Introduction

My apologies, Exile, but I’m waiting for someone. Perhaps you could attend to the needs of the others here.

Rogue Marker

Do I hear the clink of markers in your pockets? Claimed from one of your victims, or perhaps from the victim of one of your victims. It is impossible to know how far back that chain could unwind, but now they belong to you, and you seem to be in good health. To the victor, et cetera. It seems you are the one I have patiently waited for. Yes, you will do just fine. Take a marker in your hand. Speak these words into your mind: The Ring binds us all, and to all within I shall do no harm. I will see you soon.

Introduction_2

Welcome, Exile, to the Ring. I am Kurai. While you are here, you will do no harm to any of its members. You are a guest of the Ring, and the Boss has no tolerance for guests who do not obey his rules. What goes around, comes around, if you will excuse the aphorism. Take your time and look around. Introduce yourself to the others here. When you are ready, find me. The Ring has a job for you, if you are willing.

The Ring

The Ring operates outside whatever semblance of the ‘law’ remains out here. But lawlessness does not exclude civility, and does not need to create chaos. If someone is intent on taking what is not theirs, better to have a professional handle it and avoid unnecessary violence and confusion. The Ring is contracted by those who seek a solution to the… misallocation of resources. We assign members based on the needs of the job, and we take a small cut. Everyone wins, other than the target of our work.

Your First Job

A client wishes to utilise our services. The Boss would like to offer you the opportunity to assist member Karst on this job. There is room yet in the Ring, if you can handle the work. The details are on the contract. I suggest you review it before you set off. Speak to Adiyah when you are ready. She will get you within range of the mark. And try to keep your partner safe, so he may do what he is best at. Karst is not as tough as he believes, but the Boss has never seen another Lockpick as talented.

Your First Job_2

I hope you enjoyed your first job. Karst spoke highly of you. Well, he did not outright speak poorly of you, which, for Karst, means a great deal. The items you procure should be exchanged with Faustus for markers. In addition to allowing entry onto Ring premises, markers can be redeemed with the residents of the Ring for various goods and services, including Blueprints. Please, do not hesitate to speak to me if you need further elucidation. I suggest you return to your ordinary duties, whatever they may be, until another Contract crosses your path.

Markers

The Ring operates based on favours. Markers allow us to track those favours, and to ensure no one is taking advantage of, or being taken advantage of, by any other Ring member. They are also how you got here. You’ll excuse me if that seemed obvious. At times I must deal with people whose talents are… not intellectual in nature.

Contracts

What is valuable to you or I may not be valuable to the Boss or Faustus. Where you see a worthless trinket, another may see a precious heirloom, or the final piece in a life-long collection. Contracts allow our clients to hire the Ring to pursue goods that hold no objective value on the client’s behalf. Sometimes that value comes from knowing the original owner no longer has it. The Ring makes few moral judgements on what it is hired to obtain. So long as it is not breathing and it is not liable to put the entire Ring at risk, we will not turn a contract down. And neither should you.

Blueprints

Though Contracts allow the Ring to keep spinning, we are skilled professionals, and skilled professionals wish to test the limits of their skills. The Ring has obtained the layouts of locations known to hold objects of great value. Naturally, these locations are heavily protected and patrolled, and to pull off a job in such a location requires a team. The Boss is happy to provide blueprints for these highly secure locations and access to the skills and resources needed to strip such a location bare… for a price. Complete contracts, earn markers, and you will be able to utilise those services.

The Boss

The Boss is an extraordinarily busy man, so I enact his orders and allocate tasks to members as needed on his behalf. I am, for all intents and purposes, his administrator. If you have any issues, please take them to me and I can raise it with The Boss when he is available.

The Vox Twins

The Vox family has enjoyed a place among Oriath’s nobility for several generations, but in recent years, Victario and Vincent Vox have used coercion, blackmail, and violence to ensure the family sits at the centre of Oriath’s business and social ecosystem. The twins enjoy a legitimate public persona, all while they bury their hands deep in the criminal underworld. The Boss would, of course, love to see the Vox criminal enterprise dismantled. The Ring competes with the Vox crime family for many of the same jobs. But removing competition is secondary to freeing hard-working families from their looming threat. The Boss is shrewd, not heartless.

Dominus

Dominus was a terrible human being, but the Ring owes a great debt to him. Without his overzealous exilings, the Ring would not have a rich pool of talent to draw upon. The Boss himself learned a great deal about the power of anonymity and mythos from Dominus. Lessons he employs today.

