War of Dragons 2: Act of Rebellion - Dark - 1

Kallamore. Out of all of the regions in the Palace Lands, it has been by far the most assailed, regardless of the sheer excellence of its arena warriors. Stunted severely by the recent erection of the Goddess Statue to its west, it has halted much of its attempts to find and capture the Uncrowned to the west, and has moved its gaze inwards and northwards, to reinforce its foundations.

In previous scouting missions, people have found that there's definitely sewer access in Kallamore's Root Town - Lumina Cloth - but there's theories floating around that the Kunie in power may very well be located elsewhere.

It's also been discovered that Lumina Cloth actively runs a 'scoreboard' of sorts, of who has the most personal 'worth' within Lumina Cloth. The upper ranks of which are considered the 'rulers' of Lumina Cloth.

Only people of Kallamore Kingdom show up within the rankings, suggesting that membership of the Kingdom is required to be considered.

----

As the team approaches the town, they do so bearing some mercantile licenses that have been granted to them through channels aiding them. Access into Lumina Cloth, even with the security around, isn't so tight as in Dol Dona or Naval Monte. Crowning isn't a requirement in Kallamore as it is in the other areas, it simply makes it harder to receive services or make money -- the most important thing of value within the nightlife town.

The weather is still nice and warm in the area. The bay filled with ships and lavish 'entertainment' activities. And as the teams move off the docks and run their licenses through, they are welcomed into town.

They have a mission. Set up the foundations to climb the economic ranks so they may gain access to the 'High Rises' of Kalamore.

This is not the first time that Tian has returned to Kallamore. The Uncrowned Cait Sith had once served in the city, having been captured and Crowned within, and later freed by Ino Hatsuse. What it does mean, is that the crafter has some knowledge of how to move within the city and remain unseen and unnoticed.

In this case, Tian is not in their usual garb. No wolf ask, no dark makeup around their face. No, all they have is their bare features and a simple, golden band that wraps around their forehead and connects to the side of their features just beneath their large, Cait-Sith ears. Simple clothes and this fake crown make them look simply like a merchant crafter. Nothing more.

While most present may be used to Tian's way of communicating, those who are new to it may find it strange that their hands move, and yet an understanding of the meaning of those gestures is translated by the game's systems. "<We must take care that we do not draw negative attention towards ourselves. There are still bounty hunters in the city who would be well rewarded for capturing rebels.>" The motions are kept hidden from prying eyes, just enough for those gathered to see.

The problem is... Tian's way of communicating is very distinct. Enough so that it may very well mean that they cannot act as 'point' in this endeavor.

Kallamore.

Woden travels safely with the gruop, his features bare and simple, lest he draw attention to himself and the group. Armor is exchanged for rags, allowing his hair to be in full display and his eyes sharply examining his surroundings. He turns his attention to Tian as the group carefully moves through the region. "Agreed. The lest problems we cause - until or unless we don't have a choice - the better."

He knows his strengths. He'll run support and potentially even help speak if it's truly necessary, but he's a warrior and a healer. He keeps his attention ahead of him, his eyes watchful and alert.

Haru settles in with the main force at the start before letting Elly and Uta know where he is and if he does not report back in within 24 hours that things did not go well. Always let people know when you are going someplace dangerous. He is dressed as a Crowned Merchant, fitting the part easily from his past life, with enough high quality jewelry and cloth to make a keen eye be aware 'I have wealth' without being gaudy. He taps Gwen and headnods her over to the merchant guilds. A petition for backup and muscle. What he is looking for isn't a person per say, but a service. Information. Market values and trends. Opinions on those goods. Opinions on the war and how it is impacting the market. Other things relating to locale and location. He is a wealthy man, after all, and needs to hedge risks before establishing routes.

Kallamore is a place of particular interest to the Doctor of Tolbana-- though admittedly mostly by proxy. A majority of the Scale Emblem's uncrowned membership has roots in the Palace Lands' northernmost kingdom, which has naturally led him to focus his efforts on its liberation in particular. 'Liberation,' specifically, because certain individuals have made it quite clear that the present state of Kallamore is not ideal even for its native residents.

Unfortunately, the social hierarchy of Kallamore is also very much off limits to anyone who isn't already a member of the Kingdom-- which is reasonable, in retrospect. But Prophylaxis has ideas of how to circumvent this particular obstacle.

...Specifically: making use of the privileges afforded to some of the aforementioned Uncrowned Palace Landers to find a sympathetic Lander or several who might be able to help them achieve their strategic objectives.

"Agreed," the doctor whispers in response to Tian. He's wearing something a little less... traditional today. His usual hat has been replaced by a similarly wide-brimmed one, albeit one with a cloth veil that drapes his back and shoulders. A similarly false crown has been placed over his forehead, and his usual doctor's garb has been replaced with something a bit more local- a violet and white changshan. "But your insight will still be valuable. For taking point, I'll be counting on the two of you," he says, glancing over towards Shenmi and Daiyu. "We need to find someone we can trust. I can act as an investor, but you two will need to do most of the talking, I'm afraid."

    Lunaris' telltale excitement had gone long since crossing the border, and even what remained was subject to an almost telltale nervousness. She wasn't a spy, or someone who had skills in the arts of the subtle, and it truly did show, much as the Cait Sith tried to bite it down. It probably didn't help that she was actively keeping her distance from Haru, and trying to tend closer to the others, if anything, today she was a bit of a mess. She was doing what she could though, her attention darting to the animals to keep herself distracted, after all she had been promised this long ago - To see the sights and creatures so common to the palace lands.

    Deep breaths. Keep calm. She at least knew some of being a merchant even if she wasn't yet one herself. And she owed this. Her eyes flicked from the animals to the streets, watching for any rodents, or other creatures that could see what often adventurers and landers both missed, the kind that often saw more than they were meant to. Twiching her ears as she listened in to the plan, at least she could try and help with that.

Yeowang has run some scouting missions here, and her group may be the source of some of the information we have gained. She's shared the information with a few people the extent of her info, but she still is far from knowing everything. On the other hand, she knows a fair amount, including how much this city values financial status, which suits her just fine. It certainly plays to her strength, which is the depth of her purse, and once she's checked in, she will wait for the others to pass through.

