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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 2, 2024 11:28:36 GMT -5
In recent months, Fish has been making considerable progress in creating their own informational empire. As far as they know Zarius is still dead which means Fish's main source of information was gone. It was in his absence that Fish realized they were becoming too reliant on other people. They had strayed too far in getting comfortable with others help, it was a time to return to self-reliance. The irony was this job would require a little bit of help. Anytime someone starts going after governmental outposts it becomes a problem for any criminal enterprise. With more blatant activity comes a heavier guard presence which makes any job all the more difficult. Fish had begun to pull together what bits of information they could from guard reports and local gossip. What they needed now was a local. This was a great opportunity to solve some problems and ingratiate themselves with local leaders, but Fish would need insider information. The Isles operated a bit differently from the rest of Charon and the delicate balance between independence and Crown oversight was hard to maintain. So, Fish would perch themselves on a rooftop overlooking the city. They had put some feelers out there to try and draw in interested parties. Fish just had to see who would pick up on it and arrive at the meeting point.
Quest Name: By Moonlight Participants: Two or more Location: Crescent Isles Post Requirements: 5 posts per person, 200 words per post Reward: Ability to take on Part 2, +1 Renown Description: Grand Chancellor Lao has put out a call for assistance to solve some troubles that seem to be occurring in the port town of Hano. The city itself doesn't specialize in any one trade or craft, but instead functions as both a major port and population center within the isles themselves. Its strategic location allows for swift trade between the isles and the mainland making it an important city. As of late the military garrison located in Hano has come under fire, either during their patrols or garrison being ambushed at random intervals throughout the city - some of their warehouses have even been burned down or ransacked. The current political situation with the Crown is tenuous at best and Lao would like you to investigate whatever is happening in Hano City. As is, the Imperial Garrison has instituted a curfew, door to door inspections, and has filled their cells with anyone caught near their sector of the City. Lao cannot allow such brazen tyrannical acts to continue but also cannot damn the Isles to further Imperial Influence.
During the length of this quest you can discover one of dozens of rings of Oniwanban agents causing disturbances throughout the city with little to no regard of who gets injured along the way. Whatever strike team you uncover can have no more than five members and while you can gain some information, such as the presence of other strike teams in the city, you cannot gain anything definite.
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 2, 2024 16:19:49 GMT -5
Taki strolled into the port town of Hano after having landed outside the town, traveling light and without her usual cadre of companions. She'd been summoned by a messenger of the Grand Chancellor to investigate the strange happenings, and was to exercise as much discretion as possible. Her attire was plain and unassuming, and covering all but one pair of arms added an illusion of bulk to her frame. Once she'd entered the city, she melded into it's bustling crowds to avoid any scrutiny.
As she made her way through the back alleys and byways through town, she listened in to the various rumors and gossip where locals gathered. Hano's garrison was being plagued by all manner of troubles, which explained the pressing atmosphere. Supposedly the Crown was trying to enforce curfews, random inspections and unprompted incarcerations. The citizens of town were on the brink of exploding, and the escalation would not be worn kindly by either side.
She hastened through town, having learned the general situation enough to understand the urgency at hand. Coming to the end of one alley, she looked out into the wider street. Clear of patrolling soldiers, she continued down another alleyway, turning down the next street to approach the designated meeting place. With no real clue about who might be assisting, Taki pulled her hood back and looked about the area for anyone familiar.
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 3, 2024 12:46:05 GMT -5
One drawback of leading from the shadows is that if no one knows who you are, then they don't know who they are supposed to meet with. It was a lesson Fish would have to learn with time, but in their defense they were only 9 years old. Still, locking on to the person darting through the shadows gave the bird a pretty good idea about who had followed the signs.
Fish pauses a moment, letting Taki head deeper into the alleyway while watching the surroundings. It seemed like she was good enough to not be followed and smart enough to cover her trail. That would work enough for Fish's needs.
They make a quick handsign creating a clone of themselves to pop up from the shadows near Taki. Best to keep a distance for the first greeting, just in case this person is more clever than anticipated.[1]
"Working under the orders of the Grand Chancellor?" The clone signs to Taki. It's easily clear enough to her that the bird is definitively not a local to the Crescent Isles, but they do offer her a stamped envelope with the Grand Chancellor's seal. A similar message to the call to arms she would have received.
