Welcoming the Uncrowned

Tolbana is one of the few places that can still be wholly described as safe for the Adventurers of Yamato, and even that fact is challenged by the recent skirmish at the tower's front door. Thankfully, the Crowned in question were prevented from actually entering Aincrad-- if nothing else, the checkpoint does seem to be working well for the time being. Still, it has cast a certain nervous pallor over what should have been a far more jovial affair.

Well, at least there's still booze.

Due to prior engagements demanding his undivided attention at the time, Prophylaxis missed his last opportunity to meet with the Uncrowned of the Palace Lands. But! He /is/ technically in charge of the day-to-day operations of the Divine Dragons, which means that it is well within his power to organize a homey little shindig at the Dragon's Larder and issue invitations to the Uncrowned through the guild's vast diplomatic and mercantile network.

The Dragon's Larder has seen only mild festive touch-ups. Prophylaxis wanted the food and especially the drink to take center stage. One of the Spriggan chefs lays out a juicy Grunty roast onto a nearby table alongside a variety of local vegetable specialties, a basket of locally baked bread, a serving bowl of rice and a pot of flavorful, golden cluck-cluck curry.There are plates at the ready for diners to pile them high with food.

Naturally, the bar is also open, a keg has been tapped, and a couple more are standing ready if the need arises.

Prophylaxis himself sits at the table he set aside for dining and relaxed conversation in a cozy corner of the tavern's lower floor, waiting for his guests to arrive.

There are other members of the Alliance and Tolbana's Lander community present as well, of course. This is still a tavern, after all.

Vertina has everything set and ready to go for the group. She gives Prophylaxis a thumbs up, then slips behind the actual bar to be prepared as soon as the guests arrive. Taps are ready, kitchen is ready, just need the people to eat and drink and do all the talking so she doesn't have to.

With the checkpoint initiated at the entrance to Aincrad, it is no wonder that this is the first visit for Tian and the uncrowned to these Yamato-controlled lands. Of course, the Cait Sith had to remove their headgear and go through a modified version of the usual checks to be allowed entry.

The lupine enters first, acting as scout, it seems. A series of hand gestures follow, which some may recognize as a form of sign language. Their hand moves outward, flexing fingers. "<One of ours remains outside.>" Tian is likely referring to Gao, who had chosen to act as their guard, it seems. "<Watching.>" Two fingers are extended outwards, as if looking away.

For those who have not encountered the mysterious Tian before, those hand gestures have no vocal element to them, and yet... the game seems to give an understanding of what the signs mean.

Golden eyes are set almost immediately on the array of food and drink on offer. There is a glance towards Shenmi and a lift of the eyebrows. It has likely been a long time since the Uncrowned were met with any sort of warm welcome of this sort.

Tian extends thumb and pinky finger, rotating their hands. <"Quite a party."> Then, they take a step forward, still watchful, but obviously interested in just what the Yamato Adventurers may want in exchange for this warm welcome.

    Setsuna is late, he was suppose to already be here at the dragon tavern and help them set things up instead here he is slipping in through the backdoor and then taking a moment to catch his breath before hee casually strolls into the main room. Stepping behind the bar he prepares himself a cup of coffee and tries to not get noticed right away as being late to the 'party' and no matter what does he meet the doctor's eyes. Instead for the moment he just stands back behind the bar and tries to pretend he has been here the entire time.

For his part, Robert has taken up a casual position and an even more casual lean at the bar proper. Beside him is a glass filled with a warmly amber-hued liquid. Condensation beads and drips down the exterior.

As Tian enters, the glass is listed in a silent toast, coupled with a sip, before being placed back on the bar.

    Like Prophylaxis, Miyako had not been able to attend the first meeting with the 'Uncrowned' due to her own issues. She's managed to make her way to town for this one, however, having heard of it through news passed from friends.

    She casts a brief glance at the strangers as she enters, then shrugs and walks over to scoop herself a bowl of curry before taking a seat. She then leans back against the wall and puts her feet up to relax while she eats and waits for the fun to begin.

Haru was already in the area given the events at the checkpoint. The thing banged him up pretty good and although healing is thankfully much faster than the world before, it still gives him some time to be in the area. The offer was out to help, after all, and it is a nice place to get materials for Accessories or even Enchantment. He is about in the tavern and grabbing a drink when the festivities are starting. A white-haired man and familiar face from the last time talks occured. Though his one blue eye drifts to the side, distracted. What an eventful meeting that was.

A hand is raised to Proph but doesn't hop into a dialog. Figures that there is alot going on. He gives one to those he knows in turn, including Robert and Tian as well. Its not quite Cheers, but no reason it can't be for a little while.

As Shemi walks in, one can see him looking up and around at the whole place. He seems to take in the architecture, the decor, the layout of the place. Merely in admiration, it would appear from his slightly raised eyebrow and his smile of suprise, with his mouth barely open. But these are the Uncrowned. One might suspect it's a survival reflex by now.

When Tian directs their attention towards him, Shenmi returns the glance towards Tian, with a slight tilt of the head and a nod as a follow up, to layer a subdued emphasis on the moment.

Erect and affable as usual, top hat held in his hands, once the mutual glancing with Tian is broken, Shenmi takes some time to pace around the tables and admire the dishes, interest which follows through unabated when the time comes to admire to the keg. "Quite a lucullan feast, Doctor," he exclaims, with a sharp turn towards Prophylaxis. "I see you were not only true to your words, but your invitation belied an understatement. It is not often that positive happenings are understated."

The front door of the tavern bursts open, and the towering form of Syx stands there. He steps inside, wandering past all of the Uncrowned and straight to the bar, "Vertina, hook a brother up!"

It takes several moments before he notices that there seems to be something going on, as he takes a second to look around.

