Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Corco's villa is a dimensional hide-away, a world between worlds, of indeterminate size, and brimming with visitors from all sorts of places. Most of them spend their time in the Gardens, but the library, the kitchens, and the personal rooms are also popular. Less popular are the prisons, which double as a military center. Strolling outside of the villa, a wander will find only scenic wooded hills and mostly empty and rocky seaside. Visitors give many reasons for being here, but most will relate one deal they made with Corco or another.

The permanent residents all claim to be one big family. They seem to have Mediterranean features, and while they speak many languages, seem to speak a dialect of latin to each other. They ensure all of their guests are properly housed, fed, and maintain a semblance of good behavior.

Corco has a mission for our crew. The short chubby fellow, bobbing with exuberance goes searching for...

Halcyone, The Tendriloid
Vassarious, The Dragon

Where in the villa does he find each of them?

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Having grown bored with exploring the Villa and its grounds after many a lazy afternoon, Halcyone is wandering around looking for a visitor to talk to (though occasionally she gets distracted by an odd looking bauble she missed the first three times through the room). Usually her bubbly enthusiasm and seemingly endless torrent of questioning doesn't bother people too much, though sometimes she gets a bit carried away.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

The best place to find strangers to talk to is the garden: indeed, that seems to be the garden's primary purpose. The Garden has a strange rule to enforce civility: one may only speak if a bird is on their shoulder, arm, or back. Or something approximating a bird. The area swarms with birds, and they seem to try and match who they sit on. Halcyone often attracts some of the more unusual creatures. Today its a quadcopter with four thin mechanical legs for perching.



Halycon is talking to a former battlesuit trooper with a raven on his shoulder about some aquatic squid-like aliens he encountered during his service through his galaxy when Corco finds her. He bounces up to the pair with a snow-white falcon on his shoulder.



"Halycon, I have something to talk with you about for just a little. No, Gerriack, I haven't heard anything. I promise to tell you exactly when I hear something. Be Patient. Enjoy the garden. It will come."


Corco leads Halycon through the villa, near the quarters where the family lives. They are all bustling about doing something, carrying things to and fro. He rounds a corner, and you see a vaguely Chinese shop build into the side of the villa. Its stocked with tapestries, sculptures, paintings, vases, and other bric abrac, presumably for sale. A small Asian woman is in the center, forming a pot out of clay.



"Pang Zhen! I have your hero! tell her about your prophesy."


The woman regards Halcyon with piercing eyes. Then she slowly closes them and intones:


The emperor is the foundation of the world
Yet the emperor's foundation is cracked
Find the emperor, and you will find naught but the crack

Find the first crack, and you will find the the true emperor
For the emperor is a servant, but who serves the emperor?


"Could you please tell the hero world is this prophesy related to?"


"The five worlds of Maximus, of course"


"Thank you sweetie. Come Halcyon, we have work to do."


As they walk to the library, Corco talks about the situation. "Maximus is a very strong Skerry. One emperor for nine hundred years. keeps the place safe. I never have to worry about demons there. They wouldn't know how to kill Maximus. He's lent us troops on occasion. good guy. Or at least he was 400 years ago."


"There is trouble on his worlds. A rebellion. A big rebellion. Most strange for Maximus. I would not interfere with his affairs normally, but... Ok, I might interfere anyways, but the prophesy! something is wrong! I need you to fix it. Stop the war. Find the crack, or the true emperor, or whatever that woman means."


"You can do this, yes?"


They arrive at the library. Corco points Halycon to a section on the maximus skerry, crisp newly printed books with gorgeous color plates talking about the five worlds, the four soldier breeds, and the legion of undead heroes led by emperor Maximus. The worlds are just a little low-tech for Halycon, with space technology and power armor, but no atomic weapons, and what she would call delayed computer development.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"So the emperor and the skerry have the same name... Was the skerry named for the emperor or the other way around?"

"Any idea on the apparent cause?"

"Absolutely! You can count on me!"

"OK, right now I think there are two possibilities as to what the prophecy means:
1) Maximus has been replaced in some way, and thus first crack relates to Maximus's replacement and how to recover him. Finding the emperor finding nothing but the crack would refer to how you're only finding Maximus's replacement.
2) Maximus hasn't been replaced, but has had his authority subverted by one of his subordinates. The first crack would be the subordinate that is abusing Maximus's authority. This would relate to 'for the emperor is a servant, but who serves the emperor?'

Either way, I'm going to need to read up on Maximus the emperor and Maximus the skerry's government."


No use wasting time, but there's no dicelog here yet. I'd like to make an Intuition roll to start on the right book and a Research roll to find:
1) Biographical information on Maximus, both from the far past (four hundred years ago seems to a good starting point as to the most recent point as to when Maximus was "normal") and from recent past to see if Maximus has changed drastically.
2) Information on the bureaucracy and structure of government for the Maximus Skerry. I'm unclear as to whether it's practical for one or a few subordinates control access to the emperor so they abuse his authority.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Vassarious can often be found chatting and trading stories with the unusual folk he encounters in the gardens, but on this day they are stretched out with wings extended but at rest, sunning themselves on a great rock outcropping, overlooking the garden and people-watching, and entertaining themselves making stories for the people they see but does not know...

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

We call the skerry after the Emperor. Before the Man, there was no skerry. He built it. Very smart man.


"The cause given is as old as time. They say they are oppressed. That the nobles are taking all of their belongings, that they do not obey their own laws, that they hurt the little people by not caring. They also say that the capital no longer cares about the concerns of the provinces. That Arthus does not understand Lithus, and Arthus should let Lithans be Lithans and keep their hands to themselves.



I would not wonder, but it is happening on Maximus. Maximus stopped this for years and years and years. Both sides say the emperor is with them. Yet he has not awoken. I wonder why it is happening now?"

Quote:

Either way, I'm going to need to read up on Maximus the emperor and Maximus the skerry's government." No use wasting time, but there's no dicelog here yet. I'd like to make an Intuition roll to start on the right book and a Research roll to find: 1) Biographical information on Maximus, both from the far past (four hundred years ago seems to a good starting point as to the most recent point as to when Maximus was "normal") and from recent past to see if Maximus has changed drastically. 2) Information on the bureaucracy and structure of government for the Maximus Skerry. I'm unclear as to whether it's practical for one or a few subordinates control access to the emperor so they abuse his authority.

