Ao Shun MitWD Session 0

Spaceman Bob: when we doing this shit gaybo
you said rn
Homu ist Tot (GM): finishing touches
...
The date is Merpenoth the 20th, 1106.
Ao Shun is currently in the city of Quairn, within the Palau Kingdom. He's been here for some time now, and has managed to learn at least a modicum of how to navigate the sprawling streets of Quairn. He finds himself in a noodle shop, within the 'Oriental' part of the city. Very few people are actually oriental, but they all swear their goods are imported directly from the Flowering Moon Empire. Course, most of that's a lie too.
The shop has a garishly painted mural outside of randomly assorted flowers and animals that the owner swears means 'Great Fortune and Prosperity'. Speaking of the owner, the withered old human man that runs the shop passes a steaming bowl to Ao Shun, the corner of his face turned up in a wry smile as he expects a compliment on tonight's recipe- he's been experimenting recipes while he has the chance to serve an authentic person from the Flowering Moon Empire.
The shop is mostly empty, considering not many are interested in this type of food this late at night. The other three patrons all seem to be minding their own business, one human woman seated near the entrance, a dwarf male sitting beside the large crack in the floorboards, and a leisurely looking human man at the bar nearby Ao Shun.
From outside, Ao can hear the constant flood of people walking about, chattering about whatever it is they've found an interest in today.
Spaceman Bob: tfw hobu fked up what I told him in the first para, not like this. (I just got to town is the only change, he doesnt stick around for then a few days normally)
oh god we need to bully wolf for a token
Homu ist Tot (GM): dw u got a nice guidebook and just arrived in town then
Spaceman Bob: ye
one sec bullying wolf
Homu ist Tot (GM): whip that slave
Ao Shun: whip
whipped.
ight whats on the menu hobu what does this guy sell.
Spaceman Bob: wait
homu does that say "sonic" music
yello
Homu ist Tot (GM): xd
The noodle store menu has several arrays of dishes all plastered with various adjectives like PREMIUM, AUTHENTIC, IMPORTED, DELUXE, ect ect. The various dishes are bbq pork plum sauce, wok-tossed black bean beef, ~supreme noodles~ consisting of prawns, stir-fried eggs, and oyster sauce, as well the chef's special szechuan sauce combo & cashew nuts with seasonal vegetables in a broth and more.

Ao Shun just hopes it tastes good...goes ahead and orders the bbq pork.
Spaceman Bob: did wolf send you the token yet
Homu ist Tot (GM): n
Spaceman Bob: fk
Homu ist Tot (GM): enjoy your squareface fukr
Spaceman Bob: idc- okay does thisFKER BRING ME FOOD
The owner who's introduced himself as Phenacto already, eagerly takes your order. He gives you a small salute as his moustache curls up alongside his small. Turning around her quickly prepares his ingredients, chopping apart bean shoots, cabbages, onions, pork, tomatoes and more. He sets it all to boil, and the aroma isn't as bad as expected, it can be argued to be good, even. Not another couple minutes later he finishes, sliding the bowl in front of you with a truimphant look, "How's 'bout that then eh? Put in some of my special ingredient, tastes just like home don't it?"

Ao Shun takes a small taste of the pork...
Upon tasting the soup, it tastes... quite bland. It's actually impressive how he managed to use so many ingredients to come out with something that tastes like nothing. Each one of them cancels one another out, there's no sweet, no sour, just bland noodles with occasional crunchy vegetables. This is awful.

Ao Shun nods "Yeah tastes like home." understands that the place isnt empty because people here don't like this food...its that this guy can't cook.

Ao Shun chokes down the rest of his food. "Thank you very much...you wouldn't happen to know of anyone who needs a few odd jobs done? I'm starting to run low on coin."
From across the table, the leisurely looking man snorts, keeping his eyes on his drink. He seems to have taken the wise decision to not order any food.
Phenacto scratches his moustache, pursing his lips. "A job, eh? Well, I could always use you for advertising. It'd be easy work, but easy work earns little pay. Two coppers for every customer you bring in. Other than th-"
As he's speaking, a thump is heard from the entrance to the shop. Stumbling their way into the shop are a trio of inebriated men, hawking and laughing at each other's antics. One trips over a stool, before kicking it across the floor in retaliation as he climbs back to his feet unsteadily. They make their way to Phenacto's counter.
Their group consists of what looks like a brute of a man, bald, burly, and a mean look on his face. The other two are lanky, toothpick-like men with unkempt facial hair.
The biggest one has a dazed look, leaning on the counter with a finger pointed at Phenacto, who has a strained smile.
"Oi oi- shut up, you!" The biggest one cuts him off, slamming his fist on the table. "Get us, get us... three bottles of that cheap crap you've got. Sakey, you know."
Phenacto asks, "Can I help ye frie-"
The lanky one beside him corrects, "Called uh, Sookie, I think. Yeah." The biggest one agrees.
All of a sudden, the biggest one sways to the side, having lost his balance while turning around. With a stumble he crashes against Ao Shun's stool, tumbling to the ground with it!

