@Maphid: "That is an excellent idea friend. Not only will it mean that I can get to stretch my legs, but it will also give you a fair chance to learn the ropes of colony management on your own. Would you mind telling Sanji that I will be going with him and that any of the first team are more than welcome to join us. We can all use a little creature comforts from the city."

Kizzt, Kess: "Indeed, sir. I will do so immediately. Infact, I see that Shahab has just emerged from the woods over there!"

Sanji, Finn, Shahab: Maphid approaches and speaks, "Sirs, Kizzt has just informed me of an alternate plan. Rather than splitting up the original colony team, he has suggested that perhaps it might be best to head to the city together. That way, you all might be able to root out our largest threat here - the assassins. I have offered to manage the colony until you all should return. So any of you that might enjoy a trip back to the comforts of the city are welcome to do so without guilt. I hope you do not mind, Sanji."



{OOC: I am aware that this was originally Maphid's idea. But,Maphid would naturally defer to Kizzt's authority}

@Maphid: “Of course I don't mind.

In fact I can see the logic: our enemy has already lost two groups attacking this place, and a third attacking us when we first came here. This makes them weary to try again. The best plan for them is to wear us down, and that means attacking when we are scattered and far from help. A travelling group matches this description. So it'll be safer to have more people.

This rules out mounts though. Or at least, mounted speed.”

Asurya wrote:

@Shahab: “You missed the confirmation that, without the "rose" serum, the parasite the assassins bear do kill them. We proceed to burn the dead to prevent the parasite from contaminating others. Not that we uncovered any means it could do it, but, you know, preemptive measures.” “Also, the rest of our "leading board" have agreed to get some more colonists here. I'm tasked to supervise the recruitments and various shopping. I just offered Finn to join. You're welcome too.”

“So nothing we weren’t expecting then, well I guess I didn’t miss that much after all,” Shahab chuckles, as he looks around for one of the other hunters. When he spots one he says, “Just give me a second or two to hand these birds over to someone who can finish preparing them and I’ll be back.”

He then leaves the pair for a few minutes, handing over the birds and telling whichever hunter he’s found where the birds were heading in case they’re interested in trying to hunt a few more, before returning.

Nonlethal_Force wrote:

Sanji, Finn, Shahab: Maphid approaches and speaks, "Sirs, Kizzt has just informed me of an alternate plan. Rather than splitting up the original colony team, he has suggested that perhaps it might be best to head to the city together. That way, you all might be able to root out our largest threat here - the assassins. I have offered to manage the colony until you all should return. So any of you that might enjoy a trip back to the comforts of the city are welcome to do so without guilt. I hope you do not mind, Sanji."

“Well, loathe as I am to leave these surroundings, I can see the sense in a larger group returning to the city, so I’d be happy to go if we’re all going Sanji ... otherwise I’d actually prefer to stay and do some more exploring,” Shahab grins, “You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to find such a pristine region of the world around the cities of the protectorate, and I’d like to make the most of this one before that changes.”

unleashed wrote:

“Well, loathe as I am to leave these surroundings, I can see the sense in a larger group returning to the city, so I’d be happy to go if we’re all going Sanji ... otherwise I’d actually prefer to stay and do some more exploring,” Shahab grins, “You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to find such a pristine region of the world around the cities of the protectorate, and I’d like to make the most of this one before that changes.”

"Oh come on Hab. You can't abandon me on the trail now. It'll be fun. I need some good stout again after our watery beer here." says Finn.

“Well, while the travel might be fun, I’m not really one for the cities given the choice Finn ... as I said though, I’m happy to go if we’re all going, and as that seems to be the current plan, I won’t have to abandon you, will I,” Shahab chuckles.

“So now there’s a plan, I guess we might as well start preparing to leave ... I’ll go speak with the hunters and woodsmen and prepare them for our absence,” Shahab remarks, heading off to speak with the people he mentioned.

unleashed wrote:

“Well, while the travel might be fun, I’m not really one for the cities given the choice Fenris ... as I said though, I’m happy to go if we’re all going, and as that seems to be the current plan, I won’t have to abandon you, will I,” Shahab chuckles. “So now there’s a plan, I guess we might as well start preparing to leave ... I’ll go speak with the hunters and woodsmen and prepare them for our absence,” Shahab remarks, heading off to speak with the people he mentioned.

OOC: Who is this Fenris character?

Fenris wrote:

OOC: Who is this Fenris character?

I was rushing, corrected now.

