Kintobor

The group hurries through the streets of Knothole, the streets quiet and empty. Approaching the greenspace where the marksmanship contest is taking place, the group can see a large crowd has made its way onto the greenery and out of the bleachers. The crowd is in a nervous frenzy, as they each person present tries to get a clear view of what's happening on the pitch. Members of the town watch hold the crowd back as Mayor Cassandra's voice booms over the crowd. "Citizens of Knothole, please remain calm!" "I can't see! Is it true?!" "Oh boy... this doesn't look good..." "Ugh, this is exactly the kind of thing one can expect to happen when out of towners get involved with local festivities. How unfortunate..." "I would've had that winning shot... if only..." Roaring over the crowd a familiar voice rings out, louder than even Cassandra's. His tone is aggressive and exhausted. "My brother is dead- murdered, and this is what you all do? Grovel and gawk and gossip?! Outrageous- unthinkable!" Istifer, although not visible from the heroes' current position, shouts to the crowd. "Where is Knothole's boldness? Your sense of justice? There is a murderer in our midst and you all gawk at the sight of a corpse!"

Sorry for the delay, I've been preoccupied with other tasks and haven't had the chance to finish up a set for the mission. We'll proceed tomorrow.

"...I don't think so." Polaris Perception Check (DC: 2): (1,4,5) Two Successes Listening in the direction of the crowd, Polaris can hear the sounds of the crowd. From her position, the crowd sounds aggressive and angered. About what she isn't sure. She's too far to tell.

"Hmm..." Avgustus ponders on the subject before he stops in his tracks, a look of grim curiosity dawning across him. "Do you hear that? Rather, the lack of sound? The rifles have stopped firing." The rhythmic firing of long arms had ceased, but the sound of the crowd hadn't.

Sorry to hear that, Dutch. Generally speaking I've never met a landlord I actually liked. It's not uncommon to refer to them as "slum lords" from where I'm from. I hope your situation improves in the future.

Polaris Insight Check (DC: 2): (3,4,5) Two Successes "I do not remember how I got this scar. Then again I have bumps, bruises, and cuts all over me from years of welding and working with tools. Why do you ask?" Polaris gets the impression that Fix-It believes what he tells her in this moment, even if his memory is foggy. "If you three are heading out, be careful! It seems there are dangerous individuals about if what you said is true." As Fix-It waves the group goodbye and Meerabeau motions them with her fingers pointing towards her eyes and then in the direction of the party in an "I'm watching you" gesture, the doors to the workshop close. Making their way to the contest grounds in the cold, the town of Knothole is quiet and lonely as few people linger on the streets, most of the town favouring the excitement of the marksmanship contest. Shots of blaster and kinetic rifles rhythmically cut through the quiet, followed by cheers and howlers. "You said someone wants information on whether Fix-It's a former pirate, Polaris?" Avgustus inquires. "Curious. Mind sharing who?"

"You dare accuse Fix-It of being a pirate?" Meerabeau points an accusatory finger at Polaris. "You have some nerve coming in here and-" "That's enough!" Fix-It uncharacteristically shouts at Meerabeau, the dwarf quickly shrinking in her posture. Realizing his outburst he lowers his voice and calmly continues to speak in a more familiar tone. "Meerabeau, there's no need for hostility. Please watch your tone amongst our guests." Meerabeau quietly nods as she avoids eye-contact with both Fix-It and the heroes. Fix-It turns to Polaris. "I have no idea what you mean to say when you claim I was a "pirate", but I have no recollection of any such actions in my lifetime. Why... I can't even imagine doing such a heinous thing! The good people of Knothole are my family: I look after them, and they look after me. Fix-It Land is my gift to them, as a token of appreciation." "It is alright, lad. My only hope is that it does leave an impression on those I did build it for." "I think you all know my stance on this: we should try and stick together. If we're heading to the marksmanship contest, we should go together."

"I suppose there is such a thing as a bad surprise, but how can you be so salty about such a thing as Fix-It Land?" The tinkerer throws his hands up in exasperation. "And just what do you claim to know about Fix-It's past, hm?" Meerabeau asks pointedly.

"My hope is to have it up and operational afterwards, yes." Fix-It nods. "Not much left to finish besides some safety tests on the roller coaster and fixing the carousel, but that should take a few days." "You guys brought up assassins, not us." Meerabeau states, pointing an accusatory finger. "Fix-It's the sweetest guy in town. If after seeing this you still believe he's some monster, then I don't know what to say. You didn't... lie to get in here, did you?"