Rather than her usual adventuring garb, she's clad in a dress appropriate to a successful merchant, or an agent for one, or whatever role is acceptable for players, and she's deliberately speaking Korean, her native language, rather than Japanese, for the subtle differences from the autotranslator. This is not her first visit to the city, but she is not mission leader here, and to be honest, she doesn't have a lot of ideas what we might do. She knows we have some Kallamorians in the group, but it's all players, and we need a Lander sponsor. Ino seems unlikely, though his granddaughter seemed favorably inclined toward the Yamato players she'd met. Do they know anyone who might help us?

It was... nice to be home in Kallamore. But this was no time for personal comforts, they were here on a mission.

Were Fangs mainly worked as security. Enforcers. In more recent times similar to what Westerners would call hitmen for the Lander hierarchy, or to pick off specific individuals so they could be crowned. Daiyu had only been a stage performer because she had been the 'Lovely Assistant' of another. But that meant she new as much about that side of Kallamore as the other, more combat oriented. It didn't specifically help when they didn't have access to those higher class areas yet, but it was still a thing.

In their effort to keep a low profile she was severely dressed down, in just the light leathers and cloak of another adventurer, likely the 'bodyguard' of those posing as merchants, because that's the niche Were Fangs fill and at least she can stay in the foxy form she is more comfortable in.

Though she does briefly rub a hand just below the hood, across her brow, as Tian and Haru had provided her with one of the fakes as part of her disguise. "Feels odd wearing one again, even knowing it's safe," she murmurs under her breath.

Haru was not alone in his plan, Gwen would not let him go alone after all. She's comg along posing as his crowned body guard. So her heavy blade armor was tactical choice to be more imposing and distracting.

She pause at the tap to Haru and nods for a moment. She gets what they are goiung to be doing. She will fall in with Haru as they head off on this mission. Hopefully things will go well enough worst case she can protect him right? She seems focused but also eager this will be quite the experiance!

Sacrifices have to be made for one's freedom. Many have fallen in sacrifice, and the last to be added to this list is Shenmi's goatee.

The tall gentleman is unrecognizable. It's incredible how just removing hair makes some iconic characters unrecognizable. Try shaving Groucho Marx and removing his glasses and see if you recognize him. So, with the guile of Caravaggio painting Supper at Emmaus, a clean-shaven Shenmi tags along, silent, pulling a cart, similar in design to a small rickshaw, whose contents is obscured by a tarp. He's apparently posing as some unimportant fellow in unremarkable clothes, hired to lug around someone's possessions. Merch? Samples? The group's dirty laundry to be taken to wash?

"Ah, Lumina Cloth...", he whispers to himself. Given the twinkle in his eyes as he looks around the place, he's going to need no headlights any time soon. "How I've missed you!"

Were the team not wearing Headgear of any kind, they'd certainly stand out a lot more in Kallamore. They do see people like that from time to time as they begin to move through the streets, but it's usually people stuck inside at the casino, hoping to make it big, or people working menial jobs in order to make some measure of income so they can get another day's worth of food.

As Lunaris scans the streets, she does find the occassional Gullrat - a seagull with a rat head - and Mallgull - a Mallard duck with a seagull's bill - which tend to pick at any leftovers left in the streets. Ther's also the usual critters of the feline and canine variety following people here and there.

Haru in the meantime goes 'shopping' for other kinds of information. The war is a popular topic at the moment, and people seem receptive to discussing it. Largely because on many street corners and amongst many merchants, it's a popular topic already.

He'll find that for arena fighters and people just doing day to day living within Kallamore, the War is either a Bore, or just an Irritating presence. Constantly having to worry about how it might raise prices, policing against potential Uncrowned, that kind of thing. The Merchants on the other hand, at least those dealing in weapons and armor and the like, are enjoying the uptick of business it's been creating. As before the war, the only arming they did was for the army against monsters.

While the team is still getting settled, the subgroup of Prophylaxis, Tian, and the rest hanging around with them, are approached by a heavy set Dire Liger Were Fang. Heavy in the chest and body, and a bit 'chubby' to some, this one is actually quite muscular. The kind of muscle that suggests a very active lifestyle of building strength through normal exercise rather than building show-muscle.

He kind of just 'bumps' into them, and before they know it, Tian has a piece of paper in her hand. Directions to a particular spot in the city far from the beaten path. It indicates that someone was waiting for them there. Tian has gotten these messages before, and usually it's from Ino Hatsuse. But the writing on this one is different. More... girly?

Were they to go to the location requested, they'll find that amongst the more 'high tech' looking Lumina Cloth, there are places of nature. This one, after a long climb of the stairs, delivers them to an old looking temple, with a woman waiting for them. Hands behind her back, long whiskers on her face. A Cait Sith that Inspects Miko.

Haru is business casual. The Artificer doing deals is warmer than the one socializing. Small talk. Getting to the heart of the matter. Sizing people up for what they do or dont know. Can or can't do. Moving on or moving in. After a surgical level of information gathering, the Crowned Merchant thanks the new associates in clout and coin, establishing a couple new merchant friends to call upon in future days.

Upon leaving, Haru looks to Gwen, "Surface level," as he dusts his leather jacket in a clean swipe of a bejeweled hand. "Lets see what the main force is up to. Bet you a gold coin that trouble found them without having to look for it." Better to be lucky.

He neither laughs nor smiles at the irony when he inspects the new friendos. Haru gets flashbacks to New Years and does a quick check for any fish that may soon be endangered.

Among most Adventurers, Tian is not particularly large. Their lean build means that it is all too easy to be eclipsed by far taller and broader built individuals. In this case, what is meant to be a 'bump' likely hits harder than intended. Despite already feeling the note in their hand, Tian gives a low warning growl. For many, this may be the first time they've heard much sound, if any, out of the usually silent Blade Dancer.

The Cait Sith shifts, seeming to be checking their belongings, using the cover of that action to look at the note. Realizing quickly what it is, they quicken their pace. In the next motion, they reach out and take Prophlyaxis' hand. To those who don't know the two, it might look as if it were a tender moment. A grasped hand, a warm smile, and then it is released again, the note passed over. It almost looks like a lover, simply wanting a moment of contact.

Afterwards, Tian falls back a step. The only sign of the subterfuge is the quick darting of their golden eyes. The act lingers only a bit longer, until out of sight of anyone who had been watching at that point. Then, it's back to business as usual.

When the group eventually arrives at their destination, Tian makes sure that they are visible amongst the group, but does not speak directly. Instead, there is just an incline of the head, one fox-like ear twitching.

Gwen sticking with Haru as they go shopping. She'll take her chance to glance and eye anyone in her line of work as well but it won't to the level she'll take away from Haru being the boss. She does listen she does take mental note and does her best to be the muscle at lest for the most point. She had done some time in the arena so she takes note of that.

She also is listening to them talking about policing the uncrowned making notes of that as well otherwise letting Haru take point.

"You on for that."

She understands they are very likely to find trouble but who knows, she is fairly friendly as they interact with their 'new friends' too things seem to be okay okay for now.

Daiyu narrows her eyes as the feline 'bumps' through the group, jostling Tian, but he is quickly on his way again. "Check your belongings," she mutters, aware of the possibility of it being a pickpocket or such. Which Tian does, but for cover of a different reason. When she notices the passing of the note between Tian and the Doctor she realizes what is really going on, and only gives a faint nod of acknoledgement while maintaining her bodyguard position near the two.

The location they are eventually lead to has her taking pause, adjusting her spectacles briefly. "I.. was not aware there was a temple here," she admits. Even as one of the Crowned where she had access to was restricted, only told of places when she needed to be at them.

Her gaze eventually comes to Miko proper. While out of habit a hand rests near her weapons under her cloak, even as she is hopefully this isn't some kind of trap and she won't need them.

Yeowang is not a person of consequence here, and that's fine with her, eyes hunting the crowds as surrptitiously as she can for any sign of hostile intent. She got none from the Liger Were Fang, but she didn't note the passed message, Tian's a bit too subtle for her. She will reach out a hand for her shoulder, to steady her, and she offers an inquisitive expression topped by an arched eyebrow, wondering what's going on. But the fellow is departing, and now it seems we have a new destination, and when we arrive, she will take a critical look at Miko. It seems we have met the person we need to meet. She bows.

At the call of 'check your belongings', Shenmi abandons all perusal of a nostalgic past of unrestrained cavorting, where things are remembered far more pleasant than they actually were -- in fact, the cavorting was not unrestrained, it was very much restrained by funds. Still, the funds, on a good day, would last enough to justify the hyperbolic reminiscence.

Belongings are checked, nothing is found missing, so things can proceed as the group directs.

* * *

Once they arrive at the new place, Shenmi will keep his place at the back. There is not much to do for this mysterious man whose name is not really important to do, but lug around weight, watch, and listen.

    Lunaris wasn't exactly sure how everyone else managed to remain so calm in this situation, not in the slightest. But at least it helped her own nerves, after all, they seemed so sure of themselves not actually getting caught that this might just be fine. Didn't stop her heart racing at a million miles a minute though. Taking note of the animals around for future information gathering if she got the chance and nodding once.

    Unfortunately the untrained Cait Sith hardly noticed the exchange between the Liger, Tian and Proph, and was more on the surprised side as they split off from the group. Glancing between them and those remaining in the city, she swallowed and padded off with those heading away from the city. She may have no idea about the destination, but the vulpine only really knew one person here and was going to stick with them. Even if it didn't quite suit her ideas.

"I can only imagine," the doctor says to Daiyu with a sympathetic frown. For him, it's little more than a mild itchy sensation and a vague feeling of 'weight' around his head. For them, it's... certainly something a little more traumatizing, isn't it?

A burly tiger-man almost bowls Tian over, but doesn't /quite/ manage it. The doctor still regards after the were-fang with a cutting glare-- but is soon interrupted.

...By Tian taking his hand?

"Eh? What?" Prophylaxis is utterly flummoxed-- this is not only a bit too spontaneous for him, it's also... /quite/ far out of his experiential wheelhouse. Is this romance?! What!! But then, he feels something in his hand.

...A piece of paper. One that he scrutinizes quite closely indeed.

A location. A destination. How did the sender know to find their party...? The doctor's brow furrows. "We're going," he says. "I trust you know the path...?"

As it turns out: They do. Winding through the concrete jungle, they find their way to something out of place. A spot of nature overlooking the sprawling city. It feels every bit like somewhere that aught to be solemn and austere; a place of... importance.

There is someone waiting for them. The doctor approaches about half-way before dipping into a low bow. "We have come by your invitation. Given your agent's specificity, I presume you already know who we are, but a formal introduction is only polite. Prophylaxis of the Scale, it is a pleasure. Might I ask why your name and why you had sent for us?"

"It always manages to."

Woden remarks to Haru with a slight frown. This group might well be on their way of a successful intention, though while others are going shopping or looking for information, Woden is happy being a 'security' for the group at large, being where he's needed or desired. Though called to check belongings, Woden simply nods in affirmation.

So far, nothing's missing. Likelihood of that changing? Extremely high, probably.

As Haru's talks finish up, he goes get a bit of information on the region at the center of the Palace Lands. The reason they'd found some remains on the actual eastern sides of Dragon's Eye island - outside of the mountain region - is that there used to be military camps there. In the olden days, when the Three Kingdoms were still at war, they'd commonly fight over that location due to how central it was and how great of an outpost it was. None really made use of the mountain region from what Haru learns.

In the meantime, at the temple, the Miko stares down Daiyu the moment they move their hand to their blade. It's the kind of fierce look that can kill. Whiskers rising, fox-hair bristling. Ears perking up!

"I, Miko, foresaw your return here." She then remarks to the group, as some of them wonder how she even knew about their presence.

"I simply wished to meet some of our allies from across the great oceanic divide." She starts, pausing for a moment, whiskers twitching, before she adds; "And wish to aid you in your attempt." She takes out a piece of paper, and then throws it to the ground.

Not a moment later, the vague illusory image of a portly bald man appears before them from the paper that burns black flames on the ground. "Seek this man. You will know him as Osk. Speak not of me, and instead speak of your intent..." There's a pause, before she motions to Gwen.

"For reasons that will become apparent to you - have that one speak to him."

Haru offers Woden one of those light nods of agreement on the way of the trouble. Adventure follows adventurers, after all! He is a touch surprised at Gwen being called out, the silver haired human turning to look between Miko and his bodyguard in disguise. "As the prophecy foretold," he chides Gwen about having a date with Osk. He will have to get Morri on this pronto.

There is nothing said. But looks can say a lot in their own right. Then Miko expresses her intent to help them make a connection with another potential ally and Daiyu relaxes. For the most part. There is no completely relaxing under the current situation they were operating in. It's only a shift of her cloak, but it is enough to make it clear that she has lowered her arms to a non-threatening position.

"Sorry. If you saw we would come, you also understand why we are.. wary." Daiyu makes no other motions, letting the matter be handled by those present better suited to the task.

Tian's eyes do not linger on Miko. Instead, they seem to be taking in the group's surroundings, looking for signs of trouble or enemies lying in wait. This has largely been the Cait Sith's responsibility amongst the Uncrowned since the moment that they were freed. Carrying messages, and watching for danger - those were their tasks within the rebel movement.

Then, those gold eyes snap around again, twitching once at the information. A busy tail sways once behind them. Without their usual face makeup, expressions are easy to read on Tian. They are wary, but curious.

"<This may be the man we need.>" Tian's hands make more of the delicate sign-language gestures. However, there is a hesitation there. It's obvious the former-crowned does not trust many people implicitly.

Gwen looks to wodan for a moment and size them over for a moment. Yeah he looks like he knows what he's doing as well she gives Wodan an approving nod as she looks him over then gets back to work on her own watch. They have picked up some useful information so far. She does start to inspect people near by who seem imporant...

Allies from across the great oceanic divide? So she is... ostensibly an ally, then. The doctor inclines his head slightly, but does not seem-- /too/ suspicious. Meeting them in a place like this speaks to her confidence. After all, she is standing there alone. But it also suggests that there's more up her sleeves than she is necessarily putting on the table.

Someone of little power would not have selected this venue, nor would they have had the resources to secure it against unwanted listeners. "Your assistance is welcomed," the doctor says, glancing at the man in the image. "...Then, we shall look into your suggestion. Might we be able to contact you if necessary in the future?"

Yeowang nods gravely to Miko the miko as the image of the bald man is presented, and Gwen is identified as our negotiator. She nods gravely and murmurs, "Thank you," and will withdraw with the others, since now it looks like we are off to talk to a man. "Where should we find him?" is the question she wants to ask, but she has ways of finding this out that on her own. "A high-ranking merchant," she explains to the others. "I can lead you to his offices." She -has- been here before, its known, and she does travel in those circles. "I have not met him before, but that seems to be about to change."

"Do not speak of me, do not seek me out. If you truly need to speak to me, I will reach out to you." Miko answers Prophylaxis with confidence and firmness in her tone.

The woman then motions one hand, followed by a sudden pillar of fire around her position, consuming her visage. And when the flames are gone... so is she.

    For all she had been unsure of things, the most recent was Miko. Lunaris stayed near the back of the group, watching how she acted and interacted with Haru and Daiyu, still far from sure this apparently new person could be trusted. After all, she didn't seem all that intent on proving the fact either. But! Those ahead knew the palace lands better and she was at least planning to go with them if they searched for this Osk. It just felt of either trap, or more likely -- Politics. The worst thing one could get entangled in. It did not really help that Miko also decided to vanish straight after the message, or that Luna was currently feeling paranoid. But what else could you do?

Lunaris has good reason to be paranoid about a being who can know about their goals and their presence, when they have been kept a secret and barely spoken out loud. But the show must go on.

With Yeowang feeling confident she can guide the team to the man in question, the team sets out back into the main parts of town. It does take a few questions from a few people. But finding the man known as Osk isn't too hard.

What is harder, however, is getting to speak to him. When they arrive at his office, there's multiple lines of people there. Various Landers and Adventurers queued up in front of a counter with multiple Cait Sith hard at work, taking peoples' inquiries and purchases.

A long queue to wait in, especially being Uncrowned, when Bounty Hunters are constantly going through town, trying to find people just like them.

Haru gives Lunaris a pat on shoulder as he makes his way through towards the middle of the group. "Happens frequently," he tells her, noticing the apprehension, "follow along and you'll be fine. If you see your moment, seize it. If you see good food, buy it." That is how you end up with ice cream, that appears to only be in these lands. He looks over to Gwen, "You have an appointment, don't you?" As the prophecy foretold!

At the sight of the line that awaits them, Tian just stands there for a beat, golden eyes blinking. Now if only any of them could get line-ups like that! At the same time, there is little that they could do to move things along, not without drawing attention to themselves and their strange way of communicating.

Pointing towards their eyes, Tian signs, "<I will watch for trouble.>" It's a quick series of gestures, making sure that it doesn't draw too much attention to things. With that, the Cait Sith stands just at the entrance, not blocking the door, distinctively trying to give the impression to passers by that the line may just be so long it is starting to exit the building.

The sort of thing that might discourage others from joining the line, especially if they need to have some private words with the owner.

Big yawn.

"You know...", the boring man in gray garb, and most importantly without a goatee nor a top hat, exclaims as he addresses the person in front of him in queue. "...I was thinking, what about we spice up this whole 'waiting in queue' thing a little?" He reaches into his sleeves, pulls out a deck of cards-

And promptly drops them on the floor, like the most uncoordinated of the idiots. "Oh, dang. Sorry, just a moment." He picks them up in no particular order, and clumsily begins to shuffle them with the same skill one would expect from someone who thinks they're the hornetbees' knees, but isn't. "I was thinking, hey, how about we gamble for our place in line? Coins versus place switch? If you win, you get coins. If I win, you get coin- no, no, if you win, we switch-" Silence. "If -I- win, we switch places. And make the wait shorter. Up for that?"

Yes. Those who know him know he's absolutely putting up an act. The people waiting in line, tho, likely don't know him...

Yeowang will lead the way to the offices, or merchant headquarters is perhaps a better term, for Osk. She asks a few people on the way, but is fairly quick to locate the right house. Sadly, lots of others have located the right place also, and ahead of us. She will take Gwen by the hand, since Miko identified her as the one who will need to do the speaking, and she will find the line coordinator. "Hello, yes, we are here to see Master Osk, and I was wondering if you might find a way to ... expedite our meeting?"

    Ah yes, she had managed to calm herself so perfectly that as soon as Haru pats her shoulder, Lunaris almost jumps out of her skin, covering up a yelp with her hand. It takes a good moment before the shock passes and she manages to at least reassert some calm, totally pretending that never happened. Nope. Never. "Y-yeah.. I'm sure. Entirely common, happens everywhere," she did not sound wholly convinced, but her ears did perk up just a little at the reassurance, even at least subtly, thankful.

    He's right though, and she soon turns to keeping her eye out once again for the interesting and the unusual, hoping to at least barter for a pet to take home, all the better if she can swing something unusual for the ranch that they didn't have back on their server. Though it was all too soon they were moving to wait in line for an audience, though 'waiting' perhaps wasn't quite the word with Shenmi's skills coming to bare.

The 'bodyguard' keeps to herself, alert for possible threats (like those bounty hunters that are out there)

But there is a faint smirk crossing Daiyu's expression briefly at seeing her old friend get up to his old tricks to try and hasten the process a bit.

Aaaand she's both the mysterious /and/ dramatic type. That's fine, Prophylaxis can respect that. "I wonder if she's actually using teleportation magic, or if she's just... really good at distractions?" Prophylaxis asks himself, scratching idly at his cheek.

Well.

Onwards! To the Japanese equivalent of the DMV!

Or rather, to waiting in one heck of a queue.

Prophylaxis' lips draw into a tight line. "I don't suppose we could pay any of you people to... Ah."

Shenmi's doing a thing.

That sure is a thing, yep.

Gwen gives Lunaris a smile then tlooks to Haru for a moment and nods.

"Yes I think I do have one with someone of import do I not?" It's at that point Yeowang will appear and take her by the hand and lead her on to the line, well this was about to get very interesting she thought. Okay it's gettin very intereting here and it's time to prehaps put her own business mojo on as she gets in line.

"Yes I too hope we can expeidte our meeting I think it may be of great interest to Master Osk."

As the team begins to guard or otherwise keep an eye out, Daiyu and Tian soon would spot a group of Cait Sith ruffians. You know the type. Pieces missing from their ears. A shitty grin on their faces. Clothing that just shouts 'jerk'. They catch Tian's attention...

Distracting her from the Pantherpod Were Fang - An Isopod / Panther hybrid - whom Daiyu just barely matches to spot. Their attention has fallen to the queue itself and the two standing near the entrance, and is moving into the shadows of the streets as they approach...

Meaning they may have precious little time.

Within, Shenmi's exchange soon goes through a particular ritual within the building. For those from Kallamore, the ritual is entirely alien to them. But to Shenmi, Daiyu, Tian, the call; 'Ashente!' with that right hand raised is a tell tale call of 'home'.

It isn't long before Shenmi has moved halfway through the queue already through this kind of manner.

Yeowang in the meantime, joined by Gwen, are negotiating moving an appointment up with Osk. It'll still require moving through the queue, but with some money slipped, the person heading up the schedule is willing to create an... 'opening' in Osk's time.

Yeowang smiles widely as she secures a better space, which may bode well for Shenmi, as we have our own better spot to wager on his little side bets. "Well, that seems to have worked out," she observes, and will smirk as Shenmi makes good use of her gains, his own considerable skill sending us forward in the queue.

It's Kallamore. There's gambling, there's noise, there's the call of Ashente, so attention is going to be grabbed by those around.

The voices spread in the room, and soon a minor show is going on in Shenmi's line, possibly creating a distraction among the other lines.

"He's got the fools' luck," one merchant mutters to the one next to him, as Shenmi turns one of the cards in his hand up, down, up again, and tilts his head as if figuring out which way is up and which is down. "I saw him lose a few times," remarks the other. "Yes, but he always got a rematch by offering higher stakes. And won." "Well, this time he certainly can't-"

A roar from the crowd as the cards are revealed -- Shenmi's opponents groan or utter words of annoyance, and Shenmi... stays silent.

He looks down. "Oh, hey, I won!" Huge grin. "Thanks a lot my dear gentlemen!" He turns to the rest of the party, and waves for them to join him.

Gwen grins and will seem to be in a good mood as she's now seeing that Shemi is making use of what Yeoang was able to pull off. She watches with a good deal of intance well now they should be saving a lot of time thanks to Shenmi's efforts.

Daiyu had been one of the finer scouts in the Crowned army, and times like this it shows. The Pantherpod is good, very good, and not drawing attention to himself... but a trained eye and wary demeanor still catches a glimps of him as he is trying to move into less noticable positions. There is no way to tell if it is specifically them having drawn attention, or a patrol of a very high traffic location that just happens at the same time, but that he is now watching the crowd is apparent regardless.

She subtly shifts her position, moving back closer to the group without being obvious she's doing so, making it appear as if she is generally casing the long queue line in general. A chim could be conspicuous since it wouldn't be clear who she's speaking to. So she has to wait until she is close enough to use whispered tones. "Be wary, but do not be obvious about it. There are potential bounty hunters nearby."

Good thing efforts are being made to get them inside sooner. "Your skills are as sharp as ever," she congratulates Shenmi.

Movement catches Tian's eyes as they survey the area around teh shop. It doesn't take long for their eyes to settle on some individuals making their way forward in the direction of the shop. A half-turn in the doorway has Tian giving one quick gesture. Both hands flat, moving towards one another. The system translates it as a very clear concept: "<Trouble.>"

It's a warning to the others that something is coming. The problem is, Tian doesn't exactly have any good way of dealing with this issue. They do not have Shenmi's flare for the dramatic and starting a fight or drawing attention seems like it would be counter-productive.

So, Tian just steps inside, as if they were next in line. Their presence suggests that things could go badly if they aren't able to move things along quickly. The crafter is already reaching back into their cloak, likely moving towards hidden weapons.

With Shenmi having worked their way to the front so quickly, it looks like the team will move on before the ruffians and Pantherpod can become a problem. Especially with Yeowang and Gwen having already arranged a movement in the scheduled.

Money paid, the group is soon led up the stairs. The people in the back just in time to see the Pantherpod having trouble getting past the queue reforming. Much complaint going on about having to put up with their new places in the queue. But some of them have taken up on the precedent set by Shenmi, and have started gambling amongst eachother using Rock-Paper-Scissors.

Not moments later, shouting, as the troublesome ruffians also start something downstairs. Tian and Daiyu, still on watch, listening closely enough to hear them shout something about Uncrowned having been spotted in town. Though they seem not to have any descriptions.

They are led up two floors on concrete stairs, until they enter a large office with a portly bald man, who is looking out of the window.

He seems to be amused by something as the group enters.

    There is a kind of awe to watching someone in their element, seeing someone hold so much mastery over their craft that they flow like water from one task to the next. It's like this how Lunaris watches Shenmi and the others, controlling the weft and flow of people much like she might manage magic on a good day. That was it's own reward in a way, getting to see such skills and hopefully even pick up a thing or two. Or at least some admiration. That was just as much a bonus. After a while she remembered herself, donning paranoia like a cloak and a sharp eye out - She was half sure there was something to them being directed here.

    Her eyes fell to Tian, the warning of danger and she placed a hand over her deck. Not many people, especially here, might assume it was a weapon, after all! And with that she padded along, giving a dip of her head to the bald man as they reached his chamber, she'd be on her best behaviour, after all. It might not be the point, but worried as she was, her attention watched the room, rather than the man, after all she was not the negotiator here.

That was too close. There's no way of knowing if the shouting is about them or Uncrowned in general, but it would seem the populance is at least aware of them and their Yamatoan allies being within the city. They will have to be more cautious about the presence in future activities. Daiyu is already taking this into consideration, as that is how her mind works.

The group makes their way up to the office, and again her attention is more on the surroundings than the room itself. Especially after how they barely made it past that previous rising risk.

"The trick is to keep fostering your talents under great teachers," Shenmi replies to Daiyu, with nonchalance. "For instance, I recently underwent this Escape Artist training..."

He is, of course, the first to enter the room, having called the other, but he quickly steps aside to let the others pass. During this time, two things happen. One, he winks at Lunaris. He might or might not have noticed her observing him earlier. Two, he cranes his neck slightly at the people in queue having rolled with turning the DMV experience into a form of gambling. A chuckle, a grin of badly concealed pride, and observation of the portly bald man being amused.

Haru kicks back in the middle of the group for the most part. He did his main part of information gathering and is going along with what the group is going along with until another opportunity presents itself. He has never been one for luck or gambling beyond a setting of atmosphere. He hangs around with Gwen until the next checkpoint is reached. This one is amused. Haru is not amused. A general Haruian philosophy. Here it is all too keen a reminder of the Himekawa Electronics and Applied Technology offices. The showmanship may change the vaneer, but once the curtain is pulled it is the same cogwork. He gives Gwen a nudge of the elbow. As the prophecy foretold.

Yeowang will lead Gwen forward, as if presenting her, bow, and withdraw, backing up a few steps and remaining quietly respectful. She eyes Proph and Haru, our backup merchants, but we were told that Gwen would have to do our talking.

Prophylaxis is mercifully distant from the danger unfolding not far away. But even still, he can tell that their time in the city is running short. It won't be long until the game is up and they'd be forced into a messy getaway. Of course, he has contingencies-- but he can't wrangle /everybody/ out of a bad situation. The Palace Landers especially. No amount of teleportation items would help them here.

It's a good thing, then, that they finally make it through the queue and into the office of one Mister Osk.

Of course, it's not him that needs to do the speaking here, at least, not according to a certain foxy lady. So instead he nudges Gwen forward. Go do the thing.

Things seem to be going well so far as the group is able to one get a meeting set up, skip in kline and get th heck out of there before things heat up too much downstairs. She'll move with the rest of the group up the stairs. She will take a moment to look the man over and smiles. she then bows to him.

"Thank you for having the time to speak to us today, I'm quite thankful for it. I also suspet Master Osk you have a few things you'd like to speak upon. Not just matter of tradee and our hope to find sponsorship for being able to conduct proper business as well."

There is a measure of relief from Tian as they are lead upstairs and out of direct confrontation with the ruffians that were heading towards the shop. However, this is one of those situations where it's obvious that the Cait Sith is deaf, as they are unable to pick up on the sounds that murmur up from below. Instead, they seem to be still on guard, waiting near the entrance of the room.

The flick of their tail suggests a feeling of unease, and the fact that one hand remains underneath their coak suggests that they amy very well still be preparing for an attack.

It is with this that there is only a half-focus on the conversation, at least until someone lets them know that they can stand down.

As Gwen begins to speak, Osk turns to see who have entered his office. It seems that unlike Miko, he was not expecting this group of people. However, his attention quickly shifts to Gwen.

For some reason, she seems to have his full and rapt attention, as those beady small eyes of his watch her.

"Ah, yes. I - Osk the merchant - will make time for you." A pause. "A sponsorship you say?" He considers them for a moment, looking from person to person. They're all wearing headgear, but he's never seen them before.

It takes him a moment, touching his hand to a set of glasses in his pocket, and using them to look at them for a moment.

For just a short moment, Lunaris gets a short message;

'Your Cosmosphere is exposed'

It appears... and as soon as it comes, the man puts his glasses down, and...

'Your cosmosphere is secure'

"I see, I see!" He chimes, clapping his hands together. "Welcome, welcome. Well then, what would I be sponsoring you for? Are any of you from this Kingdom, perhaps, I can use as a name when sponsoring? Or am I Shadow Sponsoring anyone amongst you in particular? What kind of trade or invention?"

Gwen looks to Osk for a moment and smike a thim as he speaks as she tkes a look t them for a moment. She nods "Aye a sonsoship good sir. I myself am a very skilled tailor and could greatly aid your own fortunes being able to operater here. As for many of my compaions skill would be of intrest to you as well but I will allow them to speak for themselves."

Yeowang looks surprised as the man's use of his glasses triggers her sense for the Law of Alba. That's alarming, but as far as sponsoring, she assumes he will be fronting a name, as none of us are Landers, even those /from/ here. When Gwen speaks up about aiding his fortunes, she adds, "We have /considerable/ investment capital available." She, at least, has considerable experience talking to merchants and Landers, and hopefully she knows which buttons to press. And while Gwen is so much more statuesque than she is, she's tall, for a human woman, and very athletic; though her physical stats lean much more to agility and speed than raw power, she has a fair amount of that also.

    Twitchy would be an understatement for Lunaris' current state, she was already rather nervous here and the warning, well that crossed the boundary of polite inquisitiveness by quiet the margin. Sure, she didn't know what it meant, but only having seen such a thing beyond the boundaries of this place, this server, she was pretty sure it was something weird. Like x-ray glasses, or something. Well, x-ray glasses for character stats. Her brow creased in visible annoyance and just a touch of panic at that invasion, her hand hovering with a half drawn card before she shoves it down again, unnerved but.. Well, they were here to be subtle.

