Week Five Day One

            Before the days patrol, Lilly casts a detect magic cantrip upon the gloves Kalawac bought, but cannot find out much about them. She also tries her necrology skill on him to determine what she can about the strange curse put upon him by Marcus. Finding only general information she is not able to turn up any sure way to remove it. The patrol area is once again in a residential area, and the team moves out. It is not long before they are called in to investigate a break in. Arriving they notice the front door has been left open. Entering, they proceed with due caution, and find that three individuals seem to have broke in and have discovered them. A short fight ensues in which the three intruders are either killed or incapacitated. On their persons the team finds 6G, which they keep for themselves. As the day ends, Lilly makes her way to an importer and makes a 3G purchase of clean water and dirt with which to formulate a purifying draught for Kalawac who is to meet her later at her tomb. On the way back home, Lilly is followed and then chased by four suspicious people; one doe and three bucks. Making it to her tomb, she runs in and closes the door, blocking it along with Jasper as best they can with a large bolt. From behind the closed door, they begin a conversation:

Strange Doe: "Pardon me miss, sorry that I may have frightened you, but you see I believe you may have dropped something which I and my companions were only trying to return to you."

Lilly: "I don't remember dropping or losing anything, whatever you have is not mine"

Strange Doe: "It is really such a small thing, you may not have noticed its absence, you could but look and confirm that it is indeed not yours".

Lilly: "Its not mine, go away".

Strange Doe: "Could you not spare but a moment, as I have use several of mine to bring this bauble here in case it was yours".

Lilly: "I am not kidding, I have not lost anything".

Jasper: "I don't trust these guys Lilly, don't open the door"

Strange Doe: "Ahh, Lilly is it? such a nice name."

Lilly: "Nice going!!!"

Strange Doe: "I must apologize again, I believe I have given you quite a fright. Allow me to familiarize you with us, I am Annalisa and my friends are Vern, Leo and Avene. Who might your friend be, Lilly?"

Jasper: Lying "I am Rose".

Annalisa: "Ahh, Rose and Lilly, two delicate flowers alone here among the dead. How sad such a place has made you so unsociable."

Jasper: "If your sooo set on us looking at what you brought just leave it at the door and we'll look later".

Annalisa: "Oh, I would but you see if you are right and did not lose this little thing, then I must leave immediately to search for its owner who is no doubt getting further away with each moment. Please, let us simply conclude this, open the door and see for yourself if this is your property or not".

At about this time, Murray, Lilly's room mate awakens due to all the fuss disturbing his quite. His jaw hangs limply and sways as he appears to attempt to say something. Lilly steps over to Murray and asks him as politely as she can for him to expel the creepy people on the other side of the door who won't leave them alone. Murray gets up from his sarcophagus, steps up to the door and with one arm lifts the heavy bolt from the door, and with the other pushes the door open. Annalisa, with a look of shock exclaims "I see your entertaining....BOOK!" at which point the four of them run. Murray closes the door and in a display prances back to his sarcophagus. Lilly and Jasper, relieved to have the strangers gone, thank Murray who then simply lies back down. A short time later Kalwac arrives to receive whatever aid Lilly and Jasper can provide. The drink Lilly has made from the water and soil does not seem to purge Marcus or his curse, and Lilly seems unable to communicate with Marcus either. A trip to the crypt of Marcus in order to find some sort of writings on him that may help future communication also comes up with little.

