Geyze II

Session 127: Forming the Wall

* Day changed to Monday, 1. Sep 2025
<@DeathStar> 5
<@DeathStar> 3
<@DeathStar> 1
<@DeathStar> -0-
<@DeathStar> Date: 10-644.4.9
<@DeathStar> Location: The Wall
<@DeathStar> *over the next two days, the group has managed to get most of The Wall's facilities operational so that it can semi-protect itself, as well as the large gaping hole in the hanger doors. They also have used the maps of the area to go around and ask the sentlement leaders to come to the wall so that a meeting can be held to decide what to do next about the fate of the Badlands - something Zayne has volunteered to do. So far she hasn't returned*
<@DeathStar> *Selena sits at a meeting room table* I hope Zayne and that Knight bring them here - but if they do... will the people of the Badlands even agree to listen to us.
<@Seraphna> **Alt lays in Azif’s lap as a kitten getting pets**
<@DeathStar> *Azif strokes her head, having vanished earlier in the day to do something, and seems to be pensive*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...I don't know..."
<@DeathStar> *Fae flails her hand* We should offer them fake and candy. <Peeps> I believe all there is here are mostly drugs and alcohol
<Jackieness> <Lana> "The raiders weren't really the... best sorts."
<@Seraphna> Terra> A land without fruit… sad place.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> *folds her hands together* I imagine we'll be encountering even worst people as we go along. That's how you put it - each of the areas of this Kingdom are like layers of an onion
<Jackieness> <Lana> "That sounds more like video game stages."
<@Seraphna> Talia> Only if the environment is different in each area.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "And if it is?"
* Ariel (~KAS@134.41.15.245) joins #Geyze
<@Seraphna> Alt> I’m sitting out for any ice stages and water temples.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Well, we'll find out when we finish the meetings with the locals here and set out. Lets just hope that Zayne and our Knight can get them here
<@Seraphna> Talia> What my daughter said.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Speaking of - did anyone learn anything about the Rogue Knight? I didn't even catch a name before they left.
<@Seraphna> Talia> It was not my sexy husband unfortunately.
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Only that they were basically a rogue protector."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "I wonder how many more there might be..."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Well, while we're waiting and speaking of wondering how many Knights there might be. Lana, have our AI bring up that map
<Jackieness> <Lana> *nods and has the AI bring it up*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We know that 4 of the Kingdoms are on this main continent here, but --- there's a large land mass to the south that has no information on it.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> And a large island ot the north of us
<Jackieness> <Lana> "If we could get in contatc with the Aquarius, we could have them use their sensors to see if they get any hits."
<@Seraphna> Terra> Can we?
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Hopefully they're seeking us out
<@Seraphna> Terra> Terra want to grow trees but is worried that Spirit will come.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "I could try..."
<@DeathStar> <AI> You could use this facility to try to boost any signals that you want
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Then I'll get to work." *stands up*
<@DeathStar> *As they talk, outside they can hear Zayne and the Knight approaching their bikes*
<@DeathStar> *bringing the civilian wagons behind them*
<@Seraphna> Alt> I hear Zayne. I think.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...get thigns with Zayne''s mission dealt with while I try to establish comms."
<@DeathStar> *Selena stands up and moves over to the hanger where Zayne and the Knight are bringing in the leaders of the various settlements of the Badlands* I guess I'll take the role of the leader of the Wall then...
<Jackieness> <Lana> *gets to work trying to contact the Aquarius*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne turns to face those arricing in the hanger; she seems to be wearing goggles and a large poncho to deal with all the dust out in the badlands*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Selena pushing for Double Queen!
<@DeathStar> *The Knight's armor looks like it has gone from pretty to dirty; the civilians also are looking around all wary like when they spot the freed slaves*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Do we even need royalty?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Ouch, Yoiyami
<@Seraphna> Alt> Aren’t you kind of royalty too?
<@DeathStar> *Qui moves over to help guide the civilians to the meeting room* This way please.
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I don't mean that any specific queen is bad, I just... think there's probably a better way."
