A few hours into the--

[theflyingone]

We need to wear as much leather as possible.

[ Altaïr's voice is urgent but quiet as he Livestreams. Heavy metal music plays on the speakers inside a clothing store, masking his conversation as he examines some leather jackets. ]

There is to be some sort of competition. This is what some of the bands of warriors look like. [ He pointed to a poster on the wall of a biker. ] You may have seen them working in the clearing. It would be good to protect ourselves in similar leathers. It will be more difficult to blend in on this Jaunt. It seems everyone is human, with no strange powers.

I have found shops where we may purchase leathers. Most of it is inferior, but I can help you find something that will protect you. Meet me in the city. [ He unfolds a map of Santa Carlita and points to downtown. ]

...If you intend to ride the large carriage, get on it quickly. It does not wait.

[ ooc: shopping toplevel here ]

Comments

[thornsofmalkav]

Already downtown and in leather, but. Um. I don't think those guys are, like, actually a band of warriors. I think they're just a biker gang.

[theflyingone]

Biker gang of warriors, then. Listen. It would be better if we wore leathers around them than not. Since it is difficult for Travelers to blend in—[ the disappointed-father vibes are too real ]—we risk upsetting them, so the leather would at least offer some protection to go with the disguise.

[thornsofmalkav]

And we'd look cool I guess? But, um, they really aren't actual professional warriors. Those guys are in the army or the, ugh, police. These are guys who just like to get into fights sometimes. It's different. They don't usually kill people, unlike the army or police.

[theflyingone]

But they are dressed as warriors.... [ he protests, but he's starting to understand. ] So, they would be no match for soldiers or guards?

[thornsofmalkav]

Nope. I mean, they're way more likely to get into fisticuffs and just punch at each other than do anything stabby.

[theflyingone]

I am familiar with that, yes. [ He's almost disappointed. ] So, what do the guards carry? Are they different from Newport? You mentioned killing....

[ He doesn't plan to do anything illegal, not at all, nope. ]

[thornsofmalkav]

Guns, mostly. They're a lot like with Newport, only without much technology. But, I mean, they're the same kind of people? It's a career that attracts a certain sort.

They're not supposed to kill people, but if it happens by accident, they usually won't lose their job, although it sort of depends on what race or sex or sexuality the person they killed was. Like if they killed Claudia they'd be in so much trouble, probably get fired, and might even get charged with manslaughter, but if they killed Drizzt's dad they're almost certain to only get a reprimand from their superiors.

Basically, if they question you, do whatever they say, keep your head down, and be very meek and obedient until they either let you go or they lock you up somewhere that nobody's looking, at which point you portal back to liminal space.

[theflyingone]

[ He can see the uses of a gun. After all, his future self wrote about crafting a small one to be easily concealed. But he can also see the failings. Too loud and too powerful to be safe on city streets full of innocent people. ]

The thugs are trouble, and the guards supposed to protect people are also trouble. Do not worry, this is very familiar to me. And the guards in Newport were simple to avoid. I know how to distinguish between the one overstepping his power and the one who simply wishes to follow the law.

[ He has disdain for both, as he does not regard laws as set in stone. If a law is cruel or unwise, he chooses not to blindly follow it. This law-breaking mindset (along with killing people) put him at odds with guards back home, and he saw no reason why it would be different here. ]

[thornsofmalkav]

Okay, good. Just... keep alert. Stay careful.