Geyze II

Session 143: Dark City

* Day changed to Monday, 24. Nov 2025
<@DeathStar> 5
<@DeathStar> 3
<@DeathStar> 1
<@DeathStar> -0-
<@DeathStar> Date: 10-644.4.22
<@DeathStar> Location: The Knight's City
<@DeathStar> *Selena sits at the small table while Gwen is out in the balcony with Fae. Lavenza tries preparing them some breakfast and presents everyone - burnt eggs and toast while Shin and Zayne seem to be studying the diary they all retrieved the day before; Zayne quietly flipping the pages on the table*
<@Seraphna> **Terra spreads avocado on the toast**
<@Alicia> * Yoiyami studies with Zayne
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...have you learned anything?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> It appears, reading through the book, this person - Jean - was a close companion of the Knight who ran this city. I even am getting vibes they might have been ... very close
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Oh, thank you Ori. Very considerate of you." She smiles.
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "This too is Yuri."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> The Knight Jane it seems asked to take over the district after the previous lord fell out of good graces with the Bandit King and was given the job and she and Jean worked to dismantle the slavery aspect of the district, much to the other lords ... displeasure, but being a Knight they didn't want to overstep too much
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Yuri...?
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "First time I've approved of a knight in... oh, that's girl and girl romance, basically."
<@DeathStar> *Azif munches on her burnt toast* It has a name. Interesting
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...that is specificlaly a name originating from Japanese culture on Earth."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I mean, there are a few."
<@Seraphna> Alt> **nuzzles** My Yuri Book.
<@Seraphna> Terra> They could be siblings.
<@Alicia> * Yoiyami laughs quietly, in a very non-judgemental way, at a joke she doesn't expect anyone else to get
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> It is ... possible
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "But what happened next?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> The two were under high scrunity from the Bandit King and had to continue to meet high demands either way
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Meaning they had to continue to provide his district with the supplies, labor, and women that he was accustomed to. And if they didn't want to have a slave trade, they had to make something new
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Which was?"
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I mean, it's hard to find anything worse than slavery."
<@Seraphna> Alt> There are two things worse.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...topic."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> It appears the two had a two tier plan - one they based it a bit on the Bandit King's own area. It appears the King's district is surrounded by rich nobles who have attached themselves to the King. And shower him in gifts and money
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> *glances at Alt, then accepts Lana's topic thing* "Go on."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Doing bad things to kids and talking in the theater.
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "That last one had better be a joke."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> So they created a system here that would allow the people here to make money and to attract the nobles to spend money here, from what I'm gathering. So while they could pay and allow the working class to be funded for their jobs, the nobles were encouraged to come in so that it could all be funded as well.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "So they invented mdoern economic theory."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "As long as they avoid the whole 'work to live' bullshit."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I know enough history to know how easy it is for things like that to get poisoned."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> It seems that way, but it also tied them to the Bandit King - and it seems neither was pleased at that. Reading through it, the nobles and the Bandit King would offer high prices for beautiful women to the families, encourging the families to essentially pressure the women to be sent to either one. It is no longer slavery in the truest sense, but..
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "... yeah, that's an example."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Yes, it seems corruption is still running through the area. Jean noted examples of richer families buying out areas from underneath others. And it seems was becoming harder to meet quotas that the Bandit King was setting each year.
<@DeathStar> *Selena seems to be thinking, while Lavenza has scarfed down her food*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The system was rigged to keep the bandit King in power. That is not a surprise."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> So it's set up so if it fails, he can come back in and do what?
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Yeah... at least the solution is simple, right? We just take that guy down, and then..."
<Ariel> <Nicolette> *has been nibbling at her food, not minding that it's burnt* "I hate to say it, but while things here are bad, it might actually not be that bad."
<@DeathStar> <Shin> I am wondering if he might not be the one ordering the other lords to burn down the property of the Knight here. Just so he can reset the old ways
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> From what I can tell, the diary ends a few years ago, rather aburptly. I do not believe the author was all that old, either. If I had to reason, this new system of their's probably has only been in place... *she judges the dates* Not that very long.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *adjusts ehr glasses* "The question is why? What does the old system gain him?"
<@Seraphna> Alt> Well… if we get them to join us and they no longer have to pay the Bandit King things will improve a lot here.
