Union! Game Thread

Arc glances up at Tarian and offers a self-deprecating chuckle, "Sorry if that's how I come across to you. However, Tarian, in all blunt honesty, I really don't care right now." He swallows another shot, "eugh...If you would be kind enough, please, tell me, what are you here for?" He finally locks eyes with Tarian, and a look of hopelessness is evident in his eyes, a haunting look in the eyes of a man who normally masks his emotions so well.

Tarian’s eyes widened a bit. She could never have predicted an apology from Arc. She spoke slowly, and tried to gather her thoughts as she spoke, reeling on her metaphorical back foot from this drastic change in the artificer. “Mister Brandt and Miss Corti and Miss Thia—we were supposed to meet here today after I spoke with Mister Sparks. You were there when I proposed that idea, but you said you wouldn’t be going, so I was surprised to see you here.”

Tarian scanned the near empty room. “I did expect Mister Brandt to be here, and maybe Miss Corti. I… may have angered Miss Thia a bit early this morning. She said to go without her.” Tarian gestured to the room. “Looks like I’ll be going to the Golden Rooster Inn without anyone.”

Tarian shifted awkwardly. “So, Mister Arc, you seem troubled. The kind of trouble that I don’t think a little lubrication will fix.” Tarian pointed at the empty glass. “I’ll listen, secrecy guaranteed, no charge, if you’d like.”

Drinking in celebration or camaraderie was fine, or even when sharing pain, but drinking alone to marinate your troubles was something that bothered Tarian. She watched her father go down that route after he lost his arm. She still blamed herself for that.

"...…" Arc looked up from the glass at Tarian, and for a moment he was angry at her. What did she know? Who was she to act like she would understand anything? "You....." …..what could he say? it wasn't her fault. Not really. It was his. He was to powerless. Arc stared at the glass again, lost in the tainted brown reflection of his own face. His hand moved over to his right eye as he traced the outline of his mark in his reflection, ".....tell me. What would you do, if everything you dreamed off. Everything you spent years working towards, was about to be made impossible, and your only options were to watch obediently as those who would control you have their way. Or push back at the cost of hurting or even destroying the ones you loved? What would you do?" He moves his gaze back to Tarian, "What should I do?"

Thia will turn to Brandt and Corti, "You're welcomed to join me and wait upstairs, or stay downstairs to wait for Tarian while I clean up." As she was only expecting Tarian, but did hope for a miracle that perhaps Milo or even Arc may show up. She'd hand either of them a spare key should the barkeep provide them.

Corti looks back at the main area of the tavern. "I think I'll wait down here, actually. I'll bring Tarian up when she comes." She accepts the spare key with a smile, and gives a small salute before finding herself whatever open seat she can find near the door to keep an eye out for Tarian.

Tarian rested her palm on her pommel and rocked her sword back and forth, the tip of the scabbard scraping on the wooden floor. “I already know what I’d do. First, I’d break out of my little gilded cage and figure out who was responsible for ruining my life, my plans, and my hopes for the future. While I was doing that I would cultivate a host of useful skills that could ruin someone’s day. Then, when I’d found who it was, I would determine which of my skills would be most effective at bringing them to ruin, and then I’d tear them apart.” Tarian lifted her hand from her sword. “Maybe not literally. There are often more subtle ways to ruin someone.”

Tarian briefly looked off into the middle distance, folded her hands together and thought of home before returning her gaze to Arc. “And when I get back home, if my family is dead and my hometown burned to the ground, I would mourn. I would mourn, but I would know who was truly responsible. I would mourn but I would continue to live on to be a woman they’d be proud of.”

Tarian pressed forward against the table, leaning closer to Arc. “As for what you should do, Mister Arc, you won’t find that answer in me, or in there,” she said, pointing at the glass. “The answer’s in there, should you get it to working again.” She pointed at Arc’s forehead. “Get to thinking about everything you could do, and the worst ways those things could go wrong. Then pick the thing you’d least regret doing.”

Tarian stood and hefted her heavy bag. The floorboards creaked a bit as she shouldered the weight. “As for me, I still have that job I need to look into. If you want to find out what life outside the cage is like, leaving home’d be a good first step; it worked for me. Duskrock has been a real eye-opener.” She offered a hand to Arc. “You’re welcome to come along to the Golden Rooster Inn if you’d like. We might even get the job if I had you with me.”

Arc glanced up at the hand that was offered, contemplating it for a solid moment. Releasing a sigh, he took it and tried to stand. Arc knew that Tarian's solution wouldn't work for him....but it was still nice to dream. "Sure. Might as well I suppose." Arc would just follow Tarian to the roost, keeping just behind her as his mind still wasn't all there...that and he was a little tipsy.

Thia would nod to Corti, “Great. Sounds like a plan.” And with that Thia would head upstairs to their newly acquired space to get cleaned up. Blood always stains...

"All right, I'll see you when Tarian gets here." Brandt also heads upstairs.

After an hour or so, Brandt, Cori, Thia, Tarian, and Arc all gather in the private room, around the large wooden table in the middle of the room. Thia had to ask the barkeep for additional chairs, which he gladly provided in exchange for an order of some ales and wines. Sparks and an additional person arrive with the drinks.

