07.09s Ley of the Land

[Spellbinder]

"Thanks, but another time I think. I've had enough badgering about walking the Pattern for today. Since I haven't walked the Pattern yet, I'm not really 'official'. Besides most people don't even know about me yet, so they won't miss me. This could be my last chance to get away with playing hooky. Besides, I really was up here for a reason. Was great talking to you though."

[Rasanam]

"Badgering?" Rasanam blinks. "Wait, people are expecting you to...? My apologies, I didn't know." The dragon looks a bit awkward for a moment, as if not quite knowing where to take that topic of conversation.

After a moment, he decides to simply change topics. "What reason was that, if you don't mind my asking?"

[Spellbinder]

Spellbinder smiles. "No need for you to apologize. Like you said, you didn't know. You weren't doing it yourself. But yeah, Quin was offering to escort me to the Pattern almost as soon as I was off the boat. Oberon is taking as a given that I will. I've been warned that Dworkin is likely to force me to given half a chance. That's a lot of pressure in a short time."

"Why am I up here? Harrune said the pollution from the city is causing major problems for Rebma. I thought it was blowing it out of proportion, but Oberon says not so much. I promised Oberon I'd take a look at the situation and see if there's anything I can do." Spellbinder sighs. "Scifi writers love to use the title 'Custodian of the Universe'. Turns out it's not as grandiose as you might think. Maybe I'll find the literal 'Dustbin of History' around here somewhere."

"This isn't my specialty at all, but I have to say I see serious issues already. I know every shadow has its own rules, and if germ theory works here you're past due for a massive cholera outbreak at least. There isn't going to be a quick fix for this, but maybe I can at least help some."

[Rasanam]

"Oh! Yes, that; the city needs a proper sewer system. I haven't started building anything yet - and probably won't until after the current holiday is over - but I spent some time yesterday working on designs with Nemo. If you're interested in helping - and don't want to head back to Ht'gon right now - then I'd suggest visiting Rebma and talking to him."

"Anyway, I should probably get going before Lyra feels a need to call me again. Good talking to you! Later, then!" And Rasanam wheels around and starts heading back towards the current festivities, Fjolnir following a bit behind.

[Joshua]

Random thought of the day. There is a ridiculously high crime rate in Amber. Also, as required by law, the first time a superhero flies around a random city, they have to stop a mugging.

Chancy "Chance" Narder, a young-ish street punk with copper hair and hazel-green eyes, wearing basic leather armor and being picked up by a small group of thugs dressed in russian winter outfits, ready to pummel the kid into submission. One had the kid by teh shirt, and is pressing Chance up against a wall. One of the gang is holding a dog-sized unconscious rat.

[Spellbinder]

" 'I am not sure if we have need for a superhero'.* Ha! Every city needs at least one superhero."

Spellbinder will swoop down and land near the edge of the group. "Okay, that's enough! What do you think you're doing here?"
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*Spellbinder is quoting Oberon from their first conversation.

[Joshua]

One of them will look at Spellbinder and blink. "Besoboy*? Какого черта?!"

"This thief isn't paying us his operating fee." Another will say, one who is wearing more stripes** on his uniform, indicating he's in charge. "Thirty percent plus daily charge. It's been cleared with the rest of the guard. This is Koschei's*** territory. We take care of these blocks and the proper fee keeps crime down."
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*: Better description.
**: Sign of leadership subject to change when it becomes more interesting.
***: Probably not Koschei the Deathless.

[Spellbinder]

"Who? Wha? ...wait, what?!? Is this whole place completely insane? You charge thieves a daily fee, which they have to steal to pay, in the name of keeping the crime rate down? Do you realize how stupid that is? And this has been cleared by the rest of the guard?" Spellbinder sighs heavily. "I really have my work cut out for me on this one."

Spellbinder looks to the thief. "So, what's your side of the story?"

[Joshua]

"It was a loaf of bread! And, some curry... and it was for myself and my pet... but... I'm not a professional thief*, I'm just poor!" He will object. "It's winter."

"Excuse me, Chance." One of the guards say. "But, this is the third time we caught you stealing. You've been warned. And you were given the option to stop or pay. Now, we take your hand." He will draw a sword, then look over at Spellbinder, and hesitate a moment. "What's your stake in this?"
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*: He puts way too much emphasis on professional in that sentence.

[Spellbinder]

Spellbinder advances on the one with the drawn sword, his body language screaming righteous anger. "I am Spellbinder. My stake in this is Justice. My stake is opposing a corrupt system of extorting thugs passing themselves off as the law. My stake is protecting the weak." He reaches out and grabs the wrist of the arm with the sword. "This one is under my protection. You'll have to take my life before you take his hand, and it will take more than the lot of you to make that happen."

He will glance over his shoulder at the rest of the group. "I'd suggest running now ."