Week Five Day Two

            Arriving at headquarters today the team gets bad news, they have been slated for boarder patrol till day five of this week. This news causes Krystal and Jasper to cry, as this is a hazardous job. After being dropped off at the city boarders, in the cleared area between the crop land and the wilds, it is not long before the team encounters their first real carnie, a tigress, who steps out from the grasses in response to Jeffery's taunting some rustling in the grass. As everyone just gawks for a new moments, the tigress begins to walk directly toward Jeffery, who just stands his ground and waits. As the tigress reaches a distance of about thirty feet from Jeffery, he opens fire as Kalawac those a grenade. All these attacks seem to do is tatter her clothing and earn her ire. Closeting the last feet she backhands Jeffery solidly, knocking him several yards, continuing her stride up to Kalawac to snatch him up. As the remainder of the team tries to get a few shots in her back as she turns to leave, Jasper lands a solid blow with an armour puncher round causing the tigress to fall forward and prone to the ground. Kalawac gets to his feet and attempt a coup de grace upon the tigress with a dagger, which “just does not cut it”. The tigress regains her footing, drives the blade that was upon her back into the ground, and leaves, stepping into the grass. Somewhat later a single cheetah is seen watching them with an arrow knocked, Jasper uses an obscuring mist spell, and when it clears the cheetah seems to be gone. The last encounter is with something more familiar, ten glings, which the group deals with solidly as always. At the end of the day, they are picked up and brought back to headquarters where they disperse, until the next day. From here Jasper goes out shopping for her and Lilly, on her way back she is confronted again by Annalisa. Approaching Jasper alone, Annalisa tries to get Jasper to look at this small object that was thought lost by Lilly the day before. Feeling that perhaps this may get rid of her, Jasper decides to take a look at the blasted thing. As it is held out for her to take, Jasper uses a mage hand cantrip to pluck the object from Annalisa and carry it safely the few feet that separates the two. Witnessing this display Annalisa exclaims audibly "Kadawatsa! ", a response that Jasper takes note of. Upon examination of the object, Jasper discovers that it is a rare and valuable working pocket watch which as been crafted in a star-burst design. She states that the object does not belong to either her or Lilly. Annalisa allows Jasper to keep the watch and also hands her something, saying that if she would like to see more of the same, to meet her tomorrow evening at the Drinking Fountain club and to bring Lilly if she likes. With that Annalisa leaves, leaving Jasper to examine what she was handed. It turns out to be a scroll containing the first level spell sonic orb, something that may allow her to learn the spell herself. More scrolls? how could she resist that? Upon informing Lilly of the offer, both decide to meet at the club as asked in hopes that this is as good as they think it is.