He takes another second to check the time and date on his menu. Doesn't look like it's any holiday or anything. Summer festival isn't this week.

"What'd I miss? Is it somebody's birthday?"

Technically speaking, nobody is really 'late' yet. The guests have just arrived, after all! You can't be late if the guests of honor haven't even made their entrance! Still, Prophylaxis acknowledges Setsuna's glance, and nods both to him and the other Adventurers near the bar. It's always good to have support.

Though if they want to grab some grub too, he's not going to stop them.

The doctor smiles and pushes himself up from his table as the Uncrowned make their entrance. "Ah, welcome! I'm glad that you could all make it. I appreciate you all coming out of your way to join us. I thought of setting something up in Alne instead, but given the circumstances I felt that Tolbana was a better venue."

He pauses to regard Tian for a brief moment, as if recognizing something about the gestures that they're using. before nodding respectfully, "We'll reserve something for them, then. I can't blame you all for being cautious."

Then he signs something of his own in reply-- though it's of a very different gesticular dialect. Still, it translates just fine, "<I hope they like pork.>"

Prophylaxis nods to Shenmi, then. "Well, it's not every day we receive guests from across the sea," Ones who aren't interested in murder and slavery anyway, "I figured that it was appropriate to break out a few luxuries." He hoists a mug of frothy booze in a toast, then, the beer sloshing this way and that, "Welcome, again, to Tolbana and to Aincrad. We're certainly glad to have you all as our guests. I understand that you've had quite a difficult journey, and an even more difficult experience in the Palace Lands. I hope that you can find some succor here in the course of your stay, and that we can be of assistance in the days to come. The Scale stands as ever in protection of the interests and well-being of all Players, no matter where they might hail from. Feel free to dig in! We have all night to talk."

    Setsuna looks at the two Uncrowned as he sips his coffee and then makes a face as he realizes he forgot the sugar and sets the cup down. There is a look around the bar for wherever Vertina hides the sugar, most likely missing the jar labeled sugar many times. Finally he gives up though, this was suppose to be a social thing not a stand behind the bar and drink coffee thing. Looking towards Shenmi he speaks up finally breaking the silence, " So then this your first time in the tower then, where the good times never stop?" Yep good times, so good in fact he reaches down to sip his coffee and remembers to late that it is black and bitter. Settings the cup down he looks around at the group that has all gathered before looking back at the guest. "So enjoying the weather over here? Is it nicer then the other place? I didn't really get over there a lot myself, but I hear it was indeed a place. Did you guys know there were exploding slimes? Crazy stuff really."
     The necromancer stops rambling questions though when the doctor begins the opening ceremony of the party and he simply waits for it to be over. There were some interesting choice words in that greeting and he is curious if the guests of honor will catch them. Finally when all is said and done Setsuna just adds, " And don't worry about any headgear specific people showing up. We already proved that our single point of entry security team can drive that back. Man I heard that was a fun time for all involved."

Vertina gives Setsuna a scritinizing look briefly, but the fact that he rarely ever shows immeadiately has been accounted for and she merely shakes her head. More interesting things to worry about.

When it's mentioned one of the Uncrowned has remained outside to stand guard, not a bad wariness considering they've had the Crowned try to get into the tower already, she notes and nods in agreement with the Good Doctor. "I'll have some food sent out for him, and he can come in for drinks afterwards." Even she isn't one to start drinking on guard duty, she's not going to encourage it in others. She instructs one of the waitstaff to put a plate together and take out to the sentry, then settles back behind the bar once more. "There's plenty to go around, we made sure of it. Figured you guys might not of had a really decent meal in a while, between travelling and... y'know."

"We've also got the best booze-brewer in all of Yamato," Robert chimes in, hitting the word with air from his diaphragm to call out to the two Uncrowned. He jerks a thumb over his shoulder in Vertina's direction, to ensure there's no ambiguity on that point.

So saying, he snags his drink and steps aside to allow for a direct path to said booze. And to briefly consult with Syx. "Doc's laying out the welcome mat for some folks from the Palace Lands who didn't take kindly to being mind-controlled by the jerks currently invading us," he explains.

Though there seems to be the open offer of both food and drink, there are obvious reasons why Tian and the others might not be all that keen on being the first to join in such frivolities. They do accept the drink from Haru, lifting it to their nose briefly and then giving an incline of the head. It is set down, for the time being, if only to have use of both hands.

The Cait Sith's tail is lightly tucked, a sign in body language that they aren't exactly comfortable just yet. Taking their hands and raising them towards Setsuna, they are lightly wiggled back and forth with a somewhat questioning look in their gold eyes. "<We're talking about the weather?>" Perhaps small-talk is a bit lost on the Uncrowned messenger.

There is a lupine tilt of the head as Prophylaxis offers some sign in return, even if it is not the exact version that Tian is familiar with. They hold thumb and index finger together and move them apart questioningly. "<Japanese?>" Though the understanding is there, the Cait Sith seems curious, regardless. They follow up with the signs for American and Chinese sign language.

Tian moves two fingers like someone moving across terrain, then circles a closed fist with thumb towards themselves, a flat hand behind it. "<It has been a long journey. Dangerous.>" Then, they touch fingers to their chin and extend it outward. "<Thank you for the welcome.>"

There still seems to be some caution about joining in the feast, but Tian eventually decides to partake in both food and drink. If nothing else, it allows them to take on any ill effects in the stead of the others. "<This is unusual. Very little safety in the Palace Lands.>" Tian finger-spells the name of the location, their hands moving between symbols. However, there is a distinct choice between speaking and eating, and the Cait Sith chooses the later for now, motioning to Shenmi to pick up some of the talking.