Kaom

A king is human, mortal, vulnerable to the same temptations and vices as are we all. A legend lives on for as long as it is told, its meaning and message shifting to fit the needs of the speaker or the audience. Kaom seems to have found himself stuck somewhere in the middle. The greatest lesson to take away from the story of the fallen Karui king is this: A leader is nothing without the loyalty of their followers. And, I suppose, that those followers should still have their heads attached.

Oriath

I do not like to talk about my younger days, except to say that I did what I had to in order to survive, and I am glad that time is behind me.

Oriath_2

While I feel for those lost in the wake of Oriath’s fall, forgive me if I do not shed a tear for the city which, even now, fills my nights with terror.

The Gods

It takes a lot to surprise me, but I must admit, I did not expect to contend with the divine in my lifetime. It goes to show that there’s a seed of truth in every story.

Hyrri’s Gift

You’ve got a contract I have taken out. Excuse me if you know the tale, but I find a well-informed thief is a better thief. A few hundred years ago, Kaom, a Karui king of note, landed on the shores of Wraeclast and began an ill-fated conquest north. He won a decisive battle against the Eternals with the help of his niece, Hyrri. She and many other women took up bows and ambushed General Lioneye when hubris got the better of him. It was an ingenious workaround of a restriction of the Karui Way. The poet Victario was present at the battle and later gifted Hyrri with a signed copy of “O’ Eternal”, one of his works. It now sits in the vault of an Oriathan nobleman. I’d like you to bring it home. It should be a straightforward job.

Hyrri’s Gift_2

You got the book. Some moisture damage, but otherwise it seems to be in good condition. {To my Karui Queen, The Ngamakanui rose has never been so beautiful nor its thorns so deadly. Let your aim never waver, And your story ever be told.} Thank you. I’ll make sure it finds its way back to Ngamakanui, where it belongs.

The Negotiation

This job is a bit… unorthodox. Do you recall the book I had you rehome? Well, its owner was quite fond of it. He took out a contract and, it seems, wants to negotiate for the book’s return. I don’t wish to involve The Boss in this, since the original contract was mine. I’m going to travel with you to meet the client to make sure there’s no funny-business.

KuraiContractTwoKuraiToVicOne

We can skip the pleasantries, Vox.

KuraiContractTwoKuraiToVicTwo

{The} book is no longer in my possession.

KuraiContractTwoKuraiToVicThree

Where it belongs. Are we done?

KuraiContractTwoKuraiToVicFour

Tell me what you want.

KuraiContractTwoKuraiToVicFive

Vic…

KuraiContractTwoKuraiToVicSix

Ha! You cannot be serious.

KuraiContractTwoKuraiToVicSeven

And if I don’t?

KuraiContractTwoKuraiToVicEight

You leave me no choice. I’m sorry, Exile. Victario Vox… it appears we are now at war.

KuraiContractTwoKuraiToVicNine

Goodbye Mr. Vox. And regards to your brother.

The Negotiation_2

I should have known better. The meeting was pointless from the start. It was a distraction, Exile. They took Hana, my cat, and left a note saying they would be in touch. It was all just a setup. This is only the beginning, I fear. I’m deeply sorry that I got you involved. Be careful.

The Rescue

The Vox twins are offering to return Hana and negotiate a truce, so long as we are willing to meet them in person once more. I doubt this meeting will be any more useful than the last. In fact, we may be walking into an ambush, but I want Hana back. I’ve put all members on high alert while we are gone, and Adiyah is ready to help us escape if it comes to that. We’ll go when you’re ready.

KuraiContractThreeKuraiToVinnyOne

Hello?

KuraiContractThreeKuraiToExileOne

Ignore them. Keep moving.

KuraiContractThreeKuraiToExileTwo

Do you see them anywhere? I—… Oh… oh no. No, no, no…

KuraiContractThreeKuraiToVicOne

… I understand.

KuraiContractThreeKuraiToVinnyThree

… I have a counter-proposal. How about we kill you, Vincent. And you, Victario. How about we kill both of you, and every member of your wretched family. How about {that}? How does {that} deal sound!?

The Rescue_2

Vic and Vinny are monsters, Exile. Monsters. They terrorise anyone who does not submit and swear fealty. {They killed Hana}. When it comes to business, The Boss does not normally take personal feelings into consideration, but he has made an exception here. He wants the Vox family dead. Plans are in motion. Stay alert.

The Twins

We have been monitoring communications in the Vox crime family for some time. Vic and Vinny have been careful to remain separate, so as not to invite an ambush, but we believe they are uniting very soon for a celebration. This is the best time to strike. Please ready yourself.

KuraiContractFourBeginning

The Boss expects we will face enormous resistance. If you wish to back out, speak up. I will understand. … …Thank you. Everyone.

KuraiContractFourKuraiToVoxOne

Vincent and Victario Vox!

KuraiContractFourKuraiToVoxsTwo

You petulant, overgrown children! Today you face justice.

KuraiContractFourKuraiToVoxTwo

No… for the {family}.

KuraiContractFourKuraiToVoxTwoB

Revenge.

The Twins_2

Death cannot bring back the dead, but it can bring peace to the living. The Vox family was a source of anguish for more people than I care to mention. With the twins gone, their hold on civilian life is relinquished, at least for now. The increased business we will now receive is a simply a happy coincidence. And I know, somewhere in Hinekora’s hallowed halls, Hana is sinking her claws deep into Vox flesh. The Boss has authorised me to give you a bonus. Thank you again, Exile.

KuraiGreetingOneA

Mmhm?

KuraiGreetingTwoA

How can I help?

KuraiGreetingThreeA

Yes?

KuraiGreetingFourA

How’s business?

KuraiGreetingFiveA

Keeping out of trouble?

KuraiFarewellOneA

Mmhm.

KuraiFarewellTwoA

Stay safe.

KuraiFarewellThreeA

Stay out of trouble.

KuraiFarewellFourA

Anytime.

KuraiFarewellFiveA

I’ll be here when you need me.

SelectionBanterTullinaKuraiReply

Doing that as we speak. Did you want any input?

SelectionBanterTullinaKuraiReplyTwo

Nothing specific, but he is aware of this operation, and he wishes us good fortune.

SelectionBanterTullinaKuraiToIsla

…This is the first I’ve heard of your invention. May I suggest you bench it and we review its progress next time?

SelectionBanterTullinaKuraiReplyFour

It’s what I’m here for.

SelectionBanterTullinaKuraiToBoth

Quiet. Both of you. Tullina, no more threatening Niles. Niles, stop making everyone uncomfortable.

SelectionBanterTullinaAndKuraiToNiles

You are.

SelectionBanterTullinaKuraiToNilesTwo

So stop.

SelectionBanterKuraiToTullina

Welcome, Tullina.

SelectionBanterKuraiToTullinaTwo

New contracts are coming in steadily, but today we’re planning something larger.

SelectionBanterKuraiToTullinaThree

Mmhm. The latest information indicates it will be quite lucrative.

SelectionBanterKuraiToTullinaFour

The boss is always eager to have you involved.

SelectionBanterHuckKuraiToBoth

How about we just have a little quiet time, hmm?

SelectionBanterGiannaKuraiReply

No.

SelectionBanterTibbsKuraiReply

The Boss is always happy to have you involved, Tibbs. How are your nerves?

SelectionBanterTibbsKuraiReplyTwo

I understand. Please look after yourself.

SelectionBanterTibbsKuraiReplyThree

That includes physically. You start feeling the wear and tear of the work, you tell me, understood?

SelectionBanterTibbsKuraiToHuck

Excuse me?

SelectionBanterKuraiToTibbs

Welcome, Tibbs.

SelectionBanterKuraiToTibbsTwo

Busy. Stressed. Worried for the safety of those in his care.

SelectionBanterKuraiToTibbsThree

The best.

SelectionBanterNenetKuraiReply

Thank you, Nenet. Can you be of service?

SelectionBanterNilesKuraiToTibbs

I know, I know.

SelectionBanterGiannaKurai

Hmm?

SelectionBanterKarstKuraiReply

Karst.

SelectionBanterKarstKuraiReplyTwo

I will not.

SelectionBanterKarstKuraiReplyFour

Will not.

SelectionBanterKarstKuraiToIsla

Karst is reading a book?

SelectionBanterKarstKuraiAboutNenet

Nenet has as much a role as you. Leave personal grievances at the door.

SelectionBanterKarstKuraiAboutNiles

Karst! Be professional.

SelectionBanterKarstKuraiAboutHuck

Karst, have you paid Huck back yet?

SelectionBanterKarstKuraiAboutHuckTwo

Debts must be repaid. You know that. I’ll garnish your fee for this job.

SelectionBanterKuraiToKarst

Thank you for coming, Karst. Please make sure you pay attention.

SelectionBanterKuraiToKarstTwo

Pay attention. I don’t want a repeat of last time.

SelectionBanterKuraiToKarstThree

When have you ever seen a pair of stone breasts on display?

SelectionBanterKuraiToKarstFour

Other than your collection.

SelectionBanterNenetKuraiToKarst

Is that going to be an issue?

SelectionBanterNenetKuraiToKarstTwo

I understand. Karst, can you still perform your tasks?

SelectionBanterNenetKuraiToNenet

Good. Nenet?

SelectionBanterNenetKuraiToNenetTwo

Good. Then let’s continue.

