Archemist
 
 Spoiler: Links to OOC and Recruitment Threads 
 OOC Thread 
 Original Recruitment Thread 
 

   
A steady sea breeze blows in some cool fog among the colorful buildings of Amarelo, muting the bright blues and yellows this morning. A crowd has gathered for today's New Year's festival, but the music pauses for a moment while the mayor, a tall and charismatic human from the Milk Guild named Pedro da Fonseca, is kicking off the festivities with a speech. You listen briefly to him talk about the greatness of Aveiro and the wholesome contributions of traditional Daelesian values to blah blah blah, and you start to continue on your way, but two streets over from the festival you hear a scuffling noise from a nearby alley.

As you come even with the entrance and can look down the alley, you see a small group of people throwing punches, but it's a bit confusing what exactly is going on or who might be winning.

The five of you had not been traveling down the road together, but nobody else is on this section of street at the moment.

 
 Spoiler: Daniela and Kamp 
You two  were  on the way together to this neighborhood to meet Daniela's Tea Guild contact, Rodrigo da Silva, about some task he had in the works.
 
JNAProductions
Forge mutters a few choice words under her breath. She starts to approach the scuffle, and incants a small word of power. Her voice booms out, much louder than normal, as she says  "You will all stop now. This is an order."  She stands tall and proud, unconcerned if they decide to turn their fists onto her.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Casting  Thaumaturgy .
 
Archemist
Everyone looks over for a moment at Forge's loud word but then a gruff tiefling woman shouts back,  "Clear off, rusty, this is official business."  Her tone is commanding, and she seems to be in charge of the larger group. The fighting quickly resumes as a man wearing green suckerpunches one of the others while he was distracted.

You're not quite sure what she means about official business, since no one here is wearing uniforms, for instance.
Lentrax
Aranarei was walking down the road, the white ivory of her staff slightly muted by the fog, but it still glints when a scattered ray of sunlight gleams off the scrollwork. Her clothing is, while not a uniform, very reminiscent of an infantry uniform.

Then she hears the yelling.

She happens to be close enough to see and steps closer, up next to Forge.

 Forgive me, but what makes  this ,  she gestures with her staff at the fighting.  Official? What authority do you have? 
animorte
Kamp and Daniela are exchanging a bit of detail from a recent venture when his ears perk up quite a distance from the scuffle, an easily recognizable sound.  "Hold on, let's see what this is about." 

He searches his memory for a brief moment to acknowledge any familiar faces. Sure enough, he notes a couple, just the others standing off to the side. He maintains a distance beyond them, but doesn't say anything. Just waits, should the fight turn outward.

He rolls a few rocks in his hands, seemingly a passive routine, but always intentional.
Ridai
Bota Secreta watches the scuffle with an inclined head, not feeling all  that  much need to do something about all this. You know, what with people pawing at each other constantly outside of the places with that awful alcyhol stuff that makes people smell bad and be very angry. So maybe just wait, give people treats after they are done and-

Forge's booming voice is accentuated by the distinct sound of a startled cat reflexively jumping into the air and bolting left to right and right to left and up Daniela and down again.

Okay so, the group is doing something about all this. And Mama Shanty would probably be cross with him if he tried to weasel out of this. A somber moment passes over Bota, as he finds the courage to make a big sacrifice, for the greater good.

He steps forward (well, a step behind Aranarei, let's not get crazy here), and he holds up his colorful alchemy jug.   "If you stop and agree to share, I have two gallons of mayonnaise."   Not that he knows what a gallon is, but someone told him that is how much comes out of the jug.

Bota is looking rather smug and pleased with himself. There is no way anyone can say no to that. And he might get mayo out of it.
Earth Traveler
Daniela walked down the alley next to Kamp, chatting about her current assignment and what he'd been up to and whatnot, when she noticed the fight up ahead. Daniela's first instinct was to just try to stay out of the way and get to their destination, but Kamp suggested they see what was going on, so she stayed put for the moment.

She saw a warforged also traveling through the alley try to break up the brawl with a booming voice - which sent a cat scurrying over Daniela, which she hastily brushed away - only to get told off by a tiefling claiming it was "official business". Daniela didn't know how that could be, since street fights weren't really an official guild activity. Someone else, a vaguely familiar woman in a uniform, questioned the tiefling. Then a cat - Daniela had to look twice - the same one that scampered over her, in fact, pulled a jug from the pack it was carrying and offered the brawlers mayonnaise to stop fighting.

After thinking about that for a second, Daniela decided her first instinct was right and whispered to Kamp,  "Let's try to just stay out of this brawl."  She started trying to slip past the crowd, her hands sliding closer to her concealed weapons.
Archemist
Daniela and Kamp notice that the man in green is actually green kinda all-over and is in fact their half-orc Tea contact Rodrigo da Silva.

He seems to have been handling himself well in the fight but another man takes a hard hit to the head and falls down, and Rodrigo cries out,  "Armondo!"  in worry.

You all notice that, with one man down, it's now looking like five-versus-two where it had been five-vs-three.

The woman in charge of the five-group shouts to her people,  "OK, it is getting too crowded here! Don't be distracted by the offer of delicious mayo! Let's just get the letter and go!"  They all take a moment to pull up bandanas and obscure their faces. She lets her underlings menace Rodrigo and his friend while she turns to face you at the end of the alley.   "Begone!"   she yells at you.

 
 Spoiler: OOC - Command 
Forge, Aranarei, and Kamp should make Wisdom saving throws vs. a Command to flee. Forge and Bota are clerics so they probably know what it is but the others can roll Arcana if they want to try to identify the spell and what just happened.
 

 
 Spoiler: Perception Results (DC 14)- Forge and Bota Secreta, (and Daniela?) 
You see two of the woman's group pull daggers and encircle Rodrigo+friend, who don't seem to notice this escalation.
 


The alley looks like it continues and bends, beyond where the group is, so likely not a dead-end. The fighting is happening between 20 and 30' away from Aranarei &amp;co, and the alley is about 10' across.

 
 Spoiler: OOC - Initiative! 
I've got a  16  in from Forge but the rest of you should roll Initiative as well. 😁
 
Ridai
The woman's command to not take up the offer of mayo is met with an appalled, utterly offended    "Excuse me?!"   

That expression of utter disgust at this shameful behavior is quickly replaced with shock as the bad people move away from Bota (and the mayo!).   "Wait, I'm offering mayo, you get back here and get the-"  

A moment of silence for poor, little Bota Secreta, as he sees all his well-laid plans fall to ruin, with savory victory almost within grasp, made even worse by him spotting people pulling knives. His expression turns to despair.   "Wait, no knives, you need spoons please  noooo, my mayoooo!"    He was so close, yet so far.

The agony of the Bota Condition takes over as he turns into a man-sized house cat, mrowing sadly with big watery eyes, looking famished and condiment-deprived. He can't help but throw himself at the haute-cuisine-denying knife wielders, throwing a tantrum of paws and nibbles their way.

 
 Spoiler: Actions and State of the Boot 
 Bonus Action  Wild Shape into a medium-sized Deinonychus (Monsters of the Multiverse and Volo's appear to have the exact same stats), flavored as hangry man-sized cat.

 Movement  Close distance to the two people who pulled knives on Rodrigo &amp; Amigo. Try to engage both enemies, to hopefully draw fire.

 Action  Multiattack one of the knife wielders, meaning one Bite and two Claw attacks. In case an enemy is reduced to 0, I am aiming to have them knocked unconscious, not killed.  This is Bota's standard behavior.  Leftover attacks are moved to the other enemy, using leftover movement to close the distance if necessary.
  Claw Attack 1  - (1d20+4)[ 22 ] ,   Claw Damage 1  - (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 
  Claw Attack 2  - (1d20+4)[ 8 ] ,   Claw Damage 2  - (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
  Bite Attack  - (1d20+4)[ 19 ] ,   Bite Damage  - (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 

Because Bota moved at least 20ft to get to the enemies, this triggers the Deinonychus' Pounce ability. If one of the claw attacks hits on this turn, the enemy must make a DC 12 Strength save or be knocked prone. Because Bota already used his Bonus Action, he can't do the follow-up attack.

 State of the Boot 
Initiative: 18
Form: Hungry hungry kitty (medium-sized Deinonychus)
HP: 26/26 (OG Bota HP: 36/36)
AC: 13 natural armor (OG Bota AC: 14)
Speed: 40ft (OG Bota speed: 30ft)
 
 Spoiler: Current Mood: 
 
 

 
Earth Traveler
Daniela's eyes widened as she suddenly realized that the man in green in front of her was, in fact, the very person she had come looking for. She scarcely had time to pull out her hand crossbow before the cat with the mayonnaise suddenly transformed into a much larger cat and leapt into the middle of the fight. After taking a moment to shake off the thought that someone had slipped a drug into her tea earlier, Daniela called out,  "Hey there, Rodrigo! Need some help?"  to let him know she was there. Stepping toward the fray while keeping her distance, she fired at a brown-haired thug wearing red, determined to rescue her colleagues.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

(The target is the guy to the right of what I think is Rodrigo on the grid)

 Attack Roll:   (1d20+6)[ 14 ] 
 Damage Roll:   (3d6+4)[ 15 ] 
 Crit Damage Roll:   (3d6)[ 11 ] 
 
JNAProductions
 "You chose poorly,"  Forge states before incanting a spell. The leader's chain shirt starts to shimmer and glow, burning into its wearer.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 (2d8)[ 15 ]  fire damage.
And because she can't take it off, disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.
 
Archemist
 
 Spoiler: Initiative Order 

Bota: 18
Forge: 16
Rodrigo+Amigo: 15
Daniela: 12
Aranarei: 10
Kamp: 9
Enemies!
 


