His shadow leans very gently, almost imperceptibly to the left.
Immanuel Jade is escorted away without much more preamble-apparently they have quite a bit of work to do before sending you on this likely suicidal mission.
...
Your guards are more at ease, as they lead you deeper into the complex. Most drop back, leading only the leader of the small group who apprehended you, and the young woman he called 'Mags' to escort you. They do seem to have holstered their guns, for now...
He speaks to you again, as they direct you onwards.
"That was pretty smart of you, partner. The General's the sort of take a chance on people, you see...you're sure not what we call hard caliber quality, and the jobs a rough one, but maybe you'll surprise us...I'm glad we don't have to shoot you, anyway. Ruins a mans appetite. Names Dan. Danvers Siau..."The woman pipes up, cheerfully annoying.
"...More likely than not he'll turn tail as soon as we let him loose, and the general will hang him for a deserter. Or maybe he'll try to swing a deal, play both sides? Of course, we have people already over there, watching and waiting. Mr. Jade is just another piece on the board, as I'm sure he well knows. Let's not insult his ah, intelligence, but assuming he's going to play a round game with us. Am I right, Mr. Jade?" She inquires, full of false sweetness.
"We have been told we can stay, and horsefolk keep their word."
More quietly, she muttered. "At least they won't suddenly use spirit-magic on us."
The rest... spend a comfortable night under Horsefolk tents, which keep out the rain and the wind admirably. They dine on a variety of spices, savory plains vegetables and a good deal of wild game-pheasant, hare, deer, and boar-served in a sort of communal stew the Horsefolk call a 'hotpot'-a simmering stew occupies the center of the tent over a low fire, and as one desires ingredients they are added in, cooked, then spooned out as desired. It's quite delicious, and amazingly filling-stretching many small portions over one large meal. It is very spicy-some of have a suspicion they turned up the heat just for your party-but, generous portions of ox milk in clay and glass jars are handed out to sooth the burns.
...
As the night winds down, goods are offered, pleasantries exchanged, and the Horsefolk warm up to you. They are perhaps unable to hold a grudge. Most of them seem to enjoy sleeping in their human forms-these transformations happen so quick you are unable to make them out-one moment half horse, then another moment a full human. It make sense why they wear those long sorts of horse blankets over their horse bodies...when they change, the blankets act as makeshift kilts, preserving modesty.
Eventually, the time for stories and words come.It's fairly clear they only expect Wen-Li to have any good tales, and the rest of you are accepted out of a sort of courtesy. But it's also obvious they expect some form of entertainment for having hosted you.
The others may wish to converse with the Horsefolk-warriors, chiefs, medicine-men and the like-or perhaps engage in a bit of trade. Or maybe just quietly fall asleep.
Note: Horsefolk do not really buy and sell as much as they barter, thus these 'prices' are elusive-they will usually accept some combination of hard currency, traded goods, knowledge, a good fight, shared rumors and good stories-usually, reverse in this order of importance. Coming to a deal is a long term process that requires a good deal of negotiation and courtesy...and is generally not to be undertaken without an idea of the risks involved.
Masterworked Composite Bow
This short bow seems to be made of a cunningly carved combination of horn, bone and wood, with a string made of supple animal hide-it's designed to fired from horseback (or standing upright, as is the case for them). It's light, accurate and powerful-not to mention, silent. A truly magnificent weapon, the Horsefolk rarely trade these away-it's part of the reason why they can still defend themselves so effectively. Only Hiraya's bow comes close to the quality, and even she might want to look closely at the design of one, to improve her own.
Estimated Value: Very High
Shamanic Lore
Some of the Older Horsefolk offer to teach you some of the secrets of speaking to the furies in voices they can understand. What exactly you are getting is unclear.
Estimated Value: Very High
Secrets of the Eagle's Roads
The Horsefolk seem to indicate to you they know a number of secret paths through the Eagle's Claw mountains-Horsefolk tend to dwell in the plains, but they often cross the mountains on their travels, especially as of late-wher many of their kind fled from the Fallen Kingdom of Orinost, into the west.. If you can manage to convince them to lend these to you, it will make traveling through the mountains much safer and quicker. At least in theory.
