Allies in the East PART 2 Desc: Before the Compass Rose arrives a small group will be sent on a diplomatic mission to Othard to negotiate an alliance of opportunity ... Goal: Meet with the leaders of the Confederates in the Ruby Sea to inform them of the great opportunity the Compass Rose will provide. A prime target, the Compass Rose, will be in the territory very soon full of riches beyond imagining ripe for plunder. A "superior fighting force" is necessary to contend with the security. Brute force is clearly the way to go. Lies will be told. Regardless of the group that is brought into the fold they will be betrayed. This information must not come out or it can compromise the entire mission. The group will get to decide who to deal with Yakuza or Confederates but each group has a different reason for being interested and a different tactic of negotiation they will respond favorably with. Either group or both can be tried but there are conditions for failure with each. Failure is an option and it will have significant consequences. Overseeing: Arielle (GM) Participating: Lissie, Sam Resolution: Lissie played up being the dumb 'slave' to Samuel as he pretended to be the man with a plan and the means to make it happen. After speaking about what the Rose Ball is and how they're mocking the Confederates with their 'Tithe' he dangled the bait of having Lissie for a week after a successful mission. With a kitten on his lap, the Confederate leader seemed intrigued which was doubled when mentioned how much it would hurt the Garleans to attack the ship. A deal was struck and Lars bought every one of Samuel's lies right down to the 'inside man' a Garlean spy on the ship who would give the signal when they needed to attack. The name Simon Cadwell was given as the master planner, Lars never thought to second guess it.

All Aboard the Good Ship Desc: The Compass Rose is a cruise ship that travels between many common ports. Carrying passengers from Eorzea's wealthy elite to meet with their eastern counterparts for the party of the century... the Compass Rose has hired 'staff' to see to their needs. Though... there may be something nefarious about this crew. Goal: The crew that will be taking up roles during the Rose Ball finale will meet up to discuss their part in the role-play leading up to catastrophe. Everyone will have an alias they need to use to make sure complete control over the chaos. Possible roles include: Wait staff, security, sailors and crew, and party guests. Wait Staff will need to attend to the needs of the guests, be polite and servile. They will have to wear a uniform (Best Man's jacket and slacks or Maid Outfit). Security will be positioned variably around the ship. They will expected to be silent, diligent and provide safety and security for the guests above all others. (No uniform but expected to be 'presentable') Sailors will not be allowed into the Ballroom during the party. (No uniform but are expected to speak like a sailor for the purpose of their disguise) Party Guests must dress according to their proposed station and maintain a haughty better-than-you attitude toward all other "non-guests". Must be able to speak with eloquence or at least fake it. (No uniform but must have their clothing approved by Evaleigh) Overseeing: Arielle (GM) / Vox / Byrnhorn Participating: Tobias, Vox, Sonir, Shelyna Resolution: It was decided that Sonir would take the role of 'Sailor' and be responsible for the airship getting the guests "rescued" off the ship. Tobias is taking on the Security mantle Vox will be in charge of the Wait Staff Shelyna will be the primary party guest. Each of the team needs to recruit more to their banner for the actual event, the more who participate the higher the rate of success.

