The Harvest Moon Consortium

[Winterhawk99]

The party goes to visit the small teashop that Tianyu has. It's a relatively humble place, though there are locked doors to the back rooms. Tianyu seems to be getting some brew ready, then he looks over, raising an eyebrow, but then quickly a-hems, "Can I get you anything?" Zsikhou sniffs the air some, raising an eye ridge, but then quiets down.

"Ah." T’kharr looks to the rest of the party to see if they want some tea at the moment

Mingzhu looks around, “Interesting place you have here.”

Tianyu shrugs, "It suits me."

"I heard you have wonderful tea. May I order a cup?" Mingzhu gestures to the pots behind him.

T’kharr agrees, “Aye, I reckon tea for all here unless someone declines?"

Tianyu nods, "Sure, four cups, coming right up." He goes to get the tea ready and brewed. He looks everyone over, as if gauging how they would react, though he seems rather nervous when looking at Zsikhou. Regardless, he goes and gets the teas ready. Shortly, he goes to give the teas over "Can I get you anything else?"

Mingzhu sniffs the tea and looks at the color. It seems fine. Zsikhou also notes that and sniffs the tea. The shamaness takes a sip. Zsikhou comments, “Isn't bad, at least?” Silgara takes a sip, Zsikhou does not, narrowing his eyes. Mingzhu waits for a while to see if there are any effects.

There doesn’t seem like there's going to be any ill effects.... Tianyu remains quiet
He's watching all of you very closely. Mingzhu takes another sip then looks into the ethereal to see if there are any spirits, but it doesn’t seem like. Tianyu does ask for payment for the teas, Silgara covers it, a few coppers, which Tianyu pockets.

T’kharr sips tea. "Mind joining us?" to Tianyu "Don't want to leave you out."

Tianyu shrugs, "If I had some, every time guests came by, I'd probably burst." Silgara seems to note the awkward silence, Zsikhou glances around. Mingzhu finishes her tea.

"Can I get you anything else?" Tianyu asks.

"Ah, we were wondering if you'd be willing to answer a few questions, even." T’kharr responds.

"Mmmh, well, what is it? Though just keep in mind I do have business to tend to in between." Tianyu huffs.

"Ah. We were wondering if you noticed anything off about Hao when you spoke to him just before he got ill, or Rynard around that time for that matter?" T’kharr asks.

Tianyu shrugs, "No. And no."

"Ah." T’kharr looks to Mingzhu to see what she wants to add for questions as she sips her tea. Mingzhu shakes her head while studying Tianyu for a long time. She blinks a couple of times to Mingzhu. Tianyu does seem to be watching them very carefully. Zsikhou hasn’t touched his own tea. Silgara seems more relaxed though.

Mingzhu notes that Tianyu seems very wary and guarded, especially Zsikhou. She gets up. “I think we are done here.”

Silgara nods. Zsikhou takes the tea to go. T'kharr sips her tea and gets up, offering Tianyu a "Thank you" and a dip of her head as they depart.

The party heads out, Silgara looks over, then looks to Mingzhu and T'Kharr, after they're a fair deal away from Tianyu's tea shop "I... couldn't help but notice you were a lot more guarded in there. Did you sense anything amiss?"

"It seemed a bit odd that he wasn't willing to converse with us, I wonder if Zsikhou may have had him a bit spooked?" T’kharr replies.

"I don’t think he gave us his usual tea. I think most of his customers get tea to get high." Mingzhu states.

Zsikhou raises an eye ridge. "Get high?"

“Drugs.” She surmises.

Silgara shrugs, "I didn't taste anything off in mind, admittedly."

Zsikhou nods, "Possibly, but even if so, would that contribute to a disease outbreak?"

"Opium, various mushrooms and plants or combinations. That’s what I was thinking the whole time. but it seemed to be just regular tea that he gave us. Probably wary of the clothes and symbolism of one or two of us." Mingzhu states resolutely. She then looks at Zsikhou. “No, it wouldn’t. That is, unless we get sick in a few days. At dawn tomorrow I will ask the spirits for disease cures."

"Even if we don't get sick from that, we could cure others, at least." Silgara comments. "This doesn't seem as virulent as the plague in Rhakku though, at least."

"That is true Silgara but if you wanted to take over a city or island would you want such a virulent plague as we saw in Rhakku. No, you would not. You would want something easily curable, but it makes people miserable all the same. Take away anything that can ease the suffering like herbal remedies, and you would corner the market on relieving peoples’ symptoms thus making you the hero." Mingzhu sums up.

"Which would fit the profile of Daimyo Yasima's official here." Silgara considers.
"Isn't proof, though." Zsikhou shakes his head. "So, what's our next step, then?"

Mingzhu nods, “But who is helping him on the front side of spreading the plague?”

"Thinking logically, it could be anyone. Tianyu or Sakura could both be suspects. Sakura didn't report her herbs stolen, which could be cover for trying to spread the disease. Tianyu could be spreading it with his tea. Or it could be one of the other villagers we haven't even met yet." Silgara shakes her head. "Ultimately we don't have enough information yet. We'll have to investigate further."

Mingzhu nods. Then Silgara mentions, “And don't forget last time in Rhakku there were Diamond Industries supply crates that were being used by plague-spreaders. And they're trading here regularly, it seems."

Zsikhou cranes his head. "All fair points, but we don't have enough information to make a judgement at this point. Begs the question what our next step is."

“Diamond industries seems a good place.” Mingzhu mentions.

"Hao mentioned that one of them, Rynard, visited him the day before he fell ill. And the same Rynard was speaking with Tianyu at night..." Silgara nods, "Well, where to then?"

“I think we need to talk to Rynard.” Mingzhu says.

Zsikhou nods, "Let’s go find him then."

Silgara shrugs, "Doubt they'll let us on their boat, but maybe we'll find him around town... Let's try by the docks." The four of them head to the docks.

[Winterhawk99]

It takes a bit of time tracking down Rynard, but they do. He’s talking with another Diamond Industries employee at a shop stall. Clearly a westerner, he wears nice clothing. Definitely like a merchant, though not overly ostentatious. Rynard seems focused on speaking with the other employee for now. Mingzhu takes a step back for T’kharr to speak with the man. The gnoll bows to him, “Hello there sir.” Before looking at the selection of the stall a bit.

Rynard looks over to T'kharr, up from his talk with the employee, "If you want the shop, talk to my associate here." He motions with his hand. The stall does seem to have mostly trade goods. Bits and bobs here and there, tools, Cormyrian goods, not much for adventurers but maybe some stuff if you want to furnish your boat.

Mingzhu speaks up as her friend was being dismissed. “We wish to speak to you about Hao.”

T’kharr nods to her, “Ah. We have a few questions for you to answer, aye."

Rynard looks over, "Look lady, if you want to gossip, go to a tavern or something." He then looks over at T’kharr. “Just make it quick and don't waste my time. I'm a busy man."

Mingzhu asks, “Did you get sick before or after you saw Hao?”

"I didn't get sick lady." Rynard huffs.

"Were you sick before you saw him?"

"No". Rynard huffs again.

Mingzhu tries to sense if the man is lying or not, but he seems too slick to let on anything by his posture or facial expressions. She looks to T’kharr again while saying, “You seem quite busy and do not want to deal with us. What should I tell Samael about our visit with you Rynard?”

He looks over to Mingzhu, "That you're bothering his employee with pointless gossip?"

T’kharr also tries to tell what’s going on in the man’s head. He doesn’t seem to be lying when it comes to being sick, however he’s definitely trying not to be helpful. She backs up Mingzhu, “That his employee is deliberately obstructing an investigation into the source of an illness that could very well be not of natural origin?"

Rynard looks over to T'kharr, raising an eyebrow "Where did you get that one from...?”

T’kharr regards him with a toothy smile. “We're trying to rule that hypothesis out, at the very least."

"From the other information we received around the town.” Mingzhu adds.

Rynard sighs, "Look I don't really want to peddle crazy tavern gossip while I'm on the clock, alright? Well, you got any questions to ask or are you just going to spout off nonsense?"

Zsikhou looks at him with an irritated glare. Rynard doesn't really seem to care. Mingzhu again looks to T’kharr to take the lead. T’kharr nods to her and asks, “Did you notice anything off about Hao when you spoke with him last?"

"No? ... I went to Hao for some woodwork and furniture. I paid him for his work. That was about it really." Rynard shrugs.

Mingzhu asks, “Do you know how long Daimyo Yasima's man has been around the city?”

Rynard chuckles, "If you think this is a city, then... bleh, that's off topic." He shakes his head "We've been doing plenty of business with Daimyo Yasima's people. As for how long they've been here. Couple of weeks?"

