Hmm, that is a bit disappointing. I was hoping she would go into detail a bit about what exactly her work consists of, but I suppose it might differ from day to day, or she might not be comfortable sharing.

Well, let's see, what to do. I suppose we should ask Lady Qi if she knows anything about this wealthy merchant seeking soldiers to fight the bandits. Mention that you had been considering joining his cause, and see if she'd be willing to come along, provided she doesn't have any reservations or insider info on the man. It would also be helpful to find out his name if she knows it, and where we can meet him. If she doesn't, ask the old man casually when next he comes by, and see if the name sparks any recognition for her.

>>112175
This sounds like a pretty solid plan.

The two enjoy their tea for a while longer, before Pu decides to again breach the silence.

"I have heard of a merchant nearby, who is rallying men for a campaign against the banditry nearby."

"Oh, Jun Lu, the merchant?" She looks up.

Pu stops for a moment, but nods. "If that is his name, then I suppose so, yes. I have been considering answering his call."

"If it is coin you need, then you would do well to, I think. I have benefited from his shop before, and he is a fair and just enough man. He will follow through on his word." A smirk draws across her face. "Mind yourself when you go to see him, though. For his virtues, he is as cunning as a serpent, and you may soon find he has both your service and your patronage."

"I will keep that in mind. Heavens know, I cannot afford frivolous spending. And what of you? Might you be interested in aiding him?"

"He has been recruiting for nearly a week and some now, but has yet to make any move. Should he finally decide he has enough men to deploy, come speak to me, and if time allows..." She taps the bow slung over her shoulder. "I have not used it for much but hunting. A chance to refresh my skills would be wonderful."

>>113546
Thank her. Then go and speak to the merchant. Or if it's getting late you should find a place to stay over the night.

Ah, that was helpful. The way she puts it makes it sound like Jun Lu has some sort of indentured servitude approach to his help. We should make sure we don't end up in any unscrupulous contracts or unsavory deals with him.

Now I believe we are ready to approach this merchant, but yes, if it is growing late then we should find some housing. If that is the case then ask Lady Qi where we can stay in town, and regardless of her answer, thank her and be off. The old man should know where we can stay, in fact he might even have a room available.

>>113550
>>113595

The sun has begun its descent, but there are hours yet between now and when it will complete that task.

"Well, lady Qi, I must bid you farewell for the time being. I have employment to seek, and accommodations to arrange for. May you find fortune on your paths, and be well."

She smiled, waving at you to go. "I appreciate your offered assistance, Lord Pu, and I hope we shall meet again soon. Be well."

A bow exchanged, and Pu exits the tea house, off to find the merchant Jun Lu.

Along the way, Pu engages in the typical (and drearily tedious) art of dredging rumors from the citizens until such time as he finally learns the exact location of Jun Lu... having been pestered by some drunk at least twice in the span of five minutes to give said drunk 200 coins for drinking money.

Honestly, where do they find these guys?

So, Pu now finds himself standing outside the merchant's shop, a large building with a forest green roof which does not appear to be flying any pennants at all (a prudent choice for one of a mercantile bent, Pu muses).

Is there anything you want to do prior to going to see him, either in the city or just to prepare for the visit?

>>115223
Just make sure you and your gear is presentable. Then head on in with a confident stride.

>>115227

So you do, brushing your clothes free of dirt any making as certain as you can without a mirror that you look respectable.

Then, you step inside.

The building seems to keep most of the windows to the second storey, such that light falls down on the room in beams. In addition, anywhere the light fails to adequately reach is lit with a few candles, giving the shadows a jittery, unsteady quality throughout the room. While in a different setting this combination might make a man uneasy, the room itself was very well furnished and generally inviting, and the combination of dim lighting and cool air simply added to the effect.

Pu was first aware of the powerful, mixing scents of various spices, whose source is readily apparent - the first wares set on display are bags of various cooking powders and other such things. A quick scan of the remainder of the store reveals an astonishingly wide variety of items. Jun Lu's stock seems to vary from the aforementioned spices to bolts of silk and exquisite silk clothing, to statues and statuettes in stone, bronze, and even occasionally what looks like gold. He can see tea, incense, woodworks and containers of oil, and regular clothes as well. And, in the midst of all these domestic goods is an assortment of leather armors, and other more military items - weapon racks on the walls, and...

