Avatar Legends: Ash and Steel IC

[jaydude]

For IC Stuff.

 

[jaydude]

EbonChevalier Eonivar Megilagor

Our story begins with the three of you arriving at the town of Lomei, a settlement located on the continent's southeast coast. It's been fortunate enough to escape serious harm during the last couple decades of the Hundred Year War, with the residents going about their everyday lives, and the familiar green and gold of the Earth Kingdom visible throughout.

As per your instructions from Long Feng, you head towards the town inn and step into the dining area. Taking a look around, the more observant of you catch a brief glance of a middle-aged woman enjoying a bowl of dumpling weed soup at one of the corner tables, sat in such a way as to escape notice from the front entrance. She wears a green cloak, but for one moment you might notice that her eyes are the color of topaz.

Shortly after you step inside, a barmaid comes up to you and asks if you want drinks. You place your order - another thing specified in advance by Long Feng - and as the barmaid rushes off to get you served, the woman in the green cloak beckons you over with a flick of her hand, as if giving commands to a trio of trained hog monkeys.

"So you're my escorts, huh?" she asks in a haughty tone once the three of you are sat down at her table.

All three of you realize that this is Onomu, the disgraced Fire Nation General who was forced to flee her homeland after incurring the wrath of the Fire Lord during a war meeting, and who is now carrying Fire Nation war plans that Long Feng has tasked you three with bringing to Ba Sing Se by any means necessary.

Spoiler: Group Stats

Duanmu​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Support - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Leadership

Hayase​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Unity - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Heritage

​

Guoneng​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions: (All start unmarked)
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]
Balance:
Force - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Care

 

[EbonChevalier]

"The strongest plum wine you've got and kept it coming." Guoneng was at the lead of this merry band of human smugglers. And while part of him wanted to ask what that waitress was doing later and when she'd be off. He had something far more important to do. He scanned the room for their target until he saw the yellowish flash in the eyes of a woman in a corner. 'I'm guessing that's her not too many folk have eyes like that unless you're in the colonies.' He thought as he and the boys moved to sit at her table.

Being beckoned like a servant or a trained animal didn't sit right with him. And that voice of her's that just oooooozed with condescension was irritating. But they were in a delicate situation, so he could hold his tongue until they were out of it. "Yes ma'am, with those damn Fire Devils marching onward things are getting dangerous out here. Not to mention all those damn Dao Fei that sprung up when the fighting started. But don't worry we'll see you to safety."

With the way they looked he and the boys could be mistaken for hired bodyguards. Guoneng hope whomever might be listening believed it too.

 

[Megilagor]

"Some fire tea for me. I prefer not to drink before a job Guenong."
Added Hayase as he walked behind Guenong towards who he could only assume was their target of escort.
After looking into her eyes and demeanour he confirmed his suspicion she was indeed their target to be escorted, the former fire nation general.

Being treated like an animal or a servant nearly made Hayase blood boil, but he reasoned to himself that he did not need to bear with her too long, since after getting her to Long Feng he will be rid of her, so that brought a bit of stability in his mind.

"As my friend here said, we are your bodyguards and escorts till we reach the point to your travel upon which you and our employer agreed. And as you probably know while we will protect you it also means you have to listen to us in certain situations as to ascertain that you will be safe."
Explained Hayase as he plastered the most polite smile he could muster on his face, since he did realize what Guenong was trying to do here.

'Making us appear as hired bodyguards or escorts is probably one of the easiest ways to lessen the suspicion of others. Guenong probably thought the same so reinforcing that idea will be easy. Now lets just hope everyone else catches up on our bluff. Which technically isn't a bluff since we are hired to be her escorts and bodyguards.... So a lie hidden within the truth so to say.'

 

[Eonivar]

"A cup of Fire Tea for me as well please."

Duanmu walked in behind Guoneng and Hayase and pausing in the doorway to glance around the place to make sure there was no one suspicious about that may want to listen to them, and to finally look upon their escort before following up to his comrades.

This whole situation bothered him greatly and yet gave him hope that this could perhaps end the war. His father's coded message to him filled his mind. 'We need to find out Long Feng's stake in this endeavor and what his true plan is here.'

He walked up beside the other two, his emerald gold star pin of his unit glinting in the lights of the tavern, his emerald cloak with the embroidered gold star of the Earth Kingdom Emerald Rangers settling showing for a moment his sheathed short sword and coiled whip hanging off of his belt. Duanmu's green eyes regarded her carefully as he stroked his beard in thought a moment and then gave a nod at the Fire Nation General, his former enemy in the field.