<@DeathStar> *Qui and Selena glance at each other*
<@Seraphna> Alt> As a Triple Princess this makes me sad.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> It is her right - though it should be something she speaks with her leaders
<@Seraphna> Talia> One of her leaders is her mother. Perhaps it is teenage rebellion.
<@DeathStar> *Selena sits down at the table with the civilians*
<@Seraphna> **Terra offers them pre-summoned fruit**
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I'm not exactly cut out for politics, and as long as people aren't starving or *slaves*, I don't feel that strongly about it, but..."
<@Seraphna> Talia> Mmm, everyone in our group is royalty of some sort. So the politics part is accurate.
<@DeathStar> *Zayne claps her hands loudly at everyone, even making the civilians jump*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Zayne is royalty?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Do you really want to be yammering about stuff these people have never had when we invited them here to discuss them?
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> If so go find Lana and yammer near her
<@Seraphna> Talia> Mmm. We’re about to offer them stuff they never had.
<@DeathStar> *there appears to be around 10 civilian leaders - 7 older men, and 2 older looking women, and 1 younger woman. They stare at the group, whispering among themselves*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Anyway... sorry Zayne..."
<@DeathStar> *Selena folds her hands* We wanted to bring you here to show that it is now safe for your families back home - that the gangs that ruled the Badlands are gone.
<@DeathStar> *Zayne waves a hand, indicating she's just tired.*
<@DeathStar> <Leader A> You have just made things worse for us - another lord will just come in and take this place back from you and punish us for what you did.
<@DeathStar> <Leader B> Just talking to you had made us guilty in their eyes. We've come to beg you to leave us out of this and to go
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "It's a little sad, but I'm okay with that."
<@Seraphna> Talia> And when they fail to take this place back?
<@DeathStar> <Selena> If we leave this place abandoned, they will come back and reclaim it, and they will put their boot on your throat
<@DeathStar> *Lana meanwhile will find where she can now send a signal out into airwaves, seeking the Aquarius. Is she ready?*
<@DeathStar> <Leader C> We are farmers. They will take this place and kill our families even if we tried to hold this place after you are gone.
<@DeathStar> <Leader D> Better to not even be near it.
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "...sounds like you'd be safer with us here, then."
<@DeathStar> *The Knight crosses their arms, sitting away from the table, but by their stance they are disappointed*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Your entire concern is built on giving up before you even started.
<Jackieness> <Lana> *makes the attempt*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> The problem with that, Yoiyami, is that if we remain here, we cannot go further into the Kingdom and stop the rest of the enemy - and sooner or later the enemy will be ready to come her and stop us
<@DeathStar> *the leaders eye Talia, then look away*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Though if we’re actively taking another territory, that buys the people here time to get their defenses up.
<@Seraphna> Talia> Key part of that is not offering your necks to your oppressors because they trained you to be afraid though.
<@DeathStar> *Lana brings up Mireille's face, though it's weak and staticy* <Mireille> Who is this?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Its Lana!"
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "So, we're stuck either leaving them here to defend themselves, or bringing them along... and I don't think they'd want to come"
<@DeathStar> <Mireille> Lana? *she eyes the signal* You're much further west than I would have thought
<@DeathStar> <Selena> There are whole settlements of families. Even if they were willing to come along, the logistics would be a nightmare
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We stepped on to a teleporter that Autumn rigged up! We didn't know it would send us this far out!"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> It'd be like moving an army - of people who can't fight
<@Seraphna> Terra> The largest group of any traveling army are noncombatants.
<@Seraphna> Terra> Let’s teach the strong ones to fight and the rest can work together!
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "As much as I like the idea of making this our Nassau, I don't think that will work."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Terra is right - you need to discuss this with your people. Find volunteers who might be willing to defend the wall. A few able men and women are all that are needed from each village to defend this place.
<@Seraphna> Terra> Bullies only rule if you let them. They don’t have power or food if they get rid of you all.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Just because YOU are scared doesn't mean they might not be--- <Leader A> Even if they might be willing, the fact is if they step up to defend this place means the whole village would suffer. If one of us agrees, we all will be made to suffer. You think we like this? All they have to do is make examples of just a few villages.
<@DeathStar> <Mireille> Do you want me to come get you?
