rolled 2, 7, 4, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 2, 7, 6, 3, 7, 10, 4, 8, 4, 7, 7, 6, 9, 5, 8, 10, 5, 1, 9, 8, 7, 8, 6, 10, 6, 10, 4, 10, 10, 3, 2, 5, 6, 4, 2, 10, 7, 3, 2, 4, 6, 5 = 296

---

>>1021650
"I formally declared that I was temporarily assuming the duties of Satrap as a representative of House Ragara in a time of absolute crisis both to the would be usurper and the citizens of the town huddled in the immaculate temple, neither of whom have been unagreeable yet."

"As for the 'legitimate' satrap, exactly how severe the sentencing for 5 years of evident tax fraud and if she's about to become disposessed will largely depend on the answers she is about to give."

But, Posu would let out a sigh. "And you are right that there are other, perhaps more productive things to do, but the superweapon you found really weighs down heavily on some of the suspicions I had, like the fact that we know with close to 100% that the Lintha aren't the source of the disappearing acts, given that they were still alive and would have presented no serious threat to 5 Dragons. And it also means that, if I have the right bead on this situation, Buonaparte is going to be going for the Orchids now that whatever her plan is has fallen through so absolutely, and how sure are you that you've gotten all of them?"

Throughout all of the above, at least Marissa would be aware that there is also the unstated logic of it being a job that she suddenly discovered had been left unfinished, and that would grate at her like sand in running shoes until she fixed the issue.

>>1020576
>no one's seen anyone with flowers on their necks or other symptoms, right?
No... but in terms of potential urgency, that's really only a notch or two below "anathema in hot pursuit" or "manse about to explode." Situation here seems stable enough for the moment. How about I hop on the back seat of Marisa's broom, activate Supernal Awareness targeting 'parasitic possessors,' and we do a quick spiral-pattern search? I'd be confident of noticing victims or spores within a four hundred yard radius, but they might be mobile, and there's the vertical component to consider, so aim for maybe a third of a mile further out on each loop.

rolled 2, 4, 6, 7, 4, 6, 3, 8, 3, 4, 9, 1, 1, 7, 8, 6, 5, 3, 10, 7, 9, 6, 9, 6, 3, 3, 4, 2, 1, 1 = 148

---

>>1021726
>>1021771
"Good point, we should make sure there's not a plant-pandemic first."

>have the right bead on this situation, Buonaparte is going to be going for the Orchids
"She's writing a letter right now. You wanna borrow the ball so you can see when she stops?"

>How about I hop on the back seat of Marisa's broom, activate Supernal Awareness targeting 'parasitic possessors,' and we do a quick spiral-pattern search?
Up up and away! Dice if they're needed, the control roll shouldn't be an issue, and I'm guessing flying a search pattern would be a navigation roll, if needed. Detection is on Lobelia's end.

rolled 8, 8, 7, 10, 9, 8, 1, 5, 10, 1, 5, 8, 9, 2, 9, 1, 4, 6, 3, 7, 10, 7, 2, 1, 5, 10, 5, 9, 8, 4, 8, 7, 4, 6, 4, 8, 1, 4, 1, 4, 5, 2, 5, 8, 10, 2, 10, 6, 9, 3 = 289

---

>>1022047
> "She's writing a letter right now. You wanna borrow the ball so you can see when she stops?"

"That would be very useful, but I will head directly there to avoid the risk of anything else in general, since I want to be there personally. I'll meet you there when you're done with the search."

And so, she would head out to the would be satrap's lodging.

>and see about getting you an invitation to the dinner in a few days, if you'd care to learn more about our house."

Ribbons would give a bow as the payment was taken and shakes their head. What info they had gather was good for now and having an invitation to see the one in charge seemed like a good follow up when it is received.

"Then I shall await the invitation. I shall be hanging about the town, for now, you should catch up and deliver that payment to your Mother. Till we meet once more~"

Ribbons gave a final smile before heading back to town, once out of view, turning off the elegance of their regalia and pulling out some parchment to begin transcribing the info gathers. Family name, the prepared speech, the reason given for being here. Ready to pass this on as they went to go regroup, or be dragged off somewhere by a sorcerer on a broom.

>and see about getting you an invitation to the dinner in a few days, if you'd care to learn more about our house."

Ribbons would give a bow as the payment was taken and shakes their head. What info they had gather was good for now and having an invitation to see the one in charge seemed like a good follow up when it is received.

"Then I shall await the invitation. I shall be hanging about the town, for now, you should catch up and deliver that payment to your Mother. Till we meet once more~"

Ribbons gave a final smile before heading back to town, once out of view, turning off the elegance of their regalia and pulling out some parchment to begin transcribing the info gathers. Family name, the prepared speech, the reason given for being here. Ready to pass this on as they went to go regroup, or be dragged off somewhere by a sorcerer on a broom.

rolled 10, 2, 6, 2, 1, 8, 2, 10, 3, 9, 7, 9, 5, 5, 9, 7, 1, 8, 7, 2, 3, 7, 9, 5, 5, 9, 4, 6, 8, 1, 2, 9, 1, 8, 4, 3, 3, 7, 4, 7, 6, 4, 4, 2, 5, 1, 5, 5, 9, 5, 9, 7, 10, 9, 3, 4, 10, 10, 8, 10 = 344

---

>>1021629
>It's up to you whether the bigger problem here in town was you being sick in bed, or you being in a position of power, and alive
>>1021726
>I formally declared that I was temporarily assuming the duties of Satrap

"Take it." Ruban starts in a hoarse whisper.
"I resign. Lock me up, I don't want the house or the silks or the office. If you don't try me then I'll head to the isle myself, submit myself to the order. Whatever you do, just keep me far away from the threshold. I've..."
"I've see the horrors lurking beyond the island. I've got a few tools that help me understand bureaucracy better, and I found a way to turn a blind eye to certain administrative duties, delegate them out, and thereby avoid violating the contract directly. People are scared. Every day there's talk that the monsters on the edge of the world are getting closer and that families are going to have to fend for themselves when the legions are too busy strangling money or blood out of each other to defend them. So, when I talk to certain elders or foremen, I make it clear that I don't need to count the production myself- if iron yields are down a couple hundred pounds from last year, it can't be helped, times being what they are, no reason to doubt them. Balancing safety and productivity are fine lines- giving the people trust to care for their needs goes a long way towards keeping them loyal."

Full confession essentially amounts to... well, it's questionable if it's technically breaking any laws. Essentially boils down to admitting less strict enforcement of tribute oversight to try and keep the population safe and loyal, stave off growing unrest in the time of tumult. Posu could certainly find some way to throw the book at her if desired. Loyalty to the realm specifically seems questionable- she seems concerned with self preservation first and administering to the town second.

>>1021771
Alright, sweep of the town doesn't produce anything, so the oath-bound can feel confident no one here is secretly infected and that whatever orchids were here are gone. Out in the woods you get a few false alarms- ants, infected with some sort of fungus that uses them to disperse spores, frogs with too many legs eaten, wasps that lay their eggs in still living creatures, that sort of thing. Nothing which seems out of the ordinary or part of a plot to subjugate this region of creation. I don't have good numbers on demense size or area outside the town that could house people, so I'm just gonna say based on the math in the discord that you spend an hour searching without any alarm-bell pings being discovered.

>>1022047
2, 4, 6, 7, 4, 6,
Single success, but you've got magic compass powers, so that's probably sufficient to not get lost while you're out and about.

>>1022269
>>1023106
Ribbons, Hortense, and Posu all converge on the town hall at once- Posu and Hortense looking for Buonaparte, and Ribbons following her senses to meet up with Posu, the only other oath-bound still in town. Hortense looks surprised at the sight of Posu, before giving a bow and asking after her in Old Realm.
"Ah, a soldier of the dragons, no? I did not expect Ironport to be visited again so soon. Are you here to speak to the Satrap? If you haven't been formally greeted, then allow me to introduce our house and explain the going ons of the past few days."
If not stopped she simply regurgitates information Posu, Ribbons, and the players as a whole, have already heard. Star-wipe-propeller-noise what do next?

rolled 7, 5, 3, 7, 1, 7, 5, 8, 10, 1, 2, 4, 6, 1, 6, 6, 3, 8, 9, 6, 3, 7, 2, 3, 2, 4, 4, 4, 3, 4, 7, 7, 8, 4, 8, 8, 6, 5, 6, 4, 7, 5, 7, 6, 6, 1, 1, 7, 5, 8, 3, 4, 9, 9, 8, 5, 10, 5, 2, 5 = 317

---

After any other urgent medical problems among the townsfolk have been dealt with, Agent Lobelia will ask to examine the rooms where the previous sworn brotherhood stayed while they were here. That should be an adequate starting point for tracking them with Inevitable Pursuit, assuming the trail wasn't supernaturally concealed.

rolled 5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 8, 7, 1, 10, 5, 2, 3, 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 3, 9, 9, 2, 5, 2, 1, 5, 5, 9, 1, 2, 6, 5, 1, 7, 2, 8, 2, 9, 5, 5, 8, 9, 4, 6, 4, 10, 5, 8, 6, 10, 7 = 266

---

>>1023298
"You will be able to resign at a future date when the issues of the present Wyld Hunt are dealt with. You will be tried at that time, though your cooperation will earn you a lessened sentence provided duty in the short run. Your duties will also include identifying a suitable replacement for training. I will have further questions about the previous group of Dragons that visited this city when I am done handling the potential danger in the city."

And Posu would head off with the orb in hand keeping an eye on Buonaparte. Stopping, though keeping an eye on the scrying, only as Ribbons and Hortense arrive, and being sure to find out about the general. And after exchanging a brief greeting with the stirge turned to Ribbons.

"Good that you are here, I was hoping to ask some questions to the 'satrap' regarding some items found and your particular skills would expedite the process significantly and with less possible damage."

>>1023374
After the sweep, Marisa will tag along with the monk, for now. If nothing else, she's got dots in Awareness and Survival, and can provide cooperation dice on the attempted tracking action.

rolled 4, 10, 4, 4, 4, 4, 7, 9, 5, 8, 2, 6, 3, 6, 9, 9, 2, 3, 10, 9, 5, 9, 2, 1, 9, 5, 1, 7, 10, 3, 3, 10, 1, 10, 1, 6, 10, 3, 10, 5, 6, 4, 5, 7, 5, 6, 3, 4, 8, 4, 5, 4, 6, 8, 7, 8, 8, 3, 3, 2 = 335

---

>>1023374
You pass out minor miracles to the huddled unwashed masses at the immaculate temple- a colicky baby nurses again, a logger regains lost fingers, an orphans fever breaks, etc, before you hear a soft knock at the door. A scream from one of the populace is quickly stifled by their neighbor as the strigfolk give you rough bows. They request you meet them outside the temple, and quickly explain they came to you in search of healing, having been told you were a doctor of sorts, but that they didn't want to show off an injured man to the people in the temple, lest it upset them further and sour impressions for the wrong reasons. They gently lower him to the ground- he's asleep, with a minor head wound, but is easily roused and taken care of.

"Ah don't rightly know what happened." the man says, sitting up groggily and rubbing the back of his head. "I was leaving the camp cause I wasn't have none more-a this nonesense, and I just felt a sudden wave overcome me. Everythings warm and dark and rushing wind and then next thing I know I wake up here. You folks our new overlords or something like that? I can tell ya where the gods of the woods are holed up, don't need to be no trouble or pointy sticks if you're thinkin-a that sorta thing."

> That should be an adequate starting point for tracking them with Inevitable Pursuit, assuming the trail wasn't supernaturally concealed
Interested in resolving this soon, just wanna finish the current conversation first.

rolled 3, 4, 2, 4, 5, 3, 10, 10, 2, 3, 3, 7, 4, 4, 7, 5, 5, 7, 4, 7 = 99

---

>>1023380
> particular skills would expedite the process significantly and with less possible damage

"would that be the skills I have demonstrated, or the Skills you think I have?"

Ribbons would joke, handing them the notes they took on the interaction with the Stirgefolk, looking around to see if Keri was nearby.

"And I may be one step ahead of you on that. If you wish to question them, would it not be apt to talk to the Mother? after all, she is the one in charge and her second in command seem to just be following orders. Besides if the corruption in this city is true and the stirgefolk are enacting a legal take over with a paper trail and everything, would that not be a net positive? Assuming the Mother has been telling her Daughter the truth. Perhaps we can Lure her out by offering to help expedite her request and help make it more legal? allow us to press her for this information as well as if she is Guilty of playing a part in this poisoning scheme was it? not have to fight her on her home turf."

rolled 7, 1, 9, 8, 10, 5, 1, 8, 4, 1, 2, 1, 9, 7, 1, 9, 8, 7, 6, 10, 2, 3, 8, 3, 9, 3, 6, 9, 9, 10, 10, 6, 10, 5, 7, 3, 7, 10, 6, 3, 10, 4, 4, 1, 2, 9, 10, 8, 7, 5 = 303

---

>>1023588
Posu ignored the leading comment as she responded to the second.

"Consider for a second the kind of political disunity that such an action would imply, willingly selling out Ragara family holdings to a known would be usurper. Taking such an action would say to the world that our hold on our lands is tenuous at best, rolling over and making it easier for the people who would think to capitalize on the rare occasion where that might be true would open too many possible fires to maintain proper order. A better solution can be exacted without paving the way for the barbarians at the gate to tear down the great works. The fact that they stand accused of possession of a Chakra Blossom Orchid capable of wiping entire villages off the face of the map is the Daiklave sized dagger in the heart of any real chances they have of actually being allowed to persist.

"Besides, this strictly speaking isn't her home territory. The stirge are as much visitors as anyone else."

rolled 2, 5, 2, 5, 9, 9, 4, 6, 6, 9, 5, 3, 9, 3, 6, 4, 4, 6, 10, 7, 8, 10, 7, 1, 2, 5, 6, 1, 10, 2, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 10, 10, 3, 2, 10, 9, 7, 1, 9, 3, 6, 4, 6, 5, 10 = 285

---

>>1023411
>You folks our new overlords or something like that?
"Don't worry!" Marisa replies in high realm with a grin "The good-old overlords are still in charge."

>I can tell ya where the gods of the woods are holed up
"So uh, what's the story there, anyways? What'sa quarter of the townsfolk doing camped out in the forest in the company of spirits?"

Marisa will commit 2m personal (and spend another 1m surcharge) to activate Auspicious First Meeting Attitude (their last meeting didn't count, he was unconscious and she didn't even get a look at him) and she'll roll (Essence 4 + Willpower 10) to activate her Stone of Recognition. I'm not sure social combat is needed to get answers out of him if he's cooperative or disillusioned with the forest gods at this point, but if so, the dice pool is (Charisma 4 + Presence 3), +3 specialty dice from AFMA, possible benefits from the hearthstone, Appearance 2.

rolled 5, 2, 1, 2, 6, 9, 6, 2, 8, 4, 6, 10, 4, 6, 6, 8, 3, 6, 10, 5, 9, 10, 9, 7, 7, 1, 5, 2, 3, 4, 2, 6, 6, 1, 2, 3, 10, 10, 3, 9, 4, 5, 8, 4, 1, 3, 10, 3, 10, 5, 5, 8, 8, 6, 10, 9, 7, 8, 6, 4 = 342

---

>>1023743
So, first off, stone of recognition, Marisa got
>2, 5, 2, 5, 9, 9, 4, 6, 6, 9, 5, 3, 9, 3, 6, 4,
And the villager, with e2 and WP 6, got
>>4, 10, 4, 4, 4, 4, 7, 9
Unlikely tie, no mechanical bonus.
>(their last meeting didn't count, he was unconscious and she didn't even get a look at him)
>Cumulatively reduce the Charm’s specialty by -1 per prior scene of social combat in which the Exalt and the target both participated.
First Meeting still goes off though, as you said- haven't had any social combat in the same scene before now.

4, 6, 10, 7, 8, 10, 7, 1, 2, 5, 6, 1, 10, 2, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 10, 10, 3, 2, 10, 9, 7, 1, 9, 3, 6, 4, 6, 5, 10 = 285
>What'sa quarter of the townsfolk doing camped out in the forest in the company of spirits?"
>4, 6, 10, 7, 8, 10, 7, 1, 2, 5, 6, 1, 10
Yeah, social combat or not, that's looking like nine success, more than enough to beat MDV 4.

The man with the treated head wound introduces himself as "Young Orsen" (he says it was a less confusing name when his father was alive) with a deferential bow.
"Begging your pardon, I mean no disrespect. We heard thems with spears were out to get the town, and I don't have it about me to defend mayselfs. I hope it's not too grave an insult to give mayselfs up that way m'liege. Anyways, your question!" he says, lifting his head from the bow and casting about your faces, judging approval levels as he continues:
"The Man O' the Woods thinks the other godsa jealous a him. Priests added him onto the calendar and tookaway from the sea gods favor, right? Long time ago, but that's only something that matters to us wee folks, them gods have a mind to hold onto grudges. So, when the woodsman gets his promotion, all it takes is an opportunity for the sea to get back at him. Thinks there's no other reason for him to be seen talking to armed outsiders. Suppose its not that odd to see an army let in the gates overnight and get spooked, but he's a mess. Thinks everyones out to get him, wouldn't let anyone leave, wants us to be ready to hold the earth hostage and I just couldn't take it. Found my way out, figured I try to throw my lot in with whoever he was so scared of here, hope they treated me better than a hungry captive."
At that his stomach rumbles and his face pales a bit.
"...I think I'd best be sitting down for a bit now."

rolled 1, 1, 7, 9, 9, 5, 7, 2, 8, 9, 10, 8, 6, 4, 10, 7, 8, 8, 2, 6, 7, 5, 4, 9, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 3 = 186

---

>>1024149
Marisa turns to Lobelia "Sounds like we got an uppity god in need of smiting. Wanna broom-pool, or are you taking the medicopter?"