Lets get a dicelog up then. I've invited TGLS. I'll invite Matrix Walker if he'll pm me an email address. The rolls so far are so good.



Maximus began his rule 900 years ago. His first 20 years were among the most eventful, in which he united the world, and invented sacred architecture and used it to preserve him and his greatest warriors for all time. They don't always walk around though: Maximus has spent most of his life inside of his temple, able to quickly travel his world as a spirit, observing conditions. He only "wakes up" every so often, averaging 40 years between bouts of activity. Usually he awakes to either solve a social crisis or to invent something, like portals to another world, or chimera warriors based on snakes, bulls, birds, or cats. Maximus has been dormant for 81 years.



Maximus is served by a hierarchy of priests who tend his temples and tomb, espouse his philosophy, and control a small segment of technology, mostly human bio-tech and the world-portals. They are quite wealthy and have a lot of influence over public opinion. Or at least they did. The breakdown of that trust is a key part of the rebellion.


The worlds are ruled by five governors. The governors are appointed by a hereditary senate: when maximus is active they pretty much appoint whoever maximus says, but its been 55 years since maximus has appointed a governor. It takes a lot to recall a governor. The governors as a council control the central organizations, like the army, though in practice they each control the arms on their world individually.



Maximus in his spirit form can show up anywhere to anyone on any of the five worlds. Entry into his temple, where one is sure to gain his attention, is strictly controlled by the priests, who usually refine and reduce and present polished summaries of events and issues near the "tomb" at the center of his temple.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Vassarious becomes aware of one of the house-hold standing on the rock behind him. He's pretty sure the girl did not climb up the rock. "Message for the Dragon from Corco" she says "Go meet him at Pang Zhen's shop. She has a prophesy for you, and He has a job for you"


(assuming he comes to the shop)



Pang Zhen gives Vassarious a slight nod as he enters "Greeting Dragon. Welcome to my shop". Corco smiles "So very glad to see you. So very glad. My flower, could you tell him the prophecy?"



The emperor is the foundation of the world
Yet the emperor's foundation is cracked
Find the emperor, and you will find naught but the crack
Find the first crack, and you will find the the true emperor
For the emperor is a servant, but who serves the emperor?

Corco: "so you see, we must do something! This is the Maximus skerry! wonderful place! Usually no worries! But now? They are fighting each other, and the emperor does nothing. You must help. You will help? It is part of our little agreement."


"I have a helper for you. Same deal as you. She is studying the skerry right now. Shall we go meet her?"


OCC: have the two characters met before? its up to you two.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Vassarious' great wings stretch out and flex as he rises from the nook in the stone they were settled within.

"Good morrow child." The great creature greets the visitor in a voice that's half-spoken and half-purred. "I'm most pleased to hear it... I'm ready for a new horizon. Thank you for conveying the message."

The dragon reaches up for the sky, and climbs in with a great thrust of leathered wings.

As the creature nears the shop, Vassarious begins to reduce in size and the great leathery wings become feathered, and their body contorts to human dimensions, as Vassarious takes on the form of a fallen angel they once knew, but strengthening and enlarging her vestigial wings to maintain their flight.


"Nǚ shì Pang Zhen!" The golden-haired angel greets the merchant warmly with a small bow. "So good to see you. It has been too long since we shared a pot of tea."


"Of course, my friend. We will get to the bottom of this. Can you arrange a meeting with the high priests? Has there been any contact with the senate?"

"How wonderful. Please! Do lead on." Vassarious turns to their host "Nǚ shì Pang Zhen, thank you. I shall tell you all the details upon my return."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"It has indeed" Pang Zhen replies in Mandarin. We should have one when you return from Maximus."

Corco scowls for just a moment "I do not trust the priest's role in all of this. And my contact is Maximus himself. I could send someone to make contact... In fact, I will! I will send you!"

He laughs at his joke. "Sorry, but no one on Maximus knows about me and my grandfather's villa. No one awake, at least. You may have luck talking to them though."

Corco leads Vassarious to the library, where Halcyon is pouring over books.


"You two will work together. Halcyon, this is Vassarious, a dragon. Vasarious, this is Halcyon... who is probably better at explaining what she is than I am. You will get to know one another yes? You both have the deal: you help me for a bit, then I help you"

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"Perhaps Maximus wants them to have it out instead of just letting the steam build up over and over again. Is the rebellion divided between the worlds or more like division between classes? Is the unrest localized?"

Well, with what I've read and heard about Maximus, does it make sense that he'd deliberately remain dormant this long? Or do I need more information? Throwing in a Memetics! roll here:

So who are the most recent five governors, what's their policy on the rebellion, and who appointed them? Research roll here:
So the priests can give Maximus a distorted view of events, but on the other hand Maximus can easily just go and find out for himself... Maybe he's distracted or trapped by something? I don't have the occult expertise to determine if that would be plausible.

I hold out a lower tendril to shake hands (I rather not lose my place), then say,
"A dragon? I thought they were taller and scalier. 'All dragons are different', at least that's what I've heard. Know anything about how someone could stop Maximus's spirit from going wherever he pleased?"

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"Well, hello there, Halcyone. What an interesting creature you are!" Vassarious comments as he examines his new companion. "I have not seen your kin before, we have much to learn about each other."

"Dragons come in many shapes and sizes to be sure, but there are many of each species in general. The from I am taking now is not how I appear naturally. It is far more convenient to take a form that easily fits in the confines designed for humans than it is to try and enter the library in my true shape."

"There are a number of measures that can prevent a projection of the kind Maximus uses... we will need to gather more information to narrow down the possibilities."

