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Post by Shitakibo on Jul 22, 2023 14:59:45 GMT -5
Taki stepped out of the way as she watched Shaa put the poor creature through the ringer. She stood there with a devious grin on her face and a gleeful gleam in her eye. It was all for show of course, she wasn't one for needless violence unless a situation warranted it.
"Go on then, spin us a fine tale of your endeavor this day little canary."
"You... I won't forget this, serpent. Fine... I was hired by a man with a bruised ego and a few lumps to go with it. He wasn't exactly keen to give a name, but I've seen the shop he frequents across town. All I know is he paid a bunch of us to make as much hassle for some nobody working a stall... ruin their ads, spread rumors, steer customers away... nothing too crazy but the man was pissed about losing, wouldn't shut up about getting even."
"Well my glorified gecko fellow, you should consider your job cancelled, and point us to the shop where we can find this sour loser..."
"So long as you and the big guy never bother me again..."
"Now that is a promise I cannot make... what if you're involved later on in the future with some other rage fueled imbecile? I won't be turning a blind eye, and I doubt my friend would agree to such a thing either... best you get today is getting to wake up and see the sun rise with all your digits still in their places tomorrow."
The lizardfolk slumped, looking defeated. Knowing full well the shaman's words were true, he simply nodded and pointed down the main road to an ostentasious shop on the corner.
"The man who hired me works there... I'll try to let the others know this job is over now..."
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Jul 22, 2023 19:47:10 GMT -5
Shaa felt sorry for the lizardman. As someone who was frequently running low on cash himself, it would not take much for them to have been on the same side of the fence. He looks at him kindly. It’s ok man I get it. I know it wasn’t anything personal. Just trying to make some coin to get by right? The lizardman, surprised at the sudden turn, nods his head in acknowledgment. Yeah, man. Just spread the word and we’ll be fine. Just one thing. Shaa gets real close his face. I don’t like liars. If you come back or I find out that you are lying to us, there won’t be pieces of you big enough left to identify. You read me? The sneaky creature nods quickly and disappears back into the crowd. Shaa laughs a bit and points in the direction the lizardman disappeared in with his thumb. That guy, am I right! Sheesh.
Shaa rubs his horns and think’s carefully about their next steps. After a moment, he looks at Taki. Well it appears we are at a bit of a crossroads. We can either go deal with the head guy directly or… Shaa wafts the stack of advertisements they still needed to post. Or we get back to the less violent work of getting these posters pasted up. I’m ok with either one but it’s getting late. If we don’t get back to it it, I’m not sure we will finish in time. Then again, we don’t deal with guy, we are just going to lose the ads anyway. What do you think?
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Post by Shitakibo on Jul 26, 2023 8:23:33 GMT -5
Thinking about Shaa's question for a moment, she came up with a plan of action. Letting out a soft set of whistles, her companions appeared from different spots and joined the pair.
"Why not divide and conquer? Shion and Shuna could handle putting up the ads with a bit of magic, freeing us up to go handle the source of this mess. Observe." Said the shaman, who walked over to the jungle cat. She brushed a hand lightly across the cat's forehead, whispering a druidic word. A moment later, the cat's form seemed to melt away, growing and shifting into a hulking gorilla. Taki handed over the ads to the newly shifted Shuna, along with the map of the city.
"Be careful, work together, and if anything happens, you'll find us in the building on the corner. The gaudy one, with the metallic sign." She instructed the pair, Shion climbing onto Shuna's back and riding along as they took off down the street towards the next destination. A few people were shocked by the spectacle, quickly making a path for the odd pair. With a smile, she turned to Shaa and gestured towards the shop.
"Shall we?" Taki said, relaxed yet ready for another rousing adventure.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Jul 26, 2023 15:02:18 GMT -5
Shaa chucked deeply as he watched the pair take off with the flyers. He wasn’t quite sure how they would know where to post them but if they could handle the merchant, he was sure their employer would still be happy. Ok that’s fine by me. Let’s go see what the cranky shop keeper has to say about all of this.
The task before them seemed straightforward enough. Find the guy, convince him to stop, get paid. Should be a cakewalk. But Shaa had learned a long time ago that things like this were rarely ever so simple. There was always something. Maybe their employer was his brother who swindled him out of inheritance. Maybe he stole his girlfriend in primary school. Maybe he hated him because the guy rocked a lot of polka dots. Who knew? That’s why it was always best to be prepared for anything.