Bota charges in wildly, scampering half up the walls as he zigzags down the alley. He knocks into one of the bullies as he careens down and pounces on another who'd pulled a dagger. As he flies down the alley, a third bully tries to swing at him, and does connect with a strong punch. But Bota's claws and teeth are deadly accurate, and the dagger-wielder falls unconscious and bleeding with large gashes on his neck and arms. The mayo is avenged.

The leader is not amused by this and even less amused when her armor starts burning. The paladin life is not fun. She writhes in pain but stays standing and seems like she's just gonna tough it out. She channels that energy into a murderous glare at Forge.

Rodrigo responds gratefully to Daniela,  "Thank every deity! And you brought  manos !"  He takes the opportunity to kick the prone bully while he's down and then turns his attention to the ones still up. His friend has noticed the daggers now and draws a shiv of his own. He and the bully who tried to get behind him exchange some feints and thrusts, but they're both a little distracted by the mauling going on beside them.

Daniela's bolt flies true and staggers one of the others. He stays standing, but his adventuring days may be over now that he's taken an arrow to the knee.

 
 Spoiler: Aranarei and Kamp 
Aranarei made the Wis save but Kamp didn't, so Aranarei is next to act and Kamp can narrate running away if you like. Otherwise it'll just move on to the enemies after Lentrax / Aranarei goes.
 
animorte
Just as the scurrying of an awfully familiar looking cat and its erratic behavior grabs his attention, the woman who seems to be in charge yells at them and he is suddenly compelled to go the opposite direction, even if that  is  their contact in there.

As he briskly moves away, he acknowledges Daniela's suggestion.  "What a good idea, staying out of this one." 
Lentrax
 I think not,  is all Ara says to the command to leave.  And since you are so keen on doing violence for violence’s sake, let us be done with it, shall we? 

Ara points her finger at the woman and for a moment, the other woman hears a ringing in her ears.

 
 Spoiler: Toll the Dead 
Casting till the Dead. Since the woman took damage she takes  (1d12)[ 12 ]  damage on a failed Wis save DC 14.
 
Archemist
 
 Spoiler: OOC - Save vs. Toll 
The tiefling woman rolls Wis:  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Other rolls and summary 
I know I said otherwise in the Roll20 chat but I mistook the damage of the one AoO that hit Bota. Bota instead takes  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning damage from a quick hit as he passes Muscle 1.

Leader Lady attacking Forge:  (1d20+5)[ 7 ]  Disadvantage:  (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  not likely to hit but damage: [roll]1d10+3[roll] slashing.
Extra attack same:  (1d20+5)[ 9 ]  Disadvantage:  (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  not likely to hit but damage: [roll]1d10+3[roll] slashing.
Thunderous Smite: (if either do manage to hit Forge, lol)  (2d6)[ 5 ]  thunder damage.

Muscle 2 will strike at Rodrigo, as will Muscle 1. Rodrigo is looking bloodied, but Muscle 2 and Dagger 4 were looking a little beat up already themselves when the party joined in.
Dagger 3 flails at Bota:  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  Advantage:  (1d20+4)[ 14 ] for  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  piercing and  (2d6)[ 6 ]  sneak attack. (Bota has multiple enemies adjacent.)

Bota takes 15 total damage this round if I'm doing the math right, but the rest of the party is still unhurt. And it's back to the top of the Initiative order!
 


The leader draws her sword and makes a show of tapping her holy coin against the flat of the blade. She strides over to Forge and swings at him, grunting  "Interfering pile of scrap - who are you working for? Him?"  She seems to mean Rodrigo. Her strikes clang off of Forge's armored plating without landing a solid hit.

Her followers generally collect themselves and switch from mugging to fighting. The one with the dagger feints to distract Rodrigo's friend but then stabs at Bota suddenly, trying to catch the cat off-balance. The woman Bota had knocked over stands up, draws a club, and hits Rodrigo while the bully Daniela had shot attempts to grab Rodrigo's coat. He succeeds in pulling it off the tired half-orc.
JNAProductions
 "I work for no one,"  Forge says, drawing her mace and going for a smack.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 (1d20+4)[ 11 ] 
 (1d6+2)[ 8 ]  Bludgeoning Damage
 
animorte
Kamp, standing much farther back now, recollects himself and looks at the leader lady in confusion.  "Wait, nobody tells me what to do."  He closes about the half the distance and takes aim at her pretentious face.

 
 Spoiler 

Bonus Action: cast Magic Stone (on the rocks he was already rolling around in his hand)

Attack the leader:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  (throwing a magic rock at her noggin)

Damage:  (1d6+3)[ 7 ] 
Gathered Swarm:  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
Favored Foe:  (1d4)[ 4 ] 
Fury of the Small: + 4 damage
 
Earth Traveler
Daniela watched with some satisfaction as the thug she'd shot had his knees buckle for a moment, which disappointingly didn't stop him from slashing at Rodrigo. Kamp started in on the tiefling who'd started the brawl, but Daniela was paying more attention to the thug.   Why is he going after his jacket?   Then she remembered the tiefling said something about a letter. Was this whole gang of goons after a letter in Rodrigo's jacket? Then it had to be important, and with him still surrounded, Daniela decided she had to dive in and make sure none of these thugs managed to run away with it.

Stowing her crossbow and pulling out her dagger, she darted around Kamp and the human, past the warforged, and took a stab at the thug holding Rodrigo's jacket.

 
 Spoiler: Actions/Rolls 

(I don't have access to roll20 until I get home, so Daniela is moving to  the square right below Leader Lady  check that, the square to the right of Muscle 1)

  Turn:  
Stowing the hand crossbow - free object interaction
Drawing the dagger - Fast Hands bonus action
Attacking - um, attacking

 Targeting Muscle 1: 
 Attack Roll:   (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
 Dagger Damage Roll:   (1d4+4)[ 8 ] 
 Sneak Attack Roll:   (2d6)[ 6 ] 
 Crit Damage Roll (Dagger):   (1d4)[ 1 ] 
 Crit Damage Roll (Sneak):    (2d6)[ 6 ] 
 
Ridai
Bota getting bonked on his head for leaping into action is already bad enough. Now he finds himself surrounded by baddies, how did that happen?! He only noticed this a moment ago, one of the baddies shriveling before the might of his  temper tantrum   superior martial might  giving him a moment of clarity. It allows the bigger Bota to hear distinct bonking noises behind him, turning around with a   "Mrow?"   in time to see the woman he pushed over hitting that Rorido person. That isn't right! Bota lept in to save people! But the baddies keep attacking the, uh, presumably not baddies! The ner-

There is the distinct noise of a screaming house cat, scaled up to the size of a large dog, but without the deep voice cords of the big cats of the world, as a baddie stabs him in the rear flank! He lept in to save people! But the baddies just stab at him! The nerve! Consequently, the big startled cat reflexively bolts/leaps into the air, twisting around to face the source of the stabbing. His hind paws accidentally scratch over the bonking baddie, and as Bota lands, there is a brief pause, gears in his head working overtime, and he goes for the cunning plan of just snapping at the pokey baddie.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Action  Multiattack for two Claw and one Bite attack
  Claw 1 Attack at Muscle 2  - (1d20+4)[ 16 ] ,   Claw 1 slashing damage  - (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
  Claw 2 Attack at Muscle 2  - (1d20+4)[ 11 ] ,   Claw 2 slashing damage  - (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
  Bite Attack at Dagger 3  - (1d20+4)[ 7 ] ,   Bite piercing damage  - (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 
As usual, should someone fall to 0 HP, they are rendered unconscious. Leftover attacks (should they happen if Muscle 2 falls over after 1 hit) are directed at Dagger 3.

 State of the Boot 
Initiative: 18
Form: Hungry hungry kitty (medium-sized Deinonychus)
HP: 11/26 (OG Bota HP: 36/36)
AC: 13 natural armor (OG Bota AC: 14)
Speed: 40ft (OG Bota speed: 30ft)
 
 Spoiler: Current mood 
 
 

 
Lentrax
Ara does not like anyone with large swords near her. So she reaches out with her mind and pushes against the woman.

She then raises her free hand holding her first two fingers straight up, and rotates her hand around so the fingers point toward her, then flicks them forward, letting a scarlet bolt of energy fly out at the swordwoman.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Bonus Action: Telekinesis. Ara will try and push the leader away. She gets to make an Strength save at DC 14.
Action: Fire Bolt. Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 13 ]  Damage:  (1d10)[ 9 ] 
 
Archemist
 
 Spoiler: Summary and rolls 
Bota deals  5  damage to Dagger 3.

I'm assuming Forge wanted to Bonus-action keep Heat Metal going for  (2d8)[ 11 ]  fire but her Con save is  (1d20+1)[ 15 ] .

Dagger 3 steps away from Amigo, who swipes with his shiv but misses. Dagger 3 attacks Bota:  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  for  (1d4+2)[ 4 ]  and  (2d6)[ 9 ]  sneak attack.
Muscle 2 attacks Rodrigo and they exchange blows.

Strength save for swordswoman:  (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 
She attacks Forge:  (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  Disadvantage if failed Con save:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 11 ]  slashing. And again:
 (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  Disadvantage:  (1d20+5)[ 15 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 7 ]  slashing.

Sorry, I ended up being quite busy yesterday but I should be able to check in on the Roll20 after work today. I will also edit this with a bit more description depending on the rolls.
 


Bota's biting and clawing is less effective versus the second dagger-wielder than the first. Most of the party suffers similar ill-luck with their follow-up attacks: Forge doesn't find much purchase against the swordswoman, as she ducks easily under her mace. Daniela tries to stab the large man but he uses Rodrigo's coat to catch her blade mid-swing. Kamp's rock goes wide, hitting the wall behind the swordswoman with a loud crack.

