Event #10: WHO RULES THE SEAS LOG

[vivalamods]

Event #10: WHO RULES THE SEAS LOG

The Corsairs disperse to complete their work across the Eternal Ocean, the whole of the organization is buzzing with activity. The scholars are hard at work on drawings and the engineers on the initial fabrication of the weapons. The Flotsam fleet is rather thin as ships are criss-crossing the ocean ferrying Corsairs to areas to complete their important work.

MISSIONS

A Mine Reborn: The captured mine on Hesaeth has remained silent since the Corsairs collapsed it on the Imperial heads during the defense of Flotsam. With the additional expert manpower from Vindess, however, the Corsairs are prepared to breathe life back into it, making it operational once more.
Priority: Semi-Optional, at least one log for securing metal must be completed.
Recommended roles: Gatherers
Challenges: The cave-in the Corsairs caused was quite extreme, so re-excavating the mine will be dangerous and difficult work.
Extra: If both A Mine Reborn and Salvaged Steel are completed, the Gambit “Surplus Steel” will become available for the following mission.

Salvaged Steel: The battlefield that was once the mining town of Vindess is mostly quiet now, with Imperials cleaning the area with the intent to move in new citizens and servants to work the mines. While this is occurring, the gear and equipment from the fallen soldiers is still available for the pickings, so long as a crew of Corsairs is daring enough to do so.
Priority: Semi-Optional, at least one log for securing metal must be completed.
Recommended roles: Infiltrators
Log Leader: This log is eligible for a Log Leader, if one is chosen we will message the leader additional details.
Challenges: Stealing the equipment under the noses of the Imperials will be difficult, exceptional stealth and logistics will be required.
Extra: If both A Mine Reborn and Salvaged Steel are completed, the Gambit “Surplus Steel” will become available for the following mission.

Gunpowder Raid: Synthesizing gunpowder in the Eternal Ocean is difficult. There are a few sources of sulfur, most notably some of the volcanic areas of Hesaeth, but by and large the Corsairs get by on Imperial supplies. With the immense amount of powder these new weapons will require, the current stores are not enough to sustain both it and the standard Corsair operations, so more must be stolen. The Corsairs are targeting an Imperial Supply Run to Elysium.
Priority: Semi-Optional, at least one log for securing gunpowder must be completed.
Recommended Roles: Combatants
Log Leader: This log is eligible for a Log Leader, if one is chosen we will message the leader additional details.
Challenges: Corsairs will need to capture, but not sink the Imperial escort ships so they can steal their resources.
Extra: If both Gunpowder Raid and Sulfur Hunt are completed, the Gambit “Surplus Powder” will become available for the following mission.

Sulfur Hunt: The Corsairs will need to make their way into Imperial territory near one of the active Hesaeth labor camps and steal their sulfur supplies.
Priority: Semi-Optional, at least one log for securing gunpowder must be completed.
Recommended Roles: Infiltrators and Gatherers
Log Leader: This log is eligible for a Log Leader, if one is chosen we will message the leader additional details.
Challenges: The Corsairs will need to sneak past both guards and miners both in order to obtain the sulfur, as well as find a way to remove the large barrels without attracting attention.
Extra: If both Gunpowder Raid and Sulfur Hunt are completed, the Gambit “Surplus Powder” will become available for the following mission.

Archipelago Sweep: The Fallen Isles must be swept of hostile Imperials so the new weaponry may be set up. This must occur with precision on an exact date in order to secure the islands for the Corsairs before the Imperials can muster the legions.
Priority: Critical
Recommended Roles: Combatants
Log Leader: This log is eligible for a Log Leader, if one is chosen we will message the leader additional details.
Challenges: This attack will require a coordinated sweep from a bulk of the Corsair combat ships, airships, and armors. It will be a large-scale engagement the likes of which the Corsairs have never undertaken before.

Turncoat Nobility: The Fallen Isles house many nobles who are at least somewhat sympathetic to the Corsairs or otherwise firm in their preference to live far removed from the Empire. These nobles might be turned to the cause.
Priority: Optional
Recommended Roles: Negotiators
Log Leader: This log is eligible for a Log Leader, if one is chosen we will message the leader additional details.
Challenges: The nobility in the Fallen Isles are a diverse bunch and while some are sympathetic to the Corsairs, some are not. The Corsairs will need to carefully negotiate in order to ensure success, and prevent an early warning to the other Isle residents that the attack is coming.


