[rpg] Seven Cities

[Shogun]

Martel sighed as he looked over the letter that had arrived that morning. He'd been in the Senate chambers all day and hadn't had time to look over it until now, part of him was glad of it. He'd been able to perform well today, or at least he thought so, while he had a glimmer of hope that the Council of Swords would be able to make short work of Bacchus' base of support and finding his potential benefactors. Instead all he had gotten was this letter from their leader, confirming that Bacchus' forces were equipped with gear of foreign origin. This could mean one of two things, either they had a benefactor from across the sea, or they had one here with enough wealth to import some things that local forces might be less familiar with. Either scenario was problematic, as the Senate, new as it was, had no direct united army. Each city state had its own military, but there wasn't much to prevent them from joining up with Bacchus if he was able to sway them.

He slouched back in his chair, this boded poorly under circumstances that were already fairly grim. Bacchus had avoided direct conflict with any army thus far, but his raids on border towns of several city states demonstrated a wicked streak that wouldn't be content to scavenge and pick at the major powers for long. Bacchus would make his major move soon, Martel only hoped that the Council was able to get him something compelling to go on to raise a force of his own. He resolved to call upon Councilor Bartha in the morning. The old man had been a mentor of his for some years now, perhaps he'd have some gem of wisdom to put Martel's mind at ease.

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Edge grunted under the weight of the armored man he flung behind him using his shoulder. The impact of the landing in that heavy steel would knock the wind out of the soldier, but Edge's sword punching through the hole in his armor at the base of his neck would take him out of the fight for good. Three more of the enemy soldiers rushed him, Edge only laughed as he rammed his shield into the chest of the first, batting the blades of the others away as he turned around in a rapid twirl, bashing the edge of his shield into the head of the man he'd just bashed, breaking his neck. With a flourish of his wrist he disarmed another of the men, and with his continued momentum allowing him to bring his heel into the nose of the other.

"Edge, quit playing with them," shouted Fang from somewhere behind him.

Edge sighed, lopping the head off the disarmed man and then ramming his blade through the sternum of the last men. "Way to kill the mood Fang," he said as he twisted and pulled his sword loose.

"We have a job to do, don't forget," said Fang as she walked past him toward the center of the camp.

"Yeah yeah, like these guys warrant extreme caution," Edge said as he put his blade away.

"No escapes, you heard him as clearly as I did," said Fang. There was an audible yelp of shock from behind them, both turned to see a man now lying on his back, a sword oddly seemingly having caught him against his neck and an arrow sticking out of his wrist.

"You guys should watch your backs," said Shot as he stepped out from between two tents, stopping momentarily to lift the man's sword and drive it into his chest.

"I heard him before you did," said Fang without turning.

"Sure," said Shot as he moved to catch up to them.

They reached the center of the camp, Boss sat on a folding stool as Snare threw knives into fence posts they'd stood up and tied the last few captives to. The three of them assumed Scorch was wandering, setting the fires that would dispose of the camp in a few hours when they'd finished spreading. Boss glared at the captives, unblinking the single eye visible beneath his mask.

"I'm beginning to lose patience here gentlemen," said Boss. "We've established only one of you lives, the one who tells me what I want to know gets to lock in his spot."

Snare tossed more knives, getting closer and closer to the captives with each throw. Shot leaned against a tent pole and lit a rolled smoking paper, Edge watched the scene silently, not making any motions whatsoever, while Fang took her spot next to Boss. She scanned the bound men with her eyes, lingering only a few seconds on each before moving on. Eventually she stopped and pointed at a man toward the middle. "His heart's moving faster than the rest, he feels guilty, he's about to crack," she said.

Snare flung a knife, landing it in such a manner that the edge lightly caught the man's cheek. The man shrieked, "Gerood Neeks! Bacchus is in regular contact with Gerood Neeks!"