Vassarious joins Halcyone in research to try and learn more about the situation and the nature of Maximus' powers.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

There is an element of both, perhaps because the patricians (aristocracy) are more common on some worlds than others. All five worlds have seen action, but right now:

• Arthus, the old captial, is controlled by the senate
• Lithus, the world of deserts, coasts, and cities, is controlled by the rebels
• Verdaze, the world of Forests, has areas controlled by each side, and sees heavy fighting
• Aquas, the world of water, has areas controlled by both sides. The fighting is lighter and "cleaner".
• Monstri, the world of snow, beasts, and low tech inhabitants, is mostly under the control of the senate, but they fear it will join the rebellion if they draw resources from it too heavily.

This is the sort of thing he normally wakes up for and sorts out. You'd have expected him to wake up at least a decade ago. At least from these books. You expect Corco's information to be fairly reliable.


Gylin Malchus, governor of arthus, believes the rebellion must crushed militarily, and that the cause of it is letting plebeians (non-patrician citizens) acquire too much wealth. He's taken steps to reduce the wealth of influence of such individuals on Arthus, with a fair amount of success.

Gracus Curio is technically governor of Lithus. He is bitterly opposed to the rebellion, but he has very little power with his world in enemy hands. He mostly gives vigorous speeches about how the rebels are thieves, heretics, and murders.

Ceillio Gethus is governor of Verdaze. He demands obedience to Maximus (and thus maximus's hierarchy). He spends a lot of effort on promoting philosophy, particularly that of the priests. He says their is little to no room for compromise with those who disobey the emperor.

Hyratus Morco is governor of Aquas. He keeps saying to wait for the emperor to wake up. He sticks with his fellow governors though, and favors maintaining the status quo.

Moratus Ingelni is governor of Monstri. He is seeking a solution to the rebellion, trying to balance the demands of the other governors and the rebels. He's the only Governor who can said to be neutral in the war. The populace of Monstri seems to lean towards the rebellion, but Ingelni seems to be keeping them from raising arms.

Maximus's powers and the mechanisms behind them are state secrets held by the preisthood. They seem tied to his temples and their architecture though. Vassarious thinks this looks like a magical effect specific to the skerry.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"Unsurprising; Doheem's another singleton and thankfully it hasn't discovered interdimensional travel."
"I get that. It happens to be the reason I only have two arms above my waist."
OK, so we can be reasonably sure there's some kind of distraction or detention.

OK, more questions:
1) Are the undead heroes active while Maximus rests? Are any of them politically active (i.e. part of the rebellion, sitting in the senate, supporting a particular faction, related to a senator, etc.)?
2) Are any of the soldier breeds (and possible other kinds of breeds?) more or less privileged than others?
3) Are there any notable factions in the senate? Has any expressed dissent at a decision made by Maximus?
4) Are there any public factions amongst the priesthood? If not, is it possible to read between the lines and identify possible factions?
5) Are there any details on the security of Maximus's temples? If entry into his temple is enough to gain his attention, maybe we could try breaking in which would definitely get his attention.

I'll do five research rolls for each question, and add a Memetics roll for 3 and 4 (4 indicated I'll try reading between the lines, for 3 I imagine that dissent might not be public).

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

The undead heroes are usually quite inactive. This time there is one of them who is arguably active, but he restricts himself to training troops, and is adamantly politically neutral. He has been active for 50 years.

The soldier breeds are probably more privileged than the plebians (very different rules apply to each), but they are pretty much equal with each other.
No one alive has met maximus, at least not in his active form. The factions tend to revolve around arguments over the best way to use the vast new planets acquired by Maximus in the last few hundred years. The big debate is between selling the lands to the public, exploiting them with the beuacracy, awarding them to Exceptional individuals to develop, and holding them until Maximus awakes. A secondary layer of factionalism revolves around whether or not the population, especially the new (120 years and they are still new) population of Monstri, should be brought into linguistic and cultural lockstep with the capital. Right now both divisions are subdued due to the war. Especially those who oppose regularizing the empire, as that could be interpreted as sympathy to the rebels.



The priesthood is currently highly unified, but 15 years ago it purged itself of a faction that held that the doctrine of Maximus was deviating from its historical form. The remnants of this excommunicated faction is embraced by the rebels.

Maximus's temple at the center of a temple complex walled off from the public, containing the tombs and temples of other preserved undead. Tours are given to the relatively rich a few times a week, always with an armed escort of the animal breed soldiers (the ones who guard the tomb seem to be part of the tour). The guards are armed with the latest gear, and the walls have video surveillance. A special legion (~5,000) of troops to gaurd the capital and the imperial tomb is stationed next door to the temple complex. People have historically tried to fly drones over the walls, so small and precise AA guns are secreted in the walls.



The place is also the seat of power for the priests, who dress distinctively.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

More questions:
1) Do priests ever leave the temple complex? Do they take security with them?
2) What would be needed to claim to be a priest from far away?
3) Would it be possible for Corco (or whoever handles procurment) to fabricate priestly dress?
4) Would there be anything else needed to pose as priest? (i.e. entries in a database, false identity papers, someone to vouch, etc.)
5) Would the security at the temple complex be able to see through Vassarious's shapeshifting?

Edit: How easy is the interdimensional travel Corco provides? Can we just world hop on a whim or are there limits?

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Does the research reveal his name?

Vassarious reviews the available data on the temple's architecture and the powers they grant to Maximus, to determine what other unwritten properties and features this kind of magic may involve. ((Occult - 14))

"From what I am reading here, Moratus Ingelni is likely the best governor to speak to on the situation. His Neutrality is likely to provide the most accurate representation of the finer details of the situation. "

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Yes, they leave the complex, and yes, they have security with them. The preisthood operates a lot more temples than just the central complex in the capital, including dozens of temples that serve as portals between the five worlds, and the nurseries that create the animal-soldiers.

An ID card for a specific priest. This could be hacked into the system, or you could impersonate someone specific. You also need the appropriate clothing, some good acting, and orders telling you to be where you are.

Yes. Sariza (Corco's Matronly Aunt) would get someone to copy it for you. And then claim the obviously factory made garment was hand-sown.

As above.

Probably not. Your elastic skin might be an issue, but might not.