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TURNCOAT NOBILITY

[vivalamods]

[straykitty]

Even though it had been quite some time, being the former Enforcer XV of Ouroboros came with some benefits. Renne still kept up with several of her old contacts, and was not above trading relatively harmless favors to keep in their good graces. And so it was that she came to the estate of one Percival XI, a rather eccentric baron of the house of Heivan. Clad in an elaborately frilly dress, Renne strode confidently into the antechamber with the other Corsair volunteers at her side. She was a guest, after all. What need had she for wariness?

Well, the giant scythe she carried with casual grace probably helped with that too.

[heaven_rooted]

This seems hardly the task that Tau feels he's suited for. But if anything, his time in Elysium has told him enough of how nobles expect to be treated, and he's provided his services as a healer to many. It's funny sometimes, how much a lowly healer might be allowed to get away with once proving their treatments to be quite effective. Not that making some people down some hideous concoctions isn't in its own way satisfying to some degree.

He doesn't own anything he would consider fancy but he does have suitably neat attire, and once they step inside he lowers the hood of his scarf from over his head. The only thing he has is the pack on his belt where he keeps most of his supplies.

Outwardly his expression is almost a bland one, and he casts an idle look around. These people and their fancy houses.

[redprayer]

Rezo is dressed similarly to Tau; his clothes are tidy and sturdy, but nothing elaborate as what Renne has. The two of them probably look like her menservants.

From the quality of his sound he can tell that the baron's antechamber is, at the very least, a large room. It smells of polish, and faintly of flowers. He can sense the baron's own servants standing at attention by the doors. It should only be a minute or two before they're lead in.

Rezo quietly asks "How well acquainted are you with the baron, Miss Renne?"

[straykitty]

Renne watches with sharp eyes as the house staff greets them with flawless decorum, leading them to a large, well-appointed room to await their host.

"The master will be with you in just a moment," the head butler says as he quietly departs the room, leaving the team to sit alone.

The room itself has lavish sofas and chairs in rich purple surrounding an oak table upon which are arrayed a number of tastefully arranged sweets and teas. Butlers and maids stand at attention at every door, and Renne deliberately lets her eyes fall upon them all for noticeable moments as she sizes them up and invites her companions to do the same. Their stances are solid and capable, likely of far more than just cleaning. With a flourish, she seats herself on a sofa facing the door the head butler exited through and takes a bit of tea and sweets, looking quite like the proper noblelady.

"We've had dealings in the past." Her response is airy, a nobility-like veneer firmly in place. "He's been known to pass information and supplies to any number of organizations I have found myself working under."

There's a lilting edge in the word "supplies" and "organizations" as she says it, a slight indicator of emphasis to those who might know to listen for it.

[heaven_rooted]

Tau says nothing, but he keeps his own observations, gaze never lingering too long in any one direction, but neither does he appear to be looking around as someone anxious would. Interesting people employed here. In comparison, Tau might not be spared much thought, save for the fact that he's here with these two, otherwise not at all very imposing in appearance himself.

He might even be mistaken for a bored kid that got roped into chaperoning, albeit well-behaved. His brow arches just a touch at Renne's reply to Rezo. Huh. Well, they'll see what sort of person this baron is, soon enough, he figures.

[redprayer]

Rezo takes a seat in a chair next to Renne's sofa, seeming not to pay the servants any mind. He is keeping an ear out for how many there are, but he isn't looking their way for obvious reasons.

His brows lift slightly as Renne explains how she know the baron. Rezo hope that Renne is tacitly explaining the baron is an ally of the Corsairs, but he's heard enough rumors about Renne to suspect she's referring to something else.

Blackmail may be the order of the day. How very civilized of them.

"He seems to be an unconventional sort," Rezo ventures, "If he chooses to live in the Fallen Isles."

[straykitty]

"Yes, quite," Renne says as she calmly sips her tea. "I think you'll find him to be quite the character."