Shenmi is already hovering near the cold cuts area. Top hat back to standing tall atop his head, so that his hands are free again, or, at least, were: one is now holding a plate, atop which lie two elongated slices of bread with a stiff crust, while the other grasps the chopsticks he is using to pick through the selection of toppings.

"Hmmm. Grunty bacon, yes, nice. Lettuce, ah, fresh, crispy. Yes, yes, exquisite. Oh-oh, and what kind of vegetable do we have here?" He tilts his head. He picks up a juicy red slice, roughly the radius of a baseball, which he holds against the light. He places it in his mouth, chews, and nods with a hum of approval before swallowing. "Close enough to tomato. Will do."

Hand previously holding the chopsticks now holding a tankard full of beer, he meanders back to his table. He places down the items he was carrying.

"If these are the good times," he says sweeping a hand around the banquet, "I really do hope they never stop." The rest of Setsuna's word elicit mild confusion in the man. "Slimes?" he asks, pulling back slightly. "Are you telling me there are people who still even -think- about slimes at the skill level everyone must have reached by now?" He thinks for a moment, and then sounds concerned, as he leans over slightly. "Do you mean that in Yamato you still have people whose level is so low they still fight -slimes- to level up?" He glances with utter disbelief towards Tian as if for asking if they already know.

He picks up his sandwich, and sinks his teeth into it-

He makes a face. A surprised face.

His pupils rotate downward, and as he pulls his mouth from the bread, there is an ace of clubs between his lips, which slides neatly out of the two slices of bread. "I beg your pardon...", he says, flicking the card between his fingers-hey, where'd that card go?

He removes his hat, gives it a few twirls as he lowers it, and holds it bottom-side-down on the table so that all the people nearby can easily see inside. Not that there is anything to see, mind you.

He closes one eye and pulls his open one close to the hole. "I know you're in there, you rascal. Have you been practicing behind my back without telling me? I thought we went over this already."

He grabs the rim of the hat, gives it a couple twirls to turn it right-side-up over the table, gives the bottom a few firm taps, and-

Flop. A bun-bun rains down from the previously empty hat. It looks left and right, nose twitching rapidly, ears turned forward in curious exploration.

"Gentlemen, I would like to excuse Bao for showing up uninvited. He's my new assistant, and he aspires to, one day, have his own show one day. So he keeps practicing his basics of prestidigitation when I'm not looking." He gives the rabbit a little scritch on the back. "Fear not, for he his well-behaved, housebroken, and-" He moves the scritching to the head, causing the bun-bun to close its eyes for a moment. "...as you can notice, lacking a crown on his head."

"The best booze-brewer in all of Yamato? If this means we get the best booze in Yamato, I'm game," He laughs. And then looks around. "So, anything in particular you would like to discuss?"

"Ohhhh. That explains the extra security too." Syx replies, as he finally gets himself a drink and then leans back against the bar. He grabs some food from nearby and looks at the gathered group, "So those ones are the Palace Lands folks? They don't look any different." He says, before taking a drink, "I was expecting like, I dunno. Horns and fangs and stuff." He scratches the hair around one of his own horns before taking another drink.

    Looking up from her bowl of curry, Miyako eyes the pair of foreigners warily. After her encounter in Shibuya, and the news that she's heard since then, she has reason to be wary. "It's good to see that we have .. well, friendly neighbors, as it were," she starts, then takes another bite of curry while she watches the rabbit trick. "So, does he do any other tricks?"

Haru enjoys a stout while things start to kick off. He is not light on grabbing the noms, either, snacking on some small cut sammiches while he leans back and smiles. This is nice. Food. Drink. Some entertainment in a hat-and-card-trick. Right there Proph is signing to Tian. Slimes have come up in discussions twice and approaches its required quota of three point one four. It has all the hall marks of a Gold Star social event with the reward being sent to the inventory afterwards: 1x Cheer.

To Setsuna, Haru offers a jovial, "A regular dance party. Ten out of ten, would dance again."

To Vert and Robert, he raises his mug that is filled with that good brew. Compliments to the craftsmanship. Brewing and Cooking products are right up in there with the things he is glad exist. He hand stays up for for a while longer, doing a slow descend as he watches the magic trick. "Nice," he says with the 'not bad' face on. Couple nods and fresh drink. Ay, its a talent show time! He agrees with Miyako there, nodding while he gets his next fix of brewed deliciousness.

    Setsuna moves from behind the bar and takes a seat near Shenmi, "Oh yes Slimes are indeed truly fascinating things. We no longer fight them, we make use of the monsters for many versatile things. The finding of exploding slimes is an interesting factor into mining among other ideas. " Then the entire bun-bun incident plays out and Setsuna just has to add, "However if you are still at the level of keeping simple bun-bun's as assistants then thats understandable that you wouldn't have realized their uses yet." Setsuna cast another look at the bun-bun and can't help but think the employee of the month could take the thing before looking up and smiling at Shenmi. " More beer?"

"These ones aren't wearing tiaras," Robert explains to Syx, with an air of grave scholastic accomplishment. "They're normal. I suppose you might see horns and fangs and the like on some of them though? I wonder if their werefangs are different species than ours are."

It is at this point that Shenmi pulls his pet rabbit out of a hat, leaving Robert to offer polite applause. At least until something clicks. Concern dawns. He edges over towards Vertina, and leans in across the bar. "Hey, Vert," he murmurs, sotto voce. "We didn't...uhh. There's no roast rabbit, right?"

Prophylaxis nods in reply to Tian's linguistic inquiry. "I had to pick some up in the course of my medical career. The sign language, I mean. As you might expect, most of us here are in fact Japanese." It IS the Japanese server, after all. But there are a number of stranded Americans and sundry other foreigners as well! "I'm glad that you and your fellows managed to make it," he continues, taking a long draw of his beer. "How /did/ you all make it across the sea, anyway? I can't imagine our Crowned friends would haave taken kindly to stowaways."

Or rather, they probably would have taken /too/ kindly to stowaways. In the 'welcome to the cult' sort of way.

Their guests are wary about the food. Prophylaxis picks up on the mute one's hesitation relatively quickly, and goes to fill his own plate as well. "You'd be surprised. One of Yamato's adventurers has advanced the field of Slimeology pretty substantially in her time here. In fact, Setsuna over there is one of her research assistants."

CONGRATULATIONS SETSUNA, you have now been dubbed 'Assistant Slimeology Researcher.'

But then! A magician puts on a show! "Oh!" Prophylaxis grins as a bunny flops out of Shenmi's hat. A bun-bun! Out of a hat! "Ah, a classic! Look at you, little friend. I'd offer to let you meet my own bun-bun, but I'm afraid that we've grown quite keenly aware of what happens if too many gather in one place. Still..."

The doctor picks up a saucer and loads it up with a variety of salad greens and tiny radish and carrot slices, setting it down for the bun-bun's enjoyment. "A bunny is cute no matter how lethal they might be in large numbers, though," he admits around a mouthful of his own curry.

But then Shenmi asks the... pertinent question. What in particular /do/ they want to discuss?

"Well, I suppose I should be frank. We're in something of a pickle with all this pressure from the Palace Lands. The fact that Landers are able to twist the minds and hearts of Adventurers is an existential threat that we can't deny, especially given that they seem driven to see us all wiped out or brought under their heel." Prophylaxis sighs and sets himself back into his seat. "We need information. Whatever you might be able to give, particularly if you know of a method by which the Crowning process can be undone. In the interest of being honest and open, we do have in our custody a handful of Crowned captives, and I'm working on figuring out whether their minds can be restored, but it would be of great help if you had any idea where I should start."

"Other than that, I'd also like to know... What happened. We met with tremendous resistance in our first interactions with the Palace Lands, and it seems like they were ready and waiting for an excuse to attack us. That kind of animosity does not merely manifest out of the blue. We are fully on the side of the Adventurers in this, of course, but knowing the... context of the war's origins is important in charting a course to its end."

Despite the scale patterns on her cheeks Vertina still flusters a little at all the praise being tossed her way. "Hey no, just because I spent over a month in an obsessive mood over drafting the perfect new drink the world has never seen doesn't mean I'm -the- best." Pause. "Well okay, close to it. Still room to improve, if this Quest that came up from it is anything to show."

Then Bao gets a look. And a sigh as she shakes her head. "Normally I'd say no animal companions on the tables, but you guys have enough troubles to worry about. Just make sure he leaves some food for the rest of us," she finishes with a laugh.

Well, perhaps Tian had intended on making sure things were safe, but... leave it to Shenmi to turn dinner into a show. The Cait Sith rolls their eyes with an affectionate sort of indulgence that has come from likely knowing the performer for many months. Then, lifting their shoulders, the Cait Sith just seems to accept that joining in the feast is a show of trust. It wouldn't take long to see if these Yamato Adventurers are worthy of it.

The fact is, it all seems very... easy going, which is a far cry from the way that the Uncrowned have lived over the past year. Tian's overly fluffy tail sways at a slow pace, lightly dragging the ground as the lupine eats, drinks, and watches the way the others all relate to one another.

The gold eyes flick back to Prophylaxis, still chewing as they raise their hands in answer, "<Attended university in the United States. Grew up in China.>" Which likely explains their use of two different versions of sign language. As for the question about how they had gotten here, Tian's mouth quirks in amusement, hands forming out the answer: "<Stowed away on one of your ships.>" The 'your' is vague, of course, likely referring to any number of retreating forces from the Palace Lands.

Tian taps their finger on part of one of the tables, seeming thoughtful. Just like before, when the idea of removing a crown was talked about, the Cait Sith seems hesitant to explain too much in detail. Eventually, they offer up a motion of two fingers next to their shoulder, circling. "<A powerful Lander noble can remove it. Uncertain if your Landers can.>" There is a shake of the head as Tian touches fingers to their forehead and away again. "<Otherwise, only if destroyed.>" This goes along with a motion as if they were grasping and ripping something. The Cait Sith motions, "<Difficult. Hard to destroy.>" Which likely explains that the crowns are no simple, ordinary object.

The question of how it all started, well.. that is another matter, it seems. Tian makes a sort of claw gesture that touches their arm, "<Landers in the Palace Lands were more powerful than us. Higher Level.>" Then, they continue with the same explanation offered earlier. "<In Kallamore, Adventurers tried to take power. Banks. Economic manipulation. Cheating. Loans. Landers retaliated.>" They continue signing, but it seems they are trying to keep the ideas conveyed simple. "<Different triggers in different places.>"

Vertina points with a clawed fingertip. "You said difficult. But not impossible!" Which really isn't much, but it's still a small flicker to grab onto. Then drums her fingers on the bartop. "I suppose it's just as hard to do so without, you know, pummeling the person wearing it that you're trying to decurse."

As Syx finishes one mug she fills another with fresh Dragon Draught and slides it down to him. But a keen ear is still kept on the ongoing conversation. ".. Well, that would explain why they've got it up hard against Adventurers that run their own operations. Or have founded their own settlements. They probably suspect us of similar shenanigans, but successful."

    "So, actually removing the crown really would release them from control?" Miyako asks, indulging her curiosity. "How much force does it take to break it?" There's a little upturn to her lips that speaks to an internal smile of anticipation at the chance to find out firsthand.

