"You needs ta loosen up. Die b'fore Emperor's guard kin kill ya." The Old Man remarked to Anearis. "An' a baff would'n hurt ya neither." He said scrinching his nose.
The pleasant aroma that Ura had prestidigitated to overwhelm the smell of the sewer tunnel beneath the city street, had by now worn off. The odor seemed to grab hold of the party's clothing.
He stood behind the table though, obviously not actually offended by the smell, but more so just pointed it out for the sake of bringing it up. "I may help ya. What tha boys did'n say tho, what d'ya plan to do wit the Emperor and 'is friends?"
"If his new friends are who we think they are, then it is likely we'll end up killing them." Austin says with a shrug. She looks to the old dwarf. "What do you know about a tree South of here, that has a hidden entrance under it? The one I seek recently used that tree as an entrance to get to somewhere underground. Likely some underground complex or tunnel system. Any ideas what lays South of the city, under the forest there?"
"That be tha case, I think we kin 'elp." He said it almost gleeful response to Austin's mention of 'killing'. However, to her second point, Austin would have been able to guess his response, by his expression alone, before speaking. The Old Man's face twisted in confusion, as did those of the other newcomers. "A tree? In tha southern forest? Plenty o'those but do'n know nuffin bout a hidden entrance."
The man wearing the eye-patch interjects, though not necessarily with useful information to Austin's ultimate goal of locating Viggo's whereabouts that she saw in her dream. "The forest covers almost a third of Shinra land south of here. If you're looking for a specific tree, the only way you're gonna find it is by knowing where it is, or small chance a hunter or tracker might be able to help. Not likely to find one of those in the city though. If it has anything to do with Big Head's Cathaanian friends, could always ask them."
The Old Man returns to the matter at hand "One more thing tho, if tha Emperor n his get in the way, willin' ta kill them to?"
"I say if you are not with us, then you are against us." Austin says with a shrug. "If this emperor of yours is helping them, and wishes to die along with them, then so be it."
Anearis grimaces at the request/question. They were already in deep trouble with one kingdom’s ruling class. He didn’t relish the idea of getting tangled in it even more. However, this could be the only opportunity they had of getting to the Berossus.
‘’We are after the visitors from Caathan. But like my friend said, if he stand in our way, we will do what must be done.’’
"T'way they cozy up ta him, 'ell stand in ya way. 'Is guards prolly to." The Old Man said with a smirk, though not the dimwitted one from before that he shared with Nik and Nack over their play at drinking the wine. This time the smirk seemed, almost devious.
"Either way, the presence of your wanting to break into the palace, is of mutual benefit." Added the one-eyed human male.
The Old Man unrolled a small piece of parchment and placed it on the table. "Gettin'ins easy. Tha tunnels gota a hatch in tha palace basement." He said as he pointed at a room on the map (A). "Its used fer storage, but throne rooms righ'up tha stairs." (B).
"Everything of value has mostly been picked over on that level, but as close as it is to the throne room, patrols will likely be constant. Shorty and Baldy volunteered to go with them." On the statement regarding individuals by the names of 'Baldy' and 'Shorty', the one-eyed human seem to be speaking more so to the Old Man, than to the party. "The Emperor and your Cathaan interests will most likely be there. I suggest you move quick, and you should be able to hit them and be out in no time."
Nik elbowed Anearis lightly, quite possibly as he was just the closest party member to him at the time. "Glad ya know me n Nack now, huh?" He whispered.
Uthal nods. "Before I potentially kill this Emperor of yours, I'd like to know what about him makes him worthy of killing? I've heard from others that his policies are not the best but that just seems like standard royal practice on this continent. What makes him specifically worthy of dying?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
The Old Man begins to open his mouth, but the one-eyed human quickly speaks up, either due to his ability to better articulate situations, or for his visible passion on the topic. "He treats citizens like play cattle, with no regard for their lives. He taxes the lower classes to the brink of starvation, just so he and his can live in luxury. Over his reign here for nearly a hundred years, thousands have died because they remained subservient. And nearly just as many for simply defying him. According to history, he was an advisor to the old monarchy. He had been stealing their wealth, and used that very coin to bride nobles and guards for his coop. Now that same wealth and power keeps him there, isolating himself in that place in order to retain his grasp around the necks of Wutai. There is no ridding ourselves from the snake in the palace, without removing its head."
The man's hands were balled into fists and visibly shaking, even after he had finished speaking.
"Let me put this to you, so you understand our place in all of this." Austin says with a glance to the various underground rebels of this city. "We are not here to help you overthrow your ruler." She shrugs. "If they stand in our way, then that is one thing, but we have no intention of taking out your emperor just because you want them gone." She meets the old dwarf's eyes. "With that said, if they try to get in our way, then I, for one, will not hesitate to take them out."
The Old Man nodded in agreement almost to Austin meeting his gaze, as if what she had said were to be considered 'acceptable terms'.
Turning toward Anearis to respond: "The same is beyond the walls of the city. There are few parts of Shinra that aren't subjected to similar conditions. And of those parts, even fewer would accept more mouths to feed. Those who had enough coin to start over have either left to do so, or stayed and allowed it to dwindle, unable to give up on their ties and legacy to the city and state. And the vast majority of us who can't afford it, simply have to choose between starving here or out there." The visible rage in the one-eyed human may have subsided, but the anger remained, in a defeatist type tone. "His power does not need to come from the people. The value of life is little compared to the value of bought loyalty among the nobles and Shinra's military. Its more than enough to ensure his reign."
"Way I see't e'll rub ya wrong soon nough to. We're rea'y a move when yar. Jus say tha wurd." The Old Man crossed his arms waiting for any response from the party to start what they came for, or additionally any further lines of questioning.
Ura listens quietly to the proceedings, her face growing grim at One-Eyed Jack's assessment.
(But she insight checks him anyway, because she didn't get this far in life by taking the statements of other thieves at face value: 3)
Clearly, Jack is telling the truth, or at least, Ura won't hear anything else, because the story is all too familiar. She stews, silently, until finally speaking up after Austin. "It's different. Human kingdoms have rulers that come and go like candle flames. Elves will keep on forever, unless something stops them. If he's as corrupt as you say, then this nation will be doomed to suffer for an eternity without intervention. Nothing will ever change, and the people on the bottom will suffer forever. Is this the legacy of the elves in Theviranne, then? To compete with the human kingdom in a race to the bottom?"
Ura snorts. "I'll fight every single government on this entire continent if it means lancing the pustule of corruption that seems to have been swelling here for so many years. Someone's got to do it. And what reputation am I trying to save, exactly? To get into the Right Hand's good graces? Gimmie a break."
She gives Jack a nod of solidarity. "My blades are ready to cut that bastard down."
"Le's git go'in then." The Old Man said with a nod towards One-Eyed Jack.
The Old Man and the baggy-robed gnome who hadn't said a single word to the party, or anyone while in the room, stayed behind as One-Eyed Jack went back out into the throne room, motioning for the party to follow.
Out in the throne room, One-Eyed Jack led the party towards a doorway in between a stack of rugs and a few open boxes filled with straw and dark-colored bottles. There, at the door, were two of the party's early acquaintances. The red-whiskered female dwarf and female goliath stood there watching Jack's approach. Once immediately next to them, he spoke to them, "You two have one hour exactly. If you can't avoid capture in that time, you better get yourselves killed. We can't afford any attention being brought to the cells during that time." The only reply the gave was a solemn nod, and Jack seemed to take this as acceptance. He turned back to the party. "Shorty and Baldy will be with you. Volunteered to help should you need the extra hands. Good luck." He held out his hand in the general direction of the party, should any take it.
"They don't need luck. They got us." Nik announced as he dragged Nack forward to the group. When they all returned to the throne room Nik had gone to where Nack had still lay, face down, on the floor. He now held Nack up by the back of his collar, pushing his brother foward.
Ura resists the urge to pick up Nik and punt him into the ceiling like a soccer ball. Instead, she gave Jack one of those elbow-to-wrist bro-clasps of solidarity. "Any last tips of us for getting to this Emperor of yours? We'll pretty much be winging it like we usually do, but there might be less disaster involved if there's anything more you can tell us. Particularly about the layout of his place."
Before the party sets out, Ura begins with a prodigious round of prestidigitations to clear off most of the foul scent from the party. "It's gross, but more importantly, it'll give away the game if they can smell us coming,"she says as she works.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"The staircase from the storage basement ascends to a hall that wraps around the throne room itself. The rooms off the hallway are primary bedrooms for staff, as well as a dining hall. Any doors along the internal wall of the hall will lead to the throne room." One-Eyed Jack motions towards the female dwarf and goliath. "Shorty and Baldy will be there to guide you, should you get lost."
((Unless anyone had anything further, prior to taking off))
The dwarf and goliath females from before resume their previous role as tunnel guides. Motioning the party to follow, the pair heads into another set of twisting tunnels; Nik and Nack following in the rear, due to Nack's inebriated state.
7
At about ten minutes into the walk, Nik had been humming some non-rythmic tune, which was shortly followed by a rather loud thud. Nack had once again fallen flat on his face, however, a small red pool began to slowly form near the side of his face. Nik bent down over him obscuring anyone's view, but called to Uthal, "Ay Biggins. Little help wit that mumbo-jumbo holy magic?" And waved Uthal over.
Uthal walks over and looks down at him, shaking his head with disappointment. He then places a hand on him, casting Spare the Dying. "If this turns into a fight I need that magic for someone not to drunk to be any good. He won't die though."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
24
When Uthal reaches to put a hand on Nack, Nik reaches out to grab the goliath's wrist and stop him. ((Spare the Dying not cast))
"Thanks Biggins." Nik announced loudly for the others to hear, before whispering to Uthal.
"Nack's fine. Juss smashed his nose. When yous are done. Don' go back to the Old Man's den. Come back down ta the tunnel from tha basement an' head tha other way. It'll take ya out of the city. There's a farm house, n the horses are in its stable."
Nik called back to the group again. "Nack's knackered. Ima take em back ta tha den. Yous keep going, I'll catch up. I know tha way."
"You needs ta loosen up. Die b'fore Emperor's guard kin kill ya." The Old Man remarked to Anearis. "An' a baff would'n hurt ya neither." He said scrinching his nose.
The pleasant aroma that Ura had prestidigitated to overwhelm the smell of the sewer tunnel beneath the city street, had by now worn off. The odor seemed to grab hold of the party's clothing.
He stood behind the table though, obviously not actually offended by the smell, but more so just pointed it out for the sake of bringing it up. "I may help ya. What tha boys did'n say tho, what d'ya plan to do wit the Emperor and 'is friends?"
"If his new friends are who we think they are, then it is likely we'll end up killing them." Austin says with a shrug. She looks to the old dwarf. "What do you know about a tree South of here, that has a hidden entrance under it? The one I seek recently used that tree as an entrance to get to somewhere underground. Likely some underground complex or tunnel system. Any ideas what lays South of the city, under the forest there?"
"That be tha case, I think we kin 'elp." He said it almost gleeful response to Austin's mention of 'killing'. However, to her second point, Austin would have been able to guess his response, by his expression alone, before speaking. The Old Man's face twisted in confusion, as did those of the other newcomers. "A tree? In tha southern forest? Plenty o'those but do'n know nuffin bout a hidden entrance."
The man wearing the eye-patch interjects, though not necessarily with useful information to Austin's ultimate goal of locating Viggo's whereabouts that she saw in her dream. "The forest covers almost a third of Shinra land south of here. If you're looking for a specific tree, the only way you're gonna find it is by knowing where it is, or small chance a hunter or tracker might be able to help. Not likely to find one of those in the city though. If it has anything to do with Big Head's Cathaanian friends, could always ask them."
The Old Man returns to the matter at hand "One more thing tho, if tha Emperor n his get in the way, willin' ta kill them to?"
"I say if you are not with us, then you are against us." Austin says with a shrug. "If this emperor of yours is helping them, and wishes to die along with them, then so be it."
Anearis grimaces at the request/question. They were already in deep trouble with one kingdom’s ruling class. He didn’t relish the idea of getting tangled in it even more. However, this could be the only opportunity they had of getting to the Berossus.
‘’We are after the visitors from Caathan. But like my friend said, if he stand in our way, we will do what must be done.’’
"T'way they cozy up ta him, 'ell stand in ya way. 'Is guards prolly to." The Old Man said with a smirk, though not the dimwitted one from before that he shared with Nik and Nack over their play at drinking the wine. This time the smirk seemed, almost devious.
"Either way, the presence of your wanting to break into the palace, is of mutual benefit." Added the one-eyed human male.
The Old Man unrolled a small piece of parchment and placed it on the table. "Gettin'ins easy. Tha tunnels gota a hatch in tha palace basement." He said as he pointed at a room on the map (A). "Its used fer storage, but throne rooms righ'up tha stairs." (B).
"Everything of value has mostly been picked over on that level, but as close as it is to the throne room, patrols will likely be constant. Shorty and Baldy volunteered to go with them." On the statement regarding individuals by the names of 'Baldy' and 'Shorty', the one-eyed human seem to be speaking more so to the Old Man, than to the party. "The Emperor and your Cathaan interests will most likely be there. I suggest you move quick, and you should be able to hit them and be out in no time."
Nik elbowed Anearis lightly, quite possibly as he was just the closest party member to him at the time. "Glad ya know me n Nack now, huh?" He whispered.
((Map posted in discord))
Uthal nods. "Before I potentially kill this Emperor of yours, I'd like to know what about him makes him worthy of killing? I've heard from others that his policies are not the best but that just seems like standard royal practice on this continent. What makes him specifically worthy of dying?"
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
The Old Man begins to open his mouth, but the one-eyed human quickly speaks up, either due to his ability to better articulate situations, or for his visible passion on the topic. "He treats citizens like play cattle, with no regard for their lives. He taxes the lower classes to the brink of starvation, just so he and his can live in luxury. Over his reign here for nearly a hundred years, thousands have died because they remained subservient. And nearly just as many for simply defying him. According to history, he was an advisor to the old monarchy. He had been stealing their wealth, and used that very coin to bride nobles and guards for his coop. Now that same wealth and power keeps him there, isolating himself in that place in order to retain his grasp around the necks of Wutai. There is no ridding ourselves from the snake in the palace, without removing its head."
The man's hands were balled into fists and visibly shaking, even after he had finished speaking.
"Let me put this to you, so you understand our place in all of this." Austin says with a glance to the various underground rebels of this city. "We are not here to help you overthrow your ruler." She shrugs. "If they stand in our way, then that is one thing, but we have no intention of taking out your emperor just because you want them gone." She meets the old dwarf's eyes. "With that said, if they try to get in our way, then I, for one, will not hesitate to take them out."
Ignoring Nack’s comment, Anearis quickly studies the map presented to them.
After the human’s response, the elf asks.
"What prevents you from leaving the city? A ruler without a people is weak."
The Old Man nodded in agreement almost to Austin meeting his gaze, as if what she had said were to be considered 'acceptable terms'.
Turning toward Anearis to respond: "The same is beyond the walls of the city. There are few parts of Shinra that aren't subjected to similar conditions. And of those parts, even fewer would accept more mouths to feed. Those who had enough coin to start over have either left to do so, or stayed and allowed it to dwindle, unable to give up on their ties and legacy to the city and state. And the vast majority of us who can't afford it, simply have to choose between starving here or out there." The visible rage in the one-eyed human may have subsided, but the anger remained, in a defeatist type tone. "His power does not need to come from the people. The value of life is little compared to the value of bought loyalty among the nobles and Shinra's military. Its more than enough to ensure his reign."
"Way I see't e'll rub ya wrong soon nough to. We're rea'y a move when yar. Jus say tha wurd." The Old Man crossed his arms waiting for any response from the party to start what they came for, or additionally any further lines of questioning.
"I'm ready to go." Austin nods to the old dwarf. She glances to her companions. "Anything else before we do this?"
"Will we be heading out on our own, or will you be providing back up? I’m ready either way. I simply want to know how large our group will be."
Ura listens quietly to the proceedings, her face growing grim at One-Eyed Jack's assessment.
(But she insight checks him anyway, because she didn't get this far in life by taking the statements of other thieves at face value: 3)
Clearly, Jack is telling the truth, or at least, Ura won't hear anything else, because the story is all too familiar. She stews, silently, until finally speaking up after Austin. "It's different. Human kingdoms have rulers that come and go like candle flames. Elves will keep on forever, unless something stops them. If he's as corrupt as you say, then this nation will be doomed to suffer for an eternity without intervention. Nothing will ever change, and the people on the bottom will suffer forever. Is this the legacy of the elves in Theviranne, then? To compete with the human kingdom in a race to the bottom?"
Ura snorts. "I'll fight every single government on this entire continent if it means lancing the pustule of corruption that seems to have been swelling here for so many years. Someone's got to do it. And what reputation am I trying to save, exactly? To get into the Right Hand's good graces? Gimmie a break."
She gives Jack a nod of solidarity. "My blades are ready to cut that bastard down."
Uthal grunts. "Let's go. I'm ready to kill that heretic."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
"Le's git go'in then." The Old Man said with a nod towards One-Eyed Jack.
The Old Man and the baggy-robed gnome who hadn't said a single word to the party, or anyone while in the room, stayed behind as One-Eyed Jack went back out into the throne room, motioning for the party to follow.
Out in the throne room, One-Eyed Jack led the party towards a doorway in between a stack of rugs and a few open boxes filled with straw and dark-colored bottles. There, at the door, were two of the party's early acquaintances. The red-whiskered female dwarf and female goliath stood there watching Jack's approach. Once immediately next to them, he spoke to them, "You two have one hour exactly. If you can't avoid capture in that time, you better get yourselves killed. We can't afford any attention being brought to the cells during that time." The only reply the gave was a solemn nod, and Jack seemed to take this as acceptance. He turned back to the party. "Shorty and Baldy will be with you. Volunteered to help should you need the extra hands. Good luck." He held out his hand in the general direction of the party, should any take it.
"They don't need luck. They got us." Nik announced as he dragged Nack forward to the group. When they all returned to the throne room Nik had gone to where Nack had still lay, face down, on the floor. He now held Nack up by the back of his collar, pushing his brother foward.
Ura resists the urge to pick up Nik and punt him into the ceiling like a soccer ball. Instead, she gave Jack one of those elbow-to-wrist bro-clasps of solidarity. "Any last tips of us for getting to this Emperor of yours? We'll pretty much be winging it like we usually do, but there might be less disaster involved if there's anything more you can tell us. Particularly about the layout of his place."
Before the party sets out, Ura begins with a prodigious round of prestidigitations to clear off most of the foul scent from the party. "It's gross, but more importantly, it'll give away the game if they can smell us coming," she says as she works.
"The staircase from the storage basement ascends to a hall that wraps around the throne room itself. The rooms off the hallway are primary bedrooms for staff, as well as a dining hall. Any doors along the internal wall of the hall will lead to the throne room." One-Eyed Jack motions towards the female dwarf and goliath. "Shorty and Baldy will be there to guide you, should you get lost."
((Unless anyone had anything further, prior to taking off))
The dwarf and goliath females from before resume their previous role as tunnel guides. Motioning the party to follow, the pair heads into another set of twisting tunnels; Nik and Nack following in the rear, due to Nack's inebriated state.
7
At about ten minutes into the walk, Nik had been humming some non-rythmic tune, which was shortly followed by a rather loud thud. Nack had once again fallen flat on his face, however, a small red pool began to slowly form near the side of his face. Nik bent down over him obscuring anyone's view, but called to Uthal, "Ay Biggins. Little help wit that mumbo-jumbo holy magic?" And waved Uthal over.
Uthal walks over and looks down at him, shaking his head with disappointment. He then places a hand on him, casting Spare the Dying. "If this turns into a fight I need that magic for someone not to drunk to be any good. He won't die though."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
24
When Uthal reaches to put a hand on Nack, Nik reaches out to grab the goliath's wrist and stop him. ((Spare the Dying not cast))
"Thanks Biggins." Nik announced loudly for the others to hear, before whispering to Uthal.
"Nack's fine. Juss smashed his nose. When yous are done. Don' go back to the Old Man's den. Come back down ta the tunnel from tha basement an' head tha other way. It'll take ya out of the city. There's a farm house, n the horses are in its stable."
Nik called back to the group again. "Nack's knackered. Ima take em back ta tha den. Yous keep going, I'll catch up. I know tha way."