Scenario:Payila - Guardian of the East-Southeast
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Guardian of the East-Southeast
After completing a delivery to the Dragon Temple, the crew browse a stall of glassware where they meet a woman named Payila, one of the Twelve Generals. She takes a shine to the crew members' selflessness and decrees they'll stay forever at the Dragon Temple as her treasure. With Payila refusing to take no for an answer, (Captain) does the next best thing and invites her to travel with the crew, to which she eventually accepts.
With the advent of a brand-new year on the horizon, skydwellers all across the world will flock to one of twelve divine temples.
This year's lucky direction points to the Dragon Temple of the East-Southeast, where preparations are underway to accommodate the throng of visitors coming to pray for good health and good fortune.
For that reason, the crew has arrived at the Dragon Temple to drop off a shipment of ceremonial sake.
Temple Acolyte: I've finished checking off the manifest. Thank you for the speedy delivery.
Vyrn: No prob. You guys throwin' a huge party? I feel like that was the biggest load of drinks we've ever hauled.
Temple Acolyte: Haha, yes, it is quite a lot. But even this quantity of barrels won't last long.
Temple Acolyte: To say that Payila, Keeper of the Dragon Temple, enjoys her drink is a colossal understatement.
Temple Acolyte: And that's on top of ensuring visitors receive their fair share of the divine wine...
Lyria: Gosh... No wonder the temple ordered so much.
Vyrn: Yeesh, judging by this crowd, that's a lot of whistles to wet...
People pack the temple grounds, jostling with each other to inch forward. Polite smiles are pasted on their faces, but for how long?
Lyria: It's so busy...
Temple Acolyte: The Dragon Temple confers numerous boons, such as warding off evil, improving one's general and financial fortunes, and providing inspiration for self-improvement.
Temple Acolyte: It's easy to see why we're getting a heavy influx of visitors at this time of year.
Temple Acolyte: Speaking of visitors, if your crew has some time to offer up a prayer, it would make Payila's day.
Lyria: Of course! We'd be delighted to!
Vyrn: Cool. What say we get out of this busy bee's hair?
(Captain) agrees and bows goodbye to the acolyte. The crew then begins the long walk to the worship hall.
As they weave their way through the crowd, a stall along the temple's main path catches their eyes.
Lyria: Oooh! Look at this beautiful glasswork!
Vyrn: Seriously. And it's not just this stall either. This whole row's like an artisan's alley, what with all the crafts and stuff for sale.
Lyria: Now that you mention it, I haven't seen that many food stalls...
Stall Keeper: Yeah, it's kind of the Dragon Temple's "thing."
Vyrn: What do you mean?
Stall Keeper: See, the Dragon Temple's keeper, Payila? She's got a soft spot for treasure—you know, jewels, antiques, and whatnot.
Stall Keeper: As long as you've got wares that meet her high standards, she'll award you with her official seal of approval.
Stall Keeper: Needless to say that attracted us vendors like ants to a picnic.
Vyrn: Gotcha, gotcha. I mean, who's got time to eat when there's profit to be had...
While Vyrn and Lyria chat up the vendor, (Captain) picks up a glass trinket.
Something about the shiny bauble mesmerizes the captain.
Stall Keeper: You've got a discerning eye there. Wanna give it a nice home? I'll give you a discount.
Stall Keeper: You won't regret it.
Woman: Apologies for not arriving sooner. So about that item you—
Woman: Oh, am I interrupting? Sorry—
The woman trails off, her eyes transfixed on the glass trinket in (Captain)'s hand.
Woman: You there. I hate to intrude, but would you mind if I took a closer look at that item you're holding?
(Captain) shakes their head and hands over the latest purchase.
Woman: Now this is a special piece indeed. It perfectly captures the crafter's desire to bring their vision to life.
Woman: This must be the item she said she saw. This will certainly make a wonderful addition to my treasure collection.
Woman: Fantastic. This is my treasure now.