Boss snapped his fingers, Shot loaded up several arrows at once, killing the rest of the men in one go. Snare walked to the man who'd spoken and cut him loose. The man kneeled before him, sobbing before Snare pulled him to his feet and shoved him toward the path Edge, Fang, and Shot had come up. "You made the right choice my friend," said Snare with a jackal grin.

The man looked to Boss in disbelief, but the leader of the Council simply stood and began to walk away, Fang, Snare and Shot following. The man looked to Edge, who stared back a moment before beginning to walk in the direction of the others, but not before feigning taking a swing at the man who screamed again and fell to the ground.

"Sorry, had to," said Edge with a laugh. He reached to his belt and produced a small bag of coins which he tossed down to the man. "The Council of Swords and the Bristenyan Senate thank you for your help."

He caught up with the others as Boss was talking, likely because Fang had asked him where they went from here.

"Gerood Neeks isn't an easy man to get to, but I know a way or two. We're headed to Rem," said Boss.

[Liv the Librarian]

The air was cool, but thick with humidity. Leaf wondered through the forest, limping on a swollen ankle, still swollen from the battle of the clans. Most of her other wounds had healed nicely, but with no time to rest her ankle, it persisted in it's painful complaining. Sweat dripped from her forehead despite the coolness of the night. Leaf followed a bright star, meaning she was headed west into "civilization". She'd already traveled a good distance, as she'd been on the road for about a fortnight. But her provisions were becoming scarce, and she thought she might go mad from the pain in her ankle if she didn't get a good night's rest soon. Lucky for her, she could see light from a small village burning in the distance.

About an hour passed and she was at the gates of the village.

"Who goes there?" a voice behind a slotted window in the gate asked her.
"A wary and wounded traveler, good sir. May I enter?"
"What wounded you?"
"Bandits, about ten of them."
"And you fought them off?"
"Not just me, I had a friend that died helping me defend myself."
"Well, we have had a lot of bandit attacks around here lately, I'm sorry for your troubles. Come have a drink at the inn, and I'll call on our healer to tend to your wounds."
"Thank you, kind sir."

The gatekeeper opened the gate, and Leaf limped her way toward a tavern; the noise of drunken men and women could be heard from the gate. When she entered, the room silenced. Leaf was in rough shape, but she didn't think it was bad enough for an entire room of people to stop talking when she entered. A few moments passed as Leaf limped slowly toward the bar to order a drink, and the talking resumed.


The rest of the night passed uneventfully. Leaf ordered an ale, bought a room for the night, and arranged for a late afternoon appointment with a healer for the morrow. She slept that night, and harder than she felt like she'd slept in years. Tomorrow, she'd be back on her way again, but this time with a full belly, and hopefully a horse.

[SellennaeAlara]

Dahlia adjusted herself in her saddle; she was growing anxious. The closer they got to Rem, the more she chewed on her lip and wrung the reins threw her fingers. Devin seemed the opposite; just as relaxed and laid back as he always was. The two siblings who had never truly been apart in their lives had been in larger elven cities; but with humans they had only been in villages and smaller towns. The prospect of Rem growing closer had Dahlia excited. Devin looked at his sister and smiled. He did not care much for going into the cities, to many people prattling on and on; his sisters excitement made the prospect less confining.


At first it was just a haze on the horizon; but as the sun climbed higher and the miles passed under their horses hoofs, the city of Rem Grew closer and out of the horizon rising up before them. Within the hour they had ridden into the city; Devin shuffled his shoulders at the noise and shuffle of the city. Staying on the main road they made their way threw the city. They passed a few inn's that looked more run down or questionable in; making their way into a bit more up scale area's. After asking around they made their way to the Jongleur Tavern & Inn established almost 163 years ago. The music and laughter could be years several blocks away as they road up the street and stabled their horses at the near by livery. Walking down a block many of the Taverns patron's where standing out side, drinking, smoking and laughing. There where a few tables open here and there, the floor was full of patrons standing and dancing as the music filled the air.