Pu's eyes fall on a rather spectacular sight, even considering the rest of the things on display. A suit of lamellar armour, complete with a robe for appearance purposes (that, upon inspection, is also lined with lamellar plates on the inside) - made of iron, with detailed paint work upon the solid surface. No engravings, though the patterns in the robe certainly make up for that.

Of course, the wandering warrior is jerked out of his near trance by a soft, unassuming voice, which is revealed to come from a man a little over fifty in a business-like black robe.

"An excellent piece, that, though I've yet to find anyone who would buy it. Unlike the other military items I have, it is rather costly, and many of my customers are civilians besides."

Pu hadn't even noticed him approach, but stealth really does fit someone who works in a place like this. Giving him a respectful bow, Pu speaks. "Lord Jun, I presume?"

"The very same, sir."

"I am Pu Si, it is a pleasure to meet you."

>>116092
Make a bit of small talk about the armor. It strikes me as odd that he had it comishoned without a clear buyer. He also seems to be rather invested in the arms trade.

Once you're done with polite small talk and information gathering you should get on to buissness. Tell him you're there looking for employment and you're wondering how much he pays and what benefits he gives to his employees.

Make a mental note that we totally need that armor at some point in the future.

>>116092
Something about this man's demeanor and wares makes me think he deals in drugs. It would fit with Lady Qi's peculiar warning. Be careful about accepting any drink or food from him if he offers. Wouldn't want to find yourself addicted to any nasty substance.

Go ahead and make a little smalltalk, he probably would appreciate your demonstration of interest. Ask him where he got it, how much he intends to sell it for, etc. Then proceed with the employment information gathering.

"Well met, Lord Pu. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Pu takes a moment more to take further stock of the man. His robes appear to be as fine a silk as can be bought in his own store, and he wears a thin goatee. His hair is white, mostly, but there appear to still be shocks and stripes of black throughout, fading slowly to gray. Despite his age, he seems full of vigor, and stands with perfect posture.

"Hm... I must confess I'm curious as to why you would obtain such an extravagant piece of armor without a buyer somewhere lined up already?"

"Ah, no, no, I did not purchase or commission this item, my Lord. It was willed to me years ago by an old friend, and though I've kept it in shape as best I can... I am not a violent man myself, and have no use for armor, even so beautiful a piece as this. Besides which, it had begun to get in the way of guests, as I had nowhere to put it..." He chuckles. "With the utmost respect to my dear departed friend, I figured that I should find it an owner more suited to its quality. Unfortunately... few such individuals stand among my patrons."

Pu quirks a brow, regarding the armor once more before asking, "How much would you charge for it?"

"Not a coin shy of a thousand Wuzhu, and preferably more than that if I can make the sale. Any less would be an insult to the quality of the armor."

Pu seems disheartened.

>>116113

If it is within my ability, I certainly hope to walk out of this shop eventually wearing that glorious piece of metalwork. But, for the time being...

"Ah, but I confess that is not what I came here today to talk with you about. I came seeking employment, actually."

He looks up, appraising you. "Hm? Well, I have never taken on an assistant..." He chuckles. "No, by the looks of you, you're here regarding my call to arms. It is good to see more strong men willing to stand up for law in this land." Lord Jun looks Pu over for a while, appraisingly. "And you certainly seem capable. So, do you have any questions, or have you come here to volunteer?"

>>116282
This man does not strike me as much of a military commander, although he does have the charisma. We should learn more about his operation and plans before devoting ourself to his cause.

"I am no native to these lands, but the oppression of the innocent in any setting is one I cannot tolerate. However, as a lone wanderer, I find myself in a strange land with no funds to my name, and I doubt you would fault me for seeking an opportunity to rectify both situations at one time, should one arise. Therefore I would be much obliged if you would detail further the specifics of your offer of employing me for my skills as a warrior. What wages do you offer, are food and housing included, what is the size of the force currently at your disposal, what are your plans, both short-term and overarching?"

Make sure he is specific and pay attention to any off-hand mention of 'small fees' and the like... We still have Lady Qi's warning to be mindful of.

>>116606
This sounds good. But we should also ask about the numbers of the bandits and their equipment. As well as what is to be done with any eventual loot.