The large man with Rodrigo's coat rifles through the pockets and grabs an envelope.   "Got it, boss!"   he calls. He side-steps, hoping to get away from Daniela's blade.
Ridai
The mean dagger man stabs at Big Bota quite successfully. One may imagine the flatulence of a balloon losing air as Bota rapidly shrinks down, back to his small house cat self. Thankfully, most of his wounds are also gone, save for a nick on his paw, which hurts something fierce. Surrounded by angry giants with huge swords, eloquently voices his dismay (   "aaaaaaaaa"   ) and shakes, trying to make himself big and mighty again, which naturally happens with a sudden popping sound.

Brief mrowled sigh of relief until he remembers there are Angry People With Knives, to which he responds with a flurry of paws and bites!

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Due to taking 13 damage while he had 11 HP left, Bota reverts back to his normal self, and takes the excess 2 damage.

 Bonus Action   Wild Shape  (using his last usage of the ability) back into medium-sized cat form, still using Deinonychus stats.

 Action  Multiattack Dagger 3! One bite, two claws
  Bite attack vs Dagger 3  - (1d20+4)[ 15 ] ,   Bite piercing damage  - (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
  Claw 1 attack vs Dagger 3  - (1d20+4)[ 14 ] ,   Claw 1 slashing damage  - (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
  Claw 2 attack vs Dagger 3  - (1d20+4)[ 13 ] ,   Claw 2 slashing damage  - (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 
 State of the Boot 
Initiative: 18
Form: Hungry hungry kitty (medium-sized Deinonychus)
HP: 26/26 (OG Bota HP: 36/36)
AC: 13 natural armor (OG Bota AC: 14)
Speed: 40ft (OG Bota speed: 30ft)
 
 Spoiler: Current mood 
 
 

 
Archemist
The dagger-wielding man smiles as Bota deflates but then immediately frowns in dismay as Bota pops back to jaguar-size. He staggers and looks to be on his literal last straw as Bota continues the mauling.
Earth Traveler
Daniela grunted in frustration as her wild dagger swing was deflected away. When the thug pulled out the letter and started trying to scoot away, though, she struck again with renewed determination.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

 Attack Roll:   (1d20+6)[ 18 ] 
 Dagger Damage Roll:   (1d4+4)[ 7 ] 
 Sneak Damage Roll:   (2d6)[ 7 ] 
 Crit Dagger Roll:   (1d4)[ 4 ] 
 Crit Sneak Roll:   (2d6)[ 7 ] 
 
JNAProductions
Having taken a nasty hit, Forge focuses more on defense while she continues the molten assault.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 (2d8)[ 11 ]  Fire Damage as a Bonus Action.
And Dodge for the main action.
 
Lentrax
Ara has had enough of this.

And so she lifts up her hand again, and casts it out in front of her like she is throwing a dagger. As she does, four darts of glowing violet light shoot out, leaving streaks of violet afterglow in the air. Two of them collide with the swordswoman. The other two streak down the alley and strike the thug calling out about the letter.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Firstly, I am not able to move my character myself, so I added a line to where I would have moved her if I could.

Second, casting Magic Missle. Upcasting it to a level 2, so four darts. I will aim two at the swordswoman and the other two at the one who was getting the letter. (Looks like Muscle 2?)
Darts 1 and 2:  (2d4+2)[ 8 ] 
Dart 3:  (2d4+2)[ 5 ] 
 
animorte
Kamp being at a safe distance doesn't really catch all of the details but, mister-thug shouting to the boss-lady brings everything together. Of course, Rodrigo's position would make an easy target for certain information... And they  won't  be getting away with it, not if he can help it.  "Sorry guys, but you're not walking away with that today." 

Kamp mutters a few precise clicking sounds while making his fingers into a walking motion, his arm rising slowly. Centered on the letter-thieving grunt, vines and weeds (covered in creepy crawlies) spring up out of the ground and nearby walls, creating quite a difficult area to move through.

He then moves up as close to the fight as possible (while pulling out his shield and shortsword) in an attempt to help block off this side of the alley should boss-lady attempt to make a run for it.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 Action: cast  Entangle , centered on the  mail man.   Strength save DC 13 (same for using strength check action to break free if one should fail the first save). And is difficult terrain.

Move up next to Ara and Forge.

Based on the map: ~ It looks like Muscle 1, Muscle 2, Rodrigo, and probably Amigo, Bota, and Daniela ~ are all within the area.   Sorry friendlies!  

Roll20: Yay, I can move Kamp! And I drew a green oval, my best guess where it should make sense. Feel free to make a minor adjustment if necessary.
 
Archemist
Deciding discretion is the better part of blah blah blah, the swordswoman decides to book it.  "Give me that and let's go!"  she calls to her people.

They seem surprisingly lucky in avoiding the entangling plants but their focus is on heading down the alleyway. There's the brick (well, metal) wall of Forge and Kamp at one end of the alley and Bota and the amigos at the far end. But they seem to have decided home is past the jaguar-sized cat rather than out into the open streets.

There's a handoff as the first musclebound man hands off the letter to the swordswoman. Daniela makes use of the distraction to stab him in the back of the leg, and he's definitely going to be limping out of the alley if he leaves at all. With his last strength he attempts to give her the ol' one-two punch, though.

Rodrigo's amigo is similarly unlucky - he gets restrained by the plants, and the dagger-wielder conks him on the head real good from behind. He goes down and the plants have to settle for him as their prize.

Bota's teeth and claws continue to wear down the dagger-wielder, who's looking to be on their last legs. But the plants have also grabbed the unfortunate cat.

Aranarei's magic missiles do a good number on the swordswoman, who's also on her last legs, especially as her armor heats up yet more. She seems to have switched strategies and figures if she gets far enough away from Forge the torment will end. Aranarei's missiles also hit the other remaining bully with a satisfying sizzle.


Basically, all the previously-eager combatants are looking very beat up and don't want to stick around.


 
 Spoiler: Summary 
Dagger 3 takes out Amigo. Bota does him 12 damage.
Daniela does 14 to Muscle 1. He flurries back for  (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  and  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  against her, for  (1d4+1)[ 4 ]  and  (1d4+1)[ 5 ]  bludgeoning respectively. She takes  6  total (with the regular attack from the OOC thread I'd forgot to put here).
Forge does 11 to the swordswoman. She withdraws until she's next to Bota, grabbing the letter from Muscle 1 on the way.
Aranarei does 8 to the swordswoman, who is just about down, and 5 to Muscle 2, who is looking poorly.
Muscle 2 grapples Rodrigo successfully out of the way to make room for her boss.

It's back to being the party's turn.
 
Ridai
Suddenly, plants! Bota Secreta asks himself where it all went wrong, now that Mama Shanty is coming after him like this! What did he  dooooo?! 

Thoroughly tangled in sudden plants and vines (and getting in his mouth, too, leading to muffled blep and meow noises), the big cat begins to flail and twist and turn in the futile attempt to free himself. The Leader Lady is unfortunate enough to try and get past Bota, and thus is firmly in accidental scratch and bite range.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Action  Multiattack Leader Lady! One bite, two claws. Disadvantage on the attacks from being restrained.
  Bite attack vs Leader Lady  - (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  /   Bite attack disadvantage  - (1d20+4)[ 19 ] ,   Bite piercing damage  - (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
  Claw attack 1 vs Leader Lady  - (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  /   Claw attack 1 disadvantage  - (1d20+4)[ 17 ] ,   Bite piercing damage  - (1d8+2)[ 6 ]  &lt;- supposed to be Claw slashing damage
  Claw attack 2 vs Leader Lady  - (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  /   Claw attack 2 disadvantage  - (1d20+4)[ 10 ] ,   Bite piercing damage  - (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  &lt;- supposed to be Claw slashing damage

 State of the Boot 
Initiative: 18
Form: Hungry hungry kitty (medium-sized Deinonychus)
HP: 26/26 (OG Bota HP: 36/36)
AC: 13 natural armor (OG Bota AC: 14)
Speed: 40ft (OG Bota speed: 30ft)
Status: Restrained
 
 Spoiler: Current mood 
 
 

 
Archemist
Bota’s flailing does surprisingly manage to get in a lucky hit and his claw spins the swordswoman around. She tries to steady herself against the alley wall but then faints and slides down it into the welcoming embrace of the grasping plants.
Earth Traveler
With a surprising burst of strength, Daniela manages to muscle her way out of the brambles suddenly sprouting out of the ground, grasping for everyone around. She glanced around and saw Kamp making some fancy gestures.  "Hey! Kamp! Watch where you're aiming those spells!"  As she turned back toward the fray she jerked back as the thug she'd been fighting took a nasty stab at her, which managed to merely graze her arm. Daniela's heart sank briefly as she saw the tiefling who had started it all take the letter and try to escape, then could hardly believe her good luck when the big cat that had been unlucky enough to get caught in the brambles knocked her to the ground. Daniela stepped forward, dagger in hand, determined to finally get that letter.

 
 Spoiler: Actions/Rolls 

 Standard Action  - Attack

(targeting Muscle 1)
 Attack Roll:   (1d20+6)[ 14 ] 
 Dagger Damage Roll:   (1d4+4)[ 6 ] 
 Sneak Attack Damage Roll:   (2d6)[ 9 ] 
 IF Muscle 1 is reduced to 0 HP by this: 
Daniela moves to Leader Lady's square and uses her free object interaction to take the letter
 
JNAProductions
Forge lets the heat stop being quite so painful-she doesn't let it go entirely, just in case she gets back up, but she won't hurt an unconscious combatant. She will, however, move up and smack a fool to knock them out.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Concentrating on  Heat Metal  still, but not triggering the damage.
Then, a smack!  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]  damage on the adjacent goon.
I don't know if he's restrained-if he is,  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  Advantage.
 
animorte
While he wasn't worried about Daniela (she's seen his tricks before enough to know what to expect), Kamp witnesses the result and feels a little bit guilty about catching the familiar mayo-cat in it. Otherwise it seems to be serving the intended purpose, blocking off the escape. He drops his sword to gather his rocks again. A quick line of insectoids collect on the stones, now imbued with their presence. He takes aim at the thug nearest to Bota.

