Chapter 1 - Summer

Sans and Mathis follow their senses to direct their steps to the district where craftsmen work: they look out for the sound of workers, the smell of furnaces, the telling plumes of smoke...

Walking Through Wichop Crossroads | Sans (Success +)~

...and before long you Notice the telltale scent of leather works.



In a brightly lit square, craftsmen go about finishing up their days work.

(+) Additionally, it's clear to you Sans which shop is of the highest quality. While the building isn't as large, or impressive as those around it, there's a fastidiousness to the pieces hanging on display pegs in the windows.

A craftsman sits atop a stool, at a large, heavy workbench, stitching leather pieces together.

"Here, Mathis... I have a good feeling about this one..." he murmurs to his fellow Coat.

"Master craftsman... Do not be alarmed about the sorry sight of my face..." he calls the man, approaching him. "We are foreigneirs, from far South. My friend and I were admiring these refined creations. Never have I set eyes on more finely crafted pieces! Pray tell, are these the fruit of your handywork, Master?

The Leatherworkers Workshop | Sans ~
As you approach, the smell of sulfur and resin tickles your nose.

The man nods solemnly at Sans and Mathis. "Aye, tis my work." His voice is thick with Rainforester accent. "I'm Vinicio Lorino. Ask anyone around; my wares are the finest you will ever see." His eyes roam over the two of you, hindered by the flickering gear lights of the square. He obviously senses a sale.

"Likewise," shaking their hands. "May the Clockmaker watch over you both."

Turning toward Aloys and Elaine, "Thinking it over again, and as much as I'd like a drink right now, given what happened to us last time we tried gathering information at a drinking establishment, maybe we should put a cork on that for now. Aloys, you mentioned a possible ally in Julia Sardou. Was it mentioned where to find her?"

Sans continues with the flattering approach. "Ha! I thought so... Wonderful work, Master Lorino. Look at the detailing..."

He steps more into the light, so his face is more clearly lit. "I have been searching for a fine artisan to help with my... facial problem.You see, some years back I was unfortunate enough to fall in the gears of some machinery... They pulled me out in time, but..."
He shrugs, "I guess I should be thankful to still have my life... Anyway, I could never find someone who could... Give me a new face, as it were. Some mask of sorts, that could be comfortable to wear and breathe through, but that gave me the appearance of a more... Palatable face. It revealed to be too tricky a task for most... "

He looks at the craftsman, "... but perhaps not for someone of your talent, Master Lorino? "

In the Clean and Warm Workshop | Sans & Mathis ~
Mathis leans against a wooden pillar as Sans speaks. He puts his pipe in his mouth.

A sharp intake of breath from Master Lorino when he sees Sans' face. He's apologetic. "Forgive me; that was rude. Yes, I see why a mask woul--"

--"DO NOT smoke in HERE!"

Mathis jumps as if bitten on the rear. He apologizes and returns his pipe to his pouch.

"As I was saying, I see the need for a mask."

The master craftsmen get up and goes to a shelf in the back of his work area, grabs an item, and walks over to Sans, his workbooks scuffing on the well sanded floor.

He holds out a small doll for Sans to take.

"An Effigy. In my culture, we make them as religious tools--they instruct us in the forms of the gods."

Sans, the item is smooth as skin, and something under the leather, blank face gives the impression of brow ridge, eye sockets, nose and mouth; very realistic.

"Lambskin. Onlynthe softest."

Sans nods, impressed at the small details of the effigy. Despite the minute proportions, the detailing is fine and executed with great craftsmanship. He tries to picture in his mind what face this master leather artist would create for him... but it is too hard, his disfigured features keep canceling each mental image just as soon as it is forming.

"Yes... your hands are surely the ones I have been looking for..." he whispers, impressed. "Tell me, Master Lorino... what would you require of me? A cast, perhaps? Measurements? And how long?... Look, this is all I have, I will not try to haggle with a man of your artistry. I only hope it is a sufficient token..." he says, understanding that a chance like this might not come his way twice. He puts all their coins on display, causing Mathis to gasp involuntarily.

Maybe the Cogmaker guided my steps to you, Vinicio Lorino...

Master Lorino's Workshop ~
A cool summer breeze blows into the workroom from wide, open doorway. A golden moment of quiet from the square outside punctuates the moment.

Vinicio Lorino catches Mathis' gasp. The leatherworker pokes the spilled coins with his index finger.

"Who are you, sir, who comes to my workshop so late, asking for what could be my best work, offering me an amount of coin that seems so significant to you."

He motions for Sans to sit in a cushioned leather chair. "I shall lay the leather across your face and make markings for the dimensions," he explains.