>>116606
It was certainly a blessing finding this orb... I would not have thought to ask some of those questions.

"I am no native to these lands, but the oppression of the innocent in any setting is one I cannot tolerate. However, as a lone wanderer, I find myself in a strange land with no funds to my name, and I doubt you would fault me for seeking an opportunity to rectify both situations at one time, should one arise. Therefore I would be much obliged if you would detail further the specifics of your offer of employing me for my skills as a warrior. What wages do you offer, are food and housing included, what is the size of the force currently at your disposal, what are your plans, both short-term and overarching?"

He chuckles. "I believe I might have been misrepresented... I am not raising a private army, master Pu, but a short term campaigning militia to deal with the... extreme levels of banditry we have come to face here in recent times. Not only does it harm those travelling who wish to proceed further into the Middle Kingdom, but it also harms those trying to reach Yong An - my supplies and patrons, you'll understand." Jun Lu smiled at that, in a rather disarming fashion. "So, my immediate goals are the defeat of any large groups of bandits roving the lands around Yong An, and I do not believe I have any aims beyond that. As for your other questions..." He strokes his beard a minute.

"Payment is 100 wuzhu, provided immediately upon successful return from the field. I do not own enough room to house the numbers I am raising, but I am wealthy enough to provide payment for any inn or resting house of your choosing so long as you remain in my employ, including food purchased at that establishment. I will be providing the supplies for the campaign, as well. And, as a bonus..." He broke out into a wide, fox-like grin, waving his arms wide in a gesture to the wares around him. "I will give you significant discounts on any item within the store, for as long as you soldier for me."

Entrepreneurship gave way to memory, though, and he returned to his much more typical, reserved mannerisms. "Oh, yes, and I presently have roughly 500 men in my employ... enough, I think, to mobilize soon but for one problem..." He sighs... which suddenly gives way to a pensive "hmmm..." as he seems to size you up anew. "Actually, Lord Pu, do you have any experience leading men?"

>>117762
His one problem being that he has yet to find a man worthy and capable of being an officer for his battalion. Hmm, first off, we have to ask: do you have any experience leading soldiers in battle? If so, answer yes and offer your services leading his men. If not... well... normally I wouldn't advocate outright lying, as honesty is most often the best policy. But circumstances for you have changed. Even if you have no leadership experience, you now have us, and we are well-versed in commanding others. Additionally, we have access to the teachings of the great masters of old, with all of their tactical genius at our metaphorical fingertips.

It is for this reason that I recommend telling him yes, regardless of your previous familiarity with the profession. Assure him that you are capable and willing to "lead his men into battle" in order to end the menace these bandits present.

>>117765

In absolute honesty... I have never before been placed at the command of others. Whether I am capable or not is completely unknown to me - I had not imagined I would ever be in such a position, truly.

But...

Lord Pu Si, the Commander. Hm...

Yes, yes, I like the sound of that. I truly do.

Pu was shaken from his thoughts by another inquiry by the merchant, the smirk falling off his face at the same time. "Lord Pu?"

"Ah, my apologies, m'lord. Yes, I have some experience in the areas of leadership, if you require such."

"A-ha, as it just so happens, I do! I will increase your wage to 400 wuzhu if you are willing to take the commanding role in this endeavor." He seems absolute ecstatic at the prospect of finally getting underway, for obvious reasons.

"Certainly, it would be my honor."

"Excellent, excellent, I will call the men together in two days for you to organize and drill as you see fit, and inquire with you as to when you think we can march thereafter, if that is alright with you?"

"Most assuredly it is, Lord Jun. Now then..."

>>116614

"Do you have information on the bandits? Their numbers or armaments?"

"Hearsay and the stories of victims mostly, unfortunately, but enough of both to at least guess. They could number anywhere from several hundred to a thousand, or more, but!" He is quick to quantify that particular statement. "They are not totally united, but separated into smaller groups, capable of preying on caravans and travelers coming from the central plains and through the Kul pass. I doubt you will find any one group that so much as equals your own men in number."

"As for armaments... they favor swords ans spears, though arrows have been seen, and even the odd crossbow. But no heavy weaponry or armor - they survive by being inconspicuous, not distinct. I have heard tales of a group on horseback, which might be more dangerous than the others."