"How would you feel having a birthday present spoiled? Or a Yul'Yom present spoiled? It's the same principle. This is meant to be a surprise!" Fix-It explains before frowning. "I cannot help you if you what you see is worth a single credit, but the machinery here was all salvaged and restored into working order from items dragged up from Lake Alaitoc. There used to be an old fairground there a thousand years or so ago, and after so long to see them in working order again is truly a testament to the original builders!" Avgustus scratches his chin and twirls his moustache as Fix-It explains his reasoning to Polaris, eyeing him intently.

"Not to your liking, Bers?" Avgustus intuits as Bers looks at the surrounding unimpressed. His smile fades quickly as he looks at the rides and games himself, spinning around to cheerful carnival music. He lowers his voice to not let Fix-It or Meerabeau hear. "I do not believe this man to be Harrigan. Could a man as reviled as Harrigan build such a place as this as a labour of love to the children of a small village?" Avgustus shakes his head. "I do not believe so."

"You sound unimpressed?" Fix-It replies, looking to Polaris. "I can assure you, each of these items were dragged up from Lake Alaitoc, refurbished, and repaired. It's a miracle any of this stuff still works. Why don't you come inside? Here!" Fix-It moves with a lurch to a pair of brightly coloured wagons, one with a built in popcorn machine, the other a built in candy floss machine. "Perhaps you'd enjoy something sweet? I know I do, sometimes."

“Indeed it is.” Zaria lingers on Soren’s words before responding. “As much as I enjoy the travel, I rest easier knowing I am at least making my best effort to bring safety to the Arm. If I can make it even just a bit safer, then I can hang up my sword at the end of the day content with myself.”

"I merely do not want to feel like I'm impeding in places I'm not wanted, Bers." Avgustus nods. "If I'm still wanted, then I will stay." Fix-It slides the bay doors to the workshop open revealing a large back curtain. He pushes it aside to reveal the darkness beyond. With a beckoning wave he ushers the party forward. "One moment. I need to turn on the lights. I assure you the wait will be worth it! Every child in Knothole is going to be thrilled by this!" At the edge of the party's vision they can see Fix-It push a hefty switch on as the party's eyes are assaulted by a sea of lights and sounds as the workshop whirs to life. Sparkling lights, organ music, and grinding gears slowly groan to life as the party gets a better vision of the workshop interior. Restored carnival games and rides stretch through the workshop, each roaring into an active state. Fix-It moves through the room to a large merry-go-round, the only ride not activated. Gears, sprockets and wires surround the circular ride along with an assortment of tools. Buckets of empty paint stretch across the area. Fix-It gestures in pride towards his achievements. "My masterpiece. Fix-It Land! The crown jewel of my works: my marvelous creations!" He points excitedly at the games and rides, obviously ecstatic to show off his work. "Bumber cars! A roller coaster! Carnival games and food! Oh, how the children will be enraptured once I unveil it!" "Impressive stuff, right?" Meerabeau asks excitedly.

I don’t think things are at a point where we need to be confrontational with one another. C_S, I would prefer we discuss things in further detail at the end of the mission. I know you don’t intend to act in a confrontational manner, but you are whether you realize it or not. To keep things moving along, if either of you two, C_S or samurai-turtle, wish to contact me in PMs to discuss anything, you always can. Let’s keep things moving along, please.

Avgustus looks expectantly at Bers. "Well, friend, it seems you're going to be our tie breaker. Do I stay? Or do I go?" "If we are to be a group, we should investigate together." Avgustus recommends. "Four pairs of eyes will be better than two. Besides, I think we could handle anyone sneaking up on us, eh?" Avgustus reveals his revolver again, smiling confidently. Yelana Persuasion Check (DC:5): (1,2,5, +1) Two Successes Yelana Insight Check (DC:2): (2,4,5,6) Three Successes "I... I find that very hard to believe." Fix-It replies. "However, you are the agent sent here to protect me, so I suppose you'd know more than I do. Perhaps this attack was thwarted? I am telling you, I feel as if you're making mountains out of armadillo-vole hills. As for this Teclion fellow, no, I've never heard of them before. Are they too in danger?" Yelana gets the impression that Fix-It is being honest with her. "Give me a moment and I'll open up the bay doors. Meerabeau, come lend me a hand." As Fix-It and Meerabeau move away to open the bay doors, Avgustus quickly moves in to speak to the party in a hushed tone. "Based on what I understand, this Fix-It fellow looks like the spitting image of this Harrigan chap, and he believes he's being honest about everything he's told us. Hmm... curious."

To keep things moving along, we'll assume that Polaris heard the conversation as I don't believe that one person should take full attention of an NPC unless they specify they'd like to, and even then I may not grant that depending on the situation!

"I suppose." Zaria replies, conflicted in her feelings. "I am at least content knowing I did what I could to help those I had the ability to. It is uncommon to see the amount of death I witnessed on my last job. I am glad it stays that way." "Much appreciated, vhaodt." Zaria took a sip of her coffee, enjoying the rich aroma. It didn't compare to the coffee back home, but it was a warm embrace of familiarity.

“I don’t think I would call it cushy.” Zaria replies, biting her lower lip in muted anger. “Things got intense quickly. As much as I would find a safe job full at least it’s safe. The job got done, and everyone in my group came home safe. Now I’m trying to keep what transpired off my mind and focus on the future: the path laying before me and not behind me.” Zaria motions as she points with her whole hand in front of her. “I‘be taken nothing but corporate jobs since I got here. Don’t get me wrong: the pay is nice, but I could go for a job where I don’t feel like I’m cleaning up after some corporate entities mess.”

Avgustus raises an eyebrow inquisitively. "That might not be for awhile. I am quite busy these days, unfortunately. However, I am certain if you wished to speak to me regarding politics I could make room in my schedule." Yelana Insight Check (DC: 2): (2,3,4,6) Two Successes "I'm telling you, I do not know who built them. By the looks of them, they seem to have been modified toys. Someone must've added the attachments onto them and reprogrammed them." Fix-It seems to be providing Yelana with an honest answer in regards to her question. Yelana and Bers Persuassion Check (DC: 4): (1,1,4,5,5,6 +1 Success) Five Successes Fix-It scratches his grey beard in thought, clearly still sitting on the fence regarding the issue. "Hmm... I don't know... this was meant to be a secret to be shown off soon..." "Oh, just show them the secret project, Fix-It!" Meerabeau shouts. "If it will clear our names then you should do it!" "Well, alright. I suppose you folks can see it." Fix-It says, sounding disappointed. "I suppose this was really meant to surprise Knothole's children, so don't go spoiling this to them, you hear?" Fix-It asks sternly. "I don't want any of you three spoiling this surprise." "I'm keeping an eye on you, Bers." Meerabeau glares at Bers suspiciously. "Would you like me to stay here, then, or would you rather we all go to the marksmanship contest?" Avgusuts asks. Yelana Insight Check (DC: 2): (1,3,3,4) One Success "I don't understand all these questions regarding my memories and how it relates to me being in peril. No, I did not remember or feeling anything when I saw the bears. I was terrified for me and Meerabeau! Does it have to do with this Harrigan fellow?" Yelana has difficult reading Fix-It in regards to his response, although it's clear he's getting curious of the consistent questions in regards to his memory.

Zaria enters the hall without her armour, moving to the bar. Having trained for the past while, she looked healthy if a little tired. "Thorvald, a cup of coffee, if you don't mind." She asks the barkeep. Noticing Soren she moves over to sit closer to him. "Long time no see, Soren." Zaria remarks, smiling. "I hope your recent journeys have been safe?"

Zaria dried her hair as she lingered in front of her washroom mirror, languishing over the old electrical lights as they flickered. The converted hotel room was not the most luxurious place she had stayed, but she could count on her fingers worse accommodations. A few hours of hard work had transformed it into something: a few potted plants, a punching bag, yoga matts and a small bookshelf of religious text and travel guides accented her room. She would eventually find a small water fountain for aid in meditation and just to add some sort of noise besides the hum of of the building and station, but for now aethernet recordings would have to do. She felt comfortable for the first time in awhile. Looking to her armour and weapon rack, she grimaced as she looked at her cherished armour. The metal and leather had been stained through with the amount of hydra goo and gunk that had splattered across her, but that could be fixed with time. She had not had a solid work out session in awhile, and she could feel a burning pit in her grow as her desire to push her physical capabilities ignite. Leaving her armour behind but taking her blade, she made her way to the training room. She knew it was time for a few days of serious work out. Zaria quickly found herself back into her old routine as she entered the training room. Stretches. Kettlebells. Battle ropes. Skipping rope. Push ups. She had done these all before and she would continue to do so to push herself to athletic excellence. On the open road she did what she could to keep her body in shape. As much as she was skeptical about staying in the hall, the equipment and facilities ensured she'd at least be in shape during her stay. She stayed at this routine until finally she knew it was time to move on to the next part of her training. With Roderick's help, Zaria set up a series of dummies for her to practice more advanced sword techniques on. She knew she had a good handle on her skills, but she could always strike faster, slice deeper, fight better. For some time she practiced quickening her stances, her draw, and her strikes. As sharp as her blade could be, she could dull her senses if she allowed herself to grow sloth. After some time limbless dummies surrounded her. "Everything going good?" Roderick inquired. Zaria, wiping sweat from her brow, turned and nodded with a smile. "It is." Days spent working out made her feel more hearty and hardened: ready for combat. Roderick smiled back. "Just watch your swings, alright. The dummies we can attach the limbs back on. Other people, not so much." Nodding again, Zaria took time to wind down her training before ending with some stretches. She felt ready for whatever came next. Start: +7 CP Athletics 1 -- 2 (2 CP) Melee Weapons 2 -- 3 (3 CP) Vitality 6 -- 7 (2CP) End CP: 0