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 6, 2024 5:53:58 GMT -5
Stepping closer to the strange, signaling figure, Taki nodded and produced a matching letter from her robes.
"I am. Shitakibo, nice to meet... you?"
The duplicate was remarkably life like, but there was a subtle shifting to it's appearance and an oddness to it's presence. Taki knew there were folks who would use proxies for various introductions, but this was quite a different take on the practice. Likely, the caster was nearby watching the encounter, though from where she couldn't tell at a glance.
She was quite intrigued by the ability, as it seemed to manipulate shadow itself. It was nice to know her partner on this venture was able to be discreet. So often, someone would show up brightly clothed, clanking about in heavy armor for such a mission. Where things went from here remained unknown, but Taki considered this to be a good sign for what lay ahead.
Dangerous days lay ahead in the Isles, and all this stirring would end up spilling over into the streets, fields and homes. There were too many coincidences, too many things happening at the same time for it not to be coordinated. Hopefully they could dig up clues and bring this to an end.
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 6, 2024 21:57:37 GMT -5
Given what had happened with Blue and the sensitivity, Fish is taking no chances with communication this mission. They hand Taki a piece of paper marked with formulae arcanum writing. The moment she touched it a gentle flame would burn the paper away into dust.
"A small measure to make sure communication is possible." The bird signs up at Taki, thanks to the spell she would be able to understand it.[1] "It was easier to do this than ask....plus for the next several hours you will be able to understand any written or spoken language."
They motion for Taki to follow, getting just a little bit further into the alley and away from the public eye. Once around a corner, the shadow fades and the real Fish seems to just be standing in its place.[2] Taki seemed cautious enough and she at least had similar paperwork. As paranoid as Fish was, they knew back and forth suspicion would only slow things down.
"The Grand Chancellor believes the attacks are random....Fish does not, there is a pattern to everything. Fish believes they have found the pattern and determined the next place of attack. Fish also believes there is a hideout close by......In the efforts of efficiency, Fish believes infiltrating the warehouse before the attack can confirm the location of the hideout. How are your skills at blending?"
It was obvious Fish could not blend, aviankin weren't incredibly rare....but Fish was. Their lack of speech and overall demeanor made it clear they were not a good face option.
1. Fluency 2. Shadow Walk
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 11, 2024 12:48:34 GMT -5
"You have my thanks. I may be able to accommodate blending in, under the right circumstance."
To demonstrate, the top of the shaman's outfit changed. She unfolded her other pairs of arms as the fabric revealed them, stretching for a moment to work the stiffness out. It wasn't a skill she'd quite honed yet, but Taki was clever enough to make use of the tools and skills available to suit a given situation.
She pondered the corvid's ideas a moment, as well as their speech patterns. They called themselves Fish, though it seemed to indicate a particular sound by their annunciation. They seemed quite young, but very matter of fact and accustomed to the job at hand. Taki could understand why Fish asked about being able to blend in, and she was curious about the predictions they'd made. How closely was this situation being watched? What information were they withholding? More questions for later, for now, there was a job to be done.
"Will this suit your plan, Fish?"
The shaman's outfit shifted again, covering her extra arms as they folded against her torso. Within a few moments, she could have passed for a Lizardfolk sailor, a common site in many places across Charon. While her serpentine appearance wasn't entirely common, it was a look that some shared.
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 15, 2024 20:51:09 GMT -5
Fish had come to learn the benefits of dock work when it comes to blending in since buying Fish's Market. The ship turned tavern still saw a fair few deckhands come for a different kind of work. On the docks, not many people care about who or what you are, just so long as you don't suck at the job.
Still, this situation was different. The docks and city were being watched so any reason to keep eyes off you was a good skill. Fish watched the outfit change a few times, head tilting back and forth. It would suffice.
"It will do, it will ideally be a short-lived disguise, it only needs to be good enough to get past the guards." They pause their signing a moment to think. Now, how to best get past the guards?
"Fish knows of three plans, the drunk stumble, the fresh meat, and the fluster buster." The last was really only ever used by Morrigan or Izzy, the people Fish knew were the best at simply overwhelming people with words.
