Tales of Battle

Cindurion 28-Nov-21 10:40 PM

For participating in a mini-scene and for the nice doodle you have been awarded 1 CCP! Make sure to note it down yourself. Keep it up! Boromir flies in a maze-like manner back to your warehouse, confident that no one followed it. Having checked through the warehouses, you detect no Mage activity, it seems pretty clear. The next morning, you feel well-rested and refreshed. Bilbo is looking good also, but the rest of your pets look pretty knocked out, unable to really move for the day. What do you do for your day-time phase? (edited)

Blake 29-Nov-21 05:27 PM

For the Day phase, Blake decides to head out with Bilbo to find a certain broker leaving the the other members of her family home to rest up. Blake heads to the park in Hudson Green trying to locate the broker while also keeping a low profile in case someone from yesterday night is also looking for the broker. Also, about converting ccp to investment points and then to raise my stats, I think I might want to do that with one ccp to my charisma since I feel like I might need it both now and in the future, haha^^. Can I do that before it head out?

Cindurion 29-Nov-21 06:01 PM

(Fair enough! I'll be playing a game during the evening, but I will paint the scene for you in a bit. Answers will be a bit sporadic though!) (And yes, you could definitely do that. You get 4 Investment Points per CCP and the cost should be right next to the stat. If you have enough you can just deduct the CCPs and change your stat directly, no need to press the + button. Doing so would send a message letting everyone know you upgraded your charisma.)

Cindurion 29-Nov-21 06:40 PM

As you enter the park, you quickly realize there are a lot of people walking around, dressed in all sorts of weird clothes. Normally you'd stick out like a sore thumb but here people don't really bat an eye. It is quite cramped, however, as you wade through the crowd, giving an occasional cough due to your illness but not really giving it much thought. You eventually stumble upon what looks like a parlour tent, with a sign promising "readings and mysterious trades." Figuring this must be where The Broker resides, you start heading inside, but you stop yourself as you notice Davey Bones sitting inside! He seems to be getting a tarot reading by the Broker and neither has noticed you. What do you do?

Blake 29-Nov-21 06:52 PM

Blake signals discreetly to Bilbo to stay away from the tent and to hide within the crowd as she sneaks around to the back of the tent seeing if she can get close enough to listen in to their conversation without being detected.

Cindurion 29-Nov-21 07:00 PM

You discreetly sneak around the other side of the tent and lean in, able to listen in on their conversation. You hear Davey's voice: "...I don't see why not. Unless of course, ye be planning on cursing me." Davey laughs a bit. "We be well past that point, I would think."

Blake 29-Nov-21 07:01 PM

Super neat, Blake just keeps listening.

Cindurion 30-Nov-21 12:43 PM

"Please, Captain. Look into my soul and know that I am telling the absolute truth when I say that I have not done anything to curse you, nor would I be able to even if I wanted." There is a pause, followed by the same voice saying "Ahh... I see. It would seem someone has been providing you with misinformation. As to who, what and why, I'm afraid the cards do not say."

"So much for an enlightened age... If that be true, can't say that I be surprised though. There be a number of people who have had the opportunity to misinform me, as of late. But that be neither here nor there, is it? I was hoping ye would be willing to help me acquire some choice items."

Cindurion 30-Nov-21 01:19 PM

"I would say you've come to the right place then, dear Captain. Provided you have something that would be of value to me to offer in return, of course..."

"I be sure that we can come to some sort of agreement. I be hoping to purchase from ye two things. The first being special ammunition for me cannons. I be requiring cannonballs that disrupts magic, spellbreaker rounds. At the very least something that works against protective wards and such. For my second item, I be hoping that ye has some manner of magical rat poison. There seem to be a mage running around that takes a liking to the things, so I would like to make sure that they don't make a single step on me ship."

Cindurion 30-Nov-21 02:08 PM

"This should be doable, though I feel obliged to let you know that acquiring these goods may take several days, especially these magical rounds you require may take up to a week. Again, however, the question becomes; what have you to offer in return for these goods, Captain?"

"Nothing short of the spoils of war."

Cindurion 30-Nov-21 04:06 PM

"Tell me, what's so special about this item?"