    Perhaps she couldn't do much about that but try to catch the eye of the little group they had assembled, hoping to give them a sign, a nod to confirm. But if it was investigating - Perhaps he was making sure they weren't a threat. That or checking they were uncrowned, and a good target. Scary.

In spite of Prophylaxis' skill with System Protection, he does not in fact have the passive capability to /detect/ disruptions in the system. Bit of a hole in his capabilities, that! But usually it's a lot more obvious.

Gwen begins an introduction. Prophylaxis steps in. "I am Prophylaxis of the Scale," the doctor introduces himself, "Purveyor of medicine, among many other things. But rather than sponsorship of my business, I would like to enter into a cooperative relationship, Mister Osk. Plainly, we seek to upend the present balance in the city and restore the freedoms of its Adventurers, thus putting a stop to this war. In order to do so, we require your aid. This would not be without risk, but also not without benefit for you as well." He nods towards Yeowang, then. "The two of us represent significant economic power in Yamato, and we would like to put that power to use in backing your enterprises. In return, there is information pertaining to a certain location as well as access to said location that we request you assist us in acquiring."

"At the end of all of this," the doctor inclines his head, "I would be interested in cooperating to establish the first cross-regional bulk shipping and trading guild. I believe the peaceful end to this war would be beneficial to all parties involved, and I also believe you play a key role in making it a reality."

Glasses! Haru sees that this is a man that understands eyewear. Haru's own monocle glints against its purple lens as light passes through it. Information floods the other side of the lens. These glasses. They are over 9000. Wait, not, they are not. They do other fancy things. The blue eye of his looks out and past as if disinterested in the whole thing. Like catte. Aloof. He steps back a bit and says to Luna, "Negotations could be a while." A small ledger is taken out that he keeps field notes on. "While we wait for them to go on, are you still interested in doing that enclosure with my glass? Its not cheap. Heres the estimate." He circles a section, handing it over. << Details sent to Luna >>

There's a deep 'hmmm' from the portly man. He seems good natured though, as he considers the group. "I suppose tailoring would amuse some of the nobles. They are always looking for new styles." Gwen no doubt revealing some of her recent inventions drawing particular interest from the man!

Yeowang chimes in with investment capital. "Investments... ah, an Adventurer term. What are you looking to invest in?" He asks. Only for Prophylaxis to chime in with further offers of money... and the reason of their visit.

The portly man smiles a little longer, lifts a finger half-way through Prophylaxis speaking, and then holds that 'one moment of quiet' signal with firm purpose.

Listening to the world outside, then, after a bit, removing a pyramid looking device from his desk. He sets it on the table, and there's a sudden pulse of 'blue' that surrounds the chamber itself. After which they stop hearing any of the noise from down below or outside the window. In Tian's case, nothing changes.

"Please, continue." He then remarks, letting Prophylaxis finish.

"You will of course understand that while I would enjoy a cross-region bulk shipping company, I do not have the naval presence to support this? And in the current climate, that would be out of the question due to being too overt." He points out.

"However, if you manage to remove current rulership from being a problem, and dispose of the interference of the Rosenheim Navy - that becomes a possibility." His little eyes do nothing to betray of the actual mercantile mind that is behind that smooth and slightly chubby face of his.

"As such, you will need to come up with a better way to support investing here. We need trade goods through invention, rather than through import here. I can create workshops and the like, but import of materials is simply impossible. But the more workers I hire from amongst the Crowned and Uncrowned in this town, the more risk there is. As you have been able to tell most likely - I would be hard pressed to hire yourselves. As such, contract would require me to... basically 'purchase' the full rights to your inventions for production within Kallamore."

Daiyu has little to add at the moment. But there is a hint of pride in seeing her newer allies having learned how to navigate the business/political matters (they're really the same thing in Kallamore) of her homeland.

Even as Lunaris' eyes scan over the document the furrowed brow turns to one of legitimate annoyance, which was marginally better then panic. She let the card drop back into her deck and rubbed at the bridge of her nose like she was specifically listening to his deal. "Yes, yes. You know that I am. But that alone won't do, we need tempered glass, else it's not going to do much if monsters decide to try and bash against it. Can you say that you believe it'd be strong enough for such an enclosure?" Her eyes trail along the pulse of blue, letting out a snort of hot air, well then, perhaps the bounty hunters weren't a worry.

    The annoyance truly helped her out of her shell, at least a little as she glanced over to Osk, "So what you are looking for is someone who can realistically stay near the city, bringing in a new import?" Gears turning, she certainly hadn't set up her own ranch /yet/. It could be an excuse. And perhaps a very good one, if dangerous.

The pulse of blue draws Tian's attention, causing a canine twitch of the nose but little else. It just doesn't have as much impact on them as it would anyone else. However, it seems clear, at least for the moment, that no one is coming up the stairs behind them. This allows Tian to lower their hand away from the weapon hidden beneath their cloak.

Instead, gold eyes turn attention back to the negotiations. Tian doesn't have anything to offer, with their limited 'inventions' having been focused on figuring the practice of uncrowning with Haru. That is something that couldn't exactly be marketed.

Instead, they seem to quietly observe, given the obvious wariness over any lander, even one that comes recommended. Tail-swish.

Yeowang nods to Osk gravely. "We can provide trade goods, though not in as much bulk as perhaps you will need? But we have made a start in any event, and have a small handful of farms that provide spices, as well, and if we cannot bring over boats full of trade goods, we can sneak in boats full of skilled crafters that can make things which will please you." She eyes Haru as an example of the sorts of crafters we can bring into the equation. "And we can build quickly as well, now, having several who can fulfill that role, to set up new manufactories in spaces not controlled by other lords.

The blue eye settles on Luna with a 'stay calm' air about it. "I assure you the glass is tempered enough to withstand pressure and assault down at the oceanic floors. They can withstand pressures of a lone monster, no matter how fiece or imposing." He pushes up his monocle in a half-Shiroe. "Those details are under control." He takes his book back and puts it beneath his jacket. "Securing shipping lanes will not be a long term problem," Haru says as he leaves his book with Luna for now. "Haru Nox," he tells Osk to see if the name has reached him at this point. The best Enchanter in Yamato. Breaker of Crowns. Et cetra. Et cetra. He isn't one to let others speak for what he will and will not do. "And we can discuss the lease of technology for local distribution with the holders of their property. In the interim, samples," as he steps forward and takes out a small wooden box. In it a pane of glass no larger than a hand mirror. Next to it, a small vial of ink. It is the same goods sample that he prepares for the Roots of Yamato.

