T’kharr nods to Zsikhou and tucks in for the night. Balan stays up a few hours carving the pearls he was given then rests like the others. The party sleeps the night undisturbed. In the morning T’kharr does her usual mediations and morning warm-ups.
Fwangzhu and Nor'vee banter some:
"So, Nor'vee. What are you sticking around this mess for? Figured you'd want to go on the next ship back to your colony." Fwangzhu asks.
"Nor'vee owes you for help on Soljura. Besides, what's going on around here affects Nor'vee's colony too. Nor'vee does want to return but... can delay that a bit longer. Rather not have yokai messing things up for colony indirectly."
Fwangzhu huffs "Makes sense, though sometimes I wonder if it's even fucking worth it to be here."
Nor'vee Squeaks "Badger-man still angry with this colony. Badger-man also said they had business here."
Fwangzhu snarls, then huffs "Well you're fucking right, Nor'vee. Whatever. Let’s get up. We got shit to do."
Zsikhou looks over at T'kharr and Balan. "You two ready to move out?"
"I was thinking we'd poke our heads back in somewhere unless you had another idea?" T’kharr suggests.
Zsikhou looks over. "Where, specifically?"
"Hm. Was kinda wanting to see if we could overhear anything more about what the pirates are up to unless you think that'd give us away too much?" T’kharr responds.
Zsikhou looks over. "More bar hopping? Well, we can. This one figures we already got what we could from that though."
Balan more than a bit irritated but not showing it backs him up. “It would seem we drained the bars dry of information.... we could try gaining audience with a trade company.”
"Hm. I'm not sure if we'll be able to do that at this point, it seems the traders here haven't heard of our relations with their colleagues." T’kharr assures.
Zsikhou nods, "The corsairs hitting ships here means that it's likely word travels slowly." He then considers, well, have a preference? Where to then?
"I do wonder if there's anywhere, we haven't tried already?" T’kharr says sure the bars might produce more.
Balan says, “The golden sails woman...She expected me each time i arrived I wonder if it the same here with this one.” Looking at T’kharr and Zsikhou.
"Well unless she can teleport, which... well, might as well try it." Zsikhou nods.
"We can revisit the Golden Sails and see if we can get an appointment on their ship? It sounds like that might be the easiest route." T’kharr nods.
“If they share the same magic, it could be possible...We could approach the ship and find out.” Balan suggests.
Zsikhou shrugs, then nods. "Well, let’s try it then."
They get to the Golden sails. That’s when they see Silgara and Mingzhu looking for the Diamone Industries ship. Silgara nods "Ah, greetings. Well, yes, we're all here. So, what were you up to?"
Zsikhou looks over, raising an eye ridge "Huh, so you both got here."
Silgara looks over at Zsikhou, just heaving a heavy sigh. "Don't ask."
"We were looking to get an appointment with the Golden Sails." T’kharr tells them.
“Aye I had a thought from out previous encounter in port Genji... The woman always expected our arrival there so there is a chance it could be the same with this one.” Balan says.
"I see, well, good luck with that. We're going to try for one with Diamond Industries." Silgara heaves a beleaguered sigh.
"I think that Golden Sails is our better bet. Although we should stick together now that we're all here." T’kharr explains.
Silgara looks over, considers "If she had the forethought to take that. But Hrm..." She looks to Mingzhu "What do you think?"
“We can go to the golden sails if we go to the diamond industries next, I have a bit of a plan.” The face Silgara gives makes it clear she thinks the plan is not to her standards.
Zsikhou looks over. "Well, where to then? Do we split up or all go to one?"
T’kharr looks over. “All go to the Golden Sails, I reckon."
“We can go to the golden sails first but if we don’t get what we want then we can go to the diamond. and I'll try to convince them I’m Zee Vogel's fiancée carrying the 8th heir to the diamond industries fortune.” Mingzhu almost laughs but not quite.
T’kharr shakes her head to Mingzhu. “That’s too… outlandish.” Zsikhou just... gives Mingzhu a look like he thinks she's lost her mind.
Mingzhu continues, “And demand to see him because Uncle Samael sent him to this island. I’m absolutely sure of it. Or the captain.
Fwangzhu just snicker snorts, "Oh damn, I can't wait to see that shit!"
Nor'vee squeaks, "Um, well, let’s get going then?"
T’kharr starts leading the party towards the Golden Sail’s ship. The docks are pretty crowded, but they do eventually come to what looks like a docking ramp. There's a pair of guards there. There's also some of Zuodong's patrolling along the docks. Zsikhou nods "Well, go on and make an approach, then."
Balan steps forward to the Golden Sails guards. “Good day friends.”
The guards look up to Balan. "Good day. This is the Golden Sails ship Vikrant. Please state your business here."
“We would like to speak to the one in charge if possible.”
"What business do you have with the captain?" The guard asks.
“We would like to seek out information only they may know. If they are a seer like in Port Genji, then they will already be expecting us.”
"Yes, is Mrishnavurti in contact with your ship?" Mingzhu cuts in.
The guard furrows his brow. Perhaps surprised she knows that name. "We have had delayed contact with other parts of the business, due to problems with the Corsairs."
Balan nods to him, “We understand. The problem is on our list to be dealt with.”
"And why do you need to speak to our captain?" The Durpari guard asks.
“We would like specific information about certain people and companies in this area.”
"And for what purpose?" He inquires.
“We believe they may be involved partially if not outright with the corsairs or even worse things.” Balan insists.
"Who?" The guard asks.
“My friends may be able to elaborate more.”
The guardsman looks over. Mingzhu steps up to the guard. and waves him down to her level. He looks over to her, perhaps noting the finery. "And whom do you represent, then?"
She whispers to him, "We have been fighting the corsairs for quite some time and even destroyed a base on an island with no sun. We seek to help the people here too."
He looks suspicious at first, but he does seem to be considering something. Then the two guards look over. One of them looks to the group. "Wait here." They go to approach the boat, possibly going to speak with some of the others. T'kharr nods in acknowledgement.
After some time, he comes back out. "Very well, you've been granted an audience with Captain Manishpral. But he is only allowing four of you to come with. The rest will remain outside." Mingzhu sighs and nods. Zsikhou, Silgara, Fwangzhu, and Nor'vee look over for direction, apparently only one is coming aboard.
T’kharr looks them all over then to Silgara. “I think you might be the best to come inside.”
Silgara nods "I ah... hadn't been collecting information, but alright." She nods and goes to join the group.
Mingzhu looks over to Snout. “Can you stay outside with Nor'vee and play with him." she tosses the ball to Nor'vee.
Nor'vee squeaks "Gah! Can take care of your otter."
Mingzhu gives him a smile of thanks, "Be careful he can be quite mischievous and loves flying carpets."
The guard nods and escorts the party onto the board. they can tell there's a tense atmosphere, and they’ve got plenty of eyes on them.
She Came from the Sea: Book 2
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
The companions are escorted to a spot below decks. The crew doesn’t let them go very far. They are led to a relatively spacious room in the opening of the mid-decks, lavishly decorated with tapestries. The group is motioned to a table. There's plenty of guards watching their every move, but there is one man, a Durpari man, sharply but practically dressed, having a moustache and trimmed beard. He looks like a severe and serious man from how he looks. He motions to the seats on the table. "Come on, sit."
T’kharr is the first to seat herself with a dip of the head. Mingzhu bows and sits. Silgara goes to sit and Balan gives a nod and sits down.
The man looks over. "A curious company, and one whom no doubt attracts attention. And unusual. But I will introduce myself. I am Captain Manishpral of the Golden Sails Company. And you are?"
Balan is the first to speak, I am Balan, Paladin of the Platinum dragon. He looks over to the dragonborn with a nod and looks at the others around the table.
T’kharr introduces herself next, “T’kharr, servant of the Lord of the Rack.”
Silgara says, “Silgara Tir’Annal, Wizard on her sojourn.”
Mingzhu speaks last, “Mingzhu, a Shou Lung community Shamaness of the Path of Enlightenment.”
Manishpral looks over all of his guests, considering, perhaps harshly. “Most of you divine servants of some sort. If you are to be believed. I have seen no shortage of conmen and charlatans while doing business here. Now I was told you all came seeking information. It is not my usual line of business. So, what is it you want to know, or want from me. And why I should share."
Mingzhu looks to see who will speak; Her or Balan. She looks at Balan who nods to her. Manishpral waits for well, anyone to speak up. She stands, “Thank you captain Manishpral. For many months this group has been working with all the trading companies to take out as many corsairs and their bases as we can find. We have been working with Samael of the Diamond Industries, Mrishnavurti with your company and with Kalid of the Azure sails gaining information from them to reopen trade routes and remove the pirates. Thus far we have destroyed one secret base in Kaluso's lands on an island with no sun and destroyed one corsair. We continue looking for both contacts and pirates here to destroy now that we are on this island and would like to work with you on this goal. She pauses. Then says, "We are also looking for an organization call the horseman for though they are not the pirates they often work with them to sew dissidence among the islands.
Manishpral looks over to Mingzhu with very obvious disbelief. He's listening, but it's clear he doesn't believe her. "Working with everyone, for ends that can't be verified or proven."
“I am sure if you have a way to contact Mrishnavurti she will verify all the information I have just spoken.” Mingzhu responds.
Balan helps her out by saying, “Mrishnavurti would say fate wove us to be here in your presence.”
"Maybe. Though I am sure you know that contact is not easy to make in such conditions." He flexes his hands. "Now assuming I believe all of this, and I don't, what is it you want from me?"
Mingzhu looks at Balan. He responds. “What my friend speaks is truth. What we would ask is information on the Fated winds to start along with anything you would know on the island that is invisible.”
Manishpral huffs, his look severe, waving it off. "I've never heard of invisible islands. I am sure that such is possible, but that involves magic far beyond anything I have to work with here or have heard of in this region. Now as for the Fated Winds, they are one of my competitors. A large one. Appeared some time ago, conveniently around when the Corsairs started showing up, and have been expanding here ever since." He still looks quite skeptical.
Mingzhu nods, “There is a key to get on this island it involves amulets of the four horsemen, and we know there are many more horseman than four. Sir, we are also hunting 3 yokai. We know that one runs a trading company. Ummm my friends say this one is a devil. I believe that it may be the fated winds. another is the leader of the corsairs it is said this one is a demon and there is another something in-between we do not know much about this one. A daemon? whatever that is. I only know they are yokai.” She looks around. Who has the amulets? Could you show them to captain Manishpral?
Manishpral looks over to Mingzhu, very skeptical, it seems he doesn't believe her at all. However, Balan seems to make some headway, but he still looks quite skeptical. Balan produces one of the amulets hanging it by the string on his finger. The captain looks at the amulet. He doesn’t seem to recognize it but shakes his head. “A talisman of dubious origin is hardly proof. This all sounds very fanciful, but I expect you want more out of me than simple tavern rumors. So, what is it?" Manishpral asks, starting to seem more tense, or maybe losing patience.
Mingzhu asks, “Do you have any ideas about where the pirates are operating in Zuodong’s seas? Or have you heard of an island in his territory where the pirates may seem to disappear. If there is an island here, they will have a base on it."
"I already said, I don't know anything about invisible islands. And my job has been to keep my tradesmen away from them, not hunt down their operations. What I can say is that in general, Zuodong's seas are usually safe, but once you're outside the borders, they're almost always in wait for an ambush." He looks, considering, perhaps harshly. "But I also expect this isn't what you came for either." The captain blurts.
Mingzhu looks over at Balan for his answer. Balan stands. “Could that be because the winds are a front for the corsairs? It would make sense on how they grew so quickly.”
Mingzhu tries to change tactics, “Let me ask this Captain. How might we help you as you now know about our mission?"
The captain looks over at Mingzhu, but Manishpral already seems to not be taking her seriously, possibly very suspicious of her, then he looks to Balan. "I have had my suspicions on that. Or at least cooperating with them. The business metrics would make sense. But again, I don't have proof."
Again, Mingzhu tries to change subject, “What do you know of Quinn?” He just gives an irritated look to Mingzhu, before looking at Balan.
Balan says, “I was able to read all the men working their stalls as evil in nature, and their wares seem very off for a company to carry.” Meanwhile, Mingzhu shuts up and sits down as she knows she’s getting nowhere with the man.
Manishpral looks over to Balan. "Hrm... what do you mean by evil in nature? And what was off about their wares?"
Balan explains, “I am able to detect how others are and to me it seems off that they carry many things and are unspecialized.”
"Hrm, I see. Well, that is something that a paladin would be able to do." Manishpral considers. "Yes, I do believe that they're re-selling stolen goods. No, I don't have proof."
Silgara looks over, perhaps wondering if she should speak up. T’kharr looks at Silgara with a soft nod to cue her to speak up. Balan also gives a nod to Silgara as well. Silgara looks at T'kharr, as if she's unsure, then a nod, then looks at Manishpral. "Captain Manishpral, we have, in the course of our investigations, discovered that Zuodong, or one of his officials, has entered into a discrete partnership with the Corsairs of sorts. It is something we were hoping to find more evidence of or determine exactly what is going on."