"Unfortunately, I cannot give you any further details. You will have to discover their true mettle for yourself, on the field of battle."

>>117767
If we're in charge, we'll need reliable subcommanders. Five hundred men is far too many to command personally, after all. It would be a good idea to already have a command cadre selected and prepared to work together before meeting with the men at large in two days.

There are, as I see it, three ways for us to get our officers selected. First, some of the men already recruited by Lord Jun likely came in groups; if any are sufficiently large they are likely to already have their own leaders, who we may wish to select to work under us. Second, we could recruit any subcommanders ourselves from those we deem likely to be trustworthy and capable. Thirdly, we could select (or ask Lord Jun for recommendations on) individuals likely more suited for officer positions from amongst those he has already hired.

Regardless of how we choose them, if at all possible we should know who they are and meet with them at least a day before the mustering of the full force.

>>118208
Very wise advice, but I think you may be forgetting someone. We should meet up with Lady Qi again and check if she has any leadership experience to serve as our second in command. I rather doubt she does, but she could always be our bodyguard for when we lead the charge into combat.

>>118394
That would fall under the second option, would it not? Regardless, it is only a start, if a good one.

>>118394

If nothing else, perhaps she has some experience ranging with a bow? I am far from a commander... yet, but I think I would like to have at least some archers as support on this campaign.

Nonetheless, I doubt he has all 500 men gathered in one place at the moment, so we shall have to wait to select subcommanders if we wish to recruit from the already-hired men. So, unless you think I should ask him something else, I do believe it might be time to take our leave and arrange for our stay.

Although perhaps the Lady Qi remains in the tea house...

In any case, what shall we do?

>>118639
You should probably give Lord Jun information on where you'll be staying so that he can contact you, if you're taking command of his troops. Or perhaps ask for his recommendation on where to stay, although that might make you more susceptible to his manipulations- Lady Qi did warn against his cunning.

Aside from that, it is indeed time to take our leave. Check the tea house for Lady Qi, and if she remains there perhaps inquire as to if she would be available to accompany you in this endeavor, or knows of someone reliable who could serve as an officer or bodyguard.

>>120446
Right, let's ask him for advice on where to say, head to the tea house to check if Lady Qi is still there, then get settled in and get a good night's rest.

Make sure to make arrangements for returning in the morning to examine your troops. We have a lot of work to do.

>>120446
>>121855

Ah, yes, I don't have a clue where exactly to stay... thank you for reminding me!

"Ah, one more thing before I go, Lord Jun?"

He looks up. "Hm?"

"Where would you recommend I stay? I am new to Yong An, after all, and do not know much about the available accommodations."

"Ah, hm... I have a free room here, if you'd like?" He chuckled. "No, I doubt it, and I've agreed to pay anyhow, so hm. Ah, yes, on the east side of town there is a rest house which also serves one meal a day to its tenants. Run by... Yun Shi Li, if I recall. Not much to look at from the outside, since the Lady does not care to spend money on appearances... but very hospitable, and you would certainly find it comfortable. I believe she still has a few rooms available."

"My thanks, Lord Jun. Now... If I may, I'll take my leave."

"Certainly, and thank you, Lord Pu."

Pu bows and exits.

---

The Lady Qi is no longer at the teahouse, when Pu arrive - a sudden influx of foot traffic as the day grows later made the trip a good bit longer than it might've needed to be - but the old man is still awake and at his post, and seems to have been given a written message for him.

"Master Pu, it seems that Jun Lu has finally been made willing to move... Should I not see you before he calls his men together, rest assured that you will have my assistance when he marches, unless some calamity of great urgency arises which I must attend to.

Be well in the meantime.
~Qi Qun"


Well then.

---

Pu manages to find the rest house easily enough, and checks in without much difficulty. As the merchant said, it was not a particularly eye-catching building, indistinguishable from those around it but for it's extra stories and a sign proclaiming "Rest House" on it.

However, much as the old man said, the accommodations did indeed prove very comfortable.

The night went by without a single disturbance.

--The First Campaign, Day 1, End--

[[I didn't forget about you guys, I promise, just had a bit of a hectic week. Will post the start of the next day soon.

