Nature: 12 

Arpagic listens to the strange figure detailing the trip and suddenly exclames to the rest:

"What do you say, dear half-elves and dragonborns, shall give give this transportation device a try? I've been meaning to do this since I got here!" 

He ends his statement with a blank smile, indicating that he is ready for their response.

Nature: 4

“You haven’t taken the train?” Lan says to the other man. “Exactly! It’s going to be fun.” Not to mention the payment. She signals to the money sack in her hand again, not understanding others’ hesitation. It just seems like an exciting trip to her. And an easy job.

“I haven’t gotten your name yet.” She says to Arpagic, remembering. 

It doesn't take long till almost all of you figure out what is the connection between the sky and the mysterious figure. The scorching Zakharan sun is almost at its peak, which means you don't have too much time until midday, maybe a half an hour or even less. If you are lucky, the one local citizen among you knows that the train station is at the northeastern gate of the city.

Morax takes a few seconds to scan through the area if he can catch the man or his associates - if any - among the reformed crowd. For a brief moment his heart skips a beat as he thinks he has found him, but it turns out to be just a noble woman trying up a similar blueish colored scarf on her head at a stall.

Quote from LiofDanzig >>

- I am far from trusting anyone... - and adds while whispering and looking directly in Ryuji's eyes giving him a wink - ...you included... - and follows in a more natural tone - ...but I was about to toss a coin where to go next. That direction is good to me as any other. I am looking for someone... who is not here and I have no idea where he might be, so... - she shrugs looking at the others.

 Sticking his tongue out, Ryuji asserts, "Now you're speaking my language! Politics, woo!"

Quote from WhiteByakko >>

“Don’t worry. If you’re scared, you can hide behind me, sweetheart.” Lan says to Ryuji, apparently enjoying it.

 With his tongue still hanging out, Ryuji matches Lan's energy. He gasps in absolute shock, appalled at his own foolishness. "How could I? I am so dreadfully apologetic of the sin of forgetfulness! I have a big, strong man who solves all my problems right in front of me! This princess begs your forgiveness..."

Quote from ProwlerWalk >>

"What do you say, dear half-elves and dragonborns, shall give give this transportation device a try? I've been meaning to do this since I got here!" 

He ends his statement with a blank smile, indicating that he is ready for their response.

 Upon hearing this from the quiet fighter, Ryuji turns towards everyone, still unsure of any consensus. Observing the ragtag group, Ryuji changes into a serious tone. "As I see it, midday is nearing, and we need a few things if we wish to embark on this prank of a journey. As we've ascertained, I have my doubts, but I'll put them aside for the rest of the group. Firstly, it would be optimal to procure a guide that knows this area. If anyone is familiar with this area, we will need you; otherwise, that gold is going to be spent. Secondly, if anyone possesses any information about that suspicious blueberry man, I highly advise you to enlighten us. Finally, I wish to hear everyone else's thoughts about any other actions we should take. I would suggest we invest in some blueberry pastries like those strange... 'cupcakes' ... Whatever they are. Perhaps we can bribe the oh so very honorable half-blueberry."

Quote from WhiteByakko >>

“You haven’t taken the train?” Lan says to the other man. “Exactly! It’s going to be fun.” Not to mention the payment. She signals to the money sack in her hand again, not understanding others’ hesitation. It just seems like an exciting trip to her. And an easy job.

“I haven’t gotten your name yet.” She says to Arpagic, remembering. 

Arpagic introduces himself and greets the person he is speaking to by saying "Pleased to meet, fellow human." He also gives his name, indicating that he has been silently listening to the conversation before joining in. He mentions that in the place he comes from, they didn't have access to such devices.

He pauses, his gaze distant as if lost in thought. "But alas, the winds of fate have brought me here, and I find myself in awe of the possibilities these devices offer. Mayhap, together, we shall unlock their full potential and forge new paths in the world of magic."

“How can I harbour any grudges when you ask so prettily?” Lan says, the corner of her lips lifting.

“Anyway,” She says, tucking the sack of gold inside her chest armor to keep it safe. “I‘ve been around here a few times, so I know the way to the train station. We should get going if we’re going to make it before midday. As for blueberry muffins… somehow I feel Mr. Blue Robe would not be very delighted eating his own kind. But if anyone wants to stock up on their equipment, we could do that along the way.”

“Oh, it is pretty magical.” She says to Arpagic, giving him a wink. “Much friendlier than a ship too.”

As they set off and start to walk toward the station, Morax says after clearing his throat.  “ *Ahem*  I uh, would be most interested in finding .. for study purposes mind you.. a nice long sword and shield to match my equipment.  You know, in case there are any ruffians on this train that need to be taught some manners.  I might like that a little better than my current self defense equipment.  I have 10 gold of my own, and my share? to pay for such items.  Have any of you seen such as store in the marketplace?  But we must hurry and not dilly dally.  Does anyone else wonder what is in that box?  Should we find out?”

"Good point. I'd like a shield too... Just to complete the outfit." Lan says, gesturing to her custom, alternative fashion armor. On her bare arms she wears a pair of brass vambraces, covering the back side of her forearm. And instead of gauntlets, exoskeleton like structure wreathes her hands, allowing precise movement of fingers. She's obviously proud of the design. 

