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Post by Krakenbox on Apr 1, 2022 16:23:43 GMT -8
They had their task.
Blaze and Wayland found themselves at the industrial bazaar that had been colloquially dubbed Aftermath, to indicate the zone of city blocks that was absolutely crawling with Hobgoblins. The condemned businesses on the edge of China Town attracted a flow of traffic of established underground gatherings, with Bedlam's promise of the most extreme scene you've ever been to. Mortals swapped dreams and arson in exchange for widening the wound between reality and Dream, and the more attention Summer and Winter offered to control the Hob investment in their little Embassy, the more tantalizing the taboo. The timing had been unfortunate—Eis had given them the update that Isla had been destroyed by a Chevalier contract drafted by Nate Henley, though signaled a slow burning panic as to why the Pledge was still holding. Once she was informed by the other two that Huntsman come back after about a month, she had taken leave to tend to 'personal matters'.The Fairest's need to process did not come without opportunity, however. With Henley loudly advertising Outback and the Twilit Page's public flight from the Wayward Knight, they had the perfect excuse to use their newfound expertise on Huntsman to wish to assist in a prominent motley's problem. After all, Outback was heavily involved with establishing trade with Sunset Canyon, had put their lives at risk for a popular noble and established social worker for the Spring Court, actively worked to protect the mundies from the dangers of Faerie, and provided jobs and housing to other members of the Freehold. Blaze and Wayland had a reputation too for lending aid without question, simply for the act of making their community safer. The Summer Ogre had hunted down a Privateer ring with Outback before it even existed, and worked without borders when it came to supplying Freeholders with reliable equipment and occult advice. The Onyx Elemental had maintained her court's tenants of going under the radar, but she was active in protecting her community with security with Aftermath and supernatural leaks to anyone bothering to pay attention.
On a personal level, Wayland had once been offered to swear a motley oath with two of the three Lost, and Blaze had saved Yuan's life. Yuan drawing attention to the incident with the Sun Banisher and the Bishopric of Blackbirds during the war council served up the excuse that Blaze was continuing to pay it forward to Spring (even if that wasn't what the Knighthood was officially looking for, it didn't hurt to take the reins and ask).
Both women were are ground 0 when Isla had been assumed to be a victim of Hobgoblins, and we directed by Lucky Jack to look into it. It only made sense that they wanted to finished what they had started.
It was the perfect time to nest the albatross around their necks. Calling in assistance wouldn't even be suspicious. |
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Post by Blaze on Apr 2, 2022 9:33:31 GMT -8
As Blaze walks towards the meeting point, she can't help but look grim - reminiscing. The last time she was here, she went in unprepared. Blindly trusting in people who only looked like they knew what they were dealing with when in reality they had no clue. Is it the sin of an officer or their soldier when a bad order is obeyed?
But not tonight - tonight she was ready for war, armed in mundane weapons and knowledge shared by Bloody Mary. Casual street clothes and a small backpack with supplies were her uniform of choice and she was going over the possibilities - Aftermath wasn't exactly a war zone like she was used to, but it was definitely volatile territory. With little in the way of investigative skills, her best hope would be to bribe a goblin - or scaring it into submission if the opportunity presented itself. It occurred to her to call on the Outback, but the idea was quickly dismissed - enlisting Henley to deal with his own Huntsman threatened to break the ruse at the worst possible moment, Gavin could put two and two together since he was there when they learned from the Summer noble and Yuan... well, she'd rather not call on him in this matter. Or any matter, truth be told.
That's why whe Wayland came over, she'd suggest enlisting the help of either Victor or Lotus Eater - perhaps both if the Ogre was so inclined. Both were discreet and adept with dealing with the city's seedier side. Victor has the eye of a professional cleaner, Lotus is an oneiromancer that could bolster Blaze's own talents. Both would be an asset to have.
She waited for the Summer Bruiser to make that case.
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Post by Wayland on Apr 3, 2022 14:01:16 GMT -8
Wayland doesn’t know Victor well, but Lotus is a friend. When Blaze suggested inviting them, her reaction had been… wary. They could use the help, she knows it, so long as they can manage to get it without breaking one of the now multiple oaths tying them in knots. (She swallows her resentment and indignation at that thought, with a certainty that there’s a lot more to come tonight.) She spends a few minutes talking it over with Blaze before her concerns are allayed, and suggests that both of them could be an asset, and should be invited.