Several bar maid's said 'be with you in a minute' and 'Find a seat if you would like one' as the bustle about the busy inn carrying drinks and plates. Devin led his sister to a small three seater table off tot he side. Sitting across from each other they set bags in it with their cloaks over them. Their scarf's where around their necks reveling their faces, Devin pushed his hat back a little and as usual Dahlia's scarf was still wrapped up and covering her hair. It was easy to be seen and not remembered; anyone with half a brain could learn such skills, the mask where not needed here.

The song ended with arousing appalls and cheers from all of the patrons, bugs clanging on tables and bars and boots stomping on the floor. The musicians took a brake as three jugglers/acrobats took the floor to a round of cheers as they began their tricks and stunts. A lovely young woman about 17 spun over in front of them taking a deep breath and smiling "G'day to you folks; traveled far?" Devin smiled and gave a nod of his head; more then happy to let his sister do the talking "Good Evening to you as well. We tipped the stable boy to bring our other bags up; please reserve a room for us and send him up with them."

the girl smiled and nodded "right away; can I get you anything to drink or eat?"

Dahlia smiled in turn "Yes please, we would each like an ale to drink and what are your specials?"

After taking the orders the young girl sped off on her way. Dalhia spotted a few traders up towards the bar and motioned to them; Devin's eyes followed and he nodded. Dahlia rose and intercepted the young bar maid as she brought their drinks taking hers with a smile and a thank you.

"Hail good Sirs" Dahlia lifted her drink to them and then took a sip as they returned her greeting "If people had fine furs for trade; what mark's and hours would give the best profit and gain for both sides?"


Devin sipped his ale and watched the performance while keeping a watchful eye on his sister. She had a good way with traders and with words. As usual a few ladies started looking in his direction, he tipped his hat back down and leaned back. Maybe they would think Dahlia was his wife; damn how much she was smiling at those traders.

"Hi"

Devin looked up to see a pretty faced brunette; he nodded with a slight smile.

"She your sister?"

Damn it he thought "Aye" we look to much a like for our own good.

She tilted her head to the side "Your not a big talker are you?" she flashed her cute smile and face.

Devin sipped from his ale "Nope"; this one a sharp one but determined.

She traced her fingers down the back of a chair "care to dance when the band comes back?"

Devin took a long drink of his ale; he was not meaning to be rude, but...... "Not much for dancing."

With a sigh of defeat she walked away.

Devin crossed his ankles out in front himself; why did they away's sigh? He cocked his head to the side checking on Dahlia. She was hunched over the bar with her head bent paying close attention; someone must be doing a make shift map.

The juggling act came to an end and the musicians took the floor once more striking up a beat. People took up the beat clapping and stomping as dancers took back to the floor and street out front. The barmaid reappeared with their plates and moved towards Dalhia who followed her back to the table "Your both in room 15 third floor; what names should I put on the registry? The stable boy has already taken your things up as requested."

Dalhia took a deep breath of her meal and smiled "mmmmm, smells delicious. Callen and Korra Masters"

The bar made gave a nod of her head as she set two keys down for them, "I shall tell the cook. How long will you want the room reserved for?"

Dahlia swallowed her first bite and glanced at her brother; "Not sure yet; for the next several days for sure." The barmaid nodded and started to turn; "Wait; what's your name if I can ask?"

She looked back over her shoulder and smiled "Sasha." smiles brightly and was off like that back into the crowed.


"So you know where we are trading tomorrow?" Devin asked once they where alone.

"Aye; they where very helpful, though none of them dealt in furs; they told me where the best trader for it was and then of course filled me in on their markets, the deals we can get there and then they gave me directions around the city."


They sat for a while after their meal and had another ale; before going up stairs to their room.