    She flicks her gaze to Vertina and hmms. "A good point," she muses. "I have to wonder what might happen if we were to arrange an appropriate meeting with our own nobles."

    A moment later an interesting question comes to mind. "So, thought. Does the crown make you loyal to the country placing it, or to the country you belong to already? Because that opens -interesting- possibilities if it's the latter."

"Now I heard some of them joined willingly." Syx says, as he takes the drink sent his way by Vertina and takes a huge chug from it, "Now I might not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but even if we get the crown off of those folks, they'd still wanna kick our asses. So I think we'd need like, a list of who we might actually be able to get the crown off of and have them turn around and help us."

SpritesHero's lips twitch for a moment as his gaze shifts over towards Miyako. He sips from his beverage once before speaking. "People should make their own choices," he asserts, mildly, staring into the swirling depths of his glass. "And more importantly, people should know that their choices are always theirs to make. I for one would be very worried if advantage determines whether one's choice is taken away, or no. No matter how tempting the thought of using Crowns might be." His shoulders rise and fall in a small shrug, and then he turns to Syx.

"Would also depend on why they willingly got Crowned," he suggests to the other man. "Some might true believers. Others may have found the penalties of not being Crowned intolerable."

Shenmi gives a smile, "Ah, yes, Doctor. I am, indeed, quite a fan of the classics." He listens with utter astonishment at Prophylaxis' explanation about slimes. "An... an Adventurer advanced a field?" He blinks. Slowly, pulling back, hands on the table. "An -Adventurer- was allowed enough resources to study and experiment enough to advance a field?" One. Two. Three slow blinks. The surprises never stop coming. He seems to realize his sudden distraction, so he resumes with a more neutral, "...Interesting. So, slimes have actual applications? Who would have guessed. Back home, they are just... some sort of not really common monster." He looks down, suddenly a bit more serious as he concentrates, index finger bent in a hook in front of his chin which he holds up with his thumb. "Or... was, at least. I've heard monster infestations have been on the rise in the Palace Lands."

"I have never intended to demean your field of study, my good friend!", Shenmi explains, with a slight bow. "And I would likewise politely ask that mine is not demeaned either. Lagomorphs are an established classic of stage magic. They are not usually picked for their power level."

Shenmi gladly allows the treat to be placed in front of Bao which, after the obligatory curious approaching and sniffing, starts to partake in the feast.

He raises his eyebrows at Miyako. "Tricks? Why, my dear friend, our Bao here -teems- with tricks. Wait, what is it, Bao?" He takes his ear close to the bun-bun's head. The bun-bun turns to twitch his nose into the magician's ear, and he nods along with intensity, as if following a serious discussion. "Okay, he says that he will show another one, but he does not wants to do it in his jammies. Fair enough, I would say." He places the top hat over the bun, and lets go, hiding the little fluffy creature from view. A couple of light raps with his knuckles on his top as he asks, "You ready now?", he puts his hand behind his ear while turning it to the hat. Silence. "Ok, I'll take that as a yes."

He lifts the hat, to reveal a Bao now wearing an undershirt and little carrot-themed boxers. Still munching on the vegetables the Doctor has provided.

Feigning shock and surprise, Shenmi waits for a few moments for everyone to take in the sight, then slaps the hat down around the little bun again. "Good Heavens, Bao! That is why you're supposed to reply when I ask you."

There is a quick gesture of acknowledgement and gratitude towards Vertina. Enough to be seen, but fleeting enough not to disrupt the timing of the show.

"All that practice at making sure people don't see you when you're on a stage right in front of them, and they all have their eyes pointed on you can be useful for other things, yes...", Shemi chuckles as a follow up to Tian's comment about stowing away on their ships.

"I admit I know the stories only indirectly. The way I've heard it, the first kingdom to move was Rosenheim. They sealed up and flooded the church, and used Undines as part of their process of crowning disoriented adventurers on Respawn. There was no need to explicitly hunt them, Adventurers would die to monsters a lot in the early days. As for Thor... Gao would be more qualified to speak about that Kingdom, but..." He glances towards the door, as if considering whether to proceed with his story or not.

Oh no, Bao! For shame! For shame, showing up in those adorable little bun-bun-sized clothes. Prophylaxis somehow resists the urge to emit a sound so high-pitched that ordinary human ears would find it impossible to detect.

Instead he munches his curry diligently, but does give the adorable little bunny a quick round of applause.

If only all bun-buns could do so many tricks.

"I see," Prophylaxis answers the signing wolf. "I had to care for many victims of the Flash of Death, some of whom were rendered deaf or mute by the disaster. So I picked up sign language to help. I'm glad you were able to make it across the sea, though. Stowing away must have been an unpleasant experience."

But by far a better option than remaining in the Palace Lands.

"So," the doctor frowns, leaning back in his seat. His brow creases contemplatively, brows knitting close, "Either a powerful Lander, or we need to destroy them. But it sounds as though they're... protected items, are they not? That is, are they Indestructible Items? We have ways around such protections, but they're not... trivially acquired."

Hacking might be necessary, it seems.

The revelation of /what/ went down in the Palace Lands seems... somehow unsurprising to the doctor. "I surmised that exploitative economic activity might have been at least one cause, given how resistant Lumina Cloth was to our attempt to purchase land for an embassy. In retrospect, I'm kind of glad that plan fell through." If it had succeeded in the short-term, the long-term problem of needing to enact a risky rescue attempt would have been... a problem.

"How early did all this happen, exactly? I'm... surprised that they were able to discern the weaknesses of your average Adventurers so quickly. Flooding a church is a tactic that would be unlikely to activate the Guardians, but thinking up such a plan... Either they got lucky, or they learned how to exploit the world's systems before your own Adventurers could react." From Shenmi's description, it was /quite/ early indeed. He gives the magician a look, then shrugs. "Speaking of advancements... If you like, I can administer a vaccine to small pox. It might be a recent development, but I guarantee its efficacy."