Woman: I promise it will be in safe hands with me. As compensation, I will gladly pay for any other item of equivalent value that you desire.
Vyrn: Uh... Wait... Don't we at least get a say in this?
Woman: I am a connoisseur of all things beautiful, be they living or inanimate.
Woman: As such, it stands to reason that whatsoever is beautiful inevitably becomes my want. And I always get what I want.
(Captain), recognizing the futility in arguing with the woman, reluctantly relinquishes the glassware.
Vyrn: C'mon, (Captain), you found it first. Are you sure you wanna give it up?
Choose: This lady isn't messing around.
Woman: Oho? And here I thought you were yet another uninitiated shopper.
Woman: "The eyes are the windows to the soul. They cannot conceal what wickedness lies within."
Woman: "The more one gives, the more one receives." That's a virtue you seem able to grasp.
The woman regards (Captain) with a look of curiosity.
Woman: Congratulations. Consider my interest piqued. You've earned a spot next to me on my shopping trip.
Woman: My debt for this glassware remains unpaid, after all.
Lyria: Oh, um, actually... We were on our way to pay our respects to the temple...
Woman: Ah, then I'll show you around. No one knows my backyard better than me.
Stall Keeper: Check out my stall again real soon. I'll have new goodies on display.
Woman: Good. I have high expectations.
Without waiting for the crew's acknowledgement, the woman walks off. After a brief moment of hesitation, (Captain) and the others scramble to catch up to the stranger.
Woman: Huff... Puff...
Lyria: A-are you okay?
Vyrn: Yeah, how are you so out of breath already? We've been walking for only a few minutes.
Woman: To tell you... the truth... I hardly ever go outside... So don't blame me...
Vyrn: But it's not like we're hikin' up a mountain or anything.
Lyria: Don't worry. We're almost at the worship hall. It's just a little farther ahead.
Woman: I know...
The woman musters a feeble nod. No one seems to have noticed some men sneaking up behind them.
Suddenly the men spring forward and snatch the bags belonging to the woman and the crew.
Vyrn: Hey!
Woman: How dare you!
The victim lunges desperately at the thieves to reclaim her stolen belongings, but one of the men shoves her back violently.
Woman: ...!
(Captain) immediately steps in and catches the woman, hoping to stop her from falling.
However, her momentum carries them both to the ground.
Lyria: Oh no! Are you two all right!
Woman: Yes, I'm fine. Where are the thieves?
Lyria: I'm sorry. They slipped into the crowd and got away...
Vyrn: Gah! I just realized (Captain)'s wallet and Pops's letter were in that bag...
Woman: They're as good as dead.
The woman mumbles this threat as she tilts her head toward the sky. Dark clouds immediately form overhead and blot out the sun.
Lyria: Huh? It was nice and sunny just a moment ago...
Vyrn: A freak storm from outta nowhere or something?
Woman: "Heaven's reach is limited, but its retribution is not." The cost for stealing my treasure will be paid with your blood.
A blinding flash. A thunderous roar. In an instant, a heavy downpour drenches the temple grounds.
The Perps: Aaargh!
Lyria: Eeep! That lightning strike landed awfully close...
Vyrn: Did anybody else hear screaming, or was it just me?
Woman: Fear not. Retribution has been rendered unto the villains who stole from us.
Vyrn: Um...
Woman: My familiars will clean up the mess and return your personal effects safely.
Woman: Let us be off.
Vyrn: Wait, where are we goin'? Just who are you, lady?
Payila: Ah, right. I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Payila, keeper of this temple.
All jaws drop when the mysterious woman reveals her identity.
Payila pays no heed to the crew's stunned reaction and continues walking on.
(Captain) and the others are led into the worship hall's inner sanctum by Payila.
Temple Acolytes: Welcome back, Payila.
In a day full of surprises, the crew is presented with yet another startling scene.
Vyrn & Lyria: Whoa!