Mingzhu nods, “What about the medical supplies for the local sickness when did the first ship arrive from his territory?”

"Uh... two weeks or so ago? We've been supplying here for longer but that sounds about, right? Course, they may have been here before. I don't make it my business to get in between local politics; I just try to run a business here." Rynard shrugs.

“His man arrived the same time as the medical supplies. A lot seem to have happened in just two weeks and there are a lot of coincidences that seem to just match up right.” Mingzhu says more to herself than everyone else.

Rynard just raises an eyebrow, "You got a question to ask, lady?"

Mingzhu looks over at T’Kharr. "Looks like I may have to work in the graveyard."

Silgara looks over, "Are we done here for now, then?"

The shamaness looks over to T’kharr. “I am somewhat amiss on this one. Everything points in one direction, but I am unsure. It’s odd I’m starting to 2nd-guess myself."

Zsikhou looks over. "Shall we go then?"

Mingzhu looks at everyone, “It seems a dead end. Let us go.”

"Aye, I reckon that a commune with the spirits is our best bet to make forward progress." T’kharr agrees.

Rynard shrugs, "Alright, uh, you lot have a good day." He waves you off.

T’kharr waves him farewell, “Burdens be eased.”

[Winterhawk99]

They next go to the graveyard to find a secluded spot to do the commune. Mingzhu prepares herself and asks if anyone has any questions. Silgara looks over "We get three, right? It might be best to figure out what we want to ask first."

Mingzhu nods, “We get three. T'kharr? Silgara ? My first question will be to ask if someone purposely start this sickness.”

Silgara nods, "That's a good start, at least."

Mingzhu then says, “Further questions may depend on the answer of the first.”

"Well, the only possible answers there are yes or no." Silgara states, "What do you have in mind for either case?”

T’kharr gets thoughtful. "I think for yes, we start asking the spirits for pointers as to who or where, if no, we start looking into how Yasima found out about it."

“If it is no then I was thinking on asking if the Daimyo is taking advantage if yes if he or his men are involved.” Mingzhu suggests.

“That makes sense too.” T’kharr says.

“I’m thinking the last question would be the man who brought it here or the man’s name who started it
man or woman it may have been a woman, or do you have other ideas?”

"I think that might be a reasonable last question, yes." T’kharr smiles. Zsikhou nods.

Mingzhu nods and goes into the graveyard. She sits in full lotus and meditates for some time. Then casts trance to gather the spirits around her. When the spirits come, she casts commune. One answers her call. "Greetings spirit of community I have three questions. The first is the sickness on the island natural or did someone purposely start it?"

The spirit stays silent for a time as it grasps the question, then says one word, “Started.”

The shamaness takes a moment herself to absorb the information for the next question then asks, “Is the Daimyo Yasumi or his men involved in starting it?

“Complicated.”

Mingzhu again must pause, being that there must be a lot of moving parts to whatever is going on. But it isn’t a clear yes or no answer. She then asks, “What is the name of the person who intentionally activated the sickness?”

The spirit says, “Multiple.”

Mingzhu nods, “Thank you spirit.”

She comes out of the graveyard and looks at everyone gravely. “The plague was intentionally started. When I asked if the Daimyo or his men were involved it said complicated. Next, I asked who started it. The spirit said multiple."

"That's...interesting, multiple sources is unusual." T’kharr reflects.

Mingzhu nods. "So, as we thought there is a conspiracy going on around the start of this plague."

"Aye, makes the Diamond Industries obstruction much more worrisome given they had contact with the apparent patient-zero." T’kharr insists.

Mingzhu nods, “There can be quite the profit made from sick people wanting to get better.”

Zsikhou looks over. "So... no clear answers then, but at least we know suspicions are warranted. What's our next step, then?"

Mingzhu shakes her head, "I am unsure at this time. I need to think."

Silgara huffs, "A pity we didn't have Balan with us. A paladin's ability to detect evil would help with identifying who we should focus our suspicions on."

"I think we reunite with Balan for another round of questioning folks, might follow up with the other folks who did business with Hao." T’kharr suggests.

Zsikhou nods. "Well, sounds like a plan, then."

Silgara looks over, "And keep Fwangzhu and Minamoto in the town hall?"

T’kharr just shakes her head, “If possible.”

Silgara chuckles.

[Winterhawk99]

After the divination, Mingzhu starts to head for city hall where all the sick are. T’kharr follows her to at least check in with the others there. There's plenty to tend to here, Minamoto and Fwangzhu are there. It's not that terrible of an outbreak, but it does look like they have enough sick to go around. There's a steady supply of herbal remedies, soup, and tea going around. T’kharr looks for Balan when they arrive. They find him tending to others carefully and methodically doing what he can.

Mingzhu looks around to see how bad it is and especially checks on what those two lunatics are doing. She finds out that Fwangzhu scooted out but Minamoto is there. He’s not exactly a skilled healer and his presence isn’t too well receive, but he is doing what he can. Balan calls out, “Fwangzhu went off to scavenge for herbs.

T’kharr calls out, “Okay, hopefully that works out.” To Balanan.

Focusing on his work He comments, “It is the hope. These people are quite sick.”

T’kharr looks around and nods, “Aye, would you be able to join Mingzhu and I for a bit?”

Balan looks. Mingzhu is across the hall placing a cure disease on one of the attendants so that they can help better. They are quite grateful for the blessing. His eyes come back to the gnoll. “I think that would give Fwangzhu enough time to gather more herbs. There is not much more I may be able to do without them.”

Minamoto goes over to where the shamaness is tending to a few sick. “Have you found anything yet.” Mingzhu nods to him. "What is it?" Minamoto looks over, apparently, he feels rather uncomfortable where he is currently.

She tells him, “I will speak to the elder, however this sickness was deliberately cause by a conspiracy of many.”

Minamoto gives a grim nod. "Do you wish me to accompany you there?" He asks, "And, do you have any clues as to whom is involved?"

“We also think that the Daimyo Yasima or his men were directly involved but have no proof as of yet.
The spirits were unclear.”

Minamoto nods grimly. "Best I accompany you then."

The rest come over to where Minamoto and Mingzhu are as she says, “We do know that there are several people that activated this sickness.”

“That is interesting to know. Perhaps it could help narrow down which herbs would be best to use if we know what it exactly is.” Balan comments.

Mingzhu looks around. It looks more like a common cold or fever to her, nothing too exotic. She replies, “If nothing else ginseng tea should help alleviate the symptoms. Should I go directly to the elder about what we have found?”

Balan informs them more about the sickness. He’s been working at the hall for while, so he has more information on it. It seems like a cold, but more virulent than normal, and it spreads more easily. There also seem to be variations in the exact symptoms and infection vectors, almost like they are being refined or evolving as they try to treat it. The illnesses are in general not fatal, but they are debilitating for some time for those who fall ill, at least until they recover. In general, it seems like a variant of influenza. He says, “It would seem this is more than a cold more created to disturb function.”

Mingzhu nods and puts her hands on her hips thinking. “What about various symptoms? Are they consistent or different person to person? We may be dealing with more than one disease though they may be similar?”

“It may be the same disease yet changing with each person in some ways like a spider changing its encasement.” Balan reports.

"That's annoying" T’kharr lets out a small sigh with a soft frown on her muzzle.

“Ys, it makes treatment more difficult.” Balan replies to her.

Mingzhu says, “Ok, it’s something to bring up to the elder. I will have 4 cure diseases in the morning for the sickest of our patients.”

“If we could get a cauldron on a boil with eucalyptus and mint it may alleviate some symptoms. I do hope Fwangzhu can find that as well.” Balan replies.

"Aye. Did you folks want to try more questioning, or just going straight to the elder with what we have from our divinations?" T’kharr asks.

Mingzhu answers T’kharr, “I do not know, T’kharr. What are your thoughts?”

"I was half thinking you wanted to head for the elder, but I could support more questioning as well if you had a good idea of who to ask."

“Is there a shrine of the path in this town? she looks around perhaps a goodly monk will have been observing the whole of this?” Mingzhu asks.

"I do not believe this town has one." Minamoto mentions.

Mingzhu asks, “What of a monk or shamaness of the way or the 8 million?”

Minamoto shakes his head no "I'm afraid not."

"It sounds like the Elder might be our best bet at least at the moment. And we can prepare for another round of divinations tonight?"

"Might want to prepare multiple if we have that kind of time." Silgara says.

“I will use my one before we turn in for the night so it may recover during rest.” Balan nods.

Silgara looks over. "Well, what's the plan then? We still have time left in the day."

"Talk to the elder I think?" T’kharr suggests.

Silgara nods, “Very well.”

Mingzhu disappointed by the last commune says, “I will prepare several communes tomorrow at dawn along with the cure diseases.”

