DiscoDude: ---BEGIN SESSION---
DiscoDude: Session logging commenced
Ryusui: All right, Chell! When last we left off, Mitsu and Aulus were going to talk to the Under-Regent to see if they could get permission/assistance investigating the rumors surrounding the mills. You, on the other hand, have taken on the task of figuring out who's fomenting support for the Woodland Alliance. Boozoo remains at the Regent's Wings in a fervent staredown with the proprietor, so...what do you do?
Chell: (( I'm a lil lost on how I'm supposed to do that. ))
Ryusui: Well, your one lead is that someone is handing out pamphlets. You have one, in fact. It's quite an elaborately produced affair, even if the copy itself is the usual blase condemnation of the Eyrie and praise of the Woodland Alliance.
Mitsunari: (You could ask around for who’s distributing these - should be fine as long as you don’t say anything that rhymes with “barquisate” - or you could go to where the flyer indicates.)
Mitsunari: (Just as two possible avenues.)
Chell: Chell decides to go to the place in the pamphlet, just to see if she could find anything about the Alliance.
Ryusui: The flyer does not specify a place. The copy implies that interested parties will eventually be contacted by someone from the Alliance. For now, the pamphlet is as good as a badge saying "I'm interested."
Chell: (( ah, well Mitsu lied then XD ))
Mitsunari: (Whoop, sorry for the reading comp fail.)
Ryusui: If it helps - it's very likely someone at the Regent's Wings either is passing out flyers, or knows who is.
Chell: (( guess I'll be going there, then. ))
Chell: The bunny starts heading towards Regent's Wings, trying to find some more information to gather.
Ryusui: All right, you're at the Regent's Wings. Let's have another special move here - first off, how do you approach the search for potential suspects?
Ryusui: There's a lot of people here but it shouldn't be insurmountable to spot suspicious behavior.
Chell: (( Could I use Talon on the Pulse for this? ))
Mitsunari: (That could apply, though it's enough of an edge case that it's really up to the GM.)
Ryusui: (yeah, i was thinking of something a bit more specific to this encounter; you'll progress regardless, but here's the deal:)
Ryusui: (on a 7-9, you spot them; 10+, you spot them and get a +1 forward dealing with them; on a miss, they realize you're searching for them and bolt, giving themselves away)
Ryusui: (gimme...+Cunning or +Charm, depending on how you wanna go about your search)
Chell: (( I'll do Charm ))
Chell: !roll 2d6+2
DiscoDude: Chell rolled 2d6+2 for 8 [2d6 = 2, 4]
Ryusui: Some friendly chats with some confused patrons reveal several have also been slipped pamphlets, but none are quite sure when, or what to make of them. Eventually a pattern emerges, and you spot a hooded figure trying desperately to remain stealthy while walking at a squat, just as he slips another pamphlet into a surprised patron's hand.
Chell: Chell casually walks over to the hooded figure, "Mind if we talk outside for a bit?"
Ryusui: At first the figure is startled, but then he spots the pamphlet in your hand. "You're a Vagabond," he says in a low whisper, stating the obvious. "Might you be interested in...aiding the cause?"
Chell: She replies in a hushed voice, "Well, of course. But first I want to ask you some questions."
Chell: (( And now I wanna use my Fast Friends perk ))
Chell: (( If that's fine with you, Ryu ))
Ryusui: (okay, mark exhaustion and roll with Cunning)
Chell: !roll 2d6+2
DiscoDude: Chell rolled 2d6+2 for 5 [2d6 = 2, 1]
Chell: (( ouch... ))
Ryusui: (uh-oh)
Chell: (( whhyyyy ))
Ryusui: He shakes his head, and moves to leave. "No. No," he says. "Can't trust a Vagabond. You'll tell. You'll tell." What do you do, Chell?
Chell: "Alright, what if I do something that'll make you trust me." She says, "I'll do a favor for you, how about that?" Chell sighs, a bit frustrated.
Ryusui: (you want to Persuade an NPC? roll with +Charm, then)
Chell: !roll 2d6+2
DiscoDude: Chell rolled 2d6+2 for 11 [2d6 = 3, 6]
Chell: (( oh cool, that would have been great beforehand game ))
Ryusui: He pauses, then nods. "Favor first. Then we talk." You can practically hear him grinning under his hood. "Hand these out. Don't care how. Just don't get caught." He hands you a stack of pamphlets. "Need to step outside. Get some air. Been at this for hours." He visibly shivers. "And don't go telling the Eyrie. You promised."
