Herald

FORGOTTEN REALMS - Gambit of Scoundrels

"The last orders we have from Breck indicate that both sides are to fall," Leon said, his tone noncommittal towards either side as he considered the obvious pros and cons. Their faces were still unknown to Shagarm's group as far as he knew, meaning they could betray the Talons and act like it was part of their plan all along to gain Shagarm's favor. Honor among thieves was a famously foolish belief after all. They had seen what the talons had to offer, a small group of tired, poorly equipped but reasonably skilled cutthroats. In exchange for Zilaster's head this Shagarm might even be willing to overlook the Gunalar incident since Gunalar had yet to actually benefit this new guild.

"The safer bet is definitely Shagarm. After all we are ideally placed to eliminate the Talons and have come within arm's reach of Zilaster before," Leon admitted with a shrug, "we have also seen their combat capabilities. I saw no magic use among them, and their equipment seemed very... used. They are skilled, but skill means little if you lack the time to put it to use."

"However... Shagarm poses three problems for us as far as I can see. Firstly, there is no guarantee that Shagarm will not simply have us killed once the Talons are disposed of. We are unknowns and unknowns that are not needed are better buried. The Talons clearly need as much help as they can get. Second, Shagarm's faction would lose little with our aid in eliminating the Talons, meaning we would in turn be facing a stronger faction to dispose of than if we aided the Talons instead. Thirdly... Breck mentioned he had suspicions of outside interference. It's possible even Shagarm answers to someone and if so, we may end up being the ones who ensure the city is handed over to outside interests instead of our employers," Leon said, "and there is the bonus problem of us having no point of contact for Shagarm's people. I sincerely doubt the 'guards' would be of any assistance if we asked them pretty please."

"The only advantage for Shagarm is their guild already pissed in the Red Wizard's cup, meaning we could easily foment more conflict between the two and whittle down both sides.

"Now that this has been brought up though, we need to make sure we are all on the same page and in agreement," Leon said leaning forward over the table, "we cannot be making any side deals or placing our loyalty outside of this group, or all three of us will find ourselves dead in unpleasant and inglorious methods."

"I intend to take the next job with the Talons, pending of course that it isn't a complete suicide run. If either of you want to hedge our bets and try signing on with Shagarm, we can go our seperate ways and maybe somewhere down the line meet again as friends," he said, drawing a line in the sand so that at least there would be not doubt between them.

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

”Kinda strange to call you a Guardian, but it's got a nice ring to it, doesn't it? I uh… thanks. You won your little battle with the General, didn't you? They let me out right after."

"'Won' is a bit of a stretch I think... but I made a pretty strong case for your release," Val admitted, surprised at the warmth the flushed to his face. Thank you was a pair of words almost forgotten among the Lawless in the Dust. Usually they showed their thanks by not shooting you in the back when you walked away. The arm that had shared the freezing damage with Mercy's form rolled a bit subconsciously, remembering the multiheaded creature and the near defeat he had suffered. Mercy had been quiet since then, and Val had not reached out to bother the Wild. Perhaps the creature was beginning to understand the value of a partnership.

He looked over at the two new faces in their group, one of which was welcome enough. Wren and his Wild were an interesting mix and were probably much more closely bonded than Val and Mercy. It even had sounded like Wren's Wild might actually be okay with fighting their King, whereas he knew Mercy still considered this a fool's errand that was likely to get them all killed. Hoped for it maybe, since then Mercy could devour their corpses.

'You think you have a chance against the King? He is mightier even than the General's Wild, or myself for that matter,' Mercy's voice rumbled in his head.

'I think when the time comes, you'll fight just for the chance to devour a King', Val shot back.

'Let us see you make it that far, little Val,' Mercy replied, dark laughter echoing behind the words.

Val turned his eyes on the kid, Ebony, his frown deepening. "For the record, I am against this decision. The kid is an unknown wild card in a hand we're already playing way too far past the point of safety. You're not a fighter, not a scout, you're another mouth to feed and another body to shield," he said, his voice even and emotionless as though he was rattling off the contents of his backpack, "I'd probably be doing everyone, including you, but excepting Mimi, a favor if I threw you off the vehicle the minute we passed outside of Ghost Corps. Dust if I know what the General is thinking with this call."

"But Mimi and Wren stuck up for the fallaways, and even put up with my sarcastic shi- crap. So if they say you're going, this is the last complaint you'll hear from me about this. Just follow orders when they are given, and get some training in. Wren could probably help you the most with your bond with Mimi. Anyone here can show you how to shoot a firearm or use a knife," Val said, "as much as I'd love to promise you'll be able to hide from any danger we come across, I'd feel better about all of this if I knew you had some training."

