Chapter 3: Snake in the Eagle's Shadow

Wu Meng (the archive on Plum Orchard Lane)

Changing vantage point, you discover the west room isn't as empty as you initially thought. There's a lone figure there, female, scanning the shelves against the south wall. You've never heard of a female scribe. What's more, this person is dressed in scarlet rather than the muted colors a scribe would wear. A minor aristocrat, perhaps?

The woman turns to face you - you had no idea she was even aware of your presence - and you realize everything has gone quiet - no rustling of leaves in the garden, nor trickling of water in the koi pond, no quiet shuffling in the north room - everything has fallen unnaturally still, frozen in time. In the woman's hand is an ornate scroll case.

What do you do?

Kalam or Feng (Feng's textile shop)

There's a messenger at the door. Very official-looking. Very annoyed with this errand they obviously feel is beneath them.

When you answer, the person unceremoniously dumps a pouch in your hand. With a sniff as if they were handing off a fish that has gone off. The pouch contains 250 coins, the bounty on the scorpotaur.

The messenger spins on their heel and marches away.

What do you do?

Wu Meng (the archive on Plum Orchard Lane)

A man clears his throat behind you. When you turn around, you see Choa. He's not wearing the Quian ring. In fact, today he's not dressed like someone who works for anyone. He has the appearance of being the master of this place.

"I expected you and your associate much sooner, monk."

Turning once more, you see that the mysterious, scarlet-garbed woman has disappeared!

What do you do?

"Scruples. Rare in Opal City, and certainly not in evidence when you accepted the commission," Choa dismisses you with a wave. "If you feel unequal to the task, away with you. You will not be punished for this failure, but neither will you be paid."

Choa turns to leave. What do you do?

Kalam follows suit. Putting his fifty into a coin pouch tied to his belt and placed inside his vest.
"My Sifu asked me to come find him. We are both students of a Martial art heritage. He is of the Mountain, under Sifu Gen. I am of the Sky, under Sifu Qian. He is in fact, the last Mountain. I'm not sure how much you know of these traditions, but the meaning is significant." he gives a pained look. "I had the honor of sparing with him in the past, his martial prowess is not to be taken lightly. The only reason I won is because of my bloodline. The ability to harness a small amount of magical energy, gives me an edge in combat. "

Iko, Feng, and Kalam (Feng's textile shop)
Iko arrives as Feng and Kalam discussing philosophy over a pot of tea.

Mimi (the woods)
The deer's tracks lead you to a small hut well-camouflaged with bark and molds and moss. A thin wisp of smoke snakes out of the chimney. What do you do?

Wu Meng (the archive on Plum Orchard Lane)Choa stops and throws up a hand signal that looks suspiciously like one meant to stay an assassin's blade, or at least, command them to wait. "You have my name. Are you suggesting I was being false?"

In the corner of your vision, a blur of scarlet. When you look, the woman is not there.

"As for our reasons, you are in no position to demand them. Your free-spirited partner should have taught you better. I am told the Changgok now have possession of the scroll thanks to a certain... free-spirited individual you were seen sharing a pot of tea with. Some might infer you colluded with said individual, but I can tell you haven't the liver to double-cross me. Am I wrong?"