EVENT ★ RING OF FIRE

[futurologists]

SALOON FIRE Miz Poppy and most of the saloon workers have been missing since the ambush out at Boneyard Junction. None of the remaining saloon workers (around five total) have any idea where they've gone, only that one morning, they were all missing. They've been running the saloon as best they can in their proprietor's absence, but pouring drink and dealing with rooming is about the best they can offer with such a skeleton crew. Those who think there's more to this than Miz Poppy and the workers heading for the hills will find themselves right -- though not in an altogether pleasant way. Some time after the ambush, early in the morning, a fire starts in the saloon. By the time anyone notices, it's already spread too far to salvage anything: the task has quickly shifted from put out the fire to don't let anyone burn alive. There are a handful of saloon workers who live here, some visiting Qorral, and of course your teammates. Whom you choose to prioritize is up to you, but be mindful that you're still guests here, and the locals don't look kindly on yellow-bellied cowards. After everyone is safely out (or not), it's time to help put the fire out so it doesn't spread to other buildings. Perdition's Rest is mostly constructed of wood, meaning that the whole thing is a tinderbox ready to go. The sheriff and her deputies are here to assist, and many of the locals come out to help as well, though some stay in the streets and gawk. Afterwards, what parts of the the burned-out shell of the saloon still stand can be explored for clues as to what started the fire -- and, perhaps, what happened to Miz Poppy. Sheriff Holladay remains in the wreckage to conduct her own investigation; she'll be thankful for anyone who stays to help out, and will gladly swap information. THE GREAT OUTDOORS The saloon is now a blackened, roofless husk of a first floor and a burnt staircase that leads to nowhere. You'll need to find new accommodations. Those who helped out may find the Qorral willing to spare a bed for an intrepid adventurer or two -- but then again, they may be just as likely to suspect these offworlders as a cause for the fire. Ultimately, it may be easier to just camp outdoors. The local Qorral are happy to lend blankets and materials for tents, though if you want something a little sturdier, the tailor or the trading post will sell you something better . . . for a slight upcharge, of course. Better flex those haggling skills. As the hours pass and the sun begins to slip down below the horizon, it begins to snow. The locals will tell anyone that this is normal; it's midway through Q-65's winter season, and snow is common at this time of year. The weather will continue to be on the colder side of temperate, but the snow makes things a little chillier. If you haven't learned to get cozy with your teammates by now, this is as good a chance as any. Soon enough, someone starts a cooking fire, and though some of the locals filter back to their homes, some remain behind to stay with Audentes to share food, swap stories, and sing songs. It's an excellent time to rest and recharge after the last hectic few weeks on this planet. But for those who aren't the resting sort, it can also be the perfect time to plan and strategize. OOC NOTES Remember that the plotting post is available all month. There will be two more logs for this mission, both of which will be action-oriented, so use this time to relax and mingle! Please direct all questions pertaining to the mission to the dossier page to keep questions and responses in one place for easy player reference. General game questions should be directed to the FAQ. There have been new side missions added to the Bounty Board! You can also request bounty missions or submit player plots at any time.

Comments

1

[viscontree]

Yeah, I assume that you're out here on some other business. [Julius shrugs, but he takes notice of Urahara's cane. Not something he sees everyday.]

What are you planning to do all the way out here? [He's just curious. Urahara doesn't need to give him a real answer though. As far as he's concerned, Julius is just a stranger.]

[predomination]

[even if he knew him well, flippant is his middle name, and he doesn't look the least bit serious or grave at the question.] Oh just checking up on the bandits to see how they're faring. I hear they've been giving many of our number a hard time. [he lowers his voice to a conspiratorial whisper as he slides... a paper fan out of his sleeve and snaps it open, adding an even more ridiculous air of mystery to his words.] Between you and me, I don't think they're going to give up so easily.

[viscontree]

The bandits are persistent and it's easy to see why we have trouble. [Unfortunately, the bandits are like cockroaches and when you hurt it they just come back for more.]

Well, I'll do my part and help disperse them. Will you be able to manage fighting on your own? [Not everyone knows combat and strategy. It's safer to ask.]

[predomination]

[why do people make this so easy for him. it's times like this his rabid hatred of "Fate" seems unjustified.] Oh? Well, I didn't have plans to fight them, but I suppose it wouldn't be a bad idea to chase them away...

[viscontree]

They're bound to cause trouble if we just leave them be. [That's not gonna happen. Those bandits need to learn some respect!! Before Julius even takes a step forward he realizes that he's forgetting something. ]

What's your name? I'm Julius Visconti.

[predomination]

Urahara Kisuke. [cheerful as always.] Just a humble shopkeeper.

[except that pseudo-lie doesn't work much anymore when people have seen what he can do, but one never knows just what the people here are capable of. if he can pretend a little longer and Julius can keep them at bay alone, then he has ample opportunity to get what he's after.

and if not, then he'll step in and get what he's after anyway.]

[viscontree]

Nice to meet you. I'm always pleased to meet others within our rank.

Did you arrive here recently? [ Julius doesn't remember Urahara being here around Chantes. It must have been sometime after that or more recent.]

[predomination]

Zeta-12, actually. This is only my second mission.

[he tsks lightly, tugging on the brim of his hat.] And might I just say, this is turning out to be quite the complicated one.

[viscontree]

That tends to happen around here unfortunately. On the bright side, it looks like you've got some experience already.

It'll help you out, I know it. [By the second mission you're more aware of how things operate in ALASTAIR. It's good. ]

[predomination]

Mm. [the natural faux-humility slides into place seamlessly as he glances down at the canyon below him where the bandits camp.] I may be getting a bit over my head right now, but between the two of us we might be able to stir up some trouble.

[he smirks.] What do you say? Interested in helping?

