Blood Son - 2020-07-17 - On Borrowing Time (log)
Koaratos 17-18, 5120
by Leafiara Autumnwind of the [[::The_TownCrier|TownCrier]]
Summary
(I... might have gone a little overboard with inclusivity of people's comments in the bullet points on this really short night.)
- Mother arrives in Mayor Leafiara's office, having received a letter from her regarding concerns about Malluch Burdos. She (Leafi) and others hope to pull Malluch aside in case questioning him privately without his bloodguards will be fruitful. Mother says that is something the [[::Brotherhood of Rooks|Brotherhood]] could attempt, though it will not be easy since his guards are alert and perhaps enhanced.
- Mother brings up another concern, having caught wind of an approaching caravan full of people who come seeking the falsehoods of a mad man's puppet. Having seen what Chaston Griffin accomplished, the Rooks have no intention of allowing it to arrive. She asks Leafiara to tell the town guards and militia to stand down in the situation with the caravan in exchange for the Rooks providing access to Malluch, saying no [[::Wehnimer's Landing|Landing]] blood needs to be shed in the crossfire. At this, the questions and challenges fly quickly:
- Leafi says she can do that with the town guards, but the militia is under Thadston's command; Mother says she's the mayor suggest reminding Thadston of that; Leafi raises additional concerns over what the captains would want.
- Dergoatean asks what they'll do to the people in the caravan; Mother says send them away one way or another.
- Hapenlok says he's in complete agreement with Mother.
- Chandrellia says what happens to the caravan isn't our concern; the town is.
- Iskandr says if this goes wrong, then we could have Malluch slip through our hands, a massacred caravan, and angered bloodguards.
- Balley says we have to find out what Malluch knows and why he's doing what he is.
- Leafi says the concern with taking Malluch aside was risking making him a martyr for his followers and the same could happen with the caravan.
- Mother says the caravan is a patchwork collection of hopeless people seeking a false prophet to heal them. She says they'll give them plenty of warning to return to where they came, but won't allow his ranks in town to grow.
- Goat asks if we can't just close the gates and be done with it; Mother says a growing army can't be contained forever. Goat says she just called them hopeless, so they're no army; Mother says the hopeless are the most desperate and dangerous.
- Leafi says she can look the other way if it doesn't come to bloodshed or if the caravan does attack; Mother says they'll be reasonable in trying to avoid bloodshed, but won't turn away if it comes to that. She says violence might be the only option if they refuse to leave, so the guards and militia may turn on the Rooks in that case.
- Hapenlok asks if the caravan is likely to be guarded; Mother says yes.
- Goat says the Rooks could try addressing concerns by not being an organized crime syndicate; Mother says if preserving the freedoms of the Landing is a crime, they're guilty until death.
- Balley says we get more information with sugar and honey than weapons.
- Leafi asks everyone gathered whether they would stand down (from defending the caravan); Roelon, Hap, and Iskandr all either side with the Rooks or whatever she as mayor wants. Mother says they'll put arrows in the caravan if they must, and would like to avoid putting them in Sir Cryheart.
- Mother says they'll see how tomorrow eve goes and look into Mayor Leafiara's request of an audience with Malluch. She leaves after thumbing the string on the office placard connecting to her name.
- Afterward, the group continues discussing the matter:
- Hap says he'll aid the Rooks and maybe stop any slaughter from getting out of hand.
- Leafi says this seems like a matter of safety in turning the people away or freedom in letting them in at risk of our lives.
- Balley finds it interesting that we haven't heard from Thadston in all this.
- Goat shows off a spherical crystal that was once an Erithian scrying device, which he loaned to Grishom Stone before he knew better, to scry for us. Stone gave it back to him afterward. Later, when Stone escaped the brass tower while controlling Glethad, adventurers tried to locate him by channeling mana to Goat and Pylasar to charge the scrying crystal and see Grishom--and the Star of Khar'ta. By gazing into it, it gazed back into him, and he spent days in euphoria of its power... then months in listlessness, partial amnesia, and withdrawal from that power. The connection never severed and he can still sometimes feel Stone and the Eye within him, but conversely can sometimes feel himself within them. So, he reasons, rather than hearing out Mother over the chance of getting information from Malluch, maybe we can gain information in another way by having Goat reach into Stone's mind.
- Leafi clarifies that right now she's more interested in Malluch's thoughts, though later in the night says Goat's idea is interesting for another time.
- Leafi reviews the details of Mother's request, adding that refusing entry to town or enforcing laws outside our gates would be unprecedented either way, then asks everyone what they'd do:
- Razanetika asks why we're contemplating changing the way we do things.
- Iskandra question whether doing this for one man is worth it; Leafi says he's one of our citizens and potentially important to Stone.
- Hap says they're painting the town in blood and it's not symbolic but a potential part of a ritual. Leafi notes that Fahlo had the same theory that it's setting up for warding. Hap adds that Stone has slaughtered innocents in the past to power his rituals.
- Chamorr says they're coming for healing and we have to stop them from infecting the town with their ailments.
- Chandrellia wants to prioritize getting Malluch, saying we'd lose the Rooks' aid if we tried to allow the caravan in.
- Leafi asks if anyone's really adamant on letting them in, considering that that would mean battling against the Rooks:
- Chandrellia says she's indifferent and both have pros and cons. Later she brings up the option of letting them in but having the militia patrol the streets.
- Balley brings up the "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer" philosophy and says maybe we can keep them out of town but by the gate.
- Pukk votes the opposite of what Hapenlok wants, at least until Leafi tells him Hap is with the Rooks on this.
- Goat says turn them away with the minimum force needed, but we can consider providing some shelter and turnips to prevent a humanitarian crisis if they camp nearby. He also suspects the Rooks won't yield us Malluch.
- Greycrown says stop them before the gates.
- Bbee says barricade one gate and stand at the other as a unified force.
- Asben says he wants to think about all this first, then when he does he'll make his recommendation to Shinann.
- Berost says he agrees with Mother for the first time ever: keep them out.
Highlights
Leafiara affably says, "Come out, shadowy guests. We're all friends here--well, we're all agreed not to kill each other at random, anyway." Asben glances at Leafiara. Speaking wryly to Asben, Leafiara says, "Okay, fine, all except Hapenlok."
Speaking to Pukk, Hapenlok mutters, "She's not your real mother, you idiot." Speaking baffledly to Hapenlok, Goblyn asks, "You do know this for facts?" Speaking to Goblyn, Hapenlok says, "He's a bit-....never mind." Speaking amusedly to Hapenlok, Goblyn says, "He is maybe very funny."
Dergoatean asks, "We've got gates. Can't we just close them? Does there need to be more to it than that?" Speaking heartily to Dergoatean, Chamorr says, "Gates aint worked in hunner years."
Chamorr heartily says, "Burn da wagons, slaughter the followers, I love this plan." Speaking witheringly to Chamorr, Hapenlok says, "You sicken me, sometimes Bear."
Mother softly says, "Because if they refuse to leave, we are left with no choice but violence. Your guards and militia may turn on us to protect them." Speaking to Mother, Dergoatean says, "You could try not being an organized crime syndicate. That might address those concerns."
Dergoatean says, "I'd like to share something with all of you, now that Mother is gone." Dergoatean says, "Not that she won't find out in moments. I just don't like her."
Speaking drunkenly to Goblyn, Gutstorm says, "How bad would it be to drop a few meteorsh in here while eberwun ish dishracketed."
Speaking softly to herself, Chandrellia says, "Oh are we in a conundrum." Speaking to Chandrellia, Asben says, "It's the Landing."
Log
Idle Gathering
[Mayor Leafiara's Office]
Silk-cushioned chairs surround a circular cherry red table toward the back of the room. Plush carpets of fake fur blanket the polished oak floor while myriad painted treats span the office's walls, interrupted by an oversized placard. In a back corner, above a brick fireplace, a mounted stag's head watches vigilantly from a distance over a hazelwood dart board near the entryway. A leaf-shaped window invites outside light toward a drink bar that stands beneath a painting. You also see a basket of sticks and a tiny two-tiered bookshelf.
Also here: Miss Goblyn, Mayor Leafiara
You see a glossy maoral door open.
Hapenlok just came through a glossy maoral door.
Speaking in Sylvankind, Leafiara agrees something you don't understand.
Speaking in Sylvankind with an odd lyrical cadence, Goblyn says something you don't understand.
Lord Chamorr's group just came through a glossy maoral door.
Hapenlok says, "They're ...."
Pukk exclaims, "Aha!"
Hapenlok says, "Well, they're here."
Speaking in Sylvankind with an odd lyrical cadence, Goblyn exclaims something you don't understand.
Pukk exclaims, "We found them!"
Leafiara amusedly says, "Well then, uh... welcome everyone."
Felita says, "Hi missie Goblyn."
Speaking in Sylvankind with an odd lyrical cadence, Goblyn says something you don't understand.
High Lord Gutstorm just came through a glossy maoral door.
Chamorr heartily says, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, surprise."
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Thish door needsh a lock."
Speaking to Chamorr, Pukk exclaims, "I knew that Aoife didn't rub off on you too much. You didn't get lost!"
Speaking amusedly to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "Nah, open door policy."
Speaking in Sylvankind with an odd lyrical cadence to Leafiara, Goblyn says something you don't understand.
Speaking to himself, Pukk says, "Yeah, that didn't sound right."
Speaking drunkenly to Leafiara, Gutstorm says, "But I opened it."
Speaking heartily to Pukk, Chamorr says, "Shes does get lost alot."
Some dark-hooded figures can be seen moving along some nearby rooftops of town, briefly illuminating against the backdrop of lightning flashes in the night sky.
Speaking amiably in Sylvankind to Goblyn, Leafiara says something you don't understand.
Balley softly says, "Hello Miss Goblyn."
Pukk recites:
"Okay, now everybody join Leafiara!"
Speaking in Sylvankind with an odd lyrical cadence, Goblyn mischievously exclaims something you don't understand.
Leafiara slowly says, "Well."
Chamorr heartily says, "Arrggh, we is here fer yer scotch."
There is movement in the shadows.
Speaking to Goblyn, Pukk says, "I got the power..."
Leafiara says, "Shall we invite them in or--"
Leafiara slowly says, "Ah, already here."
Speaking to Pukk, Goblyn asks, "What is this power you do speak of?"
Chamorr heartily says, "Movement outside, going out."
Speaking to Goblyn, Pukk says, "Part of this herald job I got. People listen to me and sometimes do what I say."
Leafiara affably says, "Come out, shadowy guests. We're all friends here--well, we're all agreed not to kill each other at random, anyway."
Asben glances at Leafiara.
Felita says, "Yoos is fun."
Iskandr says, "I did ACTUALLY agree the other night specifically not to kill anyone, yes."
Speaking wryly to Asben, Leafiara says, "Okay, fine, all except Hapenlok."
Asben agrees with Leafiara.
Pukk whispers something to Goblyn.
Goblyn exclaims, "Everyone is full of much merriment!"
Speaking to Goblyn, Hapenlok says, "I prefer the term 'cautious optimism.'"
Pukk whispers something to Goblyn.
Speaking hopefully to Pukk, Goblyn asks, "You will bring the popcorn that does scream when it is time for that?"
Hapenlok says, "The operative word being, cautious."
Leafiara says, "Maybe they'd prefer we go outside."
Balley softly asks, "Ok, should we go check out things?"
Speaking to Goblyn, Pukk says, "I could, yes! But the screaming ice is good too."
Hapenlok says, "Because I remember the last time we had a revival here. It went poorly."
Leafiara admits, "It is a bit bright in here."
Chamorr heartily says, "Movin out."
Cutting to the Chase
Mother steps out of the shadows, moving through the gathering of people to stand before the placard on the wall, pausing to look up at it.
>l placard
Musical note-shaped pins keep various TownCrier articles and sketches of notable Landing figures posted to this sizable board occupying almost half the width of the wall. A veritable spiderweb of red strings connects many of the pins, physically and metaphorically linking events with intricate, if only questionably plausible, implications about correlation and causation. Most of the parchments are marked with at least one of four symbols: a check mark, an X, an N, or a tilde.
Speaking to Leafiara, Goblyn exclaims, "We are following you!"
Balley softly says, "Say oh."
Speaking to Leafiara, Goblyn says, "It is like Cryheart but... not."
Balley softly exclaims, "Hi Mother!"
Leafiara affably says, "Ah, or not."
Yavs raspily asks, "When did she get here?"
Goblyn says, "Oh..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Iskandr says, "I left the other night as you were all fleshing out a plan. I hope you have one."
Felita says, "Mommie."
Speaking amusedly to Iskandr, Leafiara says, "Of course. Usually many."
Pukk yells, "We will be out!"
Speaking amiably to Mother, Leafiara says, "Good evening, Mother."
Pukk yells, "We are trying to look pretty!"
Bbee offers Goblyn a silvery blue potion.
Bbee says, "Drink that."
Leafiara musingly says, "Oh, apologies--I should look a bit more formal for this."
Mother touches a few strings along the placard, plucking on one like the string of an instrument.
As Leafiara pushes her shimmering trinket, a shimmer of light briefly overtakes her form.
As Leafiara pushes her shimmering trinket, a shimmer of light briefly overtakes her form.
Goblyn accepts Bbee's silvery blue potion.
Leafiara mischievously says, "There we go."
Leafiara extends her leg and slowly rotating her ankle, models a pair of pristine white sandals inset with rook-etched rubies.
Speaking affably to Mother, Leafiara asks, "In any case, what brings you here tonight?"
Mother softly says, "Good evening."
Speaking to Goblyn, Pukk says, "He is the local pill and potion pusher."
Bbee says, "Drink up."
Speaking to Goblyn, Pukk says, "The first one is free."
Goblyn takes several steps back and away from Mother.
Roelon deeply says, "Evenin'."
Bbee says, "This is her second one Pukk."
Speaking to Mother, Pukk asks, "Hi Mother, did you get my message?"
Speaking curiously to Mother, Leafiara asks, "I suppose my letter found its way to you?"
Mother softly says, "You sent me word."
'Mother nods at Leafiara.
Leafiara nods at Mother.
Mother peers quizzically at Pukk.
Mother softly says, "No."
Pukk flails his arms about.
Speaking to Pukk, Hapenlok mutters, "She's not your real mother, you idiot."
Pukk says, "I left it in the crevice I was told to."
Speaking baffledly to Hapenlok, Goblyn asks, "You do know this for facts?"
Goblyn glances between Mother and Pukk.
Goblyn takes a sip from her silvery blue potion and seems to become oddly buoyant.
Goblyn blinks at Bbee.
Goblyn laughs!
Speaking to Mother, Leafiara explains, "We have some concerns about Malluch that we'd like to... perhaps take him aside and discuss with him."
Speaking to Goblyn, Hapenlok says, "He's a bit-....never mind."
Mother softly says, "We have concerns as well."
Speaking amusedly to Hapenlok, Goblyn says, "He is maybe very funny."
Speaking to Mother, Leafiara adds, "Or 'borrow' him, to use the words you once used with a certain price gouging farmer."
Leafiara grins mischievously.
Leafiara nods slowly at Mother.
Silversoft exclaims, "Hoot hootie Hooooooooo!"
Iskandr asks, "That's the plan?"
Yavs raspily says, "Was today not the day when he said we'd have to choose?"
Chamorr heartily says, "Everybody got a plan, til they gets punched in da nose."
Leafiara says, "I believe I explained this part, but the trouble is how to take him aside without stirring up a revolt from his... followers."
Mother softly asks, "What words do you intend to have?"
Leafiara carefully surveys her surroundings.
Leafiara closes a glossy maoral door.
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "As was previously discussed, I don't really see a way around that."
Chamorr heartily says, "Let's whack dem."
Speaking to Mother, Leafiara says, "Frank ones. We want to determine if he's truly the puppet he seems to be or if there's something more... hesitant."
Speaking to Chamorr, Leafiara says, "That's a possibility if... 'diplomacy' doesn't work out."
Chamorr heartily says, "Always diplomacy first."
Pukk says, "Happy's way of taking care of things is to blow up everybody that he doesn't like and sort it all out later."
Mother softly says, "So you wish him removed, temporarily, to answer your questions."
Leafiara says, "The hope is that we can isolate Malluch by taking him to a remote location."
Iskandr says, "I still like his plan."
Leafiara nods at Mother.
Chamorr heartily says, "Diplomacy works best on a defeated foe."
Mother softly says, "It will not be easy. His guards are quite alert. Enhanced in some ways, perhaps."
Mother softly says, "It is something we could attempt."
Leafiara agrees, "Right, the challenge is the timing."
Shadowy Dealings
Mother softly says, "We have some additional concerns."
Leafiara looks thoughtfully at Mother.
Roelon deeply asks, "Maybe he has more to say with less ears and eyes around?"
Speaking amiably to Mother, Leafiara says, "Please, explain. Any information is helpful here."
Speaking to Mother, Hapenlok says, "Well, your side can probably make it work a lot better than I ever could."
Mother softly says, "There is a caravan arriving by tomorrow eve."
Speaking to Mother, Iskandr asks, "What do you mean by enhanced exactly?"
Leafiara cautiously says, "I've heard, yes."
Speaking softly to Mother, Balley asks, "Do you know how he escaped?"
Mother softly says, "We have no intention of allowing them to arrive."
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "Did Happy just give a compliment to the Rooks?"
Speaking wryly to Mother, Leafiara says, "Oh, good, spares me the dilemma I was considering about whether to burn every wagon on arrival."
Speaking interestedly to Mother, Leafiara asks, "But I take it you have some information about the caravan?"
Dergoatean says, "Caravan of..."
Mother softly says, "They come seeking the falsehoods of a mad man's puppet."
Chamorr heartily says, "I like that plan."
Chamorr heartily says, "Burn da wagons."
Dergoatean says, "Oh. THOSE."
Mother softly says, "We have seen what Chaston accomplished. We do not need something similar."
Chamorr heartily says, "Make em walk home."
Speaking to Chamorr, Leafiara says, "We can call it Plan Maylan."
Mother softly says, "No faith, is still faith."
Speaking to Mother, Leafiara agrees, "It truly is. In some ways even more so."
Pukk says, "Happy giving compliments, Chamorr wanting to burn everything. Dogs and cats living together..."
Pukk says, "It's the end of the world."
Leafiara says, "Belief in an idea instead of a being, however remote..."
Speaking to Pukk, Dergoatean says, "Mass hysteria."
Mother softly says, "Permission to answer to no one but oneself is more dangerous than any devotion to an Arkati."
Speaking to Pukk, Goblyn says, "... my shop."
Speaking to Goblyn, Pukk says, "Well, that was fun."
Speaking to Mother, Dergoatean says, "I heard a saying about Absolute Power once. I wish I could remember it."
Speaking curiously to Mother, Leafiara asks, "Will you need any aid in stopping the caravan's arrival?"
Leafiara adds, "Even if only aid in the form of looking the other way."
Mother softly says, "Tell your town guards and militia to stand down in the situation with the caravans, and in exchange, we will provide you access to Malluch."
Leafiara looks thoughtfully at Mother.
Chamorr heartily says, "Wait."
Leafiara says, "The town guards I can do, but the militia is under Thadston's command..."
Mother softly says, "No Landing blood needs to be shed in the crossfire."
Speaking heartily to Mother, Chamorr asks, "You have this guy?"
Mother peers quizzically at Chamorr.
Speaking to Mother, Dergoatean asks, "What do you intend to do to the people in these caravans?"
Speaking to Mother, Hapenlok says, "You know, I never thought I'd find myself saying this, but I'm in complete agreement."
Mother softly says, "Send them away, one way or the other."
Mother nods at Dergoatean.
Speaking heartily to Dergoatean, Chamorr says, "Pillage and rob dem."
Speaking softly to Dergoatean, Chandrellia says, "As much as I hate to say it, it's not our concern."
Speaking curiously to Mother, Goblyn asks, "Why will you be having Malluch in this time?"
Leafiara says, "I can try to reason with the militia, but this isn't a promise I can make..."
Speaking to Chandrellia, Dergoatean asks, "Not feeling very heroic tonight, are we?"
Mother softly says, "You are the Mayor. Perhaps you should remind Thadston of that."
Leafiara looks thoughtfully at Mother.
Speaking softly to Dergoatean, Chandrellia says, "My concern is this town and if that means giving up a few wagons and false prophets along the way then fine."
Leafiara furrows her brow, her face tensed in some inner conflict.
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "You should tie him up and spank him."
Leafiara says, "Truly, it's not even Thadston I'm as concerned about here as the captains..."
Felita says, "I dun see ems here."
Speaking to Leafiara, Iskandr says, "If this goes badly there could be a lack of the man you are looking for in your hands, a massacred caravan, and angry 'enhanced' follower of the man raving mad."
Speaking to Mother, Leafiara asks, "How sure are you of who's on this caravan?"
Speaking softly to Felita, Chandrellia says, "Exactly."
Balley softly says, "We need to find out what he knows and what why he is doing what he is."
Chamorr heartily says, "Question."
Speaking drunkenly to Leafiara, Gutstorm says, "Dish offish needsh a painin of me in it on da wall ober dere."
Leafiara says, "From the beginning, the concern with taking Malluch away was the risk of making him a martyr and giving more sympathy to his followers."
Dergoatean raises his dark ale in a toast!
Dergoatean exclaims, "To due process!"
Iskandr says, "There are a lot of variables in play."
Leafiara says, "That could extend with the caravan situation."
Bbee says, "He is doing what he is doing bbecause he underestimates us."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Pukk says, "We will throw a bunch of ale at some canvas and that should do."
Iskandr asks, "Perhaps this is what he wants?"
Chamorr heartily says, "What if folks happen to wander in on this wagon stopping, could they pitch in? Askin fer a friend."
Leafiara says, "In other words, an attack on the caravan might just rally his followers further."
Felita says, "Oo get ems drunk en steal ems caravan."
Speaking to Iskandr, Dergoatean says, "I think he sort of wins either way."
Mother softly says, "The caravan consists of a patchwork collection of hopeless people, seeking a false prophet to heal them."
Speaking to Chamorr, Silversoft says, "Always the Warrior."
Iskandr says, "You may want to think that this could all be him thinking around you."
Dergoatean asks, "We've got gates. Can't we just close them? Does there need to be more to it than that?"
Mother softly says, "We will give them plenty of warning to return to where they came. But we will not allow his ranks in town to swell."
Speaking softly to Iskandr, Chandrellia says, "True but we can not do anything either, we have to at least try."
Speaking heartily to Dergoatean, Chamorr says, "Gates aint worked in hunner years."
Mother softly says, "A growing army cannot be contained by sheltered gates forever."
Iskandr says, "The gemshop owner sounded genuine, but perhaps he's being manipulated to get you all thinking like this."
Speaking to Mother, Leafiara says, "If this doesn't come to bloodshed, I can certainly look the other way..." [she'll respond later]
Speaking softly to Iskandr, Chandrellia asks, "How well do you know Murdos?"
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "You know how it's going to go. And so do I. I keep thinking back to one night in Talador."
Speaking to Mother, Dergoatean says, "You just called them a patchwork collection of hopeless people. Doesn't sound like much of an army."
Leafiara says, "But if the caravan does attack when provoked..."
Speaking to Mother, Dergoatean says, "Not until we make martyrs of them, anyway."
Mother softly says, "Those without hope are often the most desperate and dangerous."
Speaking to Chandrellia, Iskandr says, "Not well, I just don't trust easily."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara says, "But I think her point stands in that they could be granted power the same way Malluch has been."
Speaking to Mother, Goblyn agrees, "This is true, maybe, in many times."
Mother nods at Goblyn.
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "If any old turnip farmer can be granted the power, killing off a few score of them here and now won't buy us anything."
Chamorr heartily says, "Burn da wagons, slaughter the followers, I love this plan."
Bbee exclaims, "I don't understand all the fuss, we have defeated every threat that has come our way, because we have something they never have, camaraderie!"
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "There's an endless supply of idiot bumpkins."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara concedes, "A good enough point."
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Leafi, how come dere ish no desk."
Leafiara points at a circular cherry red table.
Gutstorm put a shot glass of Assassin's Poison on a circular cherry red table.
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Dat not a desh."
Speaking witheringly to Chamorr, Hapenlok says, "You sicken me, sometimes Bear."
Speaking to Chamorr, Pukk exclaims, "Congrats!"
Bbee says, "As long as we have each other, we are invincible."
Speaking heartily to Hapenlok, Chamorr says, "Why, thank you."
Speaking to Chamorr, Pukk exclaims, "You are moving up in the world!"
Chandrellia softly says, "Look bottom line is, we need Malluch, some may not agree with how Leafi is running it or who she is asking for help, be we need to work together to make this happen."
Speaking seriously to Mother, Leafiara asks, "Let me ask this: why would the town guard and militia need to stand down if these people are unlikely to get violent?"
Mother softly says, "We will do what is reasonable to avoid bloodshed, but we will not turn away from it, if it comes to that."
Leafiara nods understandingly at Mother.
Speaking to Chandrellia, Dergoatean asks, "What does Malluch get us?"
Mother softly says, "Because if they refuse to leave, we are left with no choice but violence. Your guards and militia may turn on us to protect them."
Speaking to Mother, Hapenlok asks, "Let me ask you something. about this caravan? Is it likely to be guarded?"
Chandrellia softly says, "Answers, maybe more questions, maybe information we don't know unless we ask."
Speaking to Mother, Dergoatean says, "You could try not being an organized crime syndicate. That might address those concerns."
Mother softly says, "Yes, it is likely."
Gutstorm glances between Leafiara and his syringe with an unsettling look on his face.
Balley softly says, "You get more information with sugar and honey than you do from weapons and attack."
Mother glances at Dergoatean.
Speaking to Mother, Iskandr says, "I still want to know how his followers are enhanced."
Dergoatean coughs.
Goblyn glances warily at Gutstorm.
Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "Wot?"
Speaking to Mother, Dergoatean says, "Sorry, something caught in my throat."
Mother softly says, "If preserving the freedom of Wehnimer's Landing and her people is a crime, then we are guilty until death."
Speaking drunkenly to Goblyn, Gutstorm asks, "I need blood fer me shporot beasht, yooz got goot blood?"
Speaking softly to Dergoatean, Chandrellia says, "Just because some take a less orthodox approach to keeping to what they believe doesn't make it wrong."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Bbee says, "Nothing as long as you keep that syringe away from my veins."
Balley softly says, "You need this more than I."
Speaking to Goblyn, Pukk says, "He's getting harder and harder to understand. All that time he spends with Dwi is rubbing off on him."
Speaking to Chandrellia, Dergoatean says, "I might be able to offer another means of reaching the same end."
Leafiara says, "A quick poll of the room..."
Speaking slowly to Gutstorm, Goblyn says, "Maybe. But maybe it will... make this syringe broken in some ways if you do take this blood."
Roelon deeply says, "Sometimes the cost of freedom is too much."
Leafiara asks, "Even if the town guard and militia stand down, would the rest of you be willing to stand down?"
Speaking softly to Roelon, Chandrellia says, "Sometimes not enough."
Speaking drunkenly to Goblyn, Gutstorm says, "It da chance me wilin to take."
Speaking deeply to Leafiara, Roelon says, "If ye wish it as Mayor. Ah think so."
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "No. not me."
Speaking to Hapenlok, Leafiara asks, "You'd protect the caravan?"
Speaking to Leafiara, Iskandr says, "Not my town, I play by your rules."
Mother softly says, "If we must put arrows in the caravan, we will. We would like to avoid putting them in Cryheart as well."
Speaking deeply to Chandrellia, Roelon says, "Aye, perhaps. It is nae an easy choice."
Mother nods at Leafiara.
Speaking softly to Hapenlok, Chandrellia says, "Our concern is Malluch, not the caravan."
Speaking to Mother, Pukk says, "Arrows mostly bounce off him."
Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr says, "Actually, ya can't have a faction operating outside the purviews of the town, ya know."
Mother softly says, "We shall see how tomorrow eve goes. We shall also look into your request of an audience with Malluch."
Leafiara nods slowly at Mother.
Hapenlok says, "I'm no stranger to inflicting civilian casualties."
Speaking to Chandrellia, Dergoatean says, "You seem to have a lot of confidence that we'll actually end up with Malluch in custody if we go along with this."
Speaking deeply to Chandrellia, Roelon says, "But aye. Ah think so too. Ye need this Malluch, away from his handlers."
Speaking jokingly to Hapenlok, Pukk exclaims, "You? No! You don't say!"
Mother looks at the placard once more, running a finger along the string that connects to her name. She nods. She then steps back, disappearing into the shadows.
Discussion Afterward
Leafara says, "There was never a chance I would turn the town guard against you, or even refuse to order them to--"
Pukk asks, "Okay, who keeps peeping at me?"
Speaking to Dergoatean, Iskandr says, "That's where I feel things sound dicey. We're assuming it's a breezy trade."
Hapenlok says, "I'm going to help them. And maybe...I'll keep the slaughter from getting out of hand."
Speaking drunkenly to Pukk, Gutstorm says, "Peep."
Speaking to Hapenlok, Leafiara asks, "Help the caravan or the Rooks?"
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "When it comes to meteors, they're not picky."
Hapenlok says, "The Rooks."
Pukk says, "If Happy asks you to marry him, run."
Hapenlok says, "Never thought I'd say this in my life."
Leafiara philosophically says, "This is really a matter of safety or freedom, isn't it..."
Chamorr heartily says, "Might be a good opportunity, to get them both."
Leafiara says, "The safer thing to do is turn these people away."
Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Or both."
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Rooksh ish not a nice name, shoundsh a bit....thuggish."
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Yooz need to rebrand dem."
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "So much for the more Tolerant Landing you promised, then."
Speaking to Leafiara, Iskandr says, "That's the two philosophies I've been wrestling with since I've paid visit here."
Dergoatean says, "I'd like to share something with all of you, now that Mother is gone."
Hapenlok says, "You kind of backed yourself into a corner with that."
Leafiara says, "The more free thing to do is let them come and go as they please, even at risk of our lives."
Dergoatean says, "Not that she won't find out in moments. I just don't like her."
Dergoatean says, "One moment, please."
Dergoatean reaches for his pin and vanishes as soon as his fingers touch it!
Speaking to Felita, Pukk says, "When a halfling spits at you, it's a sign of great respect."
Speaking to Hapenlok, Leafiara says, "But I've believed that regardless. That's why I've hesitated to agree tonight."
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "No one likesh there Mother, but she shtill our Mother."
Dergoatean suddenly appears out of nowhere, one hand moving away from his pin.
Dergoatean indicates a sturdy mithril chest as a possible option.
Speaking softly to Leafiara, Balley says, "I do think it is interesting that Thadston has disappeared."
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Their? there...Their...."
Yavs raspily says, "It's hard to know. We don't really have a sense of what they'll bring to us."
Balley softly says, "We have not heard from him at all with all this."
Leafiara says, "I was even telling Goblyn just earlier that I'm perfectly alright with Malluch coming and healing people, if that's truly all he's up to."
Dergoatean says, "You're in for quite the story time, if you're up for it."
Dergoatean says, "I haven't looked upon the contents of this chest in, oh, 5 years."
Leafiara mutters, "Oh, this'll be a sleepless night."
Dergoatean says, "And I picked mithril on purpose."
Speaking interestedly to Dergoatean, Leafiara says, "Anyway, do share."
Dergoatean just opened a sturdy mithril chest.
Dergoatean removes a chipped spherical crystal from in his mithril chest.
Dergoatean smiles.
Dergoatean gazes intensely into his spherical crystal.
Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr asks, "Why are we interested in stopping these followers, have they been violent elsewhere?"
Dergoatean says, "This old thing."
Leafiara says, "In case they become slaves of Stone."
Dergoatean says, "See, at one point, it was ONLY a fragment of a once immensely powerful Erithian scrying device."
Dergoatean says, "It was a little handy, would let me know if anyone was hiding."
Dergoatean says, "Which... they are, right now, by the way."
Dergoatean chuckles.
Speaking to Chamorr, Hapenlok says, "No, just that some of us actually remember what happened when Chaston had a Koarite revivale."
Pukk says, "One thing you have to admire about the Rooks is, they're there for theirs."
Dergoatean says, "But back before I knew better, I loaned it to Grishom."
Dergoatean says, "See, at the time, we needed him scrying for us. Didn't seem like much other of an option out there."
Dergoatean says, "We were trying to save the realm from pure chaos."
Dergoatean rubs a chipped spherical crystal in his hand.
Leafiara mentions, "I'll have more to say after Goat's story is finished."
Iskandr says, "I continue to see this wrestling with levels of freedom as fascinating. I hope it pans out in the Landing's favor in the end."
Dergoatean says, "He did hand it back eventually."
Dergoatean says, "Chipped."
Dergoatean scowls at a chipped spherical crystal in his hand.
Dergoatean says, "Still works."
Dergoatean says, "Bit different, though."
Speaking heartily to Hapenlok, Chamorr says, "They come here peacefully, under misguided assumptions, perhaps, don't seem like a reason to whack dem."