He looked over at Taki as they approached the shop. You probably better go in first. People usually have pretty strong opinions about Minotaurs and the more chance we have of just convincing him to knock it off, the better. If he won’t be convinced welllll….I can strongly encourage him to change his mind. What do you think? Wanna take first crack at him? Just in case, Shaa pulled out a medium sized brightly colored bag and reached inside. LoBIPTnW
Yasakas Summer Beach Bag
3 - 4: A Crab You pull a bright red crab from the beach bag; upon pulling the first crab from the bag, the bag will begin to shake violently until dropped. From it, a swarm of crustaceans will rush out towards your opponent; if you have no opponent, they seem to pick a random target to run at, including you if there is no one else in the vicinity. They do not do much damage, but make for a great distraction. After a post of harassment, the crustaceans will turn to red sand.
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Post by Shitakibo on Jul 26, 2023 20:58:06 GMT -5
Nodding her agreement, Taki strode into the shop with a relaxed confidence. While the outside building was pleasant and well kept, inside was another story entirely. No two shelves were alike, and all were weathered with a heavy layer of dust. The floors looked to be older than the building itself, and the roof beams looked to be holding themselves up through sheer willpower. The wares weren't much better, cheap imitations of nicer products lined the aging storage space, some looking to have not moved in months. She could understand why such a place might be struggling, entering immediately destroyed all notion of decency or upstanding business practice. She also took the moment to appreciate the tidiness of Brogan's stall and the significant volume of traffic his products seemed to draw in.
A short, plump man with a flush face and a scraggly appearance strolled out from a decaying curtain behind the largest of the counters. He took one look at the strange shaman, shouted loudly and charged at her with what appeared to be a crude club. Side stepping, the wild swing went whooshing past the shaman and carried the man into an empty crate that entangled his feet and sent him crashing to the floor.
"GET OUT MONSTER!! DEVIL!! YOU WON'T TAKE ME TODAY!!" Shouted the crazed man, his skin now flush clear to his fingertips. Taki stalked over to the man, pinning his makeshift weapon down with her foot and leaning close enough to his face to smell the ale on his breath and see the veins pulsing in his wild eyes.
"If I were here for your miserable soul, I would be wasting my time. I am no devil or monster, cretin, I am Orochi and have put up with enough of this nonsense for one lifetime. I am here to discuss business with you, amicably if possible... but I'll gladly slap you around for a few hours as a means of blowing off some of the stress of this day... so what say you? Shall we speak or do you wish to see what happens when I bare my fangs?"
The shaman stared hard at the man, her bizarre crimson eyes boring into his soul.
"... alright... alright. Let me up foul creature and we can discuss this business of yours."
"Still you persist? Tsk Tsk... that's no way to run a business. It's no wonder your shop looks like last century's leftovers."
"Why you..."
"For every insult you cannot contain of your own, you shall enjoy one of mine in return... tit for tat as it were."
"Fine... would you kindly get off me and tell me what this is about... Miss."
"Better." She quipped, leaning back and releasing him to gather the shreds of dignity he might find among the dust.
"Now, an associate of yours has brought it to my attention that you've commissioned a certain rival's advertisements to be vandalized."
"Wh... I... No... It's lies!! Lies! It was the others... they forced me to..."
"Now now, you were singled out in this case as the one who did the hiring... I'm going to need more than just your word that I'm looking in the wrong place." Taki watched the man's every minute action as she spoke to him.
"I'll give up their names, but I ain't givin' any more..."
"That's better, but I can probably find the information myself in your records... I need something that absolves you of responsibility all together, not something that passes the blame."
"Tch... Bi_"
The words caught in his throat as the shaman's hand pulled out a long, needle like projectile and waved it at the man in similar fashion to a drunkard at a dartboard, picking his next wild shot.
"Wait outside, someone will watch over you while I find the information we need to close this case." She said sternly, pointing to the door with the shuriken and watching him walk out the door. She wasted no time, hopping the counter with ease and digging into the business logs and notebooks. Most of it was mundane but soon the pattern she was looking for emerged. She tucked a trio of recent volumes into her bag and walked out the door.
"We have what we need to bring this to the guard, and for them to pursue criminal activity Shaa. Let's head back to Brogan and meet up with my companions."