Val moved his rifle to an at-ready position, turning and walking towards the first jeep. "Aside from that, it's time we were on the move."

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

I'll have a post up for tonight. For some reason I thought I had posted already

FORGOTTEN REALMS - Gambit of Scoundrels

"A solid enough plan. This place is certainly busy enough that some news is certain to come by from time to time," Leon agreed. He had seen enough of Iliskra's stealth that he had faith she could look after herself and either slip away or dispose of any trouble that came her way. "Not that I think you'll need it, but may the shadows embrace you well." He said as a small blessing.

"Our acquaintances may be friendly for the moment, but we are still a third party for now. It is worth looking into our friends to ensure they are not.. misrepresenting their strength or their interests. If they managed to make an enemy out of everyone in the town, they would not be worth our assistance for example," Leon said to Ibdur, "if it helps, do not think of it as spying, think of it as scouting the battlefield."

"And since this place was recommended by Elthel and pays protection to Shagarm... I'd love to know how far and where the owner's loyalties lie. If we're lucky they are just a neutral party trying to make the best of a bad situation. If we're unlucky they could be looking to curry favor with the Talons or with Shagarm," Leon pointed out.

Besides, he wasn't going to be gone for long. There was no real reason to range outside of the neighborhood unless something drew his attention. As much as he would also love to investigate these militant new figures it was too dangerous to poke that particular bear just now.

Of course, new opportunities awaited every day and you never knew what could really happen next.

"You're welcome to join me Ibdur if you'd like, but I cant promise any excitement. Just a visit to the courtesans, a lap or three around the block. Or I can come find you if anything terribly important occurs," he turned his attention back to Iliskra, "meet you back here at noon?"

FORGOTTEN REALMS - Gambit of Scoundrels

Leon had settled into the room upstairs without much fuss, though there was the usual debate for two men sharing a room as to which would claim the bed save that each of them were insisting the other take the bed as they were tough enough for the floor. Leon ended up winning the debate, stating that he wished to meditate for a few hours before sleeping anyways and the dwarf finally let the matter drop, tossing Leon a large share of the covers so he could maintain his warmth. Leon reached for a small pack at his waist and began setting up small tripwires on the door and window out of habit before settling in against the wall opposite the bed. Both men went about their nightly routines in peace, though as Ibdur's breathing became more slower and deeper, Leon's mind delved into the prayers to Mask, offering yet another day's worth of lessons and secrets to the Shadow Lord.