CUT-SCENE:

Preparations finished and the colony ready to survive for an undetermined amount of time without their main core of protection, the group heads of back to the city from which they came. While the group individually does have some familiarity with certain aspects of the city [OOC: I'll give youall some liberty here so long as it is reasonable] the unfortunate truth is that Jalla came to each of the party rather than the aprty approaching Jalla. So if the group wants to make contact with Jalla, they're going to have to find her - or find a way to get her to notice their presence in the city.

The city is a typical pre-industrial city. It is not all that difficult to find a place that will serve them some ale and a warm plate of food. There are several legitimate street merchants who have food for sale; it is probably produce and meat from their farms outside the city. A certain section near the center of the city - the section is known as the 10th district - is known for street performers and other various unique talents. Most of these talents are psionic in nature. They are a few institutions that resemble banks, but they are heavily guarded and more interested in making loans than keeping other people's money safe. Of course, there are a few local inns that are easy to find. Most look like reasonable establishments, although it is also clear that several of the inns are intended for a bit more seedy purposes.

The city has a clear sense of security about it. In blocks of the city that are more upscale, there is a stationary footman on each corner. Ina reas that are more residential (but still upscale) there are roaming patrols of at least three people each. In the less desirable areas there are patrols as well. Butthey are not at all organized and part of a legitimate force. They are more akin to legitimized gangs.

As one would expect, there are a few homeless, beggers, and vagrants around. They are approachable, but most will ask for food, money, or alcohol before being of much use. Even then, there information is only as reliable as the person who is speaking.

[OOC: I'll let you all steer the group in whatever direction they want to go.]

“Ok folks, I've things to take care of and I imagine most of you have their own too... So, I suggest we split up and regroup by the evening. (assuming we are in the morning) Anybody knows a good place?”

“As for finding Jalla, I'll ask at the base. She requested military help, she must have let at least a contact address to get our answer.” {that was part of my backstory to legitimate my introduction to the colonisation team. I think it does not screw your plan NLF: Jalla can remain as untraceable as you want. For example she could have given the headquarter @ to the military and tasked someone there to forward her mail so that she never goes there. }

“I thought we came back here to see if we could discover more information about the source of the disturbances we’ve faced at the colony, not attend to our own needs,” Shahab replies. “If people are set on delaying our investigation though, I’m sure I can find something to occupy my time for a few hours ... perhaps I’ll go look for Jalla.”

With that he wanders over to the street vendors and gets himself something to eat, chewing slowly at the food he’s acquired he returns to the group and waits for the others to voice their thoughts on their course of action here.

"I believe it most prudent if we do things in the following order: first, we take care to find Jalla and report the events, while some of us resupply and recruit colonists."

@SANJI: "Would you mind looking for suitable warriors to join the colony. Remember that we offer no payment in gold but in land and future. Each colonist has the right to claim their own land, to build their own future with their own two hands and to forge a new world out there."


@SHAHAB: "I am unfamiliar with the process for investigation, and you seem to be more in tune with it. Would you mind leading the investigation? Pick whomever you feel is most suited for this mission here. Those who go with you will have the 'easiest' assignment, buying physical supplies and depositing them at our Inn. Easy, fast and allows you to start the investigation. Once the others finish recruitment & reporting, we can all focus on your leads."

"I would be interested in trying my hand at the investigation if you'd like Shahab. I think my skills may be of use in the matter. Also, I believe Kizzt had expressed a desire to look into purchasing guard animals, I may be able to help with that also."

[OOC: Do we have a specific room at an Inn yet, anyways?]

Angellis_ater wrote:

@SHAHAB: "I am unfamiliar with the process for investigation, and you seem to be more in tune with it. Would you mind leading the investigation? Pick whomever you feel is most suited for this mission here. Those who go with you will have the 'easiest' assignment, buying physical supplies and depositing them at our Inn. Easy, fast and allows you to start the investigation. Once the others finish recruitment & reporting, we can all focus on your leads."

“Well, while I’m good at tracking and hunting, I’m not necessarily convinced such skills will translate well into investigating ... especially in a city ... but I’m happy to give it a go,” Shahab grins.

Jaid wrote:

"I would be interested in trying my hand at the investigation if you'd like Shahab. I think my skills may be of use in the matter. Also, I believe Kizzt had expressed a desire to look into purchasing guard animals, I may be able to help with that also." [OOC: Do we have a specific room at an Inn yet, anyways?]

“Sure Kess, I’d be pleased to have you along on such a task ... I’m sure I can use all the help I can get,” Shahab chuckles.

@Kess: “Sure. I get to it right now. When and where do we regroup?”

After someone gives him his answer he parts off and heads toward the town's military base.

