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+--- Thread: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass (/thread-210.html)
4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Interovegas - 05-06-2020
[24.2.343]
[Andrea Sense+Sight: 9,2 Result: What is eyesight]
[Judy Knowledge+Healing: 10,9,8,7,6,5 Result: Fester]
[Judy Knowledge+Sorcery: 10,10,8,6,6,5,3,1+MD:10 Result: Backpacks!]
Finch makes certain that all logistics and information for the travels ahead are prepared. He brings Agrina and Aredfln along to haul the rations, water and ale he purchases. The trio are not ignorant to the whispers of the injured soldiers around them. They pass word one amongst the other of the failed mercenary captain that lost his riches in the crash. Finch has not the time nor the authority to bother with the gossipers and presses on with his preparations. He applies his silver tongue to worm his way to the officer's tent where spreading a bit of wealth gets him a detailed lay of the land and further concerning information that none of the contacts within Waelass have passed along a message since Marcutio took command seven cycles ago. The officers surmise the Imperials are cracking down on travel near the front, or that most of the city's inhabitants have been slain. Finch contents himself with the fact that he's done his best effort to prepare for the trip ahead. After having spent four coins altogether he commands Aredfln and Agrina to return to Edmond with the provisions while he tends to one last task. Finch waits a short distance from the command tent hoping for an opportunity to speak with Marcienne without her brother. His efforts are disrupted when a great unease in the eerie washes over him. Whatever it is, clearly the others around him were aware of it as well. Marcienne comes storming out of her tent beckoning some nearby soldiers to her side. Finch follows after her from just outside her sphere of notice.
Judy has practical matters to tend to. She spends two coin on an ample quantity of bandages and healing herbs for the road ahead. She takes a moment to further tend to her wounds to make certain they do not fester. Perhaps it is her haste, but she does not make any headway on further tending to herself. She sighs and continues out to eastern side of camp with Henry to stand watch while she prepares a fire from which she sculpts several large well supported travel packs for her and her comrades. Just as she finishes she feels a great fluctuation in the eerie emanating from the camp. She hides the smokematter packs under some foliage and heads back to camp to investigate.
Zwiche laments his lack of armor and searches the camp for a solution. He finds a knight with broken horse barding and strikes upon an idea. He negotiates a great deal with the knight who is one part depressed and one part intimidated. He gets the entire barding for one coin. It doesn't take too much tearing and tying but he is able to put together a chain kilt that will give him at least some protection for his legs (AR 1 to legs, L). For another coin he purchases a pair of large furs that work together to form a top for the giant. He is in the middle of fiddling with his rough kilt when he is overcome by a great shift in the eerie emanating from elsewhere in the camp. He decides such an ominous thing cannot be left uninvestigated and heads to the source.
Just before the party set out to the command tent Andrea found a quiet spot just a few paces outside the camp perimeter to work her magic. She exerted herself physically for several minutes to mend her wounds and bruises. She remarks to herself that her armor is now far more damaged than she. After their encounter with the general and his sister Andrea picks up some of the coin the party acquired from the quartermaster and goes in search of any appropriate replacements for her current defenses, and perhaps Finch's as well. The best she can come up with for herself is a chain shirt and iron cap, some leather vambraces (1 AR to 4 and 6, L) and a wooden shield for 6 coins. She further inquries about any mending to her current armor. She gets a stifled chortle from the lowborn quartersatffer and a retort about no blacksmiths anywhere this side of the border for five days travel. She makes her decision about the offer on the equipment (Coriasis decides) and moves on to her next errand: Searching for her lance. She returns to the now quiet battlefield. Small bands of soldiers on the Imperial and Confederate sides are holed up behind tiny wooden ramparts. About a hundred paces or more behind each side there are soldiers hauling the dead and collecting the equipment that is still in serviceable condition. In the dim, sunless, dusky light of day Andrea can see that the wrecks of the ships are in varying condition. One of the Imperial ships higher up on the other side of the valley even looks like it could one day be repaired and returned to the skies. The Espiegel however, lays in three separate chunks across a fifteen score pace span. Not to be dissuaded, Andrea tries to scour the grounds for her lance, or even just any of her other possessions. She fails to find any of her lost tools and even comes to the conclusion that the stores of coin and treasure Finch may have had stored on the ship were picked clean by the soldiers. She resigns from her quest to reclaim her ordinary lance and returns to camp.