"An amateur political scholar, are we?" Avgustus piques up. "I find you and I are most likely in agreement on the matter. We can discuss this more in depth when time is more on our side." Yelana Insight Check (DC: 2): (1,1,2,3) Four Failures Fix-It shakes his head profusely. "I would never build something so ghoulish for the children! No, I have something much larger in mind- something that will change life in this village forever! I assure you, it will be quite remarkable once finished!" "... no." Avgustus responds, shaking his head in disapproval . "No, I do not think this will work. Yelana, I believe it best that you stay with your fellow mercenaries. I will head out and scout the marksmanship contest while you three ensure that Fix-It and Meerabeau are safe. You three work better in tandem. If they attack the workshop, heaven forbid, then you three would be better off dealing with any issues than if you were to split up. If they attack the marksmanship contest then there's enough people present with guns to fend them off. I'm not fond of the argument of the "good guys with guns are a deterrent to bad guys with guns", but in this scenario I feel more confident in saying individuals entering a marksmanship contest are more likely to know how to shoot their weapons accurately as opposed to a group of ruffian hillbillies." Avgustus looks out into the distance towards Knothole proper as he adjusts his coat, looking concerned. "If you three have nothing left to ask me, I'll be off. Otherwise, ask away."

Before I get into this, Legonater, phenomenal stuff. I really loved the mission, even with a few criticisms I have. I share a lot of Zepher’s sentiments and will be a bit more descriptive when I get a chance. In regards to your question, Zepher, it was Zaria, or at least I hope it came off as Zaria. She believes that the Hydra is an abomination in the eyes of Varuth, and her interaction with it before the final fight was a nail in the coffin that Varuth wanted it destroyed. While I think she sees Greenlaw as an outright threat, I think she’s suspicious of Merei. Being interested in the Hydra is one thing, being obsessive over it’s potential positive outcomes is another. If I’m being honest, I’m shocked Greenlaw’s still alive. I think if I had to go back and replay that scene, Zaria would’ve decapitated her as a means to keep people safe. I think in that moment though my schedule began to conflict with the game and just didn’t get a chance. I’m surprised Simon didn’t blow her brains out with his side-arm, if I’m being honest. If Greenlaw manages to do harm to others, Zaria would blame herself for not taking action, because in this one instance I think fatigue got the better of both of us. Zaria feels like the kind of character that prefers not to start fights, but she will end them in bloody, violent displays of limbs being cleaved from bodies. I feel like the two of us are just doomed to not get along as PCs. I jokingly came into this game saying I was going to play Boomers, and here we are. Oh, how the tables have turned. I forgot about Bobby and Annienal. They actually got along just fine. I miss the “young Heroica” gang, that group was dumb and fun.

"If what your friend says is true, then I am most likely safer here at my workshop than out and about Knothole. I will defer to your groups expertise on the matter." Polaris Persuasion Check (DC: 2): (3,5,5) Two Successes Fix-It scratches the back of his head, looking confused. "Well... a little bit, I guess? I remember coming to Knothole and I remember working on shipyards in the League, but... there's this fuzzy feeling I get sometimes when I try to recollect things. I don't know, maybe it's just old age catching up on me. To be honest, Polaris, I'm not quite so sure what this has to do with anything, though." "I don't know about you, but if this Harrigan guy is a war criminal than it couldn't be the same person as Fix-It! He wouldn't hurt a fly!" Meerabeau responds defensively. Avgustus scratches his cheek and preens his moustache as he responds. "Hmm. I'll head to the marksmanship contest in that case and scout it out. If you three wish to stay here and guard Fix-It and Meerabeau then I feel confident in your ability to keep him safe. Is everyone in agreement?"