Pretty much waiting long enough for Young Orson to give directions towards wherever the King of the Wood is holed off with his hostages (and leaving the stirgefolk with an instruction to see he gets the care he needs), and then she's off.

rolled 8, 1, 1, 8, 9, 4, 4, 5, 10, 4, 9, 2, 9, 4, 1, 8, 1, 8, 1, 4, 1, 8, 9, 9, 1, 1, 5, 9, 10, 5, 8, 6, 8, 4, 10, 5, 5, 10, 7, 3, 4, 7, 3, 9, 10, 8, 8, 5, 8, 8, 9, 10, 10, 9, 6, 4, 1, 8, 4, 10 = 366

---

>>1024255
>Wanna broom-pool, or are you taking the medicopter?"
"The latter. In fact, I'll race you, if you can name stakes which wouldn't violate my monastic vows. Once we arrive, please remember 'hostage situation' means that only 'zero fatalities' counts as a win... but if you end up needing to dismember somebody in self-defence, or as part of putting an overambitious spirit back in their place, I'll understand."

For that race, I'll be using Destiny-Knitting Entanglement and Mirror-Shattering Method for speed, Inevitable Pursuit for navigation - should be a simple matter of back-tracing Young Orsen's trail. Speaking of whom, I'll write up a quick letter of recommendation praising his adherence to the Fifth Diligent Practice, along with any other plausibly-relevant positive qualities he seems to possess, then shuck my resplendent destiny, direct that letter toward his next employer with Predestined Delivery Shaping (paid for with peripheral motes) and toss it vaguely heavenward over my shoulder with a shout of "Paper is in the sky, all's right with the world!" just before I submerge the medevac pod in the harbor to activate MSM.

>>1023722
"Hm, true. Though if we intervene and show we are willing to help sanction such actions, may prevent future uprising. They initially planned to just take over and prove they can do a better job to validate their take over. If we intervene it will show other that the realm truly cares to make things better. Plus if you don't humor this idea, how do you plan to lure the leader out? If you use violence they will respond with such in return. Best not kick the beehive of you think they carry poison."

They would state, waiting to see what path they would take. Ribbons personally is on board with helping clear up corruption and giving the store a chance, so long as they are not behind the claim Posu was making.

rolled 10, 7, 5, 10, 6, 9, 1, 1, 7, 5, 4, 5, 1, 5, 4, 2, 4, 9, 8, 8, 4, 2, 4, 4, 3, 9, 8, 1, 9, 7, 2, 3, 5, 7, 7, 6, 3, 4, 2, 9, 9, 9, 4, 7, 5, 7, 10, 10, 5, 2 = 278

---

>>1024267
Posu would look at Ribbons with... Not a puzzled look, but the kind of look that one gives when they have said something that flies in the face of common sense.

"Because decentralizing your political power base into the hands of barbarians at best and a known infestation of heretics at worst that don't even have the proper decency to go through official channels is bad, actually. Anyway, the matter is already at least somewhat past that stage since I have already declared emergency powers as the most senior representative of House Ragara in the middle of a crisis, and I will have to personally root out corruption and train up competent replacements myself when this whole mess is over with. Or I might have the perfect son in mind to take over that job if this area can be made relatively safe.

"But, I plan on luring them out by walking through the door." Posu will take another look at the scrying orb locked on Buonaparte, and open the door to the office she is in, not paying Hortense a mind at all.

rolled 9, 4, 6, 9, 9, 8, 5, 9, 9, 9, 1, 10, 5, 6, 9, 7, 5, 2, 8, 2, 6, 3, 3, 5, 5, 7, 7, 8, 1, 2, 6, 10, 1, 10, 3, 5, 5, 7, 5, 8, 2, 1, 7, 5, 1, 1, 4, 4, 2, 4, 10, 10, 2, 6, 5, 3, 5, 5, 4, 10, 8, 1, 4, 3, 7, 8, 4, 7, 6, 1, 9, 5, 4, 9, 1, 8, 6, 4, 9, 7, 6, 9, 5, 1, 1, 9, 6, 7, 5, 3, 2, 3, 10, 10, 3, 3, 3, 2, 5, 6 = 540

---

>>1024260
>I'll race you, if you can name stakes which wouldn't violate my monastic vows.
"Ooh! Loser has to polish the winner's ride?" Perhaps generous terms, given that the monk's ride is bigger than Marisa's, but she's excited to see Lobelia is less of a stick-in-the-mud than he seems, and she's trying to encourage that.

Base navigation roll is (I assume) (Mental Attribute + Survival), perhaps Sail, in a different context. Base difficulty reduced by 1 thanks to the RPA looted from Lintha pirates Marisa is currently carrying.

For the piloting action, and I assume the actual dice pool for racing, it's (Dexterity 5 + Ride 5 + Brooms 3) plus 2 autosuccess from the Gem of the Flight Zone.

If the end-goal and/or spirit sanctum needs to be located, Marisa's got (Perception 3 + Awareness 3) and she's willing to burn 3m for an autosuccess with the second perception excellency. She's also not afraid to break out the Illusion-Shattering Mirror, to commit 2m to Spirit-Detecting Mirror Technique or to shamelessly follow and blow past Lobelia if he gets a bead on the target before she does. (If there's an opposed roll to try and feint and send the other off on a false trail, I'm guessing that would be Larceny based?)

And of course, 1m on Heaven-Graced Riding Technique for the last stretch of the race. Not gonna burn motes trying to keep it active the whole time, might need those to deal with an uppity wood god.

rolled 2, 10, 5, 9, 5, 4, 4, 10, 2, 10, 4, 4, 2, 2, 10, 2, 1, 4, 1, 7, 10, 6, 6, 5, 1, 4, 3, 9, 8, 7, 9, 4, 1, 1, 10, 3, 7, 3, 8, 5, 9, 7, 5, 3, 4, 4, 9, 7, 7, 5, 9, 2, 8, 1, 5, 4, 5, 9, 7, 8 = 326

---

The race begins with a two way split. Marisa shoots off into the woods, following directions from a man who just spent the last two hours being carried unconscious through the forest due to a head wound, while Lobelia sends her flying life support machine plummeting into the sea. An auspicious start for both. The main determiner for victory would of course be knowledge- something Lobelia has in abundance. See, while Marisa is guessing where to go, Lobelia can track Orsen exactly, and being immaterial means she can easily navigate the forest. The witches broom can corner well enough that dense trees pose no problem to her, but she can only try to catch up to Lobelia and follow when she finally realizes her lead on the finish line was bunk. The deal is sealed when she speeds ahead of the monk to arrive in an empty clearing at the heart of the demense- too little too late does she realizes the circle of telluric iron, arranged like a ring of mushrooms, is a gateway to a spirits abode, as Lobelia was able to simply pass over the threshold in her de-materialized state. Of course, since you didn't agree on what the actual end finish line was, there's room to debate if getting to the door first is enough to count as a win.

The rolls, for completeness sake:
>>1024255
> 5, 2, 1, 2, 6,
Botched directions roll
>1, 1, 7, 9, 9, 5, 7,
Not botched roll to get back on track
>2, 8, 9, 10, 8, 6, 4, 10, 7,
Eight successes to recognize the spirit sanctum, against difficulty three.

So, Lobelia is inside a spirit's sanctum. The major difference between it and the forest outside is the number of people huddled inside. Tall ferrous trees have iron-truffles amongst their gnarled roots, clear gouges from foraging hooves near a few. The amassed peoples are a mix of laborers, wielding axes and shovels, along with their families. The young and old stare at the newcomer, as do three spirits who appeared to be conversing previously. A boar made of metal, a man made of wood, and an ape, face framed by a braided mane topped with a bow, begin to approach- although the ape clings to the others legs and only peers at you from behind them.

"A monk!" the one of bark announces.
"Surely you are here to save us from our plight! We are stranded, surrounded by plotters who seek to sell Ironport to the highest bidder, along with those who oppose! Have you word from the temple? What news do you bring from outside?"

"You would be better off asking for food, or sense." snorts the boar.
"I do bid you to speak though, monk, should it not violate your vows. Know you are in my home, and I do not take kindly to those who would threaten my domain."

At the boars threat, the ape yelps, throws their arms up and scampers a safe distance away, thumb in mouth as it watches the proceedings.

rolled 6, 1, 7, 5, 5, 5, 7, 1, 7, 5, 5, 10, 1, 1, 10, 6, 7, 10, 2, 7, 6, 3, 4, 1, 5, 9, 3, 10, 10, 3, 2, 10, 7, 10, 1, 1, 5, 9, 3, 7, 9, 1, 5, 7, 5, 8, 2, 8, 6, 2, 2, 1, 9, 7, 1, 4, 2, 10, 10, 8 = 324

---

>>1024267
>>1024268
Buonaparte blinks, looking at Posu first, then Ribbons, then Hortense. She looks down again at her writing, takes a long pause, before setting the quill down and straightening her papers. Standing, she bows silently, and gestures to the desk, averting her gaze. Hortense stands wordless by the door, as both parties await for you to speak.

rolled 6, 3, 5, 7, 7, 3, 10, 6, 2, 1, 5, 2, 5, 2, 9, 9, 1, 3, 8, 9, 9, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 6, 10, 5, 3, 1, 3, 2, 3, 6, 4, 8, 5, 1, 6, 3, 8, 1, 7, 9, 9, 9, 9, 4 = 255

---

>>1024587
Posu would, most immediately, take a quick look at the paper that Buonaparte is writing on, reading as much as she can in the few seconds that she would have a good look at it, clearly straining the chair which wasn't built for a giant in jade power armor.

"So, General Buonaparte. There are some questions about some items, and especially the Chakra Orchid, found in this room that my assistant will voice more formally."

She put a particularly venomous emphasis on the epithet of general, clearly intoned that she was aware of at least a good bit of what she was hiding.

rolled 10, 7, 7, 1, 6, 10, 7, 9, 6, 2, 3, 1, 4, 8, 1, 4, 3, 6, 8, 7 = 110

---

>>1024604
Ribbons realized that Posu already had plans for this town, one that does not involve giving the beastmen a chance. They may barbaric, but they seemed to be doing the best they could to legally take over. They had a drafted letter and seemed to have taken over diplomatically. But this was more to confirm a suspicion. . . And seeing how she addressed themselves on being a spy, should not have been as surprise when she just bluntly asked about the poison. No time to set the mood, to establish any charms, just right to the point.
Best course of action is just to be ready to take notes and keep an eye on Bonaparte to get a read on her reaction to all this.

rolled 2, 2, 2, 7, 8, 10, 9, 10, 6, 6, 6, 1, 7, 1, 6, 1, 4, 4, 7, 5, 4, 7, 8, 7, 3, 6, 4, 8, 8, 4, 8, 1, 8, 2, 10, 4, 3, 7, 2, 7, 10, 3, 10, 1, 5, 2, 10, 3, 8, 5, 5, 5, 8, 4, 7, 4, 4, 3, 10, 1 = 323

---

>>1024585
Spending willpower to re-don my resplendent destiny just a moment before arrival.

First I'll look around to gauge the size and shape of the sanctum interior and number of people present without saying anything. When Marisa gets close, I'll try reaching an arm out through the sanctum entrance, pull her in.

Once she's there, and assuming no immediate fight...
"I am currently investigating allegations of improper geomancy and extorted worship. Is anyone being held here against their will, or in need of medical care? Safe transit can easily be arranged to an area under Ragara Bolang Posu's control, even for those unable to walk."

rolled 5, 4, 7, 8, 10, 6, 4, 4, 8, 9, 7, 9, 6, 7, 10, 4, 1, 5, 10, 5 = 129

---

>little too late does she realizes the circle of telluric iron, arranged like a ring of mushrooms, is a gateway to a spirits abode
Hmmmmm.
>When Marisa gets close, I'll try reaching an arm out through the sanctum entrance, pull her in.
Meep!

>>1024585
I'm going to assume the spirits were talking in old realm, but Marisa's got a transparent hummingbird hanging out by her shoulder who's plenty used to acting as a translator, so she gets the gist.

>Tall ferrous trees have iron-truffles amongst their gnarled roots, clear gouges from foraging hooves near a few.
Ooh, metal mushrooms you say? Not much good for eating then, but maybe they have some interesting alchemical properties... though probably can't go borrowing any with everyone watching, and those might just be fighting words Lobelia just uttered. Marisa bouncers her mini-hakkero one-handed, while eyeing the spirits, waiting to see if she's going to have to resort to explosions or not.

rolled 8, 6, 5, 5, 4, 4, 9, 7, 10, 3, 5, 1, 10, 1, 10, 3, 3, 7, 6, 1, 2, 9, 9, 6, 1, 1, 3, 8, 3, 7, 5, 6, 3, 9, 1, 8, 2, 9, 8, 1, 7, 9, 7, 10, 9, 7, 5, 9, 10, 5, 7, 1, 8, 9, 8, 7, 10, 7, 10, 4 = 358

---

The letter reads as follows:

"To the house Ragara, rightful stewards of this region of Creation:

Know me by my family name, Morose. Know me by my given name, Buonaparte. I, like you, was born special. I am set apart from the peers in my family, and because of this, I have had a duty, as do you. To lead, to do what others cannot, because to fail to do so means ruin and a slow, wasteful exsanguination. The walls of the world are not what they once were. They fiends that prey on the edges of creation are numerous, as is the rot that plagues it from within. It is true that the miraculous deeds of a few have forestalled the slow spiral into oblivion, but we cannot count on this forever. We must grow strong, forge a new world, and find the path that leads ahead.

To this end, I have been raised and to this end my children and peers have been raised. Yet we are but one family. I have been tasked with securing our future by expanding the claims and resources my family has, such that new lands could grow strong as well. I see house Ragara as both an ally and a threat in this endeavor. Ironport will benefit from our influence, and house Ragara will share in that as well. They have martial prowess we do not, and for this, we pay humble tribute as vassals. As our lords, they have the right to call on us as conscripts and reap the fat from the land such that they can maintain our defenses, shielding us from the greater evils lurking beyond the grave. Yet, this dynamic also means on a whim, I may be killed. The temper of a passionate soldier, the fact that I am different in build and appearance, the fact that my name is not of a favored line- all of these may set your house against me. For this reason, I feel on edge, a losing battle against short sighted prejudice already started in my mind. I have been uncouth and undisciplined allowing these feelings to rule me and assuming that your house would act on my fears, traits unbecoming of a leader. Your grace in the matter was something I did not earn, something many lessers lack. I cannot push this however; not only would it be unright, but also I am as of yet undeserving. As an outsider, you see soldiers occupying your rightful lands, and no labor or fruits to prove good will. So, allow us to propose a gift and an exchange. I shall send members of my family to a court of your choosing and pay for the time I have cost you here. I can send new trade vessels, fit for ocean or river travel, along with strong silk sails to repair or refit your current vessels.

Outside of this, I can offer a trade request. Allow me and members of my family to emigrate to ironport, and instill the official duties of Satrap to me. Not only will we see the town defended, increase health and prosperity, and send this tribute to the isle, but we will clean the shadowland to the south. I ha..."

The letter cuts off, clearly unfinished.

>>1024604
>that my assistant will voice more formally
"Ah, yes, the orchids. Useful tools, when controlled correctly. Especially potent when dealing with the undead. So what questions did you want to ask?
>>1024607
That comment is directed at Ribbons directly, after Posu implied they'll ask the questions. So, going to sit back silently and take notes, or step up to lead the third interrogation?

>>1024621
Dodge MDV of 8 means there's little reason to stat this out as social combat- Boar's attack compelling you to state your name and business doesn't have much chance to land. It does however, let out a deep, grumbling laugh.
"Guffaw! Finally, these pests will be gone from my home! You hear that Tellus Dasos? You have no more excuse to quarter yours here, they are safe elsewhere!"
It begins to chase and stomp, running up to scared villagers and skidding to a halt before bellowing in their faces, laughing and taking great delight causing this terror. You can hear it speak to you still as if it were directly in front of you, despite it currently yelling and running in various parts of it's sanctum.
"Very well! Be you petulant or rude so long as you take them from my home and bother me not. If you wish a favor in return for services rendered, I will demand a proper introduction however. Barge into my home no longer than you need to do your business and begone."


The god identified as Tellus Dasos approaches Lobelia and stands in front of her, back turned, arms flung wide.

"Good people! We all want to be delivered but we know not who this agent works for! Do not deliver yourself to the jaws of the lion if you smell fresh meat inside!"

Clearly trying to counteract what Lobelia just offered. What do?

rolled 7, 10, 10, 6, 1, 9, 8, 10, 7, 2, 4, 1, 4, 8, 1, 2, 8, 5, 1, 4, 7, 4, 10, 8, 4, 1, 5, 4, 5, 6, 1, 4, 1, 8, 5, 1, 7, 7, 4, 7, 10, 2, 6, 9, 2, 7, 4, 4, 2, 2 = 255

---

> Dodge MDV of 8 means there's little reason to stat this out as social combat- Boar's attack compelling you to state your name and business doesn't have much chance to land.
Assuming the spirit was speaking in Old Realm, a language Marisa is not fluent in, it wouldn have had even less chance to hit, even if it is being translated by her tag-along doldrum.

> It begins to chase and stomp, running up to scared villagers and skidding to a halt before bellowing in their faces, laughing and taking great delight causing this terror.

> I will demand a proper introduction however
"Nellens goddamn Marisa", the magician yells in high realm, eyes glowing and lightning crackling over her form, personal weapon leveled at the mortal-tormenting spirit. "And you will cut that shit out now, or your name will be a burnt scorch on the earth."

Intimidation-based social attack, Charisma 4 + Presence 3, Appearance 2, Stone of Recognition (Willpower 10 + Essence 4).