While she waits for the others to finish their arrangements (golly Andrea gets a lot done quickly) she examines the sword she scavenged the night before. With the adequate lighting of a fire she can see the sword in all its detail. The hilt is wrapped in oiled white leather that has been smudged with several faint stains from use. The cross guard comes out to rounded points on each side and extends an unusually long eight inches on each side. The the etched runes are inside the curve of a fuller that reaches across two thirds of the blade. The weak of the blade is peerlessly curved to a point and the entire body is tapered aggressively from a inch and a quarter down to a third of an inch just before the point. The pommel is a large garnet bead run through with a brass pommel button that attaches to the tang. Most notable, on the opposite side of the body there is a different word inscribed on the blade through polishing: "Nightfall". She sends Matyas off to discretely ask about any artifacts wielded by the Imperial foes while she experiments with the mysterious sword. In the privacy of an empty tent she holds out the sword and tries the first thing that comes to mind. She utters the word "Daybreak" and the body of the sword lights up with a brilliant yellow light. A heat so fierce emanates from the sword that it lightly burns the enchantress just to hold the sword without a gauntlet. The etched letters on the blade stand out as pitch black markings against an almost blinding light. Further, she can feel an immense shift in the eerie focused on the blade. She immediately tries to will the sword to slumber to no avail. She quickly snaps to the conclusion of the use of the inscription on the second side of the sword and calls out "Nightfall". The light fades and heat dissappates and the sword returns to sleep. She tucks away the sword and tries to remove herself from the situation with haste. A couple dozen soldiers have rushed to the location to uncover the source of the disturbance. Marcienne rushes in behind them. She sees Andrea at the center of the commotion. Zwiche, Finch, Judy and Henry all arrive from the same side behind a wall of curious soldiers. Edmond and company (Vala, Matyas, Agrina, Aredfln) come in from a different way a few moments later.
Marcienne-[Imperial]: "What manipulation haft thou performed enchantress!"
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Zwiche - 05-06-2020
Zwiche gently pushes his way through the crowd, making room for Judy, Henry, and Finch to join him.
[Imperial] - “Is all well, Lady Halsey? I sensed a great disturbance. Thy magic is most powerful.”
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-06-2020
Finch sees that it is Andrea that is the cause of the disturbance and strolls in like there is nothing strange going on at all. As he walks into the tent he stops midway through his sentence and pretends to be surprised at Marcienne being there.
[Imperial]-"Boatswain have you had any luck acquiring new... Ah, Captain I did not realize you were coming to see us!"
Finch looks at Andrea
[Imperial]-"Andrea I see you have healed your wounds! If only you could work your powerful magics on the rest of us to heal our wounds from the battle yesterday. Look at you! Fresh as the day we met! I can only imagine how long it took to learn such useful and powerful enchantments!"
Finch turns his attention back to the Captain
[Imperial]-"Captain, I assume you came because you have heard word we have decided to take the general on his offer to investigate the nearby city? I assure you, Captain Finchroscuma will be returning with a new ship and crew ready from Waelass to aid the Confederacy!"
(*Cough* lie *cough*)
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Corenat Rovarnus - 05-06-2020
[Taking the deal for armor]
Andrea sees that she has now become the center of attention and resigns herself to making the most of it.
[Imperial] "Twas not me, but this sword that produced the ripples through the ether that thou all felt!" she crows, holding it aloft while trotting around. "I took it up near a shipwreck in yonder battlefield. It bringeth a terrible radiance, like that of the sun."