"Plan one is act drunk and lost, two is nervous first timer looking for ship, the last is improvisational.....but Fish is also not a local, so Fish will defer to Taki for what might be a good way to get in........Whichever way is chosen, Fish has marked 3 warehouses to check for Onibawan. Look for a small crow head in the bottom right corner of the doorframe....If you see any sign of a distrubance, cough three times, wait three seconds, sneeze. Fish will know this is the warehouse and will join from the shadows."
It was a thorough plan, the bird was a professional, or at least was very intent at styling themselves as one. It was still a new feeling to be the one calling the shots and doing the leg work. Every criminal overlord starts somewhere.
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 16, 2024 9:32:26 GMT -5
As they were standing there discussing plans, another option came to the shaman's mind. Before she replied, her outfit started to change again. Within a moment, she was standing there wearing the official uniform of the Winged Expeditionary Force.
"While it has a tiny amount of risk, I should be able to gain access to the warehouse area as a member of the Expeditionary Force. I'll signal you when I find the right area."
With that, Taki headed down an alleyway and towards the docks. They were only a few minutes' walk from the main entrance, so the shaman took the short journey to compose herself and think of a convincing reason for the guards. She really wasn't looking to cause a scene, so hopping the fence and going roof to roof was out of the question. She approached the gatehouse, and it's pair of awaiting guards. One was a towering Draconynh, broad in the shoulder and glowering at the crowd walking by. The other was a Human man, middle aged, with streaks of grey peaking through his dark brown hair. They both appeared alert and professional, though one clearly was less than accepting of the position.
Crossing the lamp lit street, she approached the gate with a casual smile, careful to keep her many hands in plain view. Most folks were already a little on edge with her appearance, so she was cognizant of ways to avoid misunderstanding.
"Well met, and good evening. My name is Shitakibo, and I've come this evening to discuss a future endeavor related to the Expedition's plans."
The Draconynh took a look at the Orochi, then looked at his partner and tossed his muzzle at her.
"Your turn... I did the last guildie..."
The other man rubbed his head in a somewhat embarrassed gesture, sighing heavily.
"Fine, but you're buying the first round when we get off shift."
"Tch... whatever, as long as you deal with it."
The big dragonkin went back to glowering at the crowd, while the man approached with a hand out and a professional smile.
"Identification miss? Nothing personal, you understand."
Nodding, Taki reached into a pocket of her robe slowly and produced her guild card. Handing it to the man, he inspected it thoroughly before handing it back.
"Alright, a few ground rules if this is your first time. Please don't loiter, ask one of us for directions. Any and all violence isn't tolerated, and lastly obey the dock foremen. There likely isn't much cargo moving around at this hour, but I don't want to do that paperwork, or cleanup..."
A somewhat sickened look passed across the man's face as his voice trailed off. Taki bowed politely as she responded.
"I will conduct my business swiftly, and be on my way. You have my thanks."
The man opened a smaller door set into the larger gate, letting the shaman pass. Taki stepped through and kept walking down the main passage for a minute or so. When she found a place somewhat blind to the patrolling guards, she slipped into the shadows and made her way towards the first of the places Fish had marked.
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 20, 2024 11:50:37 GMT -5
The exact disguise didn't matter to Fish, it was a small adjustment that didn't impact the overall flow of the plan. When Taki leaves, the bird dips back into the shadows to begin trailing. They watch from the rooftops nearby under the cover of night. Their beady eyes remain fixed on the woman as she moves past the guards and the crowd.
She was professional, Fish would hand that to her. The decision to seek out a local was proving to be one of the better decisions Fish had made lately rather than attempting to carry things themselves. After everything around Zarius happened, Fish tried to hard correct in the wrong direction and only work alone. The fellblood wasn't that stubborn though, he was resourceful and self-sufficient but he had a network.
This was the beginning of Fish's network. One of many jobs and associates to be collected on their way to the top of the criminal underworld. Fish shakes their head and focuses back to Taki who was cleverly slipped past the eyes of the guards.
Taki would find the back set of warehouses very similar. Had it not been for some of the groundwork Fish had done, searching 10 to 15 warehouses would be a week long effort. Thankfully, she only had three.
The marked warehouses were a bit spread out, but entrances were fairly secluded. Inside, everything seemed normal. Boxes upon boxes, some being loaded onto carts by workers, others untouched in silent warehouses. Which workers were legitimate and what cargo wasn't contraband would be what Taki had to find out and quickly, the onibawan weren't exactly known for announcing their presence or acting slowly.