MISSION FAILED Allies in the East Desc: Before the Compass Rose arrives a small group will be sent on a diplomatic mission to Othard to negotiate an alliance of opportunity ... Goal: Meet with the leaders of either the Yakuza of Kugane or the Confederates in the Ruby Sea to inform them of the great opportunity the Compass Rose will provide. A prime target, the Compass Rose, will be in the territory very soon full of riches beyond imagining ripe for plunder. A "superior fighting force" is necessary to contend with the security. Brute force is clearly the way to go. Lies will be told. Regardless of the group that is brought into the fold they will be betrayed. This information must not come out or it can compromise the entire mission. The group will get to decide who to deal with Yakuza or Confederates but each group has a different reason for being interested and a different tactic of negotiation they will respond favorably with. Either group or both can be tried but there are conditions for failure with each. Failure is an option and it will have significant consequences. Overseeing: Arielle (GM) / Vren Participating: Vren, Ghoa, Vox, Karena, Syngiwyda Resolution: With two possible destinations and a history with the 'Confederates' the group decided the wiser course was the yakuza. Karena's history in Kugane led her to be the natural leader of the outfit. Before descending into the depths of the sewers she offered sound words. "Please be mindful. Keep your hands to yourself, do not threaten or attempt intimidation. We are insects to be crushed under heel, it is best to swallow pride and beg if needed." A pity the woman did not listen to herself. While the initial posturing included the natural xenophobic tendencies of Kugane and their distaste for outsiders to be made known things went from insulting to worse when Koju's sensibilities were insulted. This was not Ul'dah, the golden city that prides itself on the currency of trade. Yes, these were criminals in the eyes of the Seikeisumi but the 'gang rule' of the yakuza was as old as Kugane herself and they were a prideful group. A pride that held contempt and disdain for the 'moneybags' that committed their autracities by light of day with the coin to pay it off. "What do you want?" they asked. "Money speaks. There is profit to be made. We will need men and security, is this of interest?" Karena replied. "Hire bodyguards," came the snarly rebuttle. "Not enough. Brute force, ships. A gala. Many men, woman, all rich. You know the value of jewelry, artifacts. Free and ripe for the taking. They will be in your territory soon, there is little time. ...You are trustworthy, reliable. It will be easy to resell, perhaps captives if you would like." Karena offered. It was here that the curiosity was piqued. Wanting to get further information the group was invited to seperate and sit down with half of them led into the back and Karena would be allowed one guard to sit at the negotiation table. She chose Vren to remain while the others were awkwardly started to be led away. Unfortunately... her companions were not eager to leave her. "Your hospitality is appreciated." A bow of Karena's head. "They will comply. Leave..." A glance behind her, licking at her lips. "The whore." Her gaze settled on Vren. "If they misbehave you may do with them as you wish. Oncemore, your hospitality is appreciated." Syngiwyda, "Lies. They will take us to a back room." making concsious effort to not move her lips as she tilted her head down. Karena flicked an ear "And I will sell you to them if you cannot keep your lips shut." The yakuza translator clarified a matter of pride, "We're not mercenaries who jump for the highest bidder injin. Maybe where you are from you can buy a man's pride but not here. Not in Kugane." Karena's attempt to persuade them went further down the path soliciting a sense of greed, "It is an opportunity not for gil, but glory and power both. The confederates wish this ship as much as we do... Given your rivalry, it all but assures you can arm into their trade. It is... Highly lucrative, of course." She'd gesture for Vren to sit behind her on the floor, and then pet her ears as you would a dog. Slow gentle strokes, not quite menacing. The yakuza were not fools. They lived in the underbelly of one of the most policed city-states and thrived. Suspicion began to creep up as a possible trap. "And what is your stake in all this?" Karena stuck with her lies, "To remove a few... Problematic officials. It will be a gathering of the wealthy, a show, a message. One we are eager to deliver. We do not care what happens to the rest. The ship, the people, the wealth. Rape the woman and steal the wealth for all I care." Rapists and political mercenaries? What did she think the yakuza were about? It was then that everything took a turn for the worse. In an instant the leader drew his weapon and as one his footsoldiers leapt to their feet and drew with them. The group was surrounded by jaded Ronin and disenfranchised criminals who stood for the family and not for the thumb that politics had put on them. The rich and powerful had always pushed them down and while they might not play by the law they did have a code of honor. These injin knew nothing of it. "If you wish to live you will empty all your valuables onto the floor. Now." They were not worth the yakuza's time. Karena rertorted, "We represent members of the Ul'Dah syndicate. I would urge caution if you intend to draw blade." Koju recognized the word Ul'dah syndicate and bid his cohorts to stay their hand. "You have insulted my Master but because he is merciful he will allow you to leave. Go now." They were given the chance to leave. Karena doubled down with a threat, "Let me rephrase. We are offering you this opportunity because it is simpler to work with, then against. You will capitulate because you have no other option." Then switching to her poor Hingashi she tried to offer it in their language. <Am I understood?