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Post by Bastille on Apr 12, 2022 17:54:50 GMT -8
Each had been given a sigil to carve onto the frame of a door, opening the way to a stone fortress of vaulted, latticed ceilings. The veins of gold and iron twined into geometric patterns echoing Art Deco of the 1920s and Tunisian mosaics. White torches lit the way in an obvious matter, where it was only possible to get lost if one strayed from the path. They had been called for an appointment time to address the paperwork Bosko had submitted to the Summer Court. This year, LA had gone dark, and the surrounding Hedge had been picked at so much for the last century, that the environment provided no bounty to the wandering Diver. Worse, the Hobgoblin activity had spiked, forcing the skeleton crew of Summer Courtiers to burn through Fruit, and ultimately spill their blood to keep their militia functioning. The Burden had grown to heavy, and more than one Ogre was on leave, allowing the more harmless looking nightmares to slither into the realm of the real. With the embassy-like Aftermath forming along the Strip, whack-a-mole was being dealt with, and the trade with the Goblin King Machina of Sunset Canyon had kept them dipping into the red. Sir Bastille, Knight of Borders, loomed over a desk that would fit three people on a single side. His skin had the same texture as a man who had been skinned, but the ruby sinew was crystalline, what flesh was left a dead, flaking grey of a cracked shell. Shards of vermillion gem sprouted from his form, baleful eyes ringed in a predator's amber as he blinked up from the massive stacks of scrolls and modern paperwork. Smoking wisps and red-capped devils with teeth too big for their skulls flitted about, hastily processing mail and records through portalled black-oak office drawers that stretched too far into the sky to see. The giant looked down his half-moon glasses, the suit straining against the muscle as he offered an apprehensive hand to each. The very foundation of the stone creaks under the sheer weight of forces unknown, the walls around them blooming with new cracks. The smell of sulphur and magma breach the veins for a moment, pulsing with fire and forge. "Afternoon! I hope all of you have been faring well these days."
It was an earnest check-in. Ten had died in the Fall of least year, with the numbers only to rise with each crisis. Wanton behaviour with the Fae invasion had lead to a more draconian approach, and the Courts were watching each other closely.
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Post by Croupier on Apr 12, 2022 18:05:00 GMT -8
"Well as can be." Croupier replied in an affable manner. The figure sitting at the desk was grandiose to behold - both in girth and appearance. Giving his own wrist a gentle twist to clear his hand before shaking the one offered, Dan used his other hand to adjust the pack he had slung across his back for the venture. Taking a chance to look around the room, he added, "Productive day, I see?"
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Post by Bosko on Apr 13, 2022 13:19:56 GMT -8
Alright. Things were a bit different here- security was tighter. But no problem, he could handle this. Wouldn't be the first time he had to talk down a guard.
"Sir Bastile!" A warm welcome, his metallic maw grinning wide as he spoke, displaying rows of mechanical teeth. "I have been fairing quite well. And yourself? They have you guarding the gate I see. Have you gotten a break recently? Or a good meal at the very least?" A mix of genuine concern, and attempting to butter him up. Bosko had made some food beforehand to bring with them- nothing exceptional, just some REALLY well-made subs. These he kept wrapped in the bottom of his pack, along with his other equipment.
A cleaver, butchering paper, a spare notebook, some sweets (hard candy), a pruner, a few spare bags, an apron for messes.... Just the basics. He set it down for the guard to look through, if needed.
He had a good reason for them to go through, if it wouldn't be a simple "howdoyoudo, on your way!"
"Ser Croupier! Glad you could make it!" A warm laugh again. Bosko was dressed in practical clothing, easy to clean.
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Post by Aisling on Apr 13, 2022 20:08:37 GMT -8
Convincing people to believe in you. That's a challenge. Aisling has joined the group in their first greetings and she can't help but feel slightly out of place. Maybe it's just the idea of having to convince someone that she's got skills that will be useful to a mission.
No. You are useful and awesome and anyone would be lucky to have you do cool stuff for the Freehold. She tries to steel herself and bolster her resolve.
"Hello," she says shyly to the group, "Things have been a-goin'."
Bastille is a sight to behold, one that immediately makes her feel a sense of intimidation. But perhaps it is because the scent of sulfur and magma are clogging her senses. Either way, he looks like someone one doesn't want to waste the time of. Hopefully that wouldn't be something they should worry about for the moment. What they want to do has value.