To Finch she winks and says "Indeed, it was quite an ordeal to master my spells, though the rudiments may yet be grasped by a novice. I could show thou if thou wishes."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Interovegas - 05-06-2020
Marcienne's eyes nearly sparkle at the sight of the sword.
Marcienne-[Imperial]: "Thou doth claim the origin of such sorcery is contained within this blade? Verily, no lord of the Confederacy wielded such a tool. By rights the blade must be rendered to our general. Tis the spoil of combat on the field of battle."
Marcienne greedily creeps her hand towards the sword when an unseen soldier from the surrounding mass yells out.
Unseen Soldier-[Imperial]: "BUT AIN'T DA HORSELADY A NOBLEMARE, UH, NOBLEFOLK?"
Marcienne flinches. Her face twitches with suppressed anger and plain disappointment.
Marcienne-[Imperial]: "Of course. Thou haft spilt thy noble blood on our behalf. By the ancient rite of keepers and finders thou have some claim to the treasure. Although many would think it proper to present this blade as gift to the commanding general."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Zwiche - 05-06-2020
Zwiche leans his head down in order to speak quietly to Andrea. He doesn’t wish to disturb the main conversation.
“I would be most interested in these techniques. As you can see, my wounds yet ache.”
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-06-2020
Finch realizing the chance at maintaining any subtly in the situation is gone remains silent.
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Corenat Rovarnus - 05-06-2020
[Imperial] "Indeed, I have the claim! I thank thee, unseen soldier!" Andrea is transfixed by her newfound weapon. It's so shiny, she could almost lick it. But she doesn't, as that would be weird, and perhaps unbecoming of a noblemare like herself.
Zwiche's acceptance of her offer comes as a surprise, and she turns to him with eyebrows raised. "Thou art interested? I can see thou certainly possesses the strength needed to cast, though it does not seem to be that of a horse. No matter, we can begin whenever thou art ready."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Zwiche - 05-06-2020
“I must affix these furs, but perhaps we can practice as we walk. I have no wish to join thee in thy horse-form, but I must admire how thy wounds have closed. One would think you had returned from blackberry picking, not a crashed airship and vicious battle. Tell me, where did you learn such arts?”
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Interovegas - 05-06-2020
Marcienne curses under her breath. She turns to the soldiers.
Marcienne-[Imperial]: "See to your duties! The lot of you."
Marcienne turns back to the party.
Marcienne-[Imperial]: "Remember thy experiences art unlike the soldiers'. They are unaccustomed to such sorcery beyond the field of battle. Make thyself and thy intentions known before weaving such magic again. And at the very least the general shall be pleased to hear the task is being seen to."
Marcienne nods and begins to walk away.
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-06-2020
Finch follows a couple paces behind Marcienne and says
[Imperial]-"Ah, Captain, perhaps I could join you on your duties for the afternoon (evening?)? My physician here tells me stretching my legs when they're injured is good for my health and recovery. Given the rumors I hear around camp as to how capable a leader you are it stands to reason I could learn something myself at the same time."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Interovegas - 05-06-2020
Marcienne continues walking while she responds and does not bother to turn to the Ob-Lob captain.
Marcienne-[Imperial]: "If thou art indeed undertaking the general's request thou should not tarry. My own responsibility entails collecting the reports of officers and handling whatever matters are beneath the general. I see no logic in having your company for such tasks Captain Finch. If education on the ways of leading souls is thy goal seek such instruction elsewhere."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Corenat Rovarnus - 05-06-2020
Andrea's attitude begins to simmer down as the crowd disperses. [Imperial] "Why, my home province of North Hold was the birthplace of these arts, though that is another story. I was initiated in the ways of Equine Unity by my good battle-sisters of the 4th Cavalier Regiment, whilst stationed at Fort Scratch along where Uldholm borders the Confederacy. Though military faculties art hardly the only source, the inherent discipline involved is a boon, at least for those who were not raised with such like myself." She puffs up a little in pride.