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 20, 2024 19:51:04 GMT -5
Once down the alley out of sight, Taki seems to increase her speed further, gliding over the ground. Propelled by currents of air, she hovered several inches off the ground. Her outfit shifted to one suited for stealth, covering her body in dark fabrics that left little but her crimson eyes exposed. Skating around the first building in a tight loop, she scanned for the mark Fish had mentioned.
The building was mostly dark, though she could see inside it's shadowy windows. Nothing stood out, it seemed that this warehouse was already locked down for the day. Darting into a narrow alley, she started for the second building. Partway between the two, she ducked down behind some stacked crates and barrels. Two guards walked down the adjoining street, conversing about their personal lives. Unaware of the watching Orochi, the two men continued out of sight.
Taki raced to the next building with as much haste as she could, sliding to a stop at the end of the long side alley she'd taken. The building was partly lit, and a few shadowed silouettes moved about inside. She approached carefully, peaking around the corner near the entry. Near a trio of barrels stood a small figure in an outfit similar to her own, who watched the area with an experienced alertness. While they were scanning the opposite side of the building, she took a quick peek at the door frame.
Leaning back into the shadows, she looked for a suitable spot in the alleyway she'd come from. Slipping through the shadows, in much the same way Fish had, she moved silently away from the building. Once she'd moved away far enough, her outfit reverted to it's Expedition uniform. She coughed three times, waited for three seconds, then let out a hissing sneeze to signal Fish.
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 24, 2024 12:41:19 GMT -5
This really was going faster than Fish had anticipated. Perhaps working with locals was more efficient than doing everything on their own, a local already has much more of the groundwork down since they know the area. It would also be easier for them to spot something out of place since they know how things are supposed to be.
Within a moment of Taki giving the signa;, Fish is rising out of the shadows.[1] They look around the corner at the warehouse to give themselves a quick refresher on what warehouse they were looking at. Interesting choice.
"Normal procedure would be to call the guards, but Fish does not trust them to actually complete this job." Sign language meant Fish could have this conversation out in the open, a rare benefit of their condition.
"How is your eyesight in smoke?" Fish looks up before briefly shifting their bandoliers, tucking back a belt full of potions and bringing forward a set of smoke grenades. "There is little Fish can do to help, but secondary plans can be made if you are not equipped for it....Fish knows there is a second level to the warehouse. Someone at the second level right away would help.....Fish could make you invisible for a short time."
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 26, 2024 4:53:24 GMT -5
'If they're on the ground, I will be able to sense them. The confusion should be enough to subdue at least a few of their numbers, if you're okay with watching overhead. Otherwise, use your abilities at your discretion and I'll adapt to the situation.'
Reaching into her pack, the shaman pulled out a pair of leather goggles with domed lenses1. She slipped them over her eyes to protect them from the coming smoke, adjusting the fabric around her nostrils and mouth as well. From here, the plan seemed simple enough in Taki's mind. When the smoke spread, she would wade in with the help of Geomagnetic Sense. When she found someone, she would overwhelm them with raw physical strength. Having three pairs of arms that were imbued with many times their natural might, she could reliably pin down or overpower most beings. Afterwards, they could be disarmed and bound without a lot of fuss. Should Taki start to get overwhelmed, she had an arsenal of magic at her disposal to evade and defend.
Tapping her tail against the ground ever so lightly, the shaman closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. Her senses tuned into the subtle vibrations, mapping out movements and locations. Possible outcomes stirred in her mind, seeking out efficient responses to the probable actions of her adversaries. Of course, this all only went so far as her own understanding and creativity, but it did help her understand each experience better. Taki valued the wisdom in every action, choice and idea, even if it held no immediate value or purpose. It helped keep the Orochi's mind flexible, and her reaction to changing situations fluid.
1: Telescopic Goggles P: Geomagnetic Sense, Silent Step
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 27, 2024 12:44:27 GMT -5
Fish is a bit wary, but decides to try a new feeling they are learning about called trust. Taki has yet to struggle with anything today and they were more than capable during their last job. The bird can't help but overthink, but they prided themselves on always having a solution.