For the most part, Aisling just allows the others to talk. She'll interject when it is her time to do so. For the moment, she adjusts the belt of her cargo pants. Her outfit in general is very easy to move in, a pair of simple cargo pants and a black tank top. It's odd to see her in something not flowy and loose, but just in case, she wants to be prepared for anything strange.
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Post by Croupier on Apr 15, 2022 19:36:02 GMT -8
"Wouldn't have missed this for anything!" Croupier called back to Bosko with a cheerful voice. It was easy to be happy when Bosko was around.
Like the others, Dan was dressed in casual attire very unlike his normal trademark wear. The black suits and crisp button-down shirts and polos was instead replaced with cargo pants, long-sleeve black Under Armour shirt, and a matching black outdoorsman vest. In place of fine black dress shoes were weatherproof hiking boots. Dan had no idea what sort of places Bosko would have to tread in search for his goodies, so it didn't hurt to come prepared.
Taking a look at the other companion of their troupe, Dan cleared his hands and extended one out to her, "Have we met, before? I'm sorry sometimes I'm just the worst."
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Post by Krakenbox on Apr 19, 2022 21:30:36 GMT -8
Bastille looks over his shoulder, grinning at Bosko's statement of looking after a gate of some kind. He waved off the concern about lunch like he was touched he was being thought of.
"Well, I'm no Heimdall," he chuckled, "Just reviewing your submission for travel, and see if we can get a permit approved. I noticed you mentioned seeking out Goblin fruit, but the reasons were vague."
No worries there, the Summer wasn't grading people on their grammar or reading comprehension when it came to documents and bureaucracy. Adjusting his glasses, he clicked a large pen designed to fit his meaty fist. "Now, I know you've noted you're a fruit expert of sorts and quite the accomplished chef," he put emphasis on the vocation, without an ounce of sarcasm and clearly proud of the other Ogre. All that was missing was a cheeky wink.
"May I ask why you, Miss Aisling, and Mister Miller, are seeking to take a Dive into a warzone? You're very new to these proceeds, Croupier, so please bare with us. It's not every day Last Vegas has a Keeper nesting in the Market, and the Trods being tossed into chaos the last time a roving Title passed through with Giger-themed artillery. Lots of displaced Goblins looking to take advantage of adventurers."
Bastille's tone hadn't changed, but it was clearly a serious question. The Knight was responsible for their safety, after all.
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Post by Bosko on Apr 23, 2022 12:27:08 GMT -8
Heimdall... A reference to Norse myth, or a figure he had yet to interact much with? Whatever the case, at the mention of reviewing travel, Bosko already had his reason lined up.
"This is a joint operation, meant to reinforce bonds between Autumn and Spring. The Goblin Markets can not provide the kind of fruits necessary to adequately support our efforts." Not a blatant lie, any of it. This mission would be a good chance for a positive sign of two courts cooperating for the benefit of both. A good image, in these times. And the markets wouldn't be able to accommodate his beneficial research- and if there WAS a goblin that could, they would charge prices no sane (or, half-sane as was often their lot) individual would take.
And there was also the NATURE of the... Disruption. Bosko had memories, but he could never know for certain. Of course... Coincidences were rare among their kind. Just another reason to want to investigate. Who knows, perhaps a new strain of fruit could have been borne of it? "The unique nature of the Hedge right now makes it a valuable chance- and one that may not always be available, for us." Us, such a vague term. Us the courts, Us the group? it had as much power as someone wished to read into it.
Bosko pulled out one of the sandwiches- made Cuban style, as authentic as was possible- and set it down before geeeently sliding it towards the Ogre. "And if we happen to come across any small game, I'll be sure to bring something more reminiscent of the Old Country."
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Post by Bastille on Apr 23, 2022 14:42:40 GMT -8
"What fruits and what efforts?" Bastille pressed, clearly looking for specifics.
He didn't reject the gift outright: food obviously wasn't a bribe. However, he didn't blatantly chow down when he was in the middle of business.
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Post by Croupier on Apr 26, 2022 6:52:11 GMT -8
Croupier replied to Bastille's inquiry with a brief, subtle nod of respect. Whether or not they needed the giant's permission to plunge into the Hedge, better to be on his good side than not.