Cindurion 30-Nov-21 05:04 PM

"It be a treasure from an age long ago. It be some of the plunder I got from Atlantis, right before I sunk it. Furthermore, it be magically enhanced to be hard to resist. Ye could probably trade it for something worth ten times it’s actual worth, and ye customer wouldn’t complain once.”

Cindurion 30-Nov-21 07:07 PM

"And how many of these coins would you be offering for what you require, Captain?"

"Enough to make ye a rich man, and me less so, Well... At least until I restock me treasury!" He says, laughing. "That said, if ye want ye pay up front, I would like to propose a bit of a arrangement. Ye see, I be expecting that certain mage officials be planning on paying me a visit. If I would die before receiving me cannonballs as we discussed, that would be rather unfair, wouldn't it? So, perhaps if ye have some inkling of when they might decide to drop by me ship, ye would feel inclined to let me know ahead of time?"

Cindurion 30-Nov-21 10:57 PM

"I don't see why not. Should any such information come my way I'm sure I could find a way to pass it along. However, speaking of arrangements, I should inform you that I never consider a deal done until it is put in writing. Therefore I would like you to sign this. Seeing as it's both legally and magically binding, however, I'm afraid normal ink won't suffice." There is a pause. "..Right, no blood, eh? Well, I suppose some bone marrow would do just fine..."

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 12:00 AM

Davey laughs again, and says, "Ye seem to have made some assumptions about me." After a moment, Davey elaborates. "I came up from nothing and made rather something of me self! Only, back in my day, we didn't have all this 'free education' ruckus. Point is, I don't know how to read, so we face something of a issue ye see."

"No matter, I can read it out to you if you'd like, or you may have someone in your crew do so for you if you would prefer."

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 12:14 AM

"Aye, I be having someone in mind," You can hear some dialing noises "Cooper? Cooper, can ye hear me? Good, good. Listen, I need ye to send Ms. Neumayer and the Gravedigger over. Yes, yes both of them." There is a brief pause, and Davey then says "Because Ms. Neumayer can't speak, and I am not gonna take the gravedigger on his word."

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 12:25 AM

It takes some time before they show up, and the two of the voices make some small talk in the meantime. Half an hour later two more characters appear. A young adult woman appears alongside a skeleton. You only catch a glimpse of them before hiding again. Davey tells them what it is he wants them to do and afterwards the skeleton reads the contract, with an occasional thump, presumably from going off script. I, [NAME], hereby declare my intention to provide the Broker with [Specified amount of enchanted coins] within a period of seven (7) days, in exchange for [Specified amount of enchanted cannonballs and poison] to be provided by the Broker within seven (7) days. I recognize and understand that this contract is both legally and magically binding, and that failure of either party to uphold their end of this deal within the specified time period, as well as any attempt by either party to deceive, swindle, or take any hostile action against the other party constitutes a breach of this contract and will result in the slow and painful death of the violating party. Furthermore, I understand that any attempt by either party to destroy, enchant, duplicate or otherwise modify this contract or the contents within likewise constitutes a breach of this contract which similarly will result in the unpleasant demise of the violating party. Signature Broker Signature (edited)

"It be a pleasure to make business with ye, Broker. I wish ye a pleasant evening."

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 12:33 AM

"The pleasure is all mine, dear Captain. Should you wish to bring with you a copy of our contract you may do so, otherwise I wish you an equally pleasant evening and look forward to doing business with you again!"

At this, the three people exit the tent, leaving only the Broker inside. Feel free to start a scene with him now.

Blake 01-Dec-21 09:52 AM

Awesome, After checking that Davey is out of sight Blake calls Bilbo back and heads into the tent with the dog. "Hello, I see you offer readings which is quite funny since I have some skill with palm readings myself. I don't want to waste your time, mr Broker but I think an exchange of our 'insights' could prove useful to both of us. What do you say?

(Blake is just making up the palm reading thing)

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 10:52 AM

The Broker smiles warmly, extending a hand to offer you a seat in the chair facing him. "By all means, Madame. I take it you would enjoy a complementary reading of your fortune to come, Miss...?" (edited)

Blake 01-Dec-21 11:30 AM

Blake sits down putting her hand out signalling for The Broker to also put his hands on the table while Bilbo sniffs around the tent brushing up against the brokers leg and checking so there isn't any traps hidden under the table, "The name is Blake and the dog is Bilbo. A conversation should be a two way street so I would like to hear your reading too I can start though if you're all right with that?"