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "So... do we sit here and protect this place? It slows us down, but this place being defended hurts the Bandit King too... or we just take down the other lords as fast as we can."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> From what I can gather, while he may have a noble caste system, this new system introduces workers and more that is drawing money away from the Bandit King instead of just a free work force
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Would that not be worth reverting back to the old way?
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Probably. Slaves are easier to exploit than freemen."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Having the audacy of having to pay someone instead of just taking them must be galling as well.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Slaves also produce less aggregate wealth. A forced labor system is inherently inefficient."
<@DeathStar> *Selena opens her eyes* You think we should go teach him about economics?
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "You think he's smart enough to realise that?"
<@DeathStar> <Shin> I am guessing you all are in agreement you do not wish to bring this lord down then
<@DeathStar> *Shin muses*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "ITs about power, not wealth." *pushes her glasses up again* "...however, we do need to look into these attacks, either way."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Have you found a single reason to?"
<@DeathStar> <Shin> I am not sure; there is some darkness going on in this city, at least I feel something wrong at that one location that was off limits. But if it is a place soley for nobles and nobles alone, that could explain it. *referring to the off limits building they visited yesterday*
<@Seraphna> Alt> I bet she’s even quiet in the theater.
<@DeathStar> <Azif> ... ?
<@DeathStar> *Azif and Lavenza look confused*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "We could investigate, but that takes more time."
<@Seraphna> **Alt nuzzles Azif**
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We could go directly to the Knight herself.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> If you all feel she is worthy
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Okay, talking in the theater tends to make it hard to listen to the production people went there to see."
* Ariel (~KAS@hlfxns018gw-47-54-38-206.dhcp-dynamic.fibreop.ns.bellaliant.net) has quit IRC (Read error: Connection reset by peer)
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Then let's go and see her. We are betetr equipped now than we were before." *gestures toward the books*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "That's why it's considered rude, though I'm not sure why Alt's so focused on that."
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Lavenza has been enlightened
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Alright, *she pulls out the map*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Let us head for the center of the city again
<@DeathStar> *Gwen has nodded off, using Fae as a pillow*
<@DeathStar> *Selena steps out, moving downstairs. The Innkeeper watches them, sweeping the floor as they all come down, staring at them as if they are very suspicious*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *heads down*
* Ariel (~KAS@hlfxns018gw-47-54-38-206.dhcp-dynamic.fibreop.ns.bellaliant.net) joins #Geyze
<@DeathStar> *Zayne steps outside while Selena begins to lead them down the streets; this time of day, most of the people are out working in the nearby factories, so it is fairly empty*
<@Seraphna> **Terra holds up Talia and replaces her with Fae like a history professor and carries her along after the others**
<@Alicia> * Yoiyami follows, blinking at Terra's replacement
<@DeathStar> *despite it being springish, the outside air lately has begun to grow much warmer lately, as if an early summer is arriving in this area of the world. Despite it, Zayne seems to layered in long sleeves clothes, while Selena seems to be musing* <Selena> Hm
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza cartwheels down the street ahead of everyone*
<@DeathStar> *Fae poofs into fairy form on top of Terra's head*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *looks at Selena* "What is it?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Debating our cash situation if we need to buy appropriate clothing later. We could be here for months still
<@Seraphna> Alt> Alt can copy outfits.
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "I could always take up busking."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Let's focus on the now ratehr than on the maybe."
<@Seraphna> Terra> Spirits kind of project what we want to wear.
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Oh shit. I'll have to find a temporary job if we get too low, since I kind of *need* to eat, and I don't want to steal from these people."
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza looks fascinated at that - even though it's clear she has no idea what it is*
<@DeathStar> <Shin> That would be ironic, we get to the point that as adventurers, we have to get jobs just to keep going
<@DeathStar> *Shin seems endlessly amused*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Well...advenuteres don't settle in one spot too long, by definition...so if we are stuck here a while, we would me non-adventurers at that point."
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> I want to run an inn
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "And even when they keep moving, it's rare to not accept at least food and lodging for doing work... or good deeds as they're usually called there."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Think I'd make a good chef?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Yoiyami is right - there are various stuff we can do on the road and accept food as trade.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Shin> If you add seasoning to your food when it is needed, I am sure you will be fine.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "L...let's just see what happens when we see the Lady Knight."