Payila: Inside voices, please. Did I miss something?
Lyria: S-sorry. It's just that everyone looks exactly the same...
Vyrn: Wait a second! They look like the first lady we talked to when we first got here!
Payila: You've spoken to one of my familiars already? Then that must make you the skyfaring crew I was informed about...
Payila: In any case, these are my shikigami whom I've brought into this world, so I'm responsible for them sharing the same face.
Vyrn: What do you mean, "brought into this world"?
(Captain) and the others eye the shikigami with wonder.
Payila: Familiars, you are dismissed for the time being. I've spent too much energy today.
Temple Acolyte: Understood.
The shikigami humbly bow and then vanish into the ether.
Lyria: Th-they just disappeared! I guess they really are shikigami...
Payila: Whew... What was your name again? (Captain), yes?
(Captain) promptly nods, like a prisoner under interrogation.
Payila: I believe my thanks are in order. I appreciate your help during that unpleasant incident.
Payila: However, why did you catch me instead of those criminals?
Payila: My shikigami have done their research. Considering your exploits, stopping them should have been child's play.
Payila: Yet you let them escape with your bag, which housed your precious treasures no less.
Payila: Shouldn't recovering those items have been your top focus?
Choose: People are more important than things.
Lyria: That's right. It was much better to make sure you didn't get hurt.
Lyria: Besides, helping people who are in trouble is just common sense, you know?
(Captain) nods in agreement.
Payila: Hm... As was once said, "Truthful words are not beautiful; beautiful words are not truthful." And yet...
Payila: Your eyes tell me that you're being genuine.
Lyria: ...?
Payila's cryptic words have the crew members scratching their heads.
Payila: Hehe... Ahahaha! Imagine wanting to help others without ulterior motives!
Payila: You people are a riot!
Vyrn: Huh? Hold it! Are you makin' fun of us?
Payila: Far from it. I'm offering praise. It's hard to find such pure, bright souls that haven't grown jaded by this point in life.
Payila: Haha, you've all been well worth the entertainment. There has to be something I can give in return.
Lyria: You really don't have to...
Payila: I insist, lest I suffer a grave injury to my magnanimity. You've earned your reward.
Payila: Go on, ask and you shall receive.
Choose: Please bless our journey with good luck.
Payila: That's all? Wouldn't you rather have a piece of my treasure collection instead? This could be your only chance.
However, the captain stands firm.
Vyrn: Yep, we're only interested in doin' what's right.
Lyria: Uh-huh! A blessing is perfectly good for us!
Choose: What can you do for us?
Payila: Examples, huh... I can affect the weather, for one. Rain, snow—praying for them is easy.
Payila: I can improve your luck and make your wallet grow fat. Or even inspire you to discover a new talent.
Payila: And then there's my treasure collection. I wouldn't mind making an exception to part ways with some of it.
Lyria: I see! Then we'd like to receive a blessing to ward off bad luck please!
Payila: How disappointingly frugal. Showing me a fun time deserves a grander reward than that.
Vyrn: Nah, we're good with keepin' it simple. We're only interested in doin' what's right.
Lyria: Uh-huh! A blessing is perfectly good for us!
Continue 1
Payila: "Observe their actions, examine their motives, determine what brings them gratification, and no longer can they hide."
Lyria: Erm...
Payila: How does one behave? What are their motivations? What contents them?
Payila: Answering those three questions is the key to understanding someone's character, which should never be kept repressed.
Payila: Hahaha, excellent. This couldn't have gone more perfectly for me.
Payila: I've found principled hearts that will feel right at home in my trove!
Payila: My mind is made up. (Captain), you and your crew shall join my treasure collection.
Payila: Welcome to your new forever-home.
Vyrn: Wha! You can't just decide that!
Payila: I treat all of my treasures with love and care. You would want for nothing. What could be better?
Choose: We can't go along with that!
Lyria: That's right! We still have things that we need to accomplish.
