The guard pushed the alehouse door open wide, stepping into the busy streets of Estark. Turning his head to make sure the three followed him, he continued to speak as he walked. "There's been reports of a thief running rampant in the markets over these past few weeks. We're not quite sure of the details, because most of the store owners are a little suspicious of everyone right now." He shook his head. "There's been reports of the thief hitting market stalls in the middle of the day, which is basically absurd - even the thieves we normally catch aren't that stupid...or skilled."
They turned down another road as he shrugged helplessly. "We have no idea where to start looking for the guy because the store owners won't talk. Until we can get some information, all we're chasing is a ghost."
"Well," Ultima muses, "Showing I'm in Lat-Nam wouldn't help, the coin is too easily stolen in my opinion." He then turns to his teammates. "You guys have a symbol of whatever house you might be in?" He turns back to the guard. "Because if we show we're from at least one house, we might get somewhere a little faster. Your presence MIGHT help as well, you're a guard. The one that hired us, as well." He then develops a grin and says out loud, but mostly to himself, "I like this thief already."
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A scientist turned wizard.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
Luu nodded, then turned to the guard. "I assume that we can find more than those shared elements in the reports. Judging by their apparent origins, does the thief appear to target any specific set of shopkeepers or does it steal equally?" Either answer would indicate a substantial number of possibilities regarding the thief, which Luu figured he could narrow down as he went. Other questions could wait to fulfill that purpose.
Cyouni frowns as he considers the possibilities. "There's no reason they shouldn't want to talk to the guards, especially if they're losing goods. Something's up with that."
"This obviously isn't a simple snatch-and-grab. What's their method of operation?"
"Wait." Ultima has that brilliant look on his face. "This isn't a 95% chance of being accurate or anything, but remember when he said until the shopkeepers started talking, we were only chasing a ghost? That might actually be correct. There is a distinct possibility we're chasing a ghost here. The shopkeepers not wanting to talk? Fear the ghost is around. Thefts in daylight? Ghosts are invisible, all they have to do is hide the stolen item in the crowds." He then thinks for a second. "Of course, there is the possibility the shopkeepers are being threatened at night to keep quiet, and it's an absurdly skilled thief here." Ultima gains a somewhat triumphant grin. "But that possibility is, I'd say, 25-30% chance of that happening and 70-75% chance the ghost. Which means the job got a lot harder if it is a ghost. A challenge greater than that puzzle is welcome in my book." Ultima then calms down, reminding himself that he might not be right yet. "But if anyone can think of another reason the thief can get away with it in broad daylight and the store owners don't want to talk, feel free to bring it up. After all, an answer that fits isn't always the right one. For all I know, I'm wrong. We haven't been out here 10 minutes and I already find something that fits." Ultima turns to the guard. "In case my theory is wrong, any more info that could even remotely be useful?"
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A scientist turned wizard.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
The guard seemed to have an expression that was torn between incredulity and confusion as he stared at Ultima for a long moment. His mouth opened briefly, as if to respond to the theory that ghosts could in fact be real, but quickly closed it, shook his head, and turned back to Luu and Cyouni. "We're not sure of their methods of operation, though we know that it's not just focused on one set of shopkeepers - at least, as far as we could tell," he quickly added. "So far seven merchants in all have been hit. The first four happened through the night, but the last three have been in midday during the busiest hours of market. They're either bold, young, or stupid." The guard spit on the ground to the side as they continued to walk. "Probably all three."
His footsteps slowed as they approached the entrance to the market square. Even if someone wasn't familiar with the city, it was relatively easy to spot the market - everyone in the city seemed to be there, and the roads and alleys were crowded with people jumping from stall to stall in search of the newest deal.
The guard turned his head towards the other three. "Best bet is to get information from the shopkeepers and the locals if you can. I have to check on the patrols real quick - I'll rendezvous with you in a little bit. See what you all can figure out that might help."
Before they could respond or object, he was gone, lost in the sea of people that shifted and moved across the market.