<@DeathStar> *as they approach the center of the city, various people can be seen about here - running various stores are being run, the library, etc etc. The small "tower" if it can be seen that, is in the center of the city with guards standing in front of the doors, scowling at people*
<@DeathStar> *seen as that
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Library work might also be an option."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> That is where the Knight is situated. Much smaller than I would have thought, compared to some of the other tall buildings in the city
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "It probably reflects the Knight herself, while the tall towers reflect the visiting nobles."
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Lana and Nicolette - lib-rary-queen!
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "I expect the knight has less money than some other people in town, given what we read."
<@DeathStar> *Selena considers* It is possible, yes. It sounded like both her and this Jean person came into the situation as outsiders. It makes me wonder how they came across the armor
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I did read one passage about the other Knight in the diary
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "What did it say?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> From what I could tell, the Jean girl absolutely hated them. Found them cruel and it seemed as if that Knight received their armor from their father, so it was passed down. It seemed as if the other Knight and Jane were not allies, but outright hated each other for some reason.
<@Seraphna> Terra> Hmmm. Yoi could pact me.
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Remaked that the other Knight was completely loyal to the Bandit King, as well
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...nepotism knight."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne glances between Terra and Yoiyami suddenly, but makes it seem subtle*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "What brought that on?"
<@DeathStar> *Selena steps up to the guards* Hi, can we see the Lady Knight? *the guards eye the group* <Guard> ... Yer lot looks suspicious
<@Seraphna> Terra> Terra special bonus for her Pacted is infinite fruit.
<@DeathStar> *Zayne lets out a breath*
<@Seraphna> **Alt looks over the guard**
<@DeathStar> *Fae hands Yoiyami some fruit*
<@DeathStar> *Selena rejoins Lana, talking softly*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...maybe we should have brought gwen."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We could have, or do you want to just give them our names?
<@DeathStar> *she glances back at the guards, who are eyeballing them whispering*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Maybe try the name route first?"
<@DeathStar> *Selena steps back to the guards, introducing each of them*
<@Seraphna> **Terra gives the guards a charming smile** I’m Terra~
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Yoiyami Mizukaze."
<@DeathStar> *the guard glances over each of them, as if trying to decide if each of them are legit, but nods at Terra and Yoiyami; surprisingly, after looking Yoiyami over, for some reason the guard seems to be a little softer* I will go speak with the Lady Knight. *He steps in, leaving the other guard outside*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne muses on that, peering at Yoiyami and Terra*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "He likes you, Yoiyami."
<@Seraphna> **Terra uses cuteness**
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Hm..."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Yes, his attitude changed for some reason. *She peers at the other guard*
<@DeathStar> *the other guard indeed seems to be peering at Terra, due to high charisma, as well as Yoiyami, studying her*
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza tugs on Nicolette, clearly wanting attention now*
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Aw, you're precious too, Ori."
<@DeathStar> *she beams*
<@DeathStar> *The guard returns and motions for them to follow him* This way please
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *heads after the guard*
<@DeathStar> *he leads them inside what looks to be a waiting area for people to come in and sit on chairs and couches; as well as a jar of candy for younger people. The guard moves them past all of it and up some stairs*
<@DeathStar> *on the second floor, they are brought before a Knight, who's armor is lighter colored than Gwen's, sitting behind a large desk, with a window behind them. * <Knight> Thank you. You can leave them alone with me. *the voice is definitely female, but the helmet muffles it much like Gwen's does, as the guard returns downstairs, leaving everyone with the Knight, who peers over their desk at them* <Knight> You all must be newcomers here. *she glances toward Yoiyami*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "That's right."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Yep!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh....yes. Thank you for seeing us."
<@DeathStar> <Knight> Well, let me be the first to welcome you to my city. If there is anything I can help you with, please let me know. We try to make everyone feel as comfortable as we can here. *it seems she has finally turned her gaze away from Yoiyami to the others*
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "It's a very impressive city. It's been a long time since we've seen anything like this."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *leans over to Yoiyami* "I think you must be important somehow...so maybe you should speka for us."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne has moved a bit closer to Yoiyami, as if she doesn't fully trust the Knight. Lavenza wiggles in place, peering around and Shin seems to be relaxed, as if not picking up any bad vibes yet*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Something wrong?"
<@DeathStar> *The Knight considers, turning in their chair to look outside* <Knight> It is a work in progress, but I thank you for the compliment. I am trying every day to work on it
<@DeathStar> *she turns back to Yoiyami, as if hesitating for a brief moment - just the briefest of pauses in their speech* Have you discovered something amiss?