Vyrn: Exactly! So hangin' out here until we kick the bucket ain't gonna happen.
Payila: I thought I made myself clear. I am a connoisseur of all things beautiful, be they living or inanimate.
Payila: Whatsoever is beautiful inevitably becomes my want. And I always get what I want.
A blast of wind suddenly sweeps into the sanctum, engulfing the hapless skydwellers.
Vyrn: Hey, what's the big idea!
Payila: Witness the power of the Dragon Temple's keeper.
Payila: I am able to freely control the weather around me.
Vyrn: So that lightning back there was you...
Payila: Of course. How else was I supposed to mete out justice?
Vyrn: Sounds to me like you're the one who ain't playin' fair...
In the face of Payila's display of might, the crew can do little else but stand in shock.
Payila: Do we have an understanding?
Payila: I'm going to ask you once more. Will you become my treasure?
Payila: Mind you that no one is leaving until I see every person nodding.
Choose: Why don't you come with us instead!
Payila: Pardon?
For once, it's Payila who looks confused.
Lyria: Oh, that's a good idea. Then we'd all be happy.
Payila: You mean if I want my treasures to be happy, then I must follow them?
Vyrn: Yep! Gotta warn you though, if you say no, we'll keep fightin' tooth and nail to get away.
Payila: ...
Payila: I don't plan on leaving the Dragon Temple. So I guess we're at a stalemate.
The situation has become a powder keg that only needs the tiniest spark to go off.
A few tense seconds tick by when Payila's expression suddenly changes.
Payila: Okay. If you have something to say then out with it.
This command isn't directed at the crew, but rather the shikigami that suddenly appears next to Payila.
Temple Acolyte: A word of advice, Payila. I believe you are putting the cart before the horse.
Payila: Hm... Continue.
Temple Acolyte: The principled souls of (Captain)'s crew could shine even brighter if they were allowed to keep skyfaring.
Payila: A valid point. Even the brightest flame eventually burns out when imprisoned.
Temple Acolyte: Yes. For my next point, their proposal does provide you with a good opportunity to set foot in the outside world.
Payila: Or is that your excuse to go out there too? What's so amazing beyond the temple?
Temple Acolyte: This crew's adventures take them to all corners of the skies.
Temple Acolyte: Surely there are undiscovered treasures crying out to come home with you. Treasures you can only imagine.
Temple Acolyte: Lastly, you yourself have deemed the hearts of those in (Captain)'s crew to be worthy of your collection.
Temple Acolyte: They will undoubtedly provide invaluable aid in your search for you-know-what.
Payila: Hm... I see. Everything you've said does in fact work to my favor...
Payila mulls over the words of her shikigami for what seems like an eternity to the crew.
Payila: Fine. I accept your advice.
Temple Acolyte: Thank you.
Payila: However, I refuse to leave the treasure vault without adequate security.
Payila: Handpick a sufficient number of trustworthy temple personnel to guard it with their lives.
Temple Acolyte: As you wish.
Payila: (Captain), I take back what I said earlier.
Payila: I accept your proposal. From this day forth, I shall accompany your crew.
Vyrn: For all that big talk about doin' things your way, you flip-flopped pretty quickly there!
Payila: I figured joining your journey offered me enough benefits. The pros simply outweighed the cons.
Payila: Is it not obvious how much I love treasure?
Payila: And I have no intention of letting my newest finds slip through my fingers.
Payila: You're in good hands with me. So long as I draw breath, I vow to protect your gleaming hearts from growing dull.
Lyria: H-hahaha... Glad to have you with us.
Vyrn: By the way, none of us actually agreed to be your treasure.
Payila: My decision is final. Your protests fall on deaf ears.
Payila's attachment to the crew members has them feeling a little nervous.
Conversely the Divine Dragon seems happy to have gotten her hands on new collection pieces.
(Captain) and the others can't help but wonder what's in store for them.