The first step toward rebuilding the Guild Underground (PM to join, Striker)

[Aradin Lastra]

Timestamp: 2nd of Immanis, Spring of Era XIV PF

A man just an inch short of six feet stood against the scorched wall of a building on the southern edge of the eastern district. He was wrapped in a green cloak with the hood drawn over his face so that nothing but shadows could be seen. He was The Father of Subterfuge, the veritable leader of the depleted GU. All that was left of his organization was himself and Lorre, the man who had recruited him to be on the leading council of twelve. They were all gone now. There was still Dego of course, but he was not a member of the GU anymore as such, simply loyal to the organization if they ever needed him again. He had proved invaluable once in assassinating Aradin's cousin and making way for him to take Thaneship of Abestat. If one day Dego should come across the GU again, there would definitely be efforts made to bring him back into the fold.

While the organization of the Guild Underground would change slightly with Aradin at the lead, it would remain more or less the same. Each city would have a core council of twelve and each of those twelve would recruit twelve more. From that point Aradin was unsure if he wanted the organization to be extended any farther. Perhaps, as time went on. The new addition would be individual operatives that would be under the direct purview of Aradin himself. These he would send out to spy, steal, and assassinate as he needed. That in addition to the fact that he would be the sole leader of the guild now, however there was room for a few others at the head with himself. Of course, they wouldn't have full control like he would. This guild was his now and his alone.

His objective now was simple, to establish a core council for the GU in Paxia. He would need twelve members. Each of them would be trained to some degree by Lorre, and in turn they would recruit twelve members each. For now the second stage of recruitment was not important. The first twelve needed to be spread across the city, put in places where they would be useful. Political offices, military organizations, large economic institutions. Most importantly they would be tasked that making sure no other secret organization took root. From behind the scenes they would make things better in the city.

Although Aradin personally wanted to accrue as much power as possible for himself, he also wanted to make the world a better place as a whole. He wanted to make people better. He just believed in a different method of doing it than an organization like the Legion of Justice did. The GU philosophy happened to agree with him.

Whenever individuals would pass by the hooded man would take a small step forward and say, "Excuse me, are you looking for something? Something better...something that could provide a promise for a better life? Perhaps looking to make things more interesting for yourself, for a life of subterfuge?" Always he spoke in something of a whisper, and always he kept his right hand hidden beneath his cloak where it gripped his dagger coated in sleeping poison. If he had to fight anyone for any reason it would only take a nick of his dagger to put them to sleep.

OOC: For those involved, please assume that all people come at seperate times.

[Z'kron]

Z'kron's first thoughts were of an ambush. Being taken aside by a random on the street, while occasionally leading to an interesting turn of events, often simply led to mugging. Not to mention that this man's promises were so vague that he could be trying to promote a brothel. The druid's near-invisible filamentous tendrils felt out towards the air; sensing the surrounding area in a manner almost independent of it's owner's voilition. And the information they brought back was important enough to change the situation- as it often was, frankly.
"You see, young man, I have a few problems with your proposition. For example, you're carrying a dagger for stabbing. Which doesn't seem that useful for our negotiations. Maybe for others, but not for me."
The druid pursed his lips. His companion was nearby enough that he wouldn't be left unsupported in the chance of an actual battle. But nonetheless, it was worth protecting himself. Quietly his hand closed over one of his carrots, accessing a minor magic just in case.
"As I said, issues. Firstly, because stabbing me in the gut wouldn't actually hurt me; and secondly because by the time you did it, I'd have turned you into a carrot. So put the dagger back, and we'll talk, and discuss it like civilized adults. Don't, and I really can't be held responsible."

[Aradin Lastra]

Aradin couldn't help but laugh from inside of his hood, in part to hide his fear. Any man who could know what another was hiding under his cloak wasn't to be toyed with, on the other hand he was threatening him with a carrot. He was either insane or...well, something deceptively dangerous. That was an admirable trait. It was one that Aradin himself sought to have.

"First, I'd like to point out that you're threatening me with a carrot. Second, the dagger is only to defend myself." His voice turned a bit indignant, "Third, I would never stab anybody with this blade. All it needs is a nick."