"Greetings, I am Captain Duanmu Taka, this is Guenaug and Hayase, we have been hired to escort you to an outpost outside of Ba Sing Se. Rest assured we will be taking the best route to keep you safe, but as Hayase states, we will need your cooperation in this journey as it will by no means be easy. As Guenang mentioned, there are many active forces in the region currently."

Duanmu pulls out a chair at the table and sits to regard Onomu on the level. "Have you been waiting in Lomei long? Have you had any problems during your stay here?"

 

[jaydude]

EbonChevalier Eonivar Megilagor

Onomu listens patiently as the three of you speak. She relaxes a little upon seeing the symbol of the Emerald Rangers on Duanmu's cloak, as if daring to hope that she might have at least one competent escort here.

"Oh, the usual problems one might expect to find in the Earth Kingdom," she replies to Duanmu's questions, waving her hand airily. "Streets and dwellings not fit for barn animals, ignorant and uncultured hicks all around, and of course the typical rebels and vigilantes who'd string me up if they discovered who I am. No wonder the Earth Kingdom's losing this war if the Earth King's let his country go to the deer dogs like this."

She exhales, as if simply having to exist within the Earth Kingdom is a burden to her. "I tell you, I'll be glad if we make it to Ba Sing Se; that place at least has to have a degree of civilization to it. Speaking of, are you three ready to leave?"

Spoiler: Group Stats

Duanmu​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Support - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Leadership

Hayase​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Unity - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Heritage

Guoneng​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions: (All start unmarked)
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]
Balance:
Force - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Care

 

[Eonivar]

Duanmu mustered his discipline to ignore Onomu's comments about the Earth Kingdom. Everyone has their opinions, I know Earth Kingdom officials that feel the same way.

"It is those rebels and vigilantes as well as the Fire Nation forces that are the more reason we need to work together to keep your identity a secret."

Onomu spoke of leaving just as their drinks arrived. Duanmu gave a slight grin as he suspected that would happen. It did not bother him much though, his life was living on the move all the time. He reached down and pulled a smaller canteen like container from his carry pouch situated on his side, opened it and poured the tea in for later, sealing it back up and sticking it back in its designated compartment.

He glanced back and up at Guenang and Hayase. "We probably should leave soon, yes, do either of you need anything before we go?"

He then turned his focus back to Onomu. "The faster we can move the longer it will take any opposition to get an idea as to your location. I do want to inspect your clothing, and discuss an alternate identity for you while we are travelling in the Earth Kingdom so those vigilantes and rebels do not recognize you. We can make it so at least a first glance, as long as they do not see your face up close, we should be ok. Do you have gear to travel on foot? We have not been able to secure any mounts for this journey, besides mounts probably will attract more attention then we want anyway."

 

[jaydude]

Onomu looks intrigued as Duanmu talks to her, as if surprised that the man would show such concern for her wellbeing when the three of you could instead just jump her, take the plans, then turn her in at the nearest bounty post.

That said, she does blink multiple times at his last sentence. "We're going to be walking to Ba Sing Se from here!?" she hisses, clearly not too happy with the idea. It's hard not to blame her; even on the route you've planned out, it'll be at least a couple of weeks' travel by foot.

"Urrgh, fine," she mutters after a few seconds. "But don't expect me to not gripe about it. In any case, what did you have in mind regarding my alternate identity?"

The conversation provides an opportunity for Duanmu to give the former general the requested inspection. Beneath the cloak, she's dressed in the lightly saturated and tattered green clothes typical to Earth Kingdom refugees, and she could probably pass as one were it not for her topaz eyes. Her boots also look to be made of tough leather, and you guess that she's likely been in hiding within the Earth Kingdom for a while now.

Spoiler: Group Stats

Duanmu​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Support - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Leadership

Hayase​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Unity - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Heritage

Guoneng​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions: (All start unmarked)
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]
Balance:
Force - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Care

 

[EbonChevalier]

Oh, the usual problems one might expect to find in the Earth Kingdom," she replies to Duanmu's questions, waving her hand airily. "Streets and dwellings not fit for barn animals, ignorant and uncultured hicks all around, and of course the typical rebels and vigilantes who'd string me up if they discovered who I am. No wonder the Earth Kingdom's losing this war if the Earth King's let his country go to the deer dogs like this."

She exhales, as if simply having to exist within the Earth Kingdom is a burden to her. "I tell you, I'll be glad if we make it to Ba Sing Se; that place at least has to have a degree of civilization to it. Speaking of, are you three ready to leave?"

'Breath in breath out...find you neutral jing and STAY there...' Guoneng thought this as he sipped on his cup of wine. I knew a trek across the Earth Kingdom with a damn fire devil informant wouldn't be particually nice. But their charge seemed intent on already making them miserable. He had nothing nice to say of Onomu so he let Duanmu do the talking.