> "Or we will finance a war against you. The confederates are willing to do such a thing, but it is... Mm. Such bloodshed gets in the way of business. You understand this, Koju?" Koju understood very well that these foreigners had attempted to come into their home, their territory and throw their weight around. To indicate that they would yield before them when they did not even yield to the law who rest comfortably in their barracks above their very heads. Karena's life was forfeit. Syngiwyda voiced her apologies to Koju in his native tongue and he showed mercy on her, come to his side and she would be spared. From that point forward there was nothing but violence. Not only had the Hearts failed to secure the help of the local yakuza they had managed to make an enemy of them. Though Ghoa's barriers were probably the only reason why the small gaggle was able to keep death at bay they still had to fight hard just to make the exit they had been peacefully offered before. Karena's misguidance was doubled further as she thought kidnapping Koju was the right course of action though she'd never get the chance. These were not fools green to fighting and they were ferocious. Three kept Vox at bay dancing in and out of the cooridor keeping her seperated from the others. Fragmenting them into tiny fighting cells and retreating when one was wounded there was no end to their reinforcements. Riflemen joined the fight later offering a deadly component but Ghoa's quick thinking and elemental magic hindered their deadly aim. Karena overextended herself trying to chase after Koju only to find herself surrounded by foes. Vren and Syn both attempted to rescue her but in the dense fog and chaos of combat Syn's magical rescue accidentally pulled Karena onto Vren's blade. With their 'leader' injured and the outpouring of yakuza coming from all sides Vox quickly threw down a smoke grenade allowing the crew to escape just before the clang of the water gates sealed shut. If they had taken much longer they would have been sealed in the room and drowned by the flooding waters. Forced to retreat home rather than risk staying in Kugane where Karena was to be hunted... what would come of the 'plot' with no patsy to stick for the crime they were to commit? Everything now hinged on convincing the Confederates. Koju's second took a severe wound to the neck and a gunshot wound to the back. She was half-dead by the time the foreigners left. Drawn images of Karena and Vren circulate Kugane. They are wanted by the underground. Any information about who sent them will be paid handsomely for. It was discovered after the fact that the Syndicate has no connection with Karena. The fact that someone was walking around Kugane claiming to be Syndicate was of great alarm to the East Aldenard Company. They too want information about Karena. The Rose Ball as a target has been raised to the East Aldenard Company. The guest list suffers for it as some are cancelling the trip out of "great concern" for security. Allies are still needed for the rouse. The Yakuza's Revenge caveat added to the Grand Finale

Smuggled Cargo Desc: Not everything that gets shipped is done through the proper channels. There are some things that the law frowns upon and that common sense questions whether or not it should be put in a box, on a boat, by people who are just in it for the gil... Goal: The Compass Rose is docked outside of Vesper Bay. The crew must get the cargo on board without it being inspected. The crew will meet up with the porters outside of Horizon with a wagon carrying a very large set of crates. When asked "how large" the answer was given "Uh...bear sized?" Overseeing: Arielle (GM) / Rende Participating: Hungrende Afgrunden, Auriana Bailey, S'naidjaa Celah, Rurik Wolfe Resolution: A nervous porter provided the cargo to Rende and crew. Prepared for the need of a distraction Auriana and S'naidjaa were dressed provocatively much to the delight of every dusty traveller on the road to Vesper Bay. Upon arriving at the bay it was Auriana that took point to flirt with the patroling guard and sneak him off into the alleyway. Perhaps her flirtations and promises of "fun times" were a bit much because little more was seen from the vixen the rest of the mission. It was then up to Nai to get the Inspector's attention but her feminine wiles did not seem quite up to what the midlander's tastes. He accused an innocent porter of bribery and caused him to storm off in a huff. Quick thinking and improvising proved to be her talent though drawing the man's eyes to Rurik. The Hrothgar's thick manly thighs were enough to make him water and as the duo flirted their way into the Inspector's good graces Rende took the opportunity to move the crate past inspection unmolested. Meanwhile, the Dockmaster Wulrik came out with the offended porter. Nai and Rurik were quick to flop stories and accuse the Inspector of trying to coerce them into a threeway. The offended porter jumped on board and the Inspector lost his job on the spot. Rurik and Rende then managed to load the cargo with minimal upset and carry leave without innocent. Mission: Complete Success. Most definitely a bear in that cargo Ned the Inspector has contacted his buddy to put out a hit on the 'lying bitch' that cost him his job.