Estimated Value: High
Orinost Relic (Handyman)
Amazingly, this relic of old Orinost still functions-a cunning collection of gears, cogs, brass and steel set in the form of a pocketwatch-it's face acts as a watch, compass and even small icons seems to indicate the weather (a small icon of a three raindrops, presumably for heavy rain)...also, you're not sure what those others numbers mean...and what's with the ticking needle? Is it measuring something? It could be very useful for survival in the west, in any case. On the back of the device, is in the tarnished insignia of Orinost-a cog and a blade. One wonders which one failed them first.
Estimated Value: High
Windcaller
The exact use of this instrument is unclear, though at a glance it appears to be a kind of whistle. You quickly get the idea that trading for this item will also require you to trade for the story of the item.
Estimated Value: Medium
Blessed Waters
This bright white liquid, stored in round, clay pellets, is claimed to be very effective against what they will only call 'unnatural' enemies-which you can only assume are Demons, Witches, and Jiangshi, all of which are difficult to harm with normal weaponry, even firearms. They say these pellets are usually launched from a sling-which they offer along with the deal.
Estimated Value: Medium
Spirit-Snatcher
Cunningly sown, these intricate nets are beautiful like spiderwebs, dotted with feathers and beads. The Horsefolk claim that if you hang one over the door over your home (wherever you call home) it will protect you against curses and evil spirits.
Estimated Value: Medium
Jug of Horsefolk Strength
Stored in scavenged green-glass bottles, you are not quite sure what this potent, blackish yellow brew is made of-no doubt that's part of the negotiation-but they claim it trebles the strength a warrior before battle, ensuring he feels no pain or fear.
Estimated Value: Medium
Stories of Great Beasts
The Horsefolk Warriors may be willing to offer their stories of the hunts of wild furies, monsters and plains-beasts they have fought and encountered during their travels. As much boasting, as hard-won knowledge, the information could be useful if you end up facing some of these creatures.
Estimated Value: Low
Hide Shield
Horsefolk wield this light-wood frame, stretched ox-hide shields in combat-it's quite tough, but is prone to splinter after a few heavy blows of a melee weapon-it's much better for catching arrows, which can be easily caught and stopped in the thick leather sheath. They typically wield them in an off hand fashion, tossing them away once they have done their work, and as such they are not very valuable and readily bartered.
Estimated Value: Low
Biting Weapons
Stone weapons are customary of Horsefolk on the move-unwieldy and heavy, designed to be used during a charge and to be discarded, as they shatters easily against hard surfaces. The cunningly worked stone is some sort of black rock none of you are familiar with-they patiently explain it is very sharp, very effective against skin and animal hide-not so much against armor. Which is why they were glad when the Imperial soldiers stopped wearing breastplates with the invention of firearms. They offer nearly all weapons of a bladed and pointy variety, but they are entirely unable to offer blunt weapons.
Estimated Value: Low
Secrets of Horsefolk Cuisine
You have to admit, you could probably stand to eat like this every night. If one can convince the Horsemothers to impart their cooking tips, a future of hearty meals awaits...
Estimated Value: Very Low
Fox Puzzle Box
A simple, yet intricate wooden box is covered in sliding panels which depict a jumbled painted image of who knows what. No doubt you have to put it together to see. It was given to them a long time ago by the Foxfolk, they say-there is a long story about how they came to get it, and why they wish to open it-which they seem utterly unable to.
Estimated Value: Very Low
Wearing
Faded Glory
Immanuel's unusual hat, nice thick woolen coat, and well spun breeches does wonders for traveling in the Far West, allowing him to endure all sorts of foul weather-wind, rain, sun-without undue hardship. Though it's in fairly poor condition, with it's threads unraveling and bearing marks and stains of all sorts-it still bears to your mind as to what a rarified man would wear, a noble man...a dead man, perhaps? You get the uncomfortable feeling he either stole it from a corpse, or maybe was wearing when he was buried, and has himself recently risen from the dead. If you have imagination, anyway.
Pack
Saltbox Pocket Pistol
A puny gun of unusual design and manufacture-looks more like a weird sort of matchbox, rather than a firearm. It's very small, and is currently hidden in a secret pocket in his vest. Immanuel knows it can be quite lethal, at short range-it's sort of like a miniature shotgun, in general effect. Bears the faded Orinost cog and dagger symbol on the metallic butt.