"Ah, but thou need not worry about changing your form, True Unity is not for everyone."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-06-2020
Finch does his best to keep pace with the captain and continues talking
[Imperial]-"And what kind of tasks are beneath the notice of an accomplished general I wonder? I may be a humble ship captain without a ship but the activities of my crew are never of disinterest to me. Perhaps he needs word as to his opponents next move delivered for that chess game he was so focused on? Don't tell me you're just serving as an errand girl? Now that I think about it, I can't say I've seen an officer reprimand a subordinate so much as he to you. Yet alone from a brother to a sister. I'm probably thinking about it too much. I'm just an Ob-Lob, so what do I know about familial relationships among nobility? We send our young as far away as possible on ships as soon as we can after all."
Finch looks away from Marcienne towards the latter bit of his ramblings faking contemplation on the subject
(Fascinate skill gooooo)
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Interovegas - 05-06-2020
[Finch Difficulty 4: 6,6,5,4,2 Result: Negging isn't helpful in the year 343]
Marcienne lets out a noise somewhere between a laugh and a grunt at Finch's comment on Ob-Lob.
Marcienne-[Imperial]: "Our mother believed twould do the both us great good as well. Yet I look upon the general and am unconvinced his travels instilled any such changes in him. Still, the general cannot attend the thirty some lords and lordesses gathered here. Tis my lot to speak with the most influential of their bunch whilst our cousins collect the complaints and requests of the minor nobility."
Marcienne stops and turns to Finch.
Marcienne-[Imperial]: "Be out with whatever scheme this is. The reputation of Ob-lob privateers is well known and I have not the time for these antics. If it will banish thee from mine presence then speak thy piece ... And then be on thy way."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Xenoe - 05-06-2020
Judy bounds up to the group and observes everyone bunched in one place.
"Aye, we ready to set out? Perhaps we should scour for some imperial clothing to camouflage us behind imperial territory, although I do not know how well that can serve some of the more distinctive looking of us."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Interovegas - 05-06-2020
Aredfln responds to Judy.
Aredfln-[Imperial]: "Aye Judy, this company ought not risk travel by night. The torches would make easy prey of us. Best to be on the path while this "daylight" persists."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-06-2020
Finch puts his hand on his heart as though he is being accused of a crime but gives a sly smile.
[Imperial]-"I can only assume you speak of teh Ob-Lob reputation as the highest grade scholars and suavest of sailors? Why wouldn't someone like that want a moment of a knight in shining armors attention; especially when she has a pretty face?"
Not waiting for her to respond he yields to her demand of why he is bothering her.
[Imperial]-"Ach, I yield. You have caught me. I hear word around camp that in the battle yesterday an astounding women single handedly held the line with a magical shield against powerful enchanters. As you may have noticed I have quite the knack for somehow collecting talented individuals in my crew. I like to think it's my good looks and charm but I was hoping to speak with the individual about future prospects. You wouldn't happen to know who the heroic lass is would you?"
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Interovegas - 05-06-2020
Marcienne crosses her arms.
Marcienne-[Imperial]: "The general values my talents for battle. Twas I that took to the field with our family relic. Tis an ancient heirloom that has seen many generations of our lineage through hard battles."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Zwiche - 05-06-2020
Zwiche takes his mind off the other conversation and responds to Andrea.
[Uldish] - "Vhy, I speak, a beet of ze Uld tongue. My favfer alvayz taught me vfat no noble can conquer if he cannot understand vfose he fightz. Vhen i regain my crown, i zhall have to defend my land against vfe Uldeesh conquerorz. Did you learn Uldeesh in your ztation?"
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-06-2020
[Imperial]-"Oh dear! My apologies, I did not realize I was casually flirting with a hero! So much for my idea of offering riches sailing the skies; I can tell coin will not be enough to tempt you to my crew. Wait, I see no shield on your person now. Ah! The family shield is the one your brother had on person! No wonder I did not realize the hero of yesterday was in my presence. Pardon me for saying this, but I am surprised that the shield is not being carried about by the sibling that, errrr, takes a more active role in the battlefield rather than being decoration."