Ultima looked as the guard disappeared. "It's like he didn't think ghosts were real or something. They're as real as my illusions are just imitations of actual things." He turns to his teammates. "I suggest we try to get info out of the people here like our client said. If you decide to split up, I'm okay with that, if we go as one group, then follow me over to this shop." And Ultima walks over to the shop he pointed out. "Excuse me, good sir!" He calls out to the shopkeeper. "A fine day, isn't it?"
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A scientist turned wizard.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
Luu was caught in a bind. He supposed splitting up would typically be best in this sort of situation as each group member searched for information, covering a higher amount of ground. But that relied on the ability of each person to gather knowledge independently; given the fact that the merchants had apparently clammed up combined with the fact that weight of authority was lower for one person than several, he was loath to separate. Beyond that, without the guard serving as the team's guide, the hierarchy was bereft of its top. Luu didn't want to come off as power-hungry by suggesting any change or maintenance of the status quo.
Then Ultima discussed both options and, without waiting for a response, hailed a shopkeeper. Both suggestions on the table, Sihner didn't have the problem of bringing either up. Yet he was in just as great a predicament. He could accept Ultima's offer and stay together, but risk alienation if Ultima was viewed suspiciously for his cheer. Luu could also stay separate and hope for the best.
Alternatively, he considered, he could defer to Cyouni. The third mage was at least a little older than Luu, if looks were anything to go by, and acquainted with nearly all the other mages--including Gully. He probably had more experience than anyone else there. As well, Luu had discovered substantial knowledge regarding Ultima and knew himself, but the third had barely spoken. Sihner was always curious to learn more about the people he interacted with. It was better to surrender to someone else than to be burdened himself.
Cyouni crosses his arms as he considers the question. "Better to split up. They're suspicious right now - it'll be easier to get information if we don't look as much of a threat." He nods towards Ultima. "For now, watch him, see how the shopkeeper responds, and act accordingly."
Almost as if it's an afterthought, Cyouni comments, "Oh, and stay on your guard. I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to make another run at it today."
Plenty sensible, Luu thought. "Alright." He turned slightly away and took a leisurely saunter off towards an array of stalls, one eye on Ultima and hand near the sheath at his side. He'd wade into the market, well away from the others, and then try to obtain information. Perhaps the merchants would be more open nearer to the center.
Cyouni, for his part, slips into the crowd, hoping their tongues are looser than the merchants'. For now, he just listens to the offhand comments made as they pass by, trying to gather as much information as possible.
The shopkeeper - a large man, bald except for a few tufts of hair on the sides of his head - looked up from a customer towards you. His lips tightened for a quick moment, almost turning towards into a frown, but the motion quickly vanished, replaced with a face devoid of expression. "Yeh, well, stuff's sellin'...'bout as good as it gets. What can I do fer ya?"
Luu
The market, just like the sea it appeared to be, seemed to part around you. Some of the market stalls began to curl around the buildings they stood in front of, opening into a throng of people bustling about through the center of the market square. A few passerby eyed you for a moment, but otherwise left you alone, instead focused on what they were doing.
Cyouni
Offhand comments were abound as you wandered through the crowd. To the left of you, a merchant argued with one of her customers about the value of the bread in her stall. Near that, a man and woman were debating whether a particular purchase would make their daughter happy. Another woman screamed at the top of her lungs through the crowd, aggressively approaching any person with her sales pitch in an obvious attempt to make enough money to eat that day.
One offhand conversation seemed to slip through the rest, though. A young lad, no more than six or seven, was handing over some money to a merchant selling fruit. "Haven't heard anything yet, uncle," the boy said, biting into a juicy piece of apple as he nodded to the man familiarly. "I'll let you know if the guards hear anything."
"Yer a good kid, Joseph," the merchant responded, putting the money in his pocket. "Watch over yer ma, too."
The boy nodded and started to re-enter the crowd of passing citizens.
"Well, I could browse, I'm a little short on money." Ultima says, the sheepish look taking over his face, the entire reason for taking the job being to get money. He browses the wares, making a note to come back at some point in life. He attempts to start a conversation, working n his goal. "I've been hearing some nasty rumors. Something about theft." He says, watching for a reaction from the corner of his eye. Then, he looks at the merchant, sincerity in his eyes, for the next sentence is something he means. "I'm just hoping it doesn't happen to you. You seem pretty nice. I'd certainly be a customer once I get some money."