Polite sage for reposting, since the code fucked with page width. Didn't expect it to do that. Hurpaderp.]]

>>123715
Hmm, the mystery of what Lady Qi does continues to deepen. I wonder what "calamity of great urgency" she might find herself needing to attend to... She already mentioned that she does not use her bow for slaying men, and I find it difficult to believe that there might be a calamity that involves hunting. We shall have to get to the bottom of this later.

In the meantime, well done! This first job may be small, but it is a good start. Should be an excellent chance to test/demonstrate your leadership and martial skills, respectively.

>>123718

Uhwhawaitwhohuh--

Crash. Bang. Flail.

Oh.

It seems Pu forgot who he was, or who the ORB was, at the very least, in those few moments just after waking up. Which lead to him falling out of bed rather unceremoniously.

Ahem. Much appreciated, thanks. I haven't had much chance to go looking for personal success, so finding you has been a stroke of luck in that regard.

Righting himself and climbing back onto his bed (rubbing the back of his head all the while), Pu digs the Orb out and stares at it for a while.

So... being that we never managed to become properly introduced, I am Pu Si. Much as I've gotten used to having you in my head, I still don't really understand what you--

"Are you alright?"

Oh, dear, it seems he was loud enough to summon the lady of the house. Yun Shi Li is peeking in through a crack in the doorway, looking somewhat concerned.

One moment.

"I'm fine, I just, ahm... rolled out of bed. My apologies for startling you." Thankfully, Pu does not sleep naked.

"Ah, it is no trouble, I simply wished to make certain everything is alright... I trust you slept well?"

"I did... if it's no trouble, Lady Yun, would you mind if we talked down-stairs, in a few minutes? Carrying a conversation on through a doorframe is... just the slightest bit awkward." He offers a disarming, if sheepish, grin.

"Oh! I'm sorry, certainly."

The door closes.

Long story short, I have no idea WHAT you are. If it wouldn't be prying to ask...?

>>123719
In short, we are legion. The long version depends on where and when we are, and it always seems to change. We're a bunch of voices that transcend time and space, giving our usually-good advice to either the holders of some special item, or just certain crazy people. You're lucky, you seem to be the former.

So, yeah. We're essentially a bunch of disembodied voices, and we're here to help. We tend to go by names such as the "Orb of Infinite Psyche", or possibly just "Orb" or "voices".

>>123719
I think, in this setting, it might be more appropriate to consider us like ancestral advisers.

You are wise, though, to ask us 'what' we are rather than 'who.' The answer to the former is much more relevant to you. I'll go ahead and skip ahead to the 'why.' We enjoy helping people succeed, so we can experience the joy of success vicariously. It's generally a symbiotic relationship between us and the one who hears our voices, in this case you.

And speaking of you, perhaps you could return the favor by telling us something about yourself. We don't know much about your background, or your plans for the future. Why did you leave the southwest? What do you hope to attain or achieve? Power? Reputation? Physical prowess? Are you interested in finding love?

>>123738

I... think I'll simply use Orb.

>>123793

And... I see. I still find this a strange arrangement, but that is not to say I'm not grateful for your advice. I suppose few men have the privilege of an entire debating council available at any time in the safety of their own thoughts.

And... as for myself, I am not certain how much there is to tell. I have a martial background, I suppose - son of a militia member, and a former member of the militia myself, in Yun Nan. I guarded against the foreign tribes there in a fashion, I suppose, but I grew restless...

This travel along the Chang Jiang has been something of a pilgrimage for me. I felt if I traveled some of the land of the Middle Kingdom, I might come to an understanding of what paths the Heavens have set before me.

The Yellow Turban forces in the area also contributed to the decision, I must admit.

And as for what I desire... I certainly would not say no to romance if I were to find it, though in the context of your other questions, that is a bit... out of place. But until now I had no idea what I truly sought.

Now, though... I picture myself at the head of armies. A man to command men. It is... strange. Ambition had been alien to me until yesterday, but... I cannot shake the image of Pu Si the Commander from my head.

So I suppose I want power. I want prestige. I want an army.

I guess I'll find out if I'm actually capable of leading one shortly, though.

>>123818
Of course you can do it. We can sometimes give really useful advise and I'm sure there are a couple of us with Sun Tzu more or less memorised.