Foreward: The following is an on-going GM-led story arc. This thread will be used to keep track of planned events related to this arc along with cataloging a synopsis of the story so far for new participants. This story arc may include mature themes, violence, and potential character injury: participant discretion is advised. This synopsis is from an out of character point of view, please use caution and the information key when deciding what information your character may be privy to without direct In Character involvement with past events. Feel free to contact the GM if you need help getting involved! Information Key Common Knowledge. Information is easily obtained, no GM approval required. Hearsay Knowledge. If your character has involvement with participants, may have overheard or been exposed. Secret Knowledge. Your character must have participated in the corresponding event or been explicitly told. Forbidden Knowledge. This information is listed only for context and GM support. It is not okay to assume. Rumors & Information The Compass Rose is Hydaelyn's most prestigious cruise ship catering to the wealthy elite. Every year they host an invitation-only ball. Last year rumor has it they served roasted peacock and gold crusted sachatorte. Evaleigh De'loncre came to the Triad with an opportunity that could make them millions. Her client was impressed by their last job and has something even better in mind for them. Campaign Milestones The Master Plan Desc: A private meeting was held between Evaleigh De'loncre, leader of the Liar's Triad and her Aces to discuss an upcoming "opportunity". Who knows the details of what was discussed but they were in there for hours. The Clubs will be in charge of the job Smuggled Cargo. The Hearts will be in charge of the job Allies in the East The Diamonds and Spades will jointly be in charge of the Rose Ball staffing and preparations. Information is being withheld by Evaleigh De'loncre on purpose so that if any of the crews fail in their mission the consequences will be isolated and the entirety of the mission will not be compromised. The true backer of the mission is after a specific item, the Tithe provided by the Garlean Engineer. All other items are to be considered potential bounties and compensation, but this one item needs is spoken for. The job will include several double-crosses to further obfuscate those involved. Diversions will be set up to create chaos during the ball but all the madness is orchestrated by the master planner of the heist. The goal is to make the Triad out to be heroes to the guests so any bounties being placed are upon the allies-made-patsies. Smuggled Cargo Desc: Not everything that gets shipped is done through the proper channels. There are some things that the law frowns upon and that common sense questions whether or not it should be put in a box, on a boat, by people who are just in it for the gil... [Direct Link] Allies in the East Desc: Before the Compass Rose arrives a small group will be sent on a diplomatic mission to Othard to negotiate an alliance of opportunity ... [Direct Link] All Aboard the Good Ship Desc: The Compass Rose is a cruise ship that travels between many common ports. Carrying passengers from Eorzea's wealthy elite to meet with their eastern counterparts for the party of the century... the Compass Rose has hired 'staff' to see to their needs. Though... there may be something nefarious about this crew. [Direct Link] The Rose Ball - Part 1 - The Ruby Carpet Desc: A once in a lifetime opportunity ... if you have the right connections. A grand ball to be hosted on board the Compass Rose invites the elite and wealthy of Kugane to attend a luxury day cruise. As part of entry to the cruise a 'tithe' must be paid giving everyone an opportunity to one-up themselves in announcing what item of luxury or rare artifact they brought to show off to the other wealthy elite. Also, poking fun at the annoying Confederate rabble of the Ruby Sea is always amusing. What could go wrong? [Direct Link] The Rose Ball - Part 2 - Dancing Bears Desc: Seriously, what could go wrong that a ball needs a Day 2? [Direct Link] ??? Desc: Description withheld for spoilers. [Direct Link] Eternal Gratitude Desc: Special event with Jalia. [Direct Link]

Foreward: The following is an on-going GM-led story arc. This thread will be used to keep track of planned events related to this arc along with cataloging a synopsis of the story so far for new participants. This story arc may include mature themes, violence, and potential character injury: participant discretion is advised. This synopsis is from an out of character point of view, please use caution and the information key when deciding what information your character may be privy to without direct In Character involvement with past events. Feel free to contact the GM if you need help getting involved! Information Key Common Knowledge. Information is easily obtained, no GM approval required. Hearsay Knowledge. If your character has involvement with participants, may have overheard or been exposed. Secret Knowledge. Your character must have participated in the corresponding event or been explicitly told. Forbidden Knowledge. This information is listed only for context and GM support. It is not okay to assume. Help, Help! I'm under arrest! Desc: There are no phone calls in the Ul'dahn gaol but with the right about of bribery a message might slip out. The note passed along to Evaleigh De'loncre about the imprisonment of an ally who needs help being freed. Resolution: Evaleigh agrees to take on the case. She manages to negotiate a transfer of the prisoner to more agreeable lodgings and have his case taken before the magistrate. Though the evidence against her ally seems rather grim and his freedom might be a temporary stay. A note was sent to Evaleigh De'loncre