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Jul 27, 2023 0:16:24 GMT -5
Shaa watched the entire scene and chuckled with glee. He couldn’t remember the last time had this much putting up fliers. He almost skipped today to burn garbage outside the city. This was a good call.
Shaa looked at the folder and got an idea. Yeahhhh well we could do that. Or….we could find these other guys..Jack with their ads and make them understand what it’s like. Let’s face it. If we turn these things in to the guards, what are they gonna do? Fine them? Wag their fingers at them and tell ‘em not to do it again? Pssbbbttt! These guys or girls or whatever are people of action, they speak action. Ummm no, Shaa wasn’t ending this with a visit to the popo, no way.
He snags some of the papers and looks up the address of one of the co conspirators. Mmmhmmm yes… I know exactly where this is. Follow me. Hahahaha. A weird thought crosses his mind. Did he have breakfast this morning? He might be a little manic with low blood sugar right now but he was just going to roll with it and use the money to buy a pie later. Mmmm pie.
Shaa moves down the street and motions Taki to follow. After a couple turns they come to a large shop with pillars on the side. On the top was a sign that said “ Dante’s Jade Palace” Shaa looked around and switched the words to read “ Alana’s Rejected Ape” Well it’s not my best work but…. As he checked his handiwork, a large Avian runs from inside the building. Two dwarves follow closely behind him. Hey, what do you think you are doing? Screeched the Avian. Are you Blinx Rummaxxx? The Avian looks confused. Yes… do I know you? Shaa smiles. No, just have a message for you. Stop messing with the ads, it makes us….crabby. What?
Shaa pulls a crab out of the bag and throws it down. Suddenly, the bag starts shaking violently and explodes with a large mob of crabs that start swarming the store attacking everyone in sight. I really don’t know what’s happening! The two dwarves grab some hammers from the back and try to smash the crabs. This only infuriates them and causes them to run smock through the store, leaving it in tatters. Shaa waves goodbye and rushes away from the chaos. Ok, who’s next?
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Post by Shitakibo on Jul 27, 2023 13:43:19 GMT -5
Taki stared incredulously after Shaa as he took off, wondering why he would choose such a thing. She followed after him, but kept out of sight by hopping across rooftops and keeping a distance. She watched the minotaur's antics, wondering what he thought to accomplish by causing more mayhem. Instead of waiting for Shaa, she sighed and let out a loud whistle. Shuna, back to normal, beside Shion came to her moments later. She noticed they only had the map and had run out of flyers. She gave each one a gentle pat before tucking the map, and paperwork into her pack.
"Could you two lead me back to Brogan's stall? I'd like to return his map and let him know Shaa is off being a menace to those responsible."
"I can, follow me miss." Said Shion, the brightly colored Prismatic Spider skittering and hopping along the street as Taki and Shuna followed behind. She wasn't quite sure what to make of Shaa and his sense of justice, but that couldn't stop her from doing what she thought was the right course of action. As they arrived at Brogan's stall once more, Taki pulled out the map and returned it to him.
"All the flyers have been put up, and Shaa is off dealing with those responsible in his own fashion. I also have some evidence that will be turned into the guard so this doesn't continue to happen to you or anyone else."
"You both work fast, you have my thanks."
"Any time. I just hope Shaa doesn't make too much of a mess in the wake of this..."
"He'll be fine... no worries about Shaa. He's a tough one."
"That is precisely why I worry." She said, waving as she strode off down the road, Shion leading the group to the local guard station.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Jul 27, 2023 14:44:30 GMT -5
Shaa hits several more stalls on the list making sure that each one understands why they are being targeted. People start talking about the incidents and Shaa finally feels that the message is getting across. These guys will be much less likely try something knowing that serious consequences would immediately follow. This also included any would be mercs that the the cabal of merchants might consider hiring. He decides to hit one final shop to put a point on it. It’s a crystal flatware shop that was tucked away towards the back of the market. He is about to go inside when he sees a familiar long bearded dwarf perusing the goblets.
So, there you are my stubby friend. We meet again. It was the same dwarf that yelled at him about jumping lines earlier that afternoon. He looked very nervous as Shaa entered the delicate shop. Hey now, you are not welcome here. Leave now or I’m calling the guards. Shaa feigns surprise and fear. You are going to call the guards? Oh no! What am I ever to do? Shaa takes another heavy menacing step towards the ever more nervous shop keeper. The goblets jingle a bit with every heavy step.