Some of us are also ambitous as hell. If we succed you will be in control of alot more than just the middle kingdom. You empire will span continents.

Now first thing you need to find out about your soldiers are their level of competence, armaments and equipment. I would suggest rallying them at some place outside of town to check up on that. That will also give us an idea of who we could use as officers and we could invite lady Qi to see if she could be a candidate.

>>124403

I will be checking the tea house today to see if the Lady Qi is there like she said she would be, certainly. I may have her word that she wishes to join us, but... She said she would join when we marched, not before... which would be unideal. Of course, that was just if we did not see each other.

And, an aside, I do believe she was simply being poetic in referring to a calamity of great urgency. I believe she meant that she would be there unless something significant happened that required her immediate assistance.

Or perhaps I could be wrong.

Either way, I will make a point to stop by the merchant's holdings to see if he has gathered the men together yet today, but I think he might be giving them this extra day to provision themselves.

Which, when I think about it, might be an idea for us as well. Although...

Pu does a quick recap of his current funds: he has 73 wuzhu coins remaining, and not much of worth beyond the jade statuette (which looks a bit out of place without the orb), his clothing and weaponry, and the orb. Needless to say most of that was necessary.

Ah well, I suppose it couldn't hurt to see what people have for sale. At the very least, I might find some cheap armor of a better quality than this leather padding.

>>124405
Well that leads us to an important new question. What is your prefered fighting style? If we are to optimize the usefullness of our suggestions we need to know how you prefer to fight.

Anway, investing in padded cloth to supplement the leather might be a good idea. Cloth armor can be very resistant to piercing attacks and those are among the more lethal ones.

>>124405
If you stop by your employer's, be certain to confirm the location at which he plans to gather the men. Five hundred will require a sizable amount of ground on which to practice maneuvers; you'll want a good sense of the area to plan out an encampment, and if the initially planned place isn't suitable you'll need to locate a better one.

For that matter, look over the logistics of what he has planned if at all possible. He said that he'd provide the supplies for your group, but as a merchant he may or may not have arranged for everything that a large military force on the move requires, and there is always the concern of adequate provisioning- there's no telling how long hunting down the bandits will take.

While logistics are of less relative importance with a smaller force, your force is large enough that it would probably be wise to occupy yourself with them. If you do go on to command larger forces they will only become a greater concern. Your lack of practical command experience makes it even more important to try and look ahead to such issues; you'll have enough learning to do in terms of leadership that handling a host of minor practical problems as well could prove crippling.

This advice may be overly cautious, but diligence rarely hurts. Prepare for ill fortune so that all your surprises may be pleasant ones.

>>124422

I'm trained in the use of both my sidearm sword and several different variations of polearm, but prefer the latter for obvious reasons. I've never been anything but an infantry soldier - I have some small skill with a bow, but far less than anyone who favors it as a main weapon, and though I have even ridden an elephant... not much experience with actual cavalry at all.

And I will keep that in mind.

>>124461

I imagine he will gather us somewhere outside the city walls... after all, I cannot think of anywhere within Yong An that would actually afford the space for five hundred men to assemble and drill.

I will, however, make certain I am well informed of all Lord Jun's intentions and planning regarding this endeavor. Like you say, I am... terribly inexperienced, and I would hate for simple things that could've been accounted for to spell the doom of my soldiers.

And in my experience, there is not truly any such thing as overly cautious. Paranoia is something different entirely, after all.

>>124881
Alright, that answers our questions, for now, and hopefully all of yours. If not, just let us know.

Time to go speak briefly with Yun Shi Li, and get some breakfast! Perhaps you ought to ask her what she thinks about Jun Lu. She's likely well acquainted with the goings on in Yong An, perhaps she has some wisdom to share?

>>124884
Seems like a reasonable enough plan. Might want to ask her about her view on the bandit problems, as well, should your conversation go smoothly. It's always best to have multiple sources to work from.

Giving a mental nod to the voices, however one might accomplish that, Pu got up, smoothed his clothes and fetched what things he figured he'd need for the day (not that he had a large number of things to carry around anyway) and headed down to the landing floor.

It was arranged much like a typical tavern, lacking the bar counter, which was rather to be expected. Tables were strewn about the room (paths between all of them maintained), with four chairs to a table. The smell of cooking food wafts out from the back room. Seems the Lady of the house was already at work, so Pu would have to wait.