Reflexively commiting 3m peripheral to Glorious Birthright Font.

rolled 9, 10, 1, 1, 2, 8, 9, 2, 2, 9, 4, 1, 8, 4, 2, 1, 3, 5, 9, 3, 5, 4, 8, 6, 6, 10, 7, 2, 9, 4, 6, 7, 7, 7, 1, 6, 8, 3, 9, 2 = 210

---

>>1025178
>So what questions did you want to ask?

Ribbons put the writing utensil they were using in the tip of their mouth, pondering her approach. the topic was brought up, so any subtly to approaching the topic is going to be a bit hard. little time to prep and this was a bit soon for their plans. when they opened their mouth to begin to approach the subject, they 'accidentally' flicked their pen at Bounaparte, quickly fumbling to catch it as it hit her.

"Oh I am so sorry about that Miss, I was trying to . . . and kinda. . . Ahem."

Ribbons smoothed out Bonaparte's sleeve before her own.

"So, You seem to be aware of what we are talking about, meaning you know how dangerous it can be. and seeing as it was found in this room, according to Posu, we are concern of why? can you explain why such an item was found?"

They trying to come off as someone who might be out of their league here, just following orders and hoping this goes smoothly and Honest.

(Deadliest of all Weapons(3m),Blinded by Laughter(2m),Birdsong over Blades(2m) total: 7 Personal Motes)(the pen fling was the 'attack' to apply the truth Poison)

rolled 3, 7, 4, 9, 5, 6, 8, 1, 7, 10, 5, 9, 10, 3, 3, 8, 9, 3, 5, 4, 10, 3, 8, 8, 10, 2, 5, 2, 10, 5 = 182

---

>>1025201
Summarizing combat

In an extraordinarily poor decision, the porcine spirit is enraged enough to call the bluff of the Nellen's scion, and charges the mortal. Gambling with an exalt who favors Larceny is far from wise, even less so when she's not bluffing at all, but has an armed and obvious compression of raw elemental fury aimed in your direction.

The combat is over quickly, a heron's cry splitting the air as Marisa blows the spirit back from his would-be victim with an explosion of fire, and as he hesitates, wounded and off balance, follows up with a hail of five-pointed stars, leaving him hairless but no-further harmed.

>he kneels, snout pressed into the earth with his eyes closed as a sign of submission.
>"Fine! You have bested me. I am no match for you, and will not protest your extraction of a penance." [High Realm]
"Right then buddy, you owe our friend here a boon," Marisa gestures with her thumb over her sparking shoulder at the (justifiably) terrified mortal behind her. "And behave, or next time I won't pull my shots."

"Ooh! And I want some of those shrooms."

Dice if a roll is needed. Marisa's anima is up to 7/16, lightly lighting cracking up at candle brightness, one mote before anima flux collateral damage risks becoming a problem for other people.

rolled 6, 3, 3, 10, 2, 4, 10, 3, 7, 3, 10, 2, 7, 4, 3, 1, 7, 1, 8, 1, 7, 8, 4, 7, 9, 5, 3, 8, 2, 2, 10, 4, 10, 2, 1, 2, 8, 1, 3, 4, 1, 2, 10, 4, 4, 9, 5, 6, 4, 1, 6, 7, 1, 10, 6, 9, 4, 7, 10, 4 = 305

---

>>1026442
>"Right then buddy, you owe our friend here a boon," Marisa gestures with her thumb over her sparking shoulder at the (justifiably) terrified mortal behind her. [...] "Ooh! And I want some of those shrooms."
>>1011085
Marisa can bank 1xp for a combination of good stunting and IC indulgence.

Eiser Torc huffs, rolls onto his side, and goes limp, presumably resting. Tellus Dasos looks nervously back and forth between Marisa and Lobelia, as do similarly wary onlookers. What's next?

>>1025559
>Deadliest of all Weapons, Blinded by Laughter, Birdsong over Blades
First we check to see if Buonaparte notices the attack. As an attack in plain sight, Ribbons suffers a -2 external penalty to their stealth roll, but due to the feint, and Posu's intimidating form overshadowing any threat Ribbons could pose, Buonaparte suffers a -2 internal penalty on the roll to notice.
>>1025178
>8, 6, 5, 5, 4, 4,
Wits 4, Awareness 4, -2 from distraction, so that's six dice. One success.

>9, 10, 1, 1, 2, 8, 9, 2, 2, 9, 4, 1,
Dex 5, Stealth 5, stunt 2, -2 successes, that's four overall. The attack goes completely unnoticed.
>Deadliest of all Weapons, Blinded by Laughter, Birdsong over Blades
Which means, thanks to your charms, Hortense and Posu don't notice it either, and it deals no damage but successfully delivers the truth poison. Resisting the poison is a difficulty five Stam+Resistance roll. she's got Stamina 4, Resistance 3, so that's
>9, 7, 10, 3, 5, 1, 10,
Six successes on seven dice- a surprising upset, but perhaps the wyld taint in her blood has thrown off Ribbon's carefully calculated serum.
>"So, You seem to be aware of what we are talking about, meaning you know how dangerous it can be. and seeing as it was found in this room, according to Posu, we are concern of why? can you explain why such an item was found?"
She sighs, and removes her ink-stained shirt, revealing more clearly the armor underneath.
"As I understand it, there is a shadowland a months travel from here. I was planning on using these Chakra Orchids to threaten this, either cleaning it up or extorting ghosts as was more valuable. It was our hope that "being the town which cleaned a shadowland" might garner us sufficient goodwill and reputation with the Realm that it would bolster our standing and potentially give us access to greater claims, proving worthwhile stewards. It was unclear to us when exactly the Realm would next visit, so this plan was more of a far-reaching hope than a concrete action. Any further questions?"

She looks inquisitively at Ribbons, pointedly not turning towards Posu, in case doing so would show disrespect towards the "trust' the Dragon Blooded placed in her scribe.

rolled 1, 8, 1, 6, 7, 3, 7, 8, 9, 9, 7, 5, 1, 7, 9, 1, 6, 4, 3, 10, 8, 3, 7, 1, 10, 6, 7, 2, 2, 5 = 163

---

>>1026493

"I believe that I may, actually. Such a specimen can be an incredibly difficult to obtain something like that, given the dangers I have read in reports on the creatures." She was providing a lead in to help steer the conversation while still seeming a passive observer, since it did occur to her perhaps too late that unlike the usual good cop bad cop routine she liked to rope Marissa into on the occasions that she felt so inclined to need backup, that Ribbons probably wouldn't already be aware of the directions she liked to lead investigations in, and since the mark was focused so heavily elsewhere, she wanted to help break that concentration so that when Ribbons struck the Stirge would be more likely to slip up and say something she shouldn't.

Mechanically I am attempting a coordinate attacks action, which in physical combat is Charisma+War, so here it would be Charisma+Socialize, possibly Manipulation+Socialize since Posu is going at it from a less direct angle.

Because there are 2 people being set up for attack (Posu and Ribbons) that's difficulty 1, and in 5 ticks if this goes off an opening will present itself.

rolled 3, 8, 8, 4, 10, 6, 9, 7, 4, 2, 9, 5, 1, 1, 1, 8, 2, 1, 2, 8, 5, 6, 3, 8, 4, 6, 5, 7, 6, 6, 2, 10, 2, 6, 2, 6, 7, 10, 7, 10, 8, 7, 2, 7, 4, 3, 7, 3, 8, 7, 9, 3, 6, 7, 4, 6, 4, 2, 3, 10 = 327

---

>>1024621
>>1026442
"Thank you, Marisa, for handling that with such restraint. However, on the subject of boons owed..."
I'll pass her a sponge, crevice tool, and tube of the right sort of alchemical goop to prevent recent saltwater exposure from corroding an aerial rickshaw's impeller panels, gesture toward the medevac pod, then turn back to the wood spirit and switch from High Realm to the heavenly dialect of Old Realm.

"As I was saying, I at first considered it unlikely that a divinity so wise and esteemed as yourself would - as was alleged - grasp for worship beyond the ordained calendar," (using the High Realm word for 'worship')
Pause and give the crowd of captive mortals a meaningful look.
"Yet here we are. Is it also true that you have adopted spiteful scorched-earth tactics, like the anathema Samea? Absurd as that may seem, considering the sheer distance from Blackwater Mammoth lands, at this point it would be an act of negligence on my part to wholly discount the possibility. Nonetheless, a quick review of your office's geomantic maintenance log should be quite sufficient to settle the matter. If I may?"
I'll start walking toward the sanctum's writing desk (or wherever such papers seem likely to be kept) - in no hurry, but with confidence, implying that I'd search those records unless actively given reason not to.

rolled 8, 7, 4, 10, 2, 8, 9, 1, 9, 3, 2, 3, 5, 1, 1, 3, 1, 9, 2, 1, 3, 3, 9, 3, 8, 6, 2, 4, 2, 2 = 131

---

>>1026587
"well Posu here has a point about it. Regardless of its use, it is concerning if this infestation did get out of hand. How did you get a hold of it? if found in the wild, and it isn't well contained. . . that can be an issue in its own right, plus with how much tension there is . . . It can be a problem if a Person could obtain their own dose and use it unskillfully. Look, I can understand what you are doing, and yea kinda sucks that we are here throwing your plans into the air, but your end goal. . . Help us and show you want to work with the Empire and please Posu, We can get this all formalized up and have the backing of a Dragon House in this endeavor. But we need to make sure this town isn't in danger of a Bio-hazard."

Ribbons put concern in their voice to emphasize that they are not accusing them of anything, put this is an act of concern. It was a concern, not that she had this, put that This bio-weapon was here to begin with and the uncertainty of how much was around.

(reward for Motes. and spending 2 Personal Motes on fateful on my social attack to decrease TN by 2)

rolled 3, 4, 8, 3, 5, 1, 6, 3, 10, 3, 7, 3, 8, 7, 1, 3, 4, 7, 7, 10, 4, 7, 10, 1, 3, 3, 5, 6, 5, 9, 2, 7, 10, 6, 4, 4, 7, 2, 10, 2, 6, 8, 6, 7, 9, 9, 5, 8, 2, 1, 7, 1, 10, 10, 5, 6, 2, 5, 8, 1 = 326

---

>>1026741
> grasp for worship beyond the ordained calendar,
Tellus Dasos sputters, aghast-
"You must have me confused for the treacherous Limani! He schemes with mortals to advance beyond his domain! I have secreted these people away for their protection, not for illicit worship! Indeed, you should consult the heavenly offices to find I am not being awarded tribute outside my right good monk!

>Is it also true that you have adopted spiteful scorched-earth tactics, like the anathema Samea? [...] Nonetheless, a quick review of your office's geomantic maintenance log should be quite sufficient to settle the matter. If I may?"
>I'll start walking toward the sanctum's writing desk (or wherever such papers seem likely to be kept)

At this the Boar snorts from his position on the ground, then lets out a low rumbling chuckle that makes the ground ripple. With a sputtering cough though, he thinks better of showing insolent behavior again, and keeps whatever thoughts amuse him to himself. Limani shoots him a glare and speaks up
"This is not my office, but his. While i was once the god of this demense, when I was ordained to run the city as my domain Eiser Torc took on these duties in my stead. I believe he keeps no written records or files of any kind. It is true I have threatened to hold the demense hostage- but you must understand that is a last resort, not our primary function! Limani has had his pride wounded and he would see me broken into starmetal and any who offered me prayer during the calendar sold like cattle! We would rather die than let him use our bodies to fuel some punk rebellion or barter away the land and people of creation."

Eiser Torc stirs, lifting his head with an angry bellow-
"I may be whipped and beaten boy, but my body is not broken into metal yet! I've told you I'll have none of this fool talk about your suicide plot! My favor owed to you is cleared, you will not stand between me and my duty. Speak once more of your folly to churn my earths veins and disrupt her bloodflow and I shall breath down your neck hot as dragons fire and heavy as Gaia's rebuke!"

rolled 6, 9, 2, 1, 3, 5, 3, 6, 5, 2, 8, 9, 3, 10, 5, 7, 7, 8, 5, 5, 9, 6, 6, 8, 4, 1, 5, 4, 5, 3, 10, 3, 2, 8, 9, 6, 4, 5, 9, 1, 9, 7, 1, 4, 4, 7, 2, 1, 6, 1, 9, 10, 8, 6, 9, 4, 8, 10, 7, 9 = 339

---

>>1027295
> keeps no written records or files of any kind
Left hand rises to cover my caste mark with the Mudra of Exasperation. "Alright, so even if we write off the mass imprisonment and assault as a misunderstanding, you're definitely on the hook for either gross negligence, interfering with an investigation, or both. Wonderful start. To the best of your recollection, then, have there been any solars, lunars, or abyssals in or near your territory in... say, the past thirty months? Even just briefly passing through."

There are more than a hundred mortal witnesses in here, right? Ought to be enough to fact-check at least some parts of the story with Efficient Secretary Technique.

rolled 9, 7, 2, 9, 10, 3, 7, 5, 5, 8, 5, 4, 8, 4, 9, 7, 5, 4, 5, 10 = 126

---

>>1026741
>I'll pass her a sponge, crevice tool, and tube of the right sort of alchemical goop to prevent recent saltwater exposure from corroding an aerial rickshaw's impeller panels, gesture toward the medevac pod
Marisa catches the tools, but tucks them into her pockets instead of immediately getting to work. Chores take time, and there's still a lot of mortals here who need to be escorted home, and...
>>1027295
...it's not especially sure there won't be a second round with all that shouting that started up after Lobelia brought up worship.

Mechanically, Marisa's going to continue to float between the misbehaving divinities and the mortals (blockade movement), ready to resume blowing things up if they don't cooperate—usually if she's playing the big stick it's Posu doing the bureaucratic diplomancy, but it's a familiar rhythm.

rolled 7, 5, 9, 9, 7, 1, 5, 3, 1, 6, 7, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 7, 9, 9, 4, 4, 9, 1, 10, 7, 4, 3, 2, 8, 7, 4, 4, 1, 8, 7, 4, 2, 6, 10, 5, 2, 5, 1, 1, 10, 7, 2, 5, 6, 9, 1, 10, 6, 4, 7, 6, 2, 8, 6, 9 = 328

---

>>1026587
>1, 8, 1, 6, 7, 3, 7,
Posu rolls four successes against difficulty one, so Buonaparte will have her DV penalized by 2 when Posu and Ribbons attack.
>>1026807
Okay, so base pool of ten plus one for stunting, don't think you've got any scenelong buffs up, TN5,
>8, 7, 4, 10, 2, 8, 9, 1, 9, 3, 2
Seven successes on a compulsion keyword attack to tell you where she got the plants, against dodge mdv of 6, penalized down to 1 by relative appearance (5 vs 3) and the coordinated attack. So yeah, the attack lands- relevant intimacies and stunting aren't enough to boost it back into defensible range.

"They were gifts from the family, meant to aid in our establishment as I outlined before. The Count, part of my mother's court, cultivates a garden of them for defense and utilitarian needs around the manor. They're on a secluded island, and well maintained, but if you're against the very notion of their existence, or at the very least against their existence in the hands of house Morose, I can arrange a meeting with the Count, or guide you to the island myself. I was told they would be having a feast soon, in celebration of our house's expansion- I believe you all would be welcomed as honored guests, should you wish to attend. Mother would be thrilled to host dignitaries from House Ragara, as she gets too little opportunity to make use of her courtly skills and would likely relish the chance to have guests of worthy status."

I'm unsure exactly how to handle responses- is following through on Ribbons attack supposed to be modeled as an attack on her tick, essentially forcing you to forfeit a turn if you get hit by a social attack, or does she get to talk out of turn as a response? Getting hit doesn't take your turn in normal combat, but it also usually doesn't require the participant actively do something for the effect to work. Hit sword, they bleed- hit with words, and they bleed words back?

Reason i bring this up is it determines whether or not she can be acting- say, taking the defend action, or hitting back with her own attacks or something of that nature.

rolled 3, 4, 2, 2, 10, 1, 1, 10, 10, 9, 7, 6, 7, 6, 1, 8, 2, 9, 5, 5, 5, 1, 3, 3, 3, 1, 1, 4, 10, 9, 3, 7, 10, 6, 10, 9, 1, 3, 9, 1, 6, 4, 4, 6, 5, 10, 6, 9, 6, 7, 5, 10, 1, 9, 8, 5, 10, 9, 2, 4 = 333

---

>>1027413
>Alright, so even if we write off the mass imprisonment and assault as a misunderstanding, you're definitely on the hook for either gross negligence, interfering with an investigation, or both

Tellus Dasos looks confused, but has little time to act on it before Eiser Torc speaks out again-

"Imprisonment? I am assaulted by mannerless belligerents for attempting to speed forth their leaving and expedite the flush of irritants from my home, and now you accuse me of wrongdoing because they stay here?"
Then the man of bark speaks up, now glaring at Eiser Torc and Lobelia-
"Eiser is overeager to expel the villagers, but they have not been imprisoned, and I have lifted no hand against you! You would brand me for his actions, the keeping of his domain? This is ludicrous! You are arrayed with the sea god, cronies attempting to deceive these people and carry out his twisted revenge against imagined slights! He cannot stand to share the spotlight so he performs a coup and bribes the officials to stamp and seal it in a mock court- you pervert and profane the heavenly order!"

Charisma 3, performance 4, emotion keyword attack against everyone who can see/hear him conveying mistrust for Lobelia. Appearance 4 means the average laborer is going to have a dodge MDV of 0 against Tellus Dasos.

rolled 10, 10, 4, 4, 8, 10, 6, 2, 7, 8, 6, 3, 3, 9, 6, 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 7, 1, 6, 5, 1, 2, 4, 10, 3, 8, 5, 8, 9, 8, 1, 10, 6, 2, 5, 4, 4, 3, 7, 3, 6, 2, 4, 2, 1, 6, 10, 3, 4, 6, 2, 7, 9, 2, 8, 6 = 324

---

>>1027712
Attempting a social Defend Other based on Charisma + Investigation. Can't even be bothered to maintain a writing desk here in his own sanctum, one of the most basic and universal responsibilities of all gods throughout Creation (even the illiterate ones!) since the very establishment of the Celestial Bureaucracy, and yet he's got the gall to accuse an actual Exalted monk of perversions against the divine order of things? Readily apparent facts contradict this claim.

