforts are not
meeting with much success.
The presence of a handful of people who do seem to know what they're doing goes unnoticed amid the panic.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
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James jerks abruptly to a halt, cursing, "Damn! How do we find anyone in this mess?"
Deftly sidestepping a tumbling chunk of masonry, James looks belatedly for his companions. "Does anyone have a way of contacting Princess Fiona or the king?" He has to yell to hear himself above the ringing in his ears, he can only trust that the others can hear.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
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"Gimme - " Jonnee shakes his head, hard, and swallows a couple of times until he feels his ears pop, "Testing testing - ah, better! Gimme a few seconds. I might have a way."
He folds his arms across his chest and bows his head, eyes screwed tight shut in concentration.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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Andrej continues his way into the palace compound, leaving his comrades
behind, but in sight. His eyes narrowed in concentration he turns back
and forth, as if searching for something.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
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The guards continue in their efforts to shepherd people towards the
gate, but in this panic they don't bother too much about anybody going
the wrong way...
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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After recovering from being bowled, Kaelyn takes the time to get her
helmet on before she hurries after the others at a good speed trying to
see any sign of the Amber continguent as she moves.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
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Jonnee's head snaps up and he points towards the tower which had been shattered by the storm's final blast. "The new boss-man of Cadiniagart is up there, near the top of what's left. He's climbing upwards."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dorian
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Completely at a loss now that he has obtained his goal, but unwilling
to let that be noted, Dorian focuses in the direction Jonnee indicates. "And how does this new.... bossman... stand in the eyes of Amber? In other words, is he in need of protection or detainment.... or something else entirely?" Of course, if his assumptions were incorrect, he had just revealed
himself as an ally of Amber to the wrong people. It was a risk he had
to take.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
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James eyesbrows lift slightly, "Going up? Now that's interesting. Can you find Fiona?"
He turns to Dorian, "Look I don't know you
from a bar of soap, but if you're going to come with us you should
know, the 'bossman' needs kid gloves," he lowers his voice slightly, "and quite possibly a strait jacket."
James looks for Kaelyn, sees her, and waves before following Andrej towards the nearest entrance to the palace.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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Andrej turns back towards his comrades and waves with one hand for them
to catch up. With a last look at the carnage and chaos in the courtyard
he heads into the palace proper, acting unconcerned and unhurried, now.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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Kaelyn enters the palace like she belongs and walks keeping track of
where the guards are and the tactical situation. Once the ringing is
out of her ears though she will have a few bruises tonight, she looks
at the others
"You know, I think the main danger is past other than containing the
damage. We might as well take advantage of the panic to exit until they
see sense and work to just put out the fires and organize."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dorian
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OOC - I hope I'm not getting too far ahead.
Dorian stops, still focused on the 'bossman'. "I suppose I shall have to get to the bottom of this myself." With that he focuses his concentration, and begins speaking lynchpins, eyes narrowing and beads of sweat forming on his brow.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dworkin (GM)
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As Andrej approaches the doorway into the palace itself, the doors seem
to explode outwards, and one of Fiona's guards stands there, naked
blade in hand. He looks at Andrej and the others, the light of
recognition in his eyes behind the helm he wears, and gives a minimal
nod of greeting.
Fiona steps out from behind him, "Easy, Brother, it's only our agents, come to investigate this new crisis."
The man lowers his blade, but somehow fails to give an impression of being any less ready to fight.
Further away, Dorian stands, his eyes fixed on the stump of the tower.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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Kaelyn approaches Fiona and her guard and looks them over to be sure that they are intact. "Is all is well with you, your highness?" She needs to figure out what caused the explosion as well as where the
likely imposter prince is likely to be kept. She has no weapons out but
still has a number of daggers visible and can be armed quickly.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Andrej
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Andrej stops dead in his tracks as the door practically explodes in his
face and Lady Fiona's bodyguard strides forward, weapon in hand and
steel in his eyes. He holds up his hands to show himself unarmed as the
Lady calms her protecting - brother. With a slight frown he bows in
Fiona's direction, keeping his thoughts to himself.
"Mylady, the highest tower is completely gone,
strange energies have wreaked havoc and evrybody in this kingdom
believes it is the end of days. As to what happened, we don't have a
clue."
He turns back to his comrades and the figure of Dorian in the distance, then turns back with a slight smile.
"Ah, and we picked up a straggler."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
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Jonnee marches straight past Kaelyn to stand before Fiona. He
jerks one thumb over his shoulder, towards the broken tower. "I
got a line on the new king. His Majesty is up near the top of
what's left of the tower, and climbing. Between you and me, I
don't think he's going up to admire the view of his kingdom-to-be."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dorian
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Dorian's breathing slows to a steady, measured pace. He closes his eyes
and bows his head, more beads of sweat dot his hooded brow. Lips
pursed, he continues to concentrate. With slow, deliberate words that
speak of the concentration behind them, he says, "I
have imobilized this new king, for the moment. As I am new to this
drama, I am not sure what to do with him; would someone please provide
some direction?" He could only hope the instructors were on the right side of things; he would have to use his judgement if anyone responded.