Picking a table unoccupied by the other patrons, of which there were quite a few, Pu busied himself until Lady Yun emerged again by trying to guess how many of the people he shared this room with he would be commanding in a few days.

She emerged quickly enough, though, so he didn't get much chance. Expertly balancing several massive platters and bowls of food, she arranged them on the largest table in the center of the room, which had no chairs about it. It was filled in short order with enough food to feed the room - a great deal of rice, several platters of fish and other local dishes, all of which smelled absolutely delicious.

Pu opted to gather himself a little bit of everything, and returned to his table to eat. He kept his eye on Yun Shi Li, however, making certain he didn't lose her again.

Fortunately, she seemed to be busy with some business or another behind the small desk she kept on the landing floor, and was so occupied until Pu finished and crossed the room over to her.

"Ah, Lady Yun, good morning. I am... sorry for the disturbance earlier."

She looked up and smiled. "Not a problem, I assure you. It is just my duty to check in on my tenants."

He nodded. "Would you mind if I asked a few questions about the city, being that I am still new here?"

"Not in the least."

>>124884

"I was wondering if you knew much about my current employer, Jun Lu?"

She smiled at that, too. "A good enough friend, I think. I have him to thank for much of my business - even when he isn't raising an army, he sends people my way." She chuckled. "But he is a shrewd man. I cannot count the number of times I've walked into his shop for conversation only to walk out with some new possession. Keep your wits about you around master Jun, sir."

>>125169

Pu opts to make idle small talk for a moment, but intends to get into that. He'd just rather edge into it in case it's a touchy subject. "So... how have things been in Yong An in general lately?"

She sighed. "Tense. The empire is at war in the north, let alone dealing with these other turbans... everyone is expecting an all-out riot any day now. And no one has been able to leave for the Central Plains in weeks. We either get turned-around travellers or dead bodies back, one way or another."

She frowns, now. "Costs are rising because supplies are dwindling. The city is choking under whatever invisible blockade has been placed between us and the north."

"Could it have been the banditry? They're clearly a concern for some, since master Jun has raised an army."

"Ah... a wily one, he is. Jun Lu thinks it's the bandits. He's raised the men I hear you'll be commanding because he hopes you'll break the barricade, one way or another. Of course, he's gotten enough men you likely have a good chance. With that sort of army, he could take the city if he wanted. He must have an excellent recruitment pitch.

But I suppose it could be the bandits. Even between here and the pass, I hear tell of a number of attacks. Apparently sometimes they're lead by a wild-haired man in a red robe. I hear he's a terror, but I can't even tell you if he's real or not."

Anything else you think I should ask?

>>127495
Hmm, almost sounds like you might be dealing with some sort of magic here. It might serve you well to find and talk with some of the people who've tried to leave but been sent back, for some first hand accounts of what's going down. The only one we have a name for so far is Lady Zhuzhi Kin.

Speaking of which, you might as well ask Yun Shi Li about Lady Zhuzhi. See if she knows anything about the woman.

>>127544

Magic? Bah, magic is for weak-willed fools who know not the true workings of the world. There is no such thing as magic, only rationality.

Ask her if she knows any others who might be able to help us in the coming fight. Preferably, this person would already be enrolled, but that's not a necessity.

>>127551
I'd like to point out that we don't know the quality of our troops yet. Considering they're just a militia, it's very likely they might be fooled by illusions and scared through superstition.

We should find out so we can be prepared.

>>127544
We might also attempt to get information on who else in town might have been prevented from leaving or left and come back with information on the bandits in question. Hunting down intelligence can be time-consuming, but is often worth it.

>>127495
Ask her if she knows anyone that go stopped from leaving the town and that you would like to speak with them.

And this blockade sounds to well organized to be just bandits. Be prepared that they might try to ambush your forces or disrupt your movements. Keep your plans mostly to yourself and be sure to have plans with a certain amount of flexibility. There could be some other force a work here behind the bandits. The question is who would stand to gain from blockading Yong An?

>>127544
>>127551
>>127567

Magic or not (I fall under the latter camp, personally), details such as this will have to wait until after I have located one of these unfortunates. That said... Inquiring about this Lady Zhuzhi might certainly lead somewhere worthwhile.