"Please, allow me to introduce Stefan Corsyr, decorated hero of Breland and Magistrate of Duskrock. I'm pleased to see so many of you here, and I must thank Miss Rhydderch for her efforts in this, as Mr Spudsder is absent. I'm sure you have questions."
The magistrate was a tall man, with dark skin, broad shoulders and a set of sars that lent credence to the alleged heroism. He inspected the individuals before him with an unsmiling eye, and remained quiet during Sparks' flowery introduction. Once the gnome had finished, he added.
"I thank you already for this meeting. I'm sure the importance of this mission has been imparted onto you already. I will not mince words: Breland needs you! But as Mr Sparks said, I'm sure you have questions."

With that, the two men sat down at the table, inviting the rest to start asking their questions.

Arc glanced up at the men speaking before them, registering them, but gave little more than a nod. He did attempt to sit properly in the chair, but he mostly just focused on listening to the ongoing conversations as watched the twirling drink in his cup. A part of him told him to stay silent out of caution, but the other part also just didn't care. So silent he stayed.

Tarian was more than a little surprised to see everyone waiting in the room upstairs. It was surprise enough that Corti was waiting for her downstairs—for a moment Tarian figured Corti was at the Golden Rooster to perform. There were many nights where she did not perform at the Gear, so Tarian had assumed that Corti was simply elsewhere during those nights. The more venues one could play, the greater their visibility, thus renown would increase, and better venues could be played. It made sense to Tarian. But when she learned that Corti, Brandt, and Thia had all been waiting for her, Tarian had to question herself on whether she had the meeting place wrong.

When the scarred man was introduced as Magistrate Corsyr, Tarian stiffened a bit. The Magistrate certainly knew why the Third Column was missing, and the Dragoons could be getting eliminated by Brelish interests. Pendrell’s words echoed in her head.

Cold sweat pooled in the small of Tarian’s back. If this is the Magistrate in question, I could be in a very bad spot. She looked at the rest of the crew she had so haphazardly assembled. In fact, we all could. Given that Mister Sparks called me by my surname when I haven’t given it, I have every reason to believe that they’ve already done some investigation of their own. The questions I most want answered could lead to problems for more than just myself if I ask them here.

“I think the questions most in need of answers are the details of the job. Spudsder went kind of light on those. He said we were to delay one Marshall Arceneaux, currently en route to Duskrock via the Silver Straight, under the pretense of a mapping expedition. He said pay was thirty denars per head in advance, one hundred fifty upon completion, and five denars per day for the mapping work. We’ve been out of contact since some ‘urgent business’ came up, so I’ve not heard any further details. I know a little of the Marshall, but without a plan, getting through an army of approximately eight hundred to delay her seems a bit unreasonable even for such a capable crew.” Tarian shook her head. “I can’t speak for everyone, but I’d like more details on the job before I agree to something so risky.”

The Magistrate gave Tarian a quick look, just enough to notice: "No need to be apprehensive Miss Rhydderch. I make it a habit to be the most informed person in the room- the war taught me that. 

As per the details, I'll give you the quick and dirty: Duskrock, through the Corphyrean Council, will host the peace conference to end this war for good. In the end, it will be this conference that determines the winners and losers, not the hundreds of thousands who bled and died from Thelamyria to the North Waters. You have by now no doubt heard about the various claims shooting up like spring flowers. Now, Garronia will need to partake, but as you seem to be aware, not every one of the Marshals is equally suited to represent their nation first and the legion second. While Arcineaux has the ambition to rise to leader, she is a radical who has profited most from the war, and for whom a return to peace would represent a loss of everything she has gained so far. She will have no interest in peace.

Your goal is to intercept Marshal Arcineaux, and invite her to Duskrock, but delay on the way. This is first and foremost an intelligence gathering and diplomatic mission, I don't want you to reignite the Last War through some dragoon raid. The mapping expedition will  be your cover for why you are in the region with telegraphing equipment and Duskrock officials. It also helps that you are very varied individuals, the cover will be much more believable as a result. Of course, as part of the mission, my office would very much like to be kept informed of the strength and the composition of the Marshal's forces, seeing as reports vary from as few as 80 to as many as 1000 legionnaires under her command. Additionally, she supposedly has a mysterious khalash advisor, any information on them would also be valuable.

Lastly, as per your pay: Officially, you're going to receive your pay through Mr Sparks' company, and when not in the Marshal's presence, a geological survey of the route should be undertaken- I believe Mr Cannith's presence will not only have to be symbolic, but would in fact play to his engineering mind as well. For the mapping work, five Denars a day, as agreed, and a group expense account of 200 Denars daily for the ten days of the expedition. We'll see about the compensation for you upon completion, but at the least, you will receive the 150 Denars per person."

Tarian pays close attention to the Magistrate and Sparks, but while being tense, they show no signs of deception or of ill-will. 