I will not hurt you if you cooperate, Dorian thinks to the king. I simply need information. Who and what are you?
Not satisified to await an answer, Dorian concentrates on analyzing the
mind snared in his mental grip, trying to assess the core nature of the
being.
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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Kaelyn looks toward Dorian, "You have him? Then bring him down for a chat."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dorian
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"I shall endeavor to do my best, ma'am. A moment, please."
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
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James notes the battle-readiness of the Princess's guard and carefully keeps his hands away from his sword as he bows.
"Your Highness, I am glad to see you well. I
believe Andrej is being unnecessarily pessimistic. We did learn
from a servant who claimed to have been the new king's butler that he
had been behaving strangely, talking to people who weren't there,
acting most unlike himself. The butler had been dismissed after
25 years service with no reason given."
"I have been thinking, it may be possible that the "surviving prince"
brought out of seclusion may be an imposter and the butler has been
removed for fear he may uncover the deception. With luck, we will
have answers soon as efforts are being made," he nods towards Dorian, "to recover the king."
"I am sorry to be blunt Your Highness but do you know the whereabouts
of your brother Prince Bleys? There was a notice posted not far
from here that he had been caught and was to be hanged tomorrow."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Fiona (NPC)
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"Interesting." Fiona says, with the barest hint of a frown. "Bleys
has been, and still is, to the best of my knowledge, in Amber. He
suffered a wound to his leg while hunting with Random. A boar
took exception to their presence in Arden."
She walks towards Dorian, her eyes tracing a line from the man to the tower, "Ah... I see the prince is, reluctantly, on his way to join us. Good."
"And there are some friends on their way up to see him."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dorian
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Again, Dorian speaks slowly through his concentration. "Greetings,
your highness. I have determined that the prince is not human, though
what he is, I cannot say. I can say that he is of shadow, and is not
'real', though."
Dorian focuses his concentration and begins to gently nudge the prince's mind. Why
don't you come back down here for a moment. We just want to talk to
you. No one will hurt you. You can trust us. We're not the enemy.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Fiona (NPC)
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Fiona's frown reappears at Dorian's words, and she focusses her gaze on
the tower, almost as if she can see through the stone to the creatures
that are within.
"Yes. Definitely not human, though I'm not sure... " she breaks off suddenly and wheels towards the four agents, "You
four, into the tower, now! Through... that door and left, then
second right. You'll know which one is the enemy!"
"Don't even try to take it alive!" she calls after them.
Back to Dorian, "You, hold on to it. Don't bring it any closer, just hold it. If that is what I suspect it is, then they will need all the help you can give them."
The guard still stands nearby, "Don't just stand there! Go with them!"
"No. Could be a ploy to get you alone." the man replies.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Kaelyn
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Kaelyn doesn't even hesitate, running for the tower with the direction
of Fiona. One hand absently rubs the ring on her finger and slowly it
changes to become her phoenix hilted broadsword as she runs that she is
soon charging up the stairs with her sword in hand and ready for battle.
She might get overtaken by the others but she does her best move as fast as her sharp reflexes allow. "I
don't know what this is, but I figure that it isn't here to invite us
for tea and crumpets and three feet of steel will cramp its style."
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Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Dorian
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"It will not move." Dorian says simply, refocusing his
concentration yet again to keep the thing frozen where it is, and
prevent it from taking any action. Though Dorian feels he could do
more, he refrains knowing the warriors are on their way.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by Jonnee
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By the time they reach the indicated door, Jonnee is, of course, well
in the lead. How could it be otherwise? He just assumes the
others are going to follow and keeps on accelerating.
Some would argue that it might be best to all arrive together, but HE
would argue that by his arriving sooner, the people already facing this
thing might last long enough for the rest of the agents to arrive.
Left here, then right here, and there's the stairs.
He hits the bottom step doing an easy 50mph, and goes up them, two at a time.
===========================================================
Re: Part 26b - Agents of Fortune by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James is only a split-second behind Kaelyn in obeying Fiona's
directive. Unlike many of the others he knew Fiona well enough to
know that if she was genuinely concerned the fight ahead would be
grim. However, James was a veteran of 2 major wars and countless
skirmishes. He'd wait until he saw the opposition before he
started worrying.
Unlike Kaelyn, there is no rubbing of rings, just the swimple swish of sword exiting scabbard. To anyone with an eye for such things
the blade was noteworthy, the basket-hilt suggested a rapier but the
dimensions of the blade were those of a longsword, a full three and a
half feet long, every inch looking wickedly sharp.
James knew he could never match Jonnee for speed but he was determined to be the second person up there.
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