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A scientist turned wizard.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
Luu liked that response more for what it said about his chances than anything. If Ultima's openness could get that reply, he could hope to have greater.
Selecting a stall at random, he moved in, casually inspecting the wares.
The merchant eyes you suspiciously at the mention of 'theft' directly after the words 'no money', but says nothing as he looks around behind you. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, though, he simply shrugs and nods towards you. "Appreciate it, lad, but promises don't put food on mah table. If yeh don't need anythin', I gotta get to customers." Eyeing you for a moment longer, he leans forward, his voice dropping down. "Best keep yer approaches a little less obvious, too, lad - the thief's a wily one, and if he hears yer onto him, I'd rather yeh not end up in the alleys."
Cyouni
The lad weaves to and fro between several people, obviously in a rush, but to where remained a mystery. For the moment, his target destination seemed to be down the main street.
OOC: Roll a d20. Target to beat is 12.
Luu
The merchant behind the stall in front of you, a young girl no older than 15 or 16, smiled warmly. Her wares mostly consisted of woven jewelry - necklaces and bracelets, mostly plain, though a few had beads or pieces of metal delicately inserted into the weaves. "Hi! What can I do ya for?"
"Sir," Ultima says, in a whisper to him, "I will avoid the alleys now that you've warned me, unless I'm chasing our little, ahem, unwanted borrowing person. Unless that meant dead, in which case," He discreetly shows the Lat-Nam coin for a split second. "I think I'll survive. Thanks for the warning." He then departs into the crowd, not forgetting to say goodbye to the kind merchant, and goes looking for another shop to ask around about. 'The guy sounded like he was terrified. The man, woman, other species, or ghost must be a ruthless one, blackmail, maybe. I'll have to talk to the others about that. There is the possibility that that man was the thief. Or it could just be fear.' Ultima sees an interesting stall, with an interesting merchant and an interesting customer. Namely, the customer is Luu. Taking out a writing utensil and a slip of paper, writes "Play along, we don't know each other until we're out of the stall.", and walks in. He browses a little, slipping the note to Luu as he passes by, and again, makes a note to come back. If anything else, the bracelets looked pretty cool. He looks up at the merchant, noting the facts of her being his age and, well, a her. He gives a friendly little wave, a smile, and a "Hi!" to her.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A scientist turned wizard.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
Pissing Luu off is fun...continue at your discretion.
Luu had a lie ready for just this occasion. He straightened, regarding the shopkeeper with a smile he slipped on easily as he saw her own, and opened his mouth to speak when Ultima walked in and greeted her.
To say the least, Sihner was vexed. Even as he glimpsed Ultima's message while the merchant was busied with a new customer and found Ultima had a plan, Luu wasn't sure it was necessary or efficient for two of them to work at obtaining information from one shop. But Ultima had yet to test this plan and so Luu supposed he'd go along with it. He'd react only as appropriate for his guise and remain present. His lips formed a mild frown at the man who had cut him off, letting a portion of his real irritation into his expression, and he withdrew almost imperceptibly.
The boy darted inbetween several more people before rounding a corner into a small, deserted alley. By the time you got to the corner of the alley, however, the boy seemed to have...vanished, somehow. Perhaps he entered one of the buildings alongside the alley...?
Ultima / Luu
Before the female behind the counter could respond to your inquiries, the guard from earlier nudges his way through the door, two fellow guards directly behind him. He nods his head towards the both of you, waving his arm out towards the door. "Hey! Just got wind of a lead on the thefts. C'mon." The guards didn't seem to wait to see if you two were going to follow, instead assuming that you'd follow common sense, and moved around a group of travelers and into the street. The leading guard tilted his head back slightly as they moved, continuing the explanation. "Reports from last night say they saw a small group of boys hangin' around some of the stalls that got robbed. I asked 'round, and got an address for where some of them live, so we're headin' there now."
