Legion (Episode 2)

Tajuri draws the drinking vessel closer and then takes a sip. "Hello Miss Em. We are some of the contingent that Lord Orb and the Council have brought in. We arrived last night. At least I think it was night. Not easy tell really with the cloudy skies always over the city." She takes a quick glance toward the adjacent area with the table seating, then back to the auburn beauty behind the bar. "I am Tajuri and these are Jael, Kris, and Kris' companion, Blue. Jael and I were in earlier and have returned, curious to experience some of the night life that was teased us before. Will there be music and maybe fights tonight?"

"Oh! That's so exciting." Em responds to the confirmation. "Yes. Yes, Our featured minstrel will be starting her first set of the evening very shortly and then, between the musical sets, pairings of the House's Deathdansers will be performing in the pit, for those with a taste for a bit of bloodsport."

Scene 12: Dresses to Impress

Following Blackmantle's direction, Radu and his lovelies turn down a narrower street and near the dead end go left. Several display windows flanking a pair of doors, are filled with dress mannikins donning various styles of dress. A small sign over the doors reads: Mysteri's Couture.



Their entry is announced by a small bronze bell hanging over the threshold. Before them is a tailor's shop filled with all manner of goods necessary for creating clothing. Two figures are seated at tables on opposite sides of the room. The nearer, turns at the sound of the chime and stands.


The figure is that of a youthful Human female. Though, it is a quick eye that realizes it is only Human in shape and appearance. Actually, the copper-haired feminine creation is just that: A creation. "Good evening, Lord and Ladies. How may we be of service to you?"

Radu raises an eyebrow quizzically. "My companions seek elegant attire, something fitting for roaming the halls of the palace."

"Yes, if you may," Ruby says, "What do the ladies like to wear in T'Lorn?"

"We only just arrived," Rosie adds.

"There are very few true ladies amongst the citizenry of T"Lorn." The sentient automaton replies. "Of the few who dress and profess, the Lady Sibylla has been the trendsetter. Though, her tastes are rather staid and changes little from season to season."


"Mari!" Though, there is some truth in your words, few would blurt it out so readily." The woman seated farther back on the right side of the shop exclaims. She turns slightly in her chair and glances in the general direction of the three guests to the shop. "I am Mystari and that is my assistant, Mari." She introduces them.

"Lady Mysteri," Radu says in polite acknowledgement. "If what your assistant says is true, perhaps my companions might set those trends. What would you charge to make something akin to what Lady Sibylla wears and modify it into something, hm, flashy and new? Something that will catch the attention of those that see us about. Two somethings, one for each: my Ruby and Rosie."

Mysteri smiles. "That sounds like a wonderful idea."

Radu perceptively notices that the woman doesn't seem look directly at anyone and only in the general direction of the sound of their voices.

"Many things can be altered." She says. "Color, fabrics, or the length of sleeves, skirt. The height of the collar..."

"We would need several hours of course, with the ladies for measurements and selections of fabrics and such." She adds.

"Hmm, of course," Radu says, turning to the women. "What say you ladies, would you care to do this now?"


Both Rosie and Ruby excitedly affirm their interest in the idea.

"Lady Mysteri, I fear I may be expected back at the palace, but perhaps my Queens, Rosie and Ruby, might stay behind with you for this fitting? The streets would be safe for them to return, I assume? I venture to guess there is not much in the way of crime here, yes?"

Mysteri stands from her seat and nods. "Yes. WE can surely do that now if you wish. Your companions will be taken well care of here m'Lord. No harm will befall them."

"Excellent!" he says, grinning and turning to the Queens.

"I look forward to seeing what Lady Mysteri comes up with for you."

Back to the proprietor. "How shall I pay you, my Lady? I...I realize I only assumed T'Lorn deals in the same currency as my home plane."

"Coins, trade. Gems work nicely as well for payment." Mysteri replies.

She glances in the general direction of her assistant. "Mari. We have work to do."

Radu nods and hands a substantial purse to Ruby. "Here. If this doesn't cover it, we'll square the tab when next we're in town. I'll see you again at the palace."

Radu leaves and follows the loose instructions he was given earlier to seek out the enchanter, Old Marythel.

Scene 13: Enter the Harbormaster



Into his third drink, Keltos hears the front doors open again, as they had several times since his crew's arrival at The Mermaid's Dalliance, and in walks a tall old Human male with a white beard and mustache.


"Welcome in, Harbormaster!" Syrena greets the newcomer. "Your usual I presume?" She gestures across the bar to Keltos and Marcus. "A couple newcomers here have been awaiting your presence this evening..."

Keltos nods and tilts his cup in greeting. "Please join us. This round is on me Syrena"

"Yes..Yes..Evening dear girl." The old seaman directs in response to the blonde bartender. "Aye. The usual for me. please. A pint of strong kaff, a quick pour of cream, and a liberal measure of aged whiskey." He bellies up to the bar. "How's the Maid tonight?"

He turns to the cybermonk as he awaits his drink and a reply. "Captain Keltos. Much thanks for the drink. Glad to have finally caught you. I need to schedule a fitting for your vessel, if you intend to use it for much travel in and out of port."


"The Maid's in good spirits this eve." She says back to the Harbormaster, as she places the smoking concoction in front of him.

"Well Met Harbormaster," Says Keltos "I do plan on some travel however I plan on retiring the Veritas for one of her sisters. I would like to know more about this beacon and what would the fitting entail. The Veritas and her sisters are not normal ships. They are in fact Virtues and as much alive as you or I"

"I did wonder about the nature of your vessel, Captain. Seeing as it appeared in the bay upon your arrival here in T'Lorn." The Harbormaster admits and takes a sip from his steamy tankard. "There are two types of beacons, as you call them, that may be fitted to a vessel for traveling through the barrier. It is mounted upon the prow of a vessel or within its figurehead, if it has one. It would be best to make this fitting during the new binding; not before or after."

Intrigued, Keltos continues his query

"Unless the process is unavoidable, I would prefer the fitting After the binding. The level of integration you are suggesting would make it a permanent part of the ship. Would I be correct in assuming that to be so? Or can it be removed at a later date?"

"Yes. It is intended to be a permanent process to keep exceptional thieves and those who would wish to invade our little sanctuary from getting the means in their hands." The Harbormaster answers Keltos. "I suppose it could be removed, but it would be like cutting off one's arm, or your friend's. Why would you?"

"Simple really, the council has not yet earned my trust. I am willing to compromise however. I understand T’lorn values its security like I value my privacy and freedom of movement. I would be open to a creative solution. Perhaps a modification that allows me to leave T’lorn at will but requires an expenditure of something native to T’lorn to return."

"There are examples in both magical and scientific theory."

"In magical theory a connection between things can be referred to as sympathetic magic. Like a drop of blood connecting to its host no matter how great the distance. The advantage of a blood fueled beacon is that without the donor, refueling the beacon would be impossible"

"In scientific theory, higher dimensions, planes, whatever you want to call them vibrate with a unique frequency. In theory a precisely tuned sounding fork can created that will resonate with T’lorns frequency. With enough power the veil between worlds can be breached with a resonating field; in a way not so dissimilar to a fine crystal goblet being shattered by a talented voice. Such a fork can be designed so that once a breach is created the fork itself is destroyed. If the fork is crafted from materials native only to T’lorn it would be almost impossible to duplicate."

"There are numerous other theories but these are just 2 examples that come to mind. Feel free to share my thoughts with the council"