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 11:45 AM

The Broker gently pets the dog before placing his hand on the table. "As you wish, Miss Blake. But, surely you didn't come here just to read the fortune of an old Broker? What is it you truly seek?"

Blake 01-Dec-21 12:11 PM

Blake takes his hand and looks closer at this thumb noting its slightly rough."I want some information and I want to find someone, you see some information about a Soul Gem has come my way and I have heard from a rat that you know how to contact a person looking for this gem... I wish to meet them." Blake takes a quick break and a couple of deep breaths and she uses a tiny bit of necromancy resurrecting dead bugs and filling the tent with a smell of soil and death. "I can tell from your hands you worked very hard to get your position as The Broker, It's as much a title as a name, but it gets lonely when you have something good... and people get jealous, deceitful, dangerous... This is why I prefer animals, there is betrayal in your future... from who? I don't know, but I would be careful if I was you." Blake says as she drops the necromancy and finishes her 'reading'.

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 12:36 PM

Wrinkling his nose a bit at the myriad dead bugs and the stench they're producing, the Broker retracts his hand and shuffles up his deck of cards. "Most enlightening, Miss Blake, I will keep that in mind. I wouldn't worry too much, however, as I do have quite effective ways of ensuring that my business partners live up to their end of a bargain. Regardless..." The Broker finishes shuffling the deck. "I believe it's your turn to be read." (edited)

Blake 01-Dec-21 12:38 PM

"Please, go ahead." Blake says as she starts petting Bilbo who is now at her side.

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 12:49 PM

The Broker peels the top card off the deck and flips it over, revealing the Thespian. "Ahh, the fates truly smile at you, miss Blake! It would appear you're on the path to great success, glory and fame!" Stowing the deck away again, the Broker smiles at you. "Now then, down to business. While I am strictly forbidden from revealing the identities of any of my clients, I would potentially be able to forward your offer of a meeting to this particular individual. The question is..." The Broker leans in and studies your face. "What do you have to offer me in return for such a favor?" (edited)

Blake 01-Dec-21 01:08 PM

"Aw, that's such a kind reading, thank you, mr Broker. Maybe this is a path leading us both to success and glory. Regarding what I have to offer I assume your client will reward you for the information of the gem if that client truly does desire the gem badly enough. I think we are both doing each other a favour here, really. But I absolutely can't reveal anything if I don't get to meet them in person... I hope you understand I don't want to be caught in someone's trap either." Blake says as she and Bilbo sand up and start to slowly head out

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 01:23 PM

Raising an eyebrow at your statement, but making no attempt to get up and prevent you from leaving, the Broker answers. "I did not ask you to reveal anything, miss Blake, nor would I reveal anything about you to this other individual if we were to reach an agreement, seeing as you would also be a client of mine at that time. What would happen is I would inform my client that another client of mine would like to meet and discuss a potential business arrangement involving a Soul Gem, in a neutral place at a time agreed upon by both parties."

Blake 01-Dec-21 01:49 PM

"Well, that would be fair. A client, an asset or temporary business acquaintance it's up to you what you'll regard me as, but all I have to offer at the moment is information and it's up to you and your client now how you wish this all to play out... Maybe the real question is what do you want? What do you want in exchange for making your client happy, other than that clients riches? It's not urgent for me, so think about it..." Blake smiles and gives a quick wave bye before heading out. (edited)

And then Blake heads home and enjoys a warm cup of coffee with her family, well deserved after trying to bluff her way trough that whole conversation.

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 02:05 PM

Blake starts exiting the tent as the man quickly tries to interrupt her from doing so by saying. "For relaying your request to this client, I would ask only that you teach me that reading technique of yours, it is indeed quite intriguing."

(Do you still leave the tent?)

Blake 01-Dec-21 02:15 PM

Blake stops for a second and says "I can give it a honest shot after meeting your client, but it's not always the person choosing the technique sometimes its the technique choosing the person. I'll teach my way of doing it though." Then she heads of with Bilbo closely behind her. (edited)

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 03:53 PM

The Broker holds up a hand to indicate to the woman that the conversation is not yet finished. "Miss Blake, before you take your leave, please know that I will not consider our agreement finalized before we have put it in writing. You're not the only one who wishes to avoid the traps of others, after all. If you wish me to set up a meeting with my client, I will draw up a contract with the pertinent details to make sure there can be no doubt regarding the details of our deal."