Finch narrows his eyes as he speaks.
[Imperial]-"Unless... you snuck it from your brother yesterday because you knew it would better serve you?!"
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Interovegas - 05-06-2020
Marcienne-[Imperial]: "Speak so informally again and I will be of a mind to command thy tongue be branded with hot iron or perhaps lashed. Thou art a stranger to me. These fixations on elder brother's qualities art unbecoming. I will not tolerate further conversation on the topic."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-06-2020
[Imperial]-“Fine, fine, fine. I shan’t probe any further my lord. I simply thought a fellow adventurous soul could use another. Since I have offended you it is proper I give you chance to do so to me. Ask away. It is only fair that I allow you to question me.”
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Xenoe - 05-06-2020
Judy gawks at the big man for she lacks the ability to speak "ooodish".
"We could most likely disguise ourselves as a merchant caravan selling some queer baubles or trinkets to fool our way into the city, that way we can avoid the worst of it."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Corenat Rovarnus - 05-06-2020
Andrea scrunches up in thought as she tries to comprehend Zwiche's speech. [Uldish] "...Yes, I know ze baseeks. I haf Matyas to help vhen things get treecky."
Matyas nods.
Vala [Imperial]: "And by 'help' she means giving up and just letting him do all the talking." The girl lets out a short yelp as Andrea elbows her in the side. [Imperial] "Didst he ask thee? Prithee practice thy Ob-lob 'fore mounting a soapbox. Here, make conversation with Judy over there instead."
Matyas [Uldish]: "I zhould tell you now zer Zwiche, zat eet eez my native tongue az I vaz born und fostered een Uldholm."
Vala looks aside at Judy. [Imperial] "Uh... you said something about disguise, Miss Judy? Milady hath a spell to assume a more normal seeming two-legged shape, though I know not what to do about Ser Giant."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Xenoe - 05-06-2020
Judy: "He could be storied as our hired muscle, but I admit that we'd still look a bit outlandish. Perhaps in times of chaos such things are not scrutinized as finely..."
Judy goes to search for any imperial-esque garbs available in the camp on bodies dead or alive to use as disguise for the upcoming infiltration.
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Interovegas - 05-07-2020
Marcienne-[Imperial]: "Captain, if it is my favor thou seek then prove thyself a soul of honor and strength. My trust is placed in those that do not falter. There art many lowborn officer here to whom I give respect. That is all."
Marcienne finishes her sentence with a tone of finality. It seems she has grown tired of the Ob-lobs efforts to befriend her. She marches off and yells out.
Marcienne-[Imperial]: "Do not follow me Captain!"
Judy looks about for any salvaged breeches or top covers that could serve as some amount of cover. The best she can find are some partly intact blood and mud soaked articles of clothing among some of the Imperial corpses accidentally taken by Confederates from the battlefield. There is enough for the regular sized folk to wear, though they might not appreciate the smell of such costumes.
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Zwiche - 05-07-2020
Zwiche looks down at Matyas and nods, [Uldish] - "Zhen your uldeesh iz certainly much better zan mine. I am ztill learning. Perhapz ve can take ze time to practice az ve valk."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Xenoe - 05-07-2020
Judy tries to find a place to wash the articles, and failing at that, steams them over a boiling pan of water.
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-07-2020
[Imperial]-"Honor and glory to you, Captain."
Finch turns away from the captain as she walks away satisfied with the outcome of their conversation. As he returns to the tent he enters on the group speaking Uldish but sees that the supplies are in order.
[Imperial]-"Tell me there's something worth drinking in those packs you made cause I'm parched."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Interovegas - 05-07-2020
[Zwiche and Andrea comprehension of Uldish: 7,2+ED:10 Result: מה?]
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Zwiche - 05-07-2020
Zwiche straightens up as the Captain returns.
[Imperial] - "All in order, Captain. When do we set out?"