Also going to use Wise Choice to consider my next move. Is there any peaceful / social tactic I can think of which would extract worthwhile information or concessions from these spirits, or does that senseless aggression and self-fulfilling paranoia run deep enough that the mission (including overall stability of Ironport) would be more efficiently advanced by Terminal Sanction?

rolled 10, 8, 4, 9, 2, 6, 2, 4, 7, 10, 6, 7, 7, 2, 6, 3, 5, 9, 8, 4, 5, 6, 1, 7, 7, 2, 2, 3, 8, 7, 7, 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 7, 7, 10, 6, 9, 4, 6, 8, 5, 8, 10, 1, 4, 3 = 294

---

>>1027710
> I was told they would be having a feast soon, in celebration of our house's expansion- I believe you all would be welcomed as honored guests, should you wish to attend. Mother would be thrilled to host dignitaries from House Ragara, as she gets too little opportunity to make use of her courtly skills and would likely relish the chance to have guests of worthy status."


"Well, that sounds absolutely wonderful. I do have another discussion that needs to be carried out that will determine whether I would even be able to make it for most definitions of soon. And while we're here so I can go ahead and take care of that rather than chase down fires, would you mind having one of your daughters go fetch the local God for an interview?"

rolled 5, 8, 10, 1, 9, 3, 1, 8, 5, 8, 5, 1, 2, 1, 8, 2, 8, 4, 4, 1, 10, 8, 6, 10, 6, 7, 5, 4, 5, 4, 6, 2, 2, 8, 7, 5, 7, 9, 3, 10, 9, 10, 10, 4, 5, 7, 7, 8, 5, 4, 10, 3, 2, 7, 4, 7, 8, 1, 9, 6 = 344

---

>>1028017
To be clear:

The sanctum belongs to Eiser Torc, the Iron Boar, who is god of the demense affecting Ironport and the one who assaulted Marisa and threatened the villagers.

Tellus Dasos is the man of Bark, one of the city gods of Ironport, who's jurisdiction extends to the mill, woods, and river that technically count as part of ironport for taxation and governing purposes, but are far enough outside the walls that spiritually they required a separate god. Tellus Dasos has not directly attacked the party, and he is purportedly (according to himself and the other spirits) harboring townsfolk for fear that they're under threat of lively harm due to a coup. He has encouraged the citizens not to listen to you, and claims you are working under false pretenses to falsely undermine him and pervert ironport for some nefarious purpose.

>Also going to use Wise Choice to consider my next move

>Wise Choice does not reveal options the Sidereal herself does not consider. For instance, if a Sidereal uses Wise Choice to choose between two paths in a labyrinth, the Charm won’t reveal the secret door that provides a third
option. The character must also define what sort of outcome she considers optimal: maximum profit, the shortest path
or whatever. The Charm always provides a rough estimate of personal danger, though.

Okay, defined parameters are "keeping ironport stable" and "yielding useful information/concessions" and the options considered are "work things out socially" vs "call another sidereal to utilize terminal sanction to bind the gods/replace them." then wise choice indicates social tactics would yield better results on the scale of a month.

>>1028079
Buonaparte nods at Hortense, and asks if her daughter may speak freely- she then recounts her encounter in the forest with the "spirit" who wanted to know more about their presence, and rewarded her with a precious gemstone for answering her questions. Buonaparte congratulates her, affirms that a local spirit would be welcome to dine with them- they should ensure there's no disruption to the local courts by their expansion of the town. The Viscount specifically should be notified so that his plans to correct the health and production of the town don't clash with the elementals and gods of the surrounding areas. Posu immediately recognizes that mortals working in tandem with spirits violates immaculate principles, so either Buonaparte doesn't understand this custom or is flagrantly disregarding the teachings in front of you. Of course, in turn that would mean sending them to request the presence of local gods also violates the teachings, so if Posu points this out it may she her willingness to disregard policy when it suits her- something I imagine she's not eager to do.

"The local immaculates know the rituals to beckon the spirits but... they have locked the doors and are unlikely to respond to us. My daughters nor I are aware of ways to find ironports gods directly- my scouting parties were interrupted on their search for Tellus Dasos and his would be extremists when they returned with injured townfolk who needed treatment in town. I would be happy to send her into the streets to shout and call, but we have no natural method to perceive spirits.
Posu also knows the stirgefolks have some bright morning- if they're searching for spirits the search parties may already be under the influence. Unclear if Buonaparte is attempting to hide the fact that she has access to it because she knows it's illegal, or if she's just reluctant to use it on this particular request.

rolled 5, 2, 2, 8, 3, 7, 6, 5, 7, 7, 9, 9, 3, 1, 6, 7, 6, 8, 9, 7, 5, 7, 7, 8, 2, 9, 3, 1, 7, 9, 10, 3, 8, 4, 6, 5, 5, 3, 6, 9, 7, 10, 9, 9, 2, 9, 2, 7, 3, 6 = 298

---

>>1028797

She doesn't press that issue, but will again set up for Ribbons up to catch her off guard.

"I suppose that's true enough, though I actually did want to ask about your insistence on hunting down the rogue God personally. As you said, you don't have the tools to perceive a rogue God, let alone deal with them. Further, If Tellus Dasos and his fanatics really can destabilize the demense, they surely would have already. They gain nothing by hiding in the woods. You must strike and take control of the mills if you want to make up for the loss in iron tribute."

She made sure to quote exactly the words that were spoken to presumably Buonaparte, short of any other larger Stirges in charge of this operation being around, by the god that Posu was specifically looking to speak with. The tone of her voice shifting enough that the two masters of socializing would pick up that she was quoting something from memory rather than making a genuine observation on the actions of the would be terrorists or what she should actually do.

Manipulation 3 Socialize 3

Same as before factoring in both herself and Ribbons into this coordinate attack action.

rolled 10, 4, 6, 3, 6, 1, 9, 4, 9, 2, 9, 8, 3, 8, 3, 10, 6, 9, 8, 5, 4, 2, 5, 7, 7, 4, 6, 1, 3, 3, 9, 5, 4, 8, 3, 5, 5, 7, 6, 7, 4, 5, 9, 2, 8, 10, 4, 1, 7, 7 = 281

---

>>1028797
"Yanno, I'm not following every word, but you're not 'xactly sounding as cooperative as I'd expect someone in your position to." Marisa drawls in High Realm. "Maybe ya just forgot, because I'm not the one asking questions all nice, but I already blew up your buddy, and I got no issue master sparking you, if that's how it's gonna be."

Social attack targeting Tellus Dasos, Emotion-keyword, attempting to instill fear as intimidation. Committing 2m personal (and spending a 1m surcharge) on Auspicious First Meeting Attitude (this is still the first scene Tellus has met / interacted with Marisa), and I'll trigger the Stone of Recognition too.

Marisa is specifically acting as if she's just reacting to the tone and yelling in a language she doesn't speak- she's not going to let on about the transparent air elemental whispering translations if the spirits have overlooked it in the heat of the moment.

Charisma 4 + Presence 3 + Exclusively vs Tellus Dasos 3 + Stunt, Appearance 2.
Willpower 10 + Essence 4 for the stone.

rolled 2, 9, 9, 7, 8, 3, 4, 7, 2, 1, 3, 1, 3, 5, 7, 6, 8, 2, 2, 7, 4, 8, 4, 1, 6, 8, 1, 6, 5, 5, 1, 6, 4, 4, 10, 8, 10, 3, 9, 8, 8, 10, 4, 3, 6, 8, 3, 1, 10, 4, 3, 6, 7, 4, 10, 1, 4, 8, 7, 9 = 323

---

>>1028017
>I don't care whose house it is. If Tellus Dasos has relevant files of his own, he should be telling me where those are, or personally fetching them, or something.
Okay, so, as part of using wise choice we're assuming that Lobelia knows what questions and conditions to put out better than JamesLeng does, and relying on that IC knowledge the monk essentially deduces that laying down the law, accusing them of the crimes they each have actually committed, and showing them that they're going to be better off listening to you, instead of worse, would be the most efficacious tact to take.

"So, to be clear then, Eiser Torc is being accused of fraternizing with mortals, assaulting citizens of the realm, and assaulting a Dragon Blooded.

Tellus Dasos is being accused of fraternizing with mortals, slander against the Immaculate Order, and will also be charged with impeding our investigation unless he volunteers his own records proving he is not working alongside anathema. Given that you are in fear of a coup, we can promise protection for the people of Ironport and ensure that Limani is appropriately reprimanded for infractions if they prove guilty, which records of your domain may help to prove should you be speaking the truth. I am willing to vouch for leniency if you can prove you are productive and cooperative members of the spirit court; if you continue to be obstinate and act to oppose us, I can promise you won't have to fear the other city god, because the fate the realm will have in store for you will be much more serious and immediate. Have I made myself clear?"

>>1030185
>10, 4, 6, 3, 6, 1, 9, 4, 9, 2, 9, 8, 3, 8,
That's 7 successes for Marisa vs 5 for Tellus Dasos. That's enough for the "thinks they know you effect" but doesn't count as a botch, which I think is the only time those bonus time come into play?
>3, 10, 6, 9, 8, 5, 4, 2, 5, 7, 7, 4,
Tellus Dasos has a dodge MDV of (WP 6 + E2 + Integrity 3)/2 for 5.5, rounded up to 6. Appearance 4 vs appearance 2 means a relative MDV modifier of 8- Marisa would need three more successes to land a solid hit. Eiser Torc Has an MDV of 6, no appearance modifier, and he's supressed valor for the rest of the scene which means he doesn't get an MDV bonus for going against it I think. Against that, Marisa rolls...
>6, 1, 3, 3, 9, 5, 4, 8, 3
Not enough there either. Perhaps surprisingly though, neither target elects to resist, bowing their heads in fears/respect to your threat. It seems the message of "Listen up or blow up, I don't particularly care which." doesn't need pretty words to impress it upon your targets when you've already proven it true. Marisa and Lobelia can peruse the records of each spirit's sanctums at their leasuire- it turns out that, while Eiser Torc doesn't keep an office stocked with paper and records in high realm, he does have local records- he has to use charms to remove sections of tree wood from his sanctum, which can then be read. Unfortunately, reading the tree rings is mechanically akin to a specialty dialect, so without translation magic you have to take his reports at face value, or pursue another avenue.
Before Lobelia and Marisa head to look at the paranoid city gods records, what are you doing about the sanctum full of hungry and thirsty people?

rolled 3, 6, 8, 3, 10, 9, 1, 9, 7, 7, 1, 10, 10, 8, 6, 7, 9, 8, 2, 7, 4, 8, 8, 10, 8, 10, 6, 7, 6, 10, 4, 3, 8, 1, 10, 1, 8, 4, 1, 10, 10, 7, 2, 10, 9, 10, 2, 3, 7, 10, 5, 2, 1, 6, 3, 7, 3, 1, 3, 7 = 366

---

>what are you doing about the sanctum full of hungry and thirsty people?

Triage, first. Do any of these refugees have any medical conditions which are urgently life-threatening, contagious, or likely to interfere with walking back to town under their own power? Could use the medicine excellency or Supernal Awareness to help with that but I'm definitely going to avoid spending peripheral motes. If there are problems the medevac pod's internal tools can help with, we'll do so, and Marisa can cover mote costs - maybe call it part of the bet, since she wasn't in much of a hurry to get started on the actual cleaning.

Next priority is to bring an end to this unsanctioned consorting between mortals and spirits. Is the area immediately outside the sanctum clear of threats? Probably ought to send some hunters and lumberjacks out first, have them watch the perimeter while the rest of the group gets organized. Agent Iris (that is, Research Assistant Invocation applied to a convenient wildflower - who might very well be able to read tree rings like a native) can stay here to keep the boar-god honest while I escort the humans back home. I'll be in the rear of the column, to catch stragglers.

Probably don't have enough celestial trail rations for everybody, so, might be better to keep those tucked away for now rather than risk competition getting ugly. I'll do what I can with Bureaucracy, Craft (Wood), and/or Craft (Water) to make sure whatever mundane food is available gets distributed equitably, and as many as possible have clean socks and other hiking necessities.

As for thirst, there ought to be at least one barrel of potable water back on the ship which I have enough of a claim over to be able to tug on it with Destiny-Knitting Entanglement. Let's see if I can arrange for those supplies to meet us halfway.

rolled 3, 5, 8, 1, 8, 2, 8, 6, 2, 4, 4, 1, 6, 10, 6, 8, 3, 9, 6, 2 = 102

---

>>1028823
Ribbons Nodded as Posu seemed to quote something, but the quote seemed like a suggestion of a course of action, giving of a light chuckle, just loud enough to draw attention to themselves as they did want to jump in on this point before their guests had a chance to poke at it.

"Well, besides what may be a bit of tension, Posu seems to be trying to point you in a direction to help with the issue in the region. I do hope you understand her concerns about the Locus plan. You seemed to mean well and can see you want to prove yourself, not only that your family can be in charge of territory but. . . "

Ribbons let that hang. They did not want to make assumptions but wanted Bouneparte to fill in that blank.

"So If you can arrange to meet the larger Family, we would appreciate it and I would like to help us work together.So keeping communication is something I would Like. . . Perhaps Assigning someone to be your representative that can keep you in the loop of our activities and give us a connection of communication."

Ribbons was trying to convince her to lend them one of her soldiers as. . . Well, Ribbons had plans and could use more Fingers.

(not using charms as trying to refill motes XP)

rolled 3, 5, 4, 6, 8, 8, 3, 9, 10, 3, 5, 9, 10, 9, 8, 5, 1, 7, 6, 7, 2, 10, 1, 5, 1, 1, 6, 5, 2, 10, 8, 3, 2, 2, 2, 8, 6, 5, 7, 2, 10, 9, 3, 2, 3, 9, 1, 3, 10, 8, 8, 4, 8, 4, 3, 6, 6, 3, 2, 10 = 326

---

>>1031403
>Do any of these refugees have any medical conditions which are urgently life-threatening, contagious, or likely to interfere with walking back to town under their own power?

Pretty much everyone here is young or old- there's maybe a dozen laborers with the majority of the flock being those who couldn't hide in the woods or stay safe on their own. Inadequate supplies means almost everyone is suffering from a -1 internal penalty from hunger and -1 internal penalty due to thirst. Travel back will take roughly four hours due to delays from infirmities and rough terrain, but most people can get there under their own power with Marisa and Lobelia helping. About two hours in though, a commotion arises as they see a small contingent of stirgefolk armed and marching their way. You count six figures total- five stirges (three large and two small) as well as a bear of a man, shirtless with a massive belt hewn from pelts and wood. They seem surprised to see you, and stop to put down their load- two large barrels, being carried between a pair each. Want to roll to join debate, try to prevent a full blown panic from splintering the people, or do you have another approach?

rolled 3, 5, 3, 2, 7, 4, 1, 1, 10, 10, 4, 10, 3, 8, 1, 2, 1, 10, 7, 2, 9, 10, 1, 8, 8, 3, 3, 3, 1, 4, 7, 2, 8, 9, 3, 6, 3, 9, 7, 8, 10, 3, 10, 4, 6, 10, 4, 9, 1, 10, 4, 8, 6, 2, 4, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 = 322

---

>>1031897
I'll ask if they have any alms to spare for a humble monk and this hungry congregation, along with formulaic flattery and polite, cautious inquiries about who they are and where they're headed. Rolling for Join Debate, trying to make an unexpected social attack to get them to spill more information than they'd otherwise intend to.

rolled 10, 6, 8, 2, 1, 9, 2, 1, 9, 10, 1, 4, 4, 8, 3, 6, 4, 5, 3, 10, 10, 2, 3, 5, 5, 3, 4, 7, 1, 2, 10, 5, 8, 10, 2, 6, 8, 8, 10, 8, 8, 2, 1, 2, 3, 2, 5, 10, 3, 5, 5, 5, 1, 2, 4, 10, 5, 1, 6, 1 = 304

---

>>1028823
5, 2, 2, 8, 3, 7, 6, 5, 7, 7, 9, 9, 3, 1, 6, 7, 6, 8, 9, 7, 5, 7, 7, 8, 2, 9, 3, 1, 7, 9, 10, 3, 8, 4, 6, 5, 5, 3, 6, 9, 7, 10, 9, 9, 2, 9, 2, 7, 3, 6 = 298
>As you said, you don't have the tools to perceive a rogue God, let alone deal with them.
"Ah, I see the misunderstanding" she says, bowing her head.
We are looking for his flock- he will be unable to do large scale disruptions to the demense without making himself known, but if he has a large enough force he can press gang into labor, such efforts could be done much more quickly, and threaten the towns prosperity. We have a small community here, so every able body that is turned from productive work at the mills and farms into the life of a bandit is a problem- surely you agree we cannot do nothing while citizens are abducted and potentially turned into raiders, forced to attack their brothers and sisters here to survive the woods. I also have access to enhancements which can help one evade the notice of spirits, see them more clearly, and the like. Alchemical trade support is one of the things that would set the new ironport apart from its previous management, making us more resiliant against rouge gods and Lintha and the like."

>Further, If Tellus Dasos and his fanatics really can destabilize the demense, they surely would have already.
"We are of a like mind! No, this is preventative care, looking after the safety and well being of the town.
She seems genuinely happy you share the same opinion of her- it's likely that this quote has flown over her head, and she simply believes you have common ground."

>5, 2, 2, 8, 3, 7, 6, 5,
Manipulation 3 Socialize 3 and stunt two, clearly that difficulty one check to coordinate with twice as many dice as you needed.