"We probably should leave soon, yes, do either of you need anything before we go?"

Guoneng poured a few cups of plum wine in to a spare canteen he'd bought. A few minutes of listening to the general let him know he needed it. "I'm fine......for now."

"We're going to be walking to Ba Sing Se from here!?"

But at this Guoneng HAS to speak up. "As fast as they are riding animals ain't exactly inconspicuous."

 

[Megilagor]

"Worst case scenario we can try finding one of the many tunnels that mole rats dug. That way we could travel quieter but at the same time we don't know where we would exit. And finding one will be a tough piece of cookie." Added Hayase to Duanmu potential plan while scratching the back of his head at his lack of knowledge about where they could find such a tunnel.
He then reached for his fire tea that sat in a cup and he drank it in one swift motion, before pouring himself another cup and putting the rest of the tea into his gourd to drink it for later.

"Sure boss, I'm ready to go, and about your identity, I could lend you one of my pairs of googles, they are tinted so they could allow you to hide your eye color which is one of the giveaways or I can give you the eclipse glasses albeit it takes time getting used to them."
Said Hayase while fiddling with one of his pouches trying to find the items he spoke about, and after a bit of finicking around in his pouches, he laid both of them on the table for Onomu to pick whichever she preferred.

"Now if we are ready i suggest we go, since we are burning daylight and its not exactly a good place and time to do that." Respoke Hayase as if to point at the fact that it starts to feel unusual for they are spending too much time on this here, while they could do that on the move, especially since if their cover was real they would have gone out already.

 

[Eonivar]

Duanmu looked over Onomu's clothing with a satisfied nod. The General was smart and their dress enabled them to blend in well.
Duanmu stood up, gazing evenly upon Onomu. Duanmu looked and silently acknowledged both Guaneng's and Hayase's comments, before looking back at Onomu.

"I think your clothing is well thought out. We will just need to keep others from getting a direct look at your face with your well known features. Hayase's goggles will help in some situations. You all could be just travelling refugees going to Ba Sing Se and I could just be accompanying you since my orders are to return to Ba Sing Se. We may want to pick a different name to call you though, do you have any ideas? I can suggest a few if you wish."

Duanmu looked and made sure everything was accounted for and ready to go, before putting some coin on the table to pay for his tea. He looked towards Hayse and nodded.

"Yeah, I agree Hayase, let us leave, the faster we can go the better. We will all have a lot of time to talk."

Duanmu then made sure Onomu was ready to leave and then lead the three of them out of the tavern. Once out he did a quick inventory of their supplies and gear, and picked up anything else they may need to on the way before finally leading them out of town on the long path to Ba Sing Se.

Duanmu seemed a bit more comfortable out in the wilderness than in the city and seemed to relax a little more as they travelled. He was not sure what to actually talk to the General about, as probably any questions about family or the war would be...disrespectful. So he remained quiet at first and just worked on listening, and letting the Former Fire Nation General break the ice.

 

[jaydude]

"I think your clothing is well thought out. We will just need to keep others from getting a direct look at your face with your well known features. Hayase's goggles will help in some situations. You all could be just travelling refugees going to Ba Sing Se and I could just be accompanying you since my orders are to return to Ba Sing Se. We may want to pick a different name to call you though, do you have any ideas? I can suggest a few if you wish."

Onomu gives a shrug of her shoulders. "I've been going with Meng since I defected," she replies to Duanmu.

Duanmu then made sure Onomu was ready to leave and then lead the three of them out of the tavern. Once out he did a quick inventory of their supplies and gear, and picked up anything else they may need to on the way before finally leading them out of town on the long path to Ba Sing Se.

Duanmu seemed a bit more comfortable out in the wilderness than in the city and seemed to relax a little more as they travelled. He was not sure what to actually talk to the General about, as probably any questions about family or the war would be...disrespectful. So he remained quiet at first and just worked on listening, and letting the Former Fire Nation General break the ice.

The northern path out of Lomei leads into a narrow valley within the surrounding mountainous region. The ground seems barely trodden at first glance, suggesting the route sees little use, but the four of you have barely left the town when you hear the sound of several animal feet coming from somewhere up ahead.

Moments later, a group of six people in green clothes and riding ostrich horses emerge from behind a curve in the valley that's about shouting distance away. Before any of you can hide, one of the riders gestures towards your group, and the six of them start riding towards you at a light canter. As they get closer, you see that they're not adorned in the manner of soldiers, but the leader of the group has two war hammers in belt loops on his waist, while the other five have shields and sheathed dao swords.