"I can prepare two cure diseases as well." T’kharr adds.

“Alright well I will head to the elder's then.” Mingzhu picks up her healing packs.

“I would do more, but I am unsure if a simple restoration spell would do the trick.” Balan says looking slightly confused.

Mingzhu answers him, “It helps Balan. A person can catch their breath with a restoration.”

They pack up and head to the Elder’s.

[Winterhawk99]

They are welcomed inside the Elder’s residence. He seems to be discussing some things with the official. Mingzhu bows to the Elder than looks at the official. “I need to speak with the elder, please leave."

The official looks over at Mingzhu, seemingly annoyed. "Excuse me, Shamaness? That's quite rude of you to demand that. I would have expected better decorum."

The elder does look over to Mingzhu at that "Please show my guests respect, Shamaness. If you wish to have a private meeting, that can be arranged."

“My apologies sir, however, it is somewhat sensitive information that I must speak with the elder about in confidence and I am extremely tired from the healing, meditations and interviews of the last hours."

The Elder looks over at Mingzhu. "Is it urgent?"

“It is somewhat urgent that you get this information, Elder, yes.”

He nods, then looks at the Official. "We can conclude our business later, then."

The Official bows to the elder. "Of course." He gives a pleasant smile, though he heads off afterwards.”

Mingzhu waits meditating for several moments on her words. The Elder looks over to her. "Well, what is it, then?"

“This sickness is not natural. We now know that it was purposely started by a conspiracy of people who came together to start the cold. When I asked the spirit of an elder past if Yasima or his people were involved the spirit spoke one word "complicated" Thus we know that Yasima or his people were at least somewhat involved in the plot though they may not have started the sickness perhaps used the conspiracy as an opportunity. We are not sure at this time.”

The elder heaves a heavy sigh. "Can you tell if it's opportunism or malice? I'm aware of Yasima's reputation, but right now we're reliant on the supplies from them, and Diamond Industries, to endure this sickness."

“We do not know yet elder I will be preparing more spells and questions for the spirits on the morrow. We also found out that the herbalist shop was broken into just before the diamond industries ship appeared with medicine. All of her herbs and curatives were stolen.”

The elder furrows his brow, looking over. "Sakura...?... She never mentioned anything to me. Are you certain of this?"

Mingzhu nods, "We interviewed her as she was coming and going to the fields frantically trying to collect herbs."

"I can understand her being frantic, but I would have expected her to come forward regarding such a theft if it happened." The elder says.

“As would I.” Mingzhu replies.

"Well, do you have anything more solid regarding all of this, Shamaness? As it is, I can't make action out of this right now." He leans back, tiredly rubbing his temple.

She nods, " I thought it urgent to warn you of all that we have found so far. I will be preparing several communes in the morning to follow up with the spirits. Eventually we will be able to pin down this conspiracy and find the culprits. This is no simple thing it was a complex set up to make the people bend to someone's will. Whether that by Yasima, Diamond industries or someone yet unknown or several of these."

He nods, "Well, I appreciate the warning, but there isn't much I can do with it right now. Unless you have anything else? Or questions?"

"I just wish you to be cautious at this time, Elder. There are nefarious dealings in the village. You needed to be warned that this was happening."

He nods, "I had my suspicions, but I'd rather not let paranoia guide my actions. Was there anything else?"

Mingzhu now looks to the others for their input. Balan speaks first, “I believe that is all at this time. I only know of the sickness. We will be lucky if we save all who have fallen ill. He looks a little grim.

Mingzhu turns back to the elder, “I will be able to heal 4 people directly on the morn.”

T’kharr adds, “I will be able to cure two more as well. Do you know who is worst off?”

Balan sighs, “I will do what I can.”

The Elders looks at Balan. “Have some faith and don't despair, we'll get through this. Though if there is some conspiracy, I would appreciate finding out about it. I'll have to have a word with Sakura."

Balan looks back. Send your biggest cauldron to where they are and if you have mint and eucalyptus, please send for that. I can attempt to relieve some ailments with that on a fire.”

“And ginseng tea. As much as can be acquired.” Mingzhu adds.

"Aye, we'll return in the morning with word of what we find out." T’kharr says to the Elder. Balan gives a firm nod with what she said.

"The materials you need should be in the town hall. But yes, I’ll have to look at supply numbers again. Was there anything else?" The elder looks over.

Mingzhu shakes her head, “I am sorry that I could not find out more for you and the people, Elder.”

He nods, "Well, just keep at it, then."

Balan leaves to gather the materials needed before resting. Mingzhu stands and bows, taking her leave to go back to the inn and sleep. T'kharr takes the opportunity to rest and pray as well, knowing she'll need a full set of restorative blessings for the day ahead. Balan gets in late after he is finished and hits the sack. The party is able to rest and prepare without incident.

[Winterhawk99]

In the morning Mingzhu prepares 3 Commune with Spirits, trances and 4 cure disease spells. Balan prepares two lesser restorations and is the first to leave well ahead of the others. He starts the cauldron with all the herbs he can find. With spell preparations done, Silgara does her prep work as well. Fwangzhu doesn't return to the inn with the rest of the party, who remains there. Zsikhou sneaks out while the party rests and prepares. But he eventually returns.

While eating after coming back from her meditation, Mingzhu suggests that they hit city hall first for the cures and to monitor the progress of the sickness. Then she will question the spirits when the team chooses to, after any interviews they wish to have. "Fair enough." T'kharr nods as she breaks her own fast for the day.

They spend some time at the city hall tending to the sick there. Having magic healing helps speed things up a lot there and save on supplies. The ones tending to the ill and those cured are quite grateful. Mingzhu smiles as she sees several move out of their beds and go home. Thanks to the companions’ support, it looks like they’ve made considerable headway in curing those afflicted. Mingzhu looks over to where T’kharr is. “Is there anyone else you wish to interview?"

T'kharr chips in with her healing spells "That's mostly up to you, unless you wish to swing by the Diamond Industries stall with Balan in tow, see if he can pry loose anything?"

Mingzhu replies while tending to a sick woman, “That might not be a bad idea.”

"Want to talk to Rynard again? Well, alright." Silgara nods. They pack up and head over to the docks. There’s a merchant there, selling regular goods. Rynard is wandering around but you can find him if you need to. T'kharr does lead the party to Rynard. Mingzhu moves aside for Balan and T’kharr to deal with him.

"Hello there sir." T'kharr dips her head to the man "I trust business has gone well since we last spoke?" Balan makes his way behind T’kharr with emotional anger about this.

Rynard looks over. "Yeah, you need somethin'?"

"Aye, wanted to talk to you again about the current goings-on in town, with folks getting sick and what-not."

"Look, I'm a businessman, not a gossip. What do ya want? And make it snappy." Rynard huffs with some degree of irritation.

T’kharr looks to Balan to let him have at the questioning. Balan studies him intimidatingly for a moment. “What is it you know of how this started?” T’kharr joins Balan in sizing up the man.

Rynard looks and fumes over "What the hells are you talking about?" He backs up nervously though.

"How the current illness began. Do you know anything about it?" T’kharr says in an intimidating manner.

"No! I don't, I'm a businessman, what do you freaks take me for?!" Rynard glares at them. "Whatever, I don't have time to deal with idiots."

"Do you really want us to tell Samael about what's going on here?" T’kharr says.

"I think you freakshows should leave me alone." Rynard huffs and then starts leaving.

Balan laughs a bit, “Maybe we should so just that. Throw the word extortion around a bit as well.” Rynard just starts to leave, hurriedly.

"Aye, I'm pretty sure Samael won't be happy to hear about what's going on here on this island, especially with that word involved." T’kharr shouts out. Rynard gets lost in the crowd. T’kharr turns to the others. “I think we should report him to the Elder as well, for his obstructive behavior, no?"

Balan nods, “Indeed. He is hiding something.”

Mingzhu looks to where the man disappeared. “I think I have some questions about Rynard to answer first.”

T’kharr turns to her, “Oh? Do you want me to chase him down?”

Mingzhu shakes her head. “Let’s see what the spirits say about him.”

"Ah. That might be a useful route then." T’kharr agrees.

Silgara nods, "It's not likely he'll fess up directly."

"Aye, and if we present the Elder with evidence of his involvement and his obstruction..." T’kharr trails off.

"What evidence do we have though?" Silgara asks.

“Whatever the spirits give us.” T’kharr replies.

Mingzhu still looking after Rynard says, “He did not get sick before or after leaving the carpenters. That is suspicious. He may have done something there to introduce this cold.”

"Well, let’s try it then." Silgara nods, beckoning to Mingzhu. Zsikhou seems to have stalked off.

"Let’s do the spirit commune, aye" T’kharr says to Mingzhu with a nod.