He will drop you off once with gear in an inauspicious place. You will have the ability to contact him about once a day. He doesn't want to be used as a ferry, though if you got stuck on a deserted island, he has no problem getting you off.



Askalo the Instructor.


The temples are attributed with the following abilities:

• Preservation of Life long beyond the natural
• The assumption of a fully incorporeal form
• Manipulation of Tissue and genetics: the animal-based soldiers were created in the temples, and must still be born in them.
• Historically they were used for healing, though medicine is now mostly superior
• Some are magically protected from scrying. This is not publicly known, but someone associated with Corco made a note of that. That indicates some sort of scrying ability is native to this world, but none is known in the books. Unless you count the emperor's spirit form.
• They can open portals to other worlds.

Vassarious makes some notes of the shapes of the architecture, but the information he needs to figure out what does what beyond basic shapes isn't in the books. He figures out enough to tell a nursery from a world portal from an old healing temple from a tomb of the undead.


It represents a misstatement: the last governor appointed by maximus died 55 years ago. So its been 55 years since a governor appointed by maximus was in office, not 55 years since he appointed a new governor.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

So is hacking ID/forging orders something one of Corco's people can do or would we need to look for a local hacker/forger?

I see. So we should prefer local methods of traveling between worlds of the skerry?

Is there a lot of language variance on the skerry?

"Well, I was thinking that we ought to try and get into the temple, on the assumption that would probably wake Maximus up rather quickly... But maybe we should try something that won't get us arrested first. How hard would it be to arrange an audience with the governor?

Assuming that we will end up needing to break into the temple anyway, do you think it would be easier if you pretended to pretended to be an object I carried in, if only because nobody will be wondering where the missing priests are?"

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

You'd need to get a local.


Correct


Not much. The Natives on Monstri have a bewildering variety of languages, but many of them speak the imperial tongue to one degree or another. Everyone else speaks dialects of the imperial tongue, which are mostly interchangeable. If you speak Grand Imperial (which is what Corco will usually give you), then you can understand everyone else at accented, unless you're really in the sticks, and then its broken.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"My changes in form take a few moments, and if there is trouble, I'll be no good to you. I very much dislike taking the shape of inanimate forms. I would prefer to gain entry by subterfuge if an appointment cannot be arranged."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

OK, more questions:

1) What kind of security is there at world portals? i.e. like airport security, just and ID check, full searches of luggage, etc.
1a) Would there be less security if we pretended to be priests?
2) Would Monstri be too low tech to get false identities?
3) Any information about practices of the local underworld (so we can find a data hacker)?
4) Is there enough information in the books so we can learn to blend in?

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

In low-risk areas, most people just drive through. In areas where rebels are a threat, there may be soldiers, and checkpoints established in which cars are quickly scanned for weapons and identities checked.

Priests can circumvent security, but only if word has been sent ahead.

Monstri has the low-tech people, but it has high tech hubs, so it would work as a place to get fake identities.

Nothing explicit, but reading between the lines gives you some pretty good guesses where you can find one.

Yes, though it will be much easier in big cities.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"Is this level of subterfuge required? You mentioned calling upon them for military aid at one point, does Corco's organization have any contacts we could take advantage of? Perhaps a channel of communication remains from the previous encounters?"

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Corco is gone by this point, and its hard to find him: he finds you. the "military aid" question is best answered by Gurdo, Coro's uncle. Gurdo spends all of his time in the dungeons below the villa. While the family in most of the villa have a vaguely renaissance look about their dress, the dungeons are full of varied military kit that identifies them quite readily as roman legionaires, line infantry, knights, and more. Gurdo is wearing a splendid Green double breasted uniform today, saber at his side, and enourmous hat on his head, complete with feather. He doesn't need the hat to appear large and intimidating: he's around six foot six inches, built like a barrel, and has an long slashing scar on on the left side of his face.


"Contacts in the Maximus Skerry? Standard Operating Procedure is to request help in a certain room of the temple. Maximus has left instructions with the priests explaining things and they mobilize men rather quickly. Maximus has stopped waking up for it. Normally, they lend us men, we fight the invasion, and then they go home and tell stories for a generation. Last time we used them was about 150 years ago. They've gone fully to ranged combat since then, and that reduces the sort of things we call them in for."


"We could contact them and ask for something else. I don't know how well such a non-standard request would go over."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"Any idea what specifically Maximus wrote?"
I'll try to use Memetics to estimate how the priests (?) would react to a request to meet with Maximus. I imagine that my estimate is probably going to be very different from reality if there is someone is manipulating the situation in the temple.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Vassarious looks over the research and considers what kind of staff may be admitted to the temples for operations and maintenance beyond the priests.

"I wonder how it would be perceived if we were to appear in the temple to offer aid, rather than request it."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Gurdo: "I haven't seen the exact orders. There is a big preamble about providing others with peace and safety, righteous combat, and about trusting the emperor. They always appoint a general, and they're pretty courageous troops. Which given what we usually fight, is a great thing. They seem to think they're in some sort of heavenly war, and I don't know that they treat the whole thing as real. Not at first anyways."



So if no-one is manipulating the situation, you'd expect other-worldly visitors with a weird carte-blanche authorization who request to see the tomb of the emperor to be politely entertained for half a day or even overnight while the request is formally processed and the priests go nuts looking for the appropriate action, a precedent, the catch, or the scam, and then eventually be granted a fair amount of time at the emperor's tomb.


There are the animal soldiers, of course. Further research reveals that the priests themselves do a great deal of manual and technical work: many areas are completely off limits to someone who is not a priest, thus many low ranking priests look a great deal like janitors, plumbers, and technicians. He does discover a potential opening: If something very specialized is needed and no priest is trained for it, an expert can be formally brought into the preisthood for the job. They will remain a priest, though a very dormant one.


Gurdo: "Depends on how you phrased it. A general always wants more resources, but he can do without yet another someone second-guessing everything he does."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Gurdo: "If you can meet afterwards, that may gather more information than the alternatives."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"It's an interesting possibility... I would be willing to attempt an infiltration, but if they have a magical means of detecting trespassers, I would hate to put them on the defensive while we are trying to gain diplomatic access.

