RttToFC/Session8

Kuros: Hello, my vic-- er, players

dakkareth: waves

dakkareth: Victim #1 reporting!

Kuros: Caran hasn't responded to my e-mails, so I am considering him out of the game.

Beyond the Tomb of Five Corners

Kuros: OK. The letter Casteen has gets you over the Bridge. The Guildhouse is a huge, multi story first age building still in condition. It is in a district all to itself, and there are heavily armed mercenary guards everywhere. This entire area seems to belong to the Guild.

Kuros: A guide meets you, a young man in a deep purple robe, and leads you inside the Guildhouse. The halls are lit with the famous lanters, that glow without flame or smoke, and release pleasent scents into the air

Lei_Zu walks one step behind, one step to the left from Casteen

Kuros: The guide takes you to a large room, domainted by a massive, rectangular table. Seated on the far side is a man in a dark blue robe. He is extremely old, almost completely bald, and very wrinkled. He stands as you arrive, and gestures at a chair on the other side of the table.

Alyssa: Heather takes a matching position on Casteen's right

Kuros: "I don't recall issuing an invitation for your friends as well...Son of the Metal Flame, isn't it?"

Casteen looks unphased. "That it is."

Casteen remains standing as well, not approaching the chair.

Kuros: "You could simply have asked for a meeting, rather than make such a scene. We are hardly unaware of your presence to the north, or the rather interesting studies conducted there."

Casteen: "Certainly you understand that sometimes it is necessary to keep one's identity concealed for a time."

Kuros: "I understand that giving a false name won't help you if the wrong people hear you chattering about the undead and sorcerous orbs," he says snappishly.

Casteen stands silent and stoic.

Kuros: "In any case, what did you want to discuss? And you may as well sit."

Casteen moves to the chair and sits. "I am concerned about the recent happenings in the nearby villages and I am under the impression that Lantertown is at the heart of it."

Kuros: The man rubs his hand over his bald head. "And...?"

Casteen: "And I understand that little happens here that the Guild does not know about."

Kuros: He looks amused. "And why should I trust you? And what possible help could you be, in any case?"

Casteen: "I should think that you have no reason to not trust me. The more villages are destroyed, the less business for the guild. Certainly you can agree that working together will assist the both of us."

Alyssa: "How many attacks have there been?" 'Heather' asks.

Kuros: "What is it you want from me, exactly? I assume you only wanted to attract me attention, and you really don't know anything about what is going on."

Kuros: He looks at Alyssa. "2 that are well known. But the first incident was almost six months ago. Same thing, but it was not near a town, so there was no news."

Kuros: "So three, to answer your question."

Casteen: "I should give you more credit. Indeed I know very little about what has been going on, but I do know that it is a threat to everyone in this area. That includes myself."

Casteen: "And I would assume that there's no reason for them to stop any time soon unless someone intervenes."

Lei_Zu: Despite appearing disinterested Lei Zu carefully keeps track of the man's facial expressions, extrapolating his opinion of Casteen from that and trying to discern the reason for his reluctance to be helpful.

Kuros: His mood is fear and desperation. He's hopeful Casteen and you all can help, but he doubts it, so he is just trying to get more information. His reluctance is due to fear of the subject of conversation.

Alyssa: "There is some historical precedent for these red-robed menaces, I understand. Do you have any information about this?"

Kuros: The man smiles at Alyssa, and sidesteps the question (MDV 5). "I have information about a great many things."

Casteen: "Well, perhaps we can convince you to share that information. Certainly it would benefit us both to work together."

Kuros: (PDDV of 3) "Why? I have seen no evidence that you have any influence or power to offer in a parternship."

Kuros: He looks at Casteen. "In fact, why don't you tell me what you are doing here in Lanterntown?" (Find out your purpose here. Rolling 4 dice.)

Casteen: "I'm here to figure out why there are undead destroying villages in the area. All signs point to Lanterntown." (MDV 5)

Lei_Zu merely listens.

Alyssa: The face of 'Heather' shifts briefly into that of Tzu and then back again. "Influence is rarely waved around like a flag, young man," she chides the guildsman.

Kuros: The man pales a bit. "Perhaps there is more to you than I had thought..."

Casteen folds his hands in his lap, smiling.

Alyssa: "Now that your enquiry has been satisfied, perhaps you would be courteous enough to answer mine," 'Heather' suggests. "Is keeping this information from us really worthwhile if these attacks continue to damage the trade?"

Kuros: The man hesitates, then says, "They call themselves the Order of the Silver Chair. They are small, but have a great deal of influence over the local spirits and the city leaders."

Kuros: "They've been around for nearly a hundred years, but it's only the past six months they've started with this necromancy business."

Kuros: He looks disgusted.

Kuros: "It is ruining our trade, and giving the whole area a bad name."

Lei_Zu: "Influence over the city leaders? That why nobody's doing a thing?" The voice of 'Bley' is a hoarse whisper. He fields his own expression of disgust.