 
 Spoiler 

Bonus Action: cast Magic Stone

Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+3)[ 5 ] 
Gathered Swarm:  (1d6)[ 2 ] 

I didn't use up my other resources, as they only trigger on a hit, just not applying them here.
 
Lentrax
 No, no. You don't get to run so easily,  Ara says, as she casts her hand out before her again. Once again, violet darts streak out, striking each of the remaining thugs.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Casting Magic Missile. Not upcasting this time, so its only three darts. And since there are three remaining thugs, I will target one dart per thug.

Dart 1:  (1d4+1)[ 2 ] 
Dart 2:  (1d4+1)[ 3 ] 
Dart 3:  (1d4+1)[ 4 ] 
 
Archemist
With a flurry of claws and sizzling magic missiles, the melee appears to be over. Most of the combatants are still breathing, if shallowly, but a couple of the woman's friends are lying pretty still.

Daniela moves up and snags the letter from the swordswoman's hand. It appears very official, with a purple wax seal and no address.

Rodrigo straightens himself up and retrieves his now-fashionably-slashed coat. He looks warmly at Daniela and says,  "Well, that was a close one. We gotta move before they wake up and call their friends. But we've got what we came for at least. You can introduce me to your  manos  when we're back at the safehouse." 

He pokes his own helpers, who are both among those down-and-out on the alley floor, and tries waking them without much success.  "Come on, we've no time for naps." 
Ridai
Seeing the fight being over, on account of no one trying to stab anyone, Bota becomes a small cat again, just (temporarily) accepting being lost in plants. He pads over to the various unconscious people (unless the mean vines prevent it!), laying a paw on them, which glows as he purrs. He looks a little sad when it doesn't seem to work on some of the people.

He searches his pockets with sullen murmuring, and pulls forth  treats!  One is fed to Amigo, by just jamming one in his mouth, moving his jaw open and close a few times, followed by just pawing at his neck (without claws out, of course) to make him swallow. Rodrigo is also handed a treat.   "It's my second-best treats. It makes you hurt less, too."   Bota can't bring himself to offer mayo so soon after having been denied the mayo. And mayo is for happier occasions! Sad mayo is no good.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Bota Secreta casts  spare the dying  on the unconscious people. Then, he casts  goodberry  boosted by Disciple of Life, so each  berry   treat  heals 4 HP.
 
Archemist
With the "treats" from Bota, Rodrigo's amigos start coming to. Rodrigo seems torn about leaving the other group alive.  "They got a good look at us,"  he says, still a little out-of-breath from the fighting,  "but if we kill them there'll be reprisals, I'm sure." 
Lentrax
 If you don’t mind me saying,  Aranarei says after the talk of being able to identify anyone comes up. She walks forward as she speaks, her ivory staff tapping on the ground as she goes.

 They knew who they were looking for. Which means someone was able to describe you well enough for these people to intercept you. Remaining hidden is likely a moot point. 
JNAProductions
Forge looks at the bodies.  "Good job, Bota,"  she calls to the cat.  "I doubt the unconscious ones will appreciate your kindness, but that doesn't make it without cause."

"As for you,"  she faces Rodrigo,  "I would like an explanation. You know Aranarei, but what's the letter about?" 
animorte
After confirming the last of the attackers is down, Kamp allows the vines and their crawling inhabitants to recede back into the ground and shadows. He hears the concerns of the others and always appreciates the opportunity to learn something new. He acknowledges his familiarity with Rodrigo while expressing equal concern.  "Anything to do with a recent or present task I may be aware of?" 
 
 Spoiler 

If relevant...

Insight check:  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
 
Archemist
Rodrigo chuckles and says to Daniela,  "Perhaps we'd better do introductions first, since your friends seem to be confused." 
 "My name is Rodrigo, and I work for Tea."  The half-orc nods to Bota, adding,  "and sure, occasionally mayo.  We "  - he motions around to the groggy amigos -  "intercepted  them . I can't wait to see what this letter says. There's a mail escuna leaving this morning and these unfortunately-too-observant-for-their-own-good bums were headed from the guildhouse straight for the docks." 

Noticing Kamp, he adds,  "I was going to get you two to help watch the Milk guildhouse today but these messengers left unexpectedly early. And then they noticed me picking their pockets. Wasn't my finest work, I'll admit." 
Ridai
Bota perks up a little from Forge's praise, so he doesn't look as sad as before. As Rodrigo explains what is going on, the cat notices Forge looking a little dented, so he digs through his pockets again, trying to find more treats, and pulls forth more of them. He holds the lot of them up as high as he can to the gigantic smith, shaking and swaying a bit as he gets on his tippy-toes. The rest go into a small pouch where Bota can easily find them, instead of having to search for hidden stashes Mama Shanty squirreled away.

  "Hello, I'm Bota Secreta, nice to meet you. We- we should get out of here,"   Bota says after minding his manners.   "I'm all out of biggyness, and there might be more ruffians and angry plants lurking."   He glances about for either. Angry people hitting other people being named after dog noises makes all the frightening sense to him, and he is keeping a close eye on a weed poking through the cobblestones nearby.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
After spending the previous goodberry treats on the NPCs, Bota casts another  goodberries  spell, and hands three of them to Forge to heal them back to full. The remaining treats are stored for later (see his inventory on Bota's sheet).
 
Earth Traveler
Daniela tentatively accepts the treat from Bota, munching on it while the others introduce themselves. She nods when Ara points out that Rodrigo and his friends were recognized anyway. She shrugs when Rodrigo mentioned finishing off the thugs.  "It's a risk to leave them alive, but I think we should get out of this alley as soon as possible. Anyone could show up; more thugs or, maybe the guards." 

Daniela raises her eyebrows when Rodrigo reveals that he stole the letter from the probable Milk thugs instead of them trying to do the reverse to him. Realizing she forgot to introduce herself, she collects herself and says,  "And my name is Daniela, and Rodrigo is my main contact in the Tea guild. Glad I was able to help you get this letter, and I'll let you read its contents since you got it first,"  handing him the letter.  "And be more careful next time,"  she adds with just a note of flippance.
Lentrax
Ara hears the explanation about the situation, and then nods her head once in understanding.

 I see. Well. This is not the time for a conversation, but we should do something so these do not know what we are planning. 

She uses her staff to gesture down the alley toward the main road.

 Perhaps we should move on, yes? 
JNAProductions
She bends down to take the treats from Bota, gently petting the adorable cat as she does.  "Thank you,"  she says.  "Let's move, then." 

Forge, as she walks with the others, contacts Bota mentally.  &lt;Keep an eye on the bloodthirsty woman. I will be doing so as well-I don't care if it'd be safer for us to kill them, it's not right.&gt; 
animorte
Kamp chuckles at Rodrigo's last bit.  "I can see that." 

Despite the biggyness, he notices Bota is just as innocent and friendly as ever. That makes him smile. The others remain their professional selves as far as he can tell.

 "It's Kamp, by the way, for those that didn't catch that already. Anyway, we're off to your place?"  He asks Rodrigo, then assumes himself correct and heads off casually in the correct direction without really waiting for the others.
Lentrax
Ara looks up to see if she can judge where the sun is, and determines it to still be early enough for a coffee.

She begins walking down the alley, carefully stepping so as not to get blood from the men on her boots.
Archemist
The party departs quickly, yet daintily, in the case of Aranarei, being careful to not leave clues at the scene. The messenger and her bodyguards will likely awaken within the hour and not be pleased to have lost the fight and the letter. And even less pleased, to have to return to their boss and report what happened.

Rodrigo leads everyone on a twisty path up into the part of the city where the nice colonial houses are replaced by shacks pressed close together on the hillsides. Not to a place Daniela and Kamp have seen before, but a simple-looking single-story house. Rodrigo knocks and the group is ushered in quickly.

 "Let me guess, you need a place to clean up and pull yourself together, eh?"  The woman at the door seems a matronly type and introduces herself as Clara. She motions you through to the back of the house, where there's a well and a basin.  "Let me look you over - oof, you look like something the cat dragged in - no offense,"  she adds, seeing Bota.  "It's a little early in the day to be brawling at the tavern, Rodrigo,"  she scolds, and he shrugs.

But the important thing is the letter, which Rodrigo opens once everyone is back at the table.  "Hmm, no name on the outside, this could be for anyon-"  he starts off saying, but then his eyes go wide as he reads,

 "Almirante da Armada, the time is now for intervention. Sending an expeditionary force will help us both: ensuring the Tea-backed terrorists stay home during the election, and letting us expand into Belo Campo with impunity. Delay, and our hold on the colony is in danger of slipping.
- P" 

Rodrigo sighs and rubs his bruised leg.  "These jerks don't care how bad life gets here, for anyone that's not themselves, anyhow. Asking the admiral to send in the marines?  Bom Deus . The mail ship is supposed to leave soon... but I think they will have been told to expect these messengers before they go."  He goes quiet in thought for a moment. It seems like he's trying to weigh the options and not coming up with any that end well for him after stealing this particular letter.
JNAProductions
 "Some of us could pretend to be the messengers, to get more information, and possibly bringing a doctored letter,"  Forge says.  "I stress,  some  of us. Not me." 
Ridai
As he enters, Bota takes off his big straw hat, holding it in front of his chest (and, well, most of himself to be honest). He looks momentarily peeved, as he  clearly  dragged in nothing, but it passes. While Rodrigo examines the letter, the cat stands there in his poncho and holding his hat, introducing himself with   "Hello, I'm Bota Secreta"   to the lady.

