All intial posts for the time being will visible all characters. This is so I can easily add or subtract characters should someone change location. Unless you are addressed in a sub-thread, assume you are not there.
The City of Adala UPDATED

[EDITED on Thu September 4, 2003 @10:56 PM (PDT)]

In the interests of timing, the guards' request does not seem unreasonable. You have a bit of time still (you got there early) and you outnumber htem two to one in case of treachery.
The first guard introduces himself as Melkut; the second is Jornu. They lead you quickly to a building not more than a few blocks away. It appears to have been a bakery. It is long abandoned. There is evidence of a fire in the not-too-distant past. Scorched-brick ovens gape like toothless mouths in the back and the floor is littered with scraps of burnt wood. Somone has made a few token repairs (there is oilcoth across the vanished roof and the doors have been replaced), but it still lies in black ruin.

Melkut does the talking. Jornu keeps watch at the door. He does not seem happy at about this meeting. He often throws dark looks at his companion.
"We shouldn't be seen or overheard here. Sorry for all the secrecy, but Throne has spies everywhere. We're taking a real risk just talking to you.
"I'm not sure what Jonnit told you, but Throne is unlikely to be interested in buying silks. He has agents to do that sort of thing. Too many agents, in my opinion. We think wanted to get you into that barbarian-infested compound of his. No offense, Celeste."
He runs right over his faux pas. "Jornu and I have been thinking something is fishy in there for a long time. He keeps a small Hill Tribe army in there; axe fighters everywhere you look. Can you think of a reason why he would be so interested in your party?"

"I do hope it wasn't because of that time I took the-" Cas says before stopping herself. "um, nevermind. That was a long time ago and I doubt he would know of it."

.oO( Not another one!)

"He actually seemed most interested in someone who has some antiquities, uhh, coasters or something. He being Jonnit, I've never met Throne. Jonnit spotted us at the gate, almost like he was looking for us..."

.oO(I wonder if he knows Vance? No, that can't be right, they were going to Karkul... Except that the wagons were not stocked for Karkul, they were stocked for more like... Hmmm)

"Did you say Hill Tribe?" Looking at the others... "Where's Rath?, Did he go in there? Has anyone seen him? He wasn't back sleeping... Didn't Vagrant say something about having a buyer already? Was it this guy? Didn't Rath go with Nuyok? Did Nuyok go with Vagrant? Are they in there? We've got to get in there! They might be in danger! I've go to go get Rath NOW!"

The guards become alarmed at Beka's reaction.
"Wait! Who is this Rath guy? Does he have something to do with Hill Tribesmen?" Melkut looks confused.
Jornu looks tense and ready to fight, but there is no direction for his anger. His hand is on his sword pommel.
Melkut tries to defuse the situation. "Calm down, Miss. If your friends are in that compound and you go off like this you'll get yourself killed, or worse. Why don't you tell us a bit more and we'll see if we can't help each other?"
Jornu now seems to be making "keep it down" gestures. He has the stern look of a schoolmaster disciplining unruly children.

[EDITED on Sat September 6, 2003 @12:32 AM (PDT)]

OOC: What happened to Melkut? Is this his twin? and where did Renn go?

Edited and corrected for Melkut and Renn. Hey, I was sick!!!

OOC: Melkut = Tekumel minus an "e", Jornu = Jorune minus an "e". For the non-RPG fiends, these are both popular gaming worlds. So now you know how it works...

[EDITED on Sat September 6, 2003 @12:38 AM (PDT)]

All is forgiven. Mind fog does that...

"Rath is one of my guards, he is formerly of the hill tribes. He is easily swayed and I would hate for something to happen to him. We have been together for a long time."
Looking at the group...
"Do any of you know where he went?"

Celeste sadly shakes her head 'no'

seeming to appear out of the shadows of the room,

"What is it you want of this, uh, Throne? We now want more than just to do business. If he somehow holds our friends we will want them back. We can work together, if we both are wanting to get something from inside."

I move to the door and lean against it listening and open it only enough to peek out...

perceptoin roll 14-
3d6: 1, 2, 2 (STUN: 5, BODY: 2) Sun September 7, 2003 @6:24 PM (PDT)

"Tell us what you can of Throne's compound and what you think we may find there. IF, we can get in and you want something, we'll try and get it as payment for your information. IF, that information is good enough to get us out again as well."

I stay at the door. Under the cover of my position and turned away, I loosen my weapons to be ready to draw them should things take a dangerous turn.

Melkut re-appraises Handle. "We want to trade information for information. Throne has been dealing more and more with Hill Tribes as of late. It is possible he is paying them fees to keep his caravans unmolested, but possibly something more. He has a lot of influence and owns a lot of the guards. Jonnit is one of them. Jonnit has enough clout to keep out anything short of an official arrest party, so we can't just go in and ask to look around. You apparently have an invite.
"Throne's compound is a walled courtyards and building. The grounds are heavily landscaped and sculptured. He has replaced all his personal guard with Hill Tribers. He also keeps a number of harmless-looking female servants. Don't be fooled. They know a weaponless form of fighting that is devastating. They are also guards.
"No one knows why he would need so much protection. He's shady, but so are half the merchants of Adala. I'll draw you a map of what we know. [The map is forthcoming].
He pauses a moment. "I almost forgot. He has a Psychist in his household, a mysterious foreigner. Beware your thoughts."

