[D5 LA] Screen Time (Tian Tea, engaged but public)

[Agasha Sorato]

Sorato had popped into Tian Tea for a late afternoon pick-up. The Unicorn chain isn't as charming as the Kappa's Pond but it happens to be convenient. While he's waiting for his half-sweet oolong with herbal jelly, his communicator buzzes, and he pulls it out of his pocket.

A selfi to Sorato of Ochiba posing atop a dead giant lizard, blood is everywhere and she appears to have clumsily at the last minute put a giant smilie emoji over her chest area for some reason

Sorato's eyes widen and he makes a soft grunt of alarm that causes the shop clerk to shoot him a worried look. He waves the clerk away distractedly and taps out a quick reply.

What happened, are you okay??

And then a few seconds later,

Is anyone else hurt

He fidgets uneasily on his stool until a response arrives:

Fought giant lizard.

Was sick as hell.

I'm fine, honestly feeling really rejuvenated.

I think some workers were kinda eaten, the others are helping there.

Sorato lets out a breath, somewhat relieved. "Kinda eaten" doesn't sound ideal, but...

Okay. Glad medical help is there [emoji of hand wiping away sweat drops]

Congratulations, looks like a Shiawase Volcano Lizard. Can't tell if male or female. Usually reclusive? [locator link to planetary encyclopedia entry]

Sorato sips his tea and tries to relax and return to the article he'd intended to read, with limited success.

One sec.

There's a pause, then about two minutes later:

Yeah, pretty sure it's a male. Do they get ornery? He was ornery.

And then:

What would a volcano lizard be doing in an onsen? (other than getting wrecked of course *mantis emoji*)

Now that... was a good question. It wouldn't have surprised him if Ochiba had run into the critter going hunting in the deep jungle (based on what he knows about the typical habits of both volcano lizards and Ochibas), but was it usual for one of these animals to venture into a populated area, even if it was a hot spring?

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D5 LA--Lore: Nature (ornery volcano lizards). VP. Unknown TN | 6k4 ⇒ 45

[Hatoful GM]

Now that... was a good question. It wouldn't have surprised him if Ochiba had run into the critter going hunting in the deep jungle (based on what he knows about the typical habits of both volcano lizards and Ochibas), but was it usual for one of these animals to venture into a populated area, even if it was a hot spring?

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D5 LA--Lore: Nature (ornery volcano lizards). VP. Unknown TN | 6k4 ⇒ 45

The backstroke!

...

But for real, volcano lizards like heat. Exactly why it had gotten away from the volcano can't really be known; maybe it got scared, maybe it just became deranged and wandered off (but why???). Regardless, it likely sought the onsen as a source of heat.

In conclusion, it was unusual that it was not at the volcano, but finding a hot spot is pretty usual.

[Agasha Sorato]

Sorato rubs his chin, starts to bite down on his thumbnail--notices, and stops himself, going for a gulp of tea with slippery herbal jelly instead.

He picks up his communicator again.

Volcano lizards like heat. Usually hang around volcanic vents, located around/on Mt. Nakahama summit. Hot springs would be attractive.

Your lizard must have come down the mountain? No idea why. Once in the neighborhood, suspect onsen was a natural place for it (from lizard perspective only).

Ask locals if it's happened before? Now I'm curious.

[Agasha Sorato]

"I don't keep track of that, either." The Hida said. "But probably the Magistrates. Maybe it's in the public record. I just go where they tell me."

He looked up at the mountain, shrugging his heavy shoulders. "Don't know if I'd call it regular. But it happens. Can't get rid of all the danger without getting rid of the jungle. Don't want that." It wasn't quite clear who didn't want that. Maybe he spoke for the people.

“Right, well I’ll ask some of the nerds to go look it up. Thanks I guess. And hey, I like the jungle too… full of carnivorous trees I hear, which is pretty sick.”

Nodding her head in thanks before messaging Sorato back what the Hida had said.

With an effort, Sorato stops himself from chewing on his bubble tea straw while thinking this over.

Interesting. I might read up on this.

Thank you for the info. Glad you're okay!

After hitting send, another thought occurs and he adds,

Someone should build that onsen a bigger fence...?