After a short amount of time, the door opens and a spritely man with short brown hair tinged with gray edges steps into the room. Those Corsairs sensitive to ether won't notice anything particularly potent about the man, but those highly trained will notice minute fluctuations that belie the concealment of a greater level of power. As he enters, Renne stands with a sweet smile.

"Renne! Darling!" the man says in a friendly tone as he steps forward and embraces her, kissing either cheek in a gesture she returns without hesitation. "My, how tall you've become! Still keeping interesting company, I see. Come, come, I simply MUST meet your friends, dear child."

Renne smiles and nods at Tau and Rezo, silently bidding them to stand and introduce themselves.

[heaven_rooted]

The treenager doesn't seem inclined to make himself comfortable, opting to remain standing by the sofa for the time being. Perhaps just as well as soon enough the baron in question makes his appearance. He arches a brow as he studies him, and as the man greets Renne so casually, Tau tenses just a touch.

His expression is dry, but his lips quirk slightly in a faint smirk. Interesting, huh?

"Tau," he says, no flourish, but he offers a respectful bow. "A healer."

[redprayer]

Rezo's content to sit until the baron arrives, although he doesn't avail himself of any of the refreshments during the brief wait.

When the man arrives, Rezo's privately surprised by the affectionate greeting and moreover that Renne returns it. He doesn't know Renne's exact age, but he has the impression she's young; at an age when many would fluster and act annoyed at that kind of thing. Then again, perhaps girls are different in that regard? Rezo's only had sons and grandsons.

After Tau makes his introduction Rezo lightly inclines his head in the direction of the baron.

"And I am Rezo," he says. "Likewise, a healer. We are grateful for your hospitality."

[straykitty]

"Healers, is it? Men of peace, no doubt no doubt!" The baron's voice is easy but there's a faint probing quality to it as he sizes his guests up in turn.

"'tis a pleasure to have you both. Now then, these are, ah, sailor men, yes? None of the, ah, socialites you ran with?"

Renne laughs politely in return. "No, not today. And yes, sailors is the best term, like as not."

"Well," he says, his expression still guileless but his eyes far sharper than one might expect from his tone. "Well well well well well. And what can I do for a group of sailors? An Ocean-dwelling noble like me's not worth that much, I'll have you know."

[heaven_rooted]

Tau gives nothing away as he maintains a casually dry look, offering a shrug, but he waits for the others to sit before he'll do so too, taking a place at the edge of the opposite end of the couch Renne sits at.

"Worth depends on perspective," he notes. "Anyway, why sell yourself short? You seem to have a nice standing here."

[redprayer]

"I do my best," Rezo says, the very sound of modesty.

Neither socialite nor sailor are terms Rezo exactly identifies with, but he doesn't correct Renne on that point.

As to the Baron's question, Rezo merely comments that "An Ocean-dwelling noble would likely be more receptive to a humble group of sailors than one who dwells above."

[straykitty]

Renne gracefully returns to her seat beside Tau as the baron considers Rezo's words.

"True enough, true enough, you sailors are an interesting lot if nothing else. I've felt a change in the winds lately, and I can't say I'm sure I like where they're blowing. Something big's coming, isn't it?"

Renne is drinking her tea as this is said, so she happily leaves it to the others to decide how they will respond.

[heaven_rooted]

"Interesting's a nice way of putting it." Tau almost smirks at that.

He helps himself to some tea since it's there, taking his time in responding, although mostly it's him waiting and finding Renne remaining silent. There's the tiniest of an annoyed look shot in her direction, but he sips his tea politely.

"The winds are always shifting. Someone who's been living near the ocean should be just as aware as any sailor in how to respond accordingly, especially when such winds might bring storms."

[redprayer]

Rezo still refrains from helping himself to the refreshments, although he would be tempted to nab a biscuit or two if he wasn't being implicitly called upon to speak.

"The Empire's rule over the seas can't last forever," Rezo says bluntly. "The rebels grow in strength as more people escape or choose to defect from the Empire. You recall the unpleasantness over Vindess just this Spring, yes?"

[straykitty]

Renne cocks an eyebrow and smirks at Rezo's directness. The Baron seems a bit taken aback by the blunt statement.