Kuros: He shrugs. "I don't know, exactly. But ever since I've been here, I've never seen action taken against them."

Alyssa: "A hundred years. How coincidental that Lokan has been missing just so long."

Bley is about to spit at the man's reply, then seems to think better about it.

Kuros: "They are the ones that got the trade prayer law passed."

Kuros: "Several decades ago, as I remember."

(Alyssa and Casteen ask a number of questions)

Alyssa: "What other capabilities have they shown beyond their influence over the spirits and this necromancy?"

Kuros: He shakes his head. "ONly a few, from the rumors. I don't know where they are, but there are many ruins of the old city underneath this one."

Kuros: "As to their plans...I have no idea. I see no sense behind raising the undead to attack defenseless villages."

Kuros: "I don't know their capabilities. We have had no direct contact with them. All of our buildings are warded against harmful magics and spirits, though."

Kuros: "And they are very secretive. There have been rumors of their involvement in murders, raids, and the like over the years, but nothing has ever been proven."

Casteen: "How would we access the ruins of the old city?"

Kuros: "Our manufacturing facilities are there. We utilize the old machinery there for our lanters. You can get in through there."

Alyssa: "We have other business this evening. It would be wise to be about it before the Society deals with this Order."

Bley allows himself an ugly grin.

Kuros: "I'll leave word with the guards that you're to be escorted to the ruins when you return."

Casteen nods. "You help is greatly appreciated."

Kuros: "I don' tknow what you can do, but I hope it is enough."

Kuros: He sighs, looking very weary.

The Circle returns to the White Lily

Alyssa goes back to her own face for this meeting.

Lei_Zu: On the way: "Let us assume our 'Society of the Lawgiver' disguises here, in case we're observed entering the Lily."

Lei_Zu: "Casteen, how do you want to appear for that meeting? We don't want to give too much away ..."

Alyssa: "As you wish." Alyssa simply covers her lower face with a veil and pulls down her hood.

Lei_Zu assumed the appearance of a very old man, though hidden behind a hooded cloak of fine white cloth and a wooden mask it is only his hands that give away his age.

Kuros: As you approach the door, you notice that it is slightly ajar.

Lei_Zu follows the others, feigning unfamiliarity with the White Lily for the benefit of possible observers

Kuros: You all hear breathing inside, from at least 3 people.

Lei_Zu exchanges a look with Alyssa and Casteen, raising three fingers to indicate three people inside

Alyssa: (activate Iron Kettle Body and change appearance to that of a southern woman)

Lei_Zu pokes the door with his walking stick, opening it for the others

Kuros: Inside, you see Tzu sitting in a chair, with two armed guardsmen behind him.

Alyssa: "I am sure that Alyssa would bid you to make yourself at home, Minister."

Lei_Zu waits for his Circlemates to enter the room, then follows himself

Kuros: He smiles faintly. "I quite agree."

Kuros: He picks up a glass of Alyssa's wine, and sips it.

Alyssa: "I suspect that she also requested that you leave your guards outside. The courtesy of a host should be matched by a guest after all."

Casteen enters behind Alyssa, standing behind her a bit.

Lei_Zu: "If not, that is what we request." Lei Zu projects quiet authority with every word.

Kuros: Tzu ignores Lei, seeming not to hear his words.

Alyssa sits on a couch opposite Tzu. "So, minister. You fear the Silver Chair enough to converse with the Society. What about them frightens you?"

Kuros: The man snorts at Alyssa. "I fear nothing, my dear."

Lei_Zu: "You seem to fear us, judging from your need to bring your own private army." Lei Zu seems quietly amused.

Kuros: He takes another sip of wine. "Two guards? Surely you don't expect a man of my stature to travel alone? Where is dear Alyssa, anyway? I was hoping to see her here."

Lei_Zu shrugs lightly. "Her service tonight is in providing the location."

Casteen simply holds his hands behind his back and observes.

Alyssa: Alyssa presses two fingers to her veil, touching her lips, radiating amusement. "You fear loss of control, minister. Thus you seek to control this meeting when you cannot control your larger concerns. Already the Guild is stirring but they are not the only ones to see your difficulties. What will be left of Lanterntown, of you -" she points "- unless someone takes steps?"

Kuros: Tzu smirks. "Your concern for me is touching."

Alyssa: "As touching as yours for Alyssa."

Lei_Zu carefully sits down beside Alyssa and sighs. "Posturing and contending over small social advantages will get us nowhere. If your guards are sufficiently trustworthy, then so be it." He pauses briefly. "To business. As stated in our letter we represent the Society of the Lawgiver, which has a certain interest in these unpleasant matters. Namely to see them ended."

Lei_Zu: "We suspect it is in your interest to cooperate in this. Were we misinformed?"

Kuros: Tzu narrows his eyes suddenly. "Then let me be blunt. I want the Order out of my city."

Kuros: "I can tell you who they are, and where to find them. However, I want to know what makes you think you have the power to deal with them."

Lei_Zu: "We have certain resources at our disposal, counting among our ranks not just scholars but also individuals blessed by the gods with great talents."