Mingzhu smiles, “I have 9 questions this time.” She heads to the graveyard, company in tow.

Mingzhu goes into the graveyard. She meditates a long time then sits in lotus position casting her first trance and commune with spirits. A spirit is called. She asks her first question, “Spirit is Rynard the merchant of Diamond industries involved in the conspiracy to make people in the village sick?”

“Yes.”

“Spirit, did Rynard the merchant of Diamond industries somehow plant the sickness in the carpenters shop to start one vector of the plague?"

“No.”

"Spirit was Rynard the merchant involved with the break in and theft of the herbalist's business?"

“No.”

The spirit fades. Mingzhu casts Trance and Commune with lesser spirit again. Another spirit is called. She asks her 4th question, “Spirit, Is Sakura the herbalist somehow involved with the conspiracy to make the people in the village sick?"

“No.”

“Spirit I will name two other names that may be involved in the conspiracy I ask if they were involved. the first is the official from Daimyo Yasmir?"

“Somewhat.” Based on the response Mingzhu surmises that he may not be causing the plague but he is likely involved in something else nefarious.

“The other person I ask of is Tianyu?”

“Yes.”

She casts Trance and Commune again. The spirit fades, then another is called, this one awaits inquiries. She asks, “Spirit, is Tianyu spreading the sickness in the village using his tea?”

“Yes.”

“Spirit was it Tianyu who broke into the herbalist home and stole her medicines?”

“No.”

“Spirit give me the name of the man or woman who broke into Sakura's shop?”

“Sebastian.” The spirit fades. Mingzhu comes back and reports each question and answer to the group.

"Hm. We should follow up with the elder on this, but I suspect that Sebastian figure is a Westerner from the name alone." T’kharr deduces.

Minamoto gives a grim nod. "Then, we will need to arrest Tianyu then."

"That's also an issue as well." T’kharr states.

Minamoto nods to T'Kharr. "Indeed, it means they're likely affiliated with Diamond Industries, they're the only westerners here besides us."

Silgara looks over. "Well, what's our plan for handling Diamond Industries then? And Yasima's official? The questioning didn't reveal what exactly they were involved with here."

T’kharr rubs her muzzle thinking. “"We'll need to do another round to sort out Yasima's official, but we at least have enough to start talking to the elder about Rynard and the Diamond Industries situation no?" Mingzhu nods to her.

Silgara considers, “Come to think of it... I think the questioning likely told us what it was that Yasima's official was involved with, if we examine the questions and what we know already."

T’kharr picks up on it. “It sounds like Yasima's official was involved with the theft, no?"

"Tianyu wasn't the one who stole Sakura's herbs..." Silgara begins, then she nods "So they may have hired this Sebastian to steal the herbalist's supply so that the elder would be pressured into buying from them instead."

Minamoto looks over, grimacing. "Even if that all is true though, he's an official under another Daimyo. He'd have to go to a court, and if it's one of Yasima's courts, I expect they'll find spiritually gained evidence insufficient for something like this."

Silgara looks over. "I think Zsikhou went to stalk Rynard..." Then she looks at the others "Right, what's our plan then for dealing with this?"

Mingzhu looks angry. “Go to the Elder and get leave to arrest this Sebastion. That will make Rynard crawl out of the woodwork.”

Minamoto says aside, “Let’s go then.”

[Winterhawk99]

They head over to the Elder’s home. The Elder is alone right now at least, though it also looks like he’s been busy. He looks up. “Greetings Shamaness.”

She responds, “Greetings and be at peace, Elder. We have more information. Something that you can act upon.”

He looks up, “I’m listening.” He sits back down and taps the armrest impatiently.

“The man who broke into Sakura's shop. His name is Sebastian. We believe he works for Rynard who is in fact involved in the conspiracy to make the village sick. The sickness itself is being spread by Tianyu who is putting it in his tea. Tianyu is also heavily involved with Rynard.” She tells him.

Silgara nods, "Tianyu and Rynard have been seen speaking together in seclusion at night." The elder grimaces, flexing his hands.

Mingzhu continues, “We also know that the official of Yasmir is also somehow involved or at least using the sickness for his own nefarious ends however we still do not know his involvement or his angle in doing so or how he is helping. We know that he is: on the outside somehow involved.”

He grimaces, then sighs... "I figured he wasn't completely forthright. Do you know what he is involved in, specifically?"

Mingzhu shakes her head. “I ran out of questions and have little to piece together his involvement as of yet. Perhaps one of the other three can help with this in questioning. I would be fumbling in the dark with the spirits until we can narrow it down.”

He looks over at Mingzhu, looking at her seriously. "Shamaness, you know my position here with dealing with the illness. I'm sure you also know about the... power plays between Daimyo Yasima and Kaluso. I need to ask you this. Based on what you have seen so far, do you think I should expel Yasima's official from the village or not? He has, quite frankly, too much official power for me to do more than tell him that his services aren't needed any more, but it will be enough. At least it will show his lord I am not interested in him being our patron."

“I would not expel him until we know the full truth of his endeavors, Elder. Without that we have nothing solid to petition the courts with. That is the best advice I can give unless you want him immediately outed which you can do.”

"This isn't a matter of courts, Shamaness." The elder says, "And in his own lord's court, it's a rigged game. And even if he is found guilty, they'll just replace him with another patsy." He leans back. "I'm more concerned with the wellbeing of my village."

“Then i would advise to oust him from the village.” Mingzhu states.

The elder nods "Very well. Thank you for your counsel, Shamaness. It seems we have some malcontents to expel from the village." He stands up.

She bows, “It is my job as community shamaness to offer advice to you elder. What you do with it is up to you, but I will give you the best I have at any time.”

He nods and walks outside. "It may be prudent if you and your retinue is present for what happens next. Just in case the Diamond Industries men at arms give us trouble." Mingzhu nods and follows him.

“Aye.” T’kharr agrees. Meanwhile Zsikhou ends up finding his way back to the party. She then looks over to him. "Found anything during your wanderings?"

"This one tailed Rynard. He went back to his ship. Couldn't sneak aboard the ship. Then saw Yasima's fellow speaking with some people from Diamond Industries. Sounded like mercantile stuff to this one."
Zsikhou says. The Elder keeps walking, noting the mood in the group. Zsikhou looks over but doesn't ask any questions. The elder goes to the town square.

"Ah. So, we have confirmation that Diamond Industries is at least in contact with Yasima's official." T’kharr notes.

Minamoto looks over. "I take it we're going after Rynard first, then Tianyu?"

Silgara looks over. "Unless we wish to split our attention."

"I think it's best we do this one at a time." T’kharr explains.

Silgara nods, "Right then."

Minamoto looks over. "There are tactical considerations to signal here as well, we want to arrest Rynard, but if he's on the ship, he might sail off."

“We really want Sebastian too.” Mingzhu states firmly.

T’kharr adds, “Aye. We also don't want to tip folks off. Arresting Tianyu might be cause for Rynard and Sebastian to flee."

The elder looks over. "I am about to publicly banish Diamond Industries from the village, but do you have another plan?"

Zsikhou looks over. "Rynard is on the ship. Don't know who Sebastian is."

"Sebastian is the figure who robbed Sakura's shop." T’kharr tells him.

Zsikhou nods, "Got some executions to enforce then."

Silgara looks over. "What's the plan then? Storm the ship? Have the Elder banish them?"

Minamoto looks over. "We do have authority to enter the ship."

Silgara looks over. "Odds are they will refuse us access and attempt to enforce it forcibly."

“I no longer have any offensive spells.” Mingzhu informs them.

Silgara looks to T'kharr. "Plan, then? We can likely expel them without bloodshed, but it may be prudent to do a full search of their ship if we can."

Mingzhu smirks, “We could seize any elicited wares too that will certainly get Samael’s attention.”

“We may have to wait this until we can come with our full firepower. There are things we might be able to do in the meantime though?" T’kharr carefully suggests.

Minamoto looks over. "We're only missing the savage. We'll manage."

"I mean, I'm set up for healing not fighting, same with Mingzhu." T’kharr states to him.

"Guess that will leave it up to me, the Kami, Balan, and Silgara then." Minamoto muses, "But I get the feeling that if we wait around, they might flee or go to ground or have a chance to clean up evidence."

"We can't just sit on our thumbs no, but...we could move at the crack of dawn?" T’kharr says.

"It's already pretty early in the day." Silgara looks over.

“I truly don’t see there is time T'kharr the elder is set on seeing this through.” Mingzhu says.

The elder nods. "Indeed. If you want time to apprehend Rynard and Sebastian, I can delay for that, but I won't wait a whole day for them to spread the plague further."

