07.09s Ley of the Land

[Joshua]

Chance will shake his head. "Guide, guide is fine*!" He will erk, "I don't make a good dog." He will add, not completely sure if you're serious or not. "A glassworking shop... There are ways to set one up. Yeah, I think I remember how it was made."

"What- what did you need today? Besides the battle you're about to deal with."
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*: It should be clear that the hope of working with an Amberite is seen as a huge honor in this place.

[Spellbinder]

"Wow, my superhero banter is completely failing me to day. Maybe skipping so many fights today threw off my rhythm. That was just a figure of speech. I was not planning to make you a dog. And the glassworks was just a thought. The real question is what do you want to do with your life? Feel free to take some time to think that one through. That's too big for a snap answer."

"I do need to get Koschei sorted out. I'm half tempted to wait until tomorrow to prep some different spells, but I did say he should be expecting me and I wouldn't want to be rude about it. After that a bath would be good since I doubt I can catch a shower around here anywhere. I've been told to go to Rebma and talk to someone named Nemo. That can always wait until tomorrow if it's getting too late in the day. There's also that other talk I mentioned. I need to continue surveying the area and getting to know my way around. I'll also need to figure out getting money for myself. I can't keep taking swords from guards to pay my bills. Being new here, I probably don't even know what I don't know yet...if you know what I mean. Maybe you can make a few suggestions."

[Joshua]

Chance ignores the dog comment, but settles down. "I don't know Nemo. But I've never been to Rebma. There are a lot of baths, we can hit one later."

Oddly, at this point the vendor will walk over. "You intend ta stop Koschei? What will keep the other gangs out?"

[Spellbinder]

"Note to self: respect for privacy is totally not a thing here. I'll need to keep that in mind."

"Alright friend, if you're going to be part of this conversation we may as well know each other's names. I am known as Spellbinder. Let me clear a few things up for you. I don't like how so called 'law enforcement' is run around here. People should not need to live in fear of the people who are supposed to protect them. There shouldn't be a protection racket that encourages more crime in the name of fighting crime. That's what I mean to change, and it will change. I need to explain that to Koschei. What happens from there is up to him. If other gangs think they can interfere with my goals, I will show them how wrong they are. It will take some time, but this city will be a decent place to live."

"So, I also have an interest in symbols, sigils, that sort of thing. Do you mind if I ask about that star? Does it mean anything special?"
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(OOC Yep, a blatant attemp to change the subject if ever there was one.)

[Joshua]

He will nod. "Bob*. I hope things go well with Koschei."

On the matter of his symbol, "It's the Church of the Four Castles, formerly the Church of Amber. We believe the city needs to be taken care of and that working on the soul of the city will help the people. Much like you are attempting to do. Fix the spirit and the rest will follow. Otherwise, you have additional warlords popping up for each one you squash."
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*: Generic name #4, if he becomes important, he will get a real name."

[Spellbinder]

"...which carries the risk of becoming the next warlord oneself. It's easy to get so caught up in a cause that you become the thing you're fighting without realizing it. Maybe that's what happened with Koschei. I intend to find out about that."

"Wait...Church of the Four Castles, but seven points? Do the points mean anything special or did someone just like the shape?"

[Joshua]

"It stands for the seven tenants of the city." Bob will explain. "Guards, Engineering, Entertainment, Religion, Transportation, Merchants, and Housing. We had to change the name because Church of Amber wasn't well liked by uh Dworkin. Something about it sounding too much like an official religion, even though we're just a small sect."

[Spellbinder]

"Makes sense. A state religion, especially one with a name like that, could lead to worshiping Dworkin and the rest as gods. I wouldn't want that if it was me."

"So, seven tenants, each connecting to the others, making a star. That works. Have to say I'm having issues with the first two, " he glances at Chance, "and the last for that matter. At least I'm doing well with the merchants so far. The rest? Too soon to tell."

"Well, sitting here chatting isn't going to get things done. I have an appointment to keep. If you'll point me in the right direction I'll get right on that. Chance, could you wait for me here? I'd rather not drag you into the middle of a fight and I don't expect them to them to listen to reason without a few lumps first."

[Joshua]

Chance will offer directions, and agree to meet you back here when you're done. The vendor seems interested but backs off without actually saying anything.

The trip to Koschei's is quick, only a few blocks. His place is over a fairly fancy looking russian-style restaurant. It will only take a minute or less for the guards to realize you're seriously there... and to come out to escort you to the back-room.

[Spellbinder]

Spellbinder strides to the center of the room. While he appears to be focusing ahead of him, he is of course counting heads, and noting positions and weapons.

"Koschei, I am Spellbinder. I have seen what your men call law enforcement. I call it intimidation and extortion. You do not stop thieves, you merely take a share of their spoils. I will not allow this corrupt system to stand. You can help me build something better or you can swept away. The choice is yours."