Week Five Day Three

            The second excitement filled day for boarder patrol. This time the first event goes well, as it is only a transport hauling imports to Espiss. The transport is checked, found to be in order and allowed to pass. From here it gets strange. Out from the grass wanders a rather tall figure, limping and missing an arm, from which green sparks are emitted. Confronting the being yields little more than a closer examination of its appearance, as it does not seem to be able to respond in any way besides an incomprehensible clicking. The being seems to be mostly metallic, and its stump of an arm reveals that it is indeed composed of mechanical components rather than flesh. The green sparking seems to be the result of some sort of piping being damaged and spewing its contents that change whatever it touches green. The team attempts to patch the damage and prevent the sparking, but most of their efforts fail, simply resulting in the material used to patch it turning green. Believing it to be a language of some sort, Jasper employs the spell comprehend languages in an attempt to translate the clicking to something sensible (Jasper is awarded a 50 Exp bonus for this little idea). This actually seems to work, and the being is able to answer questions put to it, but not well. Jasper attempts to discover the origin of this being and its purpose, and is only able to come up with the facts that it comes from the western areas and seems interested in construction. By continuing to prod it for information Jasper succeeds in causing it to drive its one good arm into the soil. The being is able to produce a small number of large metallic rings from the soil which it leaves behind as it continues its stroll. The team collects these rings and successfully attempts to influence the path of the being away from Espiss for security reasons. Taking a moment to examine the rings it is noted that they seem to have an affinity for hovering midway on the arm, as if it fitting around something solidly but simply floats in the air attached to nothing. Taking the rings along they continue their patrol, trying to remain alert. The next event to emerge from the grass is a group of hares, one doe and two bucks, all in this group are heavily scared. They seem to be just a group of wanderers coming home, and the team decides not to bother them more than is necessary as they look battle capable. The next encounter is likewise less than dangerous, as it is but a pair of horses who just enter into the cleared area to use it as a place to camp. Seeing as these creatures seem intent only on sleeping in an area with good visibility, the team leaves them be. Soon after the shift ends and the team is picked up and returned to headquarters. From here, Kalawac makes a purchase of two small pieces of spark crystal for 23G each and a mini-stun gun for 50G. He then purchases six sets of two-way hand-held communication devices and once standard set, each costing 60G. The pieces of spark are later used to upgrade a pair of tazers so that they have a bit more kick. Meanwhile, Jasper and Lilly pair up and make their way to the Drinking Fountain where they are to meet with Annalisa about her offer. On the way they make some colour alterations to their appearance using a few colour cantrips so as to help disguise themselves. Upon arriving they note that Annalisa is here, but has also brought her three friends. The four of them are sitting at a table quietly sipping drinks, and soon notice the pair. Annalisa begins by welcoming them and thanking them for accepting the offer. She introduces the three bucks as Avene, Vern and Leo, all of whom simply node when their name is said. Getting right to the point, Annalisa slides over yet another scroll for Jasper and Lilly to examine. A quick look reveals that the scroll contains a third level spell that can be used to copy documents and books called amenuensis. This is quite advanced material for both of them, and are justifiably exited. With a smile, Annalisa informs them that she represents a party that is interested in aiding individuals with talents such as they possess, and that she could see to it that Jasper and Lilly meet this party to discus further future supplies of such documents. There is, however, a price. The price is not to be named, but should Jasper and Lilly accept the offer to see this party, they will simply have to pay it, whatever it may be. As a token, should they accept, they will on the spot receive yet another scroll for their cooperation. Hungry for such advanced material in their rather deprived society, both decide it is worth their very lives if it must be to pursue this offer. With yet another smile, Annalisa slides the last scroll across the table and tells them that the meeting will be arranged for tomorrow. Jasper and Lilly may both come, but they and only they must show, no one else or the deal is off. She then settles the tab and asks for her "watch" back, as the game is now over and she needs it for such future use. Jasper hands the watch back, and she and Lilly return home, planning their next meeting. Meanwhile yet again, Kalawac opens an account at a back with a starting amount of 2,000 G for 5% annual interest. Jeff spends his off time golfing and Marakin returns to the Empty Heart and Drinking Fountain looking for O' Laura; he misses seeing Jasper and Lilly because of their "makeup".

Week Five Day Four

            Second last day of the team's assigned boarder patrol. First thing they come across is a flock of glings, this time of a green hue. These seemed somewhat stronger then the group is used to, and there are fourteen of them. Opening up with a volley of shots the team drops a few of the wave before it hits them, forcing a bit of melee. Those that are free from combat continue to fire, finishing the scuffle in a few rounds total. After taking stock of this new foe, they move on and later encounter a green gelatinous mass which they beat down and bottle. Fortunately, this is all the action that they see this day as the next even is just the transport come to pick them up. Jeffrey decides to purchase a leisure suit for more formal and specialized occasions for 200 G. Jasper and Lilly meet up with Annalisa to be introduced to this individual as was arranged the day before. Annalisa brings the two of them to a rather nondescript dwelling in the border downs and invites them to step in. They are lead straight down a set of stairs to the basement, through a door into a rather dark room with earthen walls and floor. From the darkness in from of them glows two points of yellow light, which rise up several feet when they enter. Annalisa produces a soft light in the air so as to illuminate the room enough to see, and what the pair see is a pink dragon, calmly sitting upon a mound of bones and assorted objects. "This is your "sponsor", Dlar"" Annalisa says as she gestures to the creature before them. Using its telepathy, Dlar speaks to Lilly and Jasper "Hello, I am happy you came here to see me. You came looking for more of what Annalisa has given you like this, and if you want more this is the deal. You two join my cult and bring to me things I like in trade for things you like. I like glittery things like this (gesturing to jewels) and meals. If I like what you bring I let you take something that I think is fair in return, you are free to come and go as you please otherwise. In five, five years (twenty-five years) you are to willingly give yourselves to the fires of my appetite as one last gift to me. If you do not accept the offer to join, I simply take you now." Looking at this offer, the two of them could accept the offer to join and simply ignore it from this point on, later being taken near their thirtieth breath day. They could also bring offerings of the sorts Dlar asked for, either fairly honest jewels or prey in exchange for quick and easy spells to add to their meagre repertoires, once again being taken near the age of thirty. The last choice, not joining seems the worst, so they opt to join. "I am happy you decide to stay with me, you both smell good. Take this as yet another gift as thanks for your choice" Dlar states happily as Annalisa hands them yet another scroll (Miasma). Now that the deal is done, Lilly and Jasper head home to think over the rather strange event they just experienced and to prepare to study their newly acquired scrolls.