Ryusui: He steps out, but takes up a position across the way - you can see him; you definitely will know if he's left, but he's also keeping an eye on you while he takes his break. What do you do?
Chell: Chell does as he says, and starts passing pamphlets, abeit trying to be sneaky about it by just sliding them onto in front of people so that they'll eventually notice.
Ryusui: (-checks your sheet- You have the Roguish Feat of Sleight of Hand. You wanna roll for that?)
Chell: (( yee, what do I roll? ))
Ryusui: (that'll be +Finesse, just FYI)
Chell: !roll 2d6+0
DiscoDude: Chell rolled 2d6+0 for 5 [2d6 = 1, 4]
Ryusui: Well, I've got good news and bad news for you, Chell.
Chell: (( fudge ))
Ryusui: The good news is, you've distributed the entire stack.
Ryusui: The bad news is, you did the one thing the hooded man told you not to - get caught.
Ryusui: A coyote at a nearby table is just the tiniest bit quicker on the uptake than the rest - he turns around in time to see you darting away after leaving the pamphlet in front of him.
Ryusui: "What's this about?" he snarls, angrily waving the pamphlet in your direction.
Ryusui: He's got two friends who look ready to throw down, too, Chell. What do you do?
Chell: (( :x ... ))
Chell: (( ...Welp, Subduing Strikes time. ))
Chell: (( ENGAGE ))
Mitsunari: (Don't just state a Move; describe what you do. 😉 )
Ryusui: (yeah, describe what you do, and then roll me Cunning!)
Chell: Chell looks at them, "Hey, just doing my job." She says, shrugging and then tries to walk away. Although she is ready in the case that one of them tries something.
Ryusui: "Tryin' to get me roped up in your cockamamie bullshit..."
Ryusui: The coyote lunges. Hostile intent is very clear now.
Chell: !roll 2d6+2
DiscoDude: Chell rolled 2d6+2 for 14 [2d6 = 6, 6]
Chell: (( OUTTA HERE ))
Ryusui: (hell yeah. Which options do you pick? Suffer little harm, shift your range, or impress/dismay/frighten?)
Ryusui: (you can't pick "inflict serious harm" 'cause of Subduing Strikes' restrictions, obvs)
Ryusui: (oh wait, you can pick all three of those XD)
Mitsunari: (Can't the first still apply, just with Exhaustion?)
Ryusui: (it's literally part of Subduing Strikes' description if you look)
Mitsunari: (Ah.)
Chell: (( Suffer little harm, and maybe frighten so the others don't get any ideas ))
Chell: (( oh, well, yea, all 3 then aha ))
Ryusui: (okay. Tell me how you beat the tar out of this guy, nonlethally XD)
Chell: Chell, with some well timed and placed blows, sends the guy onto the floor unconscious, "Do your friends also want to try and shoot the messenger?" She says, looking at the table to where the wolf was originally at.
Mitsunari: (Also, you'd think someone else would have intervened here. 😉 )
Ryusui: "Holy heavens, we're not looking for any trouble," one of the coyote's friends says. "He-he didn't really mean anything by it," the other one adds, hastily; "he just had one too many..."
Ryusui: Behind the counter, the barkeep nods approvingly.
Ryusui: Across the street, the hooded figure is gesturing for you.
Chell: Chell leaves the bar and then heads towards the hooded figure, and waits for them to talk.
Ryusui: "Follow. Not wise to discuss matters in public." He gestures to a small gap between two buildings nearby, narrow enough you probably couldn't throw both elbows out without hitting a wall.
Chell: Chell follows the figure, keeping silent unless spoken too.
Ryusui: Once you're both in the alley, he drops his hood and takes a deep breath. He's a marten, a fair bit taller than he tries to look. A bit dopier, too. He fixes you with a huge grin and says, "good work. You want to hand out more pamphlets?" He lifts his cloak to reveal...he's got quite a bit more reading material stashed away underneath.
Chell: "I'll consider it, but first, I want to know who your boss is, just gathering info is all."
Ryusui: "Ah, you want to speak to the one who makes these pamphlets!" he says, still grinning. "I do not know who he is!"
Chell: "...Alright, well who gives you these pamphlets?" She says, hoping that the one thing he says isn't what she thinks it is.
Ryusui: "He wears a hooded robe. Not like mine. His is better." Even in the darkness, you can tell the cloak the marten is wearing is old and threadbare. "And he always, always smells of ink, and..." He takes a whiff, as if he can detect the scent even now. "...paper. But who he is? No names, no faces. We meet in this alley, he gives me pamphlets, and he pays wonderfully to see them handed out."