Although he failed to answer in his own time the line of inquiry thrown at himself and Aisling, Croupier's ears perked up at Bastille's questions towards Bosko and he stepped up, "I'm sure, good sir, that you have heard that our beloved community is in the midst of preparing for war with the Fae who seek to reclaim us all? In times like this we must all do our part, and for the moment our part is in stockpiling as much goblin fruit and other foodstuffs as the people may need for the coming times. War always has a way of making the fat times lean, doesn't it?"
Thinking quick, he added, "As for what we may be gathering: basically whatever we can to support the need."
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Post by Aisling on Apr 28, 2022 19:23:02 GMT -8
She looks at Dan, "Sorry, I'm Aisling, as Sir Bastille said." It took her a good moment to respond, taking in everything that's going on. Common sense was starting to itch at her. Clearly Bastille is going to need to be convinced in a more direct manner. Something that is going to be more practical.
Dan had the right idea, working at the war effort, appealing to not just the community portion of it but also what the Iron Spear would care about likely most. At least, that she'd think.
"As Dan says, we need to find what is available now that might not be available later. Us going out there now could mean not just finding the usual berries, but finding rarer fruits that could come in handy later. Things that bestow more than just glamour. Though, likely we are going to need our fair share of glamour as we continue on this path. We as a Freehold haven't gone on this kind of journey in some time. We need to know what some of these trods have to offer and if we don't do it now, it might be far more dangerous to do so later." She tries to sound confident in her attempt to persuade. To her, there is an urgency to this.
She looks to Bosko, their Goblin Fruit expert to back her up.
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Post by Bosko on Apr 30, 2022 16:34:08 GMT -8
After the two had given their bits, and with Ashling looking to Bosko, he felt that was his que to step in.
"If you are looking for specific fruits as far as the Hedge is concerned, I cannot help you. It is a rapidly shifting environment- even outside the recent events that have taken place. As for a general motive as to these efforts:"
A metallic throat clearing.
"The environmental changes that have taken place may have caused rare mutations or otherwise noteworthy changes in local flora and funga. Changes that may be harmful to the kin- in which case it needs to be dealt with swiftly, preferably with a first look by someone studied in the matter- or beneficial ones that we should harvest and perhaps cultivate before they get buried, lost behind the shifting mass of the thorns."
In either case, the changes needed to be investigated soon. His hands moved, joints sounding as he continued.
"There is also the benefit of having at least a small portion of the hedge mapped out. That is not our goal, but it is better that starting fresh for future scouting efforts." Of which there (hopefully) would be. "...And, we may be able to glean a motive behind the destruction. or at least a pattern, that can be exploited- if only to avoid it in the future. If we are fortunate, perhaps we could even learn a flaw to be utilized in our campaigns to fight back... Though this outcome is unlikely, now is the best chance we will get . Even as we speak, the thorns will spread and grow and adapt over. If we wish to learn something from the destruction, to be more prepared for a future attack... It will have to be soon."
There we go.... Now to just hope that was enough.
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Post by Bastille on May 1, 2022 17:34:21 GMT -8
"All right, I'll grant the requisition on the agreement that you'll meet with Squire Callahan upon completion of your Dive. To collaborate on your research," he nodded, apparently satisfied. "An Ogre named Wayland has offered kevlar and medieval weaponry if you want it. How deep and how long are you intending on Diving, what Contracts do you have to ensure the flow of time is adequate to meet the Hedge's aggressive nature, do you have any outstanding Huntsman that would relate to the Fae known as..."
He checked his file, "The Friar's Lantern, the Last Unicorn, She-Who-Conquers, or the War Machine?"
His pen clicked, returning to writing on the document, "And finally, what is your experience with Hob Goblins, and do you have any outstanding owes to them?"
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Post by Croupier on May 1, 2022 19:17:53 GMT -8
The offering of weaponry lit Croupier's face like the Summer Dawn. "Does he have any swords on offer? Preferably an arming sword - something useful with one hand." A pang of embarrassment cut through Croupier - here he was trying to show he was ready for a Dive, and he had not thought to bring a sword. He had the Contract of Elemental Weaponry, but sometimes it paid to have good sturdy Iron at your side. Memories of what Gavin said about feeling the Sting of Iron played in his mind.
Thinking about his own contracts, Croupier realized he had little that could help them with the flow of time. Most of his contracts focused either on fighting, tracking, and beguiling those he met. Useful if they ran into trouble, but for a long trek into the wilds... well, that's why one brought friends, right?