Week Five Day Five

            The last day of patrol on the boarder of Espiss begins with a almost traditional encounter with a flock of seven glings. As is their usual the team deals with the threat quickly with a volley of shots and a bit of hand-to-hand. The next debacle is far more dangerous, far more. It begins with Krystal falling to her knees and staring wide-eyed at the ground. Stopping to see if she is okay, Kalawac hears her whisper "run". Informing the rest of the party to fall back to the crops growing behind them Kalawac stands to cover the retreat. Jasper, Lilly and Alex run for the cover of the crops as Kalawac and Jeffery pull back somewhat slower. A moment later a howl is heard, followed shortly by the emergence of a wolf from the grass. The thing can stand a dozen feet tall when erect, but for now it moves on all fours into the clearing. As it advances, Kalawac and Jeffery make it to the crops for cover, just as four more wolves emerge. Now with five wolves in pursuit the team makes their way through the grass towards town. Kalawac pauses to toss a smoke grenade to help interfere with their ability to track by scent. Even as most of the group makes it back to town, Kalawac is still in the crops eluding the pursuing wolves, using his ability to move silently and cover his path. Turning off his com. so as to not produce noise, Kalawac misses a call from Krystal, who begins to panic and decides to go back in after him. She is prevented from doing so by the rest of the team, who force her to wait. Meanwile, Kalawac has been out in the crops for quite some time and seems to have lost his bearings. Becoming fatigued he digs a hole in the soil for shelter and climbs in, covering himself. Not long after he hears the foot falls of something heavy moving toward him. Moments later a hand reaches into the soil and hauls him out, tossing him to the ground. The individual that pulled him out is a hare of a larger than average stature, wearing a suit of metal plates and pipes which hiss audibly. This sort of officer is known as a Toy Soldier, a type of enforcer that wears a steam-powered suit that has some minimal self-awareness. The Toy Soldier informs Kalawac that the wolves have been driven back and is pointed the way back to Espiss. Departing in haste, Kalawac manages to reach Espiss and home before becoming to drowsy. It seems that Krystal, not being able to contact Kalawac or go looking for him, called in for aid.

Week Five Day Six

            As the last day of the week the team gets this day off to themselves. Marakin once again checks out pubs and clubs, looks for investment opportunities, charities and for leads on obtaining a spell library. Alex takes a test and passes, becoming an enforcer field medic. Jeffery makes an order for a habbinashi from an importer. Lilly and Jasper study Amanuensis, Miasma and combustion. Later on in the day, Lilly and Jasper met to take Jeff to see Dlar, with the anticipation he may join up as well. Arriving at Dlar's downs-lair they find Annalisa killing time in the spars rooms of the first floor. They are directed to take Jeff down themselves and make their case. After speaking with Jeff, Dlar is pleased with his manner and the way he talks, and grants him permission to join even though he is male. With his membership now complete he returns to the first floor and attempts to pick up Annalisa for the evening. Annalisa was not easily swayed by Jeff's approaches and informs him that she must refuse, as her body belongs to Dlar as part of the contract; if he is truly serious he must take the matter up with Dlar personally. Jeff does just this, asking Dlar if he may make use of Annalisa, to which Dlar agrees given that Jeff offers something pleasing in return. With this assurance Jeff plans just what he can use for trade to secure Annalisa.