The contents of the letter seem kind of bad, even if he doesn't fully understand the situation. So Bota asks what insightful(ish) questions come to mind.   "Who is 'Pea'? And we have the letter, so nothing is going to be sent, right?"   Clearly, he is still a hopeful summer child.
Lentrax
 We could  maybe  doctor some kind of alternate message. The problem is with what. 

Aranarei, sitting in a chair, her staff propped against the wall with her violet stovepipe hat resting atop it.

As she sits in the chair, she stretches her legs in front of her and reaches inside her jacket pocket for a silver case. She takes a cheroot out of it, and sets it in her mouth. With a snap of her fingers at the top of the cheroot, it lights and she draws a deep pull off of it.
animorte
 "Well, that's good news.  Kamp looks at the, no doubt, confused looks in his direction. Then he realizes why.  "Oh, I mean the part about,  "Delay, and our hold on the colony is in danger of slipping."  

He doesn't even take the time to settle in, more interested in the delivery itself. Trouble has been stirred and he would feel a fool to miss it.  "We - I mean, I - would have no problem taking it that way. Is somebody here capable of forging the hand-writing for somethin misleading?" 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Does Kamp have any useful information to apply for this so-called  misdirection ?
 
Earth Traveler
 "My name is Daniela. Good to meet you, Clara,"  says Daniela, glad to meet a fellow supporter of Tea.

She takes a minute to put on her armor while everyone gets settled and Rodrigo reads the letter. She tenses in trepidation for a moment when she hears the letter's contents, but finishes donning her armor while she listens to the others discuss.

 "I wouldn't exactly say it's good news,"  says Daniela in reply to Kamp as she adjusts her armor.  "Desperate people can do some crazy things, and if they have a lot of resources and their disposal it makes them even harder to predict... And Rodrigo, I think you've forgotten that I know how to make a forgery. Luckily I even have my kit with me,"  she adds, digging it out of her bag of holding.

Sitting down with her forgery kit, Daniela adds,  "Now, it's just figuring out what to make our letter say. Any suggestions?" 
Ridai
Bota looks around at everyone assembled for ideas as well, but he too tries to get a good think on. Thus, he dons his thinking wizard straw hat again, to let the ideas flow like delicious milk into a bowl about to be faceplanted into.

  "M-maybe that the Tea people are busy with something else, and if they see a lot of Milk people, they'll get angry and then everyone gets angry, and things are bad when everyone gets angry? So wait with sending people, so sneaky Milk people things can happen until then?"   Really, he hasn't been paying that much attention to the Tea and Milk people thing in the past. He was mostly peeved that bad people were giving delicious milk a bad name, even if it is a bit justified if they make cheese out of it. And while tea is more on the "interesting" side of things taste-wise, it smells nice. And now tea enjoyers and milk fans are swatting each other in the face in back alleys.
Archemist
Rodrigo's ears perk up at the quick suggestions from the party.  "Yes, yes, a 'delay a few weeks' might be more believable than just no letter, or a flat refusal of aid."  When Daniela pulls out her forgery kit he claps her on the shoulder in celebration -  "Ah ha! Perfect!" 

The letter starts the same as the other, to the same unnamed admiral. But it urges discretion, suggesting to wait a month before sending any troops, until after Milk has won the election and consolidated power. Then Daniela does her best to attempt the "- P" signature. She attempts to transfer the wax seal by just heating the backside and sliding it off, but it proves difficult.

Clara serves tea for the group, unironically, while they're waiting around.

Kamp recalls his pal Grimfa who works down at the dock and will know the ship in question, who the captain is, and the like. If they meet up on the way, the party will be able to seem like they know where they're going and who they're giving the letter to, as they would if they were the real messengers.

After what seems like five days but was really barely an hour, Rodrigo says,  "Ara, do you think you could pretend to be the messenger woman to hand this off? These four could be your entourage. But you have her bearing, if not her tail." 
JNAProductions
 "I don't think it'd be wise to have me be part of the party-I can observe from a distance, or be 'passing through', but I'm a little too recognizable to make including me wise." 
Archemist
Rodrigo considers Forge's objection.  "I suppose I could go in your place if you'd like to just watch from a distance, but if the real messenger shows up while we're there, she might know any one of us." 

He and the amigos still look quite beaten-up, as well, not in much condition to trek down to the docks.  "Look, if it's compensation you're after, I can give you twenty-five gold each for this. It's important. Can't we just, I dunno, toss a poncho over you?" 
JNAProductions
She sighs-a metallic, grating sound.  "It's not money, it's morals. I'm on your side-and I doubt being there would actually help." 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I feel like you're trying to not split the party-is that accurate?
Because, the way I see it, the rest of the crew can be disguised relatively easily. Some make up, some clothes, all good. But Forge is harder to conceal.

But if you think it'd be best for the game to have Forge tag along, I (as a player) have no objections.
 


With her piece said, she looks around. She eyes the recently-healed injuries, and the sheer squishiness of everyone around her. Forge sighs again.  "Keep the money-but I'll go with. Better to risk a fight with a defender than without. What's the biggest poncho you have?" 
Ridai
The moment tea is served, he immediately moves his paws to his hat, just trying to keep them there while inching away from the table and the cups on said table before another Bota Incident happens.

Bota thinks about how to best disguise, until the proverbial idea candle lights up. He takes off his hat and poncho, hiding the little bundle of belongings in Forge's pack. He   "hnn, hnn, hnn"  s, as he proudly declares   "No one will recognize me without my hat!"  

Having explained his airtight plan, he hops onto Forge's soon be-poncho'd large shoulder and just flops onto it.   "And I'll get my bigginess back."   And he immediately starts taking a nap.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
If possible, Bota  starts being lazy  tactically recharges his Wild Shape via short rest.
 
Lentrax
As the note is drafted, Ara takes a book from a satchel and opens it to a page covered in equations. As she reads, she snaps her fingers and a quill appears in her hand. She begins scratching notes in the book. And when Rodrigo says her name, she looks up from the book. She flicks her thumb along the quill and it vanishes.

 Mm? Oh. Yes. I suppose I could. Though my family has oft tried to remain neutral in your nation's affairs. But I suppose that ship has sailed, eh? 

She snaps the book closed, and replaces it back in her satchel.

 I suppose proper introductions are in order then? 

She stands up.

 Aranarei Kalythross, formerly Captain of Her Majesties 38th Royal Foresters. Current head of the House of Kalythross, though my brother still holds the title of Duke. Poor chap, health in decline. On sabbatical in the dark jungles of Ulicea. The doctors do think that the change in clime will help. 

As she speaks she takes out a silver snuffbox embossed with a large calligraphed K with a raven taking flight over it. She opens it and takes a pinch and sniffs it up one of her nostrils.

 Of course,  she goes on, pausing to sneeze, and then gesturing to the box  they say this is good for clearing the bronchial tubes, whatever those are. So here we are, and what a fine to-do it is, eh? 
animorte
Kamp notes the forgery kit making an appearance and thinks about how useful that could be. He gestures toward it and Daniela.  "I thought about learning that at some point, but the finesse escapes me. And delaying the arrival sounds great. Nicely put!" 

Kamp accepts the tea with a bow to their guest. Then a small swarm of butterflies appear from beneath his sleeves and takes the cup, hovering in a circle around him before they guide it to his mouth and he takes a sip. They continue to do this several times as the discussion is going on.

He takes in the exchange and Forge's concern.  "To be honest, I think we all feel safer when you're nearby, Forge. Even if it does have to be at a distance." 

He catches a smile on his own face in response to Bota yet again. A well-needed reminder to enjoy the small things. While Aranarei speaks, he confirms from his memory some of the details and is glad to hear in person that she's not going to wait idly by and just let the conflict carry on.

 "I think you have a good point Rodrigo. Ara definitely carries the same air of authority, though with better intent as far as I can tell."  He offers a brief smile in her direction. Kamp is gaining more respect for this entire group by the minute.

 "Oh, it's worth mentioning I have a contact that works down by the docks who can point us exactly where we need to go. I'll take the lead and make sure we look like we know what we're doing." 
Earth Traveler
Daniela puts the finishing touches on the forged letter and does her best to imitate the wax seal.  "Alright, that should be enough to fool anyone who looks at it,"  says Daniela, pleased with herself.

She waves off Forge's comments.  "It'll be better if we stick together, and I think you'll be fine as a member of Aranarei's entourage,"  she says.  "Besides, I don't think you'll have any trouble fitting in,"  she adds, casting a look around the unlikely-looking group.

Daniela gratefully sips the tea, thanking Clara, as she listens to the others.  "Well, that sounds like a plan, we'll rest here for a spell, then head to the docks and hopefully deliver our message without incident,"  she says, continuing to drink her tea.
JNAProductions
Forge smiles, and pats Bota gently.  "I appreciate the vote of confidence."  She moves to take a seat, but pauses a moment.  "Where would the largest poncho be? We should prepare now, so we're not scrambling once it is time to go." 

Once her outfit is picked out, she finally takes a seat, and withdraws a small metallic contraption from her pack. It whirs and sputters, doing... Something. Not much, but something.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
No hit dice need to be spent on this rest for me.
Rolling a Tinker Tools Check, with advantage owing to my Domain and Int as the baseline ability, just to make something cool.