Dergoatean says, "Do you all remember when Stone escaped the Brass Tower, while controlling Glethad."
Dergoatean says, "Pretty soon after the war of shadows, as I remember it."
Raelee nods faintly at Dergoatean.
Speaking to Chamorr, Leafiara says, "She said they'll try to avoid violence."
Raelee quietly says, "... a sequence of errors."
Chamorr heartily says, "And think of the money they'll spend in town."
Dergoatean says, "Perhaps some of you then ALSO remember when we figured out where he'd gone."
Dergoatean taps a chipped spherical crystal, which is in his left hand.
Dergoatean says, "This crystal."
Speaking softly to Chamorr, Chandrellia says, "And think of how many more buildings will get vandalized with blood smears."
Dergoatean says, "Dozens of adventurers channeled mana to me that night, as well as Pylasar."
Dergoatean exclaims, "We charged this thing up good!"
Dergoatean says, "And then I saw him."
Speaking to Chandrellia, Goblyn says, "They will make the buildings pretty."
Dergoatean says, "Him, and the ... th-th Star."
Bbee asks, "They come here peacefully?"
Dergoatean says, "Of Kharta."
Dergoatean says, "I gazed a bit too long into the Galestone."
Dergoatean says, "And it, too, stared into me."
Dergoatean says, "Now, we did learn. We did learn, that Stone had made off to the sea of fire."
Dergoatean says, "But, hmm."
Dergoatean says, "I guess it's true that I still am not quite the same."
Speaking to Teryval, Pukk says, "That might be the wrong blood type."
Teryval says, "They are all my type."
Yavs raspily says, "Can confirm. Am doctor."
Dergoatean says, "I spent days in the euphoria of its power."
Dergoatean says, "I spent months in a state of listlessness, malaise, even partial amnesia, in withdrawal from that same power."
Dergoatean says, "And as I came to, well, that connection never fully severed."
Dergoatean says, "At times I have felt Stone, and that Eye, still within me."
Dergoatean says, "And more rarely, but still, me within it, and him."
Bbee says, "All I have to say to all this heady talk is...."
Bbee waves a fuzzy striped toy bumblebee around.
Dergoatean says, "I spend many more months constructing mental wards, best I could as someone untrained."
Bbee exclaims, "Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!"
Dergoatean shrugs at Bbee.
Dergoatean says, "I am not confident that I can keep him out. He's not wrong to claim power on the level of a deity."
Speaking amusedly to Dergoatean, Goblyn says, "I do not think this will be enough..."
Balley softly says, "You have told this story before Dergoatean, Close your head, do not let him in if you do not want him there."
Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "We shummon a demon?"
Dergoatean says, "But I'm at least confident I'd know he's in there."
Dergoatean nods at Balley.
Speaking to Balley, Dergoatean says, "Except."
Balley softly says, "Keep it closed."
Speaking patiently to Balley, Goblyn notes, "It is different for him, maybe, Balley."
Speaking curiously to Dergoatean, Leafiara asks, "And what do you think we should do in a scenario like this one?"
Speaking to Balley, Dergoatean says, "You may all need him in here."
Speaking to Balley, Hapenlok says, "You say it as if it's an easy thing. It may be for you."
Speaking to Balley, Dergoatean says, "And soon."
Leafiara asks, "Or was this just a tangential story?"
Balley softly says, "Maybe."
Dergoatean starts chuckling at Leafiara!
Dergoatean says, "Yes, yes, to get to my point."
Balley softly says, "That is try."
Dergoatean says, "You all are prepared to adhere to Mother's instruction on the chance of getting some information from Malluch."
Leafiara says, "I do want to take the pulse of the room on this, since it was a campaign promise to hear you all out. So we'll review what's facing us shortly, after Goat's done."
(Dergoatean taps his temple.)
Dergoatean says, "Perhaps there's another route to information."
Speaking drunkenly to Leafiara, Gutstorm says, "Crack hish head open, shee what he ish hidin."
Dergoatean says, "And the scary thing is, I'm pretty sure I'd like it."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Hapenlok says, "Well, to be fair. It was already something that ...*ahem* I was considering."
Speaking to Hapenlok, Dergoatean asks, "How's that?"
Speaking to himself, Pukk mutters, "A raven, a eagle and a tiger all in a room together. It's so chaotic. I love it."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Hapenlok says, "Well, as with most of my plans, it probably would have failed miserably, but I was fully prepared to snag Malluch myself."
Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "Dish a zoo or shumfin?"
Dergoatean says, "To be more concrete, I believe I could reach into Stone's mind enough to understand more about his motives, powers, and near-term plans."
The voice of Greycrown says, "Might be Gut, you're here."
Pukk says, "Petting zoo."
Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr asks, "Well, mayor, what is the honorable thing to do?"
Balley softly asks, "Has anyone asked Malluch his story? How he came to be healed? Maybe he will tell us information by talking about himself?"
Speaking to Hapenlok, Dergoatean says, "Seems dicey. But I'd listen."
Speaking suddenly to Dergoatean, Leafiara says, "Oh, I'm not all that interested in Stone's plans right now, but more Malluch's."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Iskandr says, "That sounds like a not great idea."
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Hey now..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean asks, "What are Malluch's plans, other than Stone's?"
Speaking to Balley, Leafiara says, "The hope was always that simple diplomacy would work, but we were prepared to go further."
Speaking to Balley, Iskandr says, "I think that's why they want him alone."
Dergoatean whispers something to Goblyn.
Speaking to Dergoatean, Hapenlok says, "Goat, you know what Rowmi did to Zyndur, and that was half trained."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara says, "That's what we're trying to understand, if anything."
In Review
Leafiara says, "Okay, so let's review the situation..."
Pukk says, "I say we watch out for that fortuneteller that roams around the town. She is the real problem."
Leafiara says, "A caravan of hopeless, desperate people is on its way to seek healing from Malluch."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Hapenlok says, "I mean, there's been no evidence that he's used any of his mental abilities, over the years. But that doesn't mean they don't still exist."
Bbee says, "Diplomacy only works when you're willing to do it the other way."
Leafiara says, "Mother and the Rooks are going to try to turn them away."
Berost deeply says, "Hopeless, desperate folk; usually do hopeless an desperate things.,"
Speaking drunkenly to a brilliant purple kitten wearing a purple collar clasped with a pair of crossed silver swords, Gutstorm says, "Do yer fing."
Leafiara says, "She wants me to get the town guard and militia to stand down in case things turn violent, while promising that she'll try to avoid violence."
Leafiara says, "Normally it's completely against our ways to refuse people entry to town."
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "And me. If possible."
Leafiara adds, "But it's also against our ways to try to enforce laws outside the gates."
Leafiara says, "No matter what we do here, it's a bit unprecedented."
Leafiara says, "And speaking of unprecedented..."
Speaking to Berost, Bbee says, "True, but hopeful folks also do that."
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "I do believe we at least TRIED to make demands of the outpost in the past."
Balley softly says, "I still think we get more flies with Honey than with vinegar.. Welcome them, watch them, then react if needed."
Leafiara says, "This is the first time Mother's done anything, in a year and a half of leading the Rooks, that didn't seem like exactly what I'd do."
Balley softly says, "We did that with Vlashandra."
Speaking to Balley, Pukk says, "You get more flies with crap though."
Speaking wryly to Balley, Leafiara says, "Yeah, but that didn't go so well."
Leafiara asks, "What does everyone think? Would you welcome the caravan or try to turn it away?"
Chamorr heartily says, "Well."
Speaking softly to Leafiara, Razanetika asks, "Why are we contemplating changing how we do things now?"
Balley softly says, "NO, but we took her for her word and did not have a backup plan."
Speaking to Leafiara, Iskandr asks, "I think the idea that it's being done for access to one man is a bit...hmm...is it worth it?"
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "Honestly Leafi, they're painting the town in blood."
Speaking drunkenly to Goblyn, Gutstorm says, "How bad would it be to drop a few meteorsh in here while eberwun ish dishracketed."
Bbee asks, "I am still trying to figure out why everyone wants to get flies?"
Chamorr heartily says, "First, these folks are coming to be healed from many different ailments."
Speaking to Iskandr, Leafiara says, "Malluch's one of our citizens and potentially an important figure for Stone, so I can't just dismiss him as one man."
Speaking softly to Leafiarar, Chandrellia asks, "May I interject for a moment?"