Zsikhou looks over. "Alternatively, we hit Tianyu first."

"Problem with that is making sure that Rynard and Sebastian aren't tipped off, unless you have an idea for that?" T’kharr surmises.

"Then we go after their boat first." Zsikhou says.

“We go for the boat. catch them first it seems Rynard is the ringleader or near enough to be the ringleader.” Mingzhu agrees.

"Aye, impound the boat I reckon so they can't sail off, even." T’kharr says as she sees the plan.

Minamoto nods to her. “Let’s get to it then.”

T’kharr looks over to Silgara. “Wards?” Silgara casts Mage Armor on herself and T’kharr. Another on Zsikhou. T’kharr takes up her staff. “Got it.” They go to the pier the ship is docked on. While walking up the pier Mingzhu casts some of the few spells she has left: Endure Elements, Protection from Evil and Prayer on the group.

“Would impounding not cause suspicion? Could some make the ship inoperable from below.” Balan asks.

There's a docking ramp, two guards on the outside. The docking is fairly long, like a pier, and the diamond industries ship is docked to it. Gangplank lowered so it could be boarded, but one would have to run past the guards, and onto the ship. The two guards look over to the group. T'kharr nods to the guards, then looks to Mingzhu and Minamoto. The guards center on her though. “What do you lot want?”

Minamoto steps forward. "Stand aside. I am a man-at-arms of Daimyo Kaluso and must conduct business on board."

"Yeah, you got an appointment? If not, then you'll need to make one." The guard replies.

"This ship is to be impounded and searched for criminal activities. Stand aside." Minamoto says firmly.

"You're delusional. Buzz off." The guard replies.

“We are here to arrest Rynard and Sebastian for conspiracy to spread ailment among the people of the village to make a profit from the malaise.” Mingzhu states firmly.

The guard looks to Mingzhu "Listen bitch, I don't know what you're baked on, but you ain't coming aboard to satisfy your crazy ravings. Go sod off to the other drunkards or something." Minamoto’s hand goes near his weapon.

"You can make this easy, or very, very hard." T’kharr says. Balan snarls attentively.

"Get lost freakshow!" The guard says to T'Kharr.

"If you obstruct us, then I will have to place you both under arrest." Minamoto says firmly.

Mingzhu exasperated by the conversation says, “Zsikhou you are up. Do what need done in the name of the Celestial Court.”

"Consider yourself fortunate I have the patience not to arrest ye for contempt of guard." T’kharr says to the two men-at-arms at the gangplank. "Would you say that to the Nightwatch of your own hometown if you were in trouble?"

Zsikhou nods then just moves past them towards the ship.

[Winterhawk99]

The guard suddenly turns. "H... hey! Where the hell do you think you're going, rat?!"

The other guard looks over. "Hey, look, you lot can wait out there while we get the boss. But..."

"No time, get that rat off the ship!" The guards move to stop Zsikhou, but the kobold's slipped past them easily and onto the ship

"If you're willing to fetch the boss without giving us trouble and make sure he knows that he can't just call us freaks and walk off..." T’kharr shouts.

They've already run towards the ship, they're shouting "Hey! We got intruders on deck!"
Minamoto moves forward to board the ship as well. Mingzhu gaging the situation walks onto the ship.

The guards look over "Hey! I never said you lot could board!" Balan follows in suit keeping a very stern dangerous expression. They start shouting, some more guards seem to be mobilized. Zsikhou is below deck somewhere.

Silgara looks over "Think we should rush after the kobold?"

“Might I remind you all that you are guests of Daimyo Kaluso, and we have official sanction to investigate the goings on in his territory through his man Hattori.” Mingzhu shouts out.

The rest of the crew looks concerned as the party moves over, and the guards start shouting. The guard looks over to Mingzhu "Might I remind you that you lot are invading private property down here?"
Suddenly a scream is heard below decks.

T’kharr sneers, “That sounds like someone got the wrong end of a kami.” Mingzhu just nods.

Silgara looks over. "He might require assistance." T’kharr heads for a way below decks to find Zsikhou.

The guards blunder along and try to impede the group; Minamoto just pushes past. Eventually in one of the cabins, you do find Zsikhou. Rynard's dead. He looks like he's fighting a duel with someone who has a drawn rapier and small shield. "The rat killed Rynard!" One of the guards shouts out.

"Lay down your blade now before the wrath of the Triad is brought upon ye for your sins!" T'kharr snarls at whoever's locked with Zsikhou in a duel. It seems he is too busy to respond.

The guards draw their weapons. "Alright, get rid of that rat!"

Balan steps in between the guards and the group becoming a shield ready to brace them, “Away! You will not stop the mandate of heaven!”

Guard 3 is about to close with Zsikhou, but Balan stops him. "Get outta the way! That crazy kobold just killed someone! Get rid of that monster!"

T'kharr takes a swing at the back of the guard’s neck with her quarterstaff to try to bring him down, but she misses. Mingzhu tries using stunning fist on the nearest guard to her, but she also misses. One of the guards realizes it’s on now and takes a swing at Mingzhu, hitting her and nearly breaking her collar bone. Zsikhou is not flanking with Sebastion and manages to stab him in the thigh. Silgara shoots grazing Sebastion across the arm.

Another guard tries to slug the Wu Jen but misses. Sebastian’s rapier finds a weak spot in Zsikhou’s armor, and he manages to stab the kobold in the gut. He then pulls the sword out and tries to strike at Zsikhou again, but the kobold blocks the sword.

Balan uses holy might and strikes down at a guard who is nearly killed by the blow. Another guard tries to flank and attack the kobold but misses the target. Minamoto draws his blade and strikes the guard on Mingzhu. Striking him twice sending him reeling back.

Balan keeps after his guard. He strikes out as the guard is trying to flank Zsikhou. He strikes the man in the back and the guard crumbles. Then spins around looking at the other guards. Another guard joins in the fun going after Balan. T’kharr goes for a stunning fist move on Sebastian with her bite. It stuns the man. Mingzhu goes after the man that hurt her. Her kick connects but only does minor damage. Silgara steps away from the action and casts daze on the guard next to her. Her spell goes off but he manages to resist it.

Zsikhou puts two more deep wounds into Sebastian as he his stunned by T’kharr’s bite. T’kharr yells out, “Yield now or else your life is forfeit!"

One of the guards goes after Silgara but misses. Minamoto again, goes after the guard that is attacking Mingzhu. He again puts a fairly serious wound on the guard. Balan runs over to help defend Mingzhu. He also connects with the guard. The man goes down in a pool of blood. T’kharr tries to clobber Sebastian with her quarterstaff but misses.

Mingzhu sees an oil lamp near and runs grabbing it up. Zsikhou continues trying to kill Sebastian, but he slips and misses the man. Silgara again tries to cast Daze on one of the guards. This time the spell works and the guard dozes off falling to the ground. Another guard attacks her but she dodges the spear. Sebastian suddenly gets his senses about himself and tries to skewer Zsikhou again. He manages to peg the kobold into the calf.

Minamoto charges the man going after Silgara. He slams into him and manages to give him a light wound with his sword in the process. T’kharr finally notices what Mingzhu is about to do and tries to shout out, “We should keep the ship intact if at all possible Mingzhu, so that we don't destroy the evidence!" but Mingzhu infuriated by the whole of the situation is not listening at all.

Balan starts to push back at the guards in the back, smoke billowing from his mouth. T’kharr smacks Sebastian again with her staff but he still seems to be standing. Mingzhu throws the oil lamp across the room as hard as she can. It’s off target, bouncing off the bed and rolls down to the ground. It doesn’t break.

Zsikhou again attacks Sebastian but the mans armor stops his weapon both times. However, Sebastian faints from all the subdual damage that T’kharr has been dishing out. Silgara steps back for a point blank shot at the guard, she grazes his neck. The guard attacks her back but misses as his aim is off with all the confusion and commotion.

There are now only two guard left and everyone is wounded. The one that is undazed is still attacking Silgara. Balan tries to rush the guard still standing but can't quite get through to him. So, he goes to the dazed guard and grapples with him fully subduing the man. The last guard standing realizes the battle has gone south and decides to drop his weapon and surrender. The battle stops.

Balan snarls at the man he is holding. “I saved your life today. Remember that.”

“Alright, alright, you lot win… loot everything you want just… spare the crew… or not, I don’t know what you lot want.” The guard says.

[Winterhawk99]

T’kharr is still holding the subdued Sebastian by the back of his collar. "Now you get to answer the Elder for robbing an innocent merchantwoman of her stock." Silgara and Zsikhou both look pretty wounded, Zsikhou checks on Sebastian.

Balan is still holding his man against the wall. He says, “Whoever is most wounded come to me.”