That at least seems to get Manishpral’s attention, but he remains skeptical. "And how did you come by this information?" Manishpral looks to Balan and T'Kharr, and Silgara, to see if anyone speaks up.
Silgara looks over. "One of Zuodong's agents was in Zalusu, he was caught and well, it came out that he was making payments to the Corsairs to raid Kaluso's domain."
Manishpral considers, then a nod "A dangerous line of investigation. I do hope that your company can handle it with competence and without hysteria." He looks to Mingzhu at that, then looks back to the others. "Right, I am not sure how much I can trust you. And I am still not sure what you want from me. Now, I take it you want to further this investigation, correct? "So, what do you need from me for this?" Manishpral asks.
Silgara looks to T'kharr and Mingzhu, and Balan. Mingzhu shrugs and shakes her head. Balan speaks for the group, “Your support would help...Possibly if you can reach out to any agents of yours for information.”
Manishpral considers, thinking, he seems to be assessing your group. "Hrm, maybe. Or maybe you're gathering information on me. Trust is a currency in this port. If you want to earn that, I do have something in mind." Manishpral thinks, a sigh, considering "I'm quite sure that there was a crate of goods that was sacked by Corsairs. And it had some expensive tapestries, authentic from Durpar. Tapestries that were being re-sold here. Now I don't have proof. But if you could see about re-acquiring these, I would consider it a favor."
Balan nods, “Aye, we can keep an eye out or inquire about them.”
Manishpral looks over. "I know where you can find them. However, the situation regarding them is tricky. They are already re-sold, and those who have them are not letting them go. And while we went to the guards on this, they are not of help."
T’kharr rubs her muzzle. “Go on?”
"There's a Warehouse they were taken to. As I understand, they were sold by some free traders to the Fated Winds. The goods are in a Warehouse. Warehouse 19." Manishpral nods, "I would like those goods returned to us. Now I'm sure they tried to erase evidence of it being ours, but I do at least know the tapestries are ours."
"How many tapestries were involved in the heist? And do you have a description of the tapestries in question, or the crate for that matter?" T’kharr asks.
"At least a hundred, but there were other goods that were robbed as well." Manishpral replies, "Likely mixed in with everything else in that warehouse. Hrm, they are fine, Durpari Embroidery, but those 100 are magical as well. Enchanted to not get dirty, dusty, infested with pests, and always look pleasant to the viewer. I expect if you have some magical aptitude, you can point them out."
T’kharr nods, “Aye, the enchantment sounds like it’d be a useful tell.”
"I do hope that you can handle this with some degree of... care and discretion." Manishpral says. "As I said, the guards already did not accept what I said here. So, you will need to be careful with this. Did you have any other questions about this favor?" Manishpral asks.
Mingzhu says, “It is evidence connecting the corsairs to the Fated Winds.” Manishpral just gives a gruff nod to Mingzhu. She thinks a moment and says, “I will contact my spirits just to make sure all is true if so, then yes we can do this.”
He looks over at Balan and T'Kharr to see if they have anything to add. "Well, do you have any further questions about this?"
T’kharr says, “No, not at this time.” He nods and looks at Balan.
Balan responds, “I believe that is all at this time.”
"Very well then. I am trusting you not to make a mess of it." Manishpral says "But I wish you the best of luck on this. Have a good day."
The guards escort them off the ship. Silgara breathes a sigh of relief after the group is off the boat ramp. “Prickly fellow, but I don't blame him..." Silgara sighs.
Zsikhou looks over as they all exit the ship and come into view. “How did it go?”
T’kharr is the first to seat herself with a dip of the head. Mingzhu bows and sits. Silgara goes to sit and Balan gives a nod and sits down.
The man looks over. "A curious company, and one whom no doubt attracts attention. And unusual. But I will introduce myself. I am Captain Manishpral of the Golden Sails Company. And you are?"
Balan is the first to speak, I am Balan, Paladin of the Platinum dragon. He looks over to the dragonborn with a nod and looks at the others around the table.
T’kharr introduces herself next, “T’kharr, servant of the Lord of the Rack.”
Silgara says, “Silgara Tir’Annal, Wizard on her sojourn.”
Mingzhu speaks last, “Mingzhu, a Shou Lung community Shamaness of the Path of Enlightenment.”
Manishpral looks over all of his guests, considering, perhaps harshly. “Most of you divine servants of some sort. If you are to be believed. I have seen no shortage of conmen and charlatans while doing business here. Now I was told you all came seeking information. It is not my usual line of business. So, what is it you want to know, or want from me. And why I should share."
Mingzhu looks to see who will speak; Her or Balan. She looks at Balan who nods to her. Manishpral waits for well, anyone to speak up. She stands, “Thank you captain Manishpral. For many months this group has been working with all the trading companies to take out as many corsairs and their bases as we can find. We have been working with Samael of the Diamond Industries, Mrishnavurti with your company and with Kalid of the Azure sails gaining information from them to reopen trade routes and remove the pirates. Thus far we have destroyed one secret base in Kaluso's lands on an island with no sun and destroyed one corsair. We continue looking for both contacts and pirates here to destroy now that we are on this island and would like to work with you on this goal. She pauses. Then says, "We are also looking for an organization call the horseman for though they are not the pirates they often work with them to sew dissidence among the islands.
Manishpral looks over to Mingzhu with very obvious disbelief. He's listening, but it's clear he doesn't believe her. "Working with everyone, for ends that can't be verified or proven."
“I am sure if you have a way to contact Mrishnavurti she will verify all the information I have just spoken.” Mingzhu responds.
Balan helps her out by saying, “Mrishnavurti would say fate wove us to be here in your presence.”
"Maybe. Though I am sure you know that contact is not easy to make in such conditions." He flexes his hands. "Now assuming I believe all of this, and I don't, what is it you want from me?"
Mingzhu looks at Balan. He responds. “What my friend speaks is truth. What we would ask is information on the Fated winds to start along with anything you would know on the island that is invisible.”
Manishpral huffs, his look severe, waving it off. "I've never heard of invisible islands. I am sure that such is possible, but that involves magic far beyond anything I have to work with here or have heard of in this region. Now as for the Fated Winds, they are one of my competitors. A large one. Appeared some time ago, conveniently around when the Corsairs started showing up, and have been expanding here ever since." He still looks quite skeptical.
Mingzhu nods, “There is a key to get on this island it involves amulets of the four horsemen, and we know there are many more horseman than four. Sir, we are also hunting 3 yokai. We know that one runs a trading company. Ummm my friends say this one is a devil. I believe that it may be the fated winds. another is the leader of the corsairs it is said this one is a demon and there is another something in-between we do not know much about this one. A daemon? whatever that is. I only know they are yokai.” She looks around. Who has the amulets? Could you show them to captain Manishpral?
Manishpral looks over to Mingzhu, very skeptical, it seems he doesn't believe her at all. However, Balan seems to make some headway, but he still looks quite skeptical. Balan produces one of the amulets hanging it by the string on his finger. The captain looks at the amulet. He doesn’t seem to recognize it but shakes his head. “A talisman of dubious origin is hardly proof. This all sounds very fanciful, but I expect you want more out of me than simple tavern rumors. So, what is it?" Manishpral asks, starting to seem more tense, or maybe losing patience.
Mingzhu asks, “Do you have any ideas about where the pirates are operating in Zuodong’s seas? Or have you heard of an island in his territory where the pirates may seem to disappear. If there is an island here, they will have a base on it."
"I already said, I don't know anything about invisible islands. And my job has been to keep my tradesmen away from them, not hunt down their operations. What I can say is that in general, Zuodong's seas are usually safe, but once you're outside the borders, they're almost always in wait for an ambush." He looks, considering, perhaps harshly. "But I also expect this isn't what you came for either." The captain blurts.
Mingzhu looks over at Balan for his answer. Balan stands. “Could that be because the winds are a front for the corsairs? It would make sense on how they grew so quickly.”
Mingzhu tries to change tactics, “Let me ask this Captain. How might we help you as you now know about our mission?"
The captain looks over at Mingzhu, but Manishpral already seems to not be taking her seriously, possibly very suspicious of her, then he looks to Balan. "I have had my suspicions on that. Or at least cooperating with them. The business metrics would make sense. But again, I don't have proof."
Again, Mingzhu tries to change subject, “What do you know of Quinn?” He just gives an irritated look to Mingzhu, before looking at Balan.
Balan says, “I was able to read all the men working their stalls as evil in nature, and their wares seem very off for a company to carry.” Meanwhile, Mingzhu shuts up and sits down as she knows she’s getting nowhere with the man.
Manishpral looks over to Balan. "Hrm... what do you mean by evil in nature? And what was off about their wares?"
Balan explains, “I am able to detect how others are and to me it seems off that they carry many things and are unspecialized.”
"Hrm, I see. Well, that is something that a paladin would be able to do." Manishpral considers. "Yes, I do believe that they're re-selling stolen goods. No, I don't have proof."
Silgara looks over, perhaps wondering if she should speak up. T’kharr looks at Silgara with a soft nod to cue her to speak up. Balan also gives a nod to Silgara as well. Silgara looks at T'kharr, as if she's unsure, then a nod, then looks at Manishpral. "Captain Manishpral, we have, in the course of our investigations, discovered that Zuodong, or one of his officials, has entered into a discrete partnership with the Corsairs of sorts. It is something we were hoping to find more evidence of or determine exactly what is going on."
That at least seems to get Manishpral’s attention, but he remains skeptical. "And how did you come by this information?" Manishpral looks to Balan and T'Kharr, and Silgara, to see if anyone speaks up.
Silgara looks over. "One of Zuodong's agents was in Zalusu, he was caught and well, it came out that he was making payments to the Corsairs to raid Kaluso's domain."
Manishpral considers, then a nod "A dangerous line of investigation. I do hope that your company can handle it with competence and without hysteria." He looks to Mingzhu at that, then looks back to the others. "Right, I am not sure how much I can trust you. And I am still not sure what you want from me. Now, I take it you want to further this investigation, correct? "So, what do you need from me for this?" Manishpral asks.
Silgara looks to T'kharr and Mingzhu, and Balan. Mingzhu shrugs and shakes her head. Balan speaks for the group, “Your support would help...Possibly if you can reach out to any agents of yours for information.”
Manishpral considers, thinking, he seems to be assessing your group. "Hrm, maybe. Or maybe you're gathering information on me. Trust is a currency in this port. If you want to earn that, I do have something in mind." Manishpral thinks, a sigh, considering "I'm quite sure that there was a crate of goods that was sacked by Corsairs. And it had some expensive tapestries, authentic from Durpar. Tapestries that were being re-sold here. Now I don't have proof. But if you could see about re-acquiring these, I would consider it a favor."
Balan nods, “Aye, we can keep an eye out or inquire about them.”
Manishpral looks over. "I know where you can find them. However, the situation regarding them is tricky. They are already re-sold, and those who have them are not letting them go. And while we went to the guards on this, they are not of help."
T’kharr rubs her muzzle. “Go on?”
"There's a Warehouse they were taken to. As I understand, they were sold by some free traders to the Fated Winds. The goods are in a Warehouse. Warehouse 19." Manishpral nods, "I would like those goods returned to us. Now I'm sure they tried to erase evidence of it being ours, but I do at least know the tapestries are ours."
"How many tapestries were involved in the heist? And do you have a description of the tapestries in question, or the crate for that matter?" T’kharr asks.
"At least a hundred, but there were other goods that were robbed as well." Manishpral replies, "Likely mixed in with everything else in that warehouse. Hrm, they are fine, Durpari Embroidery, but those 100 are magical as well. Enchanted to not get dirty, dusty, infested with pests, and always look pleasant to the viewer. I expect if you have some magical aptitude, you can point them out."
T’kharr nods, “Aye, the enchantment sounds like it’d be a useful tell.”
"I do hope that you can handle this with some degree of... care and discretion." Manishpral says. "As I said, the guards already did not accept what I said here. So, you will need to be careful with this. Did you have any other questions about this favor?" Manishpral asks.
Mingzhu says, “It is evidence connecting the corsairs to the Fated Winds.” Manishpral just gives a gruff nod to Mingzhu. She thinks a moment and says, “I will contact my spirits just to make sure all is true if so, then yes we can do this.”
He looks over at Balan and T'Kharr to see if they have anything to add. "Well, do you have any further questions about this?"
T’kharr says, “No, not at this time.” He nods and looks at Balan.
Balan responds, “I believe that is all at this time.”
"Very well then. I am trusting you not to make a mess of it." Manishpral says "But I wish you the best of luck on this. Have a good day."
The guards escort them off the ship. Silgara breathes a sigh of relief after the group is off the boat ramp. “Prickly fellow, but I don't blame him..." Silgara sighs.