"Lady Yun, do you know much about the Lady Zhuzhi? I have heard she has been trapped here for some time, and perhaps I could learn the nature of this blockade from her?"

She chuckles. "Most know about the Lady Leiku, as it were. She is a lower Han noble from Luo Yang who had been out touring the southern lands still waving the banner of the Han when she chanced upon Yong An at just the wrong time. She cannot go further into the south without most likely being executed, and she cannot return to Luo Yang.

And though it is gossip, Lord Pu, perhaps you will get some use of it anyway. It has been said that she was not touring the southlands but was worried that Grand General He Jin would not be able to head off the rebellion this time, so she fled here. Now she seems to be thinking otherwise... Whatever her reasons, though, if you wish to speak with her, she resides in the Office of the Magistrate at the center of the city, a personal guest of the Minister of Commerce."

Pu mulls this over for a moment. "Hm... I'll keep her in mind. Do you know of any others who have been turned around?"

"Those who didn't end up dead tend to end up idle somewhere in the city. A number of them call the taverns home - you'll know the sort, they seem to emanate depression from the pores. I don't have many other names, no... though I think one of our current patrons might have been one such victim. I'll ask around if they don't mind talking to you, if you'd like?"

"Certainly, my thanks."

>>128665

I can think of one group right off the bat... but at the same time, it could be any number of forces.

When I think about it, it could even be some form of secret Han blockade to keep the south rebellion in place. I do not know.

But I suspect I can find individuals who might, even not among those trapped here.

Always best to start with the nearest source, though.

"Do you have any idea why someone would want to blockade Yong An?"

"We're a city near a major pass, on the river, and we do well enough agriculturally, Lord Pu, that choking us could certainly be worth something to any number of people, or forces. I couldn't say which if any would act on it, though."

"Ah, my thanks, Lady Yun. Then, I bid you farewell." Pu gives her a respectful bow, which she returns, before heading out into the streets.

So then... We seem to have any number of different things to do today. Any preferences?

>>129124
It would probably be best to complete any personal outfitting quickly, so that you are not distracted from your other tasks later by the need to seek out merchants before they close for the day.

Earlier, you mentioned that you would seek some cheap armor more protective than what you currently possess. I remind you that you are in a position of leadership, so you may have to balance protective value against appearance; your attire should call for respect from your troops. Obviously the importance of this varies greatly with command style and the accepted norm, but at least bear it in mind when considering purchases.

[[Holy crap, right, I was running this. Sorry for leaving you guys hanging, got distracted there for a while.]]

>>129163

That certainly makes sense. I wouldn't want to look like a simpleton the first time I stand before the men under my command... I'll try and keep aesthetics at least somewhat in mind when I look for armor.

In pursuit of provisions, Pu tracks down the market district and stands at its mouth, looking out over a teeming chaos of street stalls housing merchants, and the multitude of people who require their goods!

...actually, compared to markets elsewhere, this one seems pretty pitifule, especially for a city. A lot of the smaller stalls have been outright abandoned, and most of the stalls not proudly displaying the colors of the rebellion seem very lean in regards to their wares. The barricade must have been going on a long time.

So, what should Pu look for first? Armor, or should he obtain other things he might need first, so he has a clear idea of how much he has left to spend on protection?

>>135919

[[Forgot my name, dammit. Even if /quest/ DOES have an ID system.]]

>>135919
Go to the market for now and see what they have. It seems like you already have the weapons you might need so I'm not really sure what else you would need except for better armour.

inventory check?

maybe u should just look around first. go back to your employer tomorrow and see if he can sell you some of his at discounted price.

>>135965
He has a halberd and a sword, and 100 wushu coins. Or at least, he did originally. He's spent some since then.

I don't think you can afford a mount, so that's out of the question. You're already well-armed and provisions are pretty much taken care of. I'd say just look at what armor they have available, and see how it stacks up in comparison with what Jun Lu had at his shop. He did offer a discount, after all.

>>136107
Pretty much this. Look around, get a sense of what's available- both in terms of protection and appearance- so that you have a basis for comparison, and then move on. You have a lot to do today and not a lot of money; don't spend too much of the morning shopping.