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "It's not just a symbol. It's a potential part of a ritual."
Speaking to Chandrellia, Leafiara says, "Yes, I'm asking for everyone's thoughts."
Chamorr heartily says, "We need to keep them from infecting the town."
Speaking to Hapenlok, Leafiara says, "Right, Fahlo thought the same--the blood paintings are a preparation."
Goblyn whispers aloud, "I think maybe Leafiara will not answer my questions I still do have if I do make her office in fire!"
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "I believe the resident expert here....can possibly confirm this."
Chamorr heartily says, "Don't let them in."
Hapenlok nods at Goblyn.
Speaking to Leafiara, Felita says, "Get em drunks and steal the carabans."
Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Ok say we do allow them in, and we tell Mother we do not want the caravan stopped, she was adamant about not allowing them in town, by us allowing them, we back out from help with the Rooks to get Malluch."
Speaking to Goblyn, Pukk asks, "What's a little arson between friends?"
Leafiara says, "This is almost exactly like what some of us complained about when Puptilian did it as mayor... turning sick people away because Alendrial was the one who brought them in."
Speaking to Chandrellia, Leafiara says, "Right, we might not get our chance at Malluch without her."
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "And honestly, with what Stone's past performances, he slaughtered a lot of innocents to power his rituals over the years."
Iskandr says, "Well, I suppose I will see you all tomorrow night. Good luck with your choices. I don't envy being in your shoes right now."
Speaking softly to Leafiara, Razanetika asks, "Is it not possible to set up an area outside of town for them to receive this.. healing?"
Speaking to Hapenlok, Leafiara says, "So you're thinking he's probably aiming for the same again."
Speaking to Iskandr, Hapenlok says, "You can judge from afar, like the Azure Sun did."
Speaking to Iskandr, Pukk says, "Remember, you're buying the ale tomorrow."
Hapenlok says, "Once upon a time."
Leafiara asks, "Does anyone want to voice that we absolutely should let them in?"
Leafiara says, "Keeping in mind that letting them in involves battling each other."
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "What does Happy want to do?"
Bbee whispers, "Is there a hell in Elanthian mythology?"
Chandrellia softly says, "I'm indifferent on this, both have pros and cons."
Leafiara says, "It would be the Rooks against others in the Landing, if we tried to allow the caravan in."
Leafiara asks, "And if I have to prioritize anything, it's our own people, right?"
Balley softly asks, "Keep your friends close, your enemies closer?"
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "I vote the opposite of whatever Happy wants."
Speaking amusedly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "No you don't. That would mean opposing the Rooks."
Speaking to Balley, Goblyn says, "Or maybe it is better to have -no- enemies..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk askss, "Wait...he is with the Rooks?"
Balley softly says, "Yes."
Speaking slowly to Pukk, Leafiara say, "Yes."
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Darn it."
Dergoatean says, "I vote to turn them away at the gates. With the minimum level of force necessary to keep them out."
Speaking to Balley, Goblyn continues, "That can be doing anything other than maybe being your undead friends, yes?"
Leafiara says, "Mother's been doing a really good job of gathering followers among people who really didn't like Rysus."
Balley softly says, "Yes maybe."
Leafiara adds, "And for good reason."
The voice of Greycrown says, "If you want to keep them out, better to stop them before the gates. Be proactive."
Leafiara says, "It's why I'm so baffled tonight. Every other move she's made has seemed like exactly what I'd do."
Speaking drunkenly to Goblyn, Gutstorm asks, "You ber meet Dreaven?"
Dergoatean says, "We can consider providing canvas, some turnips, to prevent a humanitarian crisis, if the huddled masses camp out nearby."
Balley softly asks, "I think we could keep them out of town but by the gate?"
Leafiara says, "Alright..."
Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Ya know, we could let them in, we could then allow the militia to patrol the streets as they did when Vlashandra pulled wool over our eyes, at least then we would have control of the situation."
Bbee says, "I say we barricade all the gates bbut one and stand as a unified force at the remaining gate in a show of force."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Goblyn asks, "This is the one who does cast many spells of protection, yes?"
Leafiara asks, "So consensus seems to be that we don't want to intervene in the Rooks turning them away?"
Leafiara says, "Because if that's it, I'll have to play devil's advocate too."
Speaking drunkenly to Goblyn, Gutstorm says, "I no care bout da shpellsh, me go fer da gamesh."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Goblyn exclaims, "I have maybe met him in some past times, yes!"
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "I'll meet them in the field. Honestly, I think if you remove the escorts from the equation, I think it'll be easier to persuade the poor unfortunates that salvation will not be found here."
Dergoatean says, "I will add the asterisk that I don't think keeping people outside the gates will yield us Malluch. He won't be so easy to deliver."
The voice of Greycrown says, "Or provide them an alternative..."
Goblyn croons, "If you win this games, then this will be good."
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "And I'm hoping that's Mother's line of reasoning."
Asben says, "I want to think about this all before I make any suggestions."
Speaking curiously to Dergoatean, Leafiara says, "So you're doubting that the Rooks can manage the goal..."
Speaking wryly to Asben, Leafiara says, "I know what you mean, but we have less than a day left."
Leafiara says, "There's not much time to think on this."
Asben says, "Usually isn't."
Balley softly says, "I want to know why Mother and the Rooks are sooo interested this time, but were not with Vlashandra."
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "He's rather cunning, as I understand it."
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "Because I don't intend on letting it become another slaughter like my wild night in Talador."
Leafiara says, "They did attack the patchwork armies a couple times."
Speaking to Leafiara, Goblyn notes, "There is always much time, Leafiara."
Goblyn blinks.
Goblyn clasps her hand over her mouth.
Goblyn blushes a pink hue to the tips of her ears.
Speaking to Goblyn, Pukk says, "In one of Dreaven's games, Gutstorm has an alpaca named Lylia. One of the fastest alpacas around."
Leafiara gazes in amusement at Goblyn.
Speaking to Leafiara, Goblyn corrects, "-Mayor- Leafiara."
Speaking to Goblyn, Pukk whispers aloud, "I think Gutstorm has a crush on her."
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Me mished da shtart."
Speaking amusedly to Goblyn, Leafiara says, "Oh, it's fine, I'm not much for formalities usually."
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Me doesh."
Leafiara adds, "Or ever."
Speaking simply to Leafiara, Goblyn says, "It is... necessary."
Leafiara says, "Taking the other side for the moment, if we turn them away then it might not help our reputation much."
Bbee says, "This is getting us no where."
Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia asks, "On the other hand, should we let them in and we... 'borrow' Malluch, then his followers would already be in the gates to cause havoc, I just hope the militia and those present are fast enough to stop them from causing too much damage, but hey, we can just repaint again right?"
Speaking amusedly to Pukk, Goblyn scolds, "Maybe you did not tell Lady Lylia this, yes?"
Speaking to Goblyn, Dergoatean says, "Maybe."
Speaking to Leafiara, Asben asks, "Has anyone talked to either Captain?"
Hapenlok says, "Oh, and while we're on the subject of Grishom, Goat..."
Speaking to Asben, Leafiara says, "We've only had this topic in mind for half an hour and neither captain is here, so no."
Speaking to Goblyn, Pukk says, "Oh, I've told her. Several times."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Hapenlok asks, "You think the Lich Thing might want to get some measure of revenge on him?"
Speaking to Asben, Leafiara says, "I'll get word to them, though. Like I said, I'm actually more concerned about their thoughts here than Thadston's."
Speaking to Pukk, Goblyn asks, "You did tell her this, and you are still... in this town of the living -as- one who is still living?"
Leafiara says, "Thadston, I bet, I could convince to look the other way here. He's struck deals with the Rooks and specifically Mother before."
The voice of Greycrown asks, "Barnom?"
The voice of Greycrown asks, "Lich thing?"
Speaking to Hapenlok, Dergoatean asks, "Hmm was Stone directly involved in Slim's demise?"
Speaking to Goblyn, Pukk says, "It's because of my roguish charms."
Leafiara says, "Stormyrain... I have no idea where I stand with her nor what she'd think of this."
Dergoatean asks, "Well, second... demise?"
Hapenlok says, "Yeah, the Lich Thing. Because I'm never going to call him a King."
Leafiara says, "Shinann, though, I think would oppose refusing them entry."
Asben says, "I don't know either of them as well as you do."
Speaking to Hapenlok, Goblyn says, "Maybe you will call his name. He is not all liches, Hapenlok."