As to the names, Croupier shook his head, "None of those ring a bell."
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Post by Bosko on May 3, 2022 15:59:17 GMT -8
Weapons? Well... "Ehhh... I prefer a more 'hands on' approach. I believe I will be fine- though I thank you for the offer." Now then. Onto time, and precautions.
"I intend for the journey to last a few hours, but no more than four. That should give enough time for a cursory glance of the area for mapping alongside the research." It was a decent enough timescale. Not too small, not terribly long. Any more than that and Bosko would have bought camping equipment.
"As for time, I do not have a contract to help with this- I have my stomach, though!" A chuckle. "I have a good track of my own cravings. When I am hungry once again, it will have been around two, three hours... Going with my gut, if you will!" Now a boisterous laugh. "... Though, if that is not sufficient, I have the power of the Tatterdemalion that could be used to construct a rudimentary clock- one not reliant on electronics." It could be done.
The list of hunters. Bosko had none, no. But... he felt it would be dishonest not to mention. "I have ah... A past with the Machine. Forgive me if I cannot or prefer not to offer details further, my memory of that time is not a fond one. Or very well put together." A drawn-out way to describe a durance. "Though, that has little impact on my decision to dive in now."
And... Hobs. "I have an understanding with most Hobs I meet. I may have a history of giving them a mouthful when I am irritated, but elsewise I am in no debt to them. If anything, they tend to be some of my best trading partners." They made finding fresh produce much easier, at times.
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Post by Krakenbox on May 4, 2022 17:10:26 GMT -8
"Yes, she does," Bastille confirmed. He leaned forward in a conspiratorial manner, quickly giving Croupier the rundown with a concerned glance at Aisling and Bosko to make sure they were registering just how green this Spring Fairest was. "A Huntsman is your relentless jailer, in which the Keeper who took us creates to find you and drag you back. Many flocked to our borders when the Wards were weakened, given their prey alluding them for decades in some cases. I thank you, mister Bosko for disclosing that particular Keeper. Their Huntsmen," he emphasized the plural, "Are active on our borders due to the recent failure of the Wards, because we have some older courtiers that they've been trying to get their mitts on for decades. Cherish caution. I would use the example of the little one that nearly skewered one of our deadliest combatants with her Cold Iron greatsword in pursuit of the Twilit Page — he simply was standing in the way. Another is Squire Carr's — in your own Court, mister Miller — who has proven himself to be...exceptionally talented with the blade...lost his ear when his Huntsman tried to pin him by the shoulder. It took an entire firing squad of sustained artillery fire to slow it down, and Carr had to catch some bullets despite his supernatural grace and speed."
As the Autumn Elemental purred about his relationship with local hobs, the Ogre tilted his head. As the Knight of Borders, many of his vassals were diligent in keeping the pulse of Market high rollers, and retaining those individuals as consultants when things were getting too hot. "Being recognized as their Kin is a rare deformity in the mien, but extremely useful! I'm sorry, Bosko, but I say this with all the honesty that I can muster, that I wouldn't allow myself to be swindled into a false rapport. I think the last person I talked to with that trait was Firebringer. Goblins can be cheerful and start to remember your name, but never think for a second that you have any sentimental value to them beyond what you bring to the table."Bastille was only in his late thirties, and had sustained enough lasting injury from frontline service to the Spear that he had all the boredom in the world from his desk job to ensure his peers weren't going to be unprepared or ignorant. "Mister Miller, your tracking ability you have lately shown will prove useful, though please take care not to rely on it for remaining on the Trod. Mister Bosko, please do not rely on biological functions to tell time unless you are able to shift into a Telluric? If you become lost, the time away will be out of your control without that Contract, though having a time frame helps as I can send in a search party after five hours on our side of the tracks."
"We know that the Keeper, the War Machine, roved through the horizon of the Hedge and obliterated the Trod to Los Angeles. This appeared to have shattered another Keeper's Title into splinters, where one caused the Dream Plague we have just weathered, and the other splinter still nesting in the Goblin Market with an entire tent city of Goblins under Its leadership," he cleared his throat, "I bring up this new one — She-Who-Conquers — has recently descended from Its black spire when Mother Hydra tore apart the rainbow beaches on the border of Its realm. If It chooses to march, a dark shadow will begin to blight the Hedge in Its wake. Or, that's what King Machina mutters in Pandemonium these days."
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