"While we are on Crown Talks, TM," Haru says with a literal addition of TM for trademark, "I didn't get much of anything off of weak spots to break them down with brute force. This being from someone who has spent most of their time until recently making jewelcraft accessories with enchanting, has specialized equipment, and the object is a crown." Stars line up thier in speciality. Caveat. He weeble wobbles his hand after that statement, "Also in the thick of battle where its not exactly 'prime environment' for it, but take it as you will." He doesn't say you need to hack the planet, but otherwise is alluding to the same page with Proph there.

"<Removing the crown would release them.>" Tian answers, motioning both hands away from themselves. Once again, they seem to evade going into details about where they acquired this knowledge, at least for now. Then, the Cait Sith touches their head with fingers and then move their hand away while shaking their head. "<Unknown how much damage. Hard to damage the crown and not the Adventurer.>" The Uncrowned have clearly not had much luck in that regard.

Taking the opportunity, the wolf-fox shoves more food into their mouth while they have the chance, making sure not to let such a generous spread go to waste. Following up with a long drink, Tian wipes off their mouth and offers another answer, "<Most were not crowned willingly. Some did. Those who preferred this world to their own.>" Tian cups a hand over their heart. "<Those who cared more for Landers and their ways than each other.>"

It's possible that this is simply how Tian sees the situation, but some people may hear some striking similarities in the viewpoints of those who willingly chose to be Crowned... and the members of certain Yamato Alliances. Apparently, people may not be so different, even across such distances.

Tian doesn't elaborate on the source of their disability, though from their own story, thus far, it has likely been that way for some time. Instead, the mask-wearing Cait Sith taps their fingers again on the table before signing, "<Less than a month? Very soon after the dark.>" This corresponds with a motion of both hands down across their eyes.

The offer of a vaccine is met with another of those looks towards Shenmi. Tian likely looking for their thoughts on the matter. Eating the Adventurers' food is one thing, taking experimental drugs seems like something else entirely.

"I bet I could break one." Syx says, as he holds up one hand, and then clenches it into a fist, "I have suplexed a boss monster so hard it made a crater before. I've slammed another one through multiple decks of a ship. If anybody could break a crown it's me." He finishes his drink and then slams the mug down on the counter, "So I say bring them on."

    Setsuna holds up his hands at Shenmi, "Fair enough you stick with your buns I will stick with my menagerie of monsters. " Casting a glance at Bao he grins, " You and them have a lot in common. Several of them like buns to." OK so Setsuna is definately not behaving his best, maybe there is reason to his madness, maybe he just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Sipping his cold bitter coffee he looks over at Tian, " I feel like there is a question hanging in the air that hasn't been asked. How many are there of your resistancce?" So many people were talking about saving the enemy but despite recent victories this was still war and they weren't exactly on the winning side yet.

Vertina leans towards Syx. "All that is true, but we're trying to think of ways to break it without breaking the person wearing it. Rescue the ones that didn't -want- to be mind slaves."

    "Hmmm," Miyako muses again. "Those who love this world more than their own, hmm?" She purses her lips briefly as she considers it. Her bad idea seems to be growing. "Those who saw this as their new home..." She toys with her spoon for a moment, flicking it in quick circles around her hand, before looking down at it as if confused by its presence. "Well. Well well well...."

SpritesHero is sure making his beverage last a long time. Probably because it plays the afterthought to the complexities of the scene around him. For a moment Miyako gets a questioning, puzzled look, but it's dismissed with a shrug. "There's very little that can't get solved by a good suplex though," he points out to Vertina and Syx. "I mean, sure, the details around it might need to be tweaked. But all in all, it's a good, solid approach."

Robert may speak thoughtfully and with magnanimity, but there's something to his expression that suggests he just wants to see some snooty Palace official going butts-up in public. Possibly the faintly dreamy quality to his eyes.

At length he recovers, shaking off the vision of his inner mind's-eye. "Question." he asks of the Uncrowned. "The Adventurers who get reclassified as Landers. Do they still respawn if they get killed, or no?"

Gao happens to come in about then, looking around before heading for the bar. "Who made this!?"

He looks just a little excited. Wasn't he the guard outside from the Uncrowned? And someone just brought him a drink, right? Maybe? It's kinda... a weird look for the man to be popping in and asking about a drink.

Vertina gives a short whistle at the question to get Gao's attention, though he's already meandering to the bar. "You must be the third member of the little band they were talking about. Come in, sit down, have a drink and take a load off." Then gives a short playful bow. "Vertina Ketobasu, proprietor and barkeep of the Dragon's Larder, at your service."

"To each their own," Shenmi replies to Setsuna. "Oh, they do, they do. As someone who cares for a bun-bun, it is one of the main rules to observe: make sure he does not get eaten by monsters." He turns to glance at his hat, still held down on Bao. "Which reminds me..."

He pulls up the hat again, and this time, Bao is in a bun-sized three piece suit, and a miniature top hat, the bowl of treats having been decimated already by the voracaious creature. "There he is, in his performance threads," Shenmi says, before putting his hat back on his head and placing a hand under Bao, to take the creature to his chest and pet it. He feeds it a carrot he appears to materialize out of thin air, gesture which is deeply appreciated by Bao, who was already stretching his head towards the treats left on the table, and resumes, "So, where were we... oh."

