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regression) wrote2020-07-29 11:39 am
( CLOSED )
▶ WHAT: crime!
▶ WHEN: Early September onwards
▶ WHERE: many places
▶ WARNINGS: This plot deals with organized crime groups, so there will be some... Stuff. General violence, mentioned violence/abuse against animals (dragons), mentioned Prismal trafficking, mentioned murder, possibly murder, alcohol, drug usage/abuse, mentioned/possible drug experimentation, needles for tattooing.
After the whirl in Calanthe has finally settled, Moonblessed returning to Lunatia or visiting Lyestellus find that other troubles have brewed during their absence. From vanished brothers to missing dragons, Caihong and Lyestellus are looking for any aid.
Those recruited by the Caretaker in Lyestellus are brought together for introductions in hopes for a team effort. However, Umbris is contracting Moonblessed in an instance, not interested in building friendlier relations. Umbris contractors may recognize each other as that other person present when the deal was going down.
KINGDOM OF LYESTELLUS
CARETAKERMoonblessed! Welcome back to the Kingdom. May all be well now that the water is clear between the Lunatians and Queen Tempeste.
While I know you need and seek rest, it is my duty to bring awareness to the disquiet in the mountains. Over the span of one full moon, three dragons have disappeared and haven't returned.
If you could spare any time at all, then I and our Kingdom would be grateful. To start, perhaps ask around? In our song and our words, there are stories that may lead us to the truth. You have my gratitude.
CAIHONG, LUNATIA
UMBRIS CONTRACTEEHuh... I don't really care for ya or the rest of the Moonblessed posse, but gotta follow orders if I want to have a cushy life here in Umbris.
Okay. Listen up. We're looking to make a contract, y'see? Umbris is losing members left and right—no, not like they leave the life to pursue their passion or anything. They either up and disappear or show up basically unrecognizable. Not that they're usually a pretty bunch.
Oh, and they come up dead. Very dead.
Figure out what's going on, all that jazz. So scratch our backs and we'll scratch yours. Umbris pays well. We done here?
no subject
There are plenty to question here on the Skyway! Hopefully, your efforts bear fruit. While Moonblessed can ask the lift and train staff, they mention that they haven't noticed anything too odd during the daytime, maybe asking the nighttime crew can provide better insight?
Unfortunately, they don't provide much. There are roars here and there, but that's normal... Some dragons prefer to live in the mountain dens and paying the Kingdom a visit every once in a while. It's a lifestyle.
However, if Moonblessed were to investigate the mountains themselves (if they do dare), then there's something off about the forest. It isn't anything that can be picked up by scent, but high (or otherworldly like Moonblessed pizzazz) perception magic can unveil a powder marked on the trees. It leads toward Lunatia, while the other end skews deeper into the mountains.
If you proceed to Lunatia, the trail ends there. Following the other tail leads the Moonblessed to several dragon dens. Most are empty, except for one. The party is greeted with a shattering roar—"You may have come for me, but you won't have me!"
Inconsolable. Deaf to reason. Moonblessed must subdue and calm the dragon if they look to find any possible answers.
BATH & INNHOUSE
The staff... tells Moonblessed that nothing feels that different! Aside from new Lunatian visitors now enjoying Lyestellus' wonders. Though they are very concerned about their fellow dragons.
They continue to chat about how relaxing and great the springs are, but notably how relatively easy it is to sleep after dipping into the waters. A few people here and there may comment on how they wish they could have some of this back at home. Unfortunately, the spring stays and its waters, too. There is a sign forbidding anyone from taking samples.
If Moonblessed were to ask some of the usual guests, they might drone on about having their honeymoon here (maybe to unnecessary intimate details), but they do cough something else. They're curious about this new guest who has been frequenting the springs enough to be considered a regular. On top of that, they're always served by the same staff member? Maybe an affair?
At the end of their little gossip round, a dragon with several dragons clinging to their arm walks in with a loud ruckus! Give them the best suite for them and their mates! Guests whisper about how this specific visitor has been recently swimming in demichroma considering how much they splurge.
The rowdy guest can be followed to their room at night, but they're tight-lipped despite their loudmouth. Some persuasion, maybe some alcohol, or some flattery may help loosen those lips? If Moonblessed choose to wait and pursue the new guest, then they will find that the staff employee has been bottling hot spring water and selling it. They will make a run for it and escape if they can't catch up. Better give chase and interrogate.
no subject
The dragons' peak entertainment hot spot is bustling today, too. Moonblessed enter S.S.S.'s grand halls, welcomed by the warm echoes of tuned instruments. They just made it before the next performance, which means locals should be willing to chat, right? Well...
No. They don't want to be disturbed until the upcoming performance is done. It's supposed to be a mix of orchestra and storytelling through either song, dance, or both. Quite exciting, so don't bother them when it's about to start.
Several minutes pass before the coordinator for the next performance announces that they're looking for any kind volunteers to help with storytelling. It's a forbidden romance between the classes, of course. With the crowd unwilling to talk, it might do good to get the show going.
If the performance puts people in a good mood, the audience will talk. Nobles at most mention they've seen some common dragons rise in wealth recently! It's worth celebrating since now they have more numbers to help provide for their community. However, there is one or two that find it distasteful... If not suspicious.