SelectionBanterKuraiToIsla

Ah good, Isla, at least I know one person will be paying attention.

SelectionBanterKuraiToIslaTwo

Unless you’re thinking about one of your inventions.

SelectionBanterKuraiToIslaThree

Even when you shouldn’t be.

SelectionBanterIslaKuraiReply

I’ve never known you to be excited for this part, Isla.

SelectionBanterIslaKuraiReplyTwo

Why?

SelectionBanterIslaKuraiReplyThree

Your what?!

SelectionBanterIslaKuraiToAll

Isla, terrorise Niles later.

SelectionBanterIslaKuraiToIsla

I’m leading this planning session.

SelectionBanterKuraiGiannaReply

Always nice to have you.

SelectionBanterKuraiGiannaReplyTwo

Well, it depends quite a lot on—

SelectionBanterKuraiGiannaReplyThree

That might draw too much att—

SelectionBanterKuraiGiannaReplyFour

… Good. Well, now I know we have that to fall back on.

SelectionBanterGiannaKuraiAboutHuck

Okay Gi, give it a rest. We have work to do.

SelectionBanterKuraiToGiannaFive

Welcome, Gianna.

SelectionBanterKuraiToGiannaSix

That, I suspect, is up to you.

SelectionBanterKuraiToGiannaSeven

We still have a little more planning to do, but I hope you’ll find whatever role you are given fulfilling.

SelectionBanterNilesKuraiAboutGianna

Niles!

SelectionBanterNilesKuraiAboutGiannaTwo

Niles.

SelectionBanterHuckKuraiToGianna

Gianna, enough!

SelectionBanterVinderiKuraiReply

Oh? I was just about to look for you!

SelectionBanterVinderiKuraiReplyTwo

No, but it sounds like you might be.

SelectionBanterVinderiKuraiReplyThree

It is not granted.

SelectionBanterVinderiKuraiReplyFour

No you can’t.

SelectionBanterKuraiToVinderi

Vinderi, thank you for joining us.

SelectionBanterKuraiToVinderiTwo

We’re hoping you can help us on a job.

SelectionBanterKuraiToVinderiThree

There will be several others.

SelectionBanterKuraiToVinderiFour

That easy?

SelectionBanterHuckKuraiReply

There’s a—

SelectionBanterHuckKuraiReplyTwo

Vin.

SelectionBanterKuraiToNenet

Nenet, good to have you here.

SelectionBanterKuraiToNenetTwo

Yes, truly.

SelectionBanterKuraiNenetReplyThree

Yes, we’ll need your skills for this one.

SelectionBanterHuckKuraiReplyFour

Glad you could join us, Huck. We’ve got a job in the works.

SelectionBanterHuckKuraiReplyFive

I thought you might be. Before we set off, the Boss wanted me to check in with you.

SelectionBanterHuckKuraiReplySix

How are you feeling? Mentally.

SelectionBanterHuckKuraiReplySeven

I understand. The Boss is intent on giving you the support you need, but realise that if you harm any members again, you will be asked to leave.

SelectionBanterKuraiToHuck

Huck, thank you for coming.

SelectionBanterKuraiToHuckTwo

Whakano informs me you have been looking for old acquaintances.

SelectionBanterKuraiToHuckThree

I see. In that case, the Boss will cover the costs of your search.

SelectionBanterKuraiToHuckFour

He wants to.

SelectionBanterKuraiToNiles

Hello, Niles. Please, join us.

SelectionBanterKuraiToNilesTwo

Not ill-advised, just risky.

SelectionBanterKuraiToNilesThree

Do we pay you well enough to consider that an acceptable risk?

KuraiGreetingHana1

Hana, Hana!

KuraiGreetingHana2

Here Hana!

KuraiGreetingHana3

Good kitty.

KuraiGreetingHana4

Who’s a pretty little girl?

KuraiGreetingHana5

Come on, Hana! … No? Fine.

KuraiInterrupt1

Quiet. We’re still planning.

KuraiInterrupt2

Sorry, plans are still changing.

KuraiInterrupt3

I need quiet.

KuraiInterrupt4

Quiet, we’re changing a few things.

KuraiInterrupt5

Shh. This is still being worked out.

KuraiInterrupt6

Everyone, quiet.

KuraiInterrupt7

Sorry, everyone. New lineup.

KuraiInterrupt8

Alright everyone, new plan.

KuraiInterrupt9

New idea. Listen up.

KuraiInterrupt10

Sorry, we’re making a few changes.

KuraiBossDoor1

Sorry, Exile. The Boss is out right now.

KuraiBossDoor2

Please don’t go in there. The Boss is very busy and doesn’t wish to be disturbed.