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Not really... we're just a little on edge after dealing with other kingdoms..."
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Are there worries about something being amiss?"
<@DeathStar> <Knight> Ah. *she folds her hands* So you have been traveling through the lands and meeting the other Kingdoms? I imagine my own Kingdom is also ... difficult. *She admits* You have the Kingdom of Varia who has decided to hide in the clouds, allowing its people on the ground to believe they are gods in the skies. You have the Kingdom of Greborlg, becoming poisoned by mana slowly even as they build up their own magical army forces despite the danger that lies in it, you have the Kingdom of Gradian who is overrun by monsters, and then you have us... the Kingdom of Xohan, where all the lord fight each other for the attention of a ruler who only thinks of himself. *She mumbles*
<@DeathStar> <Knight> I, too, traveled around once. *she informs them*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Did you fight banditos?
<@DeathStar> <Knight> Banditos?
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Bandits. But generally small ones."
<@DeathStar> <Knight> But... *she seems to be debating the amiss question* I find there are many things amiss lately. Even more than bandits.
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Perhaps we can help."
<@DeathStar> <Knight> I would not bother travelers with such things
<@DeathStar> *Selena seems to be studying her body language* <Knight> I am curious though, since you are traveling so much, what is your ultimate goal?
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Honestly, it might prevent us from suffering more trouble in the long run. We were ambushed on the way here. And not by bandits."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We also saw burned tracts of forest..."
<@Seraphna> **Alt goes to say what they are doing and Terra distracts her with yarn**
<@DeathStar> *The Knight nods* Yes, so you were the ones with my people who reported the incident
<@DeathStar> <Knight> Yes, it is likely the work of another Lord. Well, there are only two others besides myself now - it is most likely my fellow Knight
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "May I ask...is this rivalry personal?"
<@DeathStar> <Knight> Oh, I am sure it is somewhat on their end. But they also would like me removed to advance themselves. My land would become their's, expanding their domain further, he could also attempt to take my armor afterward and hand it off to a family member, perhaps. All these domains that have fallen recently, I am sure that Knight wishes to take over
<@DeathStar> *as the Knight says this, it almost seems as if their gaze is fixed on the team*
<@DeathStar> *but the helmet makes it hard to tell*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh..." *nudges Yoiyami to keep going sicne they like ehr ehre*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Rest assured, we have no desire to take over."
<@DeathStar> <Knight> Oh? *she shifts in her seat* That is nice to know. *she gestures* If you have no desire to take over, then what are your plans?
<@DeathStar> <Knight> You seem concerned about what is happening in my part of this Kingdom
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "If anything, we want to make sure it doesn't fall to any other Knights."
<@DeathStar> *The Knight considers* That would be nice. Let me speak more frank then
<@DeathStar> *she stands up and gets off her chair - and moves around the desk - surprisingly, the Knight Jane does not appear to be vary tall, like most of the other Knights they've encountered, both good or bad - as she steps around. One can imagine any of the other Knights being able to overpower her if a fight broke out*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Does that mean I can say stuff? **whispers**
<@DeathStar> *Jane produces some papers from her desk and holds them out to the team* These were supposed to be handed out in my area of the Bandit King's kingdom, but I had them all rounded up in my domain
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *whisper* "Let Yoiyami do the talking."
<@DeathStar> *they are all wanted posters of the group - drawings based on their likeness.
<@Alicia> * Yoiyami looks them over
<@DeathStar> *they are all very sinister looking, with a huge bounty underneath*
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Oh, wow. I think I need a copy of this for my scrapbook."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "So they noticed us. Understandable, but still noteworthy. Can I keep a copy as a trophy?"
<@DeathStar> <Jane> Of course, these would have gone up in the areas of the Kingdom where the Bandit King still has control, so that means others will see them and might come after you - like other Rogue Knights who might think you are evil. <Selena> We ran into one who helped us, hopefully he knows better.
<@DeathStar> *Jane motions for them to keep them*
<@Alicia> * Yoiyami happily takes hers
<@DeathStar> *Zayne seems to do the math for all of them brought in together* This is a lot of money
<@DeathStar> <Jane> I appreciate you wanting to help, but as you can see, if you keep progressing further into the land, you will be risking harm to yourselves. The next lord is the Bandit King's second in command, basically - that Knight I mentioned.