<@Seraphna> Terra> And all you have to do is push back! You only fail because you refuse to believe in yourselves.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "No, that's too dangerous. The rulers of this land are hostile and they managed to enslave an unknown spirit."
<@DeathStar> <Mireille> Okay? What do you want then? Jikuu and the others are already out there looking for you
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Let us take a break. Tempers are rising. Consider our words and lets try it again. *she pulls Selena away from the table*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Momma Lana tell her to bring them here.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "I am going to send you a data pack with everything that we learned so far,"
<@DeathStar> <Mireille> Alright, we're ready when you are
<@DeathStar> *Zayne looks at Yoiyami and the others*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I am positive many in the villages would be willing to protect this place.
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "It's their home, they can't all just let themselves be bullied into submission."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Especially the younger men and women. The older ones are the ones who are afraid
<Jackieness> <Lana> *send the data they have collected up to the Aquarius*
<@Seraphna> Terra> We need the ones with fighting spirit.
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Any chance we can help them prepare before we leave?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Train them some? We can.
<@DeathStar> *Mireille pauses, acknowledging it - when Lana would note that somethign has been tracing them all of a sudden* <Mireille> Strange. I am picking up something coming in
<@DeathStar> <Mireille> ... Nox, do you see? *the connection cuts off*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Cut connections now."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...ugh. Uuuuuuugh!"
<@DeathStar> <AI> The signal has been terminated on their end
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh... who knows what happened?!"
<@DeathStar> <AI> If I had to guess, they were attacked by something. I do not have the data to determine what. This something might be on their way here now
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Not good... I'm going to need to tell the others. Keep an eye on sensors or...ahhh...whatever security measures you still have access to."
<@DeathStar> *Selena sits back down with the leadership*
<@DeathStar> <AI> My sensors are stating we might already have something nearby. Please becareful
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We'll stick around for a bit longer and train any man or woman from your villages for a period of time
<@DeathStar> <Selena> At least give us a chance to prove to you we are in this for the long haul.
<Jackieness> <Lana> A"hhhh... any idea what it is?!"
<@DeathStar> *the leadership glance at each other, then stand up* <Leader C> We will return back - and see. We make no promises.
<@DeathStar> <AI> I cannot determine what it is.
<@DeathStar> <AI> Just that it is a magical entity
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Got the trap ready, Lana?"
<Jackieness> <Lana> *nods and heads off to the others* "Ahhhhh... Aleena...I really need to speak to you!"
<Jackieness> Selena
<@DeathStar> *Selena lifts her head up, waiting for the leadership to step out - the Knight escorting them, then moves over to Lana* Yes?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...we.... have incoming."
<@DeathStar> <Fae> *to Terra* Am I a fighting spirit?
<@Seraphna> Terra> We are together!
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Wait, what? *She looks outside at the villagers getting on their wagons and leaving* Are they in danger? *The Knight stands there watching them go*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "I don't know... somethign piggybacked on to the comm channel I opened with the Aquarius."
<@Seraphna> Talia> I think we’re the target.
<@DeathStar> *Thankfully, the villagers are not attacked and they are soon out of sight as the Knight returns to the group*
<@DeathStar> *in fact, nothing seems to happen*
<Jackieness> <Lana> *weaves to try to pinpoint where the magical energy went*
<@DeathStar> *Lana would detect nothing out of the sorts. The only magical energy is amongst their own - the masked man, the equipment, etc*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Check everyone, I guess."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...it was coming here..."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I want to apologize by the way - I commited us to remaining longer here so that we can teach the villagers, assuming they do show up. <Knight> I have an offer. You all can talk about it amongst yourselves and decide what you want to do.
<@DeathStar> <Knight> I can remain here and teach anyone that shows up, freeing you to continue forward. *the Knight takes a seat* Plus, if your friend Lana is right and you are detecting strange magical beings, that means you are being hunted.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "..though by what or whom?...?"
<@DeathStar> <Knight> I do not know much about it. Just that Miz's magic is strong in this part of the Kingdom. The magic is seeking you out, no doubt, in the form of beings or creatures to learn everything it can about you. In better to hunt you and learn what makes you tick. And then it will use that knowledge to destroy you, or make you destroy yourself. There are stories of people being driven mad enough to bash their own heads in by rocks, talking to things that are not even there
<@DeathStar> <Knight> It may even appear as ordinary people just to chat to you
<@DeathStar> <Knight> Only no one else sees this person but you
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...maybe a form of black magic?"
