Private Providence Onsen Infiltration!

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Cycle 1

Welcome to Cragside Onsen!
With tools, masteries and good civil planning, even the mountains of Providence can yield warm springs among but snow and boulders!
-
The Cragside Onsen proudly holds the title of both the highest altitude onsen in all of Arcia and also one of the hottest (haha) holiday destinations in Falderen. Founded by two enterprising UI-locked Starcalled, Cragside aims to create an experience within Terrasphere that emulates the onsen of their own world, hence its ubiquitous popularity among Travelers and Landers alike.
However, the journey there will take you through the cold wintry mountains of Providence, along with all the dangers that entails, so make sure to pack a warm change of clothes and find a buddy who knows how to handle a weapon beforehand!
Interestingly, this end-of-year season has seen a particularly abnormal amount of visitors on account of Terrasphere's reopening, making all roads to Cragside safer but also lengthening queues a considerable amount.

For the first cycle of this thread, you may detail how your characters have arrived and/or checked in with their false names at the Cragside Onsen.


Adventurer's Guild Briefing:
Your characters will have also received a briefing from the Guild when they accepted this task, detailing the parameters of this mission.
Firstly, the Guild will cover the costs of the team's top floor private rooms, as well as all-night access to the dinner buffet and a VIP onsen suite. While hygiene amenities are public, the Guild has kindly rented a yukata, bath towel and toiletry package for all members on this mission. The lodge's basic layout has also been described as such:
Ground Floor - Reception, gift shop, laundry and staff lodgings
First and Second Floors - Patron dorms, kitchen and restaurant
Third Floor - VIP onsens and private patron rooms
Secondly, although it has been projected that snooping around beyond public areas may be required, the Guild has unfortunately been stonewalled here by Cragside administration. You'll need to figure out where to find and how to apprehend the separatists on your own. What the Guild does know is that they have reportedly booked out their own private rooms and onsen suite as well. Intel from other sources also indicate that they will likely be wearing certain insignia or have some password to identify each other.
Lastly, luggage and valuable deposits are handled at the gift shop, next to reception; weapons and armour are absolutely not allowed inside the lodge and will be stored here before entry is permitted. The official stance on use of masteries by Starcalled is a general prohibition in public areas and only to an extent that no lodge property is altered or damaged in private rooms and onsen.
The Guild specifically doesn't want the Cragside Onsen destroyed, so don't go overboard when apprehending the separatists and especially cause as little collateral disturbance to holidaymakers as possible!
Ideally, no civilians should be involved in or impacted by the mission at all. Ideally.

There are currently no mechanics involved. Have fun (while you can)!



Hiking through Providence in winter wasn't an easy task at the best of times, given the threat of restless raiding Duuhmerons and the...difficult weather. For Schilva, a Starcalled, the going was easier with his Dynamism and ability to defend himself while traveling alone. Even so, the long lines clogging the steps cut into the mountainside pass that led up to the lodge sobered him right up. The slog across the range was nothing compared to the boredom of standing in place, moving forwards every now and then for several hours, stuck in the cold until he came before the lodge lobby.

Standing at the reception desk in the toasty warmth of the indoors is one goat-horned Beastfolk. Flipping through a hefty guestbook, they are very much occupied with marking off names and pointing new check-ins to luggage processing or directly into the lodge. Looking up through square-lensed spectacles at the snow-matted Schilva Flasch, the receptionist's fingers pause their motion for the moment.

"Booking name and date?"

Why, I'm the great Sch-!


Catching himself before he compromises himself before even setting foot into the establishment, Schilva has to swallow the illustrious title on his tongue with an internal sob. In place of the usual lengthy address that he'd give, Schilva physically droops a little and instead gives the false name bestowed to him.

"Mhm?"

...yeah, yeah, I'm Tib Bartleby. Uh huh. Right here.