<@DeathStar> <Jane> You can't get to him without going through his land
<@DeathStar> <Jane> You could try to going by sea, if you wanted to take the long way, and go in the back way through the other lord's domain if you had a boat, but then his Knight would just come in to attack you anyway
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...what if...we were to say... move as the entourage of yet another Knight?"
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "So, if we're not safe either way, why worry about it?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> You are suggesting we move with Knight Jane through his territory?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...no...another Knight...who may have been takign a nap..."
<@DeathStar> <Jane> The problem with this is that while I do not have every report, I do know that the Bandit King is aware of you all are traveling with a Knight.
<@DeathStar> <Jane> I imagine any large group with Knights are being watched right now
<@DeathStar> <Jane> Which shouldn't be that many, of course
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Right..."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Hm
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "... that explains a few things."
<@DeathStar> <Jane> Come. If you are planning to go to Wymark's lands, let me help you where I can
<@DeathStar> *she leads them to another room*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *follows*
<@DeathStar> *the short Knight brings out maps and sets them down, spreading out the map*
<@DeathStar> *in the center of the map, one can see a massive city and Jane points a gauntlet at it; behind the city seems to be mountains* <Jane> This is the Bandit King's city of pleasure and desire. It is built upon the ruins of some sort of Temple. To the west if the other lord's domain, to protect from ships coming from the sea, and since there is only one lord there, *she shows the mountains running along the way, forcing one to go through the lord's kingdom and city, as well as what looks like a lot of traps* To the south though is where we all are at, as well as. *she points at what looks like another city just south of the Bandit King and north of them* This is where Wymark is located, the last deterrent before the Bandit King
<@DeathStar> <Jane> He is situated to pivot from attacks from the sea, as well as those who went to get through him to the Bandit King, serving as a blockade to reach the city from the south
<@DeathStar> *Jane looks at Yoiyami* May I ask a question that may be rude?
<@DeathStar> *she peers at each of them*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Jane> Yoiyami. She is of the werebeast tribe, yes? But she is not a horse girl. *She reaches out but does not touch her ears* She seems to be a fox.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *looks at Yoiyami*
<@DeathStar> *Azif muses*
<@DeathStar> <Jane> I have a few ideas on how you can progress, but you should discuss it among yourselves. If you want to hear my ideas
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We are always willing to listen."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Ah, I am not exactly a werebeast. I do consider them cousins though, in a way."
<@DeathStar> <Jane> .... *nods at Yoiyami, clearly making note of that fact*
<@Seraphna> **Alt goes kitty and hops on Azif’s head**
<@DeathStar> <Jane> The first way is to clearly enter Wymark's domain as you are, though I would suggest wearing disguses to hide yourselves. *she glances toward Alt changing her appearance* This might even be the best idea, I do not know.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Meow just a kitty.
<@DeathStar> <Jane> The second, I can travel with you all to meet with Wymark to discuss these attacks and have you all with me, under disguise, but it would draw attention to you, even as it provides some protection
<@DeathStar> <Jane> The third, I can hook you up with some nobles I trust, and they can work on setting up the channels to sell Yoiyami and any other werebeast like members of your party to the nobles at Wymark's main city. With your group providing escort for them
<@DeathStar> <Jane> You just will need to be careful - the entire area will be dangerous. The nobles will try to backstab you and the slave crest system is very powerful in Wymark's city, being so close to the Bandit King
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The second one is dangerous for you if it goes south... the third is still risky. The first one might make the most sense."
<@DeathStar> <Shin> It will be hard to find jobs on the road in that area. *she comments*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I'm for the first."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...why do we need to find jobs?"
<@DeathStar> <Shin> To keep Yoiyami fed, clearly.
<@Seraphna> Terra> **makes a fruit**
<@DeathStar> *Jane nods, turning to Nicolette*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "And everyone else... but we might be able to just handle it on our current funds."
<@Seraphna> **Terra gives it to Yoi**
<@Alicia> * Yoiyami eats
<@DeathStar> *she removes her helmet, appearing to be the frail looking girl at the house they met* <Jane> Do you all require anything? The fact you all plan to go by yourselves troubles me...
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh? Why the...ahhh...deception from before?"
<@DeathStar> <Jane> That is my personal house. I was not expecting you all to show up, actually.
<@DeathStar> <Jane> I had taken that book off the shelves many years ago
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We followed a thread that started at the library..."