His body visibly relaxed under his cloak and whether or not Z'kron could see it, Aradin had donned one of his charming smiles, "Now, why don't you come inside and we can talk. You have my word before Orod that I will not seek to do you harm unless absolutely necessary." Aradin walked slowly into the first room of the building and back through to the second where there were the embers of a dying fire. One couldn't be sure but it would seem in the darkness lurked another man.

"Oh, and by the way, I'll keep my dagger out and you can keep your...carrot...out." When he had mentioned before that he wouldn't harm Z'kron unless necessary he really meant if Z'kron wouldn't join the GU.

[Z'kron]

"Do not underestimate carrots. They have come far further in the last ten score years than you or I."
The druid's voice was deadly serious, as he moved his hand over the carrot. For a moment is stayed still, and them became the shimmer slightly; moving underneath his hand in a motion almost too rapid to see; tiny tendrils shooting out and dying almost hypnotically; the surface of it hardening, thickening, becoming dull and rocklike. The carrot seemed to be lengthening, growing sharper at the tip; where tiny insectoid green filaments now twitched free, questing hungrily into the air. And then the process accelerated again, faster and faster until the carrot almost started to whine- but not quite, because there was no sound, just the feeling of a whine or pain, as it grew and grew shrivelled and faded apart into dust which scattered like spores onto the ground. Z'kron gave a smile, and dusted his hands off.
"The weakness of steel, as always, is that it doesn't hunger. But enough of the pleasantries. I will quite happily discuss your proposal, and if you won't try to harm me, I'm certain everything will work out perfectly." A cheery grin, eyes twinkling in a slightly unnerving manner. He took a seat.
"So? Your proposal, good sir?"

[Aradin Lastra]

The Dracon's display of power was more than a little disconcerting. If the man could do this with a carrot, imagine what he could do with something else. Aradin had the growing sense that he could do nothing to defeat this man and he doubted Lorre's abilities when it came to combating arcana. He would simply have to be convinced to join.

"I am The Father of Subterfuge." He let the statement hang in the warm air for a moment. The original twelve in Abestat had been the Father's of Subterfuge. He was alone now, he was the only Father left, and it was his guild.

"I lead an organization that has no name. We are a secret and we are currently replenshing ourselves. Overall our goal is to improve the world from the shadows. Puppet masters, observers, righters of wrongs." So far, it was mostly the truth. Though that was the purpose of the organization and though Aradin would honour that to a degree, he would most certainly also use it for his own gains. He wanted to help people, but he also wanted power. It was something of an addiction for Lastra males.

"Our methods are a bit different than other groups who would in some sense aspire to the same goals. We spy in order to watch that all that goes on is appropriate and to gain useful information so that we may solve problems in a non-violent manner. We thieve so as to procure objects that should not be in the hands of certain individuals. And lastly we have not been above assassinations when necessary." Aradin had been tempted to mention that the death of the former Thane of Abestat, Rein Lastra, had been their doing.

From behind the shadows of his hood Aradin added rather gravely, "One thing you should know is that once you've learnt anything about us you have two choices: join or die." It was not a threat so much as informing Z'kron of the choice he had made by simply walking the way he had that brightening.

[Z'kron]

"Mmm. See, those aren't the two choices I saw. It was more along the lines of; either I join you, or I help you, or I leave and if you try to stop me you're both smoldering piles of flesh." The sapphire eyes glittered; fixating firmly on on the other. Their alien nature was now quite apparent, unblinking and stoney. A hand dropped down to his belt again, and a slight shimmer appeared around him for a moment, before fading.
"But nonetheless, the concept of an intelligence network which could be used for good as necessary intrigues me, regardless of its current strength or lack of it. Useful information is not something I would willingly turn down."
The mage smiled, a thin smile that showed white-upon-white teeth.
"What do you need from me, young Father? If you are recruiting from the street, not knowing who you draw in, your straits must be dire indeed."

[Roland Moonstar]

A man walked by, looking ragged and down on his luck. He milled about, casing the area. He did it casually, so that most people would be unaware that he was spying on them. But anyone who knew what to look for-- most thieves and spies-- could tell this was a professional, a gentleman thief.