Most of you (except Celeste) are aware that a Psychist cannot read your minds from a distance, only extreme intent and strong emotions.

Cas looks a bit nervous. She presses her hand at THE wound for a moment and then does her best to recompose herself.

.oO( Oh great. Just what I need. Another FREAKING Psychist. )

Celeste is muttering under her breath, "Great, another Ash...."

"Being as I am a beast, what demeaner should I take? I will not let Celeste or Beka be at risk but I too wish not to be causing problems by acting in a way I should not." As this is a private meetings and will likely remain such, Cas can finally get in, "After all, this city has such a wonderful way of dealing with Beasts."

And waiting for her to speak but seeing a hesitation...

"I do not know what my employer will decide. But I see little gain to bring out information for you considering the danger you say there may be. What else can you offer to entice us to do this thing? Yes, you show us something about his compound and tell us of his guard, but before we would have found this out most likely and not tried to put ourselves in danger to learn more. IF we do nothing special, we can update your informatoin for you, but if ther is more dnagerous information youwould like us to find then we should get some sort of compensation."

Map of Throne Compound

The green areas are landscaped, but easily passable. There are no obscuring banks of trees, only low garden and (blue) pools).
The walls are about 8' in height with a raised walkway behind. They are spiked on top. The walls are normally patrolled.

The map is doubtless innacurate in details, being the recollections of a guard, not a measured drawing.

"What information exactly are you looking for?"

Melkut listens first to Cas, then to Handle and then to Beka. He is about to speak when Jornu interrupts, "See! I told you this was useless. You're going to get us killed. The fox hates the city and it sounds like she already has reason to make Throne suspicious. This kid wants gold for his troubles. The Barbarian woman claims to have no ties to the Red Tide, but we have only her story. At least she wants to find out what happened to her friend, but she has all the social control of a child!"

"Enough!" hisses Melkut. "There'll be no name calling here. We asked them here freely; they can go freely."
He turns again to the group. "I don't know what individual grudges or desires you might have.
"You say you could have gotten info without our help. Maybe this is so. But you were about to march in there thinking Jonnit was your friend. You would have had no reason to do scouting or be waiting for treachery. If warning you of possible mortal danger is worth nothing to you, then I don't know what is.
"I am a poor man in a weak position. For all I know, your companions are in there having a delightful snack with Throne. Maybe they're not. Maybe they're dead or prisoners. I have nothing to offer you but my knowledge and suspicions.
"But.
"If you do go in there and meet with trouble, how are you getting out? If you get out, how do you get out of the city? I've told you that Throne has his fingers deep into the city guard. They'll be onto you and you won't reach the gates alive.
"If you come to us after getting out, we can at least get you out of the city. If you can find solid proof of criminal activities by Throne, we can give you protection. If his actions are heinous enough, we might be able to offer a reward. That would be up to the High Justice or possibly the Archon herself."
He turns again to Beka. "That's what we want. Proof that can bring down Throne. He keeps barbarian guards. A lot of them. He pays the watch to protect him. A lot of money. What is he doing that needs so much hiding?"

Jornu speaks again, glaring at Melkut. "You talk too much." He looks at the group. "There are things we suspect, but dare not tell. If his psychist were to get an inkling then he could cover his tracks. We'd never prove anything and likely find a friendly knife between our ribs for our trouble. But stones! If you don't care to listen to any more then go! It's up to you. Good luck to you and your friends."

He strides to the door, wrenches it open and waits at the threshold. His face is angry and possibly frightened. "Are you coming Melkut?"

"You are right, we need friends on the outside. Where can we find you if we get out?"

Jornu still stands at the door, expecting his companion to follow. He does not leave however, but casts a quick glance outside before closing the door again. He still stands by the portal though, his expression is unchanged.
Melkut speaks again. If you get out and need help, you can go to this place and wait, if you are not followed. We'll be checking.
"If you are followed, run to the docks. I or Jornu will be there waiting for you. We have a small boat that can get you out of immediate danger. After that, we can get you passage on a merchant ship.
"Hmm... you said you have bolts of silk. You probably don't want to give those up. You might want to arrange to have them moved to a place of safety. They can be put in our care. Leave someone you trust with them, just in case. They can arrange to move them for you."

Sending word back to the shacks would be an excellent way to involve the other players. Assigning cargo guard duties to the NPCs would get them out of the way and insure your profits.

I think we should send word back to the shacks and get the rest of the group here. We could also assign cargo guard duties to the rest of the group to get them out of the way and insure our profits. who is fastest to run get them? We need to meet Jonnit at "x" so we don't have much time. We'll go in as if we suspect nothing and keep a sharp eye out for any sign of the others. we'll take it as it comes from there and meet either here or at the docks if we get seperated depending on if we are followed or not. OK?

I go back to the shacks double time. Rouse and post on guard duty. then back here to save the day.