Chell: "Well, when is he coming again? I'll meet with him here and ask him some questions."
Ryusui: "No idea. He shows up when I am out of pamphlets," he says with a shrug. "Can always tell him, by the smell of ink and paper."
Mitsunari: (Is that a smell we might recognize?)
Ryusui: (whether it is or isn't, it suggests the guy works in close proximity to ink and paper all the time!)
Chell: "How does he know when your out of pamphlets?" She asks, "He can't just magically know."
Ryusui: The marten leans in close and whispers: "I think he watches me. From a distance, you see."
Chell: "I see, well, he would have obviously seen me with you by now. If you can ask him to speak with me, I'd be willing to hand out more pamphlets."
Ryusui: "I will vouch for you!" the marten says, grinning. "I will tell him such a good job you did, and that you can break a man's ribs if necessary!"
Chell: "Great! Well, guess I'll be handing these out then, mind telling me where?"
Ryusui: He looks around: "There are workers at the mills who he would say need to hear the word. You spread pamphlets there; I will stay at the tavern. Good luck!"
Ryusui: He hands you another stack of pamphlets and makes to exit the alley.
Chell: Chell exits the alley as well and heads towards the mills to slip these to more people.
Ryusui: There's a lot of different sounds and smells as you approach the mills, Chell. One scent that keeps playing at your mind is something you can only describe as...bookish.
Ryusui: Or scrollish, at least. Pamphlet-ish? Certainly it makes you think of the smell of the one in your hand, amplified and mixed in with a dozen other scents of varying pleasantness.
Chell: Chell towards her head towards that certain smell, putting the pamphlets in her robes for safe keeping as she tried to track down the smell.
Ryusui: And who should she run into on her way there...
Ryusui: ...but Mitsunari and Aulus Lusius Allectus, accompanied by an Eyrie guard.
Ryusui: (i'll BRB while i wait for those two to respond :3)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (Ok, ready.)
Mitsunari: "Aha, friend Chell!" Mitsu goes in for the full hug. "And what of our... helmeted ally?" He just managed to stop himself from saying 'feline.'
Ryusui: (and back!)
Ryusui: (Chell, last you saw Boozoo, he was still staring at the barkeep XD)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: we give a much more measured greeting "I hope things have been going well, since we last met. Although, now might not be the best time to catch up."
Chell: Chell looks at Mitsu before speaking, "He's still spacing out in the bar, Mitsu." She then looks at Aulus, "Yea, I need to find someone myself."
Mitsunari: "Sounds about right."
Ryusui: Officer Kurgel, the guard, grunts in annoyance. "And who's this?"
Aulus Lusius Allectus: would give a terse response in kind "A friend."
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "Well, we're kinda busy right now. Heading to one of the mills for our work, specifically a paper mill if you're curious."
Ryusui: That might certainly match up with the smell you've been following, Chell.
Mitsunari: "Yes indeedy; we've got official go-ahead to go looking into these goings-on around the mills. Thieves to catch; conspiracies to unmask!"
Chell: "I'd love to go to the paper mill." Chell says.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "Uh-huh... well, it wouldn't hurt."
Ryusui: As it happens, you're right nearby. The door is flimsy, and unlocked besides. In addition to a powerful smell of paper, and a much subtler smell of ink, there's the sound of machinery operating at full tilt inside.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: Seeing no reason to wait outside Aulus would make his way in.
Ryusui: There's one immediate obvious difference between this mill and the lumber mill: the machinery is working. An enormous piece of waterwheel-driven, Marquisate-designed clockwork is manufacturing paper, attended to by a squad of laborers. Wood chips and assorted other papermaking materials are funneled by hand into one end, mechanically chopped and mixed to make a pulp, pressed into sheets under enormous pressure, and meticulously cut into perfect leaves ready to be sewn together into a bookbinding, or perhaps just written or doodled on.
Mitsunari: "Oh, now this has a story behind it!" Mitsu flits around, looking at all of the (presumably) well-maintained machinery.
Ryusui: "Hey! Hey!" A beaver in overalls approaches your group. "Who are you?" He doesn't seem exactly hostile, but he does seem surprised and annoyed by your appearance.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "We're here to speak to Ivon, if that is possible."
Ryusui: The machinery still has a patina of rust here and there. From a distance, it's hard to tell what might be different between this machinery and the machinery at the lumber mill, other than that it's running.
Mitsunari: "Oh, never mind." He turns to the beaver, much brighter now. "Ejon sent us your way, says to tell you we helped out... what's his name...?"