He rambled around, eavesdropping and casually snooping. He paused now and then in deep concentration. He was dusky and had the appearance of a Vagaran, though it was hard to tell with his collar pulled up and his hat pulled down. It was a face made up of equal parts illusion and professional-grade make-up and disguise. Still, it was a face Aradin might recognize from Abestat: 'Lefty' McCulloch, second-story man, hustler, confidence man. He'd been in jail in Jaedaxia, and had taken advantage of the orc attack on Abestat. Should Aradin (or Lorre) pickpocket him, the Visa in his pocket was genuine, and said Zachary 'Lefty' McCulloch on it.

His appearance in Paxia at this time meant he must be up to his old tricks. "Hmm. A life of subterfuge? In Arium? Imagine that." He eyed Aradin critically for a moment. "It's an intriguing notion. I've been thinking much the same, lately."

He crossed his arms over his chest, studying Aradin even more deeply. He squinted, his eyes taking on a far-away look for a moment. It might have gone unnoticed, but it was the exact same look Z'kron had given him right before he commented on the dagger. The method might change, be it through reveal or awareness or some other spell, but yes, there it was, the quick glance by 'Lefty' towards the hidden dagger.

Here though, things changed from the earlier encounter. 'Lefty' said and did nothing else to indicate what he knew. He did not threaten Aradin, nor did he back away. Just cooly stood his ground. "You have my attention."

[Aradin Lastra]

Z'kron

Rather reluctantly Aradin put the dagger away. He got the idea that this man was much more than words. Although if he had power over a carrot...that meant druidism. It brought his ability to turn the Lastra into dust into question, but it didn't make him any less formidable. More often than not words were the better method to solve a problem.

"We are rebuilding, that much is true. What I need from you depends on who you are and what you have to give. My current purpose for being here is to establish a core council of twelve in Paxia. Those who are on the council must remain in the city for the most part. For some reason I doubt that you're the type he would live permanently in this ruined city. Powerful individuals tend to gravitate toward places of power. That rules out you serving as a member of the core twelve."

His brow furrowed inside of the shadows of his hood, "Why is it that you're interested in an intelligence network? I get the impression that you're not exactly interested in serving under me." A partner perhaps? Aradin wasn't sure how he felt about that. He didn't like to share power. However, he didn't mind scratching somebody else's back if they scratched his.

Roland

From behind his hood he squinted at the man who stood before him. He wasn't suspicious, and he moved something like Lorre would if he were trying to be discreet. Besides that he looked very familiar. Abestat...Abestat. He had something to do with Abestat. For some reason going to the left was all that would come to Aradin's mind.

Hesitantly Aradin said, "Well it seems that we have something in common then. Come in here so that we can discuss this in private." Who in Orod's name was this man?

Once they got to the smoldering fire and had sat down Aradin had to ask, "Have you spent much time in Abestat? Something about your left hand? What's your name? More importantly how commited are you to staying in Paxia?" He hesitated before asking the next question, "Or Arium for that matter?" If the man at least would be staying in Arium and travelling there for the most part then perhaps he could be used as a controller and could be the man to relay Aradin's orders to the core twelve of the cities within the province.

[Z'kron]

The druid chuckled. "Well. Perhaps I have been a little stingy on information. Let me introduce myself. I am Z'kron, Imperial High Sage, former Imperial Magus. And I like information because a man in my position likes to know the way the world turns from as many different sources as possible. Which should be sufficient information for now."
The voice was utterly calm, still. It was like restrained insanity; intelligent, compassionate and even logical, but coming from a place so fundamentally different it might twist the mind to comprehend it. Not a cruel place- the man seemed very far distant from cruelty as many would comprehend it- simply a jarring one. Was that a note of amusement in the tone? It was difficult to tell with this man.
"You would be correct in saying that I am not the type to serve for no good reason. But you would be incorrect in your views on my continued presence in Paxia... given my intentions to help rebuild and reform much of it. Center my operations from it, if you will. And I certainly would be willing to give my utmost to prevent any inconvenient clash of interests. And if you would wish to come to an arrangement- why then, I would be more than happy to discuss."

[Roland Moonstar]

The man followed Aradin inside. "Abestat? Yes. Like Paxia, it had an orc problem. Meant good pickings afterward." He looked into the distance for a moment, remembering. With Golash, he'd nicked off the statue of the corrupt Thane that had ruled before the Lastras. Fun times.

He glanced at his left hand. "I favor it. That stands out in a world where most people are right-handed, so they call me 'Lefty.'" He paused for a moment. He shrugged. "Makes it easier for me, really. It's better than always being called Smith." He took a deep breath, as if not used to talking so much.