<@Seraphna> Talia> Sounds strange. **she nods, never acknowledging the cat spirit**
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> It sounds annoying
<@DeathStar> *she reaches out and lays a hand on Yoiyami's head* Can we trust touch? *the Knight shrugs*
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Probably not, sadly."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Hm. *looks at the others* Do we want to leave the training to the um, Knight? *Still not knowing their name* Or do we want to remain here and do it. *she asks Lana mostly, but leaves the question open*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Mr. knight what’s your name?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh... well... if the magic entity I detetced is the attack from the nest lord already... then we may not have the time."
<@DeathStar> *The Knight looks at Alt; Azif eyes them, demanding they answer*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Mmm? Not have one? We can give name.
<@DeathStar> <Knight> Alise. *due to their voice filter on their helmet, it is hard to tell anything about them*
<@Seraphna> Alt> I’m Alt! We have similar names!
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "I don't remember if I introduced myself before. I'm Nicolette."
<@Seraphna> Terra> I’m Terra and this is Fae, the prettiest Spirit.
<@DeathStar> <Alise> It is an honor, Lady Alt - Lady Nicolette. *The Knight bows before them, then bows before Terra and Fae, who twirls*
<@Seraphna> Alt> And this is Azif, she’s my book!
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...I'm Lana...but you already knew that..."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Yoiyami... and pirates don't usually have queens..."
<@DeathStar> <Alise> I suppose since we are being open with each other. *the Knight grabs their helmet and removes it, revealing themselves to be a horse werebeast female. Speedy gapes*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Since it's a good chance to tell you that now."
<@DeathStar> <Alise> Well, we do have a Bandit King. I would not be shocked at a Pirate Queen.
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Lady? Oh, you don't need to worry about that. I don't have any noble titles."
<@DeathStar> *Selena nods her head politely beside Zayne*
<@DeathStar> <Alise> Even if you do not have titles, your actions make you more noble than most of the people who actually are part of the nobility. Especially in this land
<@DeathStar> <Alise> You will encounter such people as you continue forth closer to the Bandit King's inner circles.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh...why does thee bandit King keep calling themself the Bandit King? I mean... they have taken over...so why the pretense of still being outlaws?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I confess I'm shocked there is any thing close to such a thing. <Alise> Oh, he keeps a resemblence of the nobility and all that. It is an even more distorted picture than you would find in most Kingdoms.
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "I suppose that's fair... I've encountered more than my fair share of corrupt nobles."
<@DeathStar> <Alise> Ah, it is mostly a title. He goes by his real name more oft than not. The title was originally given to his ancestor long ago. It was not his
<@DeathStar> <Alise> It is more apt to call Damjan one who was born into richness
<Jackieness> <Lana> "So....diodn't even set it up? Just got here ebcause of nepotism?"
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Isn't that how most royal lines work?"
<@DeathStar> <Alise> Mm, yes, but it is a title he has held onto.
<@DeathStar> <Alise> Each family member has used it
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...well...still...if you're going to call yourself a Bandit King, but not even be a bandit..."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I would think robbing people as they go along the streets counts.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We did avoid the roads for a reason
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> If we are setting out - which vehicles are safe to use?
<@Seraphna> Alt> If ruler is taking all the money isn’t robbing people just tax collection with additional steps?
<@DeathStar> *Qui thinks on that*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Sounds complicated
<Jackieness> <Lana> *adjust her glasses* "I could disassaemble and build new, safe vehicles with the avaialble parts."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> You want to spend time playing around with vehicles while we're being magically hunted?
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I'm just grabbing one
<@DeathStar> *she heads off*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Alt is correct though."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "..or we could just do that."
<@Seraphna> Alt> We be biker gang now?
<@DeathStar> <Selena> It depends. Do we all want to grab one or should we look for one that can take us all
<Jackieness> <Lana> "I didn't bring any leather pants."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Both. We should have smaller, more nimble one that cna scout ahead."