Sans sits down and lets the man inspect his face, uncomfortable as such proximity feels. He only ever let the Acolytes treating his wounds get this near, touch his face.

"I am a man without a face, and if your best work can give me one... Nothing material I own can repay for it..."
"As far as introductions. .. I will one day come back to you, and tell you my name, when knowing it will not put anyone at risk," he says looking at the craftsman in the eyes, hoping to convey the importance of discretion, "and perhaps properly repay you for your kindness..."

Master Lorino's Workshop ~
The craftsman nods at Sans' words. "Your manner; your sincerity. I feel you're a man of honor and nobility. Tell me now, if this is not so."He then continues to work in silence, for the few minutes it takes to make his measurements.

Mathis comes back in from smoking his pipe.

Vinicio takes the thin piece of leather, covered in his markings and measurements, to his large, tool laden workbench. "This will take the night. My apprentice is out in the countryside, visiting her brother. Her cot is available in the backroom should you like it."

His eyes have taken on a feverish light, and he begins to work with gusto.

Back in the Alley Ways of Wichop ~
After a conversation regarding where to find Julia Sardou, Elaine chimes in: "If how you described the cousin is any indication, she would likely be found in a seedy part of town."

She looks at a dirty, smelly puddle as she frowns.

"Your guess is as good as ours where that could be. Lead on Issac."


The others will follow your lead for the moment Issac. Where would you look for an under-board information broker?

"The truth, Master Lorino, is that I have forgotten most of who I am. I do try to live honorably whatever time is left for me to live... One can only try."

"Your offer of the cot to rest the night is much appreciated, Master. My comrade and I will be of no hindrance," he nods in gratitude, moving towards the back of the workshop as instructed, gesturing Mathis to follow.

Once alone with the other Coat, he murmurs, "this arrangement is a stroke of luck. I'd best not be seen around this town, for now... And you can do with the rest, with those nasty scratches on you. You take the cot, friend Mathis," he says, finding a small crate to sit on, resting his back against the wall.

He takes out some of the rations he packed from the airship galley and shares them with Mathis.

The Workshops Backroom | Sans ~
Mathis grunts as he sits on the lumpy, straw mattress. The bed creaks as the mustachioed musketeer reaches for the ration.

"If the captain truly is behind this all. She's going to be coming after us eventually. We are too dangerous left free... or alive."

"How much time do you think we have?"

After a moment's thought, "Maybe I'm generalizing but when I think shady dealings, I think vices, in particular gambling. We should see if there's a gambling district. At best, we find this Julia, at worst we recoup our losses and fill what little coffer we have."

"Who knows... but yes, they will be on our back soon... probably hunting us like deserters, too. We're not in a good predicament, my friend. It is a dark day for the Gold Coats... We will have to expose this conspiracy to clear our names..." he whispers, falling in a brooding silence. Were it capable to express emotions, his ruined face would be frowning in concern...

The Nighttime Streets of Wichop | Elaine, Aloys & Issac (success) ~
A town the size of Wichop Crossroads never really sleeps.

With eyes peeled, you walk the cobble streets, passing townsfolk, busy taverns, late night workers. It's an hour or so before you find yourselves on the edge of a district smelling of laundry powders and linen. Between two large warehouses, housing vats of steaming water, is a well lit alley 'guarded' by two large bruisers. Townsfolk come and go from from the alley, the bruisers obviously controlling who gets in.

This is a seedy business if you've ever seen one...

You observe this all from a corner, a safe and sufficient distance away.

How do you all approach? What is the plan Gold Coats?

Despite her best efforts to maintain usual composure, Elaine can't help but try to inconspicuously keep herself behind Issac and Aloys - not hiding from the passerbys, per se, but tactically avoiding any attention of the shady folks dwelling among nightly streets of Wichop Crossroads. Dark alleyways and slums of the towns are as far from her scene as it gets, and even years as a musketeer never quite made her comfortable in such places - a regrettable oversight, but she can't help it. It's just... unsettling. Burly scarred men guarding the alleyway are just a cherry on top, making her feel completely out of her element. At least her companions don't have the same issues. Probably.

"Are we... going in there?" She whispers to Issac, eyeing the guards apprehensively. "Maybe I should wait for you here. They probably don't like nobility." No, it is not an excuse, it is a reasonable concern. "Unless you're going to do all the talking..."

Seeing Elaine's discomfort, Issac places a comforting hand on her shoulder, "I know you're nervous, but we all need to be in together on this, all for one and one for all (tm) as I heard someone say once. But more then that, you're stronger than you think Elaine de Valien. And I look forward to watching those against us rue the day they cross your path."

He looks at the two burly guards and whispers back to the group "Besides, I'll do all the talking. What can possibly go wrong." and starts heading towards the alleyway entrance.