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-07-2020
[Imperial]-"We rest for the day and set out on the 'morrow. Judy and I could use the extra days rest. Besides, gives us a moment to drink and remember those of us who aren't here today."
Finch lays down on a bedroll and places his hat over his face Indiana Jones style.
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Xenoe - 05-07-2020
Judy does her shirt cleaning, and then rests and bandages herself.
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Corenat Rovarnus - 05-07-2020
Matyas attempts to continue instructing Zwiche in Uldish after the Captain's arrival but Andrea is quite restless by now.
[Imperial] "Hark I say, that is enough bookish tutoring. Thou asked for recovery techniques, and I shall show thee. Come!"
She leads Zwiche and anyone else who is interested to a nearby unoccupied space to give a brief introductory lecture. [Imperial] "Thou feel'st the Eerie surrounding us from time to time, no? Through specific vigorous bodily motions these mystic energies may be coaxed into thee, granting the strength o' the Equine." She flexes one arm underhand causing the bicep to bulge. "I shall now demonstrate Equine Unity Form the First: Brute Vitality. Vala, follow along with the two-legged version."
For a few minutes Andrea goes through a series of powerful looking poses while making heavy exhalations like the huffs of a horse, Vala reluctantly imitating.
[Imperial] "Thou will feel no immediate effect from casting this spell alone, but when next thou retires to bed, it shall be the most restful sleep thou has ever had."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Interovegas - 05-07-2020
[Finch: 10,9,6,6,2 Result: Resting]
[Zwiche: 9,7,7,4,3,2 Result: Resting]
[Andrea: Too good to sleep the normal way]
[Judy (Healing): 10,9,6,6,1,1 Result: Shame you can't double action healing]
[Finch (Direction): 7,5,4,2,2,1 Result: DORA DORA DORA DORA ...]
[Finch: 7,6,6,5,4 Result: Resting]
[Zwiche: 10,10,7,5,2,1 Result: Resting]
[Andrea: Doesn't need no rest]
[Judy (Healing): 4,4,4,4,4,1 Result: Remember Simba, you can spread the love]
[Finch: 10,5,3,1,1 Result: Resting]
[Zwiche: 10,9,5,4,3,2 Result: Wah wahhhh]
[Andrea: Healing is for suckers]
[Judy (Healing): 10,9,8,5,2,1 Result: But it doesn't always work out]
The provisions are packaged and set aside. The party takes the rest of the evening to rest and remember their short lived comrades. Edmond and Aredfln each tell stories of Orkan and the trouble he'd invariably cause himself in every city. The following morning the pitch dark of night fades away and the dim dusky reflection of the distant ocean floods the valley with a speck of light. Each member of the party grabs their share of the goods to be hauled and make way out of the camp. Judy reveals to them a collection of sacks each with two straps. She demonstrates how these mind blowing inventions can be worn over the back to make carrying heavy loads across long travels more tolerable (She has a wealth of experience with such conjured "backpacks" as she fled from her distant home in the Western Marches).
Finch guides the party as is fitting. They light the last of their incense and take a long detour out the southern edge of camp. They curve east until a large hill obscures them from the view of any lookouts at the Imperial camp. The terrain along the eastern hills is far preferable to the infested jungles from a few days ago. The party continues even further northeast. They can see wild solitary grazing slugs the size of cows peacefully moving from one leafy shrub to the next. The creature itself is fairly repulsive, and since none of them have had the pleasure of eating slug steak tare tare they are unaware of what a rich meal such a creature makes. They ignore the slugs and continue on with their rations. The first had passed rather unremarkably. The party makes a camp in a small thicket and put up whatever rags they have on hand to obscure most of the campfire's light from other passerbys.