"Unless you need something from that one, this one suggests having them executed immediately." Zsikhou says, regarding Sebastian.

Mingzhu says, “We need to question the man.” Zsikhou nods to her.

Minamoto looks over. "I do have some shackles, let me." He moves over to Sebastian.

Sebastian's quite dazed and stunned and still bleeding. His shoulder looks to have experienced a cave in. T’kharr says, “Do be careful, he doesn't have much of a left shoulder left." Minamoto shackles Sebastian. Then he goes to do the same for the remaining two guards.

Mingzhu studies the area. “The ship needs to be searched for contraband and any that could show where this sickness may have come from originally. Perhaps Rynard provided it to Tianyu.”

Balan steps up to Silgara and Zsikhou and places a hand on both of them Laying on Hands to heal some of their wounds. "Aye, search the ship thoroughly." T'kharr steps over to Silgara and Zsikhou and places a furry paw on each, channeling more healing energy into them.

"If they're smart, they would not have left anything incriminating." Silgara says. After T’kharr heals them Silgara and Zsikhou are fully mended.

Mingzhu adds, “The ship should also be impounded until all of this can be searched and sorted out.”

Minamoto nods, "Agreed."

Zsikhou goes about searching around the ship and the cabins. The crew seems terrified of the group now and tries to avoid them. Balan assists Zsikhou. Mingzhu also searches while bandaging herself up. T'kharr bandages Sebastian so he doesn't bleed out then brings him, followed by each of the shackled guards in turn, to the elder. Once she returns from that, she examines Sebastian's weaponry. She finds a +1 rapier. She calls out, “First rank rapier although not sure if anyone can use it.”

Silgara calls back, “I could, actually.”

“Please do take it.”

They also find a +1 mithril chain shirt, and a +1 small shield on him. The guard grumbles about getting robbed. Mingzhu retorts to him. “Keep grumbling and I’ll start throwing every oil lamp I see.” Balan gives off a deep chuckle eyeing him, while Silgara confiscates Sebastian’s weapon.

Zsikhou looks around, so far it's mostly a pretty routine thing for a merchant ship, but he ends up finding a concealed container with 1000 gold coins worth of pearls in a small lockbox, in Sebastian's bunk.

T’kharr asks, “See if you can find records, papers, diaries, journals and logbooks.” Silgara nods to her and goes to work. She finds a logbook in Rynard’s cabin.

Mingzhu adds, especially with Rynards writing or any books that belong to him.

"It'll take me some time to go through them." Silgara states. The shamaness nods.

"Don't worry, we'll have plenty of time once we arrest the innkeeper." T’kharr states.

Silgara looks through the logbook. “Mostly it's normal stuff...”

"Why would we arrest the innkeeper?" Minamoto looks over

“You mean the tea house owner, yes.” Mingzhu asks?

Balan nods but is looking for the herbs that may have been stolen. Silgara scans through the logbook. “It looks like it's mostly normal. The funds Sebastian has aren't included in anything there though. There are some notes of selling 'tea brewing components' to Tianyu though. In fairly significant quantity.”
Checking the logs and the stock, it doesn't look like the stolen herbs are here. You're pretty sure they aren't. Silgara compares the timeframe as well.

Mingzhu rubs the side of her head, “We need to have a look at those components that were sold to Tianyu.”

T’kharr agrees. “Aye, if we can find some unsold components, that'd be valuable for analysis."

Silgara looks back to the books. “Let me see then. Belladonna, Nightshade..." Silgara muses She and Zsikhou spend some time comparing supply to the books "Some varying fungi as well." Silgara looks over, "Looks like from what we can tell, they weren't selling outright poisons, but I know enough alchemy to know that a number of these components could be used for poisoning if utilized by a skilled brewer or alchemist."

"Oh wonderful, we will need that for the records to take to Hattori and the judge." Mingzhu explains.

"Which admittedly fits with the less virulent illness going around." Silgara nods, taking the ledger. "Well, Rynard is dead, so.... I don't think putting him for trial will be possible."

Minamoto looks over. "If none of the components themselves are illegal though... still, we know what Rynard was intending with Tianyu."

Zsikhou looks over. "Can't help but notice that Sebastian's extra funds are not on record either."

"Oh boy. Nasty stuff. I think we have a good case to arrest Tianyu for adulterated tea, if nothing else though. He very well could have killed someone with that sort of thing." T’kharr looks shocked.

“We can extract that from Tianyu when we arrest him.” Mingzhu responds.

Silgara nods, "Let’s get going then? And bring Sebastian with us? What of the guardsmen?"

"We can bring the guardsmen as well although I'm not sure what the Elder will wish to do with them." T’kharr says.

Minamoto looks over. "They fought against us. They would have to be tried for it."

Balan looks grim. “If they were involved it will not be pretty.”

Mingzhu meditates a moment then says, “I would say bring them in for questioning but if we find they were just doing their jobs then release them.”

"They still defended those that were. Even if they did not know what was going on, they still impeded a rightful search by a soldier of the Daimyo's court." Minamoto looks over, then a nod. "That may be considered, of course."

Zsikhou looks up. "Right, let’s find Tianyu then?"

“Minamoto, they did the same as you would if you were in their place.” Mingzhu reminds him.

“It is the way of western places where you do not ask questions. These men were paid copper compared to what is going on.” Balan explains.

Mingzhu nods, “If they were not involved in the conspiracy, we should let them go. it is the right thing to do.”

Balan supports her. “I would agree with this.”

"Aye, if they were not part of the conspiracy then we can let them go." T’kharr throws in with the others.

Silgara looks over. "If they were smart, they probably kept it need-to-know."

Balan says, “Indeed it is what most western cultures do.” With a nod. The party heads off the boat. Prisoners in tow. The rest of the crew seems too afraid to do much. However, once above, there is a panic regarding a fire. The elder seems to be organizing a bucket line.

[Winterhawk99]

T'kharr sniffs and looks around to see what caught fire. It seems the Elder has it under control for the most part. They find it’s Tianyu’s place, which has been burned down for the most part. She asks, “Does anyone know where Tianyu is, or see how it started?"

The elder looks over. "Tianyu's missing, no idea how it started." Though he clearly has some ideas.

"The question I have is how did either Tianyu or an accomplice know to burn down the place?" Mingzhu states angerly. “We were quick in our dealings.”

"Hm. Once it's out, I can try searching the rubble." T’kharr says.

"We did spend some time on the boat, but I digress..." Silgara rubs her temples.

Balan throws his hands up. “It could be anyone.” He then eyes the elder a bit curious.

The Elder looks over. "Don't know right now. " A huff, "Either way, did you do what you needed to do there?"

Mingzhu nods, “We have Sebastian for questioning along with the guards of the ship.”

The elder nods, "Well, I'm going to announce that Diamond Industries is no longer welcome in our village. I expect the remainder to pack up and set sail immediately." He then looks over. “Do you have any plan for the prisoners?"

"Aye, we were able to capture one of the involved Diamond Industries personnel and the other now lays dead." T’kharr says to him.

"We don't have a jail here, and the nearest one is quite a long ways away." The Elder comments.

Mingzhu considers then says, “We will question them all release the ones not involved. Sebastian will face Minamoto's justice afterward. He is the authority here and should casts judgement.” Minamoto nods.

"Well, go ahead and question them then." The elder speaks, "I'll let the merchants at the dock know to pack up and be ready to set sail immediately."

"Alright then. Question the guards first I take it?" T’kharr looks at the prisoners.

Balan smiles, “Aye seems like the right course.”

“T'kharr, Balan they are your people. You should have the honor, since you know the way, they think better than we do.” Mingzhu suggests.

Balan looks to T’kharr. “If you are up for this.”

"I suppose we can do this" She gives a nod to Balan.

“I feel they are not good people so this may be difficult.” Balan says studying them. The guards look up. One is pretty badly injured, the other just groans. Balan uses his Detect Evil power. He finds that Sebastian and one of the guards are evil. The other is not. He opens his eyes and points to the odd one out, “That one does not give the same presence.”

T'kharr kneels beside the uninjured guard, speaking gently and softly, "Would you be willing to answer a few questions for me?"

Balan looks over watching then speaks in common, “It would be best for your health to cooperate.” Then adjusts his gaze to each one judging them. He licks his lips hungrily.

The guard groans, “Ugh… Fine… go ahead.” He tries to roll his shoulders but doesn’t struggle overmuch.

"Did they simply tell you 'Guard the boat' or did they actually read you folks in on what the merchants were up to?" T’kharr asks.

"I just guard the boat and sometimes the merchants when they go out places."

"Righty-o. Did you overhear any rumors or whispers of what the merchants got up to? Especially Rynald and Sebastian."

"No? ... Really hope you lot didn't attack us just because of rumors or whispers." The guard lets out a displeased huff.

"No, we had more to go on than mere rumor, that much you can rest assured of. I take it you didn't ever like...drop eaves on them either?"

Balan nods to the man as he talks, “Guess I'll have to take your word for it. And no? I was hired on as a guard, not to spy on my own company."

"Like, folks get curious, it's a natural thing." T’kharr suggests.

"Yeah well, listen to one boring merchant meeting and then you just kinda zone them out." He shakes his head.

"Ah, fair." T’kharr laughs and a smiles before looking to Balan to see if he had any questions for the man.

Balan chuckles in the background, “I believe he is telling true. I would also not listen after that type of meeting. However, you are to remain under supervision I would suggest to the Elder.”

"Yeah, fine, fine..." He sighs. Balan after he receives an answer nods to T’kharr. She then turns to the other guard, laying a furry hand on the wounded man to channel some healing energy into him. Balan kneels beside her and places a hand on the wounded one as well healing him more.

The man groans, “Urgh... what in the nine hells do you freaks want now?"

Balan punches him in the face. “Manners!” After he gets punched, he spits at Balan.

T’kharr takes over. “Just tell us if you overheard anything of what they were talking about? Any of their plotting and scheming?"

"I wouldn't tell you even if I knew shit. Which I don't." He spits at T'kharr. Mingzhu watches the whole scene quietly.

T'kharr just looks at him owlishly. "You do realize that Sebastian's caved-in shoulder was my doing, right? But if you were like the other guard and everything went in one ear and out the other...."

"Rabid mutts like you would be put down in any properly civilized land! Feh." He glares at T'kharr.

"Me? Rabid? Psh." shows him the red cord about her wrist with an Ilmater symbol on it. "Shows you how little you know."

"Maybe it should go around your neck and be attached to a leash like that kobold you lot have." He sneers. Zsikhou looks over like he just wants to snuggle stab the guy already.

Balan asks, “Shall we eat him now?” The other guard winces. Balan then smirks, “I take the leg. You have the other?” The guard suddenly looks thoroughly freaked out. Balan reaches for his sword, “Well unless you want to talk to us.”

T’kharr laughs. The guard starts talking, “Look, I swear, I didn't hear shit okay! ... I'm just a grunt hired for added muscle and security, that's all!"

"Okay, okay, you can go back with the others then." T’kharr says.

"Dunno what you lot were raving about before and I still don't!"

Balan steps away firming himself, “And now we have one left. Though that one was not a good person.”

T'kharr kneels next to Sebastian, looking him over to see just how bad his wounds are. Balan looks to Zsikhou. “He is evil.”

Mingzhu looks the man over and says, “We could always weight him down and put him in the water with me. We can see who can hold their breath longer me or him.” Sebastian is in pretty bad shape, being that Zsikhou was stabbing him pretty viciously.

Balan shakes his head at Mingzhu’s comment, “That does not seem fair.” Zsikhou looks like he wants to stab Sebastian some more. Balan then goes to Zsikhou gesturing to pick him up and whispers to him, I have an idea.”

"Hm?" T'kharr inquires to Balan.

Zsikhou looks over "Yes?"

Balan says, “Come.” He leads him to sit in front of him to stare down Sebastian and whispers to the kobold, “You will not need to say anything.” Then he gives a few pats to Sebastian’s face. “Be alive boy.”

Sebastian groans and comes too. Balan winks to T’kharr. She looks down at Sebastian.

He looks back at her and tests his bonds, noting he’s shackled. “Mate, if you wanna tie me up, at least buy me dinner first."

"Wouldn't have to buy it." T'kharr chuckles, "I could fetch a crab or such off the beach if you were that hungry?"

"Well, it's something." He winces, the shoulder wound clearly bothering him. Balan has a gentle chuckle at that keeping his eyes on Zsikhou. Zsikhou just glares at Sebastian with palpable menace. T'kharr steps off briefly to grab a crab she could whack for the two to split.

Sebastian looks over at Balan. "You 'is daddy or somethin' mate?" He gives a look to Zsikhou.

“I am one of the things stopping this one from ending your life.” Balan suggests. “So, in that perhaps you give some respect.”

"Well thank ya kindly for that mate. Woulda' been nice if ya coulda stopped him from a killin' spree before, but hey, I ain' judging. Maybe the kobold there needs a leash." Sebastian muses lazily.

Zsikhou looks over to Sebastian, unamused. "This one is currently considering having you executed for violations of the Mandate of Heaven and only by the request of their companions are you spared. For now. Don't push it."

Balan leans a bit back from the ‘kobold’. “You should be careful with your tongue, or he will start taking toes.”

Zsikhou looks over. "This one does not indulge in needless torture. Only delivers executions when deserved."

T'kharr returns with a stunned crab in her hands, and kneels down next to Zsikhou, cracking the crab in her jaws and offering the mess of shell, meat, and entrails to Sebastian first, then to Zsikhou to pick from. Sebastian looks to Balan "Sorry mate, I just..." Then he looks at T'kharr "Well mate, I appreciate the thought. Still somethin you oughtta' offer before ya tie someone up, savvy?"

Balan asks, “Are you willing to talk with us?”

"Not like you gave me the opportunity, but yes....are you at least willing to talk with us?" T’kharr says.

"I didn' realize I was talkin' to the wind before, mate." Sebastian looks to Balan. Zsikhou just flexes his claws in irritation.

Balan shakes his head. “Not exactly what was meant.” He looks to T’kharr then says, “We have questions we wish you speak truth on.”

"Well, that's what you're wantin then? Course, I figure if I answer em your little fella there's gonna stab me fierce. And iffin I don't he's gonna do the same. So, what's my incentive?" Sebastian leans back lazily.

Perhaps not that simple. If he thinks you do not speak true, I will try to reason, If you do you are not at our mercy. We are your trial not your judgement. I believe in my soul that has been made by the gods.” Balan responds.

"Well, that ain' a whole lotta sunshine for me is it? Course from my perspective, yer little buddy there came on board then started goin' on a stabbing spree." He says.

“And what is it you think would have provoked that?” Balan asks.

"Ain' got no clue mate." Sebastian shrugs. You mind fillin' me in?"

T'kharr finishes off the rest of the crab. Balan says, “There has been some unwelcome illness and theft in the town. What is it you know on this?”

“Such as the break in at the herbalists.” Mingzhu speaks up.

"I know about the illness, but I ain' a healer mate. I try to make sure supplies go where they need t'go." Sebastian shrugs.

"We're not expecting you to be a healer. We just want to know what you know about the situation." T’kharr states.

"Ain' much that ain' publicly known mate. Disease goin' around, means we ship in things that can help deal with it and the like, and also to be careful so ya don't end up pickin' it up." He says, "That about it, savvy?"

“About the break in and stealing of all the herbalist’s supplies?” Mingzhu asks.

"Aye, we do want to know about that as well." T’kharr says.

"About what now?" Sebastian raises an eyebrow.

"Sakura, the town herbalist, was broken into and had her supplies stolen." T’kharr states.

"Really now? News to me, mate." Sebastian shrugs. Balan smirks. Sebastian catches Balan's smirk, perhaps wondering what he knows, but keeps quiet for now.

Balan tells him. “There are others in this place who see more than anyone else.”

"Really now mate? You know what else? When a guy has enough rum, they're seein' three of everythin." A shrug "So who's sayin' what now?"

“Did they not inform you of the spirits in this land and those who call upon them?” Balan looks down to Zsikhou and says quietly in draconic, “Now I want to hit him for being ignorant.”

"Well blows to the head make someone's head all fuzzy, mate. Though if I were you, I'd be pretty wary of what spirits tell ya. Unless it's the kind of spirit that goes down in a tavern. Then at least that stuff's a good time."

Zsikhou hisses, flexing his claws. "Can this one stab him already for withholding information? Get him talking about something relevant already."

Sebastian looks at Zsikhou. "You're an angry lil' mate ain't ya?" Zsikhou looks to Sebastian, entirely unamused.

Minamoto steps over. "If he refuses to speak the truth, I say we go to the sentencing."

Balan stands and steps away turning his back to them. “Perhaps another would like to question.” literally giving Zsikhou unguarded placement

Minamoto looks to Balan and T'Kharr. "Have you finished your questioning, then?"

"Not yet" T'kharr pipes up "Can I ask who, if anyone, you worship or even pay lip service to?" to Sebastian directly.

"Hey now, is this a whole religious thing? I paid lip service to a lotta gods ya know. Bitch queen over the seas. Tymora and Beshaba when gamblin an' doin' a risky score, ya know how it is mate, yeah?" Sebastian looks to T'Kharr. "An of course Waukeen for makin good coin." He adds as an afterthought.

"I ask you that because you clearly don't know god-servants when you see 'em. I was raised serving the Lord on the Rack myself and still worship him to this day, Balan here is a knight of the Platinum Dragon, the short lass who was with us in the fight is a shamaness as well, and Zsikhou here is a servant of one of the many dragons of the heavens here." T’kharr informs him.

"Eh, well, I sail different seas than you've likely sailed. Anyways, what's the point ye tryin' to make mate?" Sebastian shrugs.

She shows Sebastian the Ilmater holy symbol on her wrist. "The point I'm making is that the way you were speaking showed wanton disregard for the workings of the gods and their servants, both in heaven and here on Toril." Her tone is polite, patient, but clearly firm, almost maternal.

"Well I ain' sure what t'say to that mate." He actually seems rather confused. "So, level wit' me, why did your kobold go an' stab Rynard anyways? Unless that one's just the type to go around stabbin regularly. Which is what most kobolds are like t'be fair."

"Same reason Balan here would stab a lemure if one shambled up to us at this moment. Our kami's heavenly callings called for Rynard's offenses to be stopped, and yours as well. Consider yourself fortunate that I brought you down with my staff, because the kami was not pulling his blows to subdue the way I started to." T’kharr says to him.

Sebastian raises an eyebrow. "Now that's goin' a bit far? Besides, what did the Kobold take offense with Rynard for anyways?"

Mingzhu says, “He conspired to start a plague here so he could profit off the medicine he could procure.”

He blinks, looking to Mingzhu. "For reals, lass?"

"Aye, one doesn't have the right to break windows just so they can sell replacement panes." T’kharr states. Mingzhu just nods.

"Seems a touch farfetched causin' a plague outta the blue like that, I dunno how he'd even do something' like that." Sebastian pauses, a breath out, considering. Zsikhou keeps staring at him.

"He seemed to have a few different tricks up his sleeve, but we suspect he had contacts with someone who had suitable magic at their disposal, in addition to selling ingredients to the teahouse keeper Tianyu that could be used by them to spike folks' tea to sicken them further." T’kharr adds.

"Well, that's a real crazy scheme there. Well, if he did, it ain' anythin' he shared wit' me mate. Or across the boat, I'm pretty sure." Sebastian shakes his head.

"That said, he did involve you in one part of it, even if not directly. What do you know about the robbery of the herbalist Sakura's shop?" T’kharr asks.

Sebastian cranes his head back and forth a few times, then looks to T'kharr "Well, here's the rub. I talk or don't and the kobold's probably gonna stab me, savvy? So, what are you offerin' for that? You gonna stop me from being stabbed, slashed, or on a swing if I gab?"

"You talk, and you get to answer to the Elder and possibly then to Samael for this. If you don't talk or just blow smoke at us, then the kami gets involved." T’kharr says resolutely. Zsikhou narrows his eyes at Sebastian.

Sebastian sighs "Well, that's fine. But the Elder or his guys won't put me on the gallows, got it? Add that to the bargain, I hitch a ride outta here, and I'll talk. Savvy?"

"We can try to do what we can, but at the end of the day it's up to the Elder. I can't make any hard promises, but our shamaness does have his ear."

Sebastian sighs "This better not get me the swing, mate. But fine. B'fore I signed on with Diamond Industries, well, I got in my fair share o' trouble. Anyways, I get this offer one night by this shady feller. Offers me a thousand gold's worth in pearls iffin I do a break-in job. Didn't even want it, just wanted it dumped at sea." Sebastian shrugs. "Figgured I'd like the thrill of it again an' the thousand gold in pearls is a nice bonus to it, so I took the job. Did it perfectly. Was a real smooth one there. Smuggled it out, dumped the goods. Contact gave me the payment as promised." He nods "Didn't tell any of my mates at the company about my little side-gig either, iffin you're wonderin'."

"Right, that tracks. Can you tell us anything about that shady fellow?" T’kharr asks.

"I can tell ya this mate, he's an easterner. dressed all inconspicuous like. Never saw 'em again after the job was done. Didn' trade names, but..." Sebastian looks around "Call it a hunch but I think I know in retrospect who they were workin' for. Didn' say nothin on it an' can't prove it though."

"Fair enough, we've got some pretty good indications on that front ourselves." T’kharr says while looking up at Mingzhu for a moment.

"Yeah, so you probably don' need me to spell it out for ya, mate." Sebastian nods.

Mingzhu describes Tianyu. “Does that sound like the shady guy you contracted too?"

Sebastian shakes his head. "Sorry lass, ain' a match."

Mingzhu moves on. “Was this man from the east or west?”

"East, lass." Sebastian replies.

Mingzhu describes the Yasmir official. "Does that sound like him?"

Sebastian listens, then shakes his head "Closer lass, but not quite. Though lemmy tell ya, if a big-wig wants something like that done, they use a chain of middle-men for it. Ain' gonna get their own hands so clearly dirty, savvy?"

Mingzhu nods, “It is a lead I can follow.”

Minamoto nods. "I think we've gotten what we can from these fellows."

Zsikhou huffs "If he's telling the truth, and that's a big if, then his crime is one of theft primarily. Rynard was the one who was primarily guilty and has already been sentenced." They look at Mingzhu and T'kharr, then Sebastian and the two guards.

"Aye, it sounds like he was a bit player from all indications we've received. We'll probably have more communing to do to get a handle on the rest of the folks involved. As well as on what of Tianyu and their teahouse after the fire." T’kharr says. Mingzhu nods to her.

The elder returns after a time. "Diamond Industries is leaving. Do you have any recommendations for what should be done with these three?"

“We made a deal Elder for information. The criminal confesses to the crime of breaking into the herbalist and dumping her supplies into the ocean.” Mingzhu tells him.

T’kharr gets thoughtful then says, “Let the guards go back with Diamond Industries. If you wish Sebastian here to stand a formal trial on this island, you have that option, we only ask that he be allowed to leave with his hide not further marred, he confessed up to the burglary."

“It seems that the Yasmir official was involved in this part of the set up paying this criminal through a middle man to make sure the herbalist could not cure the plague.” Mingzhu tells him. “Though evidence is circumstantial at this time.”

The Elder looks over, a huff, "There's no point to a trial if he's already confessed. And if you made a deal with him,... I don't have to honor it since it would normally be my or a higher authority's decision, but I will."

Minamoto nods as well. "And his word would be taken as suspect in any court, regardless. It would not be enough to even initiate a trial."

"Aye, we'll need to do more work to tease out the various links in that chain." T’kharr sumises.

Minamoto looks to Sebastian, drawing his katana, but not to strike, more ceremonially. "However, there is still the matter of judgement. You are a thief and have knowingly and willingly contributed to disharmony to my lord's people." He makes a swing and puts the katana back in his sheath "You are expelled from the holdings of Daimyo Kaluso, on pain of death, unless you come to have a formal trial. The chaos you sow will not be further tolerated."

Sebastian smirks, "Real fun at parties ain'cha mate? Well, I'll take it. Good sailin' t'you lot."

Minamoto goes to escort the remaining Diamond Industries fellows back to their ship. Silgara nods "I expect that will take some time, and it won't be easy." She frowns "There's going to be a lot of layers of untangling legal abuse if we choose to further pursue that lead."

Off in the distance, the Diamond Industries ship sails off, the villagers clearly wanting them to leave in a hurry... However, almost as soon as the Diamond Industries ship sails off, another boat docks at the dock... bearing the flag of the Golden Sails company.

Mingzhu watches the exchange while saying, “The official may be beyond our reach at the moment.”

"Now that's weird...one gets kicked out only for another to arrive almost immediately?" T’kharr observes.

Minamoto nods, seething, "He has plenty of legal protection and is a member of the court of another Daimyo. If such is to be brought to trial the evidence must be significant."

Silgara looks over to the docks, then looks to T'kharr. "Who recommended that we investigate this island again?"

“I do not know but we must return. I must have the elder's answer.” Mingzhu says while watching the two ships.

Silgara looks over "Rhetorical question. It was the Golden Sails who recommended we stop by this island."

The Elder looks at Mingzhu. "Answer in regard to what?"

"Ah, yes. That is a good point that the Golden Sails sent us, so they could have very well been waiting for the Diamond Industries folks to get booted." T’kharr observes. Silgara nods aside.

“It is something an elder of another island is attempting to do for me. It is a private thing, Elder… Nothing to worry about and I cannot break the confidence of the other elder. You understand?” Mingzhu responds.

The Elder nods in turn. "Ah, of course, I understand. I thought you might have meant me." He rubs his temple. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I need to do some damage control after today, but I thank you and your companions for the aid you've given our people." He dips his head, then goes off.