"..." Ultima was slightly vexed, as he was pretty much being forced to follow the guards. "That could have waited. I was meeting a new person, and browsing some bracelets. They were actually pretty cool." He sighs. "Well, I'm going back there someday. Alright, which boy are we heading to, how much of a suspect is he, and where's Cyouni?"
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A scientist turned wizard.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
Luu politely waved to the shopkeeper as he left, then followed the guards. He was irked to see another interruption, but significantly less so when he found there was a lead. However, he was aware that correlation did not equal causation and therefore found the connection sketchy at best. "Have the merchants informed us of their relationships with the boys, if any? It's possible that they're simply groups of devoted customers or maybe concerned ones."
"Luu" Ultima presses, "Where is Cyouni? Did you see where he went?" Ultima seemed genuinely concerned. "For all we know, he's been the target of a hit!" Ultima then takes a moment to consider the bright side. "Or he could be right on the tail of the thief, we never know."
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A scientist turned wizard.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
"I last saw him entering the crowd." Luu shrugged. "I wouldn't worry; he looks like he can handle himself, so I'm sure we'll meet up with him soon. Let's just concentrate on the task at hand and investigate."
"Alright." Ultima said, reassured that Cyouni could hold his own. "So the old man running the first shop I visited, when I brought up 'a nasty rumor lately. Something about theft', he advised me to keep the approach more subtle, for if the thief was there, I might end up 'in the alley'. So the shopkeepers are terrified of him." Ultima glares at the guard who seemed to have the gall to not believe in the supernatural. "Or IT." As an afterthought, he adds "Oh, right, thief could be a lady too. Can never be sure until you meet him or her or IT." He finishes with another glare at the non-believer.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A scientist turned wizard.
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
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They turned down another road as he shrugged helplessly. "We have no idea where to start looking for the guy because the store owners won't talk. Until we can get some information, all we're chasing is a ghost."
MtG:RPG - Kai
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
MtG: RPG - Luu Sihner
"This obviously isn't a simple snatch-and-grab. What's their method of operation?"
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
His footsteps slowed as they approached the entrance to the market square. Even if someone wasn't familiar with the city, it was relatively easy to spot the market - everyone in the city seemed to be there, and the roads and alleys were crowded with people jumping from stall to stall in search of the newest deal.
The guard turned his head towards the other three. "Best bet is to get information from the shopkeepers and the locals if you can. I have to check on the patrols real quick - I'll rendezvous with you in a little bit. See what you all can figure out that might help."
Before they could respond or object, he was gone, lost in the sea of people that shifted and moved across the market.
MtG:RPG - Kai
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
Then Ultima discussed both options and, without waiting for a response, hailed a shopkeeper. Both suggestions on the table, Sihner didn't have the problem of bringing either up. Yet he was in just as great a predicament. He could accept Ultima's offer and stay together, but risk alienation if Ultima was viewed suspiciously for his cheer. Luu could also stay separate and hope for the best.
Alternatively, he considered, he could defer to Cyouni. The third mage was at least a little older than Luu, if looks were anything to go by, and acquainted with nearly all the other mages--including Gully. He probably had more experience than anyone else there. As well, Luu had discovered substantial knowledge regarding Ultima and knew himself, but the third had barely spoken. Sihner was always curious to learn more about the people he interacted with. It was better to surrender to someone else than to be burdened himself.
He turned to Cyouni. "What do you propose?"
MtG: RPG - Luu Sihner
Almost as if it's an afterthought, Cyouni comments, "Oh, and stay on your guard. I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to make another run at it today."
MtG: RPG - Luu Sihner
The shopkeeper - a large man, bald except for a few tufts of hair on the sides of his head - looked up from a customer towards you. His lips tightened for a quick moment, almost turning towards into a frown, but the motion quickly vanished, replaced with a face devoid of expression. "Yeh, well, stuff's sellin'...'bout as good as it gets. What can I do fer ya?"
Luu
The market, just like the sea it appeared to be, seemed to part around you. Some of the market stalls began to curl around the buildings they stood in front of, opening into a throng of people bustling about through the center of the market square. A few passerby eyed you for a moment, but otherwise left you alone, instead focused on what they were doing.