Zsikhou looks over as they all exit the ship and come into view. “How did it go?”
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Balan responds to the kobold, “He does not trust easily but he is willing to help in a way if we return some things that belong to his company.”
Zsikhou nods, he looks over "Think Snout led some cats to chase Nor'vee, which was a whole thing out here."
"Aye, let’s head back to our room and discuss. It seems like a manageable task, but we do need to work some details out" Then T’kharr sighs and shakes her head.
Mingzhu looks around, "Where are they?"
Zsikhou nods "Right..." He looks over "I'll get them." Zsikhou returns in short order with a rather grumbly looking Fwangzhu, along with Nor'vee who might have had a harrowing experience. Snout looks extremely amused. Silgara looks around, but isn't sure where everyone has been staying...
Mingzhu immediately casts, Speak with Animals, “Snout! You shouldn’t do things like that. Why?”
Nor'vee is notably absent the ball Mingzhu gave her. "Gahhh! Tried playing ball with Otter. Then CAT came along and decided they want ball too! Then they want Nor'vee! Then had people gawking and laughing everywhere as CAT WAS CHASING NOR'VEE FOR BALL AND BLOOD!"
Fwangzhu snorts, amused. "And then you had to come running to me to get the cats off you."
Mingzhu speaks in animal, “Did you do that, Snout?”
Snout just looks amused, and replies, “The cats wanted to play too, so I let them.”
Mingzhu gives him a mother’s eyes. “Ah-ha. Somehow, I just can’t believe that.”
"Nor'vee thanks scary badger for chasing CAT AWAY! CAT WANTED TO TAKE BALL OTTER WAS PLAYING WITH! BAD CAT! ALWAYS TRYING TO SCRATCH AND SNATCH EVERYTHING! CAT BELIEVES EVERYTHING BELONG TO CAT!" Nor'vee keeps ranting.
Zsikhou muzzle paws, "Right, before this makes us the town jesters, let’s get back to discuss things. Move it."
Mingzhu looks at her companion, “Come on Snout let’s get some dinner.” The companions head back to their rooms at the Lumpy Ladle. Nor'vee rants all the way there about cats. Fwangzhu just seemed amused.
Zsikhou nods, he looks over "Think Snout led some cats to chase Nor'vee, which was a whole thing out here."
"Aye, let’s head back to our room and discuss. It seems like a manageable task, but we do need to work some details out" Then T’kharr sighs and shakes her head.
Mingzhu looks around, "Where are they?"
Zsikhou nods "Right..." He looks over "I'll get them." Zsikhou returns in short order with a rather grumbly looking Fwangzhu, along with Nor'vee who might have had a harrowing experience. Snout looks extremely amused. Silgara looks around, but isn't sure where everyone has been staying...
Mingzhu immediately casts, Speak with Animals, “Snout! You shouldn’t do things like that. Why?”
Nor'vee is notably absent the ball Mingzhu gave her. "Gahhh! Tried playing ball with Otter. Then CAT came along and decided they want ball too! Then they want Nor'vee! Then had people gawking and laughing everywhere as CAT WAS CHASING NOR'VEE FOR BALL AND BLOOD!"
Fwangzhu snorts, amused. "And then you had to come running to me to get the cats off you."
Mingzhu speaks in animal, “Did you do that, Snout?”
Snout just looks amused, and replies, “The cats wanted to play too, so I let them.”
Mingzhu gives him a mother’s eyes. “Ah-ha. Somehow, I just can’t believe that.”
"Nor'vee thanks scary badger for chasing CAT AWAY! CAT WANTED TO TAKE BALL OTTER WAS PLAYING WITH! BAD CAT! ALWAYS TRYING TO SCRATCH AND SNATCH EVERYTHING! CAT BELIEVES EVERYTHING BELONG TO CAT!" Nor'vee keeps ranting.
Zsikhou muzzle paws, "Right, before this makes us the town jesters, let’s get back to discuss things. Move it."
Mingzhu looks at her companion, “Come on Snout let’s get some dinner.” The companions head back to their rooms at the Lumpy Ladle. Nor'vee rants all the way there about cats. Fwangzhu just seemed amused.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Once they are all in one of the rooms, Zsikhou looks over to T’kharr and Balan, “Right, what did you find out, and what did you need to discuss. You mentioned needing to iron some details out.” He looks at T’kharr.
"Righty-o. So... while I'm fairly sure Zsikhou can slip into Warehouse 19 without undue difficulty, and the magic on it's a pretty good tell as to what we're after, the problem is getting all that stuff out of there.
"Okay, what did you agree to and what is going on with this Warehouse?" Zsikhou looks on, incredulously.
"Basically, we got word that the Fated Winds were stashing a pile of 100 tapestries (and other things) suspected of being stolen from the Golden Sails in this Warehouse 19. And the Golden Sails want them back. The tapestries have preservation enchantments on them, which should make them fairly distinct with the aid of means of perceiving magic."
Zsikhou nods... "This one expects there is a complication, though."
“The captain said the fated winds already sold them to someone else. Let me check with the spirits to see if all of this is true.” Mingzhu says.
Silgara looks over "Did he say that? ..."
Mingzhu shrugs, “That’s what I heard?”
"I thought he mentioned the Fated Winds bought them from Free Traders." Silgara replies.
Mingzhu thinks and nods, “That could be. I may have misheard.”
"Though the Fated Winds could definitely have sold them afterwards." The elf responds.
Mingzhu casts Trance and Commune with Spirits. A spirit is called to her awaiting inquiries. She asks, “Did the corsairs sack and take a box of magic tapestries owned by Golden Sails?
“Yes.”
Mingzhu looks to the group, “The answer is yes. Did the Fated winds take them into their possession?”
“Yes.”
“Did the Fated Winds already sell these tapestries?”
“Some.”
“What are the number of the tapestries in warehouse 19?”
“Unknown.” The spirit fades.
Mingzhu relays, “The spirit does not know how many are left in warehouse 19
Zsikhou nods, "But there are some, and should hopefully be enough for what we need? ..."
Silgara looks over. "There is a complication, the Golden Sails already tried going to the guard about this, but they weren't helpful. I expect that if we try to take it by force, we’ll be branded fugitives here."
Nor'vee shuffles some. Fwangzhu just groans and huffs, “Well axing those fucking Chessentans is still an option, so you know."
Mingzhu thinks a bit then says, “I have Obscuring Mist and Air Walk. I could cast it on someone so they could sneak in an upstairs window.”
"I expect myself and Nor'vee can be stealthy, though doing so with a large crate of goods will likely be difficult." Zsikhou comments.
"Aye, the exfiltration will be a challenge, although" looking to Silgara, "Perhaps teleportation might be a solution? How much weight do you think you could teleport in a handcart you're holding onto?"
The wizardess looks over, considering. “Hrm, my Dimension Door spell, you mean? I can take two with me, and each of us can hold onto an amount that would not burden us. I expect that Fwangzhu or Balan, or perhaps you would be able to carry the most with that spell."
Mingzhu alters her thinking with spells as the conversation goes on, “I can put Obscuring Mist around the entrance. or where you wish to Dimension Door in and out.”
T’kharr sighs, “Ah, My bad then. And aye, it'd be Fwangzhu or Balan who could carry the most, although would a handcart help still?"
"I don't believe the spell would account for that." Silgara shakes her head.
Mingzhu furrows her thin brows, “Would we not want to know where the crate is in the warehouse first?”
"Aye, we'd want to know that. I reckon we'd have Zsikhou scout things out thoroughly before we make our move." T’kharr agrees. Zsikhou nods to that.
Silgara looks over. "I should mention, my Dimension Door's range is not overly far, so while it can get us out of the immediate vicinity, carrying the tapestries through the streets might garner attention as well."
"Might be worth seeing if Mingzhu or I would have prayers that might be better suited still." T’kharr says while following the plan ideas.
Fwangzhu huffs, "You want to say, 'fuck it' to this, going after those Chessentans is still an option."
Silgara looks over at Mingzhu and T'Kharr. "I do know you can cast fly, though flying with those goods in tow is definitely not subtle either. Though I expect the odds that they'll just be convinced to let the goods go are slim, as well."
Zsikhou considers, "It may be prudent to do this job at night, humans can't see very well in such conditions, and there's likely to be fewer active guards."
Mingzhu corrects Silgara, “I can cast Air Walk. It’s a bit different but you can walk on air for 70 minutes and walk up at ½ speed as far as you want but when the spell fails you will sink slowly for a limited amount of time. If you don’t reach the ground by then you fall.”
"How much can you carry with you while doing that?" Silgara looks over.
Mingzhu thinks a moment. “About 180 lbs. I can cast it on Balan or Fwangzhu. They can carry much more. I would suggest walking up to about 60 or 70 ft then going to Golden Sails. At night you will not be noticed as much at least most do not look up or look up that high.”
"Flying, with a lot of goods, right to that ship. Nor'vee isn't sure how suspicious people are here. Lots of people in this port city. Likely are those up to no good at night watching too." Nor'vee squeaks.
Mingzhu muses a moment then says, “A diversion? I can call a few dire rats to run around the streets. At least some will turn their attentions to the rats.”
Silgara considers "Maybe... or might awaken people..." She muses, trying to determine how much distance there is from the warehouse to the boat.
Mingzhu thinks again then asks, “Something more silent like wolverines? It would cause quite a stir to those awake but those asleep would not be bothered by them?”
Silgara shrugs "Maybe... I can also cast invisibility, but hrm, does that cover the goods? Maybe an invisibility sphere...?"
Mingzhu nods, “I can also call dire badgers or black bears though Fwangzhu may be caught in the spell if it’s dire badgers. Of course, if so, He would be under my control for the length of the spell.” Fwangzhu just gives Mingzhu an obscene hand gesture. Mingzhu smiles, “It’s ok Fwangzhu, I’ll give you a cookie after the spell is done.”
"Oh, screw off." Fwangzhu snarls, "I already want to fucking maul you after Renkao. Don't push it."
Mingzhu looks him dead in the eye and says, “You’re one of the two reasons we failed.”
"Maybe if YOU hadn't gotten so fucking chickenshit, we could have stopped a massacre there!" Fwangzhu just snarls, angrily. "Don't blame /me/ for that shit happening when your idiotic blundering did fuck all to stop it."
Zsikhou glowers at Fwangzhu. "Enough. We've got a mission here. Focus."
"Enough. Do you want me to use animals as a diversion and which type do you think is best. Bear, badger, rat, wolverine. I'll have them run through the streets to draw people’s attention down not up." Mingzhu asks.
Fwangzhu snarls. "Yeah, yeah, shut up and pretend everything's fine. Like that's going to keep working."
Silgara looks over. "Bears, badgers, and wolverines aren't often found in large port cities like this. Rats are probably the best option. Erm... no offense Nor'vee."
Nor'vee squeaks, "Shamaness better not compel rats to being snacks for CAT. Rats suffer enough from CAT already!"
"They should be fine Nor'vee they will be dire rats. Four feet long and 50 lbs. I’ll just have them run through the various streets. They are more likely to eat the cats.”
Silgara nods, "Big rats, then. Well, I guess that fits as a distraction."
Nor'vee huffs, "Would serve CAT right!"
"T'kharr? Balan? What do you say about all this?" Mingzhu asks.
T’kharr thinks a long time, then says, “It's definitely an interesting idea, I'll have to see if I can think up something myself as well. In the meantime, we can at least have Zsikhou head out and scout?"
Mingzhu breaths in and nods. Zsikhou looks at the door and back to the group, “I can case the place, I'll let you know what I find."
"Righty-o. So... while I'm fairly sure Zsikhou can slip into Warehouse 19 without undue difficulty, and the magic on it's a pretty good tell as to what we're after, the problem is getting all that stuff out of there.
"Okay, what did you agree to and what is going on with this Warehouse?" Zsikhou looks on, incredulously.
"Basically, we got word that the Fated Winds were stashing a pile of 100 tapestries (and other things) suspected of being stolen from the Golden Sails in this Warehouse 19. And the Golden Sails want them back. The tapestries have preservation enchantments on them, which should make them fairly distinct with the aid of means of perceiving magic."
Zsikhou nods... "This one expects there is a complication, though."
“The captain said the fated winds already sold them to someone else. Let me check with the spirits to see if all of this is true.” Mingzhu says.
Silgara looks over "Did he say that? ..."
Mingzhu shrugs, “That’s what I heard?”
"I thought he mentioned the Fated Winds bought them from Free Traders." Silgara replies.
Mingzhu thinks and nods, “That could be. I may have misheard.”
"Though the Fated Winds could definitely have sold them afterwards." The elf responds.
Mingzhu casts Trance and Commune with Spirits. A spirit is called to her awaiting inquiries. She asks, “Did the corsairs sack and take a box of magic tapestries owned by Golden Sails?