from a prisoner accused of treason and smuggling for the Garleans. Lost in the Right Place Desc: Hired by Evaleigh as a measure of scouting and information gathering, a young Miqo'te is given the task to listen and observe outside the Magistrate's office. Resolution: A report of the comings and goings at what time is provided. Promises of additional cookies are given if the Miqo'te repeats this act for the next few weeks. Evaleigh has been bribing street rats in Ul'dah with cookies to stand around and count guards. Checkpoint Abuse! Desc: A trade company has been suffering at the hands of greedy Blades of late who have taken to fleecing their caravans and taking goods in the name of "contraband". While recognized that as representatives of "law and order" killing these men is grounds for being labelled bandits perhaps a different lesson... and relieve them of something they hold dear. Their armor. A representative of the trade company will pay rather handsomely for the Brass Blade's armor and the satisfaction they had to walk all the way to Ul'dah in their namesday suits and explain what happened to their superiors.. Overseeing: Twilight Rose (Arielle) Participating: Ana (Van's alt), Arch and Jet Resolution: A dubious plan was put into motion with Ana and Archael posing as traveling traders hired to provide a honey pot for would-be thieves tried to beguile the two brass blades while Jet snuck in behind. Hilarity ensued with a plan that very nearly went sideways when Jet's cover was blown but a new story was quickly made up and Arch "captured" Jet. They offered to share expensive whiskey with the soldiers but when they became suspicious things went from violent to confusing. In the end two brass blade armor sets were obtained. In addition the quick thinking of Ana she managed to uncover a good amount of stolen goods. Best efforts would be made to reunite the goods with their original owners but what was not would be used for good purposes. Except the drugs, those vanished. The Roegadyn involved in the Highbridge heist was seen a week later treating all her friends to rounds of drinks at the Whispered Wish brothel. She even bought one young man his 'first time' with a pretty Miqo'te girl. The Docket Swap Desc: A small team of covert operatives will be given a set of fake documents that they must swap out with the real ones inside the Vizier's office. As expected when it comes to the Divan, the group responsible for overseeing matters of law within Ul'dah, it's heavily guarded. The plan would be, unless a better one is proposed, for 1-2 people to pose as members of the Brass Blades to stand post at the door and allow the thiefs entrance. The thieves would then be able to slip inside, find the mentioned docket, replace it and get out before the time is up and without disturbing anything "extra". Overseeing: Evaleigh / Arielle (OOC) Participating: Mikha Namaliyo, Shelyna Arah, Vox Aminah, Miyara Yaeger, Tobias Reed Resolution: In the stolen Brass Blade armor Vox and Shelyna performed a shift change with the two guards on duty. Mikha guarded the door while inside Miyara's theatrics convinced the Secretary to question his life choices and abandon his post in search of a drink. With all the witnesses dealt with except the unconscious Highlander in his cell Miyara and Tobias searched the Magistrate's office. In spite the spill of some books onto the floor the two managed to investigate and deduce the whereabouts of the dossier and successfully swap them. Outside the Highlander made a scene but Vox and Shelyna's quick thinking along with Mikha letting them know what was coming they convinced the local blades the Highlander had tried to attack them while being fed. No one believed the lunatic and all made it out without a hitch. The Highlander being held on drug charges went crazy and attacked a guard! Hear she really gave him what was coming to him! The magistrate's secretary hates his job and wishes you would all go away. The highlander was left alive in his cell but all his professions of thieves were not heeded, after all he also accused Brass Blades of attempted murder. Clearly the man was out of his mind. Gudo Budo was caught smuggling drugs and what was worse trying to do so without cutting the Syndicate in. Gudo Budo is the name on the docket that was swapped out with the one in the Magistrate's office The magistrate has a safe where he keeps ledgers about bribes and other illegal dealings, a mountain of criminal evidence not being utilized because it benefits his allies. The next morning the criminal known as Gudo Budo had the charges of treason and consorting with Garleans added to his list of charges. The previous suspect was released from custody and his name stricken from the records having ever been arrested as per the agreement with his representative.

Foreward: The following is an on-going GM-led story arc. This thread will be used to keep track of planned events related to this arc along with cataloging a synopsis of the story so far for new participants. This story arc may include mature themes, violence, and potential character injury: participant discretion is advised. This synopsis is from an out of character point of view, please use caution and the information key when deciding what information your character may be privy to without direct In Character involvement with past events. Feel free to contact the GM if you need help getting involved!

Information Key Common Knowledge. Information is easily obtained, no GM approval required. Hearsay Knowledge. If your character has involvement with participants, may have overheard or been exposed. Secret Knowledge. Your character must have participated in the corresponding event or been explicitly told. Forbidden Knowledge. This information is listed only for context and GM support. It is not okay to assume.