So, trust they would. Fish pulls a smoke flask from their pouch and arcs it into the room. The initial shatter causes a moment of confusion before the billowing smoke sends that into overdrive. Fish skitters silently into the smoke, aiming right for the first guard.[1]
They throw out the kusarigama, angling it to wrap around his ankle before pulling hard to send him off balance. There is a hard thud and groan as he falls unconcious. That's one guard done, but Fish can hear several more entering.
With her sense active, Taki could sense five more people entering. They would be thankful for those sense because the onibawan strike team made little sound upon entry. It seemed they were equally ready for an ambush tonight. Two would start to make their way towards where they sensed Fish.
Inside the smoke, Fish takes a moment themselves to take stock of the room. They put a hand to the floor, focusing on the ki of others like Del had taught them.[2] Fish picks up on the others just in time to dodge back from a downward strike, blinking out of the smoke and onto one of the upper platforms.[3]
1. Zen Archer 2. Seismic Mapping 3. Blink Cape
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 28, 2024 21:40:06 GMT -5
Wading into the billowing, dark cloud, Taki readied herself for the trio headed her way. She could feel the shift in their step as they drew pairs of short blades from a simple bamboo cane that served as scabbards. The first lunged forward with a quick series of strikes, a pair of thrusts from each blade aimed at the Orochi's vitals. Avoiding the strikes with a quick step1 to the side, she pivoted towards the attacker with a trio of flat palms. When she made contact with his back, she shoved his extended body to the floor using all her might2. The man exhaled sharply as the boards of the warehouse floor groaned from the impact.
The remaining pair were quick to seize an opportunity, attacking with sweeping slashes from several angles. She was able to slip beneath the trio of slashes aimed across her body, but a fourth from overhand cut a deep gash across Taki's back. Hissing loudly, she moved out of the way as a slick warmth seeped down her back. Turning to the pair in the blanketing smoke, the air churned as it gathered towards the wounded Orochi.
Crackling, static sparks illuminated the whirling cloud of smoke for a brief moment, propelling Taki forward with immense force. Slamming into the offending warrior3 with the gained velocity, she heaved his body with all her might. His surprised wailing carried away into the warehouse until an abrupt, heavy thud followed by a softer, dull thud marked the end of his flight. Furious, and bleeding, the Orochi turned to the last of those who'd come to disturb the Isles. She let out another challenging hiss, ready for whatever they might try next.
Taki P: Geomagnetic Sense, Silent Step 1: Cat's Grace (Defensive) 2: Claws [Bull's Strength x2, Extra Arms x2, Baloth Muscles] 3: Bullet Dash + Claws [as per above]
Goon 1 Uses Multi-Attack, for four thrusting strikes. Slammed into the floor w/ action 2
Goon 2 Two horizontal sweeping slashes
Goon 3 One horizontal slash, one vertical slash; Vertical hits. Launched across the room w/ action 3
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Jun 30, 2024 18:16:38 GMT -5
Thankfully the bulk of the strike team went for Taki since she was a much bigger and more obvious target compared to Fish. They did not forget about the little form they could sense in the smoke though. The onibawan certainly had a lot of close range experience on Fish, but Fish's ability to pinpoint them in the smoke made the fight much more even.
A short blade comes in towards Fish, but the bird steps in around the blade[1] and through the legs of the assailant. As Fish passes through they slash against the opponent's thigh with the kusarigama and a groan echoes in the smoke. They turn to follow up with a quick return attack, but Fish had already set up another counter.
Smoke curled around the blade before collapsing in on itself and taking the blade with it.[2] The empty hand swings through the air with a confused sound. Fish flings the chain end of the kusarigama to slam into the onibawan's face before jumping backwards out of the smoke to regroup.
Where was Taki? They didn't want to leave their partner overwhelmed, though from the sounds of it she was holding her own just fine. Fish's eyes dart around the smoke to track the different ki forms they can sense and figure out a plan.
There's the path, Fish tucks the kusarigama back and pulls out what looks like a curved knife. They give it a quick flip to fully deploy the folding shuriken. The bird waits a moment to line the shot before throwing it forward.
As one tried to jump towards Taki, they would be met mid-air by a curving shuriken.[3] The blades would hit their side and leave a pretty nasty gash in their side. Three goons down, two left.
1. Azuneca Counter 2. Smoke Sealing 3. True Hunter
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