Status: *Legally Confiscated by what you assume are Imperial Intelligence Officers, or a band of very merry pranksters pulling an elaborate joke on you.*
Pocket Toolkit~Left Pocket
Immanuel's had this longer than he can remember-literally. It's good for all sorts of things. A tiny Knife, tweezers, screwdriver, a little pair of scissors, a spoon, a little magnifying glass, and firestarter.
Worthless Scrip~Right Pocket
Scraps of paper payable to imaginary lenders. Does wonders if robbed by stupid men, or doing business with stupid merchants.
9 Silver Dollars~Money Pouch in left boot
No self respecting Jade would ever carry his money openly. What little of it he has.
Status: Hidden from Sight
1xSteam Engine Parts~Pack
What is all this junk? Well, It could be sold for an unfair price, or perhaps used for some spot repairs on any sort of machine you want fixed. Just don't ask specifics, and I won't tell you any lies. Who even knows what an Electrospanker is, anyway?
Remember what you seek (Part.1)
~Uncovering the secrets of the Arcane isn't easy, but it is your job. You've plucked some rumors-willing and unwilling-from the wind that have placed a certain rare item in an abandoned warehouse in Sevenfork. A map, to be precise...though, you're not exactly sure to what.
A string of razor wire
~Against your will, you've been conned into infiltrating the camp of a corrupt military general, posing as one of his officers, and obtaining enough evidence to 'facilitate his removal'. Right up your alley, but you can't help but think the odds are against you-they have to have planned for you to fail..it's possible they might even be counting on it.
WearingMorning before SunriseA dark red poncho with silver gliding, accentuated with a long red skirt certainly leaves much to the imagination in regards to this mystery woman. One white glove, one white black-hiding her long, dexterous fingers. And topped off by that ornate hat, and the mask...or perhaps, many masks. She seems to be able to change them with almost supernatural speed, to reflect her mood. Her face is entirely covered, except for her electric blue eyes...but her current mask, is hidden even from this storytellers eyes.Pack5x Bracer of throwing Knives~Left HipConcealed in a strap on her left hip. Sharp, pointed blades-designed to be thrown accurately and with deadly precision. Immaculately sharp and clean.
Status: Hidden from SightHouston Yi's Parasol~Left handIn classic Imperial mythology, there were originally ten suns in the sky, who were all quite rowdy brothers-they liked nothing more than carousing and stealing maidens virtue. Once, their games nearly burnt the Earth to a cinder-until a hero named Houston Yi lured them down to earth, and shot them all down (save one, of course) with his scatter-rifle. In a poetic sense, this Parasol was designed to lure the last brother down from the Heavens so that men might benefit from his power. Also, quite stylish and beautiful, in the forgotten fashion of Old Orinost-who always sought to merge function and form into a beautiful whole-the panels on the outside, facing the world, are painted with a depiction of a shining silver city standing tall in the desert ringed with graceful airships...the panels on the inside, show the same image mirrored in that cities terrible destruction. A useful storytelling tool, and perhaps a memorial of a sorts.Guitar~strapped across backFour-strings and a pear-shaped body, this instrument seems as graceful and lithe as it's wielder-it's of odd construction, however, not of wood but nearly entirely of metal. Connected to the parasol via a slender black cord.22 Silver Dollars~Small coin purseNo self respecting lady would ever carry her money openly. She prefers a small, delicately filigreed coin bag-good for making money vanish into the folds of her robes without a single clink.
Status: Hidden from SightOrinost RelicsMask of BeautyPerfection of the female form, breathtaking to look upon. Who shaped it? Who was the model for such delicate, sensuous features? Could such a person have lived and not been adored, worshiped?Abilities Gained:
~Beautiful Gaze~
Wen-li can use her gaze to enrapture anyone who looks into her eyes, making them more susceptible to her charms. This works on anyone who is not hostile to her, but if the affect should end they may realize they have been tricked and may become hostile to her-it usually depends on how against their nature she encouraged them to act. Some people don't need much pushing at all to co certain things.
Energy Cost: Free
~Shimmering Form~
Wen-li can make herself-including her clothing, and other belongings on your person-look different to any outside for perception, for up to an hour per charge expended. She can seem 1 foot shorter or taller and can appear thin, fat, or in between. She can't change your body type, so she must adopt a form that has the same basic arrangement of limbs. Otherwise, the extent of the illusion is up to her. The illusion is essentially flawless, but it can be defeated by close examination, and of course illusions exert no force or weight.