<@DeathStar> *Alise turns to Nicolette* You should make sure to stay safe out there. I will be sure to try to catch up when I feel the villagers can protect themselves
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I'm not sure on the availablity of anything but bikes."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Then the rest of us can stay in the big wagon."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne walks along, studying the various bikes*
<@DeathStar> *then selects one as she opens the hanger to Miz's domain*
<@DeathStar> *Azif lifts Alt up and carries her to the wagon*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...let's gear up and ehad out!"
<@DeathStar> *Fae floats into the wagon. Qui meanwhile is tossing food and drinks into the wagon*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Lets see... *she begins to load it with various clothes and items*
<@DeathStar> *Speedy helps the Masked Man onto the wagon; they still seem like they are lost in a fog, being led along like a child by the child*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh... Wall AI, we're going to leave now. Hopefully it works out and we can meet again."
<@DeathStar> <AI> I will miss you, Lana. I enjoyed our late night conversations.
<@DeathStar> *Selena eyes Lana slowly*
<@Seraphna> Alt> **packs extra food**
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Should we leave Speedy behind? *she eyes the mute kid* Wouldn't she do better back here at the Wall?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhh?"
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "That might be best. But... it's up to her, if she wants to stay here."
<@DeathStar> *The girl eyes them, then seems to grip onto Yoiyami like an anchor*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Think she made Yoi her new mommy.
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> .. *peers at Yoiyami* If you need help raising a kid, I know it can be difficult for a young mother
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Yoiyami, you want to ride on the wagon or take one of the bikes?
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I should probably take the wagon, so I can watch over the kid."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I'll .. .give your bike a try then. *she studies the controls* I'll try not to wreck it
<@DeathStar> *she hops on*
<@DeathStar> *Speedy indicates she doesn't mind riding the bike with Yoiyami, giving a kid like thumbs up*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Anyway....ahhh... I guess its time for us to go."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne drives ahead*
<@DeathStar> *finally coming out from under the hat, Lavenza floats and lands on top of some equipment, then poofs into her humanoid size, stretching, then chirps at Lana*
<@DeathStar> *as they ride ahead, at first it appears to look a lot like the Badlands - sand and dead trees all over the place, with the sand blowing against the wagon, but after a few miles, it's almost like magic happens as they leave the valley they're in and things become green and vibrant*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?"
<@DeathStar> *they're driving along grass and there's trees everywhere*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Oh no there are stages.
<@DeathStar> *The group passes what looks to be apple farms and other sorts of places - it is clearly it is being regulated*
<@Seraphna> Talia> We’re in the first stage now.
<@Seraphna> *forrest
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Forest stage?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "And the Badlands were the desert stage."
<@DeathStar> <Qui> What's the next stage then?
<@Seraphna> Talia> Anything but an ice stage please.
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I don't think there'll be an ice stage around."
<@Seraphna> Alt> No water temple unless Brooke’s!
<Jackieness> <Lana> "But what if one of the realms is ice and snow?"
<@DeathStar> *Zayne seems to be directing them toward where the river will be, likely hoping to see if the Peacemaker boat will show. As they drive along the various farms - the people here seem to be most less fearful, but they are clearly watching the group's movements while they work their farms*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> I think we're standing out
<@Seraphna> Alt> From a distance we look like bandits.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Unless they heard what happened...the Wall bandits did run this way after we drove them off."
<@DeathStar> *soon the sun begins to dip down as they come across a river - however, there are some concerning developments. The river seems to have a large dam system built that not only stops boats as they approach, but the boats have to go through a system to be lifted up, inspected for their "goods", then taken to the other side. If the Peacemaker did come through here, they would have to cross through this point. A reasonable size town is also built at this point as well as they near it.*
<@DeathStar> *Peacemaker boat
<@DeathStar> *Zayne stops her bike by the wagon as does Selena*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> So... has the boat come here yet or passed by already...
<Jackieness> <Lana> "They have a system of locks."
<@DeathStar> *Azif looks lost in thought, looking concerned for once*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Do we want to stop in town for now?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Alt not sure what going on but would like rest.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Normally it allows boat traffic to move between higher and lower bodies of water...but this also allows them to control the movement of all boats."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> I am concerned because Shin and Verdant were piloting the boat.