[Shogun]

Fang tried to ignore the dozens of eyes on them every step of the way as they walked, unmasked, through the old manor which had once served as the city hall of Rem. Nowadays it was officially recognized as the home of one Barto Jern, a wealthy spice importer. In reality though Jern hadn't been there in years, focusing his main dealings in Gartol while his son Vindo handled things in Rem. Vindo, unlike his upstanding father, was a cutthroat and a leader of the Bloody Fist, who now used the place as something of a headquarters. The Bloody Fist was the largest gang in the city and generally controlled everything on the eastern side of town, a control which had been shaken up with the rise of Martel and had generally left them more desperate to maintain their power. Martel had placated them some by getting them recognized as a civic group, but something of the edge of power of being criminals had been lost when they were made what amounted to a glorified peace keeping group.

To say Vindo was conflicted on the subject of Martel would be selling his feelings on the matter short. He was dreadfully jealous of his old schoolmate but at the same time understood how important his work could be and how easily the legitimacy of the gang could end up playing into his favor on down the line. He didn't like Martel at all on a personal level, but he represented a good future for Vindo and so there were no hard feelings.

Fang wasn't sure she agreed with Boss' decision to come here with only half the team. She understood why, Scorch wasn't much for delicate meetings these days, Edge had a talent for shooting his mouth off, and Shot had to keep an eye on them, but she'd feel a little better about this little meeting if the team was in full force. Still, he was the leader and she was sure he had a plan. As they walked through the corridors to the main office where Vindo spent his daytime hours without an appointment she hoped just for the sake of cleanliness that he had a plan.

At the door to Vindo's office there was a rather large man, the second largest Fang had ever seen, arms folded barring the path. "Can I help you?" the guard grumbled.

"We're here to see Vindo," said Boss.

"Heh, ain't no Vindo here," said the guard.

"I don't have the time or the patience for this, move," said Boss.

"Man I only take orders from one man, and he ain't no snowy haired cyclops," said the guard, leaning down to stare Boss in the eye. This was a rather poor choice, as Boss' hand sprung up like a cat wakened by thunder, fingers curved in a claw as they struck into the man's mouth and dragged him to the ground by the inside of his cheek. The guard let out a surprise yelp as his body clattered helplessly to the floor. Before the man could get rise or even get angry at the assault on his pride Snare drew a spear and drove it into the floor next to the man's head, punctuating the fact that he was severely out of his depth.

Without another word Boss led the way into the room, ignoring the electrical silence from everyone who'd just witnessed him take down such a massive man with a gesture. The room itself was filled with curtains draped in every which way imaginable without any real sense of decor or reason. The only plainly visible feature of the room besides this was a large table in the center, cluttered with maps and books and attended by six men, one of whom was dressed decidedly better than the rest. "Who the hell are you?!" demanded the dapper man.

"My name is Claude, and I know your father," said Boss.

"Lots of people do, none of them ever barge in here uninvited," said Vindo. "You got any idea how dumb that is?"

"Four of them," said Fang, picking up the subtle thoughts of several guards within the room taking positions behind the curtains.

"Think for a moment, I handled your oaf without alerting you there was someone outside. I did this effortlessly and without any fear of what reprisals he might attempt," said Boss. "Only two types of men would do this. Fools, who would have charged in here and already declared a war, and the other type, who give you a chance to think better of the situation."

"Awful big talk," said Vindo. "And I'm not buying it, you might have just gotten in while Grud was on a bathroom break or something."

Boss snapped his fingers and with a snap of her wrists Fang sent two knives flying through the curtains, Snare followed suit. There was a long moment of silence before the sound of four bodies hitting the deck were heard. "As you can see I'm not above a show of force, now you can accept that there's nothing you have that I can't carve to bits and just give me what I'm after, or I can kill everyone in this house and then force it out of you at my leisure," said Boss.

Vindo was the kind of quiet you get when you finally realize that big a fish as you may be you're still just a fish when there's a sea demon around. He was this quiet for a long time, or at least he felt like it was a long time, it was likely just a few seconds. Finally he sighed, leaned back in his chair, and spoke up, "Fine, what do you want?"

"I'm looking for Gerood Neeks, your people will have the easiest time getting me to him," said Boss.