 (1d20+2)[ 19 ] 
 (1d20+2)[ 22 ]  Advantage

Nat 20 baby! Imma make something nifty but not terribly useful with that, if that's alright. :)
 


As the group takes their relaxation, Forge's hands work quickly and shockingly deftly for how clunky her overall movements are. The contraption takes better form, and by the end of their rest, she's left with a small quadruped of metal. It's able to totter around and make small squeaks-nothing terribly useful, but great for entertaining children.
Archemist
 
 Originally Posted by Lentrax 
  Aranarei Kalythross, formerly Captain of Her Majesties 38th Royal Foresters. Current head of the House of Kalythross, though my brother still holds the title of Duke. Poor chap, health in decline. On sabbatical in the dark jungles of Ulicea. The doctors do think that the change in clime will help. 

As she speaks she takes out a silver snuffbox embossed with a large calligraphed K with a raven taking flight over it. She opens it and takes a pinch and sniffs it up one of her nostrils. 
 

Rodrigo makes a deep bow, although he grimaces as he straightens back up. He says,  "Rodrigo da Silva, at your service, Captain. I knew you looked the most... distinguished, of our little band here. My apologies for wrapping you up in this unsavory business, and also my thanks for your assistance earlier."  His tone has switched to all smoothness, surprising after his earlier harried look and his mercenary chat with Forge.

He addresses the group.  "If you can convince them the message is from the Milk guildhouse, hopefully the mail ship will take it without too many questions. If you get into trouble, just scatter and go back to whatever else you were doing today and pretend like none of this ever happened. But if you succeed you give us a good chance of another month of peace - and if Tea wins in three weeks, maybe longer."  He sighs.  "Sorry, it's no time for long speeches.  Deixe ." 

Clara exclaims over the contraption Forge has made while everyone makes preparations, marveling at her skill.


 


With a large striped poncho acquired for Forge, and Bota minus his hat, the party does their best impression of officially escorting Aranarei down towards the docks. Around lunchtime, they stop near a little dockside bar and Kamp ducks in to find his contact Grimfa. "The Left Shark" is a dodgy-looking place, with sticky floors and dim lighting. Grimfa's grey complexion fits right in. He's a duergar who ended up on the surface and found he loved the open skies and nature. Kamp and Grimfa had bonded over finding the absolute weirdest beetle in the alley behind the bar one day.

 "Captain Moray is the one you want, on the 'Swift.' You'll have to row out to the schooner, though, since they finished loading all the cheese last night and moved out to a harbor anchorage. I was wondering why they hadn't just left yet."  He chugs the last of his ale.  "Tell you what, I'll take you in the launch and we'll drop off your letter. Can any of your people row?" 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Let me know if you guys had any last questions for Rodrigo, Grimfa, or things to do before you go. Forge, were you taking your mechanical creation with you or leaving it for Clara's kids?
 
JNAProductions
Forge enjoys the audience while she creates. Once the gizmo is up and running, she lets it wander to Clara, and says  "Go ahead and keep it. Its animus should last for a week or two, though if you have access to any kind of magic, it shouldn't be hard to channel energy and top it off. Even once the animus is gone, it'll still be a nice toy-the body works fine." 

 

 "I've the strength to row, if not the experience. I don't imagine it'd be that hard,"  she states.
Lentrax
As they walk through the street, Ara offers polite smiles for those who say a greeting of all, but she does not speak much, usually just a one or two word reminder to her companions about keeping the group looking proper.

 Of course,  she thinks,  the whole thing would look far better with a coach, but we can’t have it all. 

As they stop for lunch, she maintains the appearance by enquiring about a private dining room for herself, and seeming to ignore the happenings around her by removing a novel from her satchel and reading.

 Oh, and I don’t suppose there is any chance of a coffee? 
Archemist
The barkeep glances back at a pot warming near the oven.  "Yeah, we got the soot soup, let me strain some out for you, comin' right up. Mug's two copper." 
animorte
Just as they're leaving, Kamp offers a bow to their host once again.  "Your hospitality is greatly appreciated, Clara. You've got a good friend there."  He meets Rodrigo's gaze with that last part.

Kamp appreciates the company of an additional friend, and takes a moment show a bit of flashy  &lt;mage hand&gt;  swarm maneuvering of nearby objects just for Grimfa's entertainment. Then he leans in closer, intentionally making a sort of obvious show that he's getting exchanging some surface gossip.  "Say uh, you got any  interesting boats floating  in lately?" 

He grabs a small snack while they're on the way, and just as the barkeep mentions a price, Kamp steps up to intercept the exchange himself with confidence. He sets the necessary money down and as he returns to the group, gives them a smile.  "Leader doesn't pay." 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

This is where I would assume my Insight check from earlier to come in. Though I think we've got the juiciest tea going on in these parts at the moment.

Also, hoping my Passive Perception picks up on anything particularly interesting or suspicious during all this.
 
Archemist
 
 Originally Posted by animorte 
 Kamp appreciates the company of an additional friend, and takes a moment show a bit of flashy  &lt;mage hand&gt;  swarm maneuvering of nearby objects just for Grimfa's entertainment. Then he leans in closer, intentionally making a sort of obvious show that he's getting exchanging some surface gossip.  "Say uh, you got any  interesting boats floating  in lately?"  
 

Grimfa is definitely impressed by Kamp's spell, though the barkeep rolls her eyes and just says,  "Mind you get all those peanuts back in the bowl when you're done, eh?" 

Grimfa uses the distraction of the floating nuts to conspire with Kamp and whisper back,  "Well, I did hear the cheese on that ship wasn't all  cheese , if you know what I mean? Some of the crates were decidedly heavier than usual. My guess is it's some kind of treasure they're sending back to the old country." 
Ridai
Bota briefly interrupts his nap to 1) say to Aranarei   "Oh. I hope your brother will feel better soon. And that he will, uhm, get his tubas unclogged."   Bota says this with absolute sincerity, his eyes quite big and a little watery. He obviously is not sure what the bronchial bit was about, but he gave it his best shot.

He also watches Forge work with equally big, but less watery eyes (and a little exploratory pawing at the finished product).

-----------------------

In the cunning disguise of hat-less, shoulder-perched cat, Bota does his best to be  lazy  vigilant.

To Grimfa's question about people being able to row, he responds with a   "Mrow."   He specifically went for a mysterious mrow. Gotta keep people guessing. Also he tried to row with a paddle once and it was really difficult as the paddle was better at pulling Bota into the air than Bota at pulling the paddle towards the boat, so it was also a no, but a  disguised  one.

Hearing about "soot soup" leads to a confused   "M-meow?"   That doesn't sound tasty at all, despite having soup in the name! Or like coffee! He could make some coffee. If he had some coffee. He made some coffee in the past! He also tried it once, and he had zoomies through and around the house for an hour straight afterwards, and people didn't want to give him coffee after that, but that is beside the point.

But he also needs to keep up the shoulder cat disguise! Shoulder cats are not known to brew coffee! What a conundrum. Thus, Bota is busy trying to figure out how to make unsooty coffee with none the wiser. Aranarei (and anyone else of the group, really) can practically see the gears turning in the cat's head.
Lentrax
Ara still isn’t sure what to make of the cat, so she thanks him for the well wishes. Truth be told, there was no real love lost between her and her brother, but no one here really needs to know that.

At the bar, Ara makes a very contrite attempt to not show the grimace she wants to at the term “soot soup.”

But then she relents. People just don’t understand the subtleties of coffee. And so she turns the page of her novel, continues to read, and awaits her… soup…
JNAProductions
 &lt;If you're okay, meow once. If something's really troubling you, meow twice,&gt;  Forge thinks to Bota. She stays standing near Ara, letting her simple size speak, as befitting a bodyguard.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Quick note: My telepathy is one-way. So no thinking back at me! I won't hear it. :P
 
Ridai
Suddenly, there is a voice in Bota's head, and it's not Mama Shanty! The cat's head jerks around, trying to spot where it is coming from, checking the ceiling corners especially, followed by looking at Forge like he just realized she is also there. Naturally, Bota goes back to shoulder lounging, he evaluates how much the soot soup troubles him. It probably doesn't  really  trouble him, just trouble him, so he goes for a   "Meow."  
Earth Traveler
Daniela hands Ara the forged letter, making sure to thank Clara as the group leaves for the bar to meet with Kamp's contact.

She doesn't bother to conceal her contempt when Ara tries to order coffee at the bar.  "Coffee..."  she snorts, shaking her head and swallowing words about staying neutral in the middle of a revolution.

Daniela notices Bota looking oddly pensive on Ara's shoulder. She's not sure about him yet... in the alley he was a little reckless, and now she wonders if he's going to do something careless again. She preferred to remain inconspicuous, but one couldn't ignore a perfectly good ally because of a difference in approach. So she just continues keeping an eye on him, until he suddenly seems to be startled, then settle in with a meow.
animorte
Kamp nods his head in approval at the information and makes a mental note of it. He allows the nuts to go back in their bowl and whatever else he might have been floating around.  "Well, you know I like my  cheese. " 

He looks around at the rest of his comrades, all but one quite bigger than himself.  "I think we can manage rowing out. Think Captain Moray is in any hurry?" 

Once they get into the boat with a bit more privacy and headed to the 'Swift', Kamp will make it a point to mention his  cheese  to the rest of the group.
Lentrax
 
 Originally Posted by Earth Traveler 
 She doesn't bother to conceal her contempt when Ara tries to order coffee at the bar.  "Coffee..."  she snorts, shaking her head and swallowing words about staying neutral in the middle of a revolution. 
 

 Yes. Coffee. I find it quite stimulating. 