Onomu carefully steps behind the three of you when she sees the riders approach, putting you between them and her as if trying to either obscure herself from their sight a little more, or use you as human shields.

What do you want to do?

Spoiler: Group Stats

Duanmu​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Support - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Leadership

Hayase​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Unity - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Heritage

Guoneng​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions: (All start unmarked)
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]
Balance:
Force - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Care

 

[EbonChevalier]

When the riders come forth Guineans moves to meet him. “Dao fei…” He muttered under his breath in disgust. “The Earth Kingdom is being slowly burned and these rat crows are picking on their own people.” As he approaches he levels his eyes at the apparent leader and asks. “I don’t know what two bit shake down operation you got but you ain’t pulling it on us. We got places to be and you’re in the way.” (I want to make the earth shake slightly as I walk towards them.) jaydude

 

[jaydude]

[OOC: Forgoing an Intimidation move for the moment, because right now these riders aren't planning to seriously oppose you.]

The riders mill about a little on their steeds as the ground shakes beneath them, but the leader of the group raises a hand in a placating gesture.

"We mean you no harm, travellers," he says calmly, and from the kind look on his face - a lot easier to see now that he's closer to you - you all get the sense that he's telling the truth. "I am Rameh, and these men are members of the Armadillo Bears, a group of rebels against the Fire Nation. We heard tell that a supposed Fire Nation defector by the name of Onomu was in the area, and are currently looking for her."

Spoiler: Group Stats

Duanmu​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Support - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Leadership

Hayase​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Unity - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Heritage

Guoneng​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions: (All start unmarked)
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]
Balance:
Force - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Care

 

[Eonivar]

Duanmu looked up at the mounted Dao Fei and watched Gueneng approach them before the Armadillo Bear Leader introduced himself. Duanmu stepped up to stand with Gueneng, placing a gentle and calming hand on his shoulder.

"It is nice to meet you Rameh, forgive my friends gruffness, the war has been very difficult for all of us. I am Captain Duanmu of the Emerald Rangers. I am currently enroute back to Full Moon Bay for debriefing and accompanying these refugees east. Thank you for the warning and we will keep our eyes open." Duanmu stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Rameh if I my ask, when did you hear of this defection and from whom?"

 

[jaydude]

At Duanmu's words, Rameh gives Guoneng, Hayase and Onomu sympathetic looks, but thankfully he doesn't seem to have noticed that the latter two aren't Earth Kingdom.

"Another of our members was in a nearby village a couple of days ago when the Rough Rhinos paid a visit," he then explains, his voice becoming grim as if to highlight the implications of those last few words. "From what he overheard while they were tearing up the place, they were looking for Onomu. They didn't explain their reasons beyond her being a criminal though, but our leader Ben Ta was able to fill in the details. She and Onomu have a history, you see."

The mention of the Rough Rhinos makes Onomu jump a little, and it's not hard to blame her; from what you've all heard, they're a ruthless and dangerous group of mercenaries renowned for both a love of violence and loyalty to the Fire Lord. If they're involved in the chase, things are likely to be a lot more dangerous for you all.

Spoiler: Group Stats

Duanmu​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Support - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Leadership

Hayase​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Unity - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Heritage

Guoneng​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions: (All start unmarked)
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]
Balance:
Force - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Care

 

[EbonChevalier]

Guoneng relaxes a bit at Duanmu's touch. At Rameh's words, Guonengs face softens a bit and he give's a slight bow in apology. "My mistake. With the way things have been going as far as the war, I've been on edge. I wanna avoid fightin' if I can so......would you know a sort of shortcut out of the area? Last thing we need to run into Rhino's."

 

[jaydude]

Guoneng relaxes a bit at Duanmu's touch. At Rameh's words, Guonengs face softens a bit and he give's a slight bow in apology. "My mistake. With the way things have been going as far as the war, I've been on edge. I wanna avoid fightin' if I can so......would you know a sort of shortcut out of the area? Last thing we need to run into Rhino's."

"I can understand that," Rameh replies, before gesturing to the valley behind him. "There's a cave leading into an underground tunnel a little further along. It's marked by a pair of hog-monkey skulls on a boulder next to it. The tunnel will take you as far as West Heiatu."

All of you are familiar with West Heiatu, having passed through it on the way to Lomei. It's a long-established Fire Nation colony, but it's also largely without trouble, with Earth Kingdom citizens generally able to go about their lives despite the Fire Nation's presence there. As long as you don't provoke the occupiers or let Onomu get recognized, you should be able to enter and leave without violence.