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It took very little time for Vindo's men to mobilize and get them to Gerood's home. What had initially been three separate houses had been tethered together by a series of floating hallways and hidden tunnels, making it a nightmare scenario for an invading group as small as the council. Boss wasn't going to bother invading, hence the reason he'd made his intentions clear to Vindo. The Bloody Fist, being a semi-legitimate organization now, had the authority to order the house open and an audience with Gerood, who also happened to be an official of the city.

Neeks' men accepted the order without much difficulty, they may have been well compensated and well fortified, but the Fist had enough men to knock the place down and none of these men liked Gerood enough to take that kind of risk. As the three of them went into the main entrance Fang hazarded a glance back to a building not far away where the other three members of the team were waiting.

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Edge shifted uncomfortably a he watched Boss and the others enter Gerood's building. Boss had given them something of an over watch position, able to see, the side of the building where Gerood's main office was according to Vindo's men, and the main entrance way, which was situated on another of the three homes. Edge didn't figure it would do them much good if there was any real trouble. They couldn't see into the office and unless the town guard itself came marching in the front gate there was no way for them to tell if Boss and the others would need an extraction.

He eventually shrugged it off, not like those three couldn't handle the bulk of anything this city could conceivably throw their way. He moved a small way up the roof and sat down against a chimney. It didn't help that his company was who it was. Shot wasn't exactly a chatterbox, and when he did have a lot to say it was generally a cynical dig. He had his moments but the guy wasn't the best company. And Scorch? The gnome weirded Edge out, he could fully understand why the guy had fallen from grace. He was reliable enough on a mission, but not somebody Edge felt like gabbing with.

At least thirty minutes passed without anything of interest happening, but after a long while Edge noticed some movement on a different rooftop from the direction Gerood's office faced. It was a figure armed with a sword, something familiar about the way he moved. The man stopped at the edge of a rooftop nearest the office window and drew his sword. Shot and Edge both stood in unison as Shot drew his bow and notched an arrow, muttering curses under his breathe as he fired. Edge soon understood why.

The man on the other roof spun and heaved the sword, sending it flying in a perfect beeline for the window. A second later there was a faint noise of breaking glass. There was also a flutter of movement from the man which Edge quickly realized was the movement of the man catching Shot's arrow and tossing it aside. Edge looked to Shot who looked back, "Cross."

"Let's move!" said Edge as he tore across the rooftop, rapidly maneuvering his way down to the streets with a series of hops and catches on anything that stood out in a pattern he'd seen repeated by members of various thieves guilds a dozen times. It would be a moment before news of what had happened reached the outside of the building, it was their job to make sure Boss and the others had a clear path to escape once they fought their way there. Shot and Scorch would provide cover from a distance while Edge drew the attention of everyone on the ground.

His sword had drawn blood before any of Gerood's forces realized anything was amiss. Seconds later whatever was going on inside was the furthest thing from their minds as Edge broke them like bread. In droves they came to him, and he devoured them with glee. The steel of his blade turning a rough shade of red so deep it was black as he cut through them like moonlight through a cloudless sky, cackling a madman's roar with each stroke. If any of the men realized the futility of charging him he didn't know it for the hordes that believed they could perhaps trip him up as they fell before him. So consumed was he in the heat of the battle he didn't realize he'd been killing long enough for not only the town guard to be summoned, but for Boss and the others to emerge from the building with their own degree of carnage in tow.

"What did you see?" asked Boss as he came into ear shot and lowered his mask.

"Cross ruining our day," said Edge.

Boss nodded in understand as men fell away from him with fewer limb than they'd woken up with. This was bad, a public official had died moments after they'd entered his office in a manner that would seem highly unlikely to anyone not well versed in the more bizarre soldiers of the land. Short story, they were going to take the blame for this one. Boss considered his options, the only person who knew they were working for Martel was the man himself meaning they couldn't exactly hope to just explain this away through that means. They were wanted criminals now, and until they'd figured out who was pulling Bacchus' strings they were going to remain as such.