Though the receptionist gives him a weird look, this sheer amount of work has them quite a bit overwhelmed and one strange-acting guest isn't anything new at this point. A quick swipe of the pen and look over the registrar is all it takes for Schilva to be waved through to the luggage handlers.

"Right over there, sir. No weapons or armour in the lodge."

Shuffling over to the gift shop and luggage repository, Schilva complies with the lodge policy, reasoning that he can do well enough with wits and masteries alone. Collecting the keys for his third floor room, Schilva takes a moment as he ascends the stairs to the second floor to admire the scenery from the off lodge's side. Sloping inclines of greyish rock and white rolling hills resolve into plains below, all the while dotted by dark patches of trees. From here, even the taller Divinus peaks were visible.

Guess it isn't so bad, even if I do have to use a false name...


@Aerial @Cynna
 
C

Cynna

Guest
First and Second Floors : Restaurant

The fox and book of wisdom once known as Cynna currently resided at the establishment's restaurant running up a tab that was sure to raise some eyebrows and make the adventurers guild surely regret their decision in choosing personnel. And so, she had sat at a window-side table enjoying the view. Checking-in had been simple enough and the journey there even simpler on account of her mailing herself via private adventurer contract. Life sure was easy when you could turn yourself into objects. As for weapons, well, she was one herself, so she never bothered to carry any.

In front of her now was a name placard which dictated that this was -her- seat and thus reserved for hers truly whenever the inkling for a snack or drink struck her. Which would be often, if she could get away with it. The name printed on this tag, of course, was...

Susan Baklava
(Entertainment)

Perhaps there had been a mix-up, the fox now known as Susy Bakla (for short) wasn't certain, but she was confident that she was entertaining enough. How hard could it be? Everyone enjoyed her company, didn't they? And so, for now, she drank, or, well, she had been drinking before falling blissfully asleep as the workstaff shrugged to each other and weren't sure what do with their VIP entertainment glutten.

How Rock n' Roll.

ZZzzzZZzzzZZzzzZZZz *hic*


(2) Chef's Special
(1) Bottle Port
(1) Bottle Sake
(1) Edamame
(1) Sliced Fruit Sundae

@Aerial
@Schilva Flasch
 
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Vina Skysong

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Third Floor: VIP Onsen

Come on Stella, the water feels great~!


Upon hearing that there was a quest to infiltrate an onsen Vina hadn't wasted any time in signing up, especially when it was confirmed that those who participated in this mission would be allowed to partake in the amenities on location while the Adventurer's Guild would pay for all expenses. There were very few things as pleasant as soaking in hot water, after all.

She'd also dragged her friend @Fina Drago along for this, as she imagined that the silver-tailed feline would also appreciate the opportunity. While Fina had been given the disguise of Stella Vina had boldly claimed the name Aria. It may not be the greatest disguise ever, but it wasn't like she was that famous a person anyway: as long as she couldn't be identified as being an adventurer or Falderen sympathiser all should be well, right?

Which was why, the moment that they'd finished checking in and handed over all the stuff that the lodge staff was rather adamant about, Vina had immediately headed for the third floor, where the private onsens could be found. Surely they couldn't be blamed for taking the opportunity to relax a little before they got to work finding the separatists.

Vina was already in the water, steam rising all around her as her pale hair floated on the surface. The towel she'd been wearing for modesty's sake had been dropped thoughtlessly on the wooden floor out of the water, leaving the vixen to enjoy the heat with her entire body. Fortunately the water was deep enough that she could sink most of her body into it, even if right now she was motioning for her friend to join her.

It's not often you get to visit this kind of establishment, so we should enjoy it as much as we can~
 

Fina Drago

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BlancBlack

100 / 100
Location: Third Floor: VIP Onsen
‎Outfit: Clothes provided by the establishment


"Y-yeah, just a moment!" Unlike Vina, who was very quick to get changed, cleaned, and hopped right into the bath, Fina took a more vigilant approach. Her ears were perked up, her eyes always carefully scanning each room. Sure, she was dragged here by her friend with the goal of enjoying a free stay at an onsen, but there was still a task to be done. And the girl did not want to be blown up along with the building if the separatists were planning to go that far.