On the second day the party is forced to ascend hills for hours. Agrina grumbles about the choice of path several times and even Aredfln joins in with some passive aggressive commentary. About two thirds through the way the party is happy to discover the climbing is done and now whats left appears to be lesser jungle. Agrina and Aredfln are elated to walk beaten paths again but Finch rips away their happiness. He explains that the risk of encountering Imperial patrols along a singular path through the jungle is too high and they will have to cut their way through the thick of the jungle underbrush. With heavy hearts the pair do as they are told and follow the others through a several mile slog in mud and nettles. The night is much more relaxed. They make camp a short distance from a stream with seemingly clean drinking water. They fill their waterskins and wash their faces clean with the impenetrable jungle water. So far in the jungle they have no need to hide their firepit either. They elect against hanging rags all around but keep the fire a moderate size just in case.
On the third day the party awakes and set right back to their travels. The sky is halfway between dusk and night (as if any foreigner could perceive such a thing) when the party reaches the dwindling foliage that marks the edge of the jungle. From it they can behold a mighty sight, the city of Waelass:
The defenses of Waelass rise over forty paces and the buildings within rise beyond that. Dozens of lights dot the towering walls that surround the city. Small clusters of peasant homes abut the defenses, though some among them appear ruined or broken. Waelass is by all means a large imposing city with all the decorated keeps and sentry towers one would expect. Several massive billowing smokestacks rise from the inner region behind the walls. Yet, two features stand out far beyond any others of this behemoth of a city. The party squints with disbelief at first, thinking their eyesight is unfocused or plainly lying to them. The iron portucullis at the entrance visible to them appears to have been torn open from the center. More concerningly, the central keep of the city has been fortified many times over with a material the party has only recently become accustomed to: Smokematter. A skydock and at least three towers have been conjured atop the castle, tethered to the two skyships that escaped the carnage five days ago.
Agrina palms her face and lifts a finger to point out a set of fires barely visible around the other side of the city.
Agrina-[Imperial]: "Tis the sign of a camp of some sort. When thou considers our fortunes as of late it is all too obvious they must be Imperial soldiers. Haft we gone so far from the field of battle only to throw ourselves upon a different Imperial lord's spear?"
Aredfln interrupts Agrina's further lamentations.
Aredfln-[Imperial]: "Pay that no heed! There. Some manner of man or monster lurks in the outlying homes. I am certain of my eyes and my eyes are most certain of what they saw. And there! Some glimmers in the sentry towers indicate at least a guard remains in the tower overlooking the gate."
Edmond turns to Finch and Andrea.
Edmond-[Imperial]: "Ywacht uee hunnha duze?"
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Xenoe - 05-07-2020
Judy - "It looks like the city is now in imperial hands, if we are to enter the city we must venture carefully, for the crew of those two sky-ships might recognize us. Still it is fortunate that I brought us imperial garbs, we can perhaps fool our way into the city?"
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-07-2020
[Imperial]-"If they are with Houbounen they are almost certainly Imperial turncoats. I will stick with my current garb as an Ob-Lob wearing Imperial clothes would stand out in a crowd. The only way we get in those walls with such a diverse group is by presenting ourselves as mercenaries seeking work. Perhaps the garbs will help us pass as Empire mercenaries instead of Confederates. We will be looking to get a feel for the city first and foremost. There must be groups in the city still loyal to the nobility and finding them will be our first steps towards achieving our goals. This may not be the Espiegel but everyone still has a say in course of action. I vote some stay here to watch over supplies and items that are dangerous to bring into the city. Aredlfn, we'll need Edmonds silver tongue and Agrinna to make our company convincing so that task falls to you. Andrea, it's up to you who of your servants remain or come but I'd be loathed to leave Aredfln alone here with potential dangers all around."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Zwiche - 05-07-2020
[Imperial] - "I would not be left behind with the bags and pack carriers. The name of Zwiche Half-Born cannot gain in legend by guarding backpacks. I would join thee Captain, and join in your adventures."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Interovegas - 05-07-2020
Edmond-[Imperial]: "Augh kenoot kulame toaghnue ayhz ursh captane FANCH! IA~! Ayhz bii nout dau cuze o sheppareerashun fyur Matyas ahnz Drea sha shoone adder deirs rheehoonation. Ayhz weelz ruumans weed Aredfln captane FANCH!"