Look this wasn’t anything personal, this was just business. You have to do whatever you need to to make sure your shop is successful. It’s just how it is! You almost got me arrested for nothing! I take that a bit personally. The dwarf looks around frantically for a way to escape. The shop has a single narrow pathway to the entrance that Shaa is currently standing in. The dwarf, in desperation, pulls a small dagger. You really don’t want to do that. Put that away or I will make you eat it. The dwarf holds the dagger out in front of him, his legs shaking. Just leave! It was business. BUSINESS! Why do you keep saying that like it’s going to make everything ok? It’s not. People got hurt. Other people got really annoyed. I need you to understand that business like this in the future is not ok. Go! This guy was still not listening. Fine.
Shaa takes a deep breath and feels the earth beneath him. The dwarf changes his stance confused about what’s happening. The floor boards start to jump up as the entire shop starts to rattle violently. One by one, goblets, plates, chandeliers and all sorts of crystal items start crashing to the ground in a cacophony of high pitched tinkling noises. Noooo! Stop stop! I get it, I get it! What did you say!? All the breaking stuff is really loud. I SAID STOP! I’ll STOP TOO, I SWEAR! Shaa calms the tremors down. Most of the shop is in shards on the ground. The dwarf looks like he is going to cry. This buddy, is bad for business. Don’t make me come back, I know where you work.
Shaa walks out of the shop only to be faced with two city guards who were waiting for him outside. One of them looks at him eyed. Hey! It’s that freaking Minotaur again! You stop right there. Shaa looks left and right. A Minotaur? Where? Shaa runs away from the guards and they take off after him. Get back here! No can do guys, got places to go, muffins to eat. Spotting a wall, he runs right at it and then straight up it. As he reaches the top, he jumps and manages to pull himself up to the roof. Bye! He takes off over the roof tops and starts to make his way back to the stall.
Rumbling Tremors Wall Dash
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Post by Shitakibo on Jul 29, 2023 13:00:30 GMT -5
As she was preparing to head over to the guard station, Taki could sense Shaa's approach. She chuckled softly to herself and waited patiently, her companions perched to either side of the street perking up at the thudding sound of the minotaur's bulk against rooftops. She turned to Brogan, chuckling softly.
"It seems Shaa will be catching up with us shortly... possiblly we should expect further company."
"Yeah, that's pretty typical Shaa. No worries, he and I can talk our way through most things."
"Oh ho? charismatic and brutal eh? What an intriguing mix of traits."
"Combine that with my own reputation as a merchant amongst the city, we should be fine."
"Indeed so, though I am more worried for the sake of the guards than any of ours... I'd hate to see them setting Shaa off on a rampage."
Brogan nodded, turning towards the direction of his friend's pounding steps.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Jul 29, 2023 23:23:39 GMT -5
With no pedestrians to get in his way, Shaa is able to make quick time across the rooftops back towards the stall. He cuts a sharp corner and a flock of small grey birds go flying away from the disturbance. When he gets within a block, he takes the opportunity to hop back down to street level. He checks around quickly for any sign of a tail. Seeing nothing, he makes his way quickly towards the stall. He can see Brogan standing there with Taki.
As he approaches the stall, he puts on his best face and greets them. Hoooo busy day. Fliers are up? He takes a quick glance at Taki for confirmation as he actually didn’t put up most of the fliers himself. And we made sure that the guys, there were several, who were messing with the flyers got the message to stop. I don’t think you will have any more issues. Ahhh really? Man you two are the best. Got my job done with a little extra. Shaa looks around again for possible any possible pursuers. With no one apparent, Shaa wipes his hands on his sides.
Well as fun and exciting as this has been, I believe we are done…. Brogans eyes light up with understanding. Yes yes, of course my friend. Right to it. I know you can’t hang around here all day. Brogan hands a couple of leather pouches to the pair. Shaa takes his and stashes it into his pouch. In a fancy schmancy accent , he says My pastry fund thanks you for your kind and generous donut-ation. Now, if you all will excuse me, I must be going. In the distance, he can hear some excited voices calling. Taki, been a blast. Happy to have spent the day with you. Maybe we will hang out and trade more Socket stories. At one point, there was this Giant Octopus monster thing and….. There he is! And we will talk about that some other time. Bye!
With that, Shaa takes off down an alleyway running the opposite direction. Soon, a trio of gaurds also run by the stall after him. Get back here right now! The last thing they heard was gleeful laughter down the alleyway.
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