"Sneaking in boats of skilled crafters?" Osk raises his brow. "Are you mad? They'll just be found out. I can hire a few Uncrowned that are locally known. But you bring in people from Yamato, and you're just asking for me to be found out. I refuse." Osk answers Yeowang firmly.

"Currency and Contract for your inventions, and maybe a few contact people I can meet from time to time. But that's it. Materials are hard to import, but people are simply out of the question." He points out.

Looking to Lunaris, he tilts his head slightly. "Material gathering near the city is viable. But that kind of stuff would have to come from Landers. With that Statue off to the West, we only have loyal Landers in that direction. Not Adventurers." He points out. "I would need to find a few Landers who could feasibly be gathering the quantity of material you are looking to deliver. But that at least is viable."

At this point, Shenmi does not have much to offer. He has produced nothing of note as far as inventions go, and him having being a sort of minor celebrity in the casino showbiz circle in Kallamore... well, it is uncertain how him getting visibility would be interpreted, if the group is supposed to be lying low. Osk is probably aware of this. He'll let other people do the talking.

    Lunaris crosses her arms with a thoughtful hum, leaning back against the wall, she was less suspicious now and she could manage to talk business when she wanted. She glanced to Haru and Prophylaxis, the latter seeming to lead the negotiations. She took another moment of consideration before hopping back off and padding over to them with a slightly quieter suggestion for him to consider, and the other members of their team. "I've been wanting to start a ranch, and I mean.. I could surely send some 'crowned' hunters over to steal some monsters and animals to populate it with a foreign export. It could work as cover for a kind of launching point. Plus, I get a ranch!" She took a step back after that, shrugging and heading back to her wall. She didn't exactly want to steal the negotiations, but it seemed a prudent offer.

A pulse of blue light silences the surrounding world. The doctor's brow rises at the sight-- and the (lack of) sound. This merchant... has /quite/ a number of relics. Who is he really, and who is /Miko/ really? "Of course," Prophylaxis says of the... challenges associated with such a bulk trading company. "But ships can be produced-- or purchased-- on our end. If the war comes to a more peaceful end, I suspect there will be something of a surplus of materiel and skilled labor on both ends. Still, your point is valid. Let's table that particular discussion for a later time, and I will be able to provide additional information."

As for the other subject... it's a bit more pertinent, isn't it? "I see. You're proposing a purchase of patent rights," Prophylaxis answers with a calm nod. "I believe that can be arranged. In fact, I've a number of medicines I believe can be replicated relatively effectively. But more to the point, perhaps something can be done on our end to establish a more effective... repository of such information. The inventions of the people in this room are one thing, but contacting the wider community of inventors of Yamato with a mutually beneficial arrangement is another. We will of course need a way to communicate more effectively, but that is something I think can be arranged. Furthermore, sir, do you happen to have an account for your company at Kallamore's central bank, and perhaps a clerk who can make regular deposits and withdrawals?"

Daiyu reachs over to rest a hand reassuringly on Yeowang's shoulder. "Do not take it personally. He has more than enough reason to be wary of activities that would draw too much notice. It is one of the few things that can temper the desire for profitable ventures. We will have to find ways to work within the parameters that can be made."

Yeowang looks surprised, and clearly there is a misunderstanding as Osk replies to her. "I would not have you risk your position," she assures him, and if bringing in crafters to Seeker's Landing is not viable, and he's concerned about explaining a sudden influx of foreign goods, she says, "I think perhaps we can provide you with a few innovations that may enable you to increase your inventory without increasing your manufacturing footprint."

She shrugs to Daiyu, "He is right to be concerned, but we have other avenues available to us."

Back to Osk, she says, "I can increase your production capacity ten to twenty percent with almost zero increase in capital or personnel." This was her second Mercantile project, the management analysis.

The man notes; "I have a few Adventurers who work under me. You can... what is the word... 'friend' them, in order to assist in communication." Osk remarks to Prophylaxis while covering the matter of trade. "As for an account, yes. There are ways to interact with my account through the Bank. Deposits, you can perform to me. Withdrawals will of course need to be something I am present for at any time." He points out. Prophylaxis might know that deposits of coin is not limited, but the owner does need to be present for deposits of other items.

"We can talk about deeper details around this later. But I am willing to offer support on this. We can make a few meetings to speak on this further." Noting Prophylaxis, Yeowang, Haru and Lunaris in particular. "Though I'd like it if you brought your friend each time." Motioning to Gwen with a little shine in his eyes. At the offer of Yeowang's management expertise, he shakes his head. "That would require me opening my books to you, I am sure. And that is not something I am willing to do." He points out.

He then turns to Lunaris and notes; "Submit a request with my people when you leave. And I can see what I can do." He proposes to her. Seemingly looking to end this meeting here for now, so people can come to him with more tangible contracts at a later time.

"Very good," the doctor nods. "I appreciate your candor and patience. We'll be in touch soon. You've given me quite a bit of homework to do, sir. To begin with, would you mind providing me with the name of one of those trustworthy adventurers of yours?" Once he has what he needs, the doctor bows, and makes to begin exiting the office. They've taken up enough of this man's time for the time being.

    The glimmer is back in Lunaris' eyes at the suggestion, but she hardly needed to dive into those exact ideas just yet. She just needed to have them. Suspicious, sure enough, but what was a good idea if not a completely tenuous alliance dangling over a lake of sharks? Oh wait, they were in palace lands. Tigersharks-- No, wait.. Platypi. They were definitely from here. Anyway she nodded over to Osk and gave a wave, as she made her decision, "Sure. As long as you can find the construction materials, I can manage the rest. Besides, I get the feeling you know enough about me already."

    Well, okay, her heart was still hammering, but at least there was something she could be doing. Though for now, it sounded like the meeting was adjourned. She just had to make sure there was another meeting for the setup, but that could come later.

Haru simply put, Haru gives the short word exit. "We will be in touch," to which he gets contact information for himself and Elly to engage with at a later time.