Leafiara says, "And I try not to be in the business of ordering our people around or telling them what not to do."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Hapenlok says, "Well, I wasn't present for that affair, but I believe the story went, he stabbed him in the back."
Speaking offhandedly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "That's literally #1 on my list of reasons why I shouldn't have been a captain, no matter what you think."
Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara clarifies, "Don't like ordering people around."
Pukk says, "Me either."
Leafiara says, "Anyway..."
Pukk says, "Unless they are joining a group."
Pukk says, "Or walking off a cliff."
Yavs raspily says, "I have no idea what may come, but I'll be ready for anything. I'll see you all out there."
Pukk says, "Or giving me silvers."
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "I should be a Cappin..... Cap'n Gutsh hash a nice ring to it."
Pukk says, "Wait.."
Speaking softly to herself, Chandrellia says, "Oh are we in a conundrum."
Speaking to Goblyn, Hapenlok says, "Now, come now, calling him by his given name, would imply that I had a shred of respect for him. You should know this about me, by now."
Leafiara says, "I think... I'm inclined to trust in Mother's history here. Every other move she's made, I've agreed with."
Pukk exclaims, "I like telling them what to do!"
Speaking to Hapenlok, Dergoatean says, "I was involved in that whole affair, but I'll have to check in with others about that, to be honest with you."
Speaking wryly to Chandrellia, Leafiara says, "We always are."
Speaking to Chandrellia, Asben says, "It's the Landing."
Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "I love this town."
Speaking neutrally to Goblyn, Raelee asks, "Would it not be fascinating if a violent clash was precisely the intended point?"
Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr says, "Don't trust her, she's a Rook, and has her own agenda."
Speaking to Hapenlok, Goblyn mutters, "But you will maybe -also- not call it this "Lich thing". Maybe not all liches will be liking this association, yes?"
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "You just don't like to be tied down with all that paperwork."
Speaking to Chamorr, Leafiara says, "She does, but so far her philosophies seem exactly like mine."s
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "You prefer rope than paperwork."
Speaking wryly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Yeah, tell me about it. Just look at the messes on my table."
Speaking to Goblyn, Dergoatean says, "I'm curious about how many liches you know."
>l table
In contrast to the rest of the office, the round table features a strikingly utilitarian lack of decoration or embellishment aside from its color, and a single large donut-shaped nameplate centerpiece displaying entirely too much information to be read from any one angle. Parchments of many hues lie strewn about one corner with no immediately discernible sense of organization, stacked in uneven piles resting at diagonal angles to each other.
Speaking loudly to Goblyn, Hapenlok says, "Well, would you rather me call him a mark? Because to me? He's a target, right now. An enemy."
Speaking to Raelee, Goblyn asks, "I will like to watch it. I do think this is the same, yes?"
Hapenlok says, "And I've had my experiences with liches over the years."
Speaking pleasedly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Yep, have a whole volume on rope right there."
Leafiara indicates the two-tiered bookshelf as a possible option.
>l book
The bookshelf's top tray houses several tomes with visibly worn binding. Comprising an eclectic variety of topics, some of the selection includes a confectioner's cookbook, a primer on comedy and Cholen, a study of Tilamaire and musical theory, a codex on deontological ethics, a biography of Tirnelle Maefyrne, and a rather thick volume detailing the practical applications of rope. The bottom tray hosts many books on law and political history, each of them as pristine as if they'd never been opened.
Speaking to Goblyn, Raelee continues, "... how often has chaos been stoked to feed the machinations of powerful blood casters in this region?"
The voice of Greycrown says, "Odd he's back. I could have swore I had a piece of his phylactery in my locker."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Goblyn says, "It is... many, Dergoatean."
Speaking to Goblyn, Dergoatean says, "You'll have to give us a rundown on what does and does not offend them to be associated with, maybe sometime."
Leafiara concludes, "Anyway, I can't promise that the militia won't try to stop this. I don't know either way..."
Speaking to Goblyn, Dergoatean says, "I would be very interested."
A brilliant purple kitten wearing a purple collar clasped with a pair of crossed silver swords stalks around a short-taloned eagle, eyeing it warily.
Speaking to Raelee, Goblyn notes, "It has been in many times, Raelee."
Hapenlok says, "But ....Slim....(He stops and gives a pointed glance to Goblyn)....is so erratic, I'm wondering if it'd be even possible to enlist him to fight against Stone."
Speaking drunkenly to a brilliant purple kitten wearing a purple collar clasped with a pair of crossed silver swords, Gutstorm says, "It tashte like chicken."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Goblyn says, "I do think it is different for different ones, yes? Some are very much with the intelligence, others are..."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Goblyn whispers aloud, "Others are maybe very dumb."
Speaking to Goblyn, Raelee says, "And thus we watch again."
Speaking to Leafiara, Asben says, "I'm still not sure of my thoughts yet... I'll certainly make my recommendation to Shinnan once I do."
Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr says, "If these followers are contagious, you can't let them in town."
Speaking cheerfully to Raelee, Goblyn exclaims, "I will bring the popcorn that does scream!"
Speaking to Hapenlok, Dergoatean says, "I don't think he's exceptionally erratic. I think if you find way to align your goals with his ego, you have a chance."
Speaking to Asben, Leafiara says, "I'll try to get word to her and seek her advice, but..."
Hapenlok says, "He does a thing for us, we give him his realm back, preferably sealed in another valence, afterwards."
Speaking to Asben, Leafiara says, "Either way, I think our choice is made."
Berost deeply says, "Fer the first time in... ever, I agree wit Mother, let her keep em out. See where we end up."
Speaking to Raelee, Goblyn promises, "It is delicious!"
Leafiara says, "Even if we *did* want to let the travelers in, that would mean turning against the Rooks--Landing against Landing."
Speaking to Goblyn, Raelee says, "... noted."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Hapenlok says, "Well, I don't plan on bending the knee. I took the knee for one person. and that got me a death mark, eventually."
Leafiara says, "There's no perfect option, but refusing entry seems the better one."
Pukk says, "Okay, if we are not going to burn down anything or anybody. I'm heading to bed."
Speaking to Hapenlok, Dergoatean says, "Funny how that works."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Hapenlok says, "And it wasn't because I hated Claybourne, I just hated the toadies that paid lip-service to him, while looking to stick a knife in his back."
Speaking to Pukk, Goblyn complains, "Maybe you will tell Mayor Leafiara that this office will look very nice in flames?"
Speaking warmly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Rest well, Pukk."
Asben says, "I have something to attend to."
Hapenlok says, "And unfortunately, that was some members of his family."
Speaking to Goblyn, Pukk says, "Oh I will."
Speaking drunkenly to Goblyn, Gutstorm says, "Shet hish feet on fiyah, shee if he notishesh."
Balley softly says, "We shall see what happens. I think we can learn a lot from them."
Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr says, "Post defenders at the gates, but not engage unless rushed, as a deterrent."
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk exclaims, "We should have a giant bonfire in the middle of your office!"
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Goblyn will bring the marshmallows."
Leafiara just grabbed a wooden stick from the basket of sticks.
Leafiara breaks a stick into pieces and tosses them into the fireplace.
Leafiara just grabbed a wooden stick from the basket of sticks.
Leafiara takes some wooden sticks and places them in the fireplace. Using two of the smaller pieces, she rubs them until a tiny flame bursts out. Placing the burning twigs among the prepared wood, she blows gently on them until the flames spread and grow.
Leafiara just grabbed a wooden stick from the basket of sticks.
Leafiara takes a wooden stick and tosses it into the fire and watches as the flames leap higher.
Speaking amusedly to Pukk, Leafiara asks, "There, happy?"
Chamorr heartily says, "Ok."
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok asks, "It's summertime, why would you do that?"
Speaking offhandedly to Hapenlok, Leafiara says, "Pukk and Goblyn wanted a fire."
Chandrellia softly says, "I wish us healers could sit with Malluch and talk to him, maybe we could get somewhere a bit more easily but we are obviously out of time."
Chamorr heartily says, "Whatever it is it is."
Speaking to Chandrellia, Leafiara says, "We'll try to. Truly."
Chamorr heartily says, "Night Landing."
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "We can put Happy in charge of the fire...."
Speaking to Leafiara, Goblyn corrects, "Maybe, no. Gutstorm did wish this fire!"
Leafiara gawks at Goblyn.
Berost deeply says, "Eve all."