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Basic provisions wouldn't hurt. Honestly, we're pretty self sufficient."
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "That said, things here in town are still nagging at me."
<@DeathStar> *Jane nods* I'll see to it then. *She winces* I am sure there are. Is there something in particular?
<@DeathStar> *she seems pained at saying that*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> You look like you have an idea
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Some of those larger towers have been bothering one of our number who is sensitive to 'death'. And that's never a good sign."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *just nod nods*
<@DeathStar> *Jane's face looks clouded* Those towers belong to the nobles. You recall my stating the some of them are closely attached to the Bandit King - hell, I might as well call him by his name - to Damjan. Well, as long as they provide enough money to the families, they can essentially do whatever they want. *her voice hardens* Since even if me and my police speak to the families, they will not do anything since they have enough sometimes to be set for life. I would not be shocked if what your friend,.... is sensing -- is a noble killing a low class citizen
<@DeathStar> <Jane> For fun
<@DeathStar> <Jane> Or worse, a magic ritual
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Should we try to intervene?"
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...big picture...the way to stop them is to topple the Bandit King and they lose their protection."
<@DeathStar> *Shin seems to peer off*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Understandable."
<@DeathStar> <Jane> I'd love to have you all tear it down
<@DeathStar> <Jane> But your friend is right, you might get yourselves caught
<@DeathStar> <Jane> I'm just worried one day those nobles are going to do some ritual the entire city is going to regret
<@Seraphna> Alt> We gonna bring it all down one way or other.
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Hm..."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> I see this group has lofty goals
<@DeathStar> *Azif looks around, as if expecting Mirage to make a quip, but sees no sign of her*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Of course we're going to bring a system like this down."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...would you bother attachign yourself to a group that isn't really goign anywhere?"
<@DeathStar> <Azif> I admit, I look forward to seeing what all you do
<@DeathStar> *Jane puts on her helmet again* Let me go get those supplies you wanted
<@DeathStar> *she leaves*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> So, what are you all thinking?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...two options...deal with the murderer now, at risk of anotehr taking their palce as soon as we are gone...or move on to challenge the next lord."
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "I feel horrible saying this, but I'm concerned the murders aren't just murders."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> You think there is more to it? You think she is being dishonest?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "She did outright say that it could be ritualistic and a danger to the city, but she cna't do much to stop them while they are protected by the bandit king."
<@DeathStar> <Shin> I would think a simple murder would not make me feel the darkness in that tower. I cannot speak to it being a dark ritual though
<@DeathStar> <Shin> But if she is not careful, whatever I am feeling in there death wise, I do feel it will grow
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "If you are certain, then perhaps we should intervene sooner rather than later."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Well
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "We can stop whatever's happening right now, but until we move on, nothing will change."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> It can't hurt to look while she is preparing our supplies
<@DeathStar> *She looks at Nicolette*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> You want to go?
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza has already shrunk herself down and is hiding under Nicolette's hat*
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yeah, that's my thought. The idea of leaving 'mere murders' alone sickens me, but I'm not sure we can stop that outside of stopping the bandit king first."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> How does it work, if one party is agreeing to pay off another's family?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "If it is a ritual...then we may not have time to stop the bandit King..."
<@DeathStar> *Selena leads them out of the tower and over toward the large buildings belonging to the nobles; even looking at them, it gives off an eerie feel, with the keep out signs*
<@DeathStar> *Selena reaches out to the doors and tries them, finding them locked*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I'd rather take down the system allowing the murders than stop a single murder... and if it's a long term ritual, we can only stop it short term."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We should be able to get the lock open."
<@DeathStar> *the lock seems to be designed via a special magic lock that opens for the essence of certain people*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> This is pretty unique for an apartment building
<@Seraphna> Alt> Maybe can dispel it?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The lock is magical.. a very specialized form of magic."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Try it
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yeah, it seemed more like a secure facility set up when we wandered by earlier."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I'll work on it, but this is a new type of lock for me."