Ryusui: (Levon.)
Mitsunari: (I know, it's in-character to (perhaps intentionally) forget the occasional name. XD)
Ryusui: (ah XD)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "We did help out another of his workers, Levon I think it was. But that is not really the point."
Ryusui: Chell, the smell of ink and paper is overpowering in here. It's entirely likely someone who works here might, in fact, carry that scent with them.
Ryusui: "AH!" the beaver says, eyes widening in recognition. "You're the ones who saved my boy!" He frowns and casts his gaze downward: "Always told him he would come to no good working at that infernal place." He brightens up again: "Please, what can I do for you, such esteemed personages?"
Mitsunari: "But yes, our reason for being here; fret not, for the Under-Regent has finally, finally heard your pleas for help against the thieving menace plaguing these here mills!" He does a 'gloriously presenting' pose at the accompanying guard.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: just gives the whole over the top presentation a single side glance, before continuing. "I was hoping you could enlighten us as to the nature of the break in."
Chell: Chell continues to look around, just trying to find someone who seems worried about them being there.
Ryusui: The beaver - Ivon, the lumber mill operator named him - blinks briefly at your statement of intent. "Ah, yes," he says. "There was a break-in indeed. Numerous. You have heard the stories, yes? They sneak in, and take scraps. Scraps!" He laughs. "Oh, but! Of course they are a dread threat to the operations of our fair clearing, yes? I mean, who knows what else they are doing under cover of darkness?" He chuckles a bit, then stifles himself.
Mitsunari: "What manner of scraps? What nefarious quantities are being spirited away?" Mitsu does a few flourishes, and is now behind the foreman.
Mitsunari: (This is just for flavor, of course - just me showing off Mitsu's vaguely DANGEROUS demeanor. XD)
Ryusui: Ivon yelps in surprise, as if he's fully expecting you to garrote him. "The junk paper!" he says, desperately. "Not fit to wipe one's arse with!"
Aulus Lusius Allectus: would join in with a chuckle as will, it was rather absurd. "All the same, between the Under-Regent's concerns, and that these thiefs seem to be rather elusive, they have warranted a minimum of concern."
Mitsunari: Mitsu would think back to the pamphlet - could that be described as "junk paper?"
Mitsunari: "Perhaps if kept at its full size, but with a bit of timming, torn paper may yet still be paper. Or is there a more fundamental problem with these samples?"
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "I assume you would usually just toss it and be done with it? I suppose if they really needed it, they could of collected from wherever you usually dispose of the paper though."
Ryusui: "Take a look. This is the day's trimmings." He escorts you over closer to the machine, to a large bin near the cutters. There are cast-offs galore in here - all odd shapes, none quite a full sheet. None big enough to make pamphlets like the one you have out of.
Mitsunari: "Oh, that is strange. Has anyone seen these thefts?"
Ryusui: "None of the laborers here," Ivon says, a touch defensively. "But the fact of the theft of the scraps is ironclad."
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (Don't forget about Aulus' question.)
Ryusui: (shoot, my bad)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (Or what Chell is doing too.)
Ryusui: "Normally, they are...recycled," he says, as if trying to recall an unfamiliar word, gesturing towards the input hopper. "Garbage paper becomes fresh new paper."
Ryusui: How about we have you Trust Fate for this one, Chell?
Ryusui: gimme a roll with Luck
Mitsunari: "Oho, so if someone is breaking into the mills for these scraps, then not a thing is stopping them from using this 'reesaikura' machine? I recall that the lumber mill's saw is currently stuck making a perpetual ruckus, day and night. Would anyone notice the additional noise?"
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "...Huh... and is that easier that making the paper from scratch?"
Ryusui: "The mills keep irregular hours; it is possible they could operate at night and no one would pay much notice," Ivon says, shrugging.
Chell: !roll 2d6+0
DiscoDude: Chell rolled 2d6+0 for 7 [2d6 = 5, 2]
Aulus Lusius Allectus: The cogs are definitely turning now. "Seems my associate has the better of it. Once the paper is prepared, I assume you send it to yet another mill for ink as well?"
Ryusui: He stares at you blankly for a short while. "Ink? What ink?"
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (wait, do we not call the stuff we use to write on paper ink?)
Ryusui: (this is a paper mill, not a printing press. at least, it's supposed to be!)
Mitsunari: "Oho, so if there's no ink here, then..."
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (I asked if he sent it to another mill for the ink.)
Mitsunari: (Let's see what Chell uncovers before Mitsu drops the ink-stash bomb.)