“Yes.”
Mingzhu looks to the group, “The answer is yes. Did the Fated winds take them into their possession?”
“Yes.”
“Did the Fated Winds already sell these tapestries?”
“Some.”
“What are the number of the tapestries in warehouse 19?”
“Unknown.” The spirit fades.
Mingzhu relays, “The spirit does not know how many are left in warehouse 19
Zsikhou nods, "But there are some, and should hopefully be enough for what we need? ..."
Silgara looks over. "There is a complication, the Golden Sails already tried going to the guard about this, but they weren't helpful. I expect that if we try to take it by force, we’ll be branded fugitives here."
Nor'vee shuffles some. Fwangzhu just groans and huffs, “Well axing those fucking Chessentans is still an option, so you know."
Mingzhu thinks a bit then says, “I have Obscuring Mist and Air Walk. I could cast it on someone so they could sneak in an upstairs window.”
"I expect myself and Nor'vee can be stealthy, though doing so with a large crate of goods will likely be difficult." Zsikhou comments.
"Aye, the exfiltration will be a challenge, although" looking to Silgara, "Perhaps teleportation might be a solution? How much weight do you think you could teleport in a handcart you're holding onto?"
The wizardess looks over, considering. “Hrm, my Dimension Door spell, you mean? I can take two with me, and each of us can hold onto an amount that would not burden us. I expect that Fwangzhu or Balan, or perhaps you would be able to carry the most with that spell."
Mingzhu alters her thinking with spells as the conversation goes on, “I can put Obscuring Mist around the entrance. or where you wish to Dimension Door in and out.”
T’kharr sighs, “Ah, My bad then. And aye, it'd be Fwangzhu or Balan who could carry the most, although would a handcart help still?"
"I don't believe the spell would account for that." Silgara shakes her head.
Mingzhu furrows her thin brows, “Would we not want to know where the crate is in the warehouse first?”
"Aye, we'd want to know that. I reckon we'd have Zsikhou scout things out thoroughly before we make our move." T’kharr agrees. Zsikhou nods to that.
Silgara looks over. "I should mention, my Dimension Door's range is not overly far, so while it can get us out of the immediate vicinity, carrying the tapestries through the streets might garner attention as well."
"Might be worth seeing if Mingzhu or I would have prayers that might be better suited still." T’kharr says while following the plan ideas.
Fwangzhu huffs, "You want to say, 'fuck it' to this, going after those Chessentans is still an option."
Silgara looks over at Mingzhu and T'Kharr. "I do know you can cast fly, though flying with those goods in tow is definitely not subtle either. Though I expect the odds that they'll just be convinced to let the goods go are slim, as well."
Zsikhou considers, "It may be prudent to do this job at night, humans can't see very well in such conditions, and there's likely to be fewer active guards."
Mingzhu corrects Silgara, “I can cast Air Walk. It’s a bit different but you can walk on air for 70 minutes and walk up at ½ speed as far as you want but when the spell fails you will sink slowly for a limited amount of time. If you don’t reach the ground by then you fall.”
"How much can you carry with you while doing that?" Silgara looks over.
Mingzhu thinks a moment. “About 180 lbs. I can cast it on Balan or Fwangzhu. They can carry much more. I would suggest walking up to about 60 or 70 ft then going to Golden Sails. At night you will not be noticed as much at least most do not look up or look up that high.”
"Flying, with a lot of goods, right to that ship. Nor'vee isn't sure how suspicious people are here. Lots of people in this port city. Likely are those up to no good at night watching too." Nor'vee squeaks.
Mingzhu muses a moment then says, “A diversion? I can call a few dire rats to run around the streets. At least some will turn their attentions to the rats.”
Silgara considers "Maybe... or might awaken people..." She muses, trying to determine how much distance there is from the warehouse to the boat.
Mingzhu thinks again then asks, “Something more silent like wolverines? It would cause quite a stir to those awake but those asleep would not be bothered by them?”
Silgara shrugs "Maybe... I can also cast invisibility, but hrm, does that cover the goods? Maybe an invisibility sphere...?"
Mingzhu nods, “I can also call dire badgers or black bears though Fwangzhu may be caught in the spell if it’s dire badgers. Of course, if so, He would be under my control for the length of the spell.” Fwangzhu just gives Mingzhu an obscene hand gesture. Mingzhu smiles, “It’s ok Fwangzhu, I’ll give you a cookie after the spell is done.”
"Oh, screw off." Fwangzhu snarls, "I already want to fucking maul you after Renkao. Don't push it."
Mingzhu looks him dead in the eye and says, “You’re one of the two reasons we failed.”
"Maybe if YOU hadn't gotten so fucking chickenshit, we could have stopped a massacre there!" Fwangzhu just snarls, angrily. "Don't blame /me/ for that shit happening when your idiotic blundering did fuck all to stop it."
Zsikhou glowers at Fwangzhu. "Enough. We've got a mission here. Focus."
"Enough. Do you want me to use animals as a diversion and which type do you think is best. Bear, badger, rat, wolverine. I'll have them run through the streets to draw people’s attention down not up." Mingzhu asks.
Fwangzhu snarls. "Yeah, yeah, shut up and pretend everything's fine. Like that's going to keep working."
Silgara looks over. "Bears, badgers, and wolverines aren't often found in large port cities like this. Rats are probably the best option. Erm... no offense Nor'vee."
Nor'vee squeaks, "Shamaness better not compel rats to being snacks for CAT. Rats suffer enough from CAT already!"
"They should be fine Nor'vee they will be dire rats. Four feet long and 50 lbs. I’ll just have them run through the various streets. They are more likely to eat the cats.”
Silgara nods, "Big rats, then. Well, I guess that fits as a distraction."
Nor'vee huffs, "Would serve CAT right!"
"T'kharr? Balan? What do you say about all this?" Mingzhu asks.
T’kharr thinks a long time, then says, “It's definitely an interesting idea, I'll have to see if I can think up something myself as well. In the meantime, we can at least have Zsikhou head out and scout?"
Mingzhu breaths in and nods. Zsikhou looks at the door and back to the group, “I can case the place, I'll let you know what I find."
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Zsikhou and Nor’vee go out ‘to case’ warehouse 19. As Mingzhu waits she makes a voodoo doll of a badger. Eventually Zsikhou shimmies back expecting snuggles for his hard work. ready to speak. Nor’vee joins as well. Silgara appears to be studying a book while they are gone. Fwangzhu just seems pissed off. Zsikhou gathers everyone together and tells them, “"Right, so here's what this one found. First, Warehouse 19 is about a mile from where the Golden Sails ship is. There's two entrances, one front, one back. Two guards posted on each. But there were plenty of people going in and out, storing or retrieving goods."
Mingzhu takes the voodoo doll and waves its arm at Zsikhou while watching Fwangzhu’s arm. The badger hengeyokai looks over at her, “What the fuck are you doing, Shamaness?" She looks at him innocently while playing with her badger doll. He snarls, “I swear if you pull any magic shit with that on me, I am fucking mauling you." He is reasonably intimidating. The shamaness puts the doll back in her bags and folds her hands to listen to Zsikhou.
She then looks up and says, “A mile from the ship. That’s plenty of time to have Balan get there within the 70-minute time limit.”
Zsikhou raises an eye ridge, then looks over "There's four windows. One in front, one in back, one on each side. They all reach up to the second floor, but not the ground floor. The entrances are on the ground floor. We weren't able to sneak inside; there were too many workmen there."
Mingzhu asks, “How can we tell where to dimension door then?”
"I do believe there is a walkway on each of the windows. Though I am not fully sure how it is organized on the inside. The front entrance is more spacious, while the back entrance seems more immediately crowded by shelves and crates." Zsikhou says.
Mingzhu thinks a moment on that then asks, “So, you believe these carpets may be stored in the back?”
"I'm uncertain." Zsikhou shakes his head. "I didn't see them directly, but I was not able to get inside. Too many dockworkers moving in and out. Could be somewhere in the center for all we saw." He huffs
.
The shamaness shakes her head and her voice softens a bit, “That doesn’t help as Balan and Silgara will be stumbling around in there to retrieve the items.”
"There's two floors to the Warehouse." Zsikhou mentions.
"Are there any kind of uniforms......... No that wouldn’t work because the group is too non-human in appearance. uniform or not they will stick out like a sore thumb. Unless Fwangzhu turns to human form." Mingzhu comments.
T’kharr speaks up, “So, the first floor is windowless?”
"Correct." Zsikhou nods to T'Kharr.
Fwangzhu snarls at Mingzhu, "Fuck off."
"Hm. I think Mingzhu's correct that Fwangzhu in human form would be our best bet at getting someone on the inside. I suspect they have a pretty constant need for labor, no?" T’kharr looks over at him.
"Oh, you screw off too!" Fwangzhu snarls at T'Kharr.
Nor'vee looks over, between them. "Okay um... what is the problem here?"
Mingzhu looks slightly confused then says, “It’s not a slight Fwangzhu. It’s a practical option.”
"Oh, this is where you get 'practical'. Fucking wonderful." Fwangzhu snarls, then huffs.
Zsikhou looks over to Fwangzhu. "It is an option. Focus, Fwangzhu."
"Oh, I can be very unpractical if you want." Mingzhu pulls the doll back out and pushes pins in it. "Ummm, there seems to be something missing."
Fwangzhu snarls at Mingzhu, "You know what how about if you keep that up I shove you down a fucking well. How much do you think you'd like that one?"
Zsikhou narrows his eyes. "I suggest you don't try it."
Fwangzhu snarls back. "Oh, so /I'm/ supposed to put up with all of her shit and just obey mindlessly when she asks me to do something. Fuck that. Or what, are those two going to fucking paralyze me again?"
Silgara looks over. "Okay, I understand mistakes might have been made, but I don't see the problem with utilizing your natural shape changing in this...-"
Mingzhu calmly says, “It’s a practical solution Fwangzhu. Just be a dock worker and find the items.”
Fwangzhu interrupts Silgara with a snarl, "Oh fuck off with that."
Nor'vee squeaks some. "Nor'vee does not understand what Fwangzhu's problem with this plan is."
Mingzhu just sighs, “I give up. Is there another way to find these things. like divine them. I could try the spirits tomorrow to pin them down? so you can dimension door in the near vicinity.... I think? Maybe. I am not sure."
"I do know invisibility, dimension door, invisibility sphere, Fly..." Silgara considers her spellbook. "If I wanted to adjust what I have prepared I would need some time though."
"I would most likely have to cast air walk on Balan before you put any kind of invisibility on him." Mingzhu comments.
“I am just the muscle in this plan.” Balan chuckles
"My invisibility will last only seven minutes. In theory I could pop a dimension door casting while invisible, then do the same going out, though." Silgara looks over after she says that, looking to Balan, a quiet tone. "Though you might be the only one who can convince Fwangzhu to cooperate. He's still clearly livid with T'Kharr and Mingzhu."
Mingzhu calculates, “So air walk is the longest spell. I should cast that before you cast yours and hope they can get everything and Balan can return to the ship in the time allotted.” She looks over at Silgara.
"I can only bring two people with me after I cast this. Though I should mention, while the invisibility spell will make us invisible, it will not dampen the sounds we make." Silgara states.
Mingzhu looks at Balan and Silgara about what she said before, “"I don’t care. I did what was right. Even if he can’t see it. We should not have taken Fwangzhu or Minamoto on that mission. we got caught in circumstance forcing us to take both or neither. I blame myself for that."
Fwangzhu snarls, "Oh no you fucking didn't! Unless doing what is right means letting a whole lot of people get massacred by a tyrant's forces while you try uselessly to stop it by crying on the floor. And you only got your fucking act together /after/ that shit already happened. Don't blame me for your utter spinelessness."
Mingzhu continues completely ignoring Fwangzhu, “Anyway we did find out Minamoto's true nature and.......more. Now let’s get back into the task, shall we?"
"Took you fucking long enough." Fwangzhu snarls.
"Yes, back to the mission, Fwangzhu." Zsikhou stares at Fwangzhu. Fwangzhu still seems heavily pissed off.
"So, a pair of dimension doors with invisibilities for everyone going. I can take myself and two others. We'd have to search for the tapestries and not get caught sneaking around there." Silgara mentions. "And from what it sounds like, there's a lot of traffic in and out of there during the working day. So, what spells did you have in mind for this one, Mingzhu?"
“Later in the night may be the best time to do this.” Balan insists.
Silgara nods, "So we have some preparation time."
"The Air Walk of course for Balan. Dire rats for the diversion. I could ask for Bless and Prayer on everyone just to beef them up. Speak with Animals so the dire rats know what to do unless Nor'vee would like to direct them through the streets."
“We possibly would need a larger distraction as well...” Balan suggests.
"Nor'vee doesn't think Nor'vee can do that with local rats." Nor'vee squeaks.