Shenmi is too busy being shocked at the mention that Adventurers have -also- developed a vaccine. "Goodness gracious, -two- advancements? By Adventurers?" He cannot resist, and activates his Chimlinks. "Gao, you'll never believe this! Adventurers here are given the freedom, time and resources to advance their fields! They've done research on slimes, developed a vaccine, and-" That is when he realizes that Gao is in the same room. "Holy cripes, what is up with that drink?", he asks, unsure what the Brewer is about to do. And then he nocies that Tian is giving him an interrogative look about the vaccine.

He strokes his (rather dapper) bun bun in thought, and finally says, "That... is an interesting development and a generous offer, Doctor, but I think this is the kind of offer we would like to consider for a later stage of our cooperation. I am sure you will understand."

Bao gets a few scritches on the back, while the conjurer considers the question of their numbers. "We're more than they think. Fewer than we'd like. Enough to help."

"I mean I know that." Syx says to Vertina, "I mostly meant that I'm definitely strong enough to break a crown. I just need to get my hands on one." He ponders a bit, "That or I mean, there's gotta be some kinda magic that controls all of them. Stuff like this always has some kind of single point of failure. Like a thermal exhaust port that's about two meters wide. Maybe if we can figure out what that is we can break all of them at once."

While Miyako comes to those revelations, perhaps, Tian simply nods in agreement to their appraisal of the situation. A fist is bobbed forward in an affirmative sign. "<Yes. And they murdered untold hundreds of thousands of Adventurers in pursuit of that goal.>" The haunted expression that lingers on the Cait Sith's features suggests just how deep some of those scars run for those who are survivors of that calamity.

Turning their fox-masked face to SpritesHero, Tian offers confirmation, as if their previous words hadn't been enough, "<When a Lander dies, they stay dead. When an Adventurer who has turned to one dies, they stay dead. They do not come back.>"

The Cait Sith seems to look down at the food, perhaps a little turned off of the meal by the discussion. With Gao coming into join them, Tian gets back to their feet. "<I can go stand watch.>" They motion two fingers as if looking, then motions Gao towards the food and drink. "<Enjoy some hospitality.>"

For Shenmi, they offer only the explanation, "<I need some air.>" Before moving to depart.

"Haha, it was just an offer," Prophylaxis chuckles, because EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE sure is a thing. "Though I do strongly recommend it. While we have magic to help treat the disease, it's better if you can avoid contracting it at all." Many Landers in Tolbana have been inocculated in such a manner, already, though the doctor does seem to accept how such things could be seen as... suspicious. But, what Shenmi says then...

"Please let us know if there's aught we can do to help. If you need a place to rest, the tower is, for now, relatively safe. We also have a new city underway on its fifth floor. As long as they're willing to help keep mouths fed, I'll see what I can do to accommodate as many as we can. If this madness is to be stopped, then we will need to coordinate our forces and develop an expedient means by which crowns can be removed." Or at least, a drug that they can produce in large quantities to keep Crowned adventurers sedated long enough and safely enough to treat.

But that's a Future Proph Problem.

"...Barely a month after the Wave...?" The doctor seems... disturbed, his hand goes to his chin as if considering... difficult information. "...That doesn't seem like anywhere near enough time. How did they know? Have they /always/ known...?"

If so, then do the Kingdoms of Yamato know as well how to 'crown' an adventurer? Are they inclined to do so...?

It's a terrible thing to think about, indeed.
RBeat.

Oh no the bun-bun has his own little suit and it's /adorable/ and the doctor needs to chug half a mug of beer to keep his cool. At least Syx provides a decent distraction. "The problem is not that I don't trust your ability to break a crown, it's that I'm pretty sure you'll smash our adventurers' skulls before the crown breaks."

Oh, they're doing a change of guard. Prophylaxis nods at Tian's departure, the mood somewhat chilling at the... revelations of just how far the Palace Lands went to achieve their goals. "Understandable. Once this is all done, please feel free to take a walk around Tolbana if you like. We have quite a nice bath house if you need somewhere to relax."

Beat.

"Ah, a fan of Vertina's booze...?"

SpritesHero frowns at that response. Not that he lets this explicit confirmation weigh too heavily. His furrowed brow smoothes quickly enough, and any brooding hunching shifts rapidly back to an open posture. As Tian moves to depart, Robert dips his head in a half-nod, half-bow of acknowledgement and gratitude. "Think I'd best head out myself," he offers, quickly draining his glass and placing it wherever glasses go. "Cheers!" There's a brief fiddling with his interface and then he too is off, heading for the doors.

    Miyako glances towards Tian, considering what the wolf-person has 'said', and nods. "Sounds like the idiot ball was in the tight grasp of both sides, then." She gives the spoon another flip, then eats the last bite of her curry.

    "Good thing we didn't have a Church in Shibuya yet. Respawning there would be... problematic, right now." She sighs and shakes her head. "Idiots, I repeat."

Gao looks at his drink, then eyes Vertina, "How did you make this and how did you get the code right for it?"

"I taste the vodka, ginger ale, all of it just the right amounts. I've not had a good drink like this since we got trapped in here and I've been trying to get it right for a whole year! Bad enough their equivelant of lemons tastes weird and someone decided an orange should taste like a grape on some of them. Don't even get me started on the idea of Lander drinks and the taste from mass producing!"

Gao actually does continue to rant, and ask questions about the drink, what's in it, and a whole lot of stuff. Endlessly. In one big long tirade. One very, very big long tirade. And interrupting him doesn't seem to be a good idea. Maybe!

Vertina pfffts, rolling her eyes. "Code, shmode. This is hard work, experimenting, and figuring out how to apply a bit of real world know-how to what's available in this world. Why code when I can make it right here with my own hands?" She is clearly enjoying the praise though. "But I've found that some of the processes we don't have the advanced industry, I can approximate through some clever alchemy support." She gives a bob of her head towards the other doors. The ones leading to the rear building. Not the back door Setsuna tried to sneak through. "Got my own brewer and distillery set up back there, as well as some alchemical workshopping."