<@DeathStar> *then Yoiyami approaches it, the lock transforms, and begins to ask her questions, as if verifying her identity*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *starts to weave to support Yoiyami's attempt*
<@Alicia> * Yoiyami examines it, trying to figure out a weakness
<@DeathStar> *it appears as if the magic lock is designed to store a ton of questions and answers, as well as bio signatures, and all one has to do is crack into the system's magical system and pick any resident's file and and it to break in*
<@DeathStar> *Azif looks around the area as Yoiyami and Lana scramble the lock*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I suppose we don't have much of a plan once we move inside. <Shin> Just feel out
<@DeathStar> *inside the apartment one can see lockboxes for each resident on the wall as well as door that seems to belong to the building's manager perhaps, and stairs leading up and down*
<@DeathStar> *in the far back is an elevator it appears*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...do you feel the direction?"
<@DeathStar> <Shin> Up
<@DeathStar> *Shin floats up the stairs*
<@Seraphna> **Terra and Alt follow**
<@DeathStar> *each floor looks huge, with a ton of rooms it appears. The place looks magnicifent and clean. A little too spotless as Shin continues upward; by the time they get to the sixth floor, they come across a worker cleaning and sweeping the hallway, who glances up at them and looks bug eyed at their appearance*
<@DeathStar> *but Shin keeps going up, soon settling on the 9th floor, in front of Door 912*
<@DeathStar> *the door seems to have a normal door knob at least*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...this is it?"
<@DeathStar> <Shin> Yes. This room. *points 913* And that one. And that one. *she points at almost every room on the floor* Has a bad feeling
<@Alicia> * Yoiyami checks for security on the door itself
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Are they interconnected?"
<@DeathStar> *at first it would appear to be clear, but upon closer inspection Yoiyami would see that the door has a trap set for anyone that tries to enter it without being careful. Thankfull, Yoiyami is killed enough to lockpick the door and disarm the trap*
<@DeathStar> *skilled
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Sneaky."
<@DeathStar> <Shin> I am not sure... *She seems to be trying to decide*
<@DeathStar> *Yoiyami, after openign the door, would disarm what looks to be a magical explosive*
<@DeathStar> *inside the room is a beautiful room that looks like a mini palace almost*
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yeah, this... this feels like a trap."
<@DeathStar> *everything is shiny and glittery, there are expensive vases and paintings*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...can you feel anythign more specific, Shin?"
<@DeathStar> *oh and in the middle of the living room, a beautiful maid has been completely torn apart and her heart removed, and her blood has been used to make some sort of magical symbol*
<@Seraphna> Alt> I found a clue!
<@DeathStar> *the symbol's arrow aimed in a direction it feels like*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "The door itself was a trap... and yeah, someone really didn't want us to see this."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne and Shin kneel before the body, studying it*
<@Seraphna> **Terra tries to figure where it’s pointing**
<Ariel> * Nicolette steels herself, and tries to identify the magic being used here
<@Seraphna> Terra> Pointed towards town center.
<@DeathStar> *judging by the symbol, it would appear as if they were summoning some sort of being using massive amounts of blood magic, but the summoning circle appears to be only one part of it*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *starts to weave, trying to get a hold of the magic here*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Well, we can at least disrupt all this."
<@DeathStar> <Shin> The girl's spirit is restless.
<@DeathStar> <Shin> It is as if whatever is going on is not done yet
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Its probably a part of a mandala."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne motions with Yoiyami* If we are to disrupt we should becareful, or it could bounce back toward us
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Mandala?
<@DeathStar> *Shin begins to step through the wall into 913*
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "What sort of summoning requires this level of sacrifice..."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "In more innocent practie, a spiritual tool based upon geometic points. This would be one point."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Though obviously this is not an innocent spiritual tool."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> We are looking at a magic spell that is meant to curse someone or destroy someone
<@DeathStar> <Azif> No doubt bringing forth something very evil
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Such as myself, for example
<@DeathStar> *she says that, with cat ears out and tail swishing*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "There rae undoubtedly more...and will be more througout the city."
<@DeathStar> *Shin returns* <Shin> There is another one in the other room
<Ariel> * Nicolette does the calculations in her head, and looks more troubled. "We need to redirect this."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I think this is a plan to take down the current knight... because these nobles are shits."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> You are most likely correct. They have probably been setting this up the last few days, bit by bit
<@DeathStar> <Azif> It could explain her paranoia
<@DeathStar> <Selena> So how do we redirect it? Do we know how many more they have to do before she ... well, is killed?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "If we just demolish the spell, they could try again...we could attempt to sabotage it more subtlely..."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> It should be possible to bounce it back against the casters
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> That would delay any more attempts until we deal with the Bandit King
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "The spell is already in progress. We can't just... break it."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Bouncing it back on the casters sounds good."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> The problem is we do not want it to bounce back against us
<@DeathStar> *Zayne seems to be thinking* Correct me if I am incorrect, Lana - Nicolette - Yoiyami - if this is being directed at the center of the city
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I think I we cna pull that off, and we alreayd have access to some of their spell points. I wodner why they made this mess in their own apartments though... really sloppy."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> We can guestimate the other positions?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...absolutely. Spells requrie patterns."