Mingzhu puts her head down a moment thinking then lifts it again, “Ok, Nor’vee. I’ll use Speak with Animals. What would be the larger diversion for, Balan. We are using the rats so people awake are watching them and not you air walking above them."
"An invisibility sphere can hide us while we're in the air but... it will only last seven minutes." Silgara mentions.
"The rats should take over by that time, and everyone will be looking down and not up.... Hopefully. I can even throw the spell around the time the invisibility gives out. Just count out minutes after Silgara throws the spell." Mingzhu says almost sure of herself.
Balan looks over. “Fwangzhu looks like he is ready for a bar brawl.” He chuckles.
"Maybe if the Shamaness didn't keep fucking pissing me off I wouldn't be." Fwangzhu snarls.
“Was there a bar near the warehouse? that could be a good additional distraction and Fwangzhu could let his steam off.” Balan snickers.
Silgara nods, "Maybe, would it be impractical to land, hrm... what specifically can your Air Walk spell do?"
"When cast, you can walk on air as high as you want but it’s like walking not flying in a bird sense You can walk up like walking a set of stairs to the height you want and walk back down. The spell will last 70 minutes. As it starts to end you will sink slowly down for 60 ft if you don’t make it to the ground in that time you fall the rest of the way." Mingzhu explains.
"How high can we walk? And is it possible to walk over water with this spell?" Silgara asks.
“As high as you want. 70 minutes is a long time to make one mile though, so I see no problem for Balan doing that." Mingzhu nods. “Just remember the end of the spell and the effect.”
Zsikhou looks over. "The hard part will be locating and confiscating the goods that we want once we're in the warehouse."
"How many times can you cast it?" Silgara asks.
"Aye, one option, if patience is on the table, would be to see if we can find one of the tapestries on the market and buy it, then use it as a divination focus to trace where it's been, although that may not be entirely effective." T’kharr comments. “I’ll have to research into that myself.”
Silgara shakes her head. "I don't know any divinations that could do that. Do you?"
Mingzhu frowns and folds her hands. “I could always try the spirits again.”
"Do you have that spell ready to cast?" Silgara looks over.
"I'll have to wait until morning meditations, Silgara."
"Ah, right, divine spellcasters can only prepare their magic at specific points in the day." She nods ... "How many times can you cast that Air Walk? And how many people does each casting affect?"
Zsikhou looks over to the shamaness as she did not answer Silgara’s question. “So, how many times can you cast it?”
“The Air Walk only effects one person. I can cast it as many times as I can cast 4th circle spells....but I would have to drop other spells.” Mingzhu insists.
"And how many times is that? Currently, and that you can prepare?" Silgara inquires.
Zsikhou looks around. "Well, looks like we've gone over our options and resources. What's our plan then?"
"Three times. I have control water too but that comes in the purview of domains." Mingzhu answers. Silgara nods.
Zsikhou looks over to T'kharr. "So, let’s come up with a plan then. "What's our moves here, then?"
“I say we move just before dusk and let the distraction take hold before using any magic...though we should get closer than a mile away I the case of any problems we might encounter.” Balan suggests.
T’kharr rubs her muzzle. "Aye, starting from a mile away wouldn't be very wise, we're better suited working from a more forward position if we can at all get one."
Zsikhou nods. "Then what?"
"You two mean tonight or tomorrow after I change my spells?" Mingzhu asks.
T’kharr nods, “We'd be setting up our prayers specifically for this, that much is certain."
Silgara looks at Mingzhu. "Is your magic ready for what we need tonight?"
“No, unless you only have the one Air Walk option. And you don’t want to narrow down the location of the product. Tomorrow morning, I will have adjusted for the circumstances, and we will have 4 more questions."
Silgara nods. Zsikhou asks, “Then we'll do this tomorrow night. Is there anything we should do in between then to prepare?"
Mingzhu answers, “Pray a lot. This isn’t really our kind of business and none of us is tried on this kind of thing.”
He shrugs.
They go to bed. Before Mingzhu does she makes another badger doll and places it on Fwangzhu’s bedroll. Fwangzhu of course, is pretty pissed off when he finds it. He just hurls it at Mingzhu. "Oh, I gave it to you so you could have a friend Fwangzhu. That one didn’t work either but I’m getting close."
"Why don't you fuck off and stop it with that creepy stupid shit, shamaness?!?" Fwangzhu snarls at her again.
Mingzhu takes the voodoo doll and waves its arm at Zsikhou while watching Fwangzhu’s arm. The badger hengeyokai looks over at her, “What the fuck are you doing, Shamaness?" She looks at him innocently while playing with her badger doll. He snarls, “I swear if you pull any magic shit with that on me, I am fucking mauling you." He is reasonably intimidating. The shamaness puts the doll back in her bags and folds her hands to listen to Zsikhou.
She then looks up and says, “A mile from the ship. That’s plenty of time to have Balan get there within the 70-minute time limit.”
Zsikhou raises an eye ridge, then looks over "There's four windows. One in front, one in back, one on each side. They all reach up to the second floor, but not the ground floor. The entrances are on the ground floor. We weren't able to sneak inside; there were too many workmen there."
Mingzhu asks, “How can we tell where to dimension door then?”
"I do believe there is a walkway on each of the windows. Though I am not fully sure how it is organized on the inside. The front entrance is more spacious, while the back entrance seems more immediately crowded by shelves and crates." Zsikhou says.
Mingzhu thinks a moment on that then asks, “So, you believe these carpets may be stored in the back?”
"I'm uncertain." Zsikhou shakes his head. "I didn't see them directly, but I was not able to get inside. Too many dockworkers moving in and out. Could be somewhere in the center for all we saw." He huffs
.
The shamaness shakes her head and her voice softens a bit, “That doesn’t help as Balan and Silgara will be stumbling around in there to retrieve the items.”
"There's two floors to the Warehouse." Zsikhou mentions.
"Are there any kind of uniforms......... No that wouldn’t work because the group is too non-human in appearance. uniform or not they will stick out like a sore thumb. Unless Fwangzhu turns to human form." Mingzhu comments.
T’kharr speaks up, “So, the first floor is windowless?”
"Correct." Zsikhou nods to T'Kharr.
Fwangzhu snarls at Mingzhu, "Fuck off."
"Hm. I think Mingzhu's correct that Fwangzhu in human form would be our best bet at getting someone on the inside. I suspect they have a pretty constant need for labor, no?" T’kharr looks over at him.
"Oh, you screw off too!" Fwangzhu snarls at T'Kharr.
Nor'vee looks over, between them. "Okay um... what is the problem here?"
Mingzhu looks slightly confused then says, “It’s not a slight Fwangzhu. It’s a practical option.”
"Oh, this is where you get 'practical'. Fucking wonderful." Fwangzhu snarls, then huffs.
Zsikhou looks over to Fwangzhu. "It is an option. Focus, Fwangzhu."
"Oh, I can be very unpractical if you want." Mingzhu pulls the doll back out and pushes pins in it. "Ummm, there seems to be something missing."
Fwangzhu snarls at Mingzhu, "You know what how about if you keep that up I shove you down a fucking well. How much do you think you'd like that one?"
Zsikhou narrows his eyes. "I suggest you don't try it."
Fwangzhu snarls back. "Oh, so /I'm/ supposed to put up with all of her shit and just obey mindlessly when she asks me to do something. Fuck that. Or what, are those two going to fucking paralyze me again?"
Silgara looks over. "Okay, I understand mistakes might have been made, but I don't see the problem with utilizing your natural shape changing in this...-"
Mingzhu calmly says, “It’s a practical solution Fwangzhu. Just be a dock worker and find the items.”
Fwangzhu interrupts Silgara with a snarl, "Oh fuck off with that."
Nor'vee squeaks some. "Nor'vee does not understand what Fwangzhu's problem with this plan is."
Mingzhu just sighs, “I give up. Is there another way to find these things. like divine them. I could try the spirits tomorrow to pin them down? so you can dimension door in the near vicinity.... I think? Maybe. I am not sure."
"I do know invisibility, dimension door, invisibility sphere, Fly..." Silgara considers her spellbook. "If I wanted to adjust what I have prepared I would need some time though."
"I would most likely have to cast air walk on Balan before you put any kind of invisibility on him." Mingzhu comments.
“I am just the muscle in this plan.” Balan chuckles
"My invisibility will last only seven minutes. In theory I could pop a dimension door casting while invisible, then do the same going out, though." Silgara looks over after she says that, looking to Balan, a quiet tone. "Though you might be the only one who can convince Fwangzhu to cooperate. He's still clearly livid with T'Kharr and Mingzhu."
Mingzhu calculates, “So air walk is the longest spell. I should cast that before you cast yours and hope they can get everything and Balan can return to the ship in the time allotted.” She looks over at Silgara.
"I can only bring two people with me after I cast this. Though I should mention, while the invisibility spell will make us invisible, it will not dampen the sounds we make." Silgara states.
Mingzhu looks at Balan and Silgara about what she said before, “"I don’t care. I did what was right. Even if he can’t see it. We should not have taken Fwangzhu or Minamoto on that mission. we got caught in circumstance forcing us to take both or neither. I blame myself for that."
Fwangzhu snarls, "Oh no you fucking didn't! Unless doing what is right means letting a whole lot of people get massacred by a tyrant's forces while you try uselessly to stop it by crying on the floor. And you only got your fucking act together /after/ that shit already happened. Don't blame me for your utter spinelessness."
Mingzhu continues completely ignoring Fwangzhu, “Anyway we did find out Minamoto's true nature and.......more. Now let’s get back into the task, shall we?"
"Took you fucking long enough." Fwangzhu snarls.
"Yes, back to the mission, Fwangzhu." Zsikhou stares at Fwangzhu. Fwangzhu still seems heavily pissed off.
"So, a pair of dimension doors with invisibilities for everyone going. I can take myself and two others. We'd have to search for the tapestries and not get caught sneaking around there." Silgara mentions. "And from what it sounds like, there's a lot of traffic in and out of there during the working day. So, what spells did you have in mind for this one, Mingzhu?"
“Later in the night may be the best time to do this.” Balan insists.
Silgara nods, "So we have some preparation time."
"The Air Walk of course for Balan. Dire rats for the diversion. I could ask for Bless and Prayer on everyone just to beef them up. Speak with Animals so the dire rats know what to do unless Nor'vee would like to direct them through the streets."
“We possibly would need a larger distraction as well...” Balan suggests.
"Nor'vee doesn't think Nor'vee can do that with local rats." Nor'vee squeaks.
Mingzhu puts her head down a moment thinking then lifts it again, “Ok, Nor’vee. I’ll use Speak with Animals. What would be the larger diversion for, Balan. We are using the rats so people awake are watching them and not you air walking above them."
"An invisibility sphere can hide us while we're in the air but... it will only last seven minutes." Silgara mentions.
"The rats should take over by that time, and everyone will be looking down and not up.... Hopefully. I can even throw the spell around the time the invisibility gives out. Just count out minutes after Silgara throws the spell." Mingzhu says almost sure of herself.
Balan looks over. “Fwangzhu looks like he is ready for a bar brawl.” He chuckles.
"Maybe if the Shamaness didn't keep fucking pissing me off I wouldn't be." Fwangzhu snarls.
“Was there a bar near the warehouse? that could be a good additional distraction and Fwangzhu could let his steam off.” Balan snickers.
Silgara nods, "Maybe, would it be impractical to land, hrm... what specifically can your Air Walk spell do?"
"When cast, you can walk on air as high as you want but it’s like walking not flying in a bird sense You can walk up like walking a set of stairs to the height you want and walk back down. The spell will last 70 minutes. As it starts to end you will sink slowly down for 60 ft if you don’t make it to the ground in that time you fall the rest of the way." Mingzhu explains.
"How high can we walk? And is it possible to walk over water with this spell?" Silgara asks.
“As high as you want. 70 minutes is a long time to make one mile though, so I see no problem for Balan doing that." Mingzhu nods. “Just remember the end of the spell and the effect.”
Zsikhou looks over. "The hard part will be locating and confiscating the goods that we want once we're in the warehouse."
"How many times can you cast it?" Silgara asks.
"Aye, one option, if patience is on the table, would be to see if we can find one of the tapestries on the market and buy it, then use it as a divination focus to trace where it's been, although that may not be entirely effective." T’kharr comments. “I’ll have to research into that myself.”
Silgara shakes her head. "I don't know any divinations that could do that. Do you?"
Mingzhu frowns and folds her hands. “I could always try the spirits again.”
"Do you have that spell ready to cast?" Silgara looks over.
"I'll have to wait until morning meditations, Silgara."
"Ah, right, divine spellcasters can only prepare their magic at specific points in the day." She nods ... "How many times can you cast that Air Walk? And how many people does each casting affect?"
Zsikhou looks over to the shamaness as she did not answer Silgara’s question. “So, how many times can you cast it?”
“The Air Walk only effects one person. I can cast it as many times as I can cast 4th circle spells....but I would have to drop other spells.” Mingzhu insists.