Spoiler: Group Stats

Duanmu​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Support - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Leadership

Hayase​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Unity - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Heritage

Guoneng​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions: (All start unmarked)
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]
Balance:
Force - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Care

 

[Eonivar]

"Thank you for your assistance Rameh, take care of yourself and your unit."

Duanmu waved at Rameh before leading the party away down the path through the caves towards West Heiatu.

After they were well away from the Armadillo Bears, he walked beside Onomu and glanced at her. "Meng.." Calling her by her cover name to better get used to it. "could you speak to me of what the situation is between you and Ben Ta of the Armadillo Bears is about? I have a feeling that our past meeting will not be our last one and knowing the details of the situation would be helpful in case they find out who you really are."

He had other questions but this one was pertinent in his mind and possibly could lead to the other questions.

 

[jaydude]

Onomu gives a grimace. "All I really know about Ben Ta is that she has it out for me," she replies. "I've no idea why though. Maybe I stepped on her favourite cuddly toy during an occupation years ago, or maybe someone precious to her got hurt or worse by my troops. Whatever it is, I don't remember it. Spirits know I've made a lot of enemies here during my career."

She doesn't sound ashamed when voicing that last statement. At best she's nonchalant about whatever harm she might have done during the war.

Spoiler: Group Stats

Duanmu​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Support - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Leadership

Hayase​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions:
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]

Balance:
Unity - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Heritage

Guoneng​

Fatigue: [_][_][_][_][_]

Conditions: (All start unmarked)
Afraid [_]
Angry [_]
Guilty [_]
Insecure [_]
Troubled [_]
Balance:
Force - (_)-(_)-(_)-{B}-(_)-(_)-(_) - Care

 

[Eonivar]

Before they break camp to arrive at West Heiatu, Duanmu changes into an outfit of light green and gold that an Earth Kingdom merchant would wear, he pulls out a gold colored fez and puts it on his head. He looks at the party.

"This is a guise I put on when I need to collect intelligence, particularly if it is a Fire Nation colony where being an Earth Kingdom soldier stands out a bit and since we want to keep a low profile I decided to change. Going forward please address me as.."

Duanmu's voice and body language changes and he bows respectfully. "Sho Shin, Merchant and Investor from Ba Sing Se..." He smiles and laughs a strange odd laugh completely different than his regular laugh. "Have I got a deal for YOU!"

 

[jaydude]

Onomu cracks a smile at Duanmu's act despite herself. "That's actually not too bad, Sho," she admits. "If we were in one of the colonies, you could probably make a career for yourself in theatre."

The four of you approach West Heiatu. It's a town nestled within a small valley, with most of the surrounding land given over to terrace farming. The settlement itself is surrounded by a metal wall over which Fire Nation banners are draped, but through a set of open gates you see buildings that are predominantly of stone construction, with most of them appearing to have green tiled roofs.

The guards at the gate are two soldiers with spears, accompanied by a middle-aged officer who looks to be a Firebender, judging from the lack of weapons on his person. He hails the four of you as approach with the words, "Greetings, travellers. What brings you to West Heiatu?"

Eonivar
Since you're using your disguise, roll with your Creativity modifier to determine whether or not you fool the Fire Nation officials.

 

[Eonivar]

"Sho Shin" steps up to the guards. "Greetings! My friends and I are weary travellers on the road and wish to stay the night in your fine community. I am Sho Shin, merchant extraordinare! I have been here many times! I am surprised you do not recognize me."
Creativity Roll = 2D6+1 = 4+1 = 5 FAILURE

 

[Megilagor]

"Sho Shin you old coot, we haven't been here in a few months of course dear sirs wouldn't remember us after all they probably had more important things to remember in those passings months. I'm sorry for him my name is Hayase I am a travelling engineer helping people here and there never settling down."
Said Hayase as he walked up to "Sho Shin" as he then bowed deeply to the three soldiers in front of him as if to apologize for his friend's behaviour.
After keeping such posture for a bit he raised his head back up and ran his hand through his hair to his back to uncover his face, then he simply tied it with some string in the back so his face would not be obstructed.
Then he spoke once more.
"As for our business here mostly to rest for the night, albeit I might buy some things since what engineer would I be if I didn't keep spare parts on me? I would be like a soldier without his weapon or training."

 

[EbonChevalier]

Guoneng did his best to help sell the ruse. “And we lost out draft animal to a moose lion a ways back.” Guoneng said as he put on a tired affect. “So, unless we find another me and the string beans here are gonna be pulling those wares for the merchant extordinare.” He gave a respectful bow to the guards. “I’m Zheng. I handle getting the goods from place to place.”