I think we should stick together and attempt the diplomatic path, and we can find out where we stand, and both infiltrate the temple if that proves unfruitful."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"I guess this calls for more research!"
I guess I just don't really think that there's much point in sending two envoys when we can send one. Having an infiltrator and an envoy might trip them up, and could get them to let slip any information that they're trying to conceal. If the diplomatic strategy fails, then they might tighten up on security, making infiltration all the harder.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

I assume if there was anything relevant, we'd have been informed by now. My character certainly knows to check on all sorts of things I don't, so I presume if there were more details on the defenses, we'd have been presented with that information... Or am I assuming too much?
"I disagree...

Two envoys double the chance of picking up on anything suspicious.

A diplomatic approach has very little chance of affecting security measures regardless of the outcome, but a failed infiltration would make all avenues more difficult."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Well all I've got is a vague:
"Well, the way I see it, they're probably not even thinking about someone from outside popping up and interfering in their affairs. I'm not entirely convinced they think this whole deal between Corco and Maximus is real. We pop in, even for just for a 'hello', and now they're going to be worried this outside context force coming in and ruining their plans. I think it might be better to either conceal everything, or exert pressure from both sides."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Vassarious gives a shrug with her wings and smiles.

She says in a soft and innocent voice...

"Well, I've never been one to shy away from a good sneak."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

OK, so I assume you'd prefer we both infiltrate. Regardless, we ought to prepare to blend in. Even if one of us goes over as an envoy, it may be necessary to make an escape and blend in with the masses.

I'll try Research (to mine information from the books) and Memetics (to identify the key points that must be followed to not appear to be an outsider)

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

They don't have much experience working with magic outside of their skerry: few skerries do. The do have some unknown scrying magic, and its connected to the temple -- but even then they won't have experience with deep shapeshifters like V. They won't have technological abilities able to catch it either.



Halcyone researches points of appearing like a local. It depends on where you are and what you're pretending to be, but she picks up some points especially appropriate in the capital. You are expected to nod, bow, and make way for people of higher rank, and to ignore those of lower rank. Rank has a number of clothing cues associated with it. If you're pretending to be from outside the capital, being sloppy with this etiquette is usually appropriate, though being too sloppy can get you suspected of being a rebel.



Do we have an answer on how you will be going into the skerry?

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Vassarious will look into the etiquette to be prepared for posing as a priest or supplicant as may be needed.

I think it's best if we spit up, as Halcyone seems intent on infiltration. I think there is much to be learned from the reaction of the priests when going through official channels and that if there is a process in place and an ancient (if loose) alliance, bypassing the protocol would be dishonorable and potentially offputting to our hosts.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Where do each of you wish to be placed?

V seems to want to be placed in the temple room.

Halcyon, do you want to start in the imperial city or closer to the rebels?

V researches how to pass as a priest. Face Man! should allow the dragon to blend in socially there.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

I'll go for closer to the rebels; we can try to meet in the middle later.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

So I take it you want to be placed on either Lithus or Verdaze. Do you want to be urban or rural, and how close to you want to be to the front lines or the rebel headquarters?


Alfio, the librarian, is keeping tabs on your research, and catches that you intend to split up. "Do you have a plan for keeping in contact? We can get you radios that will help with that... or at least, communicators that look like radios... You both know how to use a radio?"

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"Well it certainly beats out having to arrange a meetup when neither of us have much idea how doable it would be to reach said meetup point."
"Could they not look like a radio? Maybe a pen?"
OOC: Apparently not, but I do have a default of 10...
"I can probably figure it out."

Well, I doubt there's much to investigate near the frontlines... So I'll go with Lithus and investigate the HQ.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"A pen? sure, we can make the communicator look like a pen. It will make it only two-way, but there are only two of you... I suppose we could work volume into some sort of twist... go talk to sariza. I'm sure she can work something out for you."


"remember, the radio will only work within the maximus skerry. Its powered by magic, so its vaugely possible it could be blocked... but I'm sure you'll figure something out in that case"




You have TL10, so yes... you can use a radio.



What do each of you want to do before being dropped off?

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

1) Verify that a pen is plausible enough object that it won't be suspicious.
2) Go talk to Sariza about getting pen radios made.
3) Come up with a plausible story to ingratiate myself with rebel HQ, and possibly have false evidence made to enhance the story.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"I'd like a laptop with copies of any agreements involved with requests for aid, in case I need to reference them. I'd appreciate some kind of concealable armor for worst-case scenarios. A communicator, certainly. Are weapons permitted at the temple?

How will we communicate with the "home office"?

Perhaps we should pick a rendevous point, in the event we are unable to communicate."

Vassarious looks into the research for a place outside of the fighting or thought to be neutral ground, likely in Monstri or Aquas.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Halcyone's research verifies that pens are common enough objects.



What sort of story is Halcyone looking for? Combat achievements against the enemy? Intelligence about enemy movements? "Saving" the life of some rebel dignitary? Cutting edge tech to give them? False credentials establishing her as from a different rebel group (probably from a different world).


possible rendezous points:

• A deserted island on Aquas
• The capital city of Monstri
• A specific small community on Monstri (not native)
• A small native community on Monstri
• A lonely mountain on Monstri

Weapons at the temple are only available for those with permission... you sort of have that implicitly though.



If you want a laptop full of agreements... you'll have to do with either scans or paper copies. Both are in the library. Does V want a full laptop or will a mobile device do? Or will the paper copies do? Do you want it to blend in with the local tech?



Sariza is sweet dumpy old lady who spends most of her time telling younger family members how perform their housekeeping duties. You find her in the kitchens, telling a younger family member the correct method for chopping onions. Behind her is a modern stove range, and next to here a bubbling caldron in a chimney.



"Oh, yes dearies, what do you need?"


"Yes, a cross-world communicator in a digital age pen? I think a have a niece who can build that."


"If you take the pen apart like this, it will send a message to the Villa, and Gurdo will send someone to check on you in a few hours."