"And how many times is that? Currently, and that you can prepare?" Silgara inquires.
Zsikhou looks around. "Well, looks like we've gone over our options and resources. What's our plan then?"
"Three times. I have control water too but that comes in the purview of domains." Mingzhu answers. Silgara nods.
Zsikhou looks over to T'kharr. "So, let’s come up with a plan then. "What's our moves here, then?"
“I say we move just before dusk and let the distraction take hold before using any magic...though we should get closer than a mile away I the case of any problems we might encounter.” Balan suggests.
T’kharr rubs her muzzle. "Aye, starting from a mile away wouldn't be very wise, we're better suited working from a more forward position if we can at all get one."
Zsikhou nods. "Then what?"
"You two mean tonight or tomorrow after I change my spells?" Mingzhu asks.
T’kharr nods, “We'd be setting up our prayers specifically for this, that much is certain."
Silgara looks at Mingzhu. "Is your magic ready for what we need tonight?"
“No, unless you only have the one Air Walk option. And you don’t want to narrow down the location of the product. Tomorrow morning, I will have adjusted for the circumstances, and we will have 4 more questions."
Silgara nods. Zsikhou asks, “Then we'll do this tomorrow night. Is there anything we should do in between then to prepare?"
Mingzhu answers, “Pray a lot. This isn’t really our kind of business and none of us is tried on this kind of thing.”
He shrugs.
They go to bed. Before Mingzhu does she makes another badger doll and places it on Fwangzhu’s bedroll. Fwangzhu of course, is pretty pissed off when he finds it. He just hurls it at Mingzhu. "Oh, I gave it to you so you could have a friend Fwangzhu. That one didn’t work either but I’m getting close."
"Why don't you fuck off and stop it with that creepy stupid shit, shamaness?!?" Fwangzhu snarls at her again.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2219
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
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- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
The group rests. In the morning T’kharr and Mingzhu perform their usual morning meditations and practice. Both changing their spells for the day. After that is all finished Mingzhu gathers everyone together. She gets into a lotus position and looks up at them. “I’ll ask my questions now.” She casts Trance and Commune with Lesser spirit.” A spirit is called. “Spirit of this community, I have four questions.”
"Spirit. The stolen magical tapestries that are in Warehouse 19 are they on the second floor?"
“No.”
"Spirit. Are those tapestries closer to the entrance than the back of the warehouse?"
"Unknown."
"Spirit are those magical tapestries on the right side of the warehouse as you are looking at the entrance?”
“No.”
"Spirit are those magical tapestries near 1/2 way between the entrance and the back of the warehouse?"
“Yes.” The spirit fades.
She looks up at everyone. “The tapestries are on the first floor near the middle left of the warehouse as you look at the entrance."
Silgara nods "Right, now it's just a matter of getting in, then. If I'm going to dimension door two with me, who is coming?" She looks around.
Mingzhu says, “I have two Air Walk spells. And a Call Natures Ally spell.”
"Means only two can make the fly. Which, okay... I'll have to cast an invisibility on each before we make them fly then. And they'll need to be those who can carry the most." Silgara says.
Before she prays, T'kharr asks a few questions, "What are the walls of the warehouse made of?"
Zsikhou looks over. "Wooden, from what this one saw."
"I can fly with those entering since I have my own magic for such." T’kharr suggests.
"If it's a fly spell, it will only last a few minutes." Silgara says.
"Hm, a fair point. That said, just how large is this warehouse? If it's not divination warded, I should be able to use a Locate Object to get us a more precise bearing on the tapestries once we're within a few hundred feet." T’kharr says.
"Decently sized, but if it works within a few hundred feet, you might be able to do it from outside." Zsikhou mentions.
Silgara looks over to T'kharr. "Hrm, you can probably carry a fair amount, yes?"
“Somewhat.”
"Okay... Well, if we are going to dimension door inside, who should I take with me?" Silgara asks.
Nor'vee comes back from a scouting trip. “At night, seems like they have two nightwatchmen near the front entry, two at the back. All inside, warehouse doors locked." Squeak.
"Works for us Nor'vee if we come in from the side. and I also have obscuring mist so hide our movements." Mingzhu nods to him.
"I can enchant Balan's armor, so it doesn't give him away. Although it may be best if I go along on the dimension door. That'd let us have my Locate Object up so I can guide us to the tapestries more directly, if it works of course." T’kharr intones.
Silgara nods, "I can take Balan and T'Kharr then. Balan it may be best if you leave your armor behind, it'll just get in the way for this mission. Well, are we set then?"
Balan chuckles, “Aye mithril is light but still noisy.”
Mingzhu makes another doll, but this one has two stripes down its back, a longer nose and a big bushy tail. She gives it to Balan. T'kharr swaps in an Iron Silence spell for Balan, and a couple casts of Locate Object She also leaves her quarterstaff behind for this mission, keeping her sling with her sling bullets so it doesn't get in the way.
When all is ready and night comes again. They set off.
"Spirit. The stolen magical tapestries that are in Warehouse 19 are they on the second floor?"
“No.”
"Spirit. Are those tapestries closer to the entrance than the back of the warehouse?"
"Unknown."
"Spirit are those magical tapestries on the right side of the warehouse as you are looking at the entrance?”
“No.”
"Spirit are those magical tapestries near 1/2 way between the entrance and the back of the warehouse?"
“Yes.” The spirit fades.
She looks up at everyone. “The tapestries are on the first floor near the middle left of the warehouse as you look at the entrance."
Silgara nods "Right, now it's just a matter of getting in, then. If I'm going to dimension door two with me, who is coming?" She looks around.
Mingzhu says, “I have two Air Walk spells. And a Call Natures Ally spell.”
"Means only two can make the fly. Which, okay... I'll have to cast an invisibility on each before we make them fly then. And they'll need to be those who can carry the most." Silgara says.
Before she prays, T'kharr asks a few questions, "What are the walls of the warehouse made of?"
Zsikhou looks over. "Wooden, from what this one saw."
"I can fly with those entering since I have my own magic for such." T’kharr suggests.
"If it's a fly spell, it will only last a few minutes." Silgara says.
"Hm, a fair point. That said, just how large is this warehouse? If it's not divination warded, I should be able to use a Locate Object to get us a more precise bearing on the tapestries once we're within a few hundred feet." T’kharr says.
"Decently sized, but if it works within a few hundred feet, you might be able to do it from outside." Zsikhou mentions.
Silgara looks over to T'kharr. "Hrm, you can probably carry a fair amount, yes?"
“Somewhat.”
"Okay... Well, if we are going to dimension door inside, who should I take with me?" Silgara asks.
Nor'vee comes back from a scouting trip. “At night, seems like they have two nightwatchmen near the front entry, two at the back. All inside, warehouse doors locked." Squeak.
"Works for us Nor'vee if we come in from the side. and I also have obscuring mist so hide our movements." Mingzhu nods to him.
"I can enchant Balan's armor, so it doesn't give him away. Although it may be best if I go along on the dimension door. That'd let us have my Locate Object up so I can guide us to the tapestries more directly, if it works of course." T’kharr intones.
Silgara nods, "I can take Balan and T'Kharr then. Balan it may be best if you leave your armor behind, it'll just get in the way for this mission. Well, are we set then?"
Balan chuckles, “Aye mithril is light but still noisy.”
Mingzhu makes another doll, but this one has two stripes down its back, a longer nose and a big bushy tail. She gives it to Balan. T'kharr swaps in an Iron Silence spell for Balan, and a couple casts of Locate Object She also leaves her quarterstaff behind for this mission, keeping her sling with her sling bullets so it doesn't get in the way.
When all is ready and night comes again. They set off.
-
Winterhawk99
- Posts: 2219
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:00 am
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- nwnihof: Yes
- Location: Pa.
- Contact:
Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Zsikhou and Nor'vee do some scouting. They motion the party to a quiet alley near the warehouse. They are about two blocks away. T'kharr takes this opportunity to cast Iron Silence on Balan. The kobold comes back to the group. "It's locked down now, and there's guards stationed on the inside of the doors." Zsikhou mentions.
Silgara nods to them. "You both ready?" She looks to T'Kharr and Balan.
"I can be, yes." T'kharr nods slowly. Silgara nods, moves them close, she looks around, casting invisibility sphere. Then grips both T'Kharr and Balan, and casts Dimension Door. Mingzhu waits quietly for their return. To occupy her time, she searches the ground around Fwangzhu to see if he has shed any hair.
As soon as they are inside T’kharr fires off her Locate Object spell. Now that they are there, it looks like there's a lot of crates on shelves, stocked up high enough that the three might even be able to climb on them. They entered along the left of the place, but it's not sure where exactly in the warehouse they are. There is another floor above them. The spell mentions it's straight ahead. But that's through a massive stock and shelf of crates. They can cleanly walk to the left or right from where they are currently. Silgara casts Arcane Sight.
T’kharr sees her Locate Object shows the items are further in the direction in front of them. One problem though. The route is blocked by stacks and shelves of cargo crates. T’kharr goes left to avoid the shelving to get them closer to a through-aisle…
Back to where everyone else is waiting Mingzhu slowly follows Fwangzhu around looking at the ground for fallen badger hair. She finds some hairs and places them into a small spice bottle.
Inside the warehouse they eventually come to a corner. Looking down, it looks like the warehouse is arranged into several aisles on their right. The one they just came from, and three more ahead. Ahead it looks like there's another wall of cargo crates. However, ahead, and slightly to the right, there seems to be an opening of sorts...
T’kharr follows her spell to the third aisle to the right. She follows but she is pretty sure that opening at the end of the hall goes to the back exit. As the move Balan hears the guards from the back entrance moving towards their position. He knows they have heard them. T’kharr’s Locate Object suggest what they are looking for is down the third aisle and off to the left.
Balan points to the door and holds position. T’kharr ushers Silgara along towards their quarry, Knowing that they’re on the clock with their magic. Fortunately, the guards seem to have gone the wrong direction, moving to where they were before, not where they are currently. Id does look like the guards are actively suspicious that someone might have snuck in.
T'kharr keeps the party moving, taking the long way around the aisle to try to throw the guards off. Eventually following the locate object, they move down the aisle, and then turn left, to what looks like a circular arrangement of crates and goods. There looks to be a lot of expensive stuff here, the 'center' of the warehouse. The tapestries are somewhere here, you think. Silgara, still invisible, looks around, apparently a few things catch her focus, but she doesn't say anything, perhaps afraid of making too much sound. T'Kharr is able to intuit a certain large crate, but there's plenty more around here which might contain more.
T'kharr points Balan to the specified large crate but then has him hold position at it, waiting for Silgara to signal any other crates that need to be grabbed. she looks aside, whispering. "Lots of them have magic auras here. Including the large one you're motioning to. Not sure if they've all got what we're looking for, or other goods."
The one they are looking at, from the sort of circular room with entrances on the east/west sides, is on the second shelf, north side. But there's a LOT more crates here. They look like they're locked though, so they have no way of seeing what's inside unless they open them.
T’kharr listens a bit for the guards to see if they're moving closer, or if the coast is clear. She hears they are checking the second aisle. The one behind the one they took. They are still actively searching. Balan also hearing them carefully grabs up an extra crate that’s close by.
Silgara looks aside. "That one crate won't hold everything we're looking for. Maybe we should grab up to what we can carry and then book it."
T’kharr grabs the crate that her Locate Object crate singles out. She then takes up another that seems large enough to hold more. Balan takes two more crates. Silgara grabs a small crate as she cannot carry much. As it sounds like the Guards are moving in close in their search Silgara touches them both and casts Dimension Door.
The three of them arrive in that alley staging area they were using. Well, after a short walk. Silgara breathes heavily out. "Well, we just robbed a front for the Black Network. Not that they don't deserve it. Right, let’s get to Mingzhu for the next part of the plan. I've got an invisibility casting for both of you. We're not too far from the water here, if you want to fly over the water rather than the town."
When they meet with the rest of the gang, Mingzhu says, “Are you two ready? I will count minutes ruffly and release the rats in the street.”
Silgara looks aside. "I'd better cast individual invisibility spells on each of them, since the sphere won't work if they move too far from me."
"Aye, that's fine. I'm ready." T'kharr nods, her voice still quiet.
Balan nods, “Ready.”
Silgara casts an invisibility on T'Kharr, then one on Balan, while Mingzhu casts Air walk on Balan and then T’kharr. She says, “You have 70 minutes now.”
"Seven before the invisibility wanes. Godspeed." Silgara nods to them.
T’kharr and Balan walk 10ft above the buildings. T’kharr leads on a dog leg path to the ship. After 5 minutes Mingzhu casts Call Natures Ally 4, dire rats. She then casts speak with animals to give them directions. Two 4ft long rats come to her. She gives each of them a chunk of cheese obtained at the inn and says, “Wander the middle of the streets in opposite directions you go east, and you go west make sure you are seen but dodge and duck if someone tries to harm you." The rats go off.