Once the Magistrate finished with his explanation, Sparks chimed in: "I have already prepared your contracts for your cover story.
Miss Tarian, you are the team leader, and chief negotiator for the expedition, under contract as one of the chief accountants for the company.
Miss Thia, you are employed as a field researcher responsible for the geological mapping of the terrain, with your warforged assistant.
Corti, you are a private warforged unit, attached for security and logistical support. 
Master Cannith, you are employed as chief engineer, and negotiator for the expedition.
Mr Brandt, you are there for security, trapper and as a consultant on tribal affairs.

The geological and mapping equipment will be provided free of charge." 

With that, Sparks pushes a contract to each one of the group sitting around the table, along with company papers confirming their false identities.

"Do you have any other questions?"

Arc raises his hand, and in a monotone, almost lifeless tone states, "I'll be bringing my own tools as well." As if remembering it at the last moment, he latches on, "And my guns." He then knocks back the last of his drink and lets out a large sigh. "I'll also be sending a note to my family that I'll be busy for a number of days." He casts a lazy, yet sharp gaze to the Magistrate, "I don't believe that should cause any trouble, and you may even review its contents if you desire."

"Just one. We aren't exactly politicians, how do you expect us to pull off a diplomatic mission? If the matter is that delicate, shouldn't this mission be given to actual diplomats?"

"And what of the people being poisoned?" Thia would blurt.

"I too expect to bring my own tools, but I also expect enough medical supplies for our team. And it not come out of our expense account." Her face would be calm but stern, "I'd like two denars a day of my pay be directed to the Veiled Valour to assist with the epidemic while I'm away." She'd cross her arms, the crest of the Veiled Valour obvious on her sleeve.

To Brandt, Arc lightly waves, as if to remind him that he is indeed here, "Apparently, going by the job titles, that'll be my job. Easy enough." Says the man almost drunk on cheap wine. His eyes cast back to Sparks and Corsyr, "With both my name and mark, not to mention the load of information in my head." Arc taps the side of his head for emphasis, "Even in the worst case scenario, the Marshal wouldn't want to kill me, be it out of fear of retribution or the fact I'm more valuable alive than dead. So that still gives you two an insider at the worst, a negotiator at average and a close informant at best... Did I miss anything?"

Corti focused intently on the Magistrate's description of the mission, a slight frown forming on her face as he talks. She gives a supporting smile to Thia, That's smart of her, hopefully bringing this to his attention will help those people. Corti nods to Brandt after he speaks, "I do agree with you, but the Magistrate is right, we are quite the motley crew, if none of you mind my saying so. While we are not exactly trained in diplomacy, everyone here is a skilled individual in their own right and each one of us, at least from what I know of you all, is hard-working and determined. Those all might just make us the perfect folks for the job." She looks to the group, not the Magistrate and Sparks, and gestures widely with her hands as she talks. Corti then turns back to their potential employers, "Is there any specific intel you're looking for, Magistrate Corsyr? Because for all the friendliness we can muster, Arcineaux's final goals might be a bit out of our reach."

Corsyr responded coldly: "Of course, your correspondence during the mission will have to be supervised. As per diplomats, sending them would make it look like Duskrock recognised Arcineaux as an official representative, which is exactly the opposite of what we want. By having officials of an unrelated mission welcoming her, the welcoming delegation is official enough to not openly spurn her, but gives deniability to the Council as far as accepting her as a representative goes. Miss Corti and Mister Cannith have brought this to the point quite nicely. You are a diverse group of individuals with a variety of skills, and a geological survey for the rail road would make sense.

Lastly, Miss Thia, I am aware of the ongoing situation, and having you willingly fund the relief efforts out of your pay will be a very welcome addition, I am sure. As per medical supplies, these can be provided, I am sure. Similarly, a cart and camping equipment will be provided as well." At the last of these points, he gave Sparks a look that made it clear that there would be no negotiation between the two of them.

"Any more questions?"

Thia’s concerns for the diplomatic part of the mission matched Brandt’s. But she would sigh with relief, hearing that even a drunk Arc is willing to accept the diplomatic title and political responsibilities to this whole thing. She’d look to him as he spoke. Although a little pickled, it was obvious his life experience revolves around that roll and he could probably rhyme off diplomatic jargon in his sleep. For a moment, sympathy for Arc washed over her. Doing what’s expected of you just because of blood relation and a family name... are you even free to dream?

Thia would exchange a smile and a nod to Corti when she would refer to them as a Motley Crew. It did not offend her and she agreed with her points. Although Thia respects Corti as fully equal, she’d be proud to refer to Corti as her assistant through this endeavour. It is only a title for show, but if it was a way for others to recognize and see Corti, a warforged, as more than just a war machine, it was worth it. 

Finally Thia’s eyes would meet back with the Magistrate, “I wasn’t questioning your knowledge, as you made it quite clear to Tarian that you’re the most informed person in this room. If anything, it confirmed you’d already be aware of this. It’s more of a question of how long...” She’d trail off not expecting an answer. “I appreciate you confirming the details of the additional requested equipment.” She’d give Corsyr a respectful bow of her head. “My only other question is not related to our job or contract... will Master Kobe be given a seat at the table so the voice of these people can be heard?”