Energy Cost: 1 Charge
Raven Feathered CloakOne side white, one side black, as in all the affairs of men. The feathers are shaped steel, the pinions tipped with delicately shaped gemstone spurs-but it's as light as the wind.~Windshear~
The feathers can be move at a high speed to produce a gust of directed wind, capable of knocking people and things about, extinguishing fires, and the like. Tends to mess up your hair, no matter how short you wear it.
Energy Cost: Free
~Raven's Glide~
A simple enough ability, this cloak can billow out to dramatically slow Wen-Li's falling speed, when she has the misfortune to drop. It is even capable of limited gliding, though this can rapidly drain the batteries.
Energy Cost: Free when dropping or gliding 10 ft or less in height, costs 1 charge for every additional 60 ft fallen or glided past 10ft.
Curse GearCrude and functional in design, ugly to the soul, bitter black. The metal, if it was metal, seemed disturbingly organic. If you opened the heart of an Imperial Soldier, would you see this spinning away?~Curse of Mortality~
A vicious curse that strikes the enemies lifeforce, and wracks them with mental pain-showing them visions of their own death, paralyzing them with fear. The effect is temporary, but ultimately deadly.
Energy Cost: Free
~Curse of Fortune~
Simply holding the gear aloft and speaking certain words best left forgotten to time, Wen-Li can put a bane upon their fortunes, making even the most simple action capable of divinely inspired failure. They will find it difficult to most anything. Repeated uses, or stronger charges, can alter a persons fortune even more dramatically.
Energy Cost: 1 Charge
Relic Primer: Orinost relics take a good deal of power to use, but they are efficiently constructed in such a fashion that they can be entirely generated from the solar umbrella Wen-li carries. She can thus only her relics sparingly-the cells recharge naturally over a long day, and a little bit even at night when she sleeps, as the fury batteries are far more intricate than they appear. She can choose to more than the regular amount of charges that an ability indicates to gain a more profound effect, though this has dangers. As she gains experience, she will unlock additional uses for the relics, and increase their battery life. Of course she should always be on the lookout for more relics, and ways to upgrade her technology.
Current Charge:
OOOO 100%
Remember Orinost (Part.1)
~Your reputation has grown-you've been gratefully invited to one of the richer taverns in Sevenstrings to entertain the patrons.
Wearing
Long Ranging
A simple combination of gloves, hat, duster, trousers and boots. Totally unremarkable, and bear the marks of constant dirtying, and slightly less constant washings. Still, it's a good a sign as any this man is used to hard work and hopefully honest labor.
Pack
Wisson Five-Palm Revolver
Strapped to the young mans hip openly, a fine silver five-shooter-likely inherited, you could say with a smirk, since it's doubtful he could have bought such a nice gun by himself. The bitter smell of freshly fired burnpowder indicates he's gotten over his gun shy nature, and embraced a more violent path.
Wranglers Rope~Left Hip
A roll of tough, fiber rope coiled about on his belt. Amazingly useful, in all sorts of situations.
5 Silver Dollars, 7 Dollars in Willow Bend Scrip~Small Money Roll
What little money he has, in kept in a small satchel attached to his belt.
Remembering the Face of your Father (Part.1)
~You have a lead on the location one of the Imperial Soldiers who took your father. He's currently retired in Sevenforks. If you ever want answers, that's a good place to start.
WearingShaded IntentionsTough jeans, thick boots, a waistcoat over her shirt and a leather longcoat with a duster over if from her shoulders down to her elbows, and a wide-brimmed black hat with a leather band. Conceals her form in shadows. I wonder what she has to hide?Pack3x'Huxing' Type-7 Revolvers~Three Holsters, one on on each hip, one across chestGrunbremoch designed, highly effective with little attention to artistic detail or beauty. Ugly, angular and blocky design-yet, truly efficient pieces of killing steel.Imperial Dao~Across back, in sheathA single edged sword, with a moderate curve-designed for hacking and chopping. It seems to be missing it's original sheath, the current owner concealing it a roll of sown leather. An interesting artistic design on the handle depicts a smiling naked female frozen in a position of gyration, two pearls in her outstretched hands-one white, one black. The eight sided shape of icon indicates this is likely a house, or clan seal of some sort...Writ of Arrest~Rolled into your left pocketThe Marshals hereby order that the person known Jun Jones (alias 'Young man) to be delivered to Sevenforks for execution for his many crimes. Reward will consist of 1 Golden Talon for live delivery, To be discussed amount, to be rewarded upon proof of death.