"Blue Robe didn't exactly say we couldn't look into the box..." Lan trails off meaningfully, smiling. She goes to check the box, to see if it can be opened.

((Is there a lock on the box? Do they have time to find a shop that sells equipment?))

(OOG - Yes, the box has a lock which seems to be protected with some magic too upon closer inspection and no, you have to catch the train at the other part of the city :) but there will be plenty of time to find a shop later)

Having discovered nothing with the box Direen looks at Lan smiling and shakes it to hear if anything rattles inside.

- Well, it looks fragile to me, so does anyone want to keep it for now? - she looks at the others. If noone offers to hold it, she will put it inside of her backpack.

- Shall we grab a guide? I have no idea where to go now.

All Direen can hear is a faint thumping noise coming from inside the box while she shakes it.

“Alas we have no time.  I don’t want to have to run for the train, so let’s begin to head that direction, I’m sure that we will have opportunities later.  Shall we?”  The Dragonborn does his best to hide the degree of excitement in his voice.  The game is afoot!  He continues to observe others, watching and marking faces.  

With a smirk, Apragic opens his eyes and looks over at the Dragonborn, nodding in agreement. He can sense the excitement in the air, and he feels a rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins.

The fighter draws his shortswords, admiring the way the light dances along the sharp edges, and nocks an arrow in his bow, testing the tension. Giving the impression that his bow and blades will be more than enough to protect him, he also knows that he must remain vigilant and be ready for anything. He is not one to shy away from a challenge, and he is eager to test his skills against any foe that may cross his path.

The strangest turn of events. I wonder how we even reached the same place together. It's almost as if this entire scenario were planned and we were the characters of a book.

Morax's energy infects Ryuji too, despite the blazing Zakharan sun. As drips of sweat run into his eyes, he takes out a red wagasa and nonchalantly throws it over his shoulder, hiding his discomfort. Following the dragonborn's suggestion, he playfully pushes Lan, "Alright miss big, strong, manly tour guide, quit trying to pick locks and show us your homeland. As it appears, in my humble opinion, the lockpicking would be far more efficient if you simply smash it like the strong Donkey Kong you are."

“So you want to give it a try?” Lan teases, lifting her manicured brows. “There’s some kind of magic on the lock. See? Your methods and my methods are going to equally ineffective, I’m afraid.” She points to the barely perceptible aura that protects the box from being opened, but could be picked up easily when the person knows what they’re looking for. “I’ll have to show off my all-conquering prowess some other time.”

Lan hands the box back to Direen, thinking it’s a good idea for her to keep it safe. Under the scorching heat of the sun, with her short blonde hair, the armor that’s pretty much a tank top, her fair skin gleaming under the dazzling sunlight, she looks very much at home. She starts towards the train station, leading others, citing off a few tidbits of interesting places around the square.

After deciding that you really want to catch that train, you know you have to hurry. You all quickly made your way out of the Grand Bazaar, dodging through the crowded stalls and vendors. In the process one (or more) of you - who remembers - casually destroy a fruit stand, making the owner yell "Al'ahmaq" at you and throwing an orange in your direction. Of course you are too quick for him so you only hear a surprised scream as the orange hit a lady instead. You don't have time to stop and explain yourself, you are in a rush and your hurry is evident as you barge through the busy northeastern avenue of Huzuz, knocking over baskets of spices and cases of scrolls and books as you go. Despite the setbacks, you pressed on, sprinting towards the train station, down the avenue and out of the northeastern gates of the city. Suddenly, Morax trips over a loose cobblestone and tumbles to the ground. The rest of you pauses to help their comrade back up and brush off the dirt, but you knew you had to keep moving. He quickly got back on their feet without any injury (his strong dragon tendons didn't even flinch on this) and continues his run towards the station. Finally, you rush onto the platform, panting and sweating, but relieved that you had made it in time to catch the train. You look up and see the beautiful and majestic...

...nothing! There's no vehicle on the platform, but there are several angry and fretful locals who are waiting for it. You hear a short, chubby man crying out loud:
"No, not again! I can't believe it!" - he turns to the other locals - "Remember two weeks ago when that sand orc shaman plied up a piece of the rail to forge a new axe for his battlechief? Or last week when that giant sandworm fell asleep on the rails? What is it again?" - A goblin who wears a brown conductor uniform with a small glowing train patch, tries to calm the man down, without any success.

A bit red on the face Direen looks at the crowd.

- Either we are late or the train thingy is... - she speaks taking deep breaths to calm her racing heart and a bit louder, towards the man in a brown uniform 

- Sir... Sir... - she tries to get his attention but the croud is too loud.

A bit angry she puts two fingers of each hand in her mouth and lets a very loud whistle...

- Oy! We late or what? - she asks afterwards.

The crowd looks into the direction of the loud whistle, no one answers right away, but the goblin conductor walks up to you.
"No, lady, you are in time, unfortunately the train is late...again" - he says it with shame in his voice, while takes a brief look at the chubby man he trying to calm down before - "I cannot blame the gentleman as he's right, there's always something with it. I see this train as a miracle of arcane engineering, but it's so unreliable right now! I hope it will be adressed in the future. Anyway, until the train arrives I suggest you to take a look at the station, if you wish. But don't venture too far!"


(OOG - Here's a map of the vicinity of the station: