Part 1 - In Zwei Städten

[SunlessNick]

"It appears to be in decline, much like our world" says Karl sadly. "Maybe that's not a coincidence."

"You may be right," Helmut agrees in the same tone.

[SunlessNick]

"I wonder if the people of Hlanith dream of Berlin," says Max, trying to recall if he's seen anyone like them while awake.

Louis shrugs at the question, continuing to help the priests.

Most of the people you've seen in Hlanith look too similar to the German people to be sure of having seen them or not. The Dotherites have a skin tone a shade lighter than that of the Indian subcontinent, though their features are broader and their hair is curled.

The two women whose attention remains on Max are now blatantly inviting.

[SunlessNick]

He turned and headed back the way they came, drifting towards the side. When he judged he was unlikely to be seen by the watching man, he ducked into an alley and started making his way back. He’d counted his steps so he had a rough idea where he was in relation to the others and the watching man.

Once Alex thought he’d covered enough ground, he cut back towards the Main Street, carefully observing where he was in relation to his target.

OOC,Navigate 10 Rolled 1D100: 83, 73, 15, 66, 09 [Rolling Spot Hidden for the Watcher: 99, 77, 41, 59] Stealth 40 Rolled 1D100: 22

The side alleys are more twisting than you expect, and you get turned around for a few frustrating moments, but eventually make it to the street just behind the watcher. He doesn't seem to have registered your departure from area near the gateway. Approaching goes more smoothly, and you're able to reach him without him detecting you.

[Philulhu]

Alex approached carefully, watching the man for a moment or two. He stepped carefully behind him and said, ”I’m looking for a friend of mine, mein herr. Perhaps you can help me?’

[Mr. Handy]

"Shall I go ask the ladies if they've seen Elsie?" asks Max.

[SunlessNick]

Alex approached carefully, watching the man for a moment or two. He stepped carefully behind him and said, ”I’m looking for a friend of mine, mein herr. Perhaps you can help me?’

The man lets out an angry snarl and tries to step back inside, slamming the door shut.

OOC,His DEX 50 Rolled 1D100: 91 Alex's DEX 60 Rolled 1D100: 20

Alex has dealt with enough sudden altercations not to be taken off guard and is able to block the door from being closed. A glimpse of the room beyond shows some low furniture and another door opposite, but no other people.

[SunlessNick]

"Shall I go ask the ladies if they've seen Elsie?" asks Max.

"Good idea," Louis answers.

One of the women seems to have made out what you said - she approaches more quickly, and says "You're looking for the girl in red, yes? I can tell you. But silver first."

[SunlessNick]

OOC,Karl's Spot Hidden 50 Rolled 1D100: 34

Karl,With a view past the bustle at the food cart, you see Alex appear much further down the street, seemingly engaged in a scuffle with somebody.

[Mr. Handy]

"Of course, liebchen," says Max. He fishes around in his pocket for some money to give her.

[HoneyDog]

"Our friend!" Karl shouts, pointing to Alex. "He needs us!"

[Mr. Handy]

Max turns to look.

[Philulhu]

Alex shoved the door hard, pushing his way into the room. ”There’s no need to be like that,” he said. “I just that we could have a little chat.” His voice was menacing, the guy must have reacted like that for a reason and Alex was convinced he must know something about Elsie.

[SunlessNick]

"Of course, liebchen," says Max. He fishes around in his pocket for some money to give her.

The coins Max finds in his pocket are unfamiliar in design - one face features what appears to be an abstracted set of curving steps, while the other has the front view of a man's face - but they are indeed silver. The woman takes one and says, "They want her because they know she's a dreamer. She has a dreamer's power so they want to take her to Kadatheron - they say all the world's history is there, so they can-"

At this point she interrupted by Karl's shout.

[SunlessNick]

Alex shoved the door hard, pushing his way into the room. ”There’s no need to be like that,” he said. “I just that we could have a little chat.” His voice was menacing, the guy must have reacted like that for a reason and Alex was convinced he must know something about Elsie.

"There is nothing for you here," the man replies, trying for the same tone.

At the same time, Alex hears a thump from beyond the inner door.

[SunlessNick]

"Our friend!" Karl shouts, pointing to Alex. "He needs us!"

Max turns to look.

You both see Alex disappear into one of the buildings.

[HoneyDog]

Despite having no appetite for physical violence, Karl hurries off to see if he can help.

[Philulhu]

”Really?” snarled Alex. “So who’s back there?”

In his pocket he had his knuckleduster. He slipped his hand in to get them ready, in case he needed them.

[SunlessNick]

”Really?” snarled Alex. “So who’s back there?”

In his pocket he had his knuckleduster. He slipped his hand in to get them ready, in case he needed them.

The precaution turns out to be warranted, as the man lunges for you, throwing a punch in your direction.

OOC,Brawl: 40 Rolled: 45

It goes wide - you can try to fight back or dodge past him, as you please.

[Mr. Handy]

"Hold that thought, my dear, I'll be back," says Max, hurrying after Alex.

[SunlessNick]

Despite having no appetite for physical violence, Karl hurries off to see if he can help.

"Hold that thought, my dear, I'll be back," says Max, hurrying after Alex.

It'll take you both a couple of rounds to get there. The priests and Dotherites around the handcart all react with surprise at your call, but none of them follow - whomever Alex is fighting is at least not going to get a whole crowd of backup. Helmut does follow, but it will take Louis a few moments to extricate himself from the people around him.