He has hereby been charged with too many crimes to account, is known to be extremely dangerous.
Said person bearing this writ, Victoria Dyson, is granted the right of arrest and seizure of the criminals goods, and bears the immunity of law in regards to her methods in doing so.
Let the voice of the Emperor be heard!
~Signed and approved, Chun Ziang, High Sheriff of Sevenforks
8 Silver DollarsWhat little money she has, in kept in a small satchel attached to his belt.Remember the Money (Part.1~Failed!)
~You were escorting a prisoner by the name of Jun 'Young Man' Jones to Sevenforks, for his hanging-and your bounty. You're not sure exactly what he did to warrant such a thing, but the Marshals gave you a writ of arrest, and promised you a decent sum-a whole golden talon, guaranteed by the local government. Complicated by the fact he was killed on your watch, and apparently they really wanted him alive...
Jun's Wake
~You'll have to explain to the Sheriff what happened if you want to clear this up, and maybe get a small amount of payment for your trouble. And convince them you aren't lying, as you don't exactly have a body to show them, one way or another.
Jun's Will
A note from Juns body was read as such..'The Water is bad, so only Drink Whiskey in the Citrus Wind, one mug each for four times Mr. Carrows Fingers and toes, while minding the Red Ladies Temper. Charm her nicely, don't end up inside her without enough to pay! She has a lot of pride, that lady, and bears no ribbing-but, make sure to peek under her skirt before you turn in for the night. Or, you'll have to be turned in and out for the night. Wire Bend, Story End.'...you can only guess it leads to whatever he stole.
Wearing
Distant Horizon
Her clothing is a mix of silk and sun-colored fabric, a forest-tan mixture of green and straw-yellow, conforming to the idea of a traveler or explorer, following the fashion of those in the outer reaches of the Empire-perhaps the Philippiana islands...ideal for long treks, it seems to never become dirty, perhaps because of the care of it's owner.
Companions
Apura
A young, spirited, apple red charger with a spirited nature. You freed her from a life as a carriage horse, and you get the idea she's happy to be running freely with you. She likes sugar cubes, and will often reach her nose into your pocket or backpack looking for them.
Pack
Reflective Disc~Pocket
Larcenously plucked from the electric torch sconce of a carriage, it does everything you could expect of a mirror, including allowing Hiraya to admire herself.
'Agila Kuko' Hatchet~Left hip sheath
Hiraya prefers word to blades and bullets, but she recognizes the need for self defense-thus, she carries this small axe weapon on her person, also for utility purposes-chopping wood, preparing food, hunting, marking trails, and the like. In the fashion of her own people, the blade is artistically shaped like an Eagle's Talon.
Composite bow~Across back (30 arrows)
The bow is not as popular as the gun, but it has a number of advantages-mostly silence, and the fact you can recover your ammunition, and the fact you can fire it in any sort of weather. It's also ideal for hunting, to preserve as much meat and hide as possible. This one has no doubt been restrung many times, but the springy wood used in it's construction seems tropical in origin-Hiraya prefers a smaller, more compact composite bow better fitting her size, one that can also be easily fired from horseback.
First Aid Kit~On belt
Often, Hiraya finds herself alone on the trails, no doctors around for hundreds of miles-she's learned to tend injuries that accumulate in such situations. This small kit contains tweezers, a bit of thread and needles for sutures, clean cloth for bandages, and a small vial of potent Grep Juice, which can reduce pain in the right amounts, or knock a man senseless if used a bit too much.
4 Silver Dollars
What little money she has, in kept in a small satchel attached to his belt.
Remember, Curiosity killed the Cat (Part.1)
~Drifting into the Far West has brought you on a steam-carriage heading to Sevenforks...you've heard an exciting rumor of a group of city men and women going to investigate the ruins one of the Rangers old forts. They'll certainly need an experienced guide...
Author
Topic: The Far West-Ch.1/Light for Some-others, A Deeper Darkness (Game thread) (Read 22295 times)