Balley softly says, "I am off as well, I will be here to help tomorrow Leafi."
Balley softly says, "We will support you in your decision."
Speaking warmly to Balley, Leafiara says, "We'll look forward to it."
Leafiara says, "In a way."
Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "I will stand by you and this town as much as I can, just something isn't sitting right."
Balley softly says, "I shall find you tomorrow."
Balley softly says, "I have more to say on some topics."
Hapenlok says, "You know, the decisions made in the past, continue to haunt us."
Speaking seriously to Chandrellia, Leafiara says, "Trust me, there's always something not sitting right."
Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "I know and sadly I will not be here for the events tomorrow."
Hapenlok says, "Keep that into consideration, as well."
Balley softly says, "Night all."
Leafiara warmly says, "Rest well."
Speaking drunkenly to Goblyn, Gutstorm says, "You promished me a few munfsh ago yooz bring me pie."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Hapenlok asks, "Was that before Maylan burned the pie shop?"
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Affer."
Gutstorm removes a crisped kitten pot pie from in his keg-shaped pack.
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Me shtill hash dish."
Speaking cheerfully to Goblyn, Leafiara says, "See, everyone wants the shop back."
Hapenlok says, "I still can't believe I helped rebuild Slim's phylactery."
Goblyn offers Gutstorm a syrup-drizzled rotted heart pie.
Hapenlok says, "I had to have been really out of my mind."
Gutstorm put a crisped kitten pot pie in his keg-shaped pack.
Gutstorm accepts Goblyn's rotted heart pie.
Hapenlok says, "Or really bored."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Goblyn says, "I do need to bring more, maybe."
Hapenlok says, "Actually, both."
Speaking drunkenly to Goblyn, Gutstorm exclaims, "Daksh!"
Gutstorm licks his rotted heart pie.
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Itsh...a ackwired tashte."
Felita says, "Nitie ebberbuddies."
Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "Sho wot kinna back room dealsh yooz twogot goin on?"
Gutstorm glances between Goblyn and Leafiara.
Leafiara offhandedly says, "Oh, hopefully this goes without saying, but feel free to take refreshments any time."
Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "We gonna invade icemool?"
Speaking musingly to Gutstorm, Leafiara asks, "Not 'officially,' but do you want to lead the charge?"
Speaking to Goblyn, Dergoatean asks, "Hm?"
Speaking to Gutstorm, Hapenlok says, "Yes, we are. You should get going."
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Only if I gotsh backup."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Hapenlok says, "It's okay. We'll follow."
Hapenlok says, "You won't see me, but I'll be there."
Hapenlok's hands fade to complete transparency as he intones a spell...
Hapenlok gestures.
Hapenlok suddenly disappears.
The voice of Hapenlok exclaims, "Go, go GO!"
Gutstorm drunkenly says, "My new title will be Cap'n Gutsh, no longer Depooty Mayer."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Goblyn says, "I was maybe seeing you in my mind, but -- not your mind in my mind. Just maybe how you do look in some times."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara mentions, "Right now I'm focused on Malluch still, but I do find your idea about Grishom interesting."
Speaking curiously to Dergoatean, Leafiara asks, "Do you actually want to try that at some point?"
Hapenlok suddenly fades into view.
Hapenlok says, "Like I said to Goblyn, earlier. One front at a time."
Speaking to Goblyn, Dergoatean says, "I think my mind understands. Maybe."
Speaking to Goblyn, Dergoatean says, "Sometimes to understand someone, it is not enough to be seeing them in your mind, maybe."
Speaking to Goblyn, Dergoatean says, "Unless you also see them seeing your mind."
Speaking to Goblyn, Dergoatean says, "And well, you can see what a mess that leads to."
Greycrown says, "When you all get together sometimes there's somebody to shoot."
Greycrown says, "Sometimes there's not."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Goblyn grumbles, "Maybe, yes. It does make for an aching head when this does happen!"
Speaking wryly to Greycrown, Leafiara says, "Usually there is."
Goblyn happily exclaims, "I will be seeing to some things now, I do think!"
Speaking to Gutstorm, Greycrown says, "I'm probably good enough to knock a syringe out of somebody's hand at this point."
Hapenlok says, "Same here."
Leafiara warmly says, "Rest well, Goblyn."
Leafiara adds, "And Hap."
Speaking to Goblyn, Dergoatean says, "Yes, maybe."
Goblyn exclaims, "Everyone will be having a nice night!"
Speaking to Goblyn, Hapenlok says, "He's still the Lich Thing, though."
Greycrown says, "Goodnight."
Dergoatean says, "We certainly will."
Leafiara amusedly says, "Such unusual times when I'm one of the most reluctant to agree to a Rook plan."
Leafiara amiably says, "But we got there, at least."
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "And me actually working with them."
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "I'm curious, then."
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "I have to admit, Shinann's going to kill me."
Speaking to Hapenlok, Leafiara says, "I'm very curious what she'll think of all this."
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean asks, "Would you lean towards just letting them all in, if we didn't all insist otherwise?"
Hapenlok says, "She's going to kill me."
Bbee asks, "Anything decided?"
Hapenlok says, "Or try."
Speaking in Sylvankind with an odd lyrical cadence to Leafiara, Goblyn says something you don't understand.
Leafiara nods appreciatively at Goblyn.
Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara says, "No, more like I'd lean toward letting them in if it didn't mean we had to physically intervene against the Rooks."
Leafiara says, "Turning blades and spells against our own people is one line I draw and can't cross...."
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "That's probably more tempting to me than others."
Hapenlok says, "Well, I haven't exactly been reluctant to not kill a Rook in the past, either."
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "I'm not quite as inclined to call Rooks 'our people.'"
Speaking wryly to Dergoatean, Leafiara says, "Trust me, I'm well aware."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara recalls, "Saw that look you gave me the night Rysus died, when he said I always wanted to be one of them."
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "I wonder how you already got that impression."
Hapenlok says, "Considering a lot of their newest members weren't town-born. But hired hands."
Hapenlok says, "Back when Rysus was the ...leader."
Leafiara says, "He was half-right about that. I was always interested in them precisely *because* they would do what I can't bring myself to do..."
Bbee asks, "Did I get an answer?"
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "And yes, I try not to let that get in the way of a democratically elected office."
Speaking to Bbee, Leafiara asks, "To what?"
Bbee asks, "Anything decided?"
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "Honestly, I've dealt with people like them a lot more than I wished over the years."
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "In Torre, it was the Bay Runners."
Hapenlok says, "You paid your tax. Or they burned your ship."
Leafiara says, "Back during Rysus' time, many who weren't fond of his leadership did leave the Rooks for the Bayrunners."
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "Remember, I chased one of them out there."
Leafiara says, "After that foolish attack on the outpost."
[TownCrier]-GSIV:Dergoatean: "Sorry folks, I got wrapped up in the discussions tonight and neglected to update the channel. Mother tells us a caravan is on its way, of people hoping for healing from Malluch. Mother intends to turn them away, by whatever means necessary, and asks the rest of the town not to interfere."
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "And I think I met their leader. Or one of them."
[TownCrier]-GSIV:Dergoatean: "Mother intends to deliver Malluch to us for questioning if we comply."
Bbee says, "That attack on the outpost was years ago, you have a powerful memory."
Speaking to Leafiara, Hapenlok says, "I come in, with full militia garb. To the Inn, and there was a rather drab looking fellow sitting in front of the fire."
[TownCrier]-GSIV:Dergoatean: "Most of those present in the Mayor's office seem to agree that we should not allow potential zealots into town. There is some disagreement on how best to enforce that."
Speaking to Bbee, Leafiara says, "It was hard to forget."
Hapenlok says, "Asked him if he saw that girl."
[TownCrier]-GSIV:Dergoatean: "For the rest, I'm sure Mayor Leafi will have you covered very soon :-)"
[TownCrier]-GSIV:Leafiara: "And the biggest insanity of it all is that Leafi's like: wait, should we do this?"
Hapenlok says, "Got very interesting very fast."
Hapenlok says, "First rule about the Bay Runners, folks."
Hapenlok says, "NEVER talk about the Bay Runners."
[TownCrier]-GSIV:Leafiara: "A million Rook plans she'd have aided with, and of course the one they actually come to her with makes her hesitate."
Hapenlok says, "Second rule? I refer you to rule number one."
Bbee says, "He says outloud."
[TownCrier]-GSIV:Leafiara: "That's Our Kenstrom (laugh track)"