[viscontree]

Of course. It's such a big task for a single person.

Besides, those bandits won't know what's coming. [Julius nods in affirmation. He prefers to avoid causing trouble when possible, but the bandits can't be left alone. Helping Urahara disperse them should do the trick. He's got plenty of weapons up his sleeve in case it comes to that.]

We'll go in on your count. Are you ready?

[predomination]

Yes. [he steadies himself against the rock. the canyon isn't steep so they can probably start down with very little in their way. it won't be a very delicate approach, but he's not interested in being delicate. he's interested in luring them away from the camp enough that an investigation can occur.

he even has a plan.] 3... 2... 1...

[and once he hits one, he hits the ground running, surprisingly agile as he vaults over the edge and onto the sloped canyon wall, despite wearing the opposite of sensible shoes. one of the bandit lookouts takes notice and begins sounding the alarm.

such a bold entrance flies in the face of his training back when he was in second division, but there's a time and a place to make a quiet assassin's entrance and this is not either. a massacre would solve the problem, he knows, but he's not interested in that today. deterring them and then getting what he wants out of this encounter- that's all that matters. ] Oh dear~ [he calls out as he slides to a stop at the base of the canyon wall, looking far more delighted than anyone should be.] It looks we've been spotted already.

[which was precisely his plan, hence his delight. but for the average person, he just looks a bit... well, unhinged.]

[viscontree]

It's not a problem is it? We can still handle it. [Julius sounds calm and ready. This isn't something he says out loud, but he's impressed by Urahara's skill. Didn't he just say he was a shop keeper? This is a bit much for an ordinary person. Oh well, he can ask questions later.

For now, he focuses on keeping the bandits distracted. They're still hanging in there somehow. ]

More bandits are coming your way, are you going to be alright?

[predomination]

[it would be so much easier if bandits weren't as easy to herd as cats. getting them together enough for Urahara to put up a barrier around them might be more difficult than anticipated. difficult... but not impossible.]

Oh, I'll be fine~ [he steps lightly, the crook of his cane dangling off his arm as he moves. this carefree approach at least keeps his group of bandits from making their move immediately.] You're in luck, gentlemen. I'm not really interested in killing you.

[a nervous fidgety sort pulls the trigger on his gun and Urahara moves only enough so that he avoids it, but even that is an extremely faster-than-average movement, just enough to startle them.] Don't be mean. I don't want to have to change my mind. [there's a surge of anger from the group and there's a loud noise like several guns clicking in unison. well, that can only mean one thing.]

Oh, don't do that... [he drawls, the nonchalant lilt never leaving his voice.

they open fire on him, expecting to be making quick work of a nuisance. The gunshots are deafening and with Julius occupied with his own problems, it's probably a bit difficult to notice exactly what's going on.]

[viscontree]

[Yeah, there's a lot going on at the moment. Julius doesn't immediately catch onto everything despite his best efforts to do so. But hey, Urahara seems to be able to manage himself. He isn't too worried on that front. For what it's worth, they seem to be holding up exceptionally well even when they're out numbered.

When Julius notices a bandit running towards Urahara's way he shouts:]

Look out, another one's coming to your left!

[ He isn't fast enough to get there on his own to stop the incoming bandit. At the very least, he can send out friendly warning. It's up to Urahara if he wants to take it or not.]

[predomination]

[Urahara flash-steps out of the way of the impending bullets, which does put him in the path of the incoming bandit. That one, unfortunately, doesn't get the honor of what the cluster of gunfighters is about to get. He turns on his heels, and using his palm, knocks the bandit to the ground, and plants one geta-clad foot on his chest.]

Stay down, please. [he focuses on the group who look like they're prepared to scatter and he throws up a hand, murmuring an incation.] Bakudo 63: Sajo Sabaku.

[From his fingers emerge a swirl of ropes made of light which wrap their away around the bandits and bind them into place. Satisfied, and still holding his last bandit down, he turns back to pay attention to what Julius is doing.] Do you have them under control?

[viscontree]

For now, yes. [Okay, now that technique Urahara just used was definitely strange. It's an unfamiliar skill and it might be something specific to Urahara's world.]

What did you just do? [He speaks with obvious surprise in his tone. From afar it looks like magic although it could be something else entirely. His guess is a good as anyone. Whatever Urahara just did seems to be having an affect though. ]

[predomination]

Mm? [he glances back at the bound bandits, foot still planted on the clavicle of the one he knocked over.] It's a simple binding spell.

[he looks down at the bandit and sighs] And as for you... [he kicks him in the temple just enough to render him unconscious and steps off the man's chest.] Anyway, it will wear off in a little while. I just need to find something first.

[viscontree]

Alright. We shouldn't let this opportunity go to waste. Our time's limited. [Sad, but true. Julius feels no remorse for the bandits but at least they aren't like dead or anything. Oh well. ]

I must say that is a handy technique you've got there. I'm impressed. Keep up the good work.

[predomination]

[Urahara stops to look utterly embarrassed at the compliment... possibly a little too much. giant ham, that he is.] Ahh~ Well, it's nothing really. I'm so embarrassed.

[anyway] Now then... [he fiddles with magitek, checking for any sign of the missing fragment. almost immediately, it pings, and he follows the signal to some rocks not far from the camp proper. after a second or two of moving dust and small rocks, he comes up with a tiny sliver of holodisc.]

And here it is. [he digs in his pocket to produce two other fragments.] A completed holodisc.

[viscontree]

Good work. Do you have everything that you need now?

[They're still in danger. Best to move into a safer location away from suspicious activity soon. Julius does take a second to examine the holodisc then he nods. Urahara seems to know what he's doing, they're alright.]

I don't see a reason why we should linger here any longer if so.