<@DeathStar> <Azif> And we have a spirit that has been taken over in this Kingdom.
<@DeathStar> <Azif> It might be worth seeing if our boat has been compounded? Is that the word?
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "We absolutely should."
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "I wonder if they keep records... a civilized land would definitely have a port authority."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "But which lock would they have reached?"
<@Seraphna> Terra> Sure, though the spirit didn’t remind me of Shin or Verdant.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Azif means that if they enslaved one spirit, they could enslave ours too."
<@Seraphna> Talia> I feel like I’ve seen the controlled spirit before…
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Civilized land would. We just have to hope this one keeps half-ass records, I suppose. *She curses without even realizing it*
<@DeathStar> *Selena and Zayne put their bikes away for now and get into the wagon*
<@DeathStar> *As they come into the city, at least it feels almost like a normal city - but there is an under current of something dark lurking beneath the surface. Everything looks proper and at a glance you would feel like this was any other city they've been to in their journey. But people seem to eye them as they walk by. A couple has their werebeast carrying their stuff behind them, little signs like that indicating that there is little things out of place*
<@DeathStar> *as they are directed to stop their wagon, the city enforcement looks over their wagon* <Guard> What is your business?
<@DeathStar> *another guard peers into the back and whistles at all their good and items*
<@DeathStar> *food
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh... we are on our way to pay tribute to the lord of these lands."
<@DeathStar> *the guard eyes Lana* Tribute eh? *he eyes all the stuff and Speedy* Not unheard of. You some sort of *chews on some gum* Business owner?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh...?" *looks at Selena*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Yes. *she pulls Lana against herself* Please help yourself
<@DeathStar> *The guard chews, then grabs something from the back* Move along. Try not to cause any problems. There's an inn just a little ways. *he points*
<@DeathStar> <Guard> Tell them Charley sent you
<@DeathStar> *Qui brings the wagon down the street and stops them in front of what looks to be a rather nice looking inn ad leans back, letting out a breath*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne leans back and looks at Nicolette, Lana, and Selena* We need to decide how we want to explore this town.
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Definitely in parties."
<Jackieness> <Lana> *nod nods*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Okay. Who should go look into this port situation?
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I can stay here and get us a room
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Something tells me this will be a haggle and a scam
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Are we really worrying about money at this time?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> When we do not have a lot of funds for this part of the world, yes
<@DeathStar> <Selena> And when I'm worried they'll try to rob us
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Legally rob us at that."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Oh... right..."
<@DeathStar> *Selena and Qui move to get Speedy and Peeps inside the inn, while Zayne steps off the wagon*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> We should see about finding who is in charge of the dam and the port
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...well...let's find the port office then..."
<@DeathStar> *she looks at Lana*
<@DeathStar> *Azif leans out the wagon, next to Alt* <Azif> Good luck
<@Seraphna> **Alt leans against Azif**
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?"
<@DeathStar> *it seems the book has no intention of moving unless Alt does*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Don’t worry Lana I’ll protect your boobs. **hops down them**
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?!"
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza walks along beside Nicolette for once, instead of under the hat, as they walk the streets - as they walk along, the port group would find all sorts of odd stores. Nicolette would see "magic" shops selling stuff in their windows like magic top hats, wands, a rabbit is there, cards, etc*
<@DeathStar> *yet another store also claiming to be magic sells what looks to be complete junk - in their window - an orb, a ratty cape, slinky like object, and even yet still another store is just a junk store - their window having what looks to be stolen items surely*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...this looks like a tourist trap..."
<@DeathStar> *one window of one of the stores looks like they have stuff from Lana's research stuff from her boat, but that must be a coincidence*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh...?" *stops*
<@DeathStar> *indeed, it looks like the stuff from her lab in the boat - there in the window with a huge price tag*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...th...that's our lab equipment!"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Only 100 of their money - what a steal
<Jackieness> <Lana> "If it is really our stuff, then they must have passed throguh here... l...let's go!"