Getting out of the loose clothes provided by the staff when they entered, the girl took a quick wash as was proper, then wrapped herself in a towel and joined the pale fox in the bath. "Not even gonna bother with a towel, are you." The feline's golden peepers fixated on the abandoned piece of fabric on the floor briefly before she seated herself at the edge of the bath for now, soaking in her feet before she'd submerge her whole body.

"Although this does feel nice... thanks for taking me along, Aria. Haven't been to a place like this yet." As awkward as it was calling someone by a completely different name, Fina was ready to do her best. This whole detective-like role... it was actually quite exciting, making her heart beat just a tad faster. She always wanted to play such a role, and now she had the chance, but with the added challenge of not getting completely distracted by the available amenities here.

@Vina Skysong
 

Aerial

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location ground floor, gift shop

Why was Aerial here? A fair question. She lacked concrete ties to the Adventure Guild, merely having base-level contact due to her position in the Explorer's League. Then surely it had to be because she was well informed on the political state of Terrasphere? Unfortunately, Aerial barely brought any real knowledge to the table in that regard. Politics had never been her thing: whether it be in the real or virtual world.

So, how the hell did she weasel her way into this operation? And for what reason? Well, that reason was simple: the woman was on the outlook for information regarding the inner workings of the game. Destroying Terrasphere wouldn't be an easy task, especially as she grew attached to the game. The "how" had been a complete accident - the white-haired player running into two members (@Cynna, @Schilva Flasch) from a previous excursion involving mechanical horses.

Rest in peace, Thunderstruck.

She accompanied @Schilva Flasch through the ground floor, stifling a chuckle at his obviously fake name. It didn't take long for her eyes and attention to wander, though. Ooh, a gift shop! She should probably help Lightning McQueen out but.. They had such cute stuffed animals!

"I'll be in the gift shop~!"



she hollered to Schilva before immediately beelining towards the gaudy merchandise.
 
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Cycle 2


Infiltration Successful.
With all members of the mission having successfully infiltrated the establishment, the time to strike is yet nigh. There are no signs of hostile activity, but the night is still young.

Investigative Phase:
Ground Floor
- Reception, gift shop, laundry and staff lodgings: @Aerial @Schilva Flasch
Intel suggests that the explosives haven't been smuggled in wholesale, but are in fact being assembled on-site. The means of detonation has not been clarified. In any case, the luggage handlers have evidently not identified anything volatile...unless this is an inside job?

First and Second Floors - Patron dorms, kitchen and restaurant: @Cynna
Even hardened domestic terrorists have to eat. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity and individuals, blend in and don't attract attention (as best you can). Enjoy yourself, but not too much, otherwise persons of interest might just slip out from under your nose.

Third Floor - VIP onsens and private patron rooms: @Vina Skysong @Fina Drago
The separatists are said to be hosting a summit in a private room prior to enacting their nefarious plan. Since the full congregation will be spread across the three floors at this hour, any who are present and enjoying the onsens will likely have their guards down.

Execute Mission:
Roll an Expertise (Awareness) check for your area in the #rolls channel. Your character's findings will be disclosed to you privately after the roll and your post describing what steps you take to investigate the situation; you decide what to do with the results when cycle 2.5 rolls around.
Mastery use is still highly restricted in this area. Remember to minimise disturbance to civilians.

If you have any novel ideas (i.e. using Presence to impersonate lodge staff), shoot 'em across to me and we'll work something out. You have options.

Thread code: 1644C2



Pondering over the view, Schilva notices that someone had tailed him through the lobby. For a moment, his fingers flex as he readies himself for a throwdown, but relax again as he recognises the familiar pastel blue hair. This was...

Shit. Blanking. Any longer, though, and the silence would get awkward.

Hey, I know you. So.


Stepping back down to meet - damn it, what was her name? Think, Schilva, there's some way out of this, some way out of this that doesn't make a fool out of- aha!

Leaning on the railing to his side as he looks out towards the snowy mountainside with his best noir detective squint, Schilva shifts to let a few other patrons by. For one, they don't seem impressed at this strange man blocking half the stairwell.

What's yours? You know. Your name. I'm Tib Bartleby. But you know me by another, I'm sure.


Clicking his tongue with an annoyed furrowing of his brows, it's not until he notices that he's talking to an absence of a person that he scrambles off the stairs again. It seems like Schilva has decided to pursue the mystery of his fellow magisteed rider's name more than the actual mission at hand, revealing no new clues at all...

Wait, hey! How are we supposed to cooperate on the mi- I mean, uh, coordinate the vacation if you don't tell me your name!?


Rolls


Expertise Check
1d100 (8) + 10 = 18

Awareness | Schilva Flasch | 1644C2


 
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Aerial

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location ground floor, gift shop

To be honest, Aerial hadn't expected to be followed but this worked in her favor. Her pockets were practically empty: her funds were in a sorry-looking state. That didn't stop her from wanting the adorable little polar bear plushie she currently embraced in a tight hug.

His question opened a great opportunity that she immediately grasped at. Without missing a beat, she pouted,

"Aww, Sparky, you're so funny. We're here for our honeymoon yet- Ohh! I get it. You sly bastard: you just want to flaunt our newlywed status."


An impish smirk curled up the corners of her lips.

"Yes, yes. I am your Mrs. Bartleby. Lairea Bartleby."


Her eyes scanned the store as she hoped her rouse worked. It would be very suspicious if her "husband" forgot her name. Assuring that her companion couldn't weasel his way out of the situation, Aerial twirled a matching room key around her finger. Yep - she managed to change his booking to a honeymoon suite. An expense paid for by the adventurer's guild that she wouldn't need to explain.

"Spaaarky, buy me this bear. Pweaaasee?"


Puppy dog eyes activated while she lifted the polar bear plushie upward.

"Then we can go up to our room and check things out~"


Like checking out the room service and accommodations. To look for any clues, of course!

expertise check
1d100 (60) + 0 = 60
Awareness | Aerial | 1644C2​


 
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Vina Skysong

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Third Floor: VIP Onsen

A small sigh escaped Vina as she waited for Fina to join her in the bath. She could tell that the armsmaster was taking this mission a lot more seriously than she was, and while she respected Fina's dedication she hoped her friend could unwind a little. What was the point of visiting an onsen if you spent all your time being tense?

It'd be a waste to wear a towel in here~ You can't enjoy the bath fully like that.


Her azure eyes quickly travelled up and down Fina's body, a teasing smile on her lips.

It does look good on you though Stella~


While she may sound like she didn't have a care in the world Vina was taking the job seriously in her own way. Separatists were planning to start trouble, and they had to prevent that before people got hurt. Fun-loving as the vixen was she wouldn't ever want her pleasure to come at the expense of others. Pushing herself up so she could rest her elbows on the edge of the bath she nodded at Fina.

Anytime Stella~ It's... well, not a first for me but it's been a while~ Baths like these can wash your worries away like they never existed. (She chuckled.) Not that I'm the type to worry much. Still, we also have to keep an ear out for trouble, don't we~?


Leaving the bath to go listening to the other people on the third floor was exciting in its own way, but for now Vina would rather stay where she was.

You keep your ears sharp and I'll make it a bit easier for the both of us.


Closing her eyes her own ears swivelled outwards, aiming to catch as many sounds as possible even as the songstress began to hum. As she hummed she matched the vibrations that filled the air, the dance brought about by the clash of cold and hot winds. Seizing control of these patterns she strengthened the vibrations that matched the patterns of speech, directing all the surrounding area to deliver their tales straight to the two pale-haired beastfolk enjoying the bath together.


❰ Travelling Tales ❱


From Vina's and Fina's perspective, all nearby conversations would become a lot clearer, as if the speakers were right next to them. Of course, given that this trick relied on Vina guiding the voices to them through the winds this wouldn't affect conversations held in places where the wind couldn't reach, such as rooms with all the doors and windows closed.

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (75) + 25 = 100
Aeromancy | Vina Skysong | 1644C2



@Fina Drago[/action]
 

Fina Drago

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BlancBlack

100 / 100
Location: Third Floor: VIP Onsen
‎Outfit: Clothes provided by the establishment


As much as Fina wanted to fully relax and immerse herself in this new atmosphere, she just couldn't shake the feeling that they were deep into enemy territory, so to speak. Still she was somewhat surprised that Vina didn't just go ahead and take the towel from the feline... so she kept it for now, just in case. Sitting down to first submerge her feet alone, then the rest of her body, her fluffy ears twitched.

Her hearing was already plenty good, but with the fox engaging her masteries as well, things became much more clear. The only question was whether the walls were thin enough, or whether there were any vents or the like connecting the various rooms. Actually... this bath might have been in the VIP section, but was it reserved just for the two girls or could someone walk in on them?! Suddenly the girl was glad that she kept the towel.

Either way, she kept on listening intently.
 
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Cycle 2.5


QualityMastery RangeExpertise Range
Terrible (Red Herring?!)1-191-24
Poor (Glaringly Obvious Clue?)20-3925-49
Average (Something Others Miss?)40-7450-99
Great (Intriguing Lead!)75-99100-124
Spectacular (Elusive Detail!)100-124125-149
Extraordinary (Crucial Evidence!)125-149150-174
Legendary (Let's Blow This Case Wide Open!!)150+175+

Here is the Quality Check table ripped from the wiki for your reference.
Please find your individual results below!
In this cycle, your post should react to your findings and include another investigation roll (Awareness Expertise OR propose something else you want to try in Discord, DMs or server channel).

RESULT: Average
Despite fooling around with @Schilva Flasch, Aerial may by chance notice two hunched patrons glaring at the 'couple' as they pass her 'husband', in a rush to go upstairs. One of them mutters something about 'that disgusting Astorean tat' as they shuffle away, not turning their heads. Their features are uncertain, especially with Schilva's blustering getting in the way, but the voice is decidedly an older woman's.

RESULT: Terrible
Schilva is mostly too distracted by @Aerial's antics to be of any use in the investigation. However, he does find that the staff in the gift shop all keep a key of the same make on their belts, identifiable with a red tag.

RESULT: n/a
@Cynna is too busy sleeping off the aftermath of her buffet and liquor raiding to do any investigation.

RESULT: Great
@Vina Skysong's winds carry through nothing but the echoes of rushing water and a distant sōzu clacking against warm stones at first. Then, gruff words between two men. Faint, but audible.
"...no no, it's 'sake after wine, on Astorean despair we dine'."
"Wasn't it 'sake before whiskey, bomb gets set briskly'?"
"You've got it totally wrong. You're thinking of 'whiskey after rum, tonight heroes we become'."
'That's kinda long...'rum before wine, that's your first sign' is better..."
"...can't believe we're still using that one. How are they supposed to know if..."
A door shuts, and the rest is too faint to make out.

RESULT: Average
Most of what @Fina Drago hears is idle chatter from patrons, nothing useful. After some persistence, though, a lead appears in a conversation between two women walking down a hallway. However, the source is quite far away, their movement makes proximity hard to judge, and they talk way too loudly for people acting so suspiciously.
"...so nice to get away from those meatheads."
"Right? They even had to do that dumb thing with the drinks. I mean, grow up, right?"
"Yeah, and we're the ones who sewed those yukata in the first place..."
"I know, and..."
The rest fades into the distance.

 
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