Ryusui: Chell, none of the workers seem upset at your presence - they seem upset at the presence of the Eyrie guard. All of them seem on edge. That same general suspicion seems to be cast on you by association.
Ryusui: "Are you alluding to printing presses? Marquisate devilry," Ivon says, glancing at the guard as he speaks. "There is no such thing here in Milltown."
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "Scribes would have been just as much of note. I guess not. All the same, you have helped a great deal. Maybe soon we can find who is behind all these petty thefts and put it all behind us."
Mitsunari: "Oh, how the plot thickens... Well, Aulus, I'd like to debrief Chell on what we've learned so far; how's about you take our friend here and case the other theft sites?"
Aulus Lusius Allectus: would nod. "I'll do just that, then."
Chell: Chell shrugs as she just sticks with the group, not gonna find her ink and paper smelling friend here just yet.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: And then he would set off at a brisk pace, with guard it tow, he wants to confirm what the other mills have lost and what may have happened with them.
Mitsunari: Mitsu stays behind, holding back Chell.
Mitsunari: "So, now that the big scary guard is gone..." He turns to the others. "Chell, what have you learned so far?"
Ryusui: The guard looks between Aulus and Mitsunari, then with an angry grunt, leaves with Aulus.
Ryusui: He gives you an "eyes on you" gesture before he goes.
Chell: "Honestly, nothing. I still need to meet with the creator of the pamphlets."
Mitsunari: "Who is probably here, assuming that's why you came, hmm?"
Ryusui: (don't forget you have moves to help you get to the bottom of things)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: Specifically if the lost materials could be recycled and/or reprocessed. for the Metalworks, Leatherworks and finally the Textile mills.
Ryusui: Aulus Lusius Allectus, your whirlwind tour of the other mills turns up a few facts:
Mitsunari: (I'm letting Chell take the lead now since she's the one ostensibly building rapport with the burgeoning Alliance group.)
Ryusui: 1. Of the three you've named here, the textile mill is the only one that has not been broken into; the foreman keeps the door locked and bolted at night, and sleeps behind the door with weapon in hand, much like Ejon at the lumber mill.
Ryusui: 2. The textile mill is also full of laborers manually operating looms; the machinery has not worked in weeks.
Ryusui: 3. As for the others, some questioning and probing does suggest the scraps taken might have some utility, to someone with the knowhow to reprocess them.
Ryusui: 4. Their machinery is all operational.
Mitsunari: (Chell, are you going to tell Mitsu what you've been up to?)
Chell: (( I mean, sure ))
Chell: "I've also been handing out pamphlets in order to win the favor and possibly see the maker of these things." She looks at Mitsu
Mitsunari: "And that took you here, then?"
Mitsunari: (Chell?)
Chell: "Well, I need to hand out pamphlets here too, but yea, basically."
Mitsunari: "Right, I trust your word, then."
Mitsu turns to the foreman. "Alrighty, so! Let's all be honest here; my friend here was hoping to meet a certain pamphlet aficionado here. I also know that, despite your claims of there being no ink in this establishment, our noses tell a much different story."
He does a twirl and spreads his hands, one of them holding the pamphlet he was holding on to. "I'lllllll be honest - I find your claim of there being no printing presses here in Milltown to be juuuuust about as likely as the Under-Regent's arrests really being about 'the Marquisate threat,' or perhaps that whole 'limb from limb' whopper."
Ryusui: Ivon stares at you. He can't quite hide the fear in his eyes, and, honestly, the confusion. "Pamphlets? There are no pamphlets here." There is a different tone to the denial this time.
Mitsunari: "Oho, was my aim just ever-so-slightly off? I see, I see..." He paces for a bit. "Aha! That makes just as much sense; a staff making use of more advanced machinery and maintenance techniques, but hiding it for fear of being labeled as Marquisate collaborators by an Under-Regent that's a bit too eager. Meanwhile, there's an actual thief about, making use of the recycled odds and ends they stole to supply a rather different - and more real - threat to the clearing. Does that sound about right?"
Ryusui: Ivon blinks at you. There is something in what you said that connects, but...he shakes his head. "I have no idea where you are getting these ideas," he says, sincerely.
Mitsunari: "Well, help me here; if you aren't responsible for this incongruous ink smell, then who is? I propose a search."
Ryusui: "None of my laborers could...could perform the kind of witchcraft you accuse them of," he says, a hint of anger in his voice. "These machines are Marquisate design," he adds, daring to use the word with the guard no longer present. "Only they have the knowledge with which to repair them." He clenches his jaw.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: would eventually return, having asked the guard to wait outside, or at least to feel free to take a break from all the leg work. "So, did I miss anything. No fires started I hope."