<@DeathStar> *Selena glances around the apartment*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I think it might be a summoning."
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "That's the part of it that worries me, honestly."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "If so, what is the subject of the summoning?"
<@DeathStar> <Shin> That they do not care about slaughtering people in their apartments or what they are summoning?
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Can we even turn a spell like that on the caster?"
<Ariel> * Nicolette pulls out a pen, and starts trying to sketch out possibilities for a full symbol, to figure out what they want to summon.
<@DeathStar> *Azif leans over, watching what Nicolette is sketching*
<@Seraphna> Alt> I suppose if we could find a way to invert the spell or knew the caster.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The rets of you, check the other rooms to see if we can elarn about who lives here."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I'll do that
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Since it's outside my wheelhouse, this summoning thing
<@DeathStar> *She moves off*
<@DeathStar> *Shin hands Nicolette the symbol in the other room to help out*
<Ariel> * Nicolette narrows the variations using the new symbol.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *weaves and starts 'digitizing' the symbols as they are provided*
<@DeathStar> *judging by the symbols, it would appear that the group is attempting to bring forth a high level demon, much like something one of the monster lords would be, and try to leash it to their command despite how powerful it is, to bring it to bear against the Knight. Azif is eyeing it and judging by her eyes widening, she is surprised at their gall*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "There is no way a summon like this won't kill them first..."
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "It's also not something they would have come up with on their own."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Maybe...or one of them found an old book and had a bright idea."
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "This is beyond just being risky. Someone is using them as a sacrificial pawn."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> I have to agree. The concept, the idea, the entire city would be razed.
<@DeathStar> <Azif> We're talking about Tiamat level of power or stronger.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *points* "See? Even our book things its beyond a dumb move."
<@Jackieness> thinks
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I also find it hard to believe they suddenly got the idea. Someone gave it to them like Nicolette suggests
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Be it this Waymack Knight, or ... our Watcher friend
<Ariel> <Nicoletted> "I'd like to say the former, but the timing is so eerily close to our arrival..."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "This is too risky and large scale to be local, I think...once its doen here, it will likely follow the path to the strongest source of power it cna find...the bandit King's own stronghold, meaning it will level Waymack on the way."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> We will need to learn more about this entity and it's goals. I was under the impression that the Bandit King had no creation pieces, so if does have a hand in any of this I wish to know why
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I don't think this has anythignt o do with the Creation Machine. This may just be about causign chaos."
<@DeathStar> *Shin meanwhile looks up from the points they've mapped around the city, glancing up* Well, it is doing that well
<@DeathStar> <Azif> If we are dealing with a demon summoning, there should be a few ways to bounce this back
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "IMaybe change what is being summoned."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Take charge of the summoning? It is possible
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Hm... that might be our best bet."
<@DeathStar> <Azif Do you have an idea of what you will bring forth?
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Preferably something harmless... and funny. Perhaps a single rabbit?"
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "My thought... instead of summoning one big demon... each one spawns the vengeful spirit of the victims used to build this thing."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Are they going to be sane enough to direct their revenge in the right direction?"
<@DeathStar> <Azif> If the idea is to spawn vengeance demons
<@DeathStar> <Azif> We will need to have our people scattered out to each of the points around the city
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The spirits are still 'fresh'. If these murders happened a decade ago, it would be alot riskier."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> I will help with transportation for free this time
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I'll trust your judgement then."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Then let us prepare
<@DeathStar> -TBC-
* DeathStar changes topic to: Geyze II: Monday 7:30 - 10:45 PM | Act 3: Cermonies | Session 144: TBC
<@DeathStar> We'll pick up with unleashing vengance demons upon the city next week
* @Jackieness (~Psy@23-127-47-99.lightspeed.knvltn.sbcglobal.net) has quit IRC
<@DeathStar> -Minis open-
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza pockets stuff*
* Day changed to Tuesday, 25. Nov 2025
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza soon waddles into the middle of the room, sluggish*