>>1031503
Yes, that sounds delightful. I would be happy to accompany you myself, or if you prefer I stay here, you may take any of my daughters- perhaps I could assign you a personal retinue? Five from our family should be plenty I imagine?

>>1031910
The large man with the large belt steps up and introduces himself to you as Illicium.
"Trader by day, champion wrestler by night!" he bleats out with a might guffaw, attempting to clasp your arm in one hands and clap you on the back with the other. You notice, as he looks over the crowd and whistles, that he hasn't broken a sweat, despite carrying heavy cargo for at least a mile over uneven ground.
"I'm not in the business of giving my goods away for free but... I suppose if you're looking for alms, or food and shelter, I could make that work. Yeah, I reckon that'd work just fine.
I've got a deal set up about a days walk from here little place called Esca. You and a few of your friends pitch in, help tend the garden and clean and such and we can make arrangements to make sure no one in your flock goes hungry. I can even wait around to guide you, ifn yous needs it. 'course, you can just head back to town, but I dunno if they can care for a buncha hungry folks like you- sizable population boost you all are getting these days, huh?"
He elbows one of the stirges in a friendly manner, who just looks back confused and disgruntled, as if the man spat on their shoes.

Lobelia hears a whisper from an immaterial Tellus Dasos:
"This must be a trick! I know this trader but he make no business that makes sense- he buys rainwater and salt, but not saltwater, and hauls it into the woods. Sometimes he is back three times in a month, sometimes he is not seen for six, but he possesses unnatural strength. The interlopers must have hired him as a mercenary to steal supplies from the town and weaken it! They should be tied to trees in the woods and left until you can confirm what Limani is up to and expel these sellswords!"
People are anxiously creeping back the way you came, spreading towards the trees and moving out of sight in case they need to hide or run. No one is making any sudden movements yet, but the barrel carriers are leaning on their spears as they rest.

rolled 7, 10, 4, 3, 3, 9, 8, 8, 3, 4, 9, 3, 6, 5, 7, 1, 6, 9, 10, 10 = 125

---

>>1031910
If Lobelia is up front meeting with the new group, Marisa is probably around the rear of the group, making sure no one is getting left behind. She can catch up quick if she needs to, but an obvious dynast flying up on a magic broom with artifact gear seems like it would undercut the monk asking for alms approach. (Can you contribute cooperation dice by just making the choice to keep out of an ally's way?)

rolled 2, 5, 7, 9, 6, 6, 6, 1, 4, 10, 5, 1, 1, 6, 4, 2, 2, 9, 9, 9, 7, 6, 7, 9, 6, 4, 7, 4, 9, 1, 1, 7, 2, 2, 3, 8, 1, 3, 7, 8, 6, 10, 5, 8, 10, 10, 8, 7, 7, 4, 2, 1, 5, 10, 8, 10, 5, 1, 2, 8 = 333

---

>>1031926
>I'm not in the business of giving my goods away for free
"As is only wise and proper, in accordance with the teachings of Danaa'd regarding self-sufficiency. Nonetheless, in accordance with the teachings of both Pasiap and Sextes Jylis, needful supplies donated to the Immaculate Order are not 'for nothing' - rather, a just repayment for past services, as well as an investment in personal spiritual growth, and even the defense and enrichment of the wider world. A farmer in spring may appear to be carelessly throwing seeds away, but if this is not done, come autumn there will be no crops to harvest.
"On a related subject, however, I am quite curious what price you paid in order to acquire those two barrels of provisions which appear to be marked, not only as charitable donations bound for an Immaculate Order monastery in An-Teng, but also plunder seized by the Lintha?"

>"Trader by day, champion wrestler by night!"
Seems like an ideal opening to name-drop Ragara Bolang Posu, as subtle intimidation to put them off-balance and thereby expose any flaws in their story.

rolled 1, 3, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 1, 5, 10, 6, 8, 4, 6, 8, 3, 2, 4, 4, 3, 7, 2, 6, 1, 5, 10, 2, 10, 1, 6, 2, 2, 2, 6, 4, 4, 2, 4, 5, 2, 3, 4, 8, 5, 7, 3, 6, 3, 5, 9, 1, 2, 9, 2, 6, 6, 8, 1, 5, 9 = 277

---

>>1031944
>Nonetheless, in accordance with the teachings of both Pasiap and Sextes Jylis, needful supplies donated to the Immaculate Order are not 'for nothing' - rather, a just repayment for past services, as well as an investment in personal spiritual growth, and even the defense and enrichment of the wider world. A farmer in spring may appear to be carelessly throwing seeds away, but if this is not done, come autumn there will be no crops to harvest.
>"On a related subject, however, I am quite curious what price you paid in order to acquire those two barrels of provisions which appear to be marked, not only as charitable donations bound for an Immaculate Order monastery in An-Teng, but also plunder seized by the Lintha?"

Oh-ho! Now the temples talk of seed money? I've certainly heard this story before!"
He lets out another hearty chuckle after issuing what could be taken as an insult- mixing edged words and jovial tone is a tactic Lobelia has oft observed among those who want to have an air of plausible deniability if they were ever accused of meaning what they say.
"Well, let it not be said that Illicium neglects his debts and takes without giving back! Here- I'd have no good trade if you didn't keep the seasons right and the demons at bay as you so rightly point out my friend."
He tosses about three dinars of mixed silver coinage into the alm bowl and takes a look over the barrels.

"Well, if that doesn't just pin me to a rock. I didn't realize these weren't town property- if I'd have even noticed the markings I'd of assumed they were just part of this towns donations being sold for temple upkeep and stuff. Usually I just pay the price of the barrels, and if I bring 'em back I get my money back, minus a nominal service fee. Hired some help this time though, to get 'em where I'm going. If'n that's rightly your property, we can go back right now, get it sorted out, and I can meet this champion wrestler of yours, maybe even convince her to come down to Esca with me for a night of games!"

For clarity, Illicium is speaking in High Realm, and repeating key phrases as needed in firetongue and riverspeak.

rolled 6, 6, 2, 8, 10, 2, 4, 5, 1, 8, 2, 3, 10, 3, 5, 3, 6, 6, 5, 10, 1, 2, 1, 2, 7, 3, 6, 8, 6, 9, 10, 6, 8, 3, 6, 6, 10, 4, 6, 6, 10, 4, 9, 7, 2, 6, 2, 10, 2, 9 = 276

---

>>1031926
> We are looking for his flock- he will be unable to do large scale disruptions to the demense without making himself known, but if he has a large enough force he can press gang into labor, such efforts could be done much more quickly, and threaten the towns prosperity. We have a small community here, so every able body that is turned from productive work at the mills and farms into the life of a bandit is a problem- surely you agree we cannot do nothing while citizens are abducted and potentially turned into raiders, forced to attack their brothers and sisters here to survive the woods. I also have access to enhancements which can help one evade the notice of spirits, see them more clearly, and the like. Alchemical trade support is one of the things that would set the new ironport apart from its previous management, making us more resiliant against rouge gods and Lintha and the like."

"And so a contradiction is born, in claiming that you have enhancements which can allow one to see the immaterial, and that you have no method by which the city god Limani might be found. But, hopefully the god Limani might be brought to speak before me for a simple conversation before the monk in my company can hunt down the rogue god for far more in depth interrogation. But, on that note, why don't you tell me more about this Alchemical trade that you are aiming to support?"

She waved off the suggestion of adding one or more of the Stirges to their retinue with a gesture clearly indicating another time.

Making a Manipulation 3 + Presence 3 -2 Multi-Action Penalty + Stunt Illusion keyword attack aiming to convince Buonaparte to think that it would be a lot better to have the city god talk to Posu as fast as possible before the Immaculate Monk she is traveling with does.

And a Charisma 3 + Investigation 4 -3 Multi-Action Penalty + Stunt Compulsion keyword attack aiming to get her to start talking about the Alchemy business, specifically hoping she will continue spilling the beans on specific illegal things she and her family are up to.

rolled 8, 8, 1, 3, 3, 7, 1, 2, 1, 1, 10, 5, 10, 1, 1, 1, 10, 4, 9, 4, 1, 5, 7, 4, 10, 3, 3, 1, 8, 7 = 139

---

>>1031926
>Yes, that sounds delightful. I would be happy to accompany you myself, or if you prefer I stay here, you may take any of my daughters- perhaps I could assign you a personal retinue? Five from our family should be plenty I imagine?

"hm, Well it seems Posu has use for you, but would not mind working side by side with your Daughters. I always found Beastmen culture so intriguing. Seeing as Posu still has Questions, I shall get Hmm, do not want to steal all your Daughters, perhaps just three for now? If you give me a quick writ to show them and I can work on catching them up to our standards"

>>1032216
"I have given you the wrong impression; if you would desire us to comb the streets calling and searching we could. I assumed if you asked for aid from the local temple it would be both more expedient and efficient, however if you feel it is some important judge of character or have a greater plan, I will not question your superior wisdom. I certainly would prefer greater insight if you would offer it."

"As for alchemy, we could likely attract or train specialists if we could reduce the impact the demense has on it's citizens health- home grown food and safer harbors would increase the population, allowing us to expand business. I was thinking the manufacture of talismans and compotes and the like, which would offend and repel undead or fey should be easy given the salt and iron. Easy to transfer and high value means we could potentially open up new routes of trade or add value to current shipments, and use that to invest in our defenses- tools to fend off other forms of spirit, and aid against the Lintha as we become a more lucrative target. Several members of the family are skilled in alchemy, and would be easy to trade with at good rates for anything we cannot easily make here."

So it seems the bright morning and potentially other illicit substances are being manufactured and distributed by the Morose family.

>>1032616
She quickly writes up a missive and applies a wax seal to it so you can show it to any of those who recognize her authority to "conscript" them. She asks for operational security you simply have them meet with her briefly after you select a retinue, so she can take proper inventory of who and what is leaving town.

rolled 3, 6, 2, 5, 4, 4, 5, 7, 8, 6, 3, 5, 10, 5, 9, 9, 6, 4, 10, 6, 8, 2, 9, 7, 3, 6, 9, 3, 7, 6, 4, 4, 9, 6, 6, 5, 7, 1, 5, 3, 8, 8, 2, 8, 9, 4, 8, 8, 3, 4, 2, 5, 9, 3, 8, 8, 6, 4, 10, 6 = 350

---

>>1031944
Alright, since it's been made clear to me you're not exactly sure what's going on with the ironport citizens and don't feel your rolls have been mechanically resolved with Illicium, so here's additional follow up information:

The general story the villagers tell you about what happened to them is all roughly the same, with different interpretations of intent. Three days ago they were told that armed bandits had been let into town, and the young/old/infirm should flee immediately, taking only what they could carry on their backs. Those who didn't flee were told to band together in the mill and prepare to defend themselves or negotiate for their own safety- if the threat turned out to pass, they could come find the sanctum and Tellus Dasos would watch for them. The majority of the villagers were there willingly, believing they were being kept safe from immanent harm- until food and water started to run out, not having brought provisions. Tellus Dasos tried to keep people soothed, but he seemed not to understand that dying of thirst and starvation was worse than risking bandits, pushing them not to leave "safety". He left to go try to procure them provisions, and later that day you all showed up. Everyone is scared because those armed bandits are here, in front of them now- the only reason they're not fleeing immediately is because you seem to be negotiating with them, maybe keeping them safe. How long that uneasy adhesion will continue to work is unclear.

So, Illicium. Trying to downplay yourself, act the humble monk is definitely a two dot stunt to conceal your intents here, bringing your Manipulation+Socialize+stunt pool up to 4 dice.
> 2, 5, 7, 9,
Two successes to try and get the drop on him, trick him into thinking you're no threat.
>>1032062
> 1, 3, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5,
And he botches his roll to see through it! Takes the innocent monk bit hook line and sinker, doesn't pay any mind to your eyes as you watch him work the crowd.

Ten dice for you to get a read on him though-
>6, 6, 6, 1, 4, 10, 5, 1, 1, 6,
And that wouldn't be enough to see through him normally, but with him botching and not considering you a threat, lets say you figure out his dominant emotion and an intimacy.

He's excited, and has an intimacy of loyalty to someone or something in Esca.

Ten dice to figure out if he's got something more insidious going on, rolls...
>4, 2, 2, 9, 9, 9, 7, 6, 7, 9,
Six successes, against MDV 0 since he's not expecting it. This guy is weighing the values of these people like fresh fish at a market. He does not have good intentions for them. He's primarily concerned with not raising any suspicions but, unlucky for him, he didn't consider the monk would be the one investigating him- figured he'd give your barrels back and throw a donation your way, get off without much more hassle, maybe even buy your trust. Slave trader wouldn't make sense though, not with people like these. Gotta want them for something other than labor.

rolled 7, 10, 1, 6, 4, 2, 1, 5, 6, 4, 4, 1, 4, 9, 8, 10, 9, 10, 1, 7, 4, 3, 3, 8, 9, 1, 10, 4, 8, 5 = 164

---

>The general story the villagers tell you about what happened to them is all roughly the same, with different interpretations of intent. Three days ago they were told that armed bandits had been let into town
Marisa will chat with the villagers on the move, flying around and talking to smaller groups, and try to spread a more accurate story to reassure them. The stirgefolk aren't armed bandits, there's been no looting or killing. Seem more like overly enthusiastic immigrants? They want to be part of Ironport, not take from it.

Call the entire effort one mass social attack, treating the villagers as a social unit, Illusion keyword. Charisma 4 + Presence 3 2 (Capped by Socialize 2) + First Presence Excellency 2 (for 1m). Appearance 4, and the villagers possibly have their MDVs reduced by fatigue penalties.

>Everyone is scared because those armed bandits are here, in front of them now- the only reason they're not fleeing immediately is because you seem to be negotiating with them, maybe keeping them safe. How long that uneasy adhesion will continue to work is unclear.
Seeing the growing unease, Marisa postures, flying up (so she'll be visible to more of the group), positioning herself between the mass of civilians and the negotiating monk, projecting cocky confidence. An emotion-keyword social attack aimed at countering fear—maybe there are a few people ahead with spears, but the locals should remember they have one of the Exalted on their side, and they watched her effortlessly blow up a god not long ago. What are a few bandits against something like that?

Call that another mass social attack, same dice pool.

rolled 4, 5, 5, 9, 6, 1, 6, 3, 8, 7, 3, 2, 8, 4, 9, 9, 5, 2, 8, 9, 8, 9, 7, 7, 1, 5, 8, 9, 9, 9, 8, 6, 1, 3, 6, 10, 8, 3, 6, 4, 8, 4, 8, 6, 1, 8, 7, 9, 8, 8, 8, 1, 5, 10, 2, 8, 2, 3, 2, 2 = 350

---

>>1033299
>like fresh fish at a market.
>for something other than labor.
Well, that's concerning on multiple levels. Some quick queries with Efficient Secretary Technique, then, to see if my suspicions are on the right track:

1) Leading cause of death among humans in or near Esca over the past three months (or whatever the timeframe is for that rash of disappearances). Or better yet, a list of the top five most common, if I can get that as one question.

2) Location of whichever chakra orchid infestation is nearest to Esca, defined in terms of direction and distance relative to the center of that town.

rolled 2, 2, 4, 5, 5, 3, 4, 5, 5, 3, 3, 9, 2, 3, 8, 7, 6, 9, 1, 4, 2, 3, 1, 4, 10, 7, 4, 2, 7, 9, 5, 8, 3, 6, 6, 1, 10, 9, 10, 4, 7, 5, 6, 2, 7, 2, 5, 6, 5, 8, 9, 4, 10, 3, 3, 4, 1, 6, 10, 3 = 307

---

>>1033379
>Marisa will chat with the villagers on the move, flying around and talking to smaller groups, and try to spread a more accurate story to reassure them.
>7, 10, 1, 6, 4, 2, 1, 5, 6, 4,
With a two dot stunt that's ten dice. Base villager dodge MDV would be (WP4 + Integ 0 + E1 - 2 for hunger and thirst) for 1 overall, since they round down. Virtues wouldn't make them resist, but your average extra probably has a motivation of "survive" which this could go against? Assuming it does, then that's +3 to their MDVs, but they lose 2 for relative appearance, for a total MDV of 2. Playing a little fast and loose with the rules here, but mostly because it doesn't matter since you got three successes on the first two dice.

Marisa is able to inform the townspeople that no one has been harmed- people from the woods even got medical attention, brought back to town to ensure their safety. Because of low conviction that's pretty much enough to convince everyone that they're going to be okay, don't have to flee for their lives.

>>1033428
EST can't find any records of a place named "Esca" existing. Seemingly, fewer than a hundred people have ever heard its name, or it's being actively concealed. However, Agent Iris tugs on your sleeves, and points to a map they've sketched out- seemingly, there's a blind spot in the boar's records. Goes out patrolling, collecting information on the health and safety of the domain, but there's a weird kidney shaped patch, maybe the size of a "summer villa" for a young dragon blooded, that just... hasn't been reported on, in over a year. When asked to clarify, Eiser Torc just seemed confused, insistent that he's kept a good watch ever since the crusade (In which Lobelia knows he actually performed admirably, due to mission briefing stuff) and that there's probably just something wrong with the records, or your assistant. Direction and distance roughly match the description Illicium gave of how far they'd be traveling to Esca.

>Location of whichever chakra orchid infestation is nearest to Esca
Since Esca doesn't ping, you could have checked the nearest infestation to that blank spot on the domain maintenance records, or closest to Ironport... both of which would have given the same answer- known issue thats already being dealt with, hundreds of miles away.