(Do you still leave? I know you've been trying to leave for a couple of answers ago, and that is very much an option, just that The Broker isn't quite done if you wish to acquire his services.)

Blake 01-Dec-21 04:11 PM

"I'll sign... When you have the consent from your client, that they also agree to the meeting. So discus it with them first because that's what this whole deal depends on. You can't agree to something someone else has the power to decide over after all. Bye now."

And then she leaves

(Lol, Blake is just in a hurry to leave since she doesn't want to sign a contract to something she can't do, hahah)

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 04:14 PM

(Ah, right! :P)

The Broker gives a courteous nod to you as you leave.

Blake 01-Dec-21 04:17 PM

Neato ^^

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 11:15 PM

As you start heading back to your base, you suddenly see a blinding flash, only to realize it’s coming from a man with a camera. “What a scoop!” You hear him say, as he runs off, unable to stop him. Confused about what that is about, you head back to you base. During the evening, you feel quite refreshed, and so does Bilbo. Your other pets look a bit under the weather but are able to operate like normal (With a -2 mod) What do you do for your night-time phase?

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 11:37 PM

For participating in a mini-scene you have been awarded 1 CCP! Make sure to note it down yourself. Keep it up!

Blake 01-Dec-21 11:51 PM

For the night phase Blake decides to send her hummingbird Gimli to tail The Broker maybe her coxing him to meet up with his client can lead her straight to said client if she find outs where he goes tonight. Worrying about the weird flashing light Blake dreads being a headline in tomorrow's newspaper but there is not much she can do about it now she thinks as she slips into her dead eyes spies magic abandoning her body temporarily and awakening in Gimlis.

Cindurion 01-Dec-21 11:54 PM

(That's fair, do you want to go into another body as well?)

Blake 02-Dec-21 12:12 AM

(If i can go into another body maybe one of the Boromir to scout around the docks if I can do that it would be pretty neat^^)

Cindurion 02-Dec-21 12:13 AM

(Yup, that's the entire point of your dead eyed spies ability ^^ Can scout 2 places at once, using 2 different pets)

Cindurion 02-Dec-21 08:38 AM

Gimli flies over to the park, where there is a lot of trash lying around from the faire that was there yesterday. It flies up to the tent and finds a comfortable spot to perch on while having a good look at the Broker in his tent. The Broker seems to be mostly waiting for people to come by his tent, while also playing around with his deck of cards. At the docks, you see Davey seemingly getting ready to take off to somewhere.

Cindurion 02-Dec-21 03:35 PM

All of a sudden, your vision snaps back into your own body. You are lying on the floor with a steel beam lying on top of you, coughing up blood. Seems like possibly a freak accident due to the old warehouse... Your pets make concerned noises and help dig you up from underneath it. (You have suffered 46 points of damage. You can recover health up to half your max health at the end of each phase in which you took no damage.) What do you do at this point? Do you go back to your trance?

Blake 02-Dec-21 04:10 PM

Well... rip-erino lol^^ Blake gets up abandoning her spying plans for now. It's not the nicest way to wake up so she gives Bilbo a quick pet telling him that she is still alive and then tries to scan the area around her with her family. Her first thought is that this is the rat-pigeon mage trying to get out of meeting up. Anyhow this no longer feels like a safe spot.

Cindurion 02-Dec-21 04:42 PM

(Yup.. Ouch! But all right, so you search the warehouses instead at that point with your pets?)

Blake 02-Dec-21 04:47 PM

(Yes, at least I think that's a better move atm)

Cindurion 02-Dec-21 11:34 PM

(Hey, uh... For absolutely no reason at all, would it be easy for you to edit the image to only have Bilbo and Blake in the image you originally made for Blake? :P) (edited)

Blake 03-Dec-21 10:26 AM

(Yepp, I can do that ^^)

Blake 03-Dec-21 12:17 PM

There we go, I put them a bit closer together since it looked a bit weird otherwise^^

Cindurion 03-Dec-21 12:20 PM

Great! Thank you! Hopefully that wasn't too much of a problem to fix!

Blake 03-Dec-21 12:20 PM

Nope, it was no problem! ^^

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Cindurion 04-Dec-21 07:37 PM

Pinned a message.