Balan and T’kharr head to the ship and go around so they come from a seaward direction. They land on the ship. Back with the rest of the group Mingzhu tells the others. “Ok let’s make our way to the golden sails." She throws Obscuring Mist behind them away from the docks then walks toward the docks and the golden sails as another diversion for anyone looking around.
Silgara nods to them. "You both ready?" She looks to T'Kharr and Balan.
"I can be, yes." T'kharr nods slowly. Silgara nods, moves them close, she looks around, casting invisibility sphere. Then grips both T'Kharr and Balan, and casts Dimension Door. Mingzhu waits quietly for their return. To occupy her time, she searches the ground around Fwangzhu to see if he has shed any hair.
As soon as they are inside T’kharr fires off her Locate Object spell. Now that they are there, it looks like there's a lot of crates on shelves, stocked up high enough that the three might even be able to climb on them. They entered along the left of the place, but it's not sure where exactly in the warehouse they are. There is another floor above them. The spell mentions it's straight ahead. But that's through a massive stock and shelf of crates. They can cleanly walk to the left or right from where they are currently. Silgara casts Arcane Sight.
T’kharr sees her Locate Object shows the items are further in the direction in front of them. One problem though. The route is blocked by stacks and shelves of cargo crates. T’kharr goes left to avoid the shelving to get them closer to a through-aisle…
Back to where everyone else is waiting Mingzhu slowly follows Fwangzhu around looking at the ground for fallen badger hair. She finds some hairs and places them into a small spice bottle.
Inside the warehouse they eventually come to a corner. Looking down, it looks like the warehouse is arranged into several aisles on their right. The one they just came from, and three more ahead. Ahead it looks like there's another wall of cargo crates. However, ahead, and slightly to the right, there seems to be an opening of sorts...
T’kharr follows her spell to the third aisle to the right. She follows but she is pretty sure that opening at the end of the hall goes to the back exit. As the move Balan hears the guards from the back entrance moving towards their position. He knows they have heard them. T’kharr’s Locate Object suggest what they are looking for is down the third aisle and off to the left.
Balan points to the door and holds position. T’kharr ushers Silgara along towards their quarry, Knowing that they’re on the clock with their magic. Fortunately, the guards seem to have gone the wrong direction, moving to where they were before, not where they are currently. Id does look like the guards are actively suspicious that someone might have snuck in.
T'kharr keeps the party moving, taking the long way around the aisle to try to throw the guards off. Eventually following the locate object, they move down the aisle, and then turn left, to what looks like a circular arrangement of crates and goods. There looks to be a lot of expensive stuff here, the 'center' of the warehouse. The tapestries are somewhere here, you think. Silgara, still invisible, looks around, apparently a few things catch her focus, but she doesn't say anything, perhaps afraid of making too much sound. T'Kharr is able to intuit a certain large crate, but there's plenty more around here which might contain more.
T'kharr points Balan to the specified large crate but then has him hold position at it, waiting for Silgara to signal any other crates that need to be grabbed. she looks aside, whispering. "Lots of them have magic auras here. Including the large one you're motioning to. Not sure if they've all got what we're looking for, or other goods."
The one they are looking at, from the sort of circular room with entrances on the east/west sides, is on the second shelf, north side. But there's a LOT more crates here. They look like they're locked though, so they have no way of seeing what's inside unless they open them.
T’kharr listens a bit for the guards to see if they're moving closer, or if the coast is clear. She hears they are checking the second aisle. The one behind the one they took. They are still actively searching. Balan also hearing them carefully grabs up an extra crate that’s close by.
Silgara looks aside. "That one crate won't hold everything we're looking for. Maybe we should grab up to what we can carry and then book it."
T’kharr grabs the crate that her Locate Object crate singles out. She then takes up another that seems large enough to hold more. Balan takes two more crates. Silgara grabs a small crate as she cannot carry much. As it sounds like the Guards are moving in close in their search Silgara touches them both and casts Dimension Door.
The three of them arrive in that alley staging area they were using. Well, after a short walk. Silgara breathes heavily out. "Well, we just robbed a front for the Black Network. Not that they don't deserve it. Right, let’s get to Mingzhu for the next part of the plan. I've got an invisibility casting for both of you. We're not too far from the water here, if you want to fly over the water rather than the town."
When they meet with the rest of the gang, Mingzhu says, “Are you two ready? I will count minutes ruffly and release the rats in the street.”
Silgara looks aside. "I'd better cast individual invisibility spells on each of them, since the sphere won't work if they move too far from me."
"Aye, that's fine. I'm ready." T'kharr nods, her voice still quiet.
Balan nods, “Ready.”
Silgara casts an invisibility on T'Kharr, then one on Balan, while Mingzhu casts Air walk on Balan and then T’kharr. She says, “You have 70 minutes now.”
"Seven before the invisibility wanes. Godspeed." Silgara nods to them.
T’kharr and Balan walk 10ft above the buildings. T’kharr leads on a dog leg path to the ship. After 5 minutes Mingzhu casts Call Natures Ally 4, dire rats. She then casts speak with animals to give them directions. Two 4ft long rats come to her. She gives each of them a chunk of cheese obtained at the inn and says, “Wander the middle of the streets in opposite directions you go east, and you go west make sure you are seen but dodge and duck if someone tries to harm you." The rats go off.
Balan and T’kharr head to the ship and go around so they come from a seaward direction. They land on the ship. Back with the rest of the group Mingzhu tells the others. “Ok let’s make our way to the golden sails." She throws Obscuring Mist behind them away from the docks then walks toward the docks and the golden sails as another diversion for anyone looking around.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
The deckhands immediately surround Balan and T’kharr holding their crates. Balan rather sheepishly says, “Apologies… We were given a… Well, your captain please.”
T’kharr backs him up, “If you would fetch the captain please, aye. Tell him T'kharr and Balan have completed the mission assigned."
One of the crew quietly says, “This way, and hurry." He motions them to below deck. T'kharr follows without further ado. Balan follows directly holding 3 large crates. Mingzhu and the rest of the group make their way to the golden sails.
T'Kharr and Balan are moved below, quickly. It takes a bit of time, but Manishpral goes to meet them. He looks over the crates. "Well, this is unexpected. I do at least hope your approach was not caught."
"Aye, we were able to get in and out before they really caught on to what was up." T’kharr insists.
"Well, let my crew have them, then. Go on, sit." He motions to the table. Manishpral then goes to sit down on a chair. T’kharr lets the crew have the crates. She then seats herself at a suitable position across from Manishpral. Balan sets his crates down and sits.
Some of the crew go to tend to the crates, going to catalogue. Of course, Manishpral makes sure that at least one of them has what they are looking for. One of the crew gets a crowbar and opens them.... and it looks like there are some lavish, luxurious looking tapestries inside, very expensive looking. Manishpral looks over. He looks surprised, perhaps even impressed. But he seems to have that look of perpetual disappointment or disbelief to him. He then looks over. "Well done. Truth be told I had not expected this. But I am a man of my word, and a bargain made is a bargain kept. So, re-iterate for me, what is it you wish in exchange for the favor you have done for me?"
Back at the docks. Mingzhu eventually reaches the boat ramp. There are two guards stationed outside the Vikrant. Mingzhu bows. "My friends are with the captain. I wish to join them."
The guard looks skeptical. "We have not had any guests join us tonight."
"They should have landed on the ship with 5 crates."
The guard just looks incredulously at Mingzhu. Either not believing her or silently telling her to shut up. Either way, his look hardens. "I have no idea what you are talking about. Please leave."
"Please ask your captain. They are either with him or not. if they are not, I must look for them."
"As I said, I have no idea what you are talking about. Please leave." The guard says again, firmly.
Silgara places her hand on Mingzhu’s shoulder. "Might not want to press this... Let’s step back." Mingzhu nods and steps back. Silgara takes her hand away. "We did just technically commit a crime, if they're caught with another company's crates, it... could make things complicated. We might just need to let T'Kharr and Balan handle this." Meanwhile, Manishpral looks to T'Kharr and Balan for what they will say next.
Mingzhu nods but says, “But, you have a small crate yourself.”
Zsikhou looks to Mingzhu "Maybe we should step away, we don't want to draw any suspicion to our new 'allies'..."
Balan speaks first, “Our friends should be along soon...best to inform and let them in.”
"Aye, we have others in our party who are wishing to join us for this discussion." T’kharr adds.
Manishpral looks over to Balan. "In this instance, I believe discretion is better."
Balan shakes his head. “One of them may have another crate and the other is the shamaness.”
Manishpral looks over to Balan. "If it is the same Shamaness from before, then quite frankly, we are better off discussing without the hysteria."
"Fair." T’kharr nods to Manishpral, then looking at Balan "It may be easier if you explain the favor we're after?"
“Our friend mentioned something about the black network and the winds being a front.” Balan says.
Manishpral nods. "So, you said. You're doing an investigation. You wanted my information, networks, and potentially favors. Yes, I do believe that the Fated Winds are being used by the Corsairs to front stolen goods. That they had a crate full of our tapestries is proof enough. The Black Network? ... Hrm,... ah, those rumors from the west. Yes, there is rumor that the Fated Winds was created by the Zhentarim as a front. But it was never proven. But that is likely hardly what you need. For something like this, you are looking for a lead which you can track down and follow, rather than empty rumors. That's why you came to me, isn't it?" Manishpral shakes his head. "I expect you have a more specific question, or questions, or favors required, in regard to your investigation pertaining to any cooperation between Daimyo Zuodong and the Corsairs."
“Maybe, this is one of many connections.” Balan insists.
"Maybe. But I take it you are looking for something more local. The Black Network's influence does not extend far on this continent. Quite frankly their interests are elsewhere." Manishpral says. "I expect what you are looking for is not some grand conspiracy leading back to them. The Fated Winds are a front, or just pasties to them. And if you want to find their inroads for Zuodong's men here, that will lead your trail to the city hall." Manishpral says.
Balan nods, “And the dockmaster from what I have heard.”
"The Dockmaster, potentially, yes. He oversees trade. But he's also a very public figure. He handles finances. Now it's unlikely too much coin can be traded without his notice. But if he is doing something untoward like dealing with Corsairs, like dealing with someone he shouldn't be, he'll have another do it." Manishpral huffs "Your Shamaness already blundered once when she mentioned a name. Clearly, she doesn't have a business sense or discretion. But there is one person who would most likely know or is involved in such things. That would be Minister Quin. He's ostensively a paper pushing bureaucrat, but his real job is that of a spymaster. He makes sure the Mayor and Dockmaster get what information they need and also handles more 'under-the-table' matters.
Now every so often, I have noted that a free trader goes in for a meeting with the city hall, and they and their crew emerge with a generous payment. A different trader each time." Manishpral continues.
“That is curious.” Balan smiles.
"Business deals of that nature are normal around here. But it is a pattern I've noticed." Manishpral shrugs. "Now then, I take it there's something else you'd want from me, regarding this?"
"Basically, we need...an 'in' if you will, in order to probe the goings on around City Hall more closely -- if we tried to go it alone, we'd just get stonewalled." T’kharr says.
Manishpral nods, considering. "A favor for a favor. I can get you an appointment. I will warn you though. If you mean to meet with Minister Quin, he is sharp, manipulative, and dangerous. Don't underestimate him or waste his time."
T’kharr nods. “That much we expected.”
Manishpral nods. "I'll see what I can arrange, then. Do you wish anything else from me?"
Balan thinks a moment then says, “Perhaps not at this time though i do wish to know if we gathered all the correct crates.”
"A moment." Manishpral goes to check with his crew. After a while, he comes back. "Good enough, I think. Not all perfect, but it will do. I expect a perfect match would have been impossible, as they'd likely moved goods to and from a lot."
“Aye, it is what we could do with the short time of spells.”
Manishpral nods, "Is that all, then?"
T’kharr looks at Balan. “I think so, unless you had anything else?"
“At this moment. No.” He replies.
"Very well. A guard can show you out. Golden Sails thanks you for retrieving our stolen property, though I do advise you not to mention this to anyone else. Have a good day." Manishpral nods, then heads off to deal with some things. One of the Durpari guards escorts the pair off the ship. They rejoin the party.
Zsikhou looks over at Mingzhu. “Ah, they’re back.”
“Yes, they are.” Mingzhu says.
Zsikhou looks up to Balan and T'Kharr. "Did you get what you needed, there?... If so, we might wish to return to our inn room to confer."
"We did get some things that were helpful, yes, let us return to our room and confer." T’kharr says. They head off to their inn.
T’kharr backs him up, “If you would fetch the captain please, aye. Tell him T'kharr and Balan have completed the mission assigned."
One of the crew quietly says, “This way, and hurry." He motions them to below deck. T'kharr follows without further ado. Balan follows directly holding 3 large crates. Mingzhu and the rest of the group make their way to the golden sails.
T'Kharr and Balan are moved below, quickly. It takes a bit of time, but Manishpral goes to meet them. He looks over the crates. "Well, this is unexpected. I do at least hope your approach was not caught."
"Aye, we were able to get in and out before they really caught on to what was up." T’kharr insists.
"Well, let my crew have them, then. Go on, sit." He motions to the table. Manishpral then goes to sit down on a chair. T’kharr lets the crew have the crates. She then seats herself at a suitable position across from Manishpral. Balan sets his crates down and sits.
Some of the crew go to tend to the crates, going to catalogue. Of course, Manishpral makes sure that at least one of them has what they are looking for. One of the crew gets a crowbar and opens them.... and it looks like there are some lavish, luxurious looking tapestries inside, very expensive looking. Manishpral looks over. He looks surprised, perhaps even impressed. But he seems to have that look of perpetual disappointment or disbelief to him. He then looks over. "Well done. Truth be told I had not expected this. But I am a man of my word, and a bargain made is a bargain kept. So, re-iterate for me, what is it you wish in exchange for the favor you have done for me?"
Back at the docks. Mingzhu eventually reaches the boat ramp. There are two guards stationed outside the Vikrant. Mingzhu bows. "My friends are with the captain. I wish to join them."
The guard looks skeptical. "We have not had any guests join us tonight."
"They should have landed on the ship with 5 crates."
The guard just looks incredulously at Mingzhu. Either not believing her or silently telling her to shut up. Either way, his look hardens. "I have no idea what you are talking about. Please leave."
"Please ask your captain. They are either with him or not. if they are not, I must look for them."
"As I said, I have no idea what you are talking about. Please leave." The guard says again, firmly.
Silgara places her hand on Mingzhu’s shoulder. "Might not want to press this... Let’s step back." Mingzhu nods and steps back. Silgara takes her hand away. "We did just technically commit a crime, if they're caught with another company's crates, it... could make things complicated. We might just need to let T'Kharr and Balan handle this." Meanwhile, Manishpral looks to T'Kharr and Balan for what they will say next.
Mingzhu nods but says, “But, you have a small crate yourself.”
Zsikhou looks to Mingzhu "Maybe we should step away, we don't want to draw any suspicion to our new 'allies'..."
Balan speaks first, “Our friends should be along soon...best to inform and let them in.”
"Aye, we have others in our party who are wishing to join us for this discussion." T’kharr adds.
Manishpral looks over to Balan. "In this instance, I believe discretion is better."
Balan shakes his head. “One of them may have another crate and the other is the shamaness.”
Manishpral looks over to Balan. "If it is the same Shamaness from before, then quite frankly, we are better off discussing without the hysteria."
"Fair." T’kharr nods to Manishpral, then looking at Balan "It may be easier if you explain the favor we're after?"
“Our friend mentioned something about the black network and the winds being a front.” Balan says.
Manishpral nods. "So, you said. You're doing an investigation. You wanted my information, networks, and potentially favors. Yes, I do believe that the Fated Winds are being used by the Corsairs to front stolen goods. That they had a crate full of our tapestries is proof enough. The Black Network? ... Hrm,... ah, those rumors from the west. Yes, there is rumor that the Fated Winds was created by the Zhentarim as a front. But it was never proven. But that is likely hardly what you need. For something like this, you are looking for a lead which you can track down and follow, rather than empty rumors. That's why you came to me, isn't it?" Manishpral shakes his head. "I expect you have a more specific question, or questions, or favors required, in regard to your investigation pertaining to any cooperation between Daimyo Zuodong and the Corsairs."
“Maybe, this is one of many connections.” Balan insists.
"Maybe. But I take it you are looking for something more local. The Black Network's influence does not extend far on this continent. Quite frankly their interests are elsewhere." Manishpral says. "I expect what you are looking for is not some grand conspiracy leading back to them. The Fated Winds are a front, or just pasties to them. And if you want to find their inroads for Zuodong's men here, that will lead your trail to the city hall." Manishpral says.
Balan nods, “And the dockmaster from what I have heard.”
"The Dockmaster, potentially, yes. He oversees trade. But he's also a very public figure. He handles finances. Now it's unlikely too much coin can be traded without his notice. But if he is doing something untoward like dealing with Corsairs, like dealing with someone he shouldn't be, he'll have another do it." Manishpral huffs "Your Shamaness already blundered once when she mentioned a name. Clearly, she doesn't have a business sense or discretion. But there is one person who would most likely know or is involved in such things. That would be Minister Quin. He's ostensively a paper pushing bureaucrat, but his real job is that of a spymaster. He makes sure the Mayor and Dockmaster get what information they need and also handles more 'under-the-table' matters.
Now every so often, I have noted that a free trader goes in for a meeting with the city hall, and they and their crew emerge with a generous payment. A different trader each time." Manishpral continues.
“That is curious.” Balan smiles.
"Business deals of that nature are normal around here. But it is a pattern I've noticed." Manishpral shrugs. "Now then, I take it there's something else you'd want from me, regarding this?"
"Basically, we need...an 'in' if you will, in order to probe the goings on around City Hall more closely -- if we tried to go it alone, we'd just get stonewalled." T’kharr says.
Manishpral nods, considering. "A favor for a favor. I can get you an appointment. I will warn you though. If you mean to meet with Minister Quin, he is sharp, manipulative, and dangerous. Don't underestimate him or waste his time."
T’kharr nods. “That much we expected.”
Manishpral nods. "I'll see what I can arrange, then. Do you wish anything else from me?"
Balan thinks a moment then says, “Perhaps not at this time though i do wish to know if we gathered all the correct crates.”
"A moment." Manishpral goes to check with his crew. After a while, he comes back. "Good enough, I think. Not all perfect, but it will do. I expect a perfect match would have been impossible, as they'd likely moved goods to and from a lot."
“Aye, it is what we could do with the short time of spells.”
Manishpral nods, "Is that all, then?"
T’kharr looks at Balan. “I think so, unless you had anything else?"
“At this moment. No.” He replies.
"Very well. A guard can show you out. Golden Sails thanks you for retrieving our stolen property, though I do advise you not to mention this to anyone else. Have a good day." Manishpral nods, then heads off to deal with some things. One of the Durpari guards escorts the pair off the ship. They rejoin the party.
Zsikhou looks over at Mingzhu. “Ah, they’re back.”
“Yes, they are.” Mingzhu says.
Zsikhou looks up to Balan and T'Kharr. "Did you get what you needed, there?... If so, we might wish to return to our inn room to confer."
"We did get some things that were helpful, yes, let us return to our room and confer." T’kharr says. They head off to their inn.
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Winterhawk99
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Re: She Came from the Sea: Book 2
Once they get back to the inn and into one of their rooms Silgara looks over. "Well, what's our next steps, then? And what did we find out?"
"Well, I will switch one of these Air Walks for Discern Lies in the morning." Mingzhu states.
T’kharr rubs her muzzle. "Well, Quin's indeed a spymaster, and it's unsurprising why, he's definitely someone we'll need our best diplomacy skills to pit against if we're ever seated across from him"
"Sharp, manipulative, and dangerous" were the words the captain used.
Mingzhu asks, “Is this Quinn an eastern man or western?"
T’kharr frowns. “That did not come up.”
"If he's one of Zuodong's men, he's probably an easterner." Zsikhou mentions. Mingzhu nods.
"So, what are our next steps, then?" Silgara looks over. Mingzhu shrugs.
"The captain is going to do what he can to arrange us an appointment." T’kharr states.
"Then tomorrow I will go to the outskirts and tend to the shrine. Which I really need to do since no one else on this island will. If you need me. Send someone to fetch me." Mingzhu says.
Zsikhou looks over to Mingzhu. "Are you sure it's a good idea to split up like that now?"
"What do you mean?" Mingzhu asks.
Zsikhou considers. "When we were overhearing things about Minister Quin, he does sound dangerous. And after what we just pulled off, that might mean he's taking more notice of us, and I'd rather not have him send people after one of us while we're alone for some 'leverage' or the like. I get tending to the shrine is important to your duties to the celestial court, but right now we need to focus on our mission here first."
"Balan can handle any meetings better than I could and it will take time to set up a meeting at any rate. You are of course welcome to come with me, Zsikhou if you think there will be trouble. I need to feel useful if not to the group, then to the court."
"Aye, we're best suited laying low for a bit at this point anyway." T’kharr nods.
Silgara looks over. "I expect the Fated Winds is going to be sending inquiries regarding the robbery that just happened. We were not spotted but I expect given the... exotic compliment of our group here, we might end up drawing attention just for that."
"I'm the least likely to draw attention Silgara. I'm just a normal citizen ‘to most people here’ though my skin shows I am spirit folk."
"Well, so long as you haven't been flaunting your magic, that could work." Silgara considers.
"I think I only showed my magic once. The streets are so bad here I air walked from the docks to the inn after pearl diving. All the other times, I wove my spells so only the group knows." Mingzhu replies.
Fwangzhu snorts, "And that time you went down in fucking public to talk to spirits."
"They laughed and thought I was drunk." Mingzhu retorts.
Silgara sighs, "You... air walked from the docks to the inn...? Okay, that is very definitely public flaunting of such magic. And now I'm really hoping no one saw Balan and T'Kharr... well, I guess we just wait for this appointment, then." She sighs again.
Zsikhou huffs, "Well, we might as well get some rest now. It's pretty late."
"Most likely it will take a day or two. if I tend to the shrine one of these days it should be fine."
"I don't think it's a good idea." Zsikhou says. Fwangzhu just snorts, then waves Mingzhu off.
"Then come with me Zsikhou. Perhaps you could also pray to the court and tend the shrine. You were once an arm of the court yourself." Mingzhu responds.
After that the group goes to their various rooms who are not occupying the one they are in. They sleep the night some with one eye open.
"Well, I will switch one of these Air Walks for Discern Lies in the morning." Mingzhu states.
T’kharr rubs her muzzle. "Well, Quin's indeed a spymaster, and it's unsurprising why, he's definitely someone we'll need our best diplomacy skills to pit against if we're ever seated across from him"
"Sharp, manipulative, and dangerous" were the words the captain used.
Mingzhu asks, “Is this Quinn an eastern man or western?"
T’kharr frowns. “That did not come up.”
"If he's one of Zuodong's men, he's probably an easterner." Zsikhou mentions. Mingzhu nods.
"So, what are our next steps, then?" Silgara looks over. Mingzhu shrugs.
"The captain is going to do what he can to arrange us an appointment." T’kharr states.
"Then tomorrow I will go to the outskirts and tend to the shrine. Which I really need to do since no one else on this island will. If you need me. Send someone to fetch me." Mingzhu says.
Zsikhou looks over to Mingzhu. "Are you sure it's a good idea to split up like that now?"
"What do you mean?" Mingzhu asks.
Zsikhou considers. "When we were overhearing things about Minister Quin, he does sound dangerous. And after what we just pulled off, that might mean he's taking more notice of us, and I'd rather not have him send people after one of us while we're alone for some 'leverage' or the like. I get tending to the shrine is important to your duties to the celestial court, but right now we need to focus on our mission here first."
"Balan can handle any meetings better than I could and it will take time to set up a meeting at any rate. You are of course welcome to come with me, Zsikhou if you think there will be trouble. I need to feel useful if not to the group, then to the court."
"Aye, we're best suited laying low for a bit at this point anyway." T’kharr nods.
Silgara looks over. "I expect the Fated Winds is going to be sending inquiries regarding the robbery that just happened. We were not spotted but I expect given the... exotic compliment of our group here, we might end up drawing attention just for that."
"I'm the least likely to draw attention Silgara. I'm just a normal citizen ‘to most people here’ though my skin shows I am spirit folk."
"Well, so long as you haven't been flaunting your magic, that could work." Silgara considers.
"I think I only showed my magic once. The streets are so bad here I air walked from the docks to the inn after pearl diving. All the other times, I wove my spells so only the group knows." Mingzhu replies.
Fwangzhu snorts, "And that time you went down in fucking public to talk to spirits."
"They laughed and thought I was drunk." Mingzhu retorts.
Silgara sighs, "You... air walked from the docks to the inn...? Okay, that is very definitely public flaunting of such magic. And now I'm really hoping no one saw Balan and T'Kharr... well, I guess we just wait for this appointment, then." She sighs again.
Zsikhou huffs, "Well, we might as well get some rest now. It's pretty late."
"Most likely it will take a day or two. if I tend to the shrine one of these days it should be fine."
"I don't think it's a good idea." Zsikhou says. Fwangzhu just snorts, then waves Mingzhu off.
"Then come with me Zsikhou. Perhaps you could also pray to the court and tend the shrine. You were once an arm of the court yourself." Mingzhu responds.
After that the group goes to their various rooms who are not occupying the one they are in. They sleep the night some with one eye open.