Travelling Heroes - The Wuxia Adventure

[NotScaryBats]

Hakukai nods an affirmative, "The only divination in my repertoire today is locate object. I can ask the kami for the proper dweamors tomorrow if need be."

As the prisoner asks for direction, Hakukai adds on to what Servant said, "I would also like to know more about your leader -- who are they and why do you target this town?"

[Breitheamh]

Shrakk frowns. "Um, this is not, um, garbage. I...I made them myself," he repeats more firmly.

"Um, do you, um, need money for food and clothes for them?"

[razorfloss]

Taria makes a scowl at Servant and folds her arms He refused to tell us anything after I told him what would happen. He knew the consequences when he decided to become a bandit and attack a town so why shouldn't I have my "fun".

[r2d2go]

I am fairly certain neither of those are true. I doubt the penalty for attempted murder is torture, more likely only death, and he stated that he did not know what we wanted, not that he would not tell us. Which is a fair point, because we had asked only spoken vaguely beforehand. Give him a chance to speak. Then, and only then, will we do what me must.

['Neath the Moon]

Ignacio, having now pegged Taria as the only one likely to use unnecessary violence, decides that perhaps an intervention of sorts in the not-too-distant future might be in order. For now, though, he simply steps forward and speaks up, 'I'm declaring this prisoner to be under my protection. I will not allow him to be harmed.' He places a hand on the bound man's shoulder.

[r2d2go]

Servant looks to Ignacio, then walks up to him, indicating for him to turn so they can converse somewhat privately. Are you sure you wish to do this? What will you do if he refuses to help us save hundreds of people within this town? Will you condemn the masses to avoid the suffering of one man? I do not agree with Taria's desire for unnecessary violence, but do consider the consequences. Then, he looks back to the prisoner, speaking directly to him. Of course, the point becomes irrelevant if our guest here agrees to help us, so do speak up.

['Neath the Moon]

Ignacio gives a conspiratorial smile and, accompanying his companion out of the prisoner's earshot, says quietly, "Don't worry. I have a plan. I just need things to look like they're getting violent again..."

[razorfloss]

Taria looks at Ignacio and snorts So your protecting a criminal, a man who attacked a town full of innocents for no reason I suspect, and you say i'm the bad guy "BAH" I'll leave you she scowls at the prisoner and your "pet" criminal. I'l go visit Shrakk and at least make some orphans happy by lifting their sprites she tuns to leave If you change your mind you know where to find me she looks at at the prisoner and a cruel smile appears hope he doesn't

[Rhunder]

The prisoner initially seems to love the idea of all of you arguing but as it all seems to come back between pain and giving up answers he finally relents, "My group has a cave to the east. A small stream goes by it, less than a half a day's ride." He pauses for a breath before continuing, "When I was there last, we had 20 calvary riders and 10 infantry troops. But reinforcements have been common. I dont know who hired us, but he seems to be desperate as each day goes by because each day he offers more money if we can take over this town. My commanding lieutenant is a half orc who goes by Three Bit. Great warrior, better horseman. And he never goes anywhere without his little witch, a small petite girl who likely set you on fire as to talk to you, so naturally I dont know her name. Now I know I said I didnt know anything and that was obviously a lie, but I dont want to actually be killed, my squadmates were a little more crazy than me, but mercenary work is such good money. Just let me go, its not like Ive actually done anything." Finally stopping to catch his breath he looks up with some hope in his eyes.

Spoiler: Shrakk

Show

The old woman seems surprised by how defensive Shrakk was, " I do apologize, we do get so much junk these kids cant actually use. People just hand us useless garbage so they can feel good about themselves. Do come in." She opens the door a bit wider and offers you inside. The first one is a small living room type area, with a fire place and rocking chair in the center. Hallways beam from the sides leading to different parts of the house. The lady, heading back to the rocker, speaks up again, "If you want any food we have some soup left over, not great stuff but itll do. If youre offering to make some clothes for the kids, Im sure we can make out some kind of a deal, assuming youre not the worst salesman ever expecting a lot of cash. I mean this is an orphanage..." As she finishes her sentence, the older lady finds her seating again.