Aftermath is not where she’d imagined this quest taking her, but after what Mary said about information from hobgoblins, she supposes it makes a bit of sense. She’s been here before, buying and selling and hanging out, without ever experiencing much trouble. But tonight is different. Tonight they’re… well, questing, for lack of a better word. And quests are perilous. Those other nights she didn’t feel the need to wear kevlar, to strap a gun to her thigh.
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Post by Krakenbox on Apr 7, 2022 13:43:12 GMT -8
Wayland reviewed The Plan that the ice witch of Autumn had handed over, mentioning that they needed to find The Broker. Her heart sank a bit, recalling the shadowy Cheshire cat that Gavin Graves was so cautious with — though the Hob had made good on its promise and ensured Archie and Riley made it out without a scratch. The context as to why The Broker was an appropriate target wasn't immediate in the mad ramblings of the faerie's paperwork, but it at least came off as connected. She handed out appropriate baubles from SCA competitions and her workshop as she worked the beat, avoiding any undue debts beyond singing embarrassing songs and childish dares. Blaze got into contact with Lotus and Victor as she kept an eye out, warring off curious onlookers and opportunistic ne'er-do-wells with the Ifrit's aura of danger. "Guten Abend!"
The alley were the voice came from was pitch black, with the feline gaze meeting Wayland at eye level. "I hear you are looking for me, what a wonderful coincidence then that we should find each other," the hob continued in a jovial tone, "I recognize you, Wayland! It has been a while. I assume you need some information?"Why else would the Lost be engaging the cat? |
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Post by Blaze on Apr 9, 2022 12:40:46 GMT -8
Wayland's concerns are understandable and to a certain degree shared by Blaze, so she takes all the time needed to put them to rest, nodding satisfactorily when they were in agreement. The Elemental, lacking even the basic knowledge of underworld customs was happy to take the Ogre take the lead, scaring off those who would take advantage of them - for that, you didn't need any particular skill, or even to do anything. You just need to look like you are ready to break bones at a moment's notice.
But that tactic wont' work with the feline hob they encountered. It is their only semi-certain link to solving the case, and while Blaze has no intention to grovel, you call more cats with honey and all that... so she smiles and shifts her body language from threatening to respectful, somewhat matching the cat's joviality.
"You must be the Broker." she says "You are not wrong, and we're happy to negotiate for what we want to know. But it looks like you were also looking for us?"
She doesn't comment on the hob's and Wayland's apparent acquaintance. She shoves wondering about the details to the back of her mind for now. It's not important in this moment.
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Post by Wayland on Apr 10, 2022 14:31:40 GMT -8
The Broker’s appearance is a reminder. That trip is what many consider to be a success, indeed she’s been praised for it. And ultimately they did achieve their goal, but it involved what she considers to be multiple personal failures on her part. Thinking about it gives her a sour feeling in her gut. She frowns slightly, trying not to let her discomfort show.
She nods at Blaze’s words, glancing at her, and then back to the Hob, “You’re right that I need information. And glad as I am to run into you, I wasn’t expecting to find you here. But it sounds like maybe you have been expecting me?” Not an unreasonable expectation, given how frequently Wayland visits the market. It’s the reason she’s interested in.
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Post by Krakenbox on Apr 17, 2022 22:21:04 GMT -8
"You asked around. I would not be very good at my job if that flew under my radar, so to speak," the cat offered, squinting in what might have been a hidden smile.
"I cannot offer a price until I know what you want," it prompted a second time after a beat. A black cat emerged, the shadow seeming to stretch as the form unclumped, before trotting off to see to another matter. The eyes still remained, unblinking as the slits contracted to focus on Blaze now.
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Post by Blaze on Apr 19, 2022 14:28:09 GMT -8
Blaze watches the shadow disentangle itself from the hob, but knows that at best it's just a piece of carnival showmanship to distract - if the creature even does that consciously. Better to focus on the deal at hand and wash their hands of the whole sordid business as soon as possible.
"There is a Huntsman going by the name Isla in the mundane world. We want to know what the ritual that transformed it looked like, and we wish to find the Bastion in which its Heart is hidden. Can you give us what we seek?"
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Post by Krakenbox on Apr 19, 2022 21:48:22 GMT -8
The eyes winked out for a pause, with the Elemental starting to count five seconds...six seconds...seven,
"That I can!" the Broker said, eyes flickering back as it emerged from the shadow in the form of a well dressed younger man. Fanged teeth flashed with the yellow gaze before it smoothly moved from the alleyway and the image corrected to something befitting reality. The entity held no shadow of its own, with the subtle bending light of a black hole's horizon along the edge of the mien.