Gonna let the trader go back to town? Try to stick close, or maybe see if you can separate him without people getting suspicious, or prevent him from leaving, or...?

rolled 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 2, 7, 1, 5, 9, 2, 3, 8, 7, 8, 9, 10, 8, 1, 5, 4, 9, 8, 6, 5, 3, 9, 5, 7, 9, 10, 7, 5, 7, 9, 5, 1, 1, 7, 7, 10, 7, 5, 4, 7, 3, 3, 10, 6, 3, 2, 6, 4, 9, 5, 7, 1, 1, 4 = 345

---

>>1034119
Alright, that tears it. I'm going to offer Mr. Illicium a faster ride back to Ironport to talk with Ragara Bolang Posu ASAP, and insincere congratulations on having finally attracted the attention of someone powerful. If he isn't interested, I'll try to sweeten the deal by saying the medevac pod could even sort out his sinus congestion. When he asks "what congestion?", punch him in the face until he loses consciousness, with a called shot to avoid rolling over into lethal.

Marisa can stay behind. Priority one is safety of the human refugees, two is stopping these stirgefolk from fleeing to report back to their leadership, three is capturing enemies intact enough to be interrogated. Did one of us remember to bring a spool of rope? In accordance with the Third and Fourth Diligent Practices, I'll formally delegate the job of restraining prisoners to some kid among the refugee group who looks like they're good with knots and a little bit vindictive.

rolled 9, 9, 5, 9, 7, 10, 10, 9, 10, 5, 7, 2, 7, 6, 10, 2, 8, 1, 6, 6, 3, 10, 1, 9, 1, 3, 5, 4, 9, 9, 3, 8, 4, 1, 4, 3, 10, 3, 7, 8, 10, 10, 10, 1, 10, 5, 4, 4, 9, 6 = 312

---

>>1033296
"Well then, if that's as close as you have the knowledge for, then I am sure that my companion will be quick to locate them and deliver the punishments due to a spirit influencing mortal affairs."

That was frustratingly productive, given that it led in the direction of a seriously massive threat but was more evidence that this general was a staggeringly ineffective socialite or a cunning genius luring a dragon into clearly hostile territory with such an obvious lure.

Whatever, she would make sure to have a number of soldiers ready to raze their Chakra Orchid gardens to the ground when she arrived and capture them for someone else to deal with, for now she wanted something less wrapped up in possible espionage to just easily resolve.

"But, I find that I tire of this business regardless, so I will take my personal leave."

As she stands up with a creaking noise from the chair as it would probably need repairs, and she would head out to smoke a cigar (That smoke absolutely destroys the value of interior spaces, and so she'll not be caught dead smoking inside a room she doesn't own and dedicate to smoking) and stretch her legs, what information she feels she can personally obtain obtained, leaving Ribbons behind if she thinks she can extract more from that conversation.

rolled 2, 9, 2, 5, 5, 7, 5, 10, 2, 4, 3, 8, 6, 5, 1, 2, 2, 5, 4, 1, 7, 6, 9, 1, 1, 9, 6, 8, 4, 8, 3, 2, 2, 8, 2, 8, 8, 9, 5, 2, 4, 6, 6, 1, 7, 9, 6, 4, 10, 6, 5, 8, 10, 4, 6, 2, 7, 5, 8, 6 = 316

---

>>1034150
>Marisa can stay behind. Priority one is safety of the human refugees, two is stopping these stirgefolk from fleeing to report back to their leadership, three is capturing enemies intact enough to be interrogated.

Stirgefolk that are directly in front of you were hired by one Mr. Illicium to help him transport goods that he's now promptly returning, have no interest in stealing from the immaculate order. Illicium is thrilled that you'd offer him a ride back to sort out this property mess- he'd like to have a right proper word with the people running the docks. And there's a member of house Ragara? Excellent excellent, she can sort this out, he's sure.

Are you going to prevent the Stirges from turning around and going back to town? Tell them to just wait in the woods while the crowd disperses back to their homes?

>>1033379
A young child, no more than four, tugs on Marisa coat.
"Missa, we really haf to go home? I'm scared, can't we stay wif you?"
An older woman, voice still hoarse from the past few days deprivation sees this and tries to snatch the child away from touching you.
"Girl, don't you bother the dragon! She's not a toy for you to play with, come away."
"But I don't want her to leave! She sposed ta keep us safe from bad guys! Don't make me go home Ms Costa! I don't want them to get me in the woods!"
"Bah! You want me to pop you in the mouth? Get away and don't go near anyone you don't know!"
She grabs the girls hand and tugs her away, so she's between Marisa and the girl, before bowing and apologizing.
"Terribly sorry your grace, please don't let her perturb you, she won't bother any of you any longer. Will you now?"

rolled 7, 9, 9, 10, 3, 1, 4, 6, 9, 9, 10, 8, 5, 4, 9, 10, 2, 2, 8, 3, 6, 4, 9, 2, 1, 7, 1, 10, 10, 10, 5, 6, 2, 9, 7, 4, 6, 4, 8, 3, 4, 2, 2, 10, 5, 10, 9, 4, 6, 10, 6, 8, 5, 5, 3, 9, 1, 5, 1, 5 = 352

---

>>1034589
> Are you going to prevent the Stirges from turning around and going back to town?
They were hired to escort a consignment of goods. Goods aren't done being transported, their job's not done either. (Also, that makes it easier to keep an eye on them.)

> Girl, don't you bother the dragon!
"Your concern for our time and attention is admirable, Ms Costa,"
> You want me to pop you in the mouth?
"...if, perhaps, overzealous. May I speak with the child for a moment?"

Assuming a yes (or terrified deer-in-headlights stammering) I'll crouch down to the kid's level, produce a writing brush and paper from somewhere, and formally extend the Immaculate Order's hospitality.
"Your petition for refugee status is provisionally approved, to be reassessed once the satrap is healthy enough to get back to work and public order has been restored. How many others are in your group?" Writing down relevant details as I go, handing over the permission slip once it's complete.

Rolling... I dunno, charisma + linguistics or wits + bureaucracy or something... to make it clear to the kid I'd protect her from Ms Costa, too, if necessary, without quite saying so out loud.

rolled 1, 3, 2, 3, 9, 5, 8, 9, 2, 7, 8, 4, 3, 3, 8, 4, 5, 3, 5, 10 = 102

---

>>1034875
You make it back to town with some of the villagers still in tow- a portion of them were soothed and left to go back to their homes, but some of the stay close to Marisa to see the resolution of the towns new visitors, or to take shelter in the presence of a Dragon-Blooded guardian.

>>1023374
Having dealt with the distractions preventing you from handling your actual business in Ironport, you go about following the footsteps of your younger cousins. Their trail stays within a few miles of town, and ends where they head out to sea- not much of a physical trail on the ocean you can track at this point, and they are since far too long gone to follow their ripples on the loom. General direction lines up with the vague pointing of Stirgefolk when asked where their home is though- they remark on coming from an swampy island not too far out to sea from here.

So, night falls roughly two hours before Marisa will finish escorting the villagers to their respective homes/Ironport. In 72 hours, give or take, the celebratory feast Buonaparte and her daughters have invited you to as honored guests will be commencing. You have been told her family has a garden of deadly chakra orchids that, purportedly, they planned to cultivate in the threshold in an attempt to combat shadowlands. It also seems as though the location your cousins left to go investigate (a blank spot on the ocean, as far as your maps are concerned) lines up roughly with where the stirgefolk report their house to be.

In addition, the rightful Satrap, Ruban Écarlate, wishes to abdicate her position and travel to the Blessed Isle and become a monk after a traumatic experience with some shapeless creature that left her physically unharmed, but weak from a sorcerous compulsion. That leaves no Realm-approved Satrap on duty at the town, but Buoaparte would very much like to be given a chance to prove herself a more fit leader in this role.

A trader, known to Ironport for buying and hauling basic ration supplies like salt and clean water into the woods, seems to working to entrap and lead people away to a no-map town called Esca, located in the opposite direction, further inland. You've yet to prove anything, and he seems willing to comply, perhaps not realizing you're suspicious of him... or perhaps trying to play you so you'll follow him where he wants you.

Whatever problems he is causing, they seem unknown to the spirit courts in Ironport who's duty it is to report such things to the realm, and whos notes on the matter are blank, claiming ignorance and no wrong-doing. Tellus Dasos suspects the city god Limani is working with the Strigefolk to perform a coup, kill him and any not loyal to Limani. His fear led him to fraternize with mortals, hiding them away in another gods sanctum without proper food or water. Eiser Torc, god of the demense they were hidden in, attacked you after being insulted, and gleefully attempted to expel the mortals from his domain. So far no one has spoken to Limani.

So, what, if anything, does each member of the sworn brotherhood do next? Wait in town? Head immediately to the Morose Estate? Follow the trader to Esca? Search out the spirits of the local courts for trials or help? Experience will be awarded upon finishing your business in Ironport, so if you have nothing further you will all be awarded 4xp per chapter, plus one extra for each among: "pursued a mechanically-unwise indulgence," "suffered a terrible loss," and "performed a natural 3-die stunt," or similar such categories.

rolled 1, 4, 2, 6, 6, 7, 7, 9, 8, 6, 6, 5, 1, 9, 4, 3, 2, 9, 7, 7, 1, 3, 5, 8, 7, 3, 1, 5, 1, 9, 2, 10, 10, 3, 7, 4, 3, 5, 8, 2, 5, 5, 6, 5, 8, 6, 10, 7, 5, 3, 1, 5, 3, 3, 9, 1, 4, 6, 3, 8 = 309

---

I'm going to try to arrange separate private meetings with Ruban Écarlate, Limani, Tellus Dasos, Eiser Torc, and at least one respected member of the local working class, see if I can get recommendations from them about who should take over as satrap, and opinions from each about whoever the others vouch for.
In the all too likely event that no agreeable consensus emerges, I'll propose to Posu that Ms Costa should get the job when we leave, and start setting up an astrological curse penalizing any attempt on Ms Costa's part to conceal violations of her oath of office.

rolled 10, 6, 8, 2, 4, 10, 8, 8, 3, 9, 9, 9, 4, 4, 2, 8, 8, 8, 8, 5, 2, 2, 2, 6, 9, 7, 7, 6, 7, 4, 8, 7, 5, 8, 2, 3, 8, 9, 5, 3, 2, 8, 5, 3, 4, 3, 10, 3, 8, 2 = 291

---

>>1035796
The trader will be facing significant delays in his journey to Esca, as following the day of frustratingly finding crimes that require a much longer touch, the Crashing Riptide is interested in digging up something much more immediately resolvable, especially since he stole supplies from an active Wyld Hunt, and she was going to extract her half pound of flesh for that. Only half because of the fact that he was forthcoming about the theft in the first place.

So she is settling in for a long night on the ship of reviewing and cross comparing every last document he requires to keep on hand for a merchant operating in Realm territories and documenting every single place where they are contradictory or missing information.

As she was she would also ask passing questions on Esca and where he acquired his wares and to whom his wares tended to go.

rolled 2, 5, 2, 1, 10, 1, 9, 9, 4, 1, 9, 8, 4, 3, 4, 5, 4, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 6, 10, 4, 7, 8, 1, 2, 10, 2, 3, 7, 6, 3, 5, 6, 5, 9, 1 = 204

---

With writ in and and everyone starting to sort of settle in after the brief investigation, Ribbons is going to recruit a few stirgefolk. The only one sticking out of importance was the one they talked to in the forest and asked questions about. Ribbons would try to conscript her for the cause and hopefully with her help, recruit some range combatants of they have some trained in that. As for where to sleep? Not alone. Perhaps a Daughter or two would not mind soft company while a simple god-blooded individual catches them up on the basics. . . Doing a little informative demonstration of some tactics they may use (to makes them shadow fingers), and help make sure any stress of the dragon's presence is dealt with. If time permits, would work up a plan of how to word a request to fate to help Bonaparte get into the position that she is seeking more easily. How could the sign of the Lovers help? Or maybe a different sign they know could help.

rolled 2, 10, 10, 7, 6, 3, 4, 8, 5, 5, 6, 10, 6, 4, 5, 2, 10, 10, 10, 2, 7, 4, 9, 5, 1, 1, 10, 5, 3, 5, 9, 4, 3, 5, 10, 3, 2, 10, 7, 5 = 233

---

>>1034589
"Don't worry, we're all headed to the same place, right?"

>>1035796
First thing that's on Marisa's plate is honoring her bet, and spending an hour doing the cleaning / maintenance on Lobellia's aerial rickshaw. Preferably somewhere public, so she can engage / talk with the local mortals as she works, if they need more reassurance.

If the people who followed us back to the town instead of their homes outside the town don't have a place to stay, Marisa will ask her fellow air aspect if he can do something about that while she's working. (That kind of bureaucratic thing is also something Posu or Ribbons seem like they'd be good at, but they're not around right now).

After that... does this town got a bathhouse or spa or something like that? We were at sea for a week or two, right, and Marisa just spent an hour doing mechanic-polishing, be nice to take advantage of that with the day winding down.

Aaaaand... Posu is being a recluse and is holed up in the ship doing paper work? >>1035842 Stupid workaholic water aspect, we aren't all comfortable living at sea, and avoiding the town makes us look bad. And Ribbons is... >>1035844 off doing her own thing somewhere in town. Well, so much for coordinating sleeping arrangements or planning anything, I guess.

Marisa's just going to pay for a room at the local inn, gotta be some of those in a port town, and the lack of ships in the harbor should mean there's vacancies. Before bed, she's going to take out the Sorcery Capturing Cord she 'borrowed' and attempt to identify the spell stored within (without releasing it). That's Intelligence 2 + Occult 5 + Stunt, and Marisa will spend 1wp on an automatic success. Perhaps she'll see if Hourai is willing to help out, for an extra cooperation dice.

Longer-term plans will have to wait for the next morning, assuming the brotherhood will reconvene then. Rolling Conviction 3 for nightly wp recovery.

rolled 2, 7, 8, 6, 7, 3, 10, 10, 7, 9, 10, 4, 6, 5, 2, 4, 2, 3, 2, 3, 2, 4, 4, 2, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 3, 5, 6, 8, 7, 5, 10, 7, 3, 4, 2, 4, 8, 6, 4, 2, 5, 6, 2, 1, 10, 1, 8, 1, 10, 6, 2, 5, 7, 9, 9 = 315

---

>>1035799
>Ruban Écarlate
You have difficulties drawing answers out of her, as she seems despondent and lacking interest in anything beyond sitting quietly. However, you're able to draw a real suggestion out of her- Palirroia, the head monk of the local temple who disappeared after meeting the Stirgefolk during their first day in town (Ruban is seemingly unaware of this, having been sick).
"If she is well, then I think it would be natural for her to lead the town, temporarily at least. She cares for the people- even been giving them self defense classes- but I think her duties preclude her from the role of satrap. She would make a good interim figure while you have someone trained and sworn in though- likely from An-Teng."
She says, although perhaps not so directly, that the townsfolk aren't really loyal to the Realm, and would likely stop sending tribute if left to organize themselves. A foreign Satrap such as herself probably wouldn't be the most popular choice, but is more likely to secure loyalty to the Realm and prevent future bloodshed. If you get the right person, someone compassionate who helps the townspeople to win their loyalty, everyone will ultimately end up better off.

>Limani
The portside city god emphatically endorses Buonaparte- he believes she lends strength of arm and body to the town, and that if she can pull off what he thinks she can, the improved health and prosperity will help Ironport grow from a town to a city, increasing yield and blossoming into a proper point of industry.

>Tellus Dasos
The forest side city god takes longer, seeming unsure who exactly he would nominate. Eventually settles on the foreman of a local mill- she's a respected community leader, would respond to the needs of the people, and understands the value of hard work, how to organize and make things run.

>Eiser Torc,
The Iron Boar states that he has hardly the reason or the willingness to learn the names of any of the mortals in the nearby town. Pick one who'll leave him and his demense well enough alone- that man who he owes a boon maybe. Should know to stay where he belongs and worry about bothering the sea instead of the land.

>at least one respected member of the local working class
Heads of the towns smithing and lumbar camps both essentially say the same thing- Ironport should be left to govern themselves, by a group of its inhabitants. If the Realm wants its taxes they can start coming to the people harvesting the wood and smelting the iron.

>>1035842
>he stole supplies from an active Wyld Hunt
Purportedly, Illicium was sold stolen supplies without his knowing, which he returned, and would very much like to have you follow up on- with him in tow of course.
He's got little in the way proving who he is or his business- certainly not nothing though. Writ signed by a seal you don't recognize authorizing him to buy and sell on someone elses behalf. Says if you want to talk to the boss, see any paperwork you might want him to have, then that'd all be in Esca. He mostly just gets whatever is on the list, spends the rest of his time on wood carving, dance, wrestling, etc. Boss is building something in the woods it seems like, needs lots of specific materials or it'll spoil the thing, or so he's told. Saltwater that's been purified, along with the salt and minerals that were drawn out of it, is a big one on the shopping list, almost always looking for more of that. Sometimes it's other things though, like special orders of iron. Esca (which is the name of the town, and his "boss" apparently) isn't exactly human- more like some sort of spirit- but that doesn't bother Illicium.
The trader isn't aware of any wrongdoing on hi part, not by any local law at least, and the townsfolk seem to hold him in decent regard. Never been beaten in a wrestling match, likes song and dance and drinking at the public hall, pays well for his goods and is almost always polite and upbeat. Hasn't done much wrong by anyone here expect maybe break a nose or two in drunken brawls, which always get payed for afterwards.

>>1036007
Sadly, no bathhouse- not even really an inn, although plenty of folks are willing (perhaps too willing, as most seem afraid rather than happy) to house Marisa. Proprietor of the salty iron has a barback who'd be happy to help Marisa bathe, and a loft she can use- but he won't take payment for that, not from a Dragon. The liquor is mostly imports though, so if she's offering to help cover the tab... well, that'd go a long way towards covering some of their costs, thankyeekindlymiss.