[NotScaryBats]

"Thank you for your cooperation," Hakukai says quietly. She turns to Hildrick and says, "I cannot verify the veracity of this information, so I suggest the prisoner remains incarcerated until we return from this camp." Addressing the room at large, she says, "Is this agreeable to everyone? We should stay tonight to protect the town, and explore the cave to the east either tonight or tomorrow morning."

[r2d2go]

Acceptable. Guardsman - we were told that our positioning for the night would be given to us. Do you have such orders, or the capability to receive or give them?

[Breitheamh]

"Oh, um, thank you, but I am, um, not hungry."

The massive Githzerai ducks his head under the doorway as he steps sheepishly into the room.

He stands awkwardly near a wall and unpacks his sack of hand-knit items, carefully folding them and putting them in little piles.

[Rhunder]

The guard nods, "You will be staying at the Sleeping Hill inn. It's towards our eastern gate, where most of the attacks occur. I can show you there now, or anywhere else you'd like to go." He opens the door to the room and offers to escort the party now.

Hildrick, gathering his papers, stands up from his spot, "I thank you all for your help, even though it is unorthodox, your style seems to get the job done." Hildrick shakes your hands before departing with a smile.

Spoiler: Shrakk

Show

"Some of those are rather nice," The old lady looks on the items with concern. "And you are rather careful with them, so Ill take it those will cost us some coin?" The laughter of kids could be heard from upstairs then a sudden crashing sound. "THAT BETTER NOT BE THE DISHES BREAKING!!!!" The small lady suddenly shrieked from her chair. "I do apologize, the boys can be so rough, and Im far too old to chase them down like I use too."

[r2d2go]

I noted I would meet our ally at the orphanage. If you could show us this inn, then the orphanage, that would be ideal. I am sure we can make it back to the inn without problems from there.

[Breitheamh]

Shrakk smiles at the woman's comment. He clearly grows more comfortable after hearing the horseplay of the children, as he enters the only social territory he truly loves.

"Um, no. They are free. Children deserve, um, love, and hope, and kindness. They are, um, the future."

[razorfloss]

Taria turns to look at the prisoner and then turns to Ignacio and smiles a cruel smile See my way worked. threatening to maim always delivers nice results. she then turns to the guard show concern on her face now that he has told us what we need pls don't be to rough to him we may need him for a plan of mine in the future. she looks at the prisoner again and shows a sadistic smile be safe we might have need of you in the future. Now that unpleasant business is over I want to visit the orphanage. I want cheer them up and give them a show they will never forget. Taria now has normal smile on her face that makes her blue eyes shine.

['Neath the Moon]

Ignacio says, "I never said it wouldn't work, Taria. I merely feared you looked a little too close to actual maiming. And you looked too happy about it. Even back when I..." He trails off, before starting on a completely different subject, "So, the orphanage. Where the orphans live. I don't have much to offer them, I'm afraid. Maybe a few tawdry tricks, but nothing of substance. I could spare some gold, certainly, but that seems rather impersonal."

[r2d2go]

Watcher nods as Ignacio speaks. Indeed. We are trying to improve lives here. It is unbecoming of one to display such joy in another's pain. In any case, there is not much I can do for the orphanage either. I do not carry gold. For the most part, I simply wish to get our ally before preparing for the defense.

[NotScaryBats]

Hakukai shrugs. "I hope the matron of the orphanage can care for the children's well-being as long as we take care of the bandits. Is that callous of me? You all seem eager to aid the children without parents."

[r2d2go]

Not at all, Hakukai. We may wish to help people, but we are most skilled in combat, and not taking care of children. Our place is on the battlefield. It will help the city no less.