Ara looks about her for a moment, and then with a crook of her finger a small bowl of sugar and a spoon float on unseen energies to rest next to her mug. She then adds a spoonful of sugar and then swirls her finger over the cup, the spoon obeying the magic and stirring for her.  Far more so than tea, and I find it’s taste more palatable than most types of alcohol. Have you ever tried it? 
Earth Traveler
 "Actually, yes,"  replies Daniela.  "I was working undercover at a coffee plantation, so I figured I could drink it for a few months. Then I tried it, and it was the worst thing I've ever tasted. After that I faked drinking it and discreetly threw out any I was given. And besides, I'm fully committed to supporting Tea, a guild that hasn't been sitting by during our fight for independence and equality.  And  has better drinks."  Realizing that was a little bit harsh, she continues,  "But I do appreciate that at least  one  coffee planter has finally decided to support our cause." 
 "Anyway, I hope you enjoy it enough to drink it fast, because we should probably be leaving soon."  Daniela turns her eyes to the door, watching for possible intruders.
Lentrax
 Is this a fight you wish to start right now? Because I can still get up, walk out that door, and go back to my family's plantation. And continue to leave you and your ilk to squabble. Right now, I have only an interest in preventing what sounds like prelude to a massacre. But that is personal to me. But since you feel the need to insult me, and my family,  Ara stands up, and on the same invisible flows of power, her staff and hat float over to her. She sets the letter on the table.

She tips her hat to the others as she settles it atop her head.

 I bid you all good day. 
animorte
Kamp notices the tension rising between his activist comrade and the Captain Kalythross.

 " That  is an interest we all share."  He immediately responds to Ara's statement on preventing massacre.  "And we're in a position to do it without bringing anybody down on our heads." 

He's not too worried about either of their personal circumstances, as long as they accomplish what needs to be done.  "As for the coffee, tea, what-have-you... Each to their own tastes, long as it doesn't hurt anybody else." 

In any event, the task at hand is more important than this little squabble. Even though he understands exactly where Daniela is coming from, it's not the time nor place. Kamp moves to pick up the letter himself.  "Any extra help is always appreciated." 
Lentrax
The grimace on Ara’s face grows to a scowl.  Then perhaps you should make that help feel welcome, instead of offering it insults and remarks to their character. Which you  do not know.  

She takes a silver from her purse and places it on the table.

 Now. I said good day. 
Archemist
Grimfa shrugs sheepishly at Kamp and says simply,  "I thought you folks would be trying to  avoid  causing a scene. Let's get a move on." 

Daniela stays behind, having noticed a familiar face in the tavern. They chat conspiratorially and she waves the rest of you to continue on without her.

Out on the dock, Grimfa and Forge take the oars of the little launch and head out into the bay. At the "Swift," you find the expected Captain Moray, who is a fierce-looking blue dragonborn. He takes the letter with a grunt.  "About time." 
 
 Spoiler: OOC - Checks 
Forge should make an Athletics check regarding rowing. Additionally, anyone who wants to can make a mental-based skill check regarding the mini-voyage along with describing your IC activities. Basically, roll an INT, WIS, or CHA skill if you are trying to avoid water hazards, convince Moray of some story, find out about his cargo in a subtle way, or whatever strikes your fancy.
 
JNAProductions
Forge incants a quick spell to better aid herself in the somewhat unfamiliar task, then sets to rowing.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 3 ]  from  Guidance 
 
Ridai
Once Bota is done with his totally intended team motivation routine (namely, visibly napping on Forge's shoulder), he feels like he should really sell his essential normal cat-ness by starting to wander around the rowboat, making cat noises, and generally not making himself useful. Maybe he'll even find some secrets squirreled away! A hidden treat stash perhaps, like any civilized person has!

When they speak with the scary dragonman, Bota does his best to stay calm (back on Forge's shoulder). But he does start to look around for escape routes for the team.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'll throw in a WIS check to snoop around the boat for hidden loot, and/or looking for any escape routes.  (1d20+1)[ 12 ] 
 
Lentrax
Ara sits in the boat, her hands resting one atop each other at the top of her staff.

After leaving the dock, but before reaching the ship, Ara turns to Kamp.  It is important for us to learn all we can. But you seem to have the best eyes for things unseen. Or at least better than mine.   She makes a gesture over Kamps head.  Keep an eye open, and see what you can. 
 
 Spoiler: Ooc 
Casting Owls wisdom on Kamp. Advantage on Wisdom checks for an hour.
 

 Ah. There is the wit I was told to watch for.  Ara says, stepping onto the deck of the  Swift. 
 And from what I was told, I have arrived within a very reasonable amount of time. Especially as things stand ashore. 
 And make of that what you will, Captain. 
Archemist
 
 Originally Posted by Lentrax 
  Ah. There is the wit I was told to watch for.  Ara says, stepping onto the deck of the  Swift. 
 And from what I was told, I have arrived within a very reasonable amount of time. Especially as things stand ashore. 
 And make of that what you will, Captain.  
 

Forge does a passable job of rowing, though obviously not as practiced as Grimfa. Thankfully the trip is only a couple hundred meters out to the moored ship.

Bota hops onto the  Swift  and starts investigating but quickly runs into a ship's cat - a mean tom who seems used to chasing down large rats. The tom hisses at Bota territorially.

The  Swift  is a two-masted schooner with a crew of fifteen or so. Her hull is painted green and has a bright copper plating below the waterline. Not the largest of ships, but she looks fast. Captain Moray doesn't waste pleasantries with Ara, but he does seem to take her for who she appears to be.  "The goings-on ashore are none of my concern. You can tell your boss I left as soon as I got the letter, then. Or are you coming with us to Daelesa, to guard your precious cargo?"  He begins to motion you back to the rowboat dismissively, but then his eye seems to be caught by something going on in the harbor beyond.

 
 Spoiler: OOC - Perception checks! 
You should make them if you want. 😁 Bota didn't find much in the way of escape routes - assuming he's the sort of cat who doesn't like water, if you're not going to swim for shore then you've pretty much just got to stay on the Swift or go back in your rowboat.
 
Ridai
Bota freezes as he meets the tom, instinctively arcing his back. He knows this kind of foul-tempered cats. Stuck on a boat, which is constantly moving around, constantly under-appreciated, but worst of all is all the sea water. It gets all in your fur, and then it also gets in your mouth when you clean yourself, and you get all salty! Bota knows all about being salty, he was a ship's cat too! The day he discovered mayonnaise was the day he was free of the salt.

Sadly, he is unable to enlighten the salty cat, bereft of his jug, and even his treats (un-poncho'd and un-hat'd as he currently is). Worse, ever since Mama Shanty sent him out to become a better cat, talking with other cats has become weirdly difficult, a fact he blames on them being free of the burden of a quest, and lacking familiarity with mayo. So, Bota does his best to channel fundamental catness at the tom (with a bit of diplomatic mrowling and an affable shuffle and wiggle) to let 'em know Bota isn't there to take his place or prey or treats. It is a risky play, for sure, as such behavior may easily be seen as highly suspicious due to being too selfless. But just bopping the tom on the head doesn't sound like a good and enlightened thing to do, since it might make things more difficult for Ara. No matter how much he wants to swat the salt out of the tom's face.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Not sure if this is the right thing to roll, but I guess Bota is trying to pacify the ship's cat, or at least make it lose interest.
  Animal Handling  - (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 

edit:  Diplomacy has failed! Bota exposed as cat poser! 
 
animorte
Kamp mirrors Grimfa's shrug with equal concern. Time to move along, yes.

Once they're clear out of ear-shot from the dock he gives a hint to the others about the heavier-than-normal  cheese.   "If this letter is any indicator, I'm sure it's not the only valuable  cargo. "  He winks at Grimfa.

He responds to Ara's gesture and statement with a knowing nod, and an appreciative smile.  "You can count on it." 

He remains quiet otherwise, keeping his eyes peeled, even as they step on the ship initially. While the captain strikes an imposing figure, his response to Ara is slightly comforting.  "A proper man of business, I like it.  He follows the dragonborn's gaze to the harbor.  "Speaking of goings-on ashore... 

He knows they weren't planning to go along, especially considering the recipient of the letter very likely knows exactly who should be sending it.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Perception with advantage!

 (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
 (1d20+7)[ 17 ] 

Looking for any sign of waiting ambush, notable symbols on visible cargo, familiar faces, the usual. Not to mention potential followers (I know, right?) including the group they snatched the letter from.  Especially  the safety of the boat for their expected trip back, and harbor obviously.
 
Archemist
Kamp's fine-tuned eyes turn towards the harbor even a second before Captain Moray looks over. Kamp sees a group of small boats is headed quickly in your direction from the dock. A couple are small speedy sailboats, but a couple look to be large canoes. There is some shouting between the craft, which have been crudely and quickly painted with symbols of the halfling tribes of Minas Gerais. But Kamp sees no halflings among the people on board.

Captain Moray exclaims,  "Now what is THAT commotion?"  He seems to make up his mind quickly and he says to you,  "We're getting out of here and cutting your launch loose now with or without you on it." 

But his crew responds more slowly, distracted by the beginnings of a cat-fight on the main deck. The mean tom swats at Bota with intent to harm. Its fierceness catches Bota by surprise.

 
 Spoiler: OOC - Bota 
 (1d20+2)[ 22 ]  for  1  damage. I'm not sure the crew has figured out you're not a normal cat just yet but it will likely depend on how you respond - casting a spell, say, might give you away. 😁

Edited to add: I can't believe the tomcat just crit you. Let's call it 2 damage and what could be the beginning of a cool scar near your eye or nick out of your ear, your choice.
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC - Insight or initiative 
Let me know how you're feeling about resisting either the oncoming group or Captain Moray - Insight checks might tell you the motivations or weak spots of either group.
 
Ridai
While Bota is not the greatest at talking Cat anymore, what he still has is yelling like a cat and bolting straight up after the claws slash across his eye (but thankfully don't cut the eyeball). In the air, he is already fruitlessly scrambling to escape, and accidentally kicks the mean and scary tom. The next moment, Bota has squirreled his way onto nearby barrels, looking down at the other cat with flattened ears, arced back, and trying to sound tough (but it more comes out as a distressed cat being bathed).