Ryusui: Aulus Lusius Allectus, all you see is a smug-looking Mitsunari squaring off with a vehement-looking Ivon.
Mitsunari: "Witchcraft? Pfft, that's a bit of an extreme way of putting it. By all means, I have nothing against their inventions, even if their way of running things is a bit strict for my tastes."
Ryusui: They don't look quite ready to come to blows yet, though.
Mitsunari: (Aulus told him to wait outside.)
Ryusui: (oh, dang)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (Explicitly just tried to ditch the guard.)
Mitsunari: (Backpedal?)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (Like unless they are gonna be overt about it.)
Ryusui: (all right, hang on)
Ryusui: Aulus Lusius Allectus, the guard hangs back far enough he can see inside, but out of earshot of any conversation.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "I cant leave you alone for a moment can I. Care to explain?"
Mitsunari: (What about Ivon's reaction to my blase dismissal of the machines' "evil nature?" XD)
Ryusui: "I am telling you," Ivon says, almost pleading, "there is no one among my workers who could repair and maintain these machines. No one. And no one who could..." He stops and shakes his head. "The machines, they are as magic to us, gears and springs though they may be, understand?"
Mitsunari: "And yet; the ink. It's unmistakable. If it's not you who dealt it, then surely, you'd be willing to help us get to the bottom of this? Perhaps the thief left it behind?" He gives an even wider innocent grin.
Ryusui: Ivon returns the grin; it looks desperate on his face. "Yes, of course, the thief. The thief must have left the ink behind," he says, nodding along.
Mitsunari: "Well? What are we waiting for? Let's find and be rid of it already, eh?"
Aulus Lusius Allectus: would just hang back for this and listen, trying to figure Ivon out while Mitsunari grills him.
Ryusui: (roll with +Charm!)
DiscoDude: Aulus Lusius Allectus rolled 2d6+1 for 13 [2d6 = 6, 6]
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (There are no secrets between us anymore.)
Ryusui: (hot damn. pick any three of: "is he telling the truth", "what is he really feeling," "what does he intend to do," "what does he wish you'd do," or "how could i get him to ____")
Aulus Lusius Allectus: First off I want to know if he is telling the truth about how much they know about operating the machinery here.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (If Aulus was around long enough to try and pick up on it.)
Ryusui: Best you can tell, he's telling the truth, or enough pieces of it he can't be accused of lying. None of his laborers have the technical knowhow to maintain the machines - it would take a trained Marquisate engineer to keep the machines running, or fix them when they break.
Ryusui: They can operate the machines, to be clear; they just can't maintain/fix them.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: I'll hold on to the other two for now.
Ryusui: (for what it's worth, i'm pretty sure you can ask the same question, in a different context)
Ryusui: (okay, back to Mitsunari)
Ryusui: Ivon seems content to let you lead the way in your search. The laborers all look puzzled, but continue their work.
Mitsunari: Mitsu's trusting his nose somewhat here.
Mitsunari: (I'm gonna need to wrap this scene up soon...)
Ryusui: Ivon seems increasingly agitated as you follow the unmistakable smell of ink to the press part of the machine. There's an access panel here, just like on the lumber mill machine, but there's one crucial difference: while there's still rust everywhere, the bolts on the access panel have been carefully cleaned. Someone has been doing maintenance.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "I do have one question. Are there any machines here you simply do not use? Perhaps do to a lack of the required skills."
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (Or that I guess.)
Ryusui: "The machines were made to be operated by 'simple' denizens," Ivon says, idly, his attention transfixed on Mitsu.
Mitsunari: "Hmmmmmmmm, so! None of you know how to maintain these machines. And yet, it seems someone has indeed maintained! It's quite the mystery. You could be lying, or simply mistaken, or perhaps this was the work of that dastardly thief again. I wonder..."
Ryusui: "There must be a mistake, yes," Ivon says. You both get the impression the labors are looking at you with the same trepidation.
Mitsunari: (Might be time for another hold, Aulus.)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (Yeah.)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (Maybe I should ask, how does he really feel about this line of inquiry? Is he simply afraid of being the Under-Regent's latest public example, or is there more to it?)
Ryusui: There is that, yes. He knows that what Mitsu is sniffing around for is incriminating. It will bode poorly for him and for his laborers if it is found. And...possibly others as well?
Ryusui: But he can't do anything with that guard watching.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: would turn to Mitsunari Mitsuri. "Kurgel is looking kinda lonely, maybe you should be the one to entertain him this time?"