Cyouni
Offhand comments were abound as you wandered through the crowd. To the left of you, a merchant argued with one of her customers about the value of the bread in her stall. Near that, a man and woman were debating whether a particular purchase would make their daughter happy. Another woman screamed at the top of her lungs through the crowd, aggressively approaching any person with her sales pitch in an obvious attempt to make enough money to eat that day.
One offhand conversation seemed to slip through the rest, though. A young lad, no more than six or seven, was handing over some money to a merchant selling fruit. "Haven't heard anything yet, uncle," the boy said, biting into a juicy piece of apple as he nodded to the man familiarly. "I'll let you know if the guards hear anything."
"Yer a good kid, Joseph," the merchant responded, putting the money in his pocket. "Watch over yer ma, too."
The boy nodded and started to re-enter the crowd of passing citizens.
MtG:RPG - Kai
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
After all, that wasn't exactly the most innocuous of conversations; it almost sounded as though the boy was spying on the guards.
Selecting a stall at random, he moved in, casually inspecting the wares.
MtG: RPG - Luu Sihner
The merchant eyes you suspiciously at the mention of 'theft' directly after the words 'no money', but says nothing as he looks around behind you. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, though, he simply shrugs and nods towards you. "Appreciate it, lad, but promises don't put food on mah table. If yeh don't need anythin', I gotta get to customers." Eyeing you for a moment longer, he leans forward, his voice dropping down. "Best keep yer approaches a little less obvious, too, lad - the thief's a wily one, and if he hears yer onto him, I'd rather yeh not end up in the alleys."
Cyouni
The lad weaves to and fro between several people, obviously in a rush, but to where remained a mystery. For the moment, his target destination seemed to be down the main street.
OOC: Roll a d20. Target to beat is 12.
Luu
The merchant behind the stall in front of you, a young girl no older than 15 or 16, smiled warmly. Her wares mostly consisted of woven jewelry - necklaces and bracelets, mostly plain, though a few had beads or pieces of metal delicately inserted into the weaves. "Hi! What can I do ya for?"
MtG:RPG - Kai
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
Cyouni's steps quickened as he tried to both keep pace with the boy and not be spotted.
Luu had a lie ready for just this occasion. He straightened, regarding the shopkeeper with a smile he slipped on easily as he saw her own, and opened his mouth to speak when Ultima walked in and greeted her.
To say the least, Sihner was vexed. Even as he glimpsed Ultima's message while the merchant was busied with a new customer and found Ultima had a plan, Luu wasn't sure it was necessary or efficient for two of them to work at obtaining information from one shop. But Ultima had yet to test this plan and so Luu supposed he'd go along with it. He'd react only as appropriate for his guise and remain present. His lips formed a mild frown at the man who had cut him off, letting a portion of his real irritation into his expression, and he withdrew almost imperceptibly.
MtG: RPG - Luu Sihner
The boy darted inbetween several more people before rounding a corner into a small, deserted alley. By the time you got to the corner of the alley, however, the boy seemed to have...vanished, somehow. Perhaps he entered one of the buildings alongside the alley...?
Ultima / Luu
Before the female behind the counter could respond to your inquiries, the guard from earlier nudges his way through the door, two fellow guards directly behind him. He nods his head towards the both of you, waving his arm out towards the door. "Hey! Just got wind of a lead on the thefts. C'mon." The guards didn't seem to wait to see if you two were going to follow, instead assuming that you'd follow common sense, and moved around a group of travelers and into the street. The leading guard tilted his head back slightly as they moved, continuing the explanation. "Reports from last night say they saw a small group of boys hangin' around some of the stalls that got robbed. I asked 'round, and got an address for where some of them live, so we're headin' there now."
MtG:RPG - Kai
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
MtG: RPG - Luu Sihner
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG
MtG: RPG - Luu Sihner
Though the winds are cold, I fly on.
A learning eagle in a sky of knowledge.
The chilly academic of Ravenclaw.
-Pottermore
Guess what? That bear is an illusion INSIDE an illusion.
-Ultima, Dominarian illusionist, MTGRPG