Commoners have little to talk about aside from the performance. There are some grumbles about the snootier nobles, then disdain for an individual about someone's social climb in status. Some prying here and there, maybe a motivational speech, could earn a name to look into.
no subject
Ah... Shiny trinkets galore. Beautiful. The Skylight Exchange is busy as usual, especially at the Flowerlight Fountains where people crowd to see which flower will manifest in their presence. Unfortunately, most shoppers do not have much to tell the Moonblessed, but they wish them luck.
As it winds down at the Skylight Exchange, there is still one person at the main Flowerlight Fountain. It's a fortune teller meant to educate any visitors about dragon flower culture, likewise interpret their fortunes. Moonblessed can have their fortune interpreted (about their financial situation, about their love life, about their sex life, about their future, etc) as they question them if anything seems strange.
The teller mentions that every day, they see a poor soul approach the fountain. Whoever they are, they would brighten up when the flower that emerges during their visit speaks of anything positive. The teller says there seems to be a dark, heavy cloud over them—guilt.
Stall owners say they may know something, though their memory is a little fuzzy. Perhaps some delicious chroma can jog their memory. There are plenty of enchanting accessories and items to choose from, so it's at least worth the price aside from some collective information. However, some vendors are greedier than others.
no subject
Caihong is lively and colorful as it should be which might make it difficult for Moonblessed to pick out who to question. However, if they want to figure out the cause of these disappearance cases, then they can learn from the bottom of the pyramid. While Moonblessed may be contracted with Umbris, only a few know about it and the grapevine has its shortcomings...
Umbris goons are indifferent to Moonblessed, though irritated to be questioned about the missing cases. Based on grim expressions that can be picked from the crowd, someone knows a little bit more than nothing. They prefer not to answer until one of them blows a casket, "Who are you to go snooping around Umbris, huh? I don't care if you're contracted or whatever it is!"
Unfortunately, questioning can't continue unless this goon is beaten in a brawling match. If looking for a peaceful route, then reporting them to the contractee is another method... Whether they'll pick up your call is another question entirely. However Moonblessed decide to resolve the situation, good luck.
no subject
The obvious person to question is B.S.'s Buwan, a man with some shady history. Buwan, as usual, says that his business is all clean, so he isn't sure why you're interrogating him? However, he does mention that the quality of contenders have been so-so lately... Not as many people are coming to the fighting ring here.
People accuse Buwan of rigging the arena again because one contender seems to win every match. Only few contenders are left who would dare challenge the champion, so it makes it difficult to witness how matches go or discern what might be giving them an advantage. Moonblessed may need to volunteer themselves or someone else into the ring while they/someone else snoop(s) into the champion's guarded room.
Oh, but the battle is brutal. The champion harbors strength no regular civilian should have, even those who have honed their natural strength. They're quick, violent, and deaf to any possible bribes. Some insults may do well here, however. Champions tend to preen themselves excessively. By the way, this is all livestreamed (yet not recorded).
Everyone is entitled to privacy, or so Buwan says, but he can turn a blind eye for Umbris. However, he cannot help with the guards who stand by the room's door. There is no right or wrong way to deal with the guards, though quieter might be better.
no subject
Even if it resides in Level 4, Obscuria shines like a diamond. With many other syndicates choosing this as their chill spot, Moonblessed can increase their scope by asking other groups outside of Umbris about the case. Unfortunately, similar to Umbris, they're not too keen of Moonblessed, but won't show them the door as long as they're here to play.
Using the Umbris contract also doesn't gain much favor. Instead, groups would roll their eyes and some would dare whisper about the reigning organization of Caihong. Listening in on them will show plenty of groups think Umbris is losing its edge for getting caught up in whatever this is, daring to turn to Moonblessed...
Moonblessed can earn rapport by playing the games and, of course, winning. The game of choice that would really gain the attention of other groups is mahjong, but there are some polished players at the table. What they're looking for is skill, tenacity, and a fiery spirit. Of course, information is valuable, so Moonblessed need to put something on the line, too. The players do reassure to uphold their part of the deal, going as far as crossing their hearts as an arrangement. What they don't tell... Is that there are little tricks at this table.
These players have a sleight of the hand in another way. From the beginning of the game, they strategically shuffle tiles in a way where they can choose advantageous stacks. Tiles seem to disappear into their stack, though it's usually too late for those with untrained eyes to realize. It'll be difficult to win fair and square.
Make a wager for intel. Make as little trouble as possible or make as much trouble as possible. Whatever it takes to win.
no subject
Station staff mention that they haven't encountered anything out of the ordinary, but there have been eerie noises lately... Like there's something living in the sewers, but no one has encountered it yet except for one employee. They point the employee out and usher them to politely talk to them. They're kind of traumatized by what they think they saw.
The employee mentions they saw a monster, specifically one that looks similar to a dragon. However, it wasn't like the pleasant dragons of Lyestellus. This one snarled and tried taking a bite out of them, going so far as to chase them until they escaped into a small crevice. Ever since that day, they haven't checked the sewers again. Unfortunately, their account is the only account.
The staff allows Moonblessed access to the sewers with a warning to be careful... It may not be pretty, but the sewers are important and integral to everyday life in Lunatia. Exploring the sewers is not at all grand. It smells and it's dark! Fortunately, the eerie sounds echo through the underground and cast shadows from whatever light source brought with them seem to move.
Moonblessed are met with, as the employee said, a dragon... Except it's different than the very dragon description the employee gave. The "dragon" shows signs of a different Moonblessing entirely from Sanguis. It does not speak, only shrieking before it lunges at the party. Apprehending it will be the only way to get answers.