>2, 10, 10, 7, 6, 3, 4, 8, 5, 5, 6, 10
To identify the spell... you described some of what Marisa was doing, but didn't really give details on how exactly she's actually figuring out what spell is in it, so stunt one, but a bonus die from her elemental friend makes sense. That should be nine total, meaning seven successes after spending wp. Marisa successfully identifies the spell Stormwind Rider, which would make sense given the townsfolks descriptions of the night Stirgefolk arrived. >>1016224

>5, 6, 10
Thats... two successes on sleep, I think. Don't actually remember though.

rolled 8, 10, 9, 7, 10, 9, 7, 1, 7, 6, 5, 9, 8, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 6, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 9, 8, 8, 6, 2, 7, 3, 2, 2, 2, 8, 3, 10, 5, 9, 6, 4, 4, 1, 8, 4, 7, 6, 5, 3, 10 = 280

---

>>1036553
So, it seems that the man isn't being cooperative. So, it's time to move on to the really big guns of interrogation.

"Well, if you insist that you've done nothing wrong, then we should go ahead and move to the Record Archives. After all, I'll need to go over the last 50 years of records, verify that everything you say is accurate on Ironport's end, and of course you'll need to be there to independently verify my findings. It should hardly take more than 200 hours of labor to sort through every record in the proscribed time period.

"Unless that turns out to not be long enough to find official documentation of trade relations between Ironport and Esca. If nothing turns up I might well need to dig back centuries, and who knows how many weeks it would take?"

Rolling Manipulation 3 + Presence 3 with a Willpower to roll a compulsion attack to convince him to spill his beans on threat of being dragged into meticulously analyzing records for well over a week without being able to do anything else to find documentation of everything he's claiming.

rolled 4, 9, 6, 6, 8, 6, 6, 8, 10, 7, 8, 9, 3, 9, 6, 5, 7, 2, 6, 3, 7, 1, 1, 3, 2, 8, 5, 6, 8, 7, 6, 4, 4, 9, 6, 5, 1, 2, 3, 2, 9, 7, 2, 3, 8, 3, 5, 10, 4, 9, 9, 7, 7, 6, 6, 3, 8, 7, 8, 6 = 345

---

>>1035844
You spend the next few nights "getting to know" some of the stirgefolk in one of the blue-light houses. During this time you accomplish two things:
A destiny is crafted and placed upon Buonaparte, with the following traits:

"May she achieve what her heart desires by following and stroking the flames of her heart and passion."
Blissful Idiot Blessing, frequency 3 (occurring no more than once per scene), Scope 0 (affecting a single individual), duration 4 (20 years) with two points of essence burden for targeting an E2 individual.

If you want to give any details about who is or is not aware of this, and/or change any details of the blessing, feel free to do so now.

The second thing you achieve is gaining three new shadow fingers from amongst Buonapartes daughters. You gain some insight into their lives and the events preceding their arrival. The Stirgefolk hail from a nearby island mired in swamp- but they seem relatively inured to it. No stinging insects bite them, and no swamp fever or thin blood plagues their ranks. They thank the family secrets- thaumaturgical blessings and alchemical processes keep them hale and safe. They number at roughly five hundred, organized into family trees under the generals. The head of the family and mother of the generals is the Countess. She's impossibly regal and stately, and leads the moral development of their lives, ensuring appropriate manners and dress are taught. She directs the construction of the castle and the teaching of courtly grace. The Viscount and Baron are her left and right- in many ways, they are equals, but the Countess leads because she has the head and the drive to take charge of the family. The Viscount is in charge of the family's health and magic. Head of the kitchens and cultivator of the swamp, he leads all the great feasts, doctors them regularly, and tinkers away at various trinkets to better their family. The Baron runs the balls and dances, seeing to the cleanliness of the estate and managing of staff. He also oversees the boarding of guests, and discipline for interlopers or unruly soldiers.

Each individual reports to a captain, who ensures their health and needs are met, and helps to drill them, give orders, or advocate for changes that need to be made. They usually managed mixed groups of ten- five fliers and five speararms. Ten captains report to a general, who liaisons between the captains and the three heads, ensuring that the will of the family is carried out without conditions becoming undesirable for their family members. Most captains are daughters or cousins of the generals, and the generals are all daughters of the family heads- Ribbons gets the impression command is matrilineal, with the sexually dimorphic men (smaller, with wings, who are vegetarian) not considered unequal, but not being given the same voice or opportunities. Their entire family seems to value military command, teaching, and social graces- dress code, eating etiquette, and the correct steps to take in dance are all part of every day curriculum. There is also a large emphasis on motherhood and rearing children- that is in fact a job that is managed amongst the family, with many resources being dedicated to ensure that children and pregnancies have the best chances at success. Few leave the island- they may travel to see a trade ship or pick up supplies, but for the most part the outside world comes to them. The court maintains a population of outsiders as guests, laborers, and staff- they fluctuate quite a bit as the swamp surrounding their home is dangerous and accidents during construction happen, but new guests arrive often. If you had additional questions about the family that Ribbons might subtly angle to learn about please let me know what you try to uncover.

rolled 8, 1, 4, 2, 1, 1, 6, 9, 8, 2, 2, 1, 9, 5, 3, 5, 6, 5, 7, 3, 10, 1, 10, 6, 4, 7, 9, 8, 4, 5, 6, 4, 6, 9, 4, 5, 3, 1, 7, 1, 3, 7, 1, 9, 2, 5, 3, 4, 5, 7, 1, 6, 3, 1, 10, 3, 4, 10, 9, 5 = 296

---

>>1036629
Posu finds herself frustrated with the lack of archival records in ironport- mostly seasonal production records and genealogies, with the occasional contraction to resolve neighbors disputes. What she does find however, is that Illicium is actually a town resident- not that anyone seems to remember that fact. Apparently he was one of two children borne to Olsen, a man with a... that can't be right, 174 year life span? She flips through some records and confirms- either someone made a mistake, adding a one, or Olsen lived an unnaturally long life, and bore two children with no marriage. When she talks to some folks in town, they barely remember Olsen, as he died roughly 70 years ago- what they do remember, however, is his son (singular), whos a bit of a free spirit, but he's a community staple, willing to lend a hand whenever they need help loading up at the docks. Keeps to himself in the woods mostly. According to the town hall records though, his son was born over two hundred years ago, and no one seems to actually remember quite how old he is- some assume his moniker "Young Olsen" is because he's kept his youthful physique, some assume it's because he's the youngest one, that there's been other kids, but... this is strange, very strange. By these accounts, he and Illicium are both over two hundred, bore to a man with no (known) lovers or spouses. You find no direct records of wrong-doing on Illiciums part in town hall though, and not enough paperwork to tie him up bureaucratically without sending him up towards a bigger city like An-Teng, or breaking the rules to try and put pressure on him by holding him public wrongdoing or cause other than "gave a funny look".

When questioned on his age and lineage, he says that he never really knew "Olsen". Knew he had a brother in Ironport, but never felt the need to build on something that wasn't really there. He was raised by Esca, taught how to do business and some minor thaumaturgy, raised athletic and strong, and attributes his good health and long life to whatever magic keeps Esca alive, something in the air or their blood that keeps them youthful.

rolled 3, 7, 1, 5, 2, 1, 4, 1, 1, 6, 3, 9, 4, 7, 10, 9, 9, 5, 10, 7 = 104

---

>not even really an inn
"Eggshells, how long has it been since you had ships come in? You've got a port, don'tya get people passing through to the sea sea or coming in the other way who places to stay? C'mon, Paragon has inns, and they're ruled by a crazy person with a magic wand who scares off visitors!"

>so if she's offering to help cover the tab...
Marisa overpays for the booze, since the mortals aren't willing to take coin for the room.

>Marisa successfully identifies the spell Stormwind Rider
Well, Marisa can already fly, but maybe it'll be useful for moving something or a bunch of someones.

>what do
It's been half a day since Marisa touched base with half the brotherhood, what with the rescuing refugees from spirits. Probably should figure out what the others are up to and what they're doing next!

Marisa's going to head out into town, try to track down the other dragons (and the one godblood), and see what's what. Dice for (Essence) rolls for the Familiarity function of Sworn Brother's Oath, she'll head for whoever's closest first.

rolled 5, 10, 4, 7, 5, 6, 5, 7, 8, 2, 1, 9, 1, 4, 10, 9, 4, 6, 3, 2 = 108

---

>>1039307
Ribbons would be waiting for a call to action, doing their best to make their new companions feel welcome, perhaps seeing what the Family's opinion on the city and the two fighting Gods rumored to be in the city. could do SOME actual work. the destiny that was created and delivered to the Mother seemed to be satisfactory. Until someone comes and fetch them, using that Bond that the Dragon Blooded set up, so might as well try some things out with the willing sisters and Ker. for references for their little blue book, seeing how the rough draft sparks the passion and what descriptors and themes seem to resonate with those willing to listen.

rolled 9, 9, 2, 6, 3, 10, 2, 3, 3, 6, 1, 8, 1, 2, 6, 1, 3, 7, 10, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 10, 6, 6, 1, 1, 6, 9, 2, 7, 6, 3, 8, 10, 4, 8, 8, 4, 3, 5, 8, 2, 3, 10, 7, 8, 4, 8, 10, 9, 2, 3, 9, 4, 1, 10, 6 = 328

---

>>1039307
Do any of those stirgefolk leaders seem like they might be anathema?

rolled 2, 1, 3, 5, 8, 5, 4, 10, 3, 4, 5, 9, 3, 10, 1, 1, 8, 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 2, 4, 9, 5, 2, 3, 8, 8, 3, 1, 2, 4, 7, 6, 3, 8, 7, 4, 5, 4, 2, 6, 7, 7, 6, 6, 10, 2 = 243

---

>>1039309
Well then, if he's going to play these shenanigans, it's time for a new course of shenanigans.

"Well then, as no records of any crimes can be found in this small village, and by crook of your seemingly impossibly long life and impossible parentage, by the power vested in me as an Emissary of the Realm, I am giving you the honored position of joining the entorage of mortals on the present Wyld Hunt. After all, someone with over a century of a record appearing as clean as yours, and who has never lost a fight in their life? Two things that I'm sure will be useful in subduing Anathema."

This was, of course, a white elephant gift, that could absolutely ruin him if he is away from the land for months on end, that he could hardly reject outright given the source of the 'offer'

>>1040079
rolled 3, 7, 1, 5, 2, 1, 4, 1, 1, 6, 3, 9, 4, 7, 10, 9, 9, 5, 10, 7 = 104
>how long has it been since you had ships come in? You've got a port, don'tya get people passing through to the sea sea or coming in the other way who places to stay?
Turns out customs here are just a bit different than what Marisa is used to- ship traffic was slower as of late, not terribly so though, but anyone who wants to stay in town usually sleeps on their ship, or takes hospitality from someone in town- the temple houses the sick or infirm, and the Satrap houses any dignitaries. Most sailors end up staying around the docks though. Marisa isn't even really renting out a room- it's the eaves of the roof, with some straw bedding and comforts placed out, for the drinking halls help to nap or sleep overnight in if need be.

>Marisa successfully identifies the spell Stormwind Rider
>maybe it'll be useful for moving something or a bunch of someones.
Likely what Buonaparte used to ride into town, given the descriptions from of them arriving in a miniature storm. If the cord still has a spell in it though, there's either another one bottling a spell somewhere Marisa hasn't found, or someone else cast the spell that let them ride into town. The latter would mean there is likely a sorcerer somewhere who traveled with them on the first night.

>Marisa's going to [...] track down the other dragons
>>1040519
Ribbons is in the blue-light district, has plenty of time for some shore leave in town with Marisa, if she wants to help with some "hands on" book review. Posu and Lobelia are both busy with official duties, interviewing locals for adherence to tax codes or tenets of the faith respectively.

rolled 6, 9, 5, 4, 8, 8, 4, 9, 7, 7, 2, 3, 10, 1, 3, 2, 3, 6, 2, 9, 8, 10, 5, 8, 5, 4, 8, 2, 3, 8, 2, 6, 3, 4, 1, 7, 9, 8, 3, 1, 2, 8, 7, 1, 9, 6, 10, 5, 3, 2, 6, 2, 7, 9, 10, 10, 8, 9, 1, 1 = 329

---

>>1040533
>Does it seem like...

>"House Morose" is an unfortunate name, being shared by a "partisan" house which was destroyed three hundred years ago for ties to anathema worship, occult dealings, and necromancy.
>Our family tree goes back roughly two hundred and eighty years when dispossessed wealthy elite from the realm were struck by disaster and left homeless. They learned to wander and trade with the wyld,
>Posu recognizes the timeline to know that Buonaparte may hail from descendants of House Morose who fled after the disaster. It's possible they were innocents who had no where to go after the destruction of their house- after all, not everyone was slaughtered. If they were cultists who escaped however, rogue demons, spirits, or other anathema may be part of her lineage.

Interviewing Stirgefolk you come to the consensus that the heads of the house posses some sorts of supernatural capabilities. What exactly the source of those powers are is unclear, but the Wyld, Malfeas, or the Underworld seem like the most likely candidates.

>>1040611
>I am giving you the honored position of joining the entorage of mortals on the present Wyld Hunt
Ilicium drops his cheerful demeanor, looking down at the floor.
"...I suppose I already know what happens if I say no. I've heard what the monks do to people who don't adhere to the teachings. So, how long do I have to get my affairs in order? Do I get any sort of compensation for risking life and limb? Insurance, to pass on to my family for loss of life? Or am I being press ganged?

>Ribbons is in the blue-light district, has plenty of time for some shore leave in town with Marisa, if she wants to help with some "hands on" book review. Posu and Lobelia are both busy with official duties, interviewing locals for adherence to tax codes or tenets of the faith respectively.
Ha, sounds like barging in on sensual escapades would be the least disruptive option right now.

Marisa will go seek out Ribbons in the blue light district, see if she can join her for breastfast or something. She'll bring the God-Blooded up to speed on Lobelia and her encounter in the demesne and subsequent rescuing of a bunch of mortals yesterday, and see what stuff she missed here / that Ribbons has to share.

"Hello bon-bons! Had a good night, eh-eh? At least some stuff I would expect in a port are still here."

Maybe after she can give Ribbons a ride and they can meet up with the others-the brotherhood needs to decide what they're doing next.

rolled 1, 5, 7, 8, 1, 2, 5, 3, 1, 10, 2, 7, 6, 5, 9, 10, 5, 1, 9, 6, 7, 6, 7, 4, 6, 5, 10, 10, 7, 9, 7, 4, 7, 9, 10, 1, 6, 3, 1, 9, 10, 1, 3, 1, 8, 4, 4, 8, 8, 7 = 285

---

>>1041015
"I am neither a priest nor am I particularly familiar with the stories of the local priests in these lands. But yes, it would be rather difficult for such an upstanding member of the community to turn down so honored a position. We set sail in approximately 6 hours, unless there is any evidence that I missed in my investigation?" Posu was entirely unfazed by the man's sudden drop of demeanor of the man, having had to remain calm in the face of much more dramatic outbursts of emotions in the past.

"Of course, given your obvious opinion of the honor being bestowed upon you for your outstanding legal and martial virtues that I am qualified to judge, it would take substantive evidence to blemish your reputation, as a confession given under obvious duress would never be permitted under any trial that I preside over."

rolled 2, 3, 5, 10, 10, 5, 3, 7, 3, 9, 3, 3, 2, 5, 9, 8, 2, 4, 7, 9, 9, 10, 8, 10, 7, 7, 8, 9, 7, 8 = 192

---

>>1041330

A Mess of Fabrics a bodies, splayed ribbons of silk, shining as the light of the open door , stirring the bodies until a main body rose, the ribbons recoiling, sliding off exhausted bodies as the familiar form of Ribbons rose, their skin dotted with red marks. . Hickies? not much time to really observe them as the ribbons began to coiled and form their outfit, enjoying that IRA it seemed, gently stroking the faces of her bed companions as they made their way to the night stand, quill in hand. a few notes on the night's research session, a Note for her Bed pals to let them all know how much they enjoyed their cram session and that the money was her treat for Breakfast, pulling out some funds so they all can get a nice breakfast, kissing the letter to leave a nice kiss mark.

"Bon-Bon? I like it; means I am sweet and melt in your mouth."

They gave a wink to Mar, a bit of playful flirting before giggling, offering their hand to be guided away.

"Sounds like you had a productive time, take it time for a team meeting?"

rolled 1, 2, 6, 3, 2, 10, 10, 8, 2, 6, 2, 5, 1, 10, 8, 8, 9, 8, 4, 7 = 112

---

>>1041699
>They gave a wink to Mar, a bit of playful flirting before giggling, offering their hand to be guided away.
"Haha, c'mon, I'm almost engaged here." Marisa deflects with good humor, grinning as she reaches up with one hand to mime shielding the eyes of the innocent elemental hovering around behind her (seeming done more for the bit than the doldrum actually needing innocence protected). "Ya tied up with House Cynis or something?"

>"Sounds like you had a productive time, take it time for a team meeting?"
"Yuppers. Gotta decide what we're flying after first."

Marisa, with Ribbons as a passenger, will fly off to reconvene with the other Dragon-Blooded.

rolled 7, 8, 2, 1, 10, 2, 4, 1, 3, 7, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 6, 1, 4, 8, 3, 8, 3, 4, 8, 6, 6, 7, 1, 10, 1, 9, 9, 6, 9, 4, 8, 6, 8, 10, 8, 9, 7, 3, 9, 3, 2, 6, 8, 4, 4, 6, 4, 4, 6, 8, 3, 10, 6, 3, 8, 9, 1, 2, 8, 4, 10, 10, 7, 8, 10, 9, 6, 8, 3, 10, 10, 3, 4, 8, 9, 4, 6, 6, 8, 8, 5, 7, 4, 1, 8, 7, 9, 4, 4, 7, 7, 2, 3, 1, 7 = 590

---

>>1041893
"Ah, I am glad that we are regrouping this early. I have secured a new ally for our efforts."