It brought him a great measure of peace to pray once again, reviewing the events of the day and even trying to prod for some additional glimpse of this mysterious 'J' that had signed Gunalar's letter. His god offered him no further insight on the matter, but Leon simply took the absence of an answer as a sign that it was a secret he would eventually learn for himself at the correct time and place. With his prayers done for the night, he stripped off his armor and carefully spent another hour looking it over and making some repairs to the damage it had taken before draping parts of it over the blanket on his body for added insulation. Slowly, he allowed himself to drift off into sleep.

~~~~~~~

Leon woke when Ibdur began to stir from his own slumber, the sudden change in the dwarf's breathing and slight noises from the bed disturbing the peaceful rhythm he had become used to. He stood up slowly, his joints protesting the hard wooden surface and cramped condition under which he had slept which was only made worse by the cold. He began to stretch and roll his limbs, loosening them back up and going through his morning warm ups with only a bit of protest from his body. Once he felt the stiffness fade, he put his armor back on and grabbed the rest of his gear as Ibdur was patiently waiting for him by the door.

Finding Iliskra was easy enough since she had picked one of the tables Leon himself may have if he had been the first downstairs, and for simplicity's sake he simply copied her breakfast order and drink as he and Ibdur joined her. The crowd was lively for a morning rush which was indeed a surprise given what they had seen last night. Perhaps the tavern's protection extended so far as to make people believe themselves safe even from Shagarm's thugs while they were patrons of the establishment.

Leon looked out into the crowd, unable to help himself form observing his surroundings for possible secret meetings or hushed conversations. When he spoke though, it was clear that he was still keeping most of his focus towards their own table. "Any suggestions for this morning? I wouldn't mind taking a look around the neighborhood to see if the city has more to offer a few new swords than a decent tavern," Leon said, stretching the word decent a bit more than normal.

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

“A and VV do not fit the description of the super soldier we found in Umbra's abandoned research notes. Their hearts are made up of several slivers of Wild hearts, yes, but not the thousands of slivers we were expecting. There is also a lack of black-hole-like AE that would denote the subjugation of thousands of Wilds."

Val's eyebrow arched up so fast it was a wonder it didn't rocket off of his face. He glanced over at the General, this was the test he had been so nervous about? What the hell else did Ghost Corps know and even worse... what the hell else had Umbra been up to? For Dust's sake, he had enough trouble keeping Mercy in line. He couldn't imagine keeping more than a half dozen in check, even if they were small and easy to get along with like Mimi.

”If your goal is the central spectral woods, we have detected a high level of activity on the eastern side, where you would enter. It appears there is a force out there preparing to block your path… I will send my men to accompany you, and ensure you reach the Wild King safely. After that, you'll be on your own.”

Val frowned. He doubted it was a coincidence that Wilds were on the move in the same areas they just so happened to need to bypass. He was still learning the capabilities of Wilds for himself, but extraordinary didn't even begin to cover it. Could the King have somehow sensed their presence? And they called him the King for a reason, right? How many Wilds did he have at his direct command?

He reached out to take his rifle from Le Frey, instinct causing him to immediately check the weapon and ensure it's combat readiness. He nodded at Le Frey as he inspected the weapon and gave a sharp whistle. "Hell, any cleaner and this fine lady might just leave me for you, Captain," he said, unable to help a small smile cross his face at the familiar weight of his rifle. It might not be AE tech, but it was probably his most important piece of equipment. As he was slinging it back over his shoulder the knock at the door came and three soldiers escorted in a kid that looked like they were malnourished and yet kicked about like they thought they might actually be able to break free.

”We found this kid sneaking around the base last night. We wanted to know what you wanted to do with them?”

"We don't take trespassers lightly, child. Take him down to one of the interrogation rooms in the barracks. See what you can get from him before I or Le Frey get down there."

Mimi seemed to take an interest in the child, which in turn sparked Val's interest as he turned towards the kid. Their tears meant nothing to him, Val had killed a half dozen of his fellow lawless by the time he reached the kid's age and seen many die that were much younger for stupider reasons than poking around Ghost Corps.

"No weapons worth a damn, and pretty much instantly caught when you entered the perimeter? You got a death wish, kid?," Val said, though his tone didn't sound like he was trying to berate them, more simple curiosity. Using younger adults, even children sometimes as spies was common enough among the lawless, the spies relied on the sympathies of their captors and the underestimation of their abilities to be able to report back to their bosses. Deployed against other lawless it rarely worked, but it gave those too young to fight an excuse to keep being fed. Even with that logic the 'kid' still seemed to be old enough to have aged out of that category. Either he had gotten himself caught on purpose in which case... why? Or they just lacked the proper skills or luck, in which case they would know nothing of value and scaring them was pointless.

"Relax kid, I'm more likely to eat you than that one," he said, nodding towards Mimi, "just tell the nice men here who you are, why you're here, and what kind of Dust you've been breathing that made you think this was a good idea. Then do yourself a favor and the minute you breathe fresh air again, forget this day ever happened."

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

Time got away form me hard lol. Working on the post now, it'll be done before I go to sleep

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

Birthday Lunch for family tomorrow, should be able to get something up tomorrow night though.

FORGOTTEN REALMS - Gambit of Scoundrels

“Leon, we are trying to remain unseen as we can be.”

"In a city where the 'guardsmen' are literally busting down doors and beating people in the streets, do you believe an aggressive bar fly is worth talking about?," Leon said, but sighed a bit afterwards. He was letting Elthel's attitude get to him and had little outlet for his frustrations since. "I apologize, I just wanted to ensure we had a favorable position in case of trouble and my foul mood is starting to show. Between being insulted, my assistance all but spat on, and threatened by people who owe us their lives... I could use a work out."

He had never really expected gratitude, hells, he would have been happy with even a shred of respect, but the opposite was something that stung at his pride and shortened his temper.

His appetite had faded, spoiled by the irritation he felt. He just wanted to sit down and talk with his companions about the day and this was the first time they had had since making contact with the individuals they now knew to be the remnants of the Talons. "Perhaps you two should simply do as you said and have a hot meal, a decent pint and a good night's rest. I am poor company tonight," he said, "I will be in a better state in the morning when I can remind myself how a professional is supposed to act."

He wasn't seeking pity, he just needed an outlet for his anger and he was not going to damage what little relationship he had built with his companions.

Nocturnal Memoirs: An Urban-Fantasy Mafia Epic

*adds another Delacroix as a PD forensics person for no reason*

kidding.

this time, anyways.