"Armor for a shapeshifter? Do you need it to blend in with the locals? if not, didn't you bring some when why Nephew picked you up?*"
*yes you did. TL 8 monster hunters style concealable armor

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Well I'm not too sure about giving them something actionable (however good a story it would be), if there's some risk about needing to deal with it later. "Saving" a rebel dignitary and combat achievements would be good background, even though there's some risk that they might be able to catch me out. Maybe mix in false credentials

Well they all seem roughly equally far away to me... Maybe the capital of Monstri or Aquas would be easier to arrange?

...

In terms of loadout, I'll take what I've got with the character writeup, perhaps adjusted to match local technology apart from the bioplas. I'd also like the rebel "uniform" and local outfits, but refitted to be worn over the bioplas if necessary.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Gurdo scowls into midair for a bit, then nods. "The rebel forces are not expertly organized. We can send you in with basic information about the war on Aquas, some medals, and a story about saving the life of a rebel leader."


Halcyone finds a prospective rebel figure: a fiery speaker on Aquas who seems to constantly escape death. Kasada claims that the emperor wishes the plebians to free themselves, and is restraining his hand until the patricians have been properly chastised. This is NOT the dominant rebel theory, but the rebel leaders let her travel and drum up troops... and try to keep the message military rather than actually chopping off heads.



That works. Sarrissa gets one of her nieces to "stitch" together a fake uniform for you. It takes only hours, and looks like pristine TL9 fabrication.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

A lonely mountain on Monstri is a fine place for an emergency rendezvous.

"With all of the wonders and technology I have seen here, I was hoping you might be able to equip me with weapons and armor superior to what I brought with me..."

"If native tech would be equal to the task at hand will and allow me to reference materials and share them if needs be, then that will do fine."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

The Urban rebel wants to meet in the city. The kung fu monk wants to meet on the mountain. Do I need Gurdo to break the tie? (die roll?)


Sarrisa: "That is not our way. We can make you gear to match where you are coming from, or where you are going."


Body armor on Maximus is fairly advanced... its generally TL9. V is offered a tactical suit, hardshell armor, or a battle suit (all in basic).


Alfio presents V with both a laptop and a mobile device. They are rugged objects, a little heavier than they need to be, considering Maximus's tech level, but the mobile device has a battery life of around 30 days, and the laptop has a satellite connection for maximus... once you're there and if the military hasn't shut down the satellites.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

I can make it to the mountain. If there was such a locale on Aquas, I'd prefer that. The island won't really do given chartering a boat would be necessary.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

There is not such a location on Aquas. The islands with portals are very much inhabited and firmly under the control of one camp or the other.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"My preference for a meeting place if there is trouble was chosen for to combination of a remote location away from prying eyes, and more importantly, that it is is the domain of Moratus Ingelni, the most neutral of the governors, who seems to be the most open-minded and solution-oriented, and thus the most likely to cooperate with us if we are discovered. "

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Well, as I said, I can make it to the mountain on Monstri. I'm just not sure how much more difficult Lithus -> Monstri would be. How far is the mountain from the portal anyway?

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

The chosen mountain is 10 miles from the portal as the crow flies, 20 miles of driving and 5 miles of hiking (or 15 miles of hiking) if you can't fly. We can go farther out if you want, but I think you want something convenient but still remote.


Making the actual connections between worlds? Its not too hard. Any world can get to any other: the hardest part will be getting from one side of one world to the other: each portal location only connects two specific spots on two specific worlds together. So to get the the rendezvous you'll need to travel across a continent or two: the portals that connected Lithus and the capital are either destroyed, battle grounds, or besieged beach-heads.



Mono-wire isn't available, but superfine blades are. Its suggested that a saber will fit in best.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

So 1 day return trip if it counts as bad terrain, about three days if it counts as very bad terrain. Twice as much time if it's rainy; it isn't winter on Monstri by any chance?

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Its summer in that area. (winter in a different one)

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

OK, I guess we have a fix on the location; maybe I could hitchhike to get to the five miles out location?

I'll begin to make preparations to leave, and suggest that V maybe could look into seeing if there are any animals that get to roam freely around the palace, similar to the Hermitage cats.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

We can pick a spot where Vassarious has to do most of the travelling... They can always take a quick flying form.

They will see what animals are common to the area.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

That would be in a big city

In Maximus's tomb, its mostly urban birds... especially doves. They don't generally go inside, but the construction is largely open concept and uses a lot of natural sunlight lighting... it was designed at TL4-ish.

Other settings have different populations. Monstri is explicitly an ice-age world, with mammoths, ground sloths, oversized deer, and woolly rhinoceros. Aquas has a more exotic animal set, with lots of big birds and fish. Lithus is very reptilian, but nothing is as big as Monstri, just lots of Kommodo dragon sized lizards and small pterosaurs. Arthus is very close to earth.

I think we're ready to drop you each off?

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

V is ready to go, unless it seems that their culture indicates they would be better received as a male, then they might want to shapeshift first.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Admittedly the main reason I picked closer to the rebels was because I was given the option. I figure I can investigate the rebels and if there's nothing suspicious then I can move to the imperial city.

I'm ready to move out.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Divine Authority covereth a multitude of gender-assumptions... And they worry a lot more about class, wealth, origin, and connections than about gender on Maximus.



Corco handles the transition to the tomb-temple of Maximus. He picks up a book on the grand temple complex, lays it on the ground and pushes a bit of metal protecting the corner of its cover. The rivet dent of the metal slides open to reveal a lens, and projects a hologram of a large double door framed in marble pillars, and covered in golden engravings. Corco hands V a large glowing sword, which makes V glow when its held:



"Good idea. No one expects subterfuge out of THAT form. Take this. It will help the effect."


He gestures for V to open the door, which turns out to be fairly solid. The doors swing open, and V is in room of marble masonry covered in murals. The doors swing shut behind him, and then fade into a relief in the wall.



The only light comes V and the sword, but it fills the massive room, and V suspects a non-angelic body would find it mildly too-bright. The room is about 25 feet deep and 50 feet wide. The Murals depict many battles, most prominently the four chimeric soldiers fighting against legions of demons and of undead. To one side of the room is a great bell, and there is a door beside it.


