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

---

>>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

---

>>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

---

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