Ao Shun quietly gets up and offers to help the big guy off the floor.
Ao Shun: "Its pronounced Sake by the way."

Ao Shun smiles as he tries to help the guy up- if he takes his hand that is.
The biggest guy growls, swiping at Ao Shun, sending the stool slamming into the counter. Phenacto jumps, startled, and the bowl of noodles slips off the counter, tumbling to the ground while the biggest one snarls "Whatdya think yer doin, move out of my way!"
The other lanky two adopt a sloppy look of alertness, trying to figure out what's going on.
"Done ruined my clothes you have!" the big one snarls, pointing at a large stain on his front. Looking closely, it seems to be a dried one from something long before this, definetly not from the soup, since the bowl is still falling to the ground.

Ao Shun decides its not worth fighting about. "Sorry about that, not much I could have done to prevent it."
The bowl hits the ground, shattering porcelain about and splashing out noodles. The brute looks down at his boots, as he's currently stepping in noodle, growling.
One of the lanky ones pipes up, "Oh man, boss is pissed now! Better say your prayers!" He yuks it up, laughing.
The 'boss' shoves the laughing schmuck out the way, sending him tumbling before winding up a huge, telegraphed punch at Ao Shun!
Meanwhile, Phenacto waves his hands, trying to break things up with a "Hold on, not in my shop! Hold it down n-"
In response, the other lanky goon draws a dagger, growling out, "Shut it, old man! Just bring the bottles we asked for, we'll finish up with this guy real quick!"
Ao Shun: (ight hobu is this a punch i can dodge easily)
Homu ist Tot (GM): yea theres no combat
Ao Shun: ight
Homu ist Tot (GM): and theyre all drunk af
Ao Shun: k

Ao Shun slips to the side of the big guys punch then takes a few quick light steps backwards. "You sure you guys really want to do this?"
The brute pays no heed to Ao Shun's words, his miss causing him to bump against the counter. He swings again, intent on beating Ao to a pulp. When he misses again, he picks up the remnants of the stool, his temper bursting as he rushes once again!
Meanwhile, Phenacto isn't quite sure what to do, looking around for some sign of help. Stepping back from the counter he switches his gaze between the swaying dagger point of the drunken toothpick pointing it at him and the brawl between the boss and Ao Shun.
The female patron meanwhile, seem to be making her way out, not wanting any part of this. The dwarf moves his seat, while the leisurely looking man watches from the side.

Ao Shun manipulates water from one of the glasses nearby and slams it into whats left of the stool with enough force to smash into unusable bits.
The water whirls up, coming down like a waterfall and smashing apart the stool in the thug's hands. Looking at the splintered bits of wood in his hands, he tosses them aside instead, moving to grab Ao Shun. He isn't giving up his pursuit of him until either of them are knocked out, it seems.
Meanwhile, Phenacto reaches under the counter to hand the lanky one with the dagger a single bottle of Sake, to which the lanky one pops open and guzzles down. The other one who was shoved by the boss earlier grumbles, "Ay! What'sit, we asked for three! Where're mine?!"
Phenacto immediately moves to appease them, producing two more bottles as the skinny goons give a queer grin and glance over at how their boss is doing.

Ao Shun takes a deep breath and throws a simple but quick punch into the bosses gut, hoping to quickly end this.
The thug clutches his stomach, the punch landing solidly. He falls to his knees, vomiting on the ground slumping forwards and passing out.
The other two freeze up, unsure of what just happened. In desperation, the one with the dagger pointed at Phenacto points it at Ao instead, howling "Y-you dared to attack our boss?! I'll show you what happens to people that don't-... know any better!" He swipes his dagger sloppily, the thing is a poor excuse for one now that you look at it. It's more of a dull stub of a knife, you're sure the edge couldn't even make a cut in the table. Nonetheless he charges, while his buddy beside him shatter one of the bottles of Sake he had with him and joins in, using the pointed end of hte bottle as a weapon

Ao Shun slips past the guy with a knife and grabs the guys hand before ripping the knife out of it. "Maybe you two should reconsider your career choices."
The scrawny goon with the knife ripped out of his hand falters, before pulling his arm away.
The one with the bottle similarly stops in his tracks, swaying unsteadily but aware that he's outmatched. He tosses the bottle to the ground where it shatters and drags back his unconcious boss.
"You made... you made a big mistake messing with the Ruffletrout Ruffians! You'll regret this, you'll see!" His friend assists him in lifting his unconcious boss up, the two of them scurrying with great speed out of the shop amidst a series of swears and tripping.