Posu will say, laying her hand on the giant's shoulder.

"According to what little I could dig up, has apparently never lost a single fight or run into trouble in this neck of the woods since his birth some centuries prior."

>>1043061
Marisa perks up. "Ha, really? Surprised you aren't already wrastlin'!"

"You hear about what me an the monk got up to yesterday, yet?" Getting Posu up to speed on the situation with the rescuing-of-mortals from the 'protection' of the local spirits.

rolled 1, 1, 1, 5, 1, 1, 5, 6, 3, 10, 5, 5, 10, 9, 10, 9, 6, 9, 10, 10, 7, 3, 2, 4, 7, 1, 9, 7, 5, 1, 8, 4, 10, 7, 6, 8, 1, 10, 5, 4, 3, 9, 2, 5, 4, 9, 4, 1, 7, 7, 7, 8, 1, 2, 3, 8, 6, 9, 1, 4 = 326

---

I'm going to report in with what Marisa and I were up to, as well as the fact that Palirroia is missing. Rolling for Inevitable Pursuit to find the abbot's current location.

>>1044070
Trail goes dead cold at the port- looks like she left over open water long enough ago that you can't tell which ripples are hers and which are the oceans anymore. When questioned about whereabouts and well being, EST just returns last known data- in town, hale.

Part of the tracking process, however, is interviewing locals, since lots of people saw her go to speak with the stirges, or knew she was leaving. As Buonaparte and her cohort arrived, the head monk went to meet them. Stirges who were present report that she had a somewhat strained conversation with Buonaparte, but that they made it clear they weren't going to try and take the town forcefully. Buonaparte was going to submit a formal challenge for the Satraps seat to the people and leadership of Ironport. The immaculate insisted that wasn't possible, things couldn't be done that way, so Buonaparte arrived at a compromise with her. She would escort Palirroia to her home, leaving ironport untouched. Palirroia would have dinner with them and Buonaparte could prove to her that the family methods would improve town, convince her to back the Striges officially. Then... they're not sure what happened. They were on standby, potentially getting ready to leave, but the head monk left to go make preparations and never came back. Left a pile of stuff in a random corner of the dock, so Buonaparte went into town to speak with the satrap and make things official. When she returned she reported that the satrap was sick, and the townsfolk were planning to blow the place up, so we mobilized into defensive positions.

Any follow up, cover the "you never asked" bases sort of questions?

rolled 7, 8, 2, 10, 6, 6, 1, 1, 7, 4, 10, 4, 10, 1, 10, 6, 5, 5, 7, 7, 9, 4, 7, 5, 6, 4, 9, 3, 4, 2, 10, 8, 5, 5, 10, 4, 9, 6, 6, 5, 8, 1, 10, 3, 4, 10, 7, 8, 6, 1, 9, 4, 3, 5, 7, 5, 5, 1, 8, 10 = 353

---

>>1043061
I'm going to roll Join Debate and make a Charisma + Investigation social attack to compel Illicium to brag about whatever he's actually been up to, particularly anything illegal. Backhanded complement involving humility, playing off how eager he was to confront Posu when we first met, so valor and maybe even conviction will be working against him.

rolled 3, 10, 7, 7, 3, 1, 6, 4, 7, 10, 1, 5, 9, 3, 7, 1, 6, 6, 2, 9, 4, 4, 4, 2, 2, 3, 4, 9, 6, 9, 6, 10, 3, 10, 7, 4, 8, 2, 7, 7, 6, 4, 2, 5, 9, 8, 4, 5, 9, 1, 10, 1, 6, 5, 2, 5, 7, 7, 1, 5 = 320

---

>>1044957
Attempting to trick someone into an emotional outburst, revealing flaws they were trying to hide (as depicted here: https://www.egscomics.com/comic/2014-01-20) is Manipulation, rather than Charisma. Sneaky backhanded emotional prodding isn't exactly based on straightforward strength of personality.

Join debate is Wits + Awareness. Stunt two, although... he never confronted Posu, from what I remember, and my brief skim back through messages? Did you have a particular instance in mind you wanted to build off of?
>7, 8, 2, 10, 6, 6, 1,
Lobelia rolls four successes on Join Debate.
>7, 8, 2, 1, 10, 2
Posu four.
>6, 9, 5, 4, 8
Illicium two. Lobelia and Posu are up first.

Manipulation 1, Investigation 4, stunt 2,
>1, 7, 4, 10, 4, 10, 1, 10,
Thats six successes to try and goad him into admitting something he shouldn't; against dodge MDV 5, that's already enough to hit before virtue modifiers come into effect. As he stares bleakly at the floor, having just been given the news you're press-ganging him into a monster hunt he doesn't expect to come back from, you press for information on his family, what affairs he has to set in order- after all, allowances are made to those of particular importance to their community. He jumps on the chance and you wind him into giving examples of important deeds, perhaps a threat he's managed to wrest away here, or disaster he's saved someone from? You can almost follow the string of fate through his stories, trying to paint in the negative space Esca has wedged into the weave.

"Most people don't have a problem in Esca- you've gotta follow the rules of course, can't go pissing in the sacred pond or anything like that, but these, these were bad news. When you're in the mead hall drinking, you have folks who get red in the cheeks, slap their bellies, and put you in a headlock because you're too damn funny. Then you got the hard edges who get red in the eyes, slap their dogs, and put you in a head stomp, because you're looking at them too damn funny. The kind of pieces of work you want in the front of a sword line so they die first, leave the rest of us better off. And these were those kind. Chasing an oathbreaker, or a wife killer or something like that. Don't remember the details- point is, they were mean, and they were out to hurt folks. Checking Esca first, then the port next. I almost held my tongue, let others mind their own business- maybe they were mean because a sonuva had taken their joy away first, maybe their revenge was the right kind, I don't know. But when they tried to poison the mead, get everyone asleep so they could kill and steal, well, I guess they weren't counting on me and Esca being quite so convincing actors. Got behind two of them, one on each shoulder, and slammed them into the ground behind me so hard they didn't get up before I had finished knocking the rest of them about. Rounded them up nice and neat, let Esca turn their brains into mush, and made good workers out of them with what was left. You can bet if we'd let them through to town it would have been bad news."

rolled 2, 2, 9, 9, 10, 5, 6, 9, 1, 7, 9, 5, 10, 4, 7, 7, 9, 1, 2, 5, 5, 2, 3, 2, 4, 9, 3, 2, 10, 7, 10, 9, 8, 2, 6, 2, 3, 7, 9, 3, 10, 4, 9, 6, 7, 3, 2, 4, 7, 3 = 280

---

>>1045078
> Rounded them up nice and neat, let Esca turn their brains into mush, and made good workers out of them with what was left.

> Alright, he's blurted out he's feeding people to a supernatural being. Would your character have any feelings about the confirmation that something in Esca is preying on folks?

Well, that changes Posu's plans significantly, since no longer does she have to meticulously gather evidence and trap him in a prison of his own lies. Needless to say, she's going to grab him by the arms to get him in a full nelson, because the interrogation has become a lot more of a hostile one.

rolled 8, 6, 3, 2, 1, 2, 2, 7, 5, 5, 3, 6, 7, 4, 2, 4, 7, 7, 10, 6, 2, 10, 4, 10, 1, 9, 4, 5, 1, 8, 6, 7, 10, 3, 2, 10, 3, 8, 9, 4, 6, 3, 2, 9, 5, 7, 8, 2, 2, 2, 6, 1, 8, 10, 3, 6, 4, 3, 10, 1 = 311

---

>>1045480
>2, 2, 9, 9, 10, 5, 6, 9,
That's 5 successes on your join battle, compared to Illicium's
>3, 10, 7, 7, 3,
4, so Posu gets the jump on him.

>1, 7, 9, 5, 10, 4, 7, 7, 9, 1, 2, 5
7 successes, against a DV of... Dex 4, MA 3, Specialty 2, Defense value (fist) 2? Not sure if that actually comes into play before your go. Regardless, even if Illicium rounds up as a god blooded, that's still a hit. So, now what? You act so fast he didn't even realize what was happening, but by the time his tick comes around he doesn't struggle, just holds up the palms of his hands as best he's able, shouts out "whoa whoa!" and other exclamations of bewilderment.

>>1045965
"For your self confessed crimes of feeding human lives to an unknown supernatural entity and making 'good workers out of them with what was left', by the authority vested in me as an official representitive of the Thousand Scales, you are hereby arrested. Anything you say can and will be used against you. If you are cooperative with further inquiries, you will be given a reduced sentence. If you are not, your own confession is evidence enough for a death sentence under page 1059 of Imperial Registry.

"Now, as a first question, why don't you elucidate in zero uncertain terms, exactly who and/or what Esca is?" Posu would put pressure on his dominant arm to warn exactly what she would do if she was unsatisfied with his answer.

rolled 1, 10, 1, 10, 2, 8, 1, 7, 4, 6, 10, 7, 2, 4, 7, 7, 6, 8, 2, 2, 5, 5, 5, 7, 4, 2, 8, 5, 6, 7, 2, 2, 4, 6, 6, 10, 9, 9, 5, 9, 10, 5, 6, 1, 2, 2, 6, 7, 4, 10, 6, 7, 7, 8, 3, 3, 2, 5, 4, 5 = 324

---

>>1045975
>who and/or what Esca is?
>>1045480
>5, 2, 3, 2, 4, 9, 3, 2, 10,
Charisma 3, Investigation 4, stunt 2.
Illicium takes a look at the cabin full of Dragon Blooded, any one of whom could probably kill him without breaking a sweat. Winces as you twist his arm further out of place, threatening to dislocate it.
"My family, and my home." he responds.
"You're as dense as that armor if you think I'm gonna make it any easier to butcher them too. Might as well start torturing me now, unless you know a necromancer who can make my ghost talk afterwards. Better make it quick though, whatever soul a bastard like me has isn't going to make it easy on you."

What do you do?

>>1046586
Posu would snap his arm. She wasn't exactly the type to make idle threats.

"Well then, I have exactly one further question before sentencing that would normally require that I recuse myself from the judge position, however there aren't exactly any legal alternatives that are licensed to hold trial. To disclose my biases as much as is reasonable, depending on how true or false the answer you give me is, I will make sure that Esca is reminded of the lesson that death can be the lightest punishment meted out in some cases. Now, what, if anything, do you know anything of the group of Dragon Blooded that was in town until recently on their own Wyld Hunt?"

rolled 9, 9, 1, 4, 8, 3, 7, 7, 4, 7, 6, 4, 10, 7, 4, 9, 7, 9, 8, 7, 5, 5, 7, 7, 9, 8, 2, 8, 3, 5, 7, 3, 8, 4, 8, 7, 3, 7, 8, 8, 4, 8, 6, 3, 4, 5, 10, 9, 6, 7 = 314

---

>>1046641
Not sure if social stuff timing and actions are still relevant, but if I need to roll Join Debate or Join Battle in order to jump in, that's (Wits 5 + Awareness 3) either way.

Marisa will attempt to step forward and interject before things get too. "Woah woah, 'su! Just out of curisority, what's the penalty on the books for bandits engaging in mass poisoning and murder to facilitate looting, again? Maybe it woulda been neater if someone official executed or enslaved 'em... but if a faerie got in the local's heads, well, that's what faeries do, innit?"

"In fact, why don't we make sure you are thinking clearly and not whammied..." the air aspect muses, before shoving her Illusion-Shattering Mirror in Illicium's face.

rolled 1, 7, 10, 2, 1, 1, 10, 6, 1, 5, 4, 9, 7, 5, 3, 9, 3, 8, 3, 1, 4, 3, 10, 5, 6, 7, 5, 6, 1, 4 = 147

---

>>1046641
Ribbons would also try and join in as this has escalated to much more violent direction then expected.trying to join Mar in stopping this breaking point in the conversation.

"Hey! Hey, you go on about doing things legally and just, and while I do not doubt that this punishment is fitting. You HAVE to do it by the books, else your no better then the magistrates you say your better than. Plus they get it now. This opens up plea deals. Why kill a single roach, when you can take down a hive, yea?"

They stated, trying to help Mar calm the situation down to a less violent level.

rolled 9, 5, 4, 4, 10, 2, 1, 6, 10, 9, 5, 3, 9, 10, 10, 6, 9, 6, 6, 10, 1, 9, 2, 10, 4, 7, 9, 10, 6, 4, 9, 3, 1, 5, 9, 10, 10, 8, 10, 10, 7, 8, 1, 1, 5, 10, 3, 9, 7, 6, 10, 3, 4, 9, 7, 2, 7, 1, 4, 2 = 377

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>>1047354
>9, 9, 1, 4, 8, 3, 7, 7
five successes,
>>1045480
>7, 10, 9, 8, 2, 6,
Posu also got five successes,
>>1048082
>1, 7, 10, 2, 1, 1, 10
and Ribbons got 4.

Marisa starts calling out to Ragara Bolang Posu, but, like the tide, the water aspect is not halted or slowed and her terrible strength crashes against Illicium's bones. By the time Marisa finished putting the mirror up to the mans face, his arm is already broken.

Sweat drips onto the mirrored surface as he tries to breath through the pain- fast and shallow, air being sucked through his teeth. Finally though, he looks, and he sees- himself. Twisted and bent forward, he stammers out a response to your questions while Ribbons attempts to talk down Posu.

>Now, what, if anything, do you know anything of the group of Dragon Blooded that was in town until recently on their own Wyld Hunt?
I... I can see myself. I can see myself now. I don't know if Esca is a... a person, or a place really, but I can feel you cutting it's threads to me. I've been a bastard, that much is true, but I don't know mum about anyone like you coming through. I don't always come here- Esca needs to eat, to eat people, like you and me. Most of the time it rests and just sends me on shopping errands- keeping enough people around it helps it stay full longer. Anytime it does much real work on its project though, or exerts itself, it usually needs to feed after. So, I go on trips, looking for people who won't be missed, bandits or grave robbers or the like, maybe people traveling that I can convince to stop with us for food or water. I guess you could say I was his- or, its- lure. So, I haven't been in town recently, not until just now. I need Ironport for trade, minerals and water and such, so I stay away from them. When I saw you all in the woods, I thought I might be able to earn some good will. I thought a big group of people might help keep it energetic, push out the next feeding, accelerate its project. Maybe one or two would go missing- after all, with all the chaos that seems to be going on, it'd be hard to keep track of everyone. Look, I don't deserve your pity, I think there's some part of me that wanted to do it, enjoyed the hunt. I can see the sickness in me now. I think it did something to me but... it's been my only family, my employer, my home, my whole life. I don't know how much was me. Let me atone for this, for what I've done. I can help you find the people who came through here, I'm good at tracking folks down.

>1, 10, 1, 10, 2, 8,
That's 6 successes on his plea for redemption- probably not enough to get past anyone's defenses, even if it plays on compassion, assuming people can find a way to stunt ignoring the request. If anyone were to successfully read motivation, which I assume is fairly likely, his primary emotion right now is fear.

>>1048082
>6, 1, 5, 4, 9, 7, 5, 3, 9, 3, 8, 3,
Manipulation 5, Presence 5, stunt 2, but Ribbons only ends up with four successes. Posu has a dodge MDV of 9, reduced to 7 by relative appearance, but that's still a ways off, unless you can think of any other relevant qualities. Obviously Gwen could choose to let the attack hit regardless, or listen without invoking mechanics though, so the two of you can work that out as you see fit.

rolled 1, 9, 1, 9, 4, 2, 1, 1, 8, 10, 2, 10, 1, 3, 5, 10, 4, 7, 5, 8, 5, 1, 9, 1, 5, 2, 9, 4, 2, 3, 4, 1, 7, 8, 2, 3, 10, 4, 3, 7, 9, 8, 10, 1, 3, 6, 8, 6, 3, 10 = 255

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>>1048616

Well, that was the piece that Posu was missing, and she would let the man go from his arm, spine unbroken.

"There shouldn't be exactly much to get in the way of that. You've already been conscripted, and while it might not be enough, service is a step in the right direction."

>>1048082

In regards to Ribbon's words, she had to point out. "Actually, widely accepted legal doctrine is to disregard the words of any non-citizen of the Blessed Isle in defense of their actions against any persons living in territory controlled by the Realm. Obviously it's set up that way with the usually correct notion that a Judge would rarely if ever actually leave the isle and most trials involving non-citizens would be tried in local courts to the satrapies involved or with stowaways, who didn't pay the four to six talent cost of immigration or are in dereliction of the terms of their ten years of labor, but by all accounts even using torture as opposed to just jumping directly to enslavement or death at the moment that he was a suspect is already going above and beyond the call of duty. Though in practice I imagine any judge with more than a decade of experience to behave similarly."


>>1047354

"And speaking of going above and beyond the call of duty, thank you for your continued assistance Marisa. I will make sure that you are noted in the official report as being entirely crucial to the outcome that has been reached."

Her slightly more formal than usual was about all the confirmation necessary to reveal that she was both flustered and agitated. There were a number of reasons for that, between weaknesses of hers cropping up and the subsequent shame in not being particularly successful in emulating the upright soldier for allowing such annoyances at something natural to exist in the first place, and that neither of the two leads seemed to be straightforward paths and led in exactly opposite directions.

rolled 8, 6, 2, 9, 8, 4, 4, 10, 2, 9, 7, 2, 7, 10, 4, 9, 8, 5, 6, 5, 1, 8, 9, 2, 6, 7, 2, 9, 10, 3, 8, 2, 8, 6, 4, 3, 10, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 9, 9, 3, 2, 3, 7, 9, 5, 6, 6, 3, 3, 10, 2, 4, 8, 2, 9 = 354

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Rolling to treat injury, setting the broken bone correctly so it'll heal without permanent impairment.