At the question about Arium he shrugged again. "Can't go back to Prime Province. Just helped a man get a fake Visa in Portshire. And Carmelyn's out of the question. So Arium it is."

He paused again. 'Lefty' was evidently not a man who liked talking. "Lots of cities here. Paxia. Eville. Mileswick. Vortex. Nexus Prime. Lots of opportunities."

He rubbed his ear; the man did not wear earrings. "If something goes wrong in one city, there's a chance to move sideways, rebuild." A long pause. "I'm staying. Definitely."

He obviously wondered at the line of questioning, and what any of this had to do with Aradin's initial statements. But he was not the sort to pry. He let Aradin explain in his own time, at his own pace.

[Aradin Lastra]

Z'kron

For a long time Aradin didn't say a single word. He barely even seemed to breathe. The Imperial High Sage. That was a bloody mess waiting to happen. Politicians were fickle, they changed their stance when it best suited them to do so and would disregard all alliances in the process, Aradin should know - he was one.

A moment of utter despair took over, he couldn't kill the man and he probably couldn't use him either. But then, what if he could? The information didn't have to flow one way. The Imperial High Sage took council with the Regent. Aradin needed things from the Imperials. Not as 'Mr.Smith' The Father of Subterfuge, head of the Guild Underground, but as Aradin Lastra, humanitarian and politician. He needed Abestat.

"We can help each other I think. What you can help us with in Paxia is limited. The people that serve on the core council here have to stay here for the most part, permanently. An Imperial High Sage travels the Empire or in Aelyria Prime attending to political matters." He moved is hood back a bit, showing his black iron mask that covered his face. He was the incarnation of Mr.Smith, the man that could be anybody but was nobody.

"We'll provide you with information, if there are specific things you want, just let us know and we'll get it for you one way or the other. What we need from you is two things." Orod willing this would kill more than one bird with a single stone.

Aradin held up one finger, "One, we need funding. Our resources have been severely limited and to reestablish our strength we need to reestablish some form of an economic core."

He held up a second finger, "Two, we have a friend. He isn't so much affiliated with us as an organization but he does have to do with the welfare of the city of Abestat. Enamere Lastra, the current Thane is, quite frankly, a bit bonkers. We need to see his nephew, Aradin Lastra, installed as Thane. For the good of the city it would also be best if Tradewinds was declared a business to be run by the city itself. If you can do these things, we are entirely at your disposal." If the Imperial High Sage could fulfill his immediate needs, Aradin would more than gladly fulfill his.

Roland

Lefty...Lefty...that was very familiar. "Lefty McCulloch?" That would be very interesting indeed. If the man was who Aradin thought he was, then he was just the man for the job. But could he handle the responsibility?

The man traveled a lot within just the one province, he was experienced, he was just what Aradin needed. "Well, since you're in on the fold we'll be straight with you. We're something of an esoteric organization, trying to right wrongs through the use of the various arts of subterfuge. We spy, thieve, and assassinate as necessary to achieve our aims. We are called the Guild Underground, and we are a secret, we operate in the shadows, from behind the scenes. No one is to know of us, if you do tell someone they must join or die. It is the only option available. That is the cardinal law of the organization."

He pulled back his hood a bit, revealing his black iron mask, "I am Mr.Smith. I am The Father of Subterfuge. All of your orders will come from me and no one else. You will report to me and no one else." For the job that he intended to pass on to Lefty there wouldn't be anyone else to report to regardless.

"The position that we think you would be best suited for is that of a controller. You will act as the controlling agent for the entire province of Arium, overseeing the councils of each city and individual operatives that we may have working within the province to tasks that are very important to the goals for that particular province. We will have other operatives working within the province at any given time that you may not know about. We will only inform you of those we deem it necessary for you to know of. Is this arrangement satisfactory?" If it was then Aradin would forge forward, plunging into details about the organization, a few other rules that Lefty ought to know, and a few resources that could be useful to him. The most important thing were the provincial objectives. Aradin couldn't always be running around doing everything for a single province while he was trying to build an Empire-wide network. He needed competent men to carry out his orders.