Ryusui: The guard seems disinclined to go anywhere, Aulus Lusius Allectus. In fact, at this point he seems disinclined to let any of you leave until whatever you're up to has reached its conclusion.
Mitsunari: “Doesn’t look like our friend here will budge even if we ordered him. What say we give these folks the benefit of the doubt for now. It seems like actually catching our thief would be a more worthwhile endeavor. Perhaps a stakeout?”
Ryusui: Ivon...stifles a sigh of relief. "Yes. Yes, a stakeout. To catch the...thief." You can feel the laborers release a collective sigh.
Ryusui: "What do you think you lot are playing at?" Officer Kurgel growls, Aulus Lusius Allectus.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "Maybe, but to be honest I think we already have everyone we need right here... Oh looks like someone invited themselfs, kinda like my associate here."
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "You've done quite a lot today Kurgel." He would then turn and in a tone a bit too joyful for the on the nose question he is about to ask. "Tell me Ivon, are you under-duress by Kurgel. Are you afraid that some or all of the guard would quietly see you disposed of should you tell us the whole story?" (And I would burn my last hold to see if he is truthful about it.)
Mitsunari: Mitsu is already standing behind Kurgel, ready to act, of course.
Ryusui: "I am an honest man! An honest man!" he protests. "I have nothing to hide!" (He does, in fact, very much have something to hide, something that would put him and others at risk if exposed. And yes, he's terrified of Kurgel finding out whatever it is he's hiding, because that would mean the Under-Regent finding out.)
Ryusui: "We'll see about that," Officer Kurgel growls.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: would then turn to Kurgel. "I suppose you owe us an explanation. Right now."
Mitsunari: (Apparently, GM, Aulus has taken to accusing the Eyrie. XD)
Ryusui: "An explanation of what? I am under orders from Under-Regent Zyll to eliminate elements that threaten the Eyrie's power here in Milltown." By "Eyrie's," it's clear he means "Zyll's." "My purpose is nothing more than has already been stated."
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "What a convenient excuse, such is the language of the Eyrie. Don't was my time."
Mitsunari: “Oh yes indeed, we’re working on behalf of the Eyrie. Is your Under-Regent?”
Ryusui: Kurgel leans in close to Aulus and growls: "If you are accusing me of something, I would appreciate you explaining the charges. As any true officer of the Eyrie Dynasties would."
Ryusui: Ivon is just sort of flabbergasted at how this situation has turned.
Mitsunari: Mitsu was honestly surprised at where this took a turn for, but he’s absolutely rolling with it.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "Nothing, yet. But I've been trying to get answers, and you seem to be the reason I can't get one. So tell me, what is going on. Maybe this is a scheme to climb the rank, the current Under-Regent gets cut down like the tales of old, and the next most senior officer saves the day?"
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (Channels inner LA Noir)
Mitsunari: “Whoa, even I’m not sure where that one is coming from.”
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (Also, what was this guys rank again?)
Ryusui: Officer Kurgel snarls, and reaches for his sword. Something you said certainly has touched a nerve. "You will not utter such baseless accusations against the Under-Regent!"
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (That wasn't pointed at the Regent, he was saying someone else was trying to off him and take the place.)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (Traditional Eyrie Promotion)
Ryusui: (Let's say "lieutenant.")
Ryusui: (and it doesn't matter, i think it's safe to say his reaction just confirmed Mitsu's theory about how Zyll ended up in charge)
Ryusui: (also, HE'S COMING AT YOU RIGHT NOW)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (What was that theory?)
Ryusui: (that the famous "Regent's Wings" incident was set up by Zyll as a false flag operation; the "Marquisate" assassins were Zyll's own)
Ryusui: (Zyll murdered his boss and took his place, and rode a wave of anti-Marquisate sentiment he himself created straight to the top)
Mitsunari: “Doesn’t matter if they’re baseless; we’re Vagabonds, aka our very own judge, jury,” still behind him, Mitsu draws his blade at the guard’s neck, “and executioner.”
Ryusui: (is that to say, you're going to Engage in Melee, Mitsu? or what move are you going to use?)
Ryusui: (the guard has two boxes of each harm track)
Mitsunari: (Is his neck exposed?)
Ryusui: (...let's say yes, since you did describe yourself as positioning yourself behind him)
Mitsunari: (If so, Viscious Strike - he’s not quite surprised enough for it to be Blindside, but still exposed.)
Mitsunari: (I roll MIGHT, right?)