...but even at double time, the shacks and back may cause you to miss your meeting with Jonnit. Do you want to all go? just Beka? or a designated runner?

OOC: Sneakiest, least likely to draw attention?

"Wait Beka. Jonnit is going to be here soon. He expects to meet you and I was with you last. But I dont think he will expect Celeste and Cas to be here. I'll run get the others and bring them back here tot his shed. Celeste you go with Beka. Beka you can tell jonnit I went back to get samples of silk or looking for Vagrant or whatever. Meanwhile Cas can follow unobserved and then come back to lead us to the place. "

I go to the door and look out again to see it is clear, "I'll be back as soon as I can and then maybe some of us can do alittle snooping out of the place without their knowing. How does that all sound?"

OOC: Now we know it can't work
Sounds good to me, Let's go!

OOC: I'm not completely sure of my part of the plan there.

OOC: "Meanwhile Cas can follow [Beka and Celeste] unobserved and then come back to lead us to the place." My guess is that if anything happens to them or they are led to someplace not easily found, you will be able to lead Handle and the others to them.

Cas is willing to do that.

Celeste listens to Jornu's ranting. "I hear a lot of talk, and a lot of complaining....what I don't hear is a plan as to how both of our groups can get what we want. Perhaps, I should just as well walk up to his compound and see if he's hiring guards!" This last she says sarcastically and shoots Jornu a look that should at least chill his blood if not freeze it outright. She pointedly ignores his suggestion that she may not have been completely honest about her ties with Red Tide.

remember I was standing at the door

"I thank you for the warning and expected little form guards. But think you I would not have, was not suspicious?"

I look over the guards looking for outward signs of normally ungaurd like wealth or signs they are not what they say they are.

3d6: 1, 6, 3 (STUN: 10, BODY: 3) Thu September 11, 2003 @2:42 AM (PDT)

"If you had said you woud pay me some unseemly bit of gold, I would have suspected you. If Beka wishes to find out more about this person,I 'll do what I can. If as you say this gets us in trouble and you can help us then it will be a fair trade- information we gather for help eluding those after us."

I bow as they leave. "Till we meet again,"
and then as they leave, "It is surprising to find honest guards in any city."

Returning once more to the courtyard and the statue of the reveler, you have enough time for Cas to situate herself where she can hear and see all the action. The clever fox finds a small ornamental hedge of thick vegetation at the edge of the court and hides herself behind it. You do not have to wait long before Jonnit shows up. He has a rueful expression on his face.
His pace slows as he approaches. He removes his armored cap and runs his hands through his curly hair. "I am so sorry," he begins, " to make you all lose sleep. I-- where are the others of your party?"

Cas will look around and see if there is perhaps anyone else interested in this conversation.

Cas, there are a few folks visible, mostly people who get up before dawn to get things done. No one seems to be eavesdroping other than yourself.

Handle went back to get samples of the silks and he will bring whoever is back there. Are you ready?

Jonnit looks around the square before answering. "Well, I was about to apologize for that. I never got to speak to Merchant Throne. It turns out he wasn't even home. I spoke to his household staff, but they said he wouldn't even be back until tomorrow evening at the earliest. I shouldn't have dragged you all out here on a wild chimera chase.
"To top it all off, I have to go on duty in five minutes. I'm probably going o be late as it is, but I couldn't leave you hanging out here." He flashes a brief but winning smile. If he notices Celeste's posture or Cas' observation, he makes no mention of it.

.oO( Something is going on. I don't like this at all. )

.oO(That's odd.)

OOC: Samurai Barbarian Belushi-Style: You could have gotten back to us earlier, let us go back to the camp, get some rest.....but NOOOOOOOOOO! Little Jonnit it too important....oooh...now he's gonna be late....oooh...is he gonna CRY??

Unless someone says something to Jonnit, he will make excuses and leave.

Jonnit, Where is his house so we will be ready for him later or tomorrow?

Jonnit begins backing away, "Very simple. Down that street, past the Fountain of Three Disciples, down the tree-lined street and take a right at the bottom of the hill. Two gates past the place where the cobbles change color."
Having said this, he rapidly bows and exits.

Cas comes out from her hiding spot once he is gone. "I don't like this at all. He went to this trouble to set up a meeting and then when the meeting happens, he has other things. I would very much like to head back to camp and find out what is going on there. Maybe Riccoco and Faliol are back and have some news."

Handle went to get them. Let's wait until they get here and then we can go see if he's got Rath in there. Rath used to be Hill Tribe, if he found out they were there, he would go. If Throne is collecting Hill Tribe, he would get Rath. If Rath comes back with Handle, we know everything is fine, if not, I want to go check this place out. We might not get a better opportunity. Especially if those two guards are willing to cover us to get out.

OOC: Three...uh...no four....make it five....!

"This whole thing smells of diesel....excrement"

"It is like Darku always said, 'The more hands in the sweet pot, the more likely you are to get stuck.' and he knew better than anyone he did."

Celeste takes note of his weapons and will keep a wary eye on him. She stands close enough to Beka to be able to intervene, but not in front so as to upstage..oO(Yes, I'll just bet you're sorry.)