"And I help by taste testing everything." Syx chimes in after Vertina's explanation, "To make sure it's good. Also I mean, I can farm up ingrediants and stuff. Some folks have said I should make a farm of my own but like, that'd require settling down and NOT going around beating the ever living crap out of monsters every day."

That has Gao looking at Vertina like she might have said something weird. "Alchemy? Oh, come on. At least do it old fashioned. Having a brewer and distillery's always good. I miss some of those back from Earth."

He takes a sip of the drink, "What else did you people discover while we were living in the wilds? I do miss being able to mix good drinks and not the half done stuff I've been making for us near the Taratects. Did you know that spider venom can apparently be a good taste adder in small quantities?" He comments.

"Oh, and lizards taste good spit roasted."

Shenmi nods at Tian's comment. Doesn't add much, and lets the Cait Sith go.

In response to Miyako's comment, he leans forward and insists, "Secure your churches. Secure. Your. Churches." He punctuates each word by tapping his finger on the table. Hard. "Wherever they may be. Make sure the Crowned do not pull any fast ones. That is how they get you. You have seen what they have done already."

The Conjurer seems even more astounded at Gao's excitement over the local drinks and culture. He turns to the Doctor again, "I think we should schedule a series of meetings were you tell -us- about about Yamato. It seems like there is a lot -we- could learn..." He clears his throat. "Gao... our generous hosts were asking about how it all started in the Thor Kingdom back... well, 'home', I guess. What is closest to 'home' in this new world. We should really look into the real estate market, huh, Gao?" He shakes his head. "Anyway, I thought you are probably the most qualified to explain what happened with the Adventurers' maneuvers and King Potimas' daughter."

    Setsuna is not the inventor everyone else in the room is and with the room scattering he stands and stretches. "Well if you lot will excuse me I have to go deal with my monsters. My poor Cerberus gets so cranky if they don't get a full run. Then I have to finish categorizing the slimes...and well work work work. You guys probably know how it is. " Again he takes his cup of cold coffee and throws it all back and then has the experession he really hates that stuff. " Be seeing you guys around." He does want to stick around and hear things but he has to take care of what he has to care of.

Vertina holds her hands out aside. "Hey, nothing wrong with learning to take advantage of what's available. It's still a lot of trial and error, getting the ingredients porportioned just right, honing down the recipe, the time. Not like just dumping a bunch of stuff in a magic bottle and shaking it until it comes out drinkable. But a little alchemy doesn't hurt with getting certain flavors just right." She didn't just dump it together magically, that's for sure. She figures mentioning alchemy just brought a certain image to mind so she's explaining more of what she meant. "The same can be done with extract from a manticore stinger. If you know how to temper out the toxiticy." Stuff like -that- knowing a bit of alchemy helps too.

But then the rest of the conversation wants Gao's attention back, so while she's enjoying the long triade on a subject they both share interest on she's not going to hog him to herself. "If you want to take a look around the establishment in back sometime, just ask." She picks up a flash for herself, but being she's technically on the clock its only some of the juice she keeps handy for non-alcohol drinkers.

A proper barkeeper doesn't drink on the job. They need to be able to handle the people that drink too much with a clear head.

"I think we should probably table the discussion on Thor Kingdom until the next time," Prophylaxis says, gently. "Please, take the time to enjoy Tolbana's various amenities, and we will meet sometime soon to discuss matters further. Welcome, again, to Aincrad."

Beat.

"We should... probably consider posting guards to the churches. I really wish we knew what the Kingdoms were thinking. Moving prematurely might give their hardliners the ammunition they need to tip negotiations in their favor, but moving too slow is a danger in and of itself..."

It seems... the doctor has much to think about. At least there's still food!

Gao looks considerate, then the topic of the Thor Kingdom comes up. He sets his glass down.

Looking over at Prophylaxis and the others, he sighs and takes a seat.

"It doesn't get easier to say with time. Out of the three of us, I guess you could say I'm the one most hurt here," He taps the side of his head, and then where his heart is. "And here. Unlike Kallamore, Thor actively hunts within their borders and then some for those of us that escaped. I'm lucky that I recognized what was happening and got the hell out of the Kingdom before it really happened. What I can tell you is that people decided to... be gangsters, like out of the old English movies still around. Eventually, someone hatched a plot and used Potimas's daughter... and killed her. That was the last brick needed to bring down the hell on them."

He looks at the glass he had in hand.

"Tian and Shenmi already know this, but the Thor Kingdom's Crowned like to play the emotional game with those of us who escaped. A lot of them I knew from Earth. Shoot, I raided with Daiyu before she was Crowned. And I heard rumors she might be around in Yamato, which should worry you all. She's one of the smart ones. Others... well... consider if you had lovers, friends, or family that suddenly were trying to turn you into whatever the Crowned are? That's what I've dealt with since it happened."

He looks to Vertina, "If you don't mind, I'll need something a lot stronger."

    Miyako sits there, sipping her drink, listening closely to the foreigners' tale and her neighbors' questions. Taking it all in, assembling her own picture of events. "Don't suppose you have pictures of them, or descriptions? Something we can give to our watch-standers to look out for would be helpful."

Vertina has a fresh bottle on the bartop before Gao can finish asking for a stronger drink. She got a feeling where this story was going. It already sounded like the sort that people need something a little stronger afterwards. "Yeah, I've not kept up on who's who. Other than one of them apparently calls himself the Sheriff or some such."

"Yeah. 'Wears a hat' isn't a great descriptor. It's about as useful as 'doesn't wear a hat'." Syx offers, helpfully.