Ryusui: (yep!)
Mitsunari: !roll 2d6+2
DiscoDude: Mitsunari rolled 2d6+2 for 11 [2d6 = 6, 3]
Mitsunari: (Remind me of the options?)
Ryusui: (on a 10+, you suffer no harm; that said, you do need to mark exhaustion regardless)
Ryusui: (and he's at death's door with a full Injury track, though)
Ryusui: (you can mark wear on your sword to finish him off)
Ryusui: (oh wait.)
Mitsunari: (But I do still do that extra Harm, right? I believe my blade also has a Mark Wear- yeah.)
Ryusui: (it's Foxfolk Steel so you don't have to XD)
Ryusui: (man, i don't know if that combo was intended but i will let you have it)
Mitsunari: (Exactly. I knew exactly what I was doing when building it. XD)
Ryusui: (all right. Officer Kurgel is basically at your mercy. Describe the takedown. :3)
Mitsunari: (It’s labeled as an executioner’s katana for a reason. XD)
Mitsunari: The blade is drawn. The guy actually turns around, only to fling his own head off from the force of the turn as Mitsu is already sheathing the katana.
Mitsunari: (Translation; the head stayed on for a moment after he cut.)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (We can break just before Ivon give us his his story?)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (It seems like a good turning point.)
Ryusui: Ivon just gawks, staring. "Wh-what did you just do?" All the laborers stop what they're doing and stare.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: would frown."I was hoping to keep things a little more quiet then that, but it will have to do. Ivon, I suppose you would be a little more willing to enlighten us on just what has been happening now?"
Ryusui: He looks from the headless corpse to you, Aulus. "If you are an enemy of the Eyrie - no, of the Under-Regent - then I will tell you what I know," he says.
Ryusui: (and i think this is a good place for last lines, Vagabonds?)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: "Things are going to start happening very quickly, and we will need all the facts."
Chell: (( I'm good ))
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (Done.)
Mitsunari: (Chell just watches all of this go down in bleak horror. XD)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (To be fair, Aulus just was gonna punch his lights out the second the dude was no longer useful.)
Mitsunari: “Well, I dunno where that accusation was coming from, Aulus,” says Mitsu, wiping his nose, “but it seems he misinterpreted your implication in very interesting fashion. Looks like I would have won the bet, had you taken me up on it.”
Mitsunari: (And I am good.)
Ryusui: All right, one more thing
Ryusui: Aulus Lusius Allectus - you advance twice
Ryusui: you put yourself at risk following your commander's orders
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (And I was genuinely hoping he was just a fool with tin badges. We don't know his angle still either.)
Mitsunari: Can you advance twice?
Ryusui: and, one way or another, you brought a little more justice to the clearing (if by prompting Mitsu to kill one of Zyll's goons)
Mitsunari: I thought they don’t stack?
Ryusui: i'll admit i might be stretching this a little but
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (A single type of advancedment can't stack I think.)
Aulus Lusius Allectus: (But two different types can.)
Mitsunari: And that’s not how Justice is triggered I think.
Ryusui: you can advance once per drive per session
Mitsunari: Justice needs a specific wrong righted.
Ryusui: i'm gonna be blunt with you
Ryusui: Aulus did something cool this sesh, he hasn't had an opportunity to advance since the start of this
Ryusui: i am going to exercise GM fiat to say "he fulfilled both his drives"
Ryusui: and to be fair
Ryusui: it's pretty clear that Kurgel considered the whole situation really freaking suspicious before you decided to back off, so it was either him or Ivon and his workers by that point
Ryusui: so yeah, here are your advancement options
Ryusui: - +1 to a stat (max +2)
- learn a new move in your playbook (max 5)
- learn a new move from a different playbook (max 2)
- learn up to 2 new weapon skills (max 7)
- learn up to 2 new roguish feats (max 6)
- add one box to any harm track (max 6 each)
- take up to 2 new connections (max 6 total)
Ryusui: also, any switcheroos any Vagabonds want to perform?
Ryusui: Aulus Lusius Allectus, reminder, i'm waiting to have your advances on the record before i close out the log
Aulus Lusius Allectus: Hmm... and extra box of Exhaustion, and the weapons moves disarm and cleave.
Ryusui: awesome. mark those on your sheet
Ryusui: anyways, again, does anyone want to swap out their drives/natures/connections?
Aulus Lusius Allectus: Done.
Aulus Lusius Allectus: Not me.
Mitsunari: Nope.
Ryusui: arrite.
Ryusui: Chell?
Ryusui: well, i think we're done for the night then