"That I do, that I do," he says, his repetitive speech faltering slightly before he snaps back into his polite, almost huckster-like affect. "I seem to also recall a lot of Corsair ships being sent to the briny depths, even if you would call that a victory."

Renne sets her tea back on its tray as the man names the organization in full.

"You and I both know you have no love for the Empire, nor they of you," she says mildly. "I seem to recall the Society had to make some key bribes on your behalf in order to keep you and your family off the headsman's block."

That statement causes the baron to sputter a bit, giving the others an opportunity to interject, if they so choose.

[heaven_rooted]

Hm. The tea isn't so bad. Tau pretends not to notice the Baron's reaction as he enjoys his beverage, although he's amused at both Rezo's getting to the point, and the interesting information drop from Renne.

"Victories and defeats aside, the Empire wasn't really paying too close attention to who was getting caught up in that mess. They'll probably write anything off that happens around here pretty easily since it's not particularly a resource."

[redprayer]

Sometimes being blunt is the best policy, particularly when dealing with fast talking types.

"The Empire doesn't care about the people who serve it. The serfs and commoners may be the most obvious example, but even the nobility will trample on one another to further their own interests," Rezo says. "There is no true security under the Empire. As an example, the citizens of Vindess were content to work away in the mines until they heard the Imperials planned on slaughtering them and replacing them with Servants."

He's taking some slight liberties with the 'content' part but nevertheless Rezo thinks his final point is true: "The Empire betrayed Vindess first. Even if they hadn't rebelled the Imperials would have destroyed them."

[straykitty]

"And you claim the Corsairs are capable of protecting them!?"

The Baron's facade has more or less dropped at this point. "You might have pulled a clever disappearing trick with an entire town, something even my networks haven't figured out, but don't think it will last. The Empire will come for you. The Empire will come for everyone."

"As you can see, the Baron is a bit of a coward, despite all his double-dealings," Renne says dryly.

"Quiet girl," the Baron snaps. "Just because someone hasn't separated that pretty little head of yours from your neck yet doesn't mean it won't happen eventually."

[heaven_rooted]

Tau arches a brow at the Baron's outburst, smiling crookedly.

"So if it's as you say, then it's merely a matter of whom they come for first. As Renne's so helpfully mentioned, it seems like you're already on someone's list, so in knowing that, do you think you can continue living comfortably as you've been? The Imperials might decide to crack down, and it's easier to take care of supposed loose ends when they're easy to find."

He grins over his teacup, showing a bit of his slightly sharper canines.

[redprayer]

Rezo answers the Baron's outburst calmly and simply: "Yes. We have protected them. And we will continue to do so."

While Tau and Renne express different degrees of amusement, Rezo's own demeanor is quite serious. He lets Tau and Renne make their own points before continuing to speak.

"When the Empire comes for us, the Corsairs will conquer them. And when that moment arrives, I hope you will have made the choice that will ensure the longevity of your home and family."

[straykitty]

"BULLSHIT!"

The Baron slams his fist onto the table in a sudden display of overflowing anger. "NOBODY is safe from the Empire, not you, not me, not anybody. They will come, in greater and greater numbers until you are crushed under their weight. I don't mind helping the Corsairs from time to time, but don't insult me by claiming you can protect our lives. You cannot."

Renne meanwhile gives Tau and Rezo a slight nod, as if to say "you may reveal a bit more"

[heaven_rooted]

"...."

Both brows lift at that exclamation, but Tau otherwise continues to sip at his tea, giving the baron a bland look.

"You're right, he is a coward," he says with a light snort. "So what do you intend to do? Roll over and show your stomach, and hope the Empire overlooks what they know you've done?"

His grin turns razor sharp, a contrast as he gently sets down his teacup on the table.

"You insult yourself and all those you hold dear by admitting defeat. But given your previous dealings with us, you seem to also be a man who's willing to take chances. You know what the outcome will be against the Empire. But you know that the Corsairs have stood up against the Empire as well, in spite of all odds. For all the words the Emperor's thrown against us, we continue to fight. Continue to grow. And we protect and fight for our own, all the more fiercely, because we actually care for any of those losses we may have."