As a GM aside, I think the situation will unravel well with two agents picking at each end.


Just before Halcyone is about to leave, a young boy with a deep Mediterranean tan brings a bag of gear and some freshly baked food for Halcyone. "Great Aunt Sarrissa wishes you luck!". Its some sort of calzones.


Corco finds a book on the Lithus, and once again pushes the rivet to produce a hologram. This time the hologram is merely of a dark and narrow alley with sand embedded in the aged asphalt surface. The lighting is poor.



"Good Luck." Corco waves as Halcyone moves into the alley. The alley has few windows, but when Halcyone moves out of it, she can see busy indoor market just to her left. Small shops are set up indoors, selling everything from fresh meat to used cell phones. People are haggling, visiting looking things up on their phones, and looking around for interesting things to buy. There is a shortage of greenery, but despite the market setting, most people look clean.



It seems to be the east Market in Lithus city, not terribly far from the Rebel headquarters in the old governor's palace. This deep in the city, the only indication of the desert is the dry air and the occasional sand particle.


will be Halcyone dressed like a soldier or like a civilian? Will she be displaying her medals and weapons, or keeping them hidden?

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

I'll be dressed like a civilian and mix into the crowds. I'll try to get a feel for the rumors that are going around (perhaps by finding a meeting place and inserting myself into conversations). Then I'll head on to headquarters and present my story

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Halcyone slowly works through the marketplace, listening to conversations. Many of them are standard marketplace conversations: complaining about prices, talking about children, telling recent anecdotes. Others concern the war. There are two lenses its viewed through: on the one hand in a grand sense, with people discussing recent big battles, troop movements, rumors, and political actions. On the other, many of these people have family or friends in specific areas and fronts, and they follow those specific events with ease.



A few notes:

• The operational security of the war is poor: most governments would have effective propaganda and secrecy measures to inflate victories and diminish the appearance of defeats. This government does not, and the progress of the war, at least on Lithus, is plain. Halcyone thinks this is due to lack of experience rather than any ideological reason.
• There was recently a big imperial push from a temple gate known as the falcon gate. They seem to have slowed attacks on a beachhead on Arthus centered around the Pork gate. A large number of troops were sent to Verdaze.
• News from Verdaze is a lot scarcer than news from Lithus. Also, the two locations seem to be allied rather than unified, with separate military and civilian hierarchies.
• People seem to think that after the war the current government will be able to give them a lot more prosperity than they currently have. Some complain that not enough has improved to justify the revolution. Others seem jubilant at their increased prospects, so the benefits of the revolution don't seem to be evenly spread. Halcyone thinks she could pick out imperial sympathizers if she put her mind to it
• No one is mentioning the emperor

Halcyone finds the old governer's palace: its now littered with sandbag emplacements, troops, and machine guns. She's able to present herself at an entrance: what requests does she make?

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Vassarious lingers and takes in the murals as she slowly crosses the room, appreciating the workmanship while getting a further feel of their culture.

She resists the urge to ring the bell immediately and instead first investigates the door.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

The murals are pretty accurate: who-ever made them had seen the demons and undead with their own eyes. They also paid a great deal of attention to getting the weapons right. The craftsmen ship shown seems to be pre-paint revolution, a touch more stylistic than photographic... V knows they are capable of much more sophisticated work now. The murals must be centuries old. The murals seem to be individually made and installed in the walls. The styles seem near-eastern, somehow.


The door is very securely fastened. Its large and grand: enough to get an elephant through, though perhaps not a plane. V's natural form would feel a bit cramped passing through. The mechanism is hidden inside the door, and the lock on the other side is probably not easy to open, requiring an elaborate mechanism. The door is a full foot thick. It is opened regularly though, judging from the dust. maybe once a month.



An inscription in the door reads: "Generous Valor For All Mankind"

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

I'll make up a story that I've been sent by my previous CO to headquarters to help ferret out traitors and other sympathizers, having demonstrated loyalty (as shown by the various medals) and having demonstrated some aptitude in security (having "saved" a rebel dignitary previously). I'll make an acting roll to sell the story and an IQ roll to have thought about this in advance and thus have back up information that squares with this story.
OK, assuming they accepted the story, I'll request to see personnel files. I'll be looking specifically for the following:
-> Discrepancies that may indicate the personnel files had been tampered with.
-> A potential "quick win" to help cement my story.
-> If possible, the files on people with sensitive clearance or high commands.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

The guards at the checkpoint are wary of the Halcyone at first, but they seem to soften when she pulls out her medal, and she soon has a sergeant and a lieutenant listening to her story about how she is hear to help with ferreting out traitors. She has some light documentation about the the CO sending her over. Soon enough, they send her up to the Colonel.



The Colonel is a big man with a ferocious beard. He insists that she stay quiet and at attention while he reads her documents. He purses his lips.


"Your assignment is quite generous for the good folk of Verdaze. I wonder why they don't want you there. Is there something they're not telling us? A falling out with your fire-brand of a charge, perhaps?"


He continues after the answer:
"What type of traitor are you targeting? What approximate rank and situation? Can you start with a batch of new staff personel?"

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

I'll evade the question in a way that implies that he guessed correctly.
I'll use my Intelligence Analysis skills to estimate how highly placed a traitor would likely be and what their goals/means would likely be. If their probable rank is at or above the Colonel here, I'll downplay their rank. If I have multiple possibilities, I'll use my Intuition to narrow things down for my explanation.

"Naturally. I live to serve."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

The most likely traitors are probably just around the rank of colonel: the lower you go, the more likely they are, but privates are almost useless, and lieutenants give you very limited information.



The new staff officers are bright young men who will be helping to plan out the war, run logistics, and draw up the details of plans the generals make... exactly the sort of people who would make useful spies. The men don't come with the extensive records Halcyone is used to at post-digital age levels. They come with recommendations from their superior officers, details on their formal education, and documents about what city or village they grew up in. The group is notably mostly urban, mostly ancestrally "scribes", and most of them have seen combat.



How will Halcyone go about finding potential leaks?

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Vassarious will ring the bell!