[Z'kron]

The druid frowned. He had never been one for putting his support into things unconditionally, unless he some substantial influence in them. And the Guild Underground was not going to be an exception for him.
"You see, master nameless, that offer doesn't sway me too much. Information without my having any influence on the organisation? Nothing official in the chain of command?
If I'm to be involved, I want it to be a permanent position. There is no advantage to my building your organization if the arrangement can be abruptly ended or turned towards evil. Contrary to your assumption, I will be basing my operations from Paxia. This is to be my home and fortress.
I do not throw my backing behind things I cannot be sure of the nature of. And without at least some power within the organisation, I cannot be sure. That is the condition on my assistance."

[Roland Moonstar]

'Lefty' had to hide himself from breaking into a broad grin. It was nice to be remembered. Of course, being the strong silent type, he simply nodded. (That was in fact the primary way, beyond magic and makeup, that he achieved being 'Lefty,' or any of this other disguises: no one ever saw him with his mouth shut for long.)

Instead he simply nodded, and showed Aradin the visa. Well, the visa that said 'Lefty' McCulloch on it. It was either real, or forged by someone with the power to control the senior Aedile of a province. Impressively authentic either way. "Though from this day forth, you might as well call me Mr. Melora. 'Uncle' Melora."

He jerked a thumb in the general directon of Carmelyn Province. "I got some goons that might help us. Maybe. Some muscle boys, one or two second-story girls.

They're a bit scattered. I'll send out word, see if any want to come to Paxia."

He didn't have anything to say about the Guild Underground. Odd, as he was friends with Golash and Dego and had met many of the others. It was his reputation as a wanderer, of course, as a soldier of opportunity. (And of course, he'd never have been able to commit to a single province before.) But now he was here in Arium, and here to stay. And so he dutifully listened, and nodded appropriately.

There was one flaw in Aradin's plan, however, that 'Lefty' would have spotted, so reluctantly he attempted to find a way to voice it, though he was politic enough to give Aradin the solution as well. "Any man can wear a mask, and imitate a voice. In what way will I be sure that you... are you? What is your sign and counter-sign? " This he had learned from Pirvan Kaldres. Pirvan had once desired to do something similar. If Jenius had not swept Barragot out of office... well, Roland's life would have taken a much darker path, and he'd be now a man of power in the House of Whispers and Jaded Claw.

Roland had instead joined Arium Intelligence, using his abilities on behalf of the Prefects and Rogators of Arium. And that path had led to the Legion of Justice and becoming Justicar. Now here he was again, in need of an intelligence network, to finally penetrate the mystery of Jenius. And this 'Mr. Smith' was setting one up. This would do nicely.

He nodded. "I have no desire to die today. Our goals are the same. I join, and accept unconditionally."

[Striker]

Aradin

Resourcefulness had become the currency in Paxia, the sole contributor of each individual’s survival amidst the ravaged and war-torn city. While the mercantile port had once known wealth of the greatest magnitude, it was not even a shadow of its former self –it was a new place entirely. The proud civilians of Paxia had resorted to every mean possible to guarantee their survival, and some of their means were not conducted with the most altruistic intentions. Indeed, where the Imperial Government seemed so far removed from the rubble of the Ariumite city, law and order was something constructed from the Paxians themselves.

The eastern wall, that is, if its multi-porous structure fit the definition, bordered the residential district which was clustered closely together. Hundreds of tents had been erected across the landscape, dotting the earth in browns, greens, blues, and yellows - depending upon the size of each respective ‘home’. Many of the Paxians were out on this particular spring brightening, tending to the mundane but very essential responsibilities that all of them needed to perform if they had any hope of surviving. Some had departed with the Lord Protector earlier in the day, a routine that involved rubble-cleaning and wreckage relocation.

And then there were others who took advantage of their peers’ absences to pervade unguarded and unlocked tents.

For the most part, the Paxians were relatively conscious of their cultural identities. It was not difficult for them to distinguish outsiders from natives, and Aradin was certainly no exception. Subsequently, more than a few spared dubious glances his way as he presented his offer, one that was underpinned by deceitful connotations. A woman and her child hurriedly passed by, the woman gripping her child’s hand and tugging him as far away from possible from Aradin before melting into the crowds of tents. A raggedy looking beggar paused to regard the Guild Underground leader momentarily as well, though he quickly passed by upon noting the man’s concealed hand – robbery and theft were not uncommon practices in the quasi-lawless land.