Ao Shun sighs and sits down at the bar again. "Sorry about that...gave them more then enough chances."
Ao Shun: "How much was the Sake? I'll pay for the bottle they broke."
Homu ist Tot (GM): eye'm beyaack
Phenacto looks surprised, not quite believing the events himself. After reassuring himself, he mutters, "You really /are/ the real thing. An't that just the damndest..." He mutters to himself in his stupor.
From across the table, the leisurely looking man claps, laughing heartily. Speaking up for the first time, he stands up from his stool and makes his way to Ao. He speaks for the first time, "Now that, that was mighty impressive, why I'd say one must have bollocks of steel if they're looking to anger the Ruffletrouts. Is he keen on having 'em cut off by them later, though, is the question? You sure aren't afraid of them, tell me, is that bravery or foolishness?"
Ao Shun: eye'm beyaack
Homu ist Tot (GM): eddie sama. . .
Ao Shun: EDDIESAMAS

Ao Shun looks over to the other man at the bar. "Neither, I'm only passing through. I don't plan on seeing them again."
Leaning against the counter with a suave spin, he grins. "Passing through you say, what for? If you don't me asking of course."
Ao Shun: "Just wandering, looking for someone or something."
He brushes his beard, "Someone you say? And who'd that be? Despite how I look, I know quite a few folks myself."
Phenacto meanwhile, seems to have woken up from his stupor. He hurriedly begins cleaning up the mess left behind by the fight.
Ao Shun: "Dunno' really. Looking for a Geomancer, supposedly I'd know em when I see em."
Spaceman Bob: god homu
why is hte new UA toad tier retarded
Homu ist Tot (GM): literally euphoric
Spaceman Bob: no, its retarded.
Homu ist Tot (GM): the reactions are the best part
even mearls hates it
Spaceman Bob: this is toad tier shit man, send help
The man's eyes shine, "A geomancer... eh?" He rubs his chin, obviously unsure of what that word means. "Mancer... hmm. I don't personally know any, but I know of someone who does. What say you?"

Ao Shun thinks for a moment. "Depends on if there's a catch, and if so what it is."
The man chuckles, "Quick on the uptake, I like that. I'm a recruiter of sorts, find those who look promising and introduce them to my employer. My employer's well off, an important figure in this city, and has contacts all around it. The work they ask for isn't anything too bad, mostly searching for esoteric items or getting things in out of the way places. If you'd like, you can inquire more with them." He grins, sliding a gold coin onto the counter, "Don't worry about the repairs to this shop, I'll cover them."
In response Phenacto nods, accepting the coin a gasp, "Oh, oh my. Thank ye kind sir. This'd cover it and more, if you're ever back your bowl's on the house."
Glancing back at Ao Shun, the man smiles, producing another coin from the sleeve of his tunic. "Do a good job, and you'll get paid well, well enough to have more than a couple of these," he says as the coin catches the light of the fireplace, revealing its glistening platinum gleam.

Ao Shun stands up from his stool and offers to give the recruiter a handshake. "I'll talk to your employer, If they know the type of person I'm looking for then I'll consider it."

Arrigal gives a toothy grin, shaking Ao shun's hand in return. "The name's Arrigal."
Ao Shun: "Ao Shun, but most people I meet just call me Ao."

Arrigal nods.
Arrigal: "Pleasure to meet'cha. Let's be off then?"

Arrigal turns, heading out the door.
Homu ist Tot (GM): r u followin
ok if u wanna continue l8r we can but this is a workable ending as well i'd just have to tldr the deets of ur employment
im goin 2 sleep
Shiro: >continue later
mines tomorrow still rite
Homu ist Tot (GM): ye
Shiro: ok
YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE ALONE
BUT ITS ME
SHIRO LABEOUFF
CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP
Homu ist Tot (GM): stfu
...
Thus, Ao Shun followed Arrigal upwards past the scummy lower levels of Quairn. Entering the middle level and reaching the border just before the upper level, Ao Shun is introduced to the rather plain, but genuine researcher Kythaela. After some interviewing and questioning, she agrees to arrange a meeting between a certain someone she knows, in exchange for his occasional help when contracted.
Later on, he heads to the meeting Kythaela arranged, arriving at a rather slovenly, small abode in the lower levels. Within is an older man, who despite the disarray of his home keeps himself in pretty clean shape. He introduces himself as 'Chance', and doesn't seem keen on taking on a pupil. He seems tired and isn't quite willing to help Ao Shun at first, before eventually opening up as the months pass by. He's the real thing, with a mastery over earth-based martial arts that Ao Shun can't see the depth of. Whatever his past is, he refuses to explain it.
"Be aware," he says matter-of-factly. "People think the elemental earth is all about rigidity, solidarity, stiffness. They're wrong. It's about awareness. Feeling. Everything touches the earth, and the way the earth recieves that signal tells you what they plan to do and where they are. Become aware, before you even think- know."
The days pass by with cryptic advice from Chance and the occasional job from Kythaela. The Rustletrout Ruffians have tried to start some trouble once or twice, but haven't done anything quite overt.
...