"I can lead you to the one who saw it all, actually. They owe me much, and will likely appreciate the chance to make a positive difference—even if they are not immediately aware of it." His grin was of the Cheshire Cat as he stepped and angled low with his hands behind his back, watching Blaze's throat for a brief second as he sized up the Changeling.
"The question is if you are willing to match the debt of one lost to the Hedge." The smile faded, revealing the expenses he sat on.
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Post by Wayland on Apr 22, 2022 20:39:23 GMT -8
Though the goblin had first zeroed in on Wayland, it seems to have its attention mostly fixed on Blaze. Maybe it thinks Wayland is too suspicious of it to make a good mark. That could be advantageous though. Maybe it won’t think too much of Wayland getting out her phone and making a call in the background.
She dreads dialing this number. It’s ironic that she needs his help to solve the issue which placed him in danger, against his will and absent his knowledge. Still, she finds Henley in her phone’s contacts and dials. He’s sure to have advice about how to make a deal with a goblin without losing your skin. Or your mind. Or something worse.
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Lotus Eater
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Presence (4) Capable |Rigid Mask | Winter Mantle | Status (Licensed Security) | Autumn Goodwill (1)
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Post by Lotus Eater on Apr 23, 2022 10:05:03 GMT -8
Lotus had received the call, clearing her time at the casino to make herself ready. Arriving at Aftermath, the riddleseeker was not dressed in her sleek, professional suit and tie attire. Instead, she wore fitted jeans, a black top, and a leather jacket. As Lotus always said. Dress for the job.Aftermath was no place to mess around, so the Wizened came prepared. A stiletto knife was hidden in her jacket, and a nightstick was tucked in the back of her belt. Spying Blaze and Wayland, the wizened approached, raising a hand in greeting. She paused silently observing with the Broker. The Broker had a reputation, but Lotus had never encountered the Hob herself beyond that. Wayland was on the phone so, for the moment Lotus observed the situation. Piecing together what was going on. |
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Post by Blaze on Apr 25, 2022 12:45:52 GMT -8
"Who is that debtor of yours that saw this ritual? And what do you mean by the 'debt of one lost to the Hedge'?"
Did the Broker have power over one of the Fae-Touched or another changeling they rescued from the Thorns in exchange for some future service? Even if Blaze wasn't clear on the details, it didn't take much imagination to guess that the price will be steep, but that's what they expected.
The Elemental silently greets the approaching Lotus Eater, but her gaze rests heavily on Wayland. Who is she calling? Victor still isn't here, so maybe him, but if not - what kind of outside help is the Ogre summoning? The Torrent says nothing, but it's likely Wayland will feel Blaze's eyes on her.
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Post by Henley on Apr 26, 2022 16:12:14 GMT -8
"Hello?"
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Post by Krakenbox on Apr 29, 2022 11:08:12 GMT -8
Due to his experience with summoning The Broker with Crown Regalia in the past, Henley provides the personal insight that the hob can discorporate and have lesser proxies, and is specialized in dealing information and negotiating.
Henley explains that The Broker has recently grown in power, and shows more intelligence and advanced planning than the rabble they would usually run into.
With his expertise in the ebb and flow of the Market, Henley explains that The Broker is an aggressive negotiator and will bid high, but back it with a convincing argument. Keeping your head and being assertive is key. Despite being well-spoken and jovial, the Goblin doesn't have empathy and can only be bribed. It pushes for Goblin Debt to collect "interest" by picking the worst time to call it in and adding additional Debt.
However, the Broker seems bored and addicted to drama. Your journey is its own personal soap opera.
The best way to deal with it is offering blackmail or salacious gossip it can collect. Each piece of information will replace a piece of Goblin Debt.
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"A Changeling," he explained bluntly.
"I mean that they owed so much that they are now paying it back. I may reconsider the debt if you offer to pay their bond, which would come to fifty percent."
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Post by Blaze on May 10, 2022 11:43:41 GMT -8
The hob drove a hard bargain and Blaze was cognizant that in case of any missteps it could get her - and the others with her - in a lot of trouble. Henley's insight helped, but at the end of the day it'll be up to them to adapt it to the current situation. The Elemental looks at the cat with a spark in her eye, ready to engage.
"Interesting. I might have something for you that could replace the Debt incurred."
Recon by fire. Balancing the tenets of Winter, the bluntness native to most torrents and the loyalty to the freehold felt like tightrope walking over a shark tank, but it's a necessary play if she doesn't want to spend a long time constantly looking over her shoulder.
"I'm talking straight from the top, halls of power kind of thing. I'm talking horror and blood galore as magic forces its way into people's lives. The good stuff for a discerning connaisseur. Worth more than the standard going rate."
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