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Unarmed attack at the tom because the claws would be very much overkill. All as nonlethal as possible.   Attack  - (1d20+2)[ 14 ] , 1 damage.

  Insight vs the tom  - (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 
 
Lentrax
 Ah. Yes. This does appear to be trouble of your sort. Well, Captain. I wish you safe journey, bonne chance and all that. 

Ara looks about the deck for a moment.  Bota! Bota, come! I’ll leave you behind! 

She points with her cane to the launch.

 Everyone back to our boat. It is time to leave. 
Ridai
Bota does an involuntary startled hop when his name is called in a rather commanding manner and even followed by an imperative and a threat, and quickly scurries back to the boat, thus absolutely admitting defeat and looking like a coward. Things are not coming up Bota right now, and he sniffles a little because those scratches over his eye  really  sting. But at least Ara didn't call him by his full name, because  boy , that would have meant things are   really   serious! You don't mess around if there's a full summon!

Slinking back onto the boat, he notices what else is going on, eyeing the oncoming assailants. Between nursing his scratch, that is.
animorte
Kamp is just a bit surprised at the discovery. Surely, sending the message to delay is more important than short term supplies of  cheese.  Of course, the others may not even know about the letter. He thinks to himself,   "Bad call, D."  

He pays little mind to the cat fight on board, keeping his eyes peeled otherwise. Just then, his thoughts are interrupted by the quick decisions both by the Captain and Ara. He responds to both of them.  "That's a good idea. Looks like a fight none of us want." 

He gives a nod each in turn to Grimfa and Forge, the muscle that rowed them out here. He moves to the boat, attempting to gauge the speed and distance relative to their own safety. But then, he could certainly make an effort of civility should it come to that.
Archemist
 
 Spoiler: OOC - ...and we're back! apologies for the delay 
 
 


The party makes a hasty exit and the schooner almost immediately starts raising sails and getting underway. It's a close one but the quick mail ship outpaces the flotilla of canoes and gets out of the harbor.

You see Daniela in one of the lead canoes, annoyed that you didn't delay the ship long enough for their little "Tea Party" to raid it for its unusual cheesy cargo. You realize the Daelesa contact may get mixed messages in receiving a sizeable kickback along with a note to  not  send troops. But the confusion may be enough to buy the time Rodrigo had wanted.

The party makes it back to shore safely, separates, and lays low for a few days. The mood in the city is still tense, with continued vandalism and muggings between supporters of Tea and Milk.


On the sixth day, you each find letters from Rodrigo asking if you'd be willing to do a different sort of job - he hasn't forgotten how the group of you saved his hide so decisively. Meeting back at Clara's, you once again find yourselves with some tea in hand and gathered around the table as Rodrigo spreads out a map.  "We've decided to see if Belo Campo would help us win independence. Lady Braga was pissed when I showed her the Milk scum wanted troops to invade, but I think most of her friends wouldn't want to help us unless Daelesa does attack them first. Can't say I blame them. But perhaps we can find something else to motivate them with." 
Lentrax
Using a finger to stir her tea with a spoon, Ara takes an experimental sip. Finding it to her liking, she sets the cup aside and turns to their host.

 Independence? That is quite something, isn’t it. Where did such an idea come from? 
JNAProductions
 "The stirrings of the soul, perhaps,"  Forge replies.
Lentrax
 Well,  Ara goes on after Forge speaks.  It would take far more than one soul to affect a change such as that. 

She takes another sip of the tea.  That really is quite refreshing today. Is that a hint of mint I taste? 
animorte
Kamp is absentmindedly guiding a few critters up and about his extremities with various less-than-graceful gestures. Rodrigo's last bit catches his attention.  "What is this... motivation? 

Then to Ara and Forge with a bit of a jocular tone,  "Fortunately there are plenty of relevant souls." 
Ridai
  Bota Secreta, grizzled veteran of many fights to the death, arrives when his presence is not demanded, but rather humbly requested. The scars across his eye, only seen in the shade of his straw hat yet no less striking, are proof of his awesome might and that he is not to be trifled with and-  

Bota the cat is breathing heavily as he holds a porcelain tea cup in his paws. He was not ready for this development, this unfair challenge the gods thrust between his mitts out of the blue. It takes all of his mental fortitude to keep the cup steady and listen (and,  sometimes , blep up some tea, not sure what to do with that taste. But probably bad crowd to mention he likes milk).

  "Independence is good, right?"   Bota's voice stress-cracks only a tiny little bit, as he holds the steaming Judgment Cup. The others probably did not even notice. He's sure of it.
Lentrax
 A question not easily answered,  Ara says.

 What is good for one, is not good for all. And while some may find their lives bettered for it, often, you will find that nothing changes for those at the bottom. Just the name of who is ruling them now. 

Ara sips at her tea.  In the end, we all have master we answer to, and many of them prefer to keep those under them squabbling. The same principles even apply to nobility such as myself. You think the Queen wants those who organize and run Her Majesty's government to all be united in one cause? No. And she sees to it that there is often something for us to have to compete over or, a scandal among us so that we are watching each other for opportunities to seize some thing, some... advantage from ourselves. All to distract from the simple fact that, we, on the whole, are far better at judging for ourselves what is in our best interests. 
 And there are outliers in every case. Look at me. Instead of doing the duties my family thought were required, I went and joined the army. Did quite well for myself, if I may say. But that is a choice afforded to me. If you were to ask a hundred people who should be in charge of their lives, most of them will answer with who currently  is  in charge. It isn't their fault. They have been taught from birth that someone is supposed to be in charge, but none of them are taught that they have the power within themselves to be in charge of even the smallest parts of their own destinies. And worse, if  you offer a people who do not want freedom from one party their freedom by violence, many of them will willingly put the shackles of slavery back on for the first one that comes and demands it because they feel it is their place. 

Ara sets her now empty teacup aside and pulls out a small cigar, lighting it with a small snap of her fingers at the end.

 Not their fault, really. But there it is. A people that do not want to be free, will never chose to try for it, because they do not understand what is at risk. 
Archemist
 
 Originally Posted by Ridai 
   "Independence is good, right?"   
 

 "Certainly. The only reason we're lorded over by the Milk guild is that they've been supported by the Daelesa throne. It's how they maintain control here, right?"  Rodrigo seems quite sure, though he seems to understand your skepticism. Independence is still controversial - though the ties of the Milk guild to the Crown are one of those things that everybody kinda knows.

To Ara, Rodrigo says,  "Well put, though if you've come to value your own free choices, certainly you can see how others might want the chance to do the same, even if it is short-lived." 
 "But it's time we got down to business."  He sets down his own tea.  "The colonists in Belo Campo allied themselves with the natives when they won their independence. I think we should show them we can do the same. There's a been a surprisingly well-coordinated fey group that've been harassing the ranchers out west - I want you four to travel there, make contact, and see what they want. Like us, they probably would be interested in keeping the Daelesa army from showing up and expanding our borders in that direction." 

Rodrigo eyes the group.  "I ask you because between you, you've been out on the frontiers before, and you're a mixed group so they'd see it's not just the humans out here. Do you think you'd be up for it?" 
animorte
Kamp eyes Ara throughout her casual speech, not with suspicion, but curiosity. He's taking it all in,  "See, I knew your perspective was valuable." 

He nods several times in agreement to Rodrigo's general sentiment.  "Well, you know I'm up for it. A chance to meet some new contacts and learn something  useful.  Do we know what this fey group consists of? 
 
 Spoiler 

Rolling  insight  on Rodrigo, not that he's given Kamp a legitimate reason not to trust his judgement yet.

 (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 
 
Lentrax
Ara harrumphed at Rodrigo.  They have to know they want it before you can call for freedom. 

She sighed, looking around the room.  But I suppose we could at the very least go and talk to the fey. See what they would be amenable to.  
Ridai
Bota had expected something like "Yup" or "Nope", but instead he is sitting there for minutes of holding the Judgment Cup as the others talk about really big things, eventually adding blinking from the cigar smoke.

  "I can go visit fairies, sure!"   Bota says nervously between trying to rapidly blep up the tea. Wait, is it worse if he empties the cup and puts it in a table?! Then  The Luring  will begin again! Fiendish inventions, these tea cups! Eminently, fantastically, spectacularly breakable, yet people get angry at you if you push them off a table! If they didn't want the cups to break, they should have made them sturdier, now shouldn't they?!
Archemist
Rodrigo replies gratefully,  " Obrigado ! Tell you what, no time like the present to head on out. The nearest big village to the attacks is Campo Grande, which... I guess makes sense, given the name. It's four days away by cart, and I've arranged for one for you. Meet back here in an hour or so and you can be on your way.

"Here's an advance - 20 gold each for the trip." 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Let me know if you have any special preparations before leaving town. From your understanding, the first day or so of travel will be in mostly "civilized" areas but the rest will head into more of the backcountry. It's a hilly and forested area, not jungle, and chances are good you'll run into other travelers and maybe even a cattle-drive on the way.
 
Ridai
Bota takes the risk of setting the Judgment Cup on the table, which immediately puts it in the danger zone of The Edge below which Gravity lurks (to clarify: anywhere on the table is within the danger zone), so he instead grabs the gold, occupying his paws with stuffing it into his bag. It was a harrowing operation, but crisis averted.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Ready to move to the trip
 
Lentrax
 By… cart? Ah.  Ara says, clearly not comfortable with the idea of such a common method of transport.

 I should have brought Grace with me. My own fault, I suppose. 

Ara picks up the coins and heads to find some market selling, at the very least a decent cushion. And she will arrive back in time for the cart ride.