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

OK, here's a rough sketch of a plan:
1) Read over the documentation for each of the new staff officers, however minimal.
2) Go undercover as a new staff officer, possibly having more false credentials created and maybe using Disguise.
3) Subtly ingratiate myself with any officers who I determined may be suspicious, thus putting myself in a position to passively surveil them.
4) Once I gather enough evidence, I turn them over for interrogation. Ideally, I'll get an opportunity to interrogate them myself.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

The glowing angel rings the Bell. A single deep clear note rings through the temple for several seconds.



Almost immediately, the mechanism in the door begins to crank, after about 10 seconds of turning gears, the turning stops with a click, and the doors are pushed open.



A small bald man in a toga with purple tassels is standing there.



"Greetings, Visitor. I am Gadialtus, chamberlain of the otherworld in the tomb of the Great Maximus. On behalf of my Emperor and his high Priest, I welcome you. Please excuse the Grand High Commandant: he is away from the temple complex on business. We have sent for the acting High Commandant."


"While we wait for him, can I serve you anything? would you like a chair?"



The commandant arrives, looks at the Glowing Angel, and says:


"Greeting, exalted one. I apologize, but we cannot lend the armies we have been accustomed to send. Your request comes at a very poor time for us. I do not wish to delay your errand any more."




The colonel readily agrees to the request, saying its the ideal moment for an insertion. He doesn't have more than two days for this, and he'd prefer it was only one.


Halcyone looks over the documents: this requires a Memetics roll, and tries to figure out who is a potential threat, and who is probably Ernest.



Halcyone is given a short set of false documents that are really close to her cover, and is inserted as a potential staff officer. They are all kept waiting in a room to be called to a short introductory interview.



As they sit there, they chat about their homes, about their units, and about the war. One young man regrets that he won't be able to shoot at the patricians anymore. Another reassures him that they're doing more good here, keeping all of the men well fed. Or at least better fed than otherwise. Which leads to complaints about army food.



At least two of the group of 21 make romantic passes at Halyone. One of them is in the "certainly not a traitor" category, and she quickly verifies that the other isn't as well. After the interviews are done, a colonel (not the first one) comes out and congratulates each of the staff officers on being chosen as capable young planners, says he will be their commanding officer for their training period. A short and restrictive list of rules about security is read off: essentially, staff officers are not to talk about their work at all, and are to be back in the barracks an hour after sundown. The Colonel assures them that with all of the work they have to do, they won't have much time to wander off anyways.



Halcyone tries to make good graces with the canidates who may be suspicious. Four of them she suspects aren't loyal to the cause, and could be flipped... but probably aren't current threats. One of them, one of the few other women... could be a current spy, or could just be the perfect staff officer. Halcyone can't tell yet. The potential spy doesn't warm up to Halcyone's attempts to be freindly, maintaining distance. The four potential sympathizers are a little easier to strike up a repoire with.



Will Halcyone focus on the potential sympathizers or the potential spy?

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

And here's me thinking Ernest would be next to "NAME:"

I'll share my story, and also mention that I did bring some food in case the food here was awful too.
Uh-oh... 80 posts before 1 DP refills, right? This one was unprompted so I don't know if it's fatal or not, but would spend the point if it is.

I'll focus on the potential spy; the potential sympathizers can be checked into later and possibly just shunted off to less sensitive tasks (I get that all the tasks are sensitive, but surely some are less sensitive than others).

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Vassarious get's a feel for their demeanor and embraces the role of diplomat and ambassador and addresses the chamberlain and commandant with a tone suggesting a person of rank being warmly respectful to subordinates.

"Chamberlain Gadialtus, thank you for the warm greeting. I have no needs at this time.

Commandant, your apology is appreciated but unnecessary. I have some awareness of your current plight, and I hope to be of assistance to you and your people. I seek an audience with your Emperor."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

(rolled face man! for Vassarious in lieu of savior faire, rolled an 11)


Commandant Senatrus, for that is his name, looks shocked. "An audience with the Emperor, oh Radiant One? I'm... not sure that will be possible. You do know about our Emperor's most peculiar schedule and habits? Would a appointment with the Imperial Governor suffice? He handles the year to year matters of the Empire."


"Also, if I am to request an audience for your Radiance with the Imperial Governor, or perhaps the Emperor, what sort of aid are you offering? And what is the payment. Is this perhaps in accordance with the ancient compact between your master and mine?"



facepalm!


Does fatal mean "completely blow my cover" or does it mean "someone suspects something?"


That gets some laughter. someone follows up:


"because we're still in the army, or because we're in Lithus city?!"
That gets even more laughter... apparently the city is not known for having the best food. Or perhaps these are country folk uncomfortable with cosmopolitan food. Or maybe a little of both.



The recruits are assigned to sort requisition requests coming in from the front under the watchful eye of the Colonel as their first task, and as a training exercise.



Halcyone has posted up next to the suspected spy, who is working along quite dilligently



The Colonel watches Over Halcyone's shoulder, then quietly asks "Have you found anyone yet?"

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

Well, I meant "completely blown", but looking at the post numbers if we're refilling at post 81 I'd spend now (end of the world syndrome strikes again).

Halcyone decides that the next time she's back in Lithus City she'll sample the food trucks in the market. Even if they are right about the food being no good, it'll still be worth the experience.

I'll keep an eye on the suspect, and when asked by The Colonel I'll quietly point her out but also indicate I'm not sure.

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"What do you need to make sure? Time is ticking. People are dying."

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

That's a good question... What do I need to be sure? If I'm reading the situation clearly, she's suspicious in that she's not suspicious, which doesn't seem to be the strongest evidence. I suppose she could be taken away for interrogation and her possessions searched but that seems a little brash.

Throwing in a roll for some guidance:

Re: Corco's Villa (IC)
 

"I have come to offer my aid in the interest of friendship and a desire to see our neighbors in the empire regain their stability and harmony. I ask for no payment. I am aware of your Emperor's habits, but I understand a visit to his temple may rouse his essence from its slumber.

The form of any aid that may follow is something that will bear some discussion once I have a more nuanced understanding of the plight of the empire."