And thus it seemed as if this trend would continue for some time. Few spared Aradin more than a glance, and even fewer were capable of fathoming the promise of gain underlining his proposal.

There was one, however, who stopped to hear Aradin out.

A young teenager, no more than seventeen patterns of age, turned as he heard the man’s voice. His pale cheeks were blemished by splotches of dirt, and his olive-colored linen shirt and black trousers were eternally painted by stains of various colors. The lad’s tousled hair was dirty-blonde, though whether or not the darker shades were a result of the wreckage was unknown. Most noticeably, though, was the boy’s skeletal appearance; it seemed as if he hadn’t eaten in days.

“Subter-what?” he asked, lolling his side perplexingly to the side. “Unless you have something to eat, mister, I’m not sure life is going to get much better.” Shrugging his bony shoulders in a light bounce, the teenager knelt down a few meters away from Aradin, stooping over and maneuvering his hands through the rubble.

[Aradin Lastra]

Z'kron

Aradin supposed that the man hadn't fully understood what he was about to be offered in return for his services, but then that didn't really matter. If he wanted a different position in the organization then in this case that was very much to the Lastra's advantage.

He shrugged, "That's your choice. Very well then, you'll be the chairman for the core twelve in Paxia. You will sit at the head of the council, providing direction and proper execution of objectives from those that you receive from me in some form or another. You will have a lieutenant on the council, as yet to be appointed, and he will be your second in command on the council. If you are dead or injured or in some way incapable of temporarily performing your duty then he will stand at the head and provide direction."

His hand ran along the side of his iron mask, it was an odd thing to be wearing now, but so much truer to who he was, "There will be a provincial control agent who will co-ordinate Paxia and the other cities in Arium that have core councils. You will receive my orders from this person, and they will be primarily responsible for the execution of provincial objectives. The controller may have command over individual operatives performing tasks in the province, you will not."

"Your primary responsibility as the chairman of the core council of Paxia will be, at this current time, to ensure the placing of members of the council in positions of some authority or prestige within the community or at least in places where they can gather information. The establishment of an economic base is very important for the success of the organization no matter where it is. To this end I will have a pawn shop established. It will be a convienient cover for trafficking sensitive goods and information within our organization."

"Once that is established it will be the responsibility of each member of the core twelve in Paxia to recruit twelve more members who will form the soldiers of the Guild Underground. Each member shall give 10% of what they earn from their income or any independant job they complete to the guild up to a total of ten thousand crowns an era, at which point they are no longer obliged to give more of their money to the guild, but it is encouraged."

The next point was very important, and was in fact crucial to the operation of the Guild Underground in Arium, "We have an archnemesis in Arium, or more specifically in Nexus Prime. It is a renegade faction of former Imperial Intelligence known as the House of Whispers. Ultimately the main objective for all cities in this province is to build the strength of the GU here to such a point that we will be able to execute a co-ordinated strike against them and remove them from their place of extreme power and influence. They do not wish for the best for the Empire, they are not a desirable faction."

If Z'kron had any complaints or queries now was the time to ask. He knew almost all that he needed to know at this point.

Roland

Aradin nodded, Lefty brought up good points. There was a bit of a whole as far as security went. "If we meet in person I will say, 'Are you Uncle Melora?' and your response shall be, 'Only since Immanis.' Fair enough. Also I will seal my communications to you with a stamp marked, 'TFOS' and will at the beginning write, 'Are you Uncle Melora?'. I will make efforts to get ahold of signet gems that will allow for telepathic communication between us to further security."

It was tempting to take off his mask and reveal himself but he knew that he couldn't. There were only a select few individuals who knew who he actually was as far as the GU was concerned and most of them were dead or not available; such as Golash and Dego. "A few things that you need to know. First, each city in the province is to have a core council of twelve members headed by a chairman and a lieutenant. Each of these twelve will recruit twelve more who will comprise the soldiers of the GU. The main goal of the core twelve councils at this moment is to establish economic bases for the Guild Underground and to get themselves into positions of some influence. Once that is complete we must deal with our archnemesis in Nexus Prime, the House of Whispers. They will hamper anything we try to accomplish in this province. At the moment I have an operative who is trying to gain information on them."<