The Romance of the River Kingdoms

[Dr Simon]

"I think I mentioned it before," says the Vashti. "It was the body of that man you killed, Growling Ape, whilst rescuing me." She stares into the bottom of her dainty china tea cup. "Now that I think of it, some of the young men in that group escaped. We never did find out why Yago was after the statue, nor how he found out about it. We still have two of his friends who were wounded in the fight, working penance. So far, they haven't been inclined to tell, but I haven't pressed them on it."

[sblock=OOC]
Yago was the name that the Vashti gave to the apparent leader of the thugs, the man who had a knife to her throat but jumped into the river when he couldn't kill her. She also mentioned that all the thugs were local boys, known troublemakers on a small scale.
[/sblock]

 

[Shayuri]

"I'm not doing this for money," Annika protests. "But...with all of these new requests and invitations, how can we decide which is most important? Any of them might lead to clues about the Elixir...or none of them."

 

[Theroc]

At the Vashti's mention of relieving her of obligation, Shakou shrugged.

"Without Gengoro, I've nothing to go back to. So, unless you guys are planning to assault the spirit world or something insane like that, I'll stick around and help." She looked about somewhat nervously, wondering what she was getting herself into, before recollecting herself. "After getting attacked by giant spiders in the forest... a chance to relax might be in order. Perhaps we should attend that dinner, see why we're wanted and perhaps learn something, along with some fine cuisine..."

 

[Walking Dad]

AC 15 (T15, FF13), HP 29/39, F +5,R+3,W+6 (Spells: 0:3/5, 1:3/4, 2:2/3)
Ape Form (AC: 17, Touch: 17, Flat Footed: 13)

Ape says frimly: "I'm most interested solving the paper lantern problem... and the missing body." He still looks concerned.

[sblock=ooc]
I stay human in the city.

Spells (CL: 3, DC: 13+spell level)
5/Day Level 0: Cure Minor Wounds, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Read Magic
4/Day Level 1: Produce Lightning, Shillelagh, Summon Nature's Ally I.
3/Day Level 2: Summon Nature's Ally II

Baboon Traits:
AC: 17, Touch: 17, Flat Footed: 13
Fort: +6
Refl: +5
Will: +6
Move: 40', cimb 40'
Init: +4
Listen/Spot: +9
[/sblock]

 

[Dr Simon]

"I'm not doing this for money," Annika protests. "But...with all of these new requests and invitations, how can we decide which is most important? Any of them might lead to clues about the Elixir...or none of them."

"No..., it's not obvious to me if any of them would. I'm continuing to research the matter in our library, and in my great-aunt's notes. Hopefully something will turn up. Maybe the Magister can help."

At the Vashti's mention of relieving her of obligation, Shakou shrugged.

"Without Gengoro, I've nothing to go back to. So, unless you guys are planning to assault the spirit world or something insane like that, I'll stick around and help." She looked about somewhat nervously, wondering what she was getting herself into, before recollecting herself. "After getting attacked by giant spiders in the forest... a chance to relax might be in order. Perhaps we should attend that dinner, see why we're wanted and perhaps learn something, along with some fine cuisine..."

"I can send a reply to say that you'll come. I imagine it will take a few days for the Magister's staff to arrange it, but I think that would be good. You are welcome to rest here in the meantime, although I doubt our food will be as fancy!"

Ape says firmly: "I'm most interested solving the paper lantern problem... and the missing body." He still looks concerned.

"They may be connected," says the Vashti thoughtfully. "I would hope there weren't more than one group practicing tabusami magic in this town. Perhaps this should be your first task, then. Three Flowers, Mystal. What are your thoughts?"

OOC: In case you're not up on Conclave terminology, tabusami refers to a magician not licensed with the authorities. Usually covers, by extension, practitioners of necromancy, mind control and other hostile and unlawful magic. As opposed to jiunsami, who are registered and will often get deputised to deal with magical threats.

 

[Blackrat]

The magister's dinner intriques me and we might find clues to the elixir as Vashti said. After that, to see the problems of the peasants. Three Flowers answers to Vashti's question after some consideration.

 

[Shayuri]

Annika sniffs derisively.

"I would sooner see about these sorcerors than waste time eating ricecakes and sipping tea with those who would only wish to use us for their own gain," she states, "but enough...we could argue all night and accomplish nothing. Lets each of us state what he or she wishes to do next...and whichever is said most often is what we'll do."

 

[Walking Dad]

AC 15 (T15, FF13), HP 29/39, F +5,R+3,W+6 (Spells: 0:3/5, 1:3/4, 2:2/3)
Ape Form (AC: 17, Touch: 17, Flat Footed: 13)

Still the paper lantern problem... and the missing body." Ape confirms.

[sblock=ooc]
I stay human in the city.

Spells (CL: 3, DC: 13+spell level)
5/Day Level 0: Cure Minor Wounds, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Read Magic
4/Day Level 1: Produce Lightning, Shillelagh, Summon Nature's Ally I.
3/Day Level 2: Summon Nature's Ally II

Baboon Traits:
AC: 17, Touch: 17, Flat Footed: 13
Fort: +6
Refl: +5
Will: +6
Move: 40', cimb 40'
Init: +4
Listen/Spot: +9
[/sblock]

 

[Neurotic]

"I'd track remaining spider, resolve paper lantern gang, have dinner before rest and then head out to Tigerskin gorge. Depends on exact timing of the dinner party, but I think we could resolve all, let's call them local, issues before heading out. But I'll follow the majority."

Turning to Vashti
"Regardless of me being volonteered by Jar'Thol and not Old Vashti, I'm here now as I accepted his obligation. He and I may not see eye to eye about problem solutions, but we are still brothers."

 

[Dr Simon]

The Vashti gives Mystal a broad smile.

"'Difference turns the spindle of the world'," she quotes, then: "I'm no tracker, but I suspect that it's now too dark for hunting, particularly spiders, in a forest. But you could start first thing tomorrow, perhaps checking out the Court of the Shading Willow as well. I'll send off a reply to the Magister and hopefully by the time the meeting is arranged you will have sorted out the Paper Lantern Gang problem. Oh," she puts a hand on Shakou's arm, "and tomorrow I can purge the last effects of the poison from you. I agree with sorting out local problems first before heading further afield. My great-aunt used to say 'Don't leave trouble at your back'"