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Should we get it back?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> We can have Yoiyami steal it
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...w...we need to get the boat back so we cna store our stuff."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Fair enough. She can steal the boat first
<@DeathStar> *she delivers it all deadpanned*
<@DeathStar> *as they arrive at the warehouses near the docks, they would find this is the area where boats are impounded if something has gone wrong*
<Jackieness> <Lana> *looks around&
<@DeathStar> *a few guards are about, and there are some offices near by where the dock authority seems to be working out of*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...anyone see our boat?"
<@DeathStar> *Zayne points at some guards - it seems their boat tied up at the docks inside a building, visible through the window*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...where are the others?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I am not sue. We'll have to ask someone.
<Jackieness> <Lana> *nod nods*
<@Seraphna> **Lana’s boobs jiggle towards the guards**
<@DeathStar> *Zayne eyes Lana's chest, then the guards*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Very well, Lana
<@DeathStar> *Zayne puts a hand on her chest and moves her over to the guards, who now stare at Lana's chest*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhh?!"
<@Seraphna> **Lana’s boobs jiggle distractingly**
<@DeathStar> <Guards> .... *they stare at chest* <Guard A> Can we chest you, ma'am?
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Go on, ask your questions, Lana.
<@DeathStar> <Guard B> Did you want to ... *motions at an alley to the side* Take a break with us? *the three guards lead Lana over there and away from the boat*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh....ahhh...th...that ship in this building... ahhh... what happened with it Wait...what's happening? Ahhhhh?!"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> ... *seems to have no pity, eyeing her own chest, then crosses her arms*
<@DeathStar> *the guards of course come running out a moment later when the boat starts up and begins to be stolen, going up the river*
<Jackieness> <Lana> *scurries to safety*
<@DeathStar> *the guards seek Lana out, thinking she is part of it*
<Jackieness> <Lana> *run run run*
<@DeathStar> *Lana is lifted to safety by someone*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne meets up with Nicolette, moving along the river toward the boat. Lavenza pants, having run away* <Lavenza has leg cramp>
<@Seraphna> Talia> Oof, you finally stopped bouncing!
<@Seraphna> **Talia peeks out**
<@DeathStar> *Talia would see they are stopped in the middle of the street*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Umm… this isn’t a good hiding space.
<@DeathStar> *Talia would begin to hear what would sound like choking sounds from Lana*
<@Seraphna> **Talia peers up at her**
<@DeathStar> *it almost appears like her neck is contorting from hands around it*
<@Seraphna> **Talia glows and sends a punch of energy out in front of them**
<@Seraphna> **Looking like a transparent muscled cat paw**
<Jackieness> <Lana> *raises her hands shakily and starts going through gestures to unweave spell mana*
<@Seraphna> **Talia then starts trying to eat ang mana around Lana if that doesn’t work
<@DeathStar> *meanwhile Zayne and Nicolette reach the ship, empty outside Yoiyami*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> .... *looks around it and then seems to jerk back as if she saw something, leaning on a doorframe for a moment, face pale*
<Jackieness> <Lana> *shakes her head* "...ugh...that was scary..."
<@Seraphna> Talia> What was that?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "I think it was the attack magic we were warned about."
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza seems to be doing search magic about the ship; Fae fluttering about it as well*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne leans on the edge of the ship, catching some air when she spots Lana and Talia*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> There you are.... I was wondering when you would show up...
<@Seraphna> Talia> The boobs are safe.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...the attack magic came after me."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Attack magic? .... *she eyes the ship as if seeing ghosts*
<@Seraphna> **Terra stands on the deck looking about**
<@DeathStar> *Zayne looks back, shaking her head - for some reason it appears she doesn't not want to go deeper into the ship*
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza bounds up onto the top deck* <Lavenza> Lavenza found sign of battle - very recent. Only few hour. Might still be time.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...we need to hurry...but also be careful."
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Can trace energy to where being held. *nod nod*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Well, before we go, we should be prepared.
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Something tells me we might be kicking the nest and you have marks around your neck
<@DeathStar> *she points at Lana*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh? The attack magic... I had initially assumed it was just illusory...but it seems to have a physical component as well."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> If that is the case, it means it could have killed you
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> We should decide on what to do before we act
<@DeathStar> -TBC-