Aredfln exhales with relief.
Aredfln-[Imperial]: "Thou make me a most gracious man Edmond. Thy company shall soothe my soul."
Agrina-[Imperial]: "The matter is settled then. Art we to enter the city under false names? By what moniker shouldst we call thee captain?"
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-07-2020
[Imperial]-"Hmmm, an excellent point Agrina. *snaps* Fringillidae Rotamatamakuludohey should be suitable, or Fringe for short."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Interovegas - 05-07-2020
Edmond-[Imperial]: "Dazh augh weetly chring jhere. Tas daz kallin o da flather cullapprehs jhyu ghu bhye."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Zwiche - 05-07-2020
[Imperial] - "If it be your command, then I shall veil my name. But Zwiche Half-born was not raised to be hidden. One cannot shield the sun, or cage the sea. My prophesied size stands forth, and declares my identity to all who see. I fear that hiding my name shall not conceal me for long."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-07-2020
Finch gives Edmond a smile
[Imperial]-"I thought it was quite clever. Let us get under way unless anyone has issue or preparations necessary?"
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Corenat Rovarnus - 05-07-2020
Andrea [Imperial]: "Vala and I will proceed into the city whilst Matyas remains behind. He has not the countenance of a mercenary, if thou pardons me saying so."
Matyas [Imperial]: "On the contrary milady, I could not agree more."
Andrea uses Walk on Two Legs to assume humanoid form and dons some of the stolen Imperial garb. [Imperial] "My false name shall be Andrew, and my sister-in-arms Valak."
Vala [Imperial]: "Uh, methinks that too similar to our true names."
The three deliberate for a short time and settle on the following arrangement: Andrea is "Undyne", Vala is "Alphys", and Matyas, should he encounter anyone, is "Frisk".
Andrea [Imperial]: "We art all ready here, though I worry about remembering all these false identities."
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-07-2020
[Imperial]-"Relax everyone. Everything is going to be fine!"
Finch starts walking towards the city
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Corenat Rovarnus - 05-07-2020
Andrea [Imperial]: "Relax? Hah! I'm not even worried." She begins approaching Waelass with a confident stride.
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Xenoe - 05-08-2020
Judy puts on her own set of "disguise".
Judy: "I could pass as any average imperial if I say so myself. Perhaps I should pose as the mouthpiece of the group?"
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Dekaru - 05-08-2020
[Imperial]-“Mouthpiece? You want to do the talking? You’ve been fairly quite ever since you insisted on joining the crew. You talk to your dog more than other people from what I’ve seen.”
RE: 4. Footway Robbery - Waelass - Corenat Rovarnus - 05-08-2020
Andrea turns around boldly. [Imperial] "On the contrary my fellow Sky Sailors, she is the one best suited to the task. For thou see'st, Miss 'Judy', if that is even her true name, is actually..." she pauses for dramatic effect, "a defector from the Empire!!!"
Vala:
![[Image: 5qjw03-Q-d.png]](https://i.ibb.co/kDLdXTr/5qjw03-Q-d.png)
Andrea chuckles at the shocked reactions everyone is surely having at this revelation. [Imperial] "Thou must be wondering how I know this. Let me explain-"
"Nah, I reckon we've all figured it out by now." Vala interrupts.
"Eh?"
Vala: "Thy next line is, smoke sorcery is not used or taught in any part of the Confederacy, we've only seen it used by Imperials thus far, yada yada yada. I can put two and two together. But this is no time for calling each other out." She waves her hand at the city looming before them. "Whether Judy wishes to speak of such matters is up to her. If she does not, just leave her be."
Andrea wobbles a bit on her reduced number of legs, flabbergasted by her squire's response and use of the strange slang coined by the folk in the Sein's Field region.
Now noticing that all the attention has shifted to her, Vala glows red and nearly wilts away in discomfort.
[Imperial] "Uh... we could always vote on it or something..."