Local Conditions wrote:
Outside Garnet Town
- Location: Southern Missouri
- Population: a few hundred
- Date & Time: 12:35 Date:??
- Ley Line Activity: Ley Line is "close" (it is in play)
- Weather: Sunny, 72 degrees F.
- Visibility: Good
Map Key
The mighty dragon soars over head - yes, that means Awktech - and makes a very detailed survey of the town. The earthwork barricade surrounds only the inner town portion, the fields, pastures and production forests are beyond the wall. The town citizens must leave the dubious protection to go and work. The town is situated at an oxbow in the Mississipi river, giving it's water wheel plenty of power. It is an undershot type wheel, with a second one under construction. The village itself is about a mile across, and semi-circular, a chunk of the circle taken up by the river. The fields are fallow except for the winter field which is in the middle of its growth cycle. It is a much larger field than a town of this side needs for pure sustenance. Food, and fertile river valley food at that, is definitely an export of this town.
Running roughly ne-sw the ley passes right through the fields and pastures of the village (it follows roughly the I-55 highway). Awktech can feel the power flowing through it. A few miles to the south he can see the convergence of another ley line, forming a volatile nexus. A potentially dangerous thing, potentially.
To the Coalition officer's credit, he doesn't flinch at the subtle signs of aggression, nor at the sight of one of the modern worlds most powerful creatures, but the dragon's presence definitely influences his decision to leave the conversation. He looks curtly at everyone, not nodding, more of a challenge, and when he's not successful into goading anyone into a debate he turns and heads off, snapping his skull-visaged helmet back on his stubborn head. He walks almost due south, the Coalition camp is directly to the south of the village on the banks of the river. Tellingly, it's about as far from the ley line as possible.
When he's gone the mayor returns her focus to Ulrich and the others.
"A dragon, on your team? Such strange times. I suffer their presence here only out of necessity. I don't have the ability to force them out. And, they do provide a much needed balance. It won't be long but another 'emissary' is in town, one whom I loathe even more than the Coalition. We have a prodigious food production, and the water wheel helps us generate all the power we need. That makes this small town valuable. And there is a ley line nexus close by. To some that is a sense of danger and concern. To others, it is desirable."
The mayor has started to motion to the various buildings, pointing out the rustic and yet modern lifestyle that they enjoy.
"We do not want trouble, just to live our lives. If you can promise to remain neutral, to not attempt to gain our allegiance, they I would appreciate any help you can provide. These are challenging times." She looks very sad, clearly the communities desire for independence has come up squarely against their need for safety. When Ulrich pledges support, at no cost, she gives him a gentle smile and a nod. When Zima pipes in and offers the Glitter Boy's support as well, Lithari clearly brightens, and says,
"Thank you."
"Professor," Lithari addresses Adam somewhat formally,
"since we are unable to work our fields, some of the townfolk are available to help. I will send Von to gather those with such abilities at the water wheel. He will probably need fifteen minutes. The majority of our tools are located there, except the farming ones, of course." She finally flags Von down and with the energy of a hyperactive youth he speeds off down the hard-packed dirt streets.
Chevy notes, on the other hand that many of the people, ones who had begun to slink out from hiding, duck back in as the dragon's participation in this discussion becomes clear. People are scared of dragons, it's only natural. Except for the crazy boy, who is actively chasing Awktech's shadow.
Skulking around the town, Egil spots the CS camp to the south, there's about a full squad of troops there, complete with SAMAS. Nothing bigger thankfully. Following his streetwise senses, even hampered by the rural nature of the village, Egil still knows there is stuff going on. He finds himself at the mill. Inside he finds the miller. He is a tall man with a thick, bushy beard. Who, to Egil's experienced eye is a bit shady. But the man notices him and says,
"What do you want!" It's a statement more than a question, but the man stares down Egil, his eyes narrowing.
Just after Egil leaves - coincidence? - another emissary approaches the mayor. He is swathed in robes and many mystical symbols hang from his neck and waist, the glowing bronze rune is particularly noteworthy. When he reaches the small gathering, he slowly lowers his hood. Beneath, he is an inhuman and frightening. Adam, Chevy and Zima recognize him as a D'norr Devilman. They are fairly common and not prone to evil anymore than a human, nor are they really supernatural. The two prominent horns protruding from his forehead and the rows of smaller spike-like horns as eyebrows are still unsettling on an instinctive level.
Apparently he heard the tail end of the conversation, because when he approaches he jumps right in.
"Indeed, you are in a troubling predicament, Mayor Lithari," he says in a warm, friendly voice. There is a trace of a condescending tone, but it is nothing like Lt. Beehan. In fact, it's more like a parent proud of a child's best effort that just didn't succeed. He turns to face Ulrich, extending a pink hand laden with rings bearing more mystic symbols,
"I am Symon, a representative of the True Federation of Magic." He glances to the sky and follows Awktech's flight for a moment,
"Truly, you have a fascinating assortment of individuals. I am truly surprised to find that a noble dragon would endure the presence of one of those vampire creatures."
Symon turns his attention back to Lithari.
"Madam, the nexus is indeed a desirable asset to us. We can also protect your people from it's eccentricities. My concern now, however, is these Black Market incursions. Those horrid creatures representing a vile organization are something I suspect even our open minded friend Beehan would prioritize as a threat." He glances around at the others, eyes only resting on Ulrich, the rest he passes right over.
"My Lord Dunscon offers you protection. Elementals to guard you, golems to till the fields. You would have all the freedom you wished under the True Federation's benevolence." He doesn't quite raise his arms, but he turns his palms out and looks like he's ready to achieve spiritual ecstasy.
Tired, even more so than with Beehan, Lithari responds,
"I understand Symon, you said the same thing yesterday."
Symon again looks at the Nameless standing around him, his horned brow slightly furrowed.
"Even though none of you have the gift, we of the True Federation would welcome you into our society and find a role suitable to your abilities." Turning back to Lithari, he says,
"I would enjoy discussing this at length another time Madame Mayor." With a slight bow he heads east to the river. [Unless anyone engages him in conversation, he is quite willing to discuss matters.]
What are you doing?