{OoC: I'll let you choose how you want to proceed with this NLF. The way I see it, I need to report what we've done so far, convince the higher ups my mission is not over, make a quick stop at the armory, and then sync on the soldiers gossip to find out candidates.}

[OOC: Plunging ahead. Let's assume Sanji is alone, and this really makes sense since he is headed to the military establishment and everyone else will just get in the way in terms of clearances. That leaves Kess, Finn, and Shahab together - and Kizzt, A_a? I wasn't clear exactly if you wanted Kizzt alone or with Shahab's group? So I'll assume he's there, if not, let me know.]

RECRUITMENT: [AKA Sanji]
Sanji easily finds his way through the city and arrives at the local military station near the edge of the town. He's come a good distance, but so long as he doesn't tarry too much he should be fine getting back to the Kome* Inn as planned.

The area set aside for the milatry grounds is quite spacious, and there are various barriers around the establishment that prevent viewing from the outside. There is a physical concrete wall structure that spans over ten feet high and encompasses several mies as it surrounds the perimeter of the base. Atop the wall are several rows of sharp objects designed to cut into anyone who might try to crawl over the wall. There is a noticeable aura around the walls, leaving no doubt that there is at least one set of psionic defenses protecting the base.

Sanji has credentials enough to easily gain access to the base alone. The three guards - armed well enough to each look like a physical match for Sanji - let him pass after he demonstrates clearance. He is accustomed to the base. On this day, there are four distinct sompanies of soldiers exercising on the grounds - bringing back painful days of Sanji's first few weeks in the service. Sanji easily moves past them and into the building that housed the office of his commander the last time he was in town. The commander is still here, and Sanji finds the office rather easily.

[OOC: At this point I'll give Sanji the option to go wherever he wants: Office of the superior, mess hall, armory, whatever. Assume Sanjiknows the base well enough toget there.]

*Kome is pronounced in two syllables so that it would rhyme with "GO - day"


INVESTIGATION:
Shahab's quick bite aside - which is a flavorful piece of what looks like roasted corn but Shahab likely realizes isactually just a clever manifestation of the Minor Creation, Psionic power* - this group quickly finds a reasonable rate for stay for a few nights at the Kome* Inn. They serve breakfast (and sunrise) and dinner (at sunset) there, so the party need only find food during the day ifthey get hungry.

A bit of inquiry at the Kome Inn reveals that there is a barkeeper who is a friend of the Kome several blocks down. The Bar - and they are told it is a bar in every sense of the word - is called the Ogre's Pit. The name comes not from the locale, but from the smell. The party is told by Stan, the Innkeeper, to ask for Daak. With a bit ofa chuckle, the Innkeeper comments that the party will "know Daak when they see Daak." The party is also told to try a bit of fire water while they are there. The Ogre's Pit is open from noon to four hours after sundown, so they shouldn't have any trouble getting in.

[OOC: options abound. They can head to the Ogre's Pit or ask Stan for other options along a more specific avenue of questioning.]

*This is actually a common power used among the street venders. They use the power to create mass quantities of edibles, which they sell as a food suppliment. Although made of ectoplasm, they are nutritionally sound and taste like whatever item the creator desires to make. They are usually made with a several hour time limit so that the bodyhas time to extract nutritional value before the power within the ectoplasm fades away as the power ends. So, rest assurred, this is not a scam, but a legitimate way to sell all kinds of food without actually having to make the specific food from natural resources of the land. IE, flavor text, nothing more ....

*Kome is pronounced in two syllables so that it would rhyme with "GO - day"

“All right, painful things first, lets be done with the debrief.” Sanji thinks as he heads to the administration barrack. He requests and appointment with one of the officers of the occult-branch (of which this mission depends).
His plan is to avoid as much as possible to run into the Captain who sent him {as the Capt despise him, see BG}.

Sanji reports what he've seen so far. Notably:
- the OCP interest in their budding community (with three strikes so far), and that we couldn't find their base camp.
- the use of the Rose and the discovery of the parasite. Its invisibility granting thing too.
- the local village along with our suspicion about their shapechanging innate ability.
- the psionically enhanced stealth of some of the fauna.
He concludes that the mission is far from complete so far, as he has not even experienced a direct manifestation of the Forest spirit the original order spoke about.

When this is over he heads to the armory:
“Hi there sergent, I come to change gear a bit. I give you back this mind protection dorje, and I would need a identification one. Can I see what you've got?
Also, I'll be in town for a few days, so I need to let some my stuff here. Could you point me to an empty locker?”

Then to his childhood's dorm to see ol'Shaftoe:
“So how is our veteran faring these days? Does the new generation trouble you more than mine?”
after a little friendly chit-chat, Sanji goes to what he came for:
“I'm looking for some retired guys wanting to get real estate, do you have names for me?”

[EDIT trimmed some unnecessary details /]