Alyssa: "The Society of the Lawgiver was founded to handle threats like this, minister," Alyssa adds.

Lei_Zu: "Among other things." He smiles under his mask.

Kuros: He snorts. "Delightfully vague."

Lei_Zu: "We strive to remain hidden from the eyes of the unrighteous. By necessity that entails a bit of secrecy, even toward those in temporary alliance. Rest assured however, that we do have the means."

Alyssa looks at him and then nods at one of the guards. "If you would like a demonstration... have your soldier there stab me."

Lei_Zu chuckles. "Always with the martial demonstrations ..."

Kuros: He looks at Alyssa for a moment, then nods shortly at a guard behind him. The guard, without changing expression, draws his sword, and lunges smoothly at Alyssa

Lei_Zu: The old man moves aside on the couch as Alyssa is attacked, careful to keep some distance to the sharp weapon.

Alyssa doesn't flinch in the least as the blade slices towards her.

Kuros: The blade glances off your chest, leaving no mark.

Kuros: The guard looks shocked, then steps back.

Kuros: Tzu narrows his eyes. "I....see. That is impressive indeed."

Lei_Zu: "Isn't it? I'd be thankful if you didn't try that on myself, though."

Kuros: He looks thoughtful.

Lei_Zu: "So. You were telling us who they are and where to find them."

Kuros: "Assuming you can defeat them, you will leave the city?

Lei_Zu's tone is derisive. "Some of us will leave, some will stay. What does it matter to you?"

Alyssa: "We will certainly not seek to replace them. Nor will we consider ourselves barred from travelling through or meeting here should we wish to."

Kuros: He considers for a few moments, then nods. "Fine."

Kuros: He leans back, and folds his hand over his ample stomach.

Kuros: "There's only a few of them. Less than a dozen, I think. From what I've leaned, it started nearly a hundred years ago, founded by the leader of the Immaculate Monk temple here at the time."

Kuros: "I don't know the details, but they found something in the ruins underneath the city. Shortly after that, Lokan disappeared."

Kuros: "Since then, whenever there's a new Prime Minister, the leader, a man named Wick, comes to us. We're required to...assist...them in certain activities."

Kuros: He shakes his head. "But this business with the undead...I knew nothing of it."

Lei_Zu cocks his head. "Certain activities?"

Kuros: "Nothing that concerns us now."

Alyssa: "Consider that we may see greater significance to them."

Kuros: He is silent for a few more moments. "Certain...people who had offended them disappeared, and we ensured it wasn't looked at too carefully."

Lei_Zu: "What constituted an 'offense'?"

Kuros: "We weren't told that."

Lei_Zu leans back and motions the man to continue

Kuros: "They control the local spirits, and make sure none of them interfere with our business or trade."

Kuros: "Things of that sort."

Kuros: "Up until six months ago, it has been a very...beneficial arrangement."

Alyssa: "How did you benefit?"

Kuros: He smiles faintly. "That's not really relevant."

Kuros: "Wick is extremely powerful."

Kuros: He shudders slightly. "I've seen him kill a man just be touching him."

Lei_Zu: "What other powers has he shown?"

Lei_Zu: "Is their origin known?"

Kuros: "He disappears into the air, and I've seen him touch someone with lightning."

Lei_Zu: "That is, does he claim divine descendance, have the dragons graced him with their power?"

Kuros: "Neither, actually." He shrugs.

Lei_Zu nods as if some theory of his was just confirmed.

Lei_Zu: "Apart from their modus operandi, did anything else change those six months ago?"

Kuros: He shakes his head. "Not that I know of."

Lei_Zu: "Is that it for the 'who'? If so, what can you tell us about the 'where'?"

Kuros: "In an abandoned building near the docks, there's an entrance into the ruins. I can have someone take you there."

Kuros: "I've never been allowed farther than that. When they want to contact me, they just show up."

Lei_Zu: "Is there a map of the ruins for our assets?"

Kuros: He shakes his head. "Almost all of the ruins are used by the Nitumen Guild. They allow no one in their territory. As for the rest, no one has ever bothered mapping it, since there was nothing worthwhile there."

Lei_Zu nods. "Do you have anything else to add to this information?"

Kuros: He snorts. "I wish I knew more, but that is all I know. I hope it is enough for you."

Kuros: (We'll end here unless you want to ask him anything else.)

Lei_Zu: (well, I'd prefer to know the location of that entrance as opposed to rely on a guide there)

Kuros: (OK, we'll see he gives you exact directions to the building.)

Lei_Zu is silent for a minute, then says: "We will think on the matter and instruct our agents."

After the minister leaves Lei Zu goes through his usual paranoia routine, searching the rooms for sorcerous coins and other unpleasant things, then leaving in disguise, shaking any possibly observers and finally returning under cover of stealth Charms.

Kuros: OK, 7xp

Alyssa: next